OUGHT to! what a word that is! How often does it rise in the present as in the future judgment to condemn the misused hours, the wasted opportunities! For "ought to" signifies that the duty, whatever it is, might have been, or can be done. There is no "ought to" among the impossibilities. We wish, we regret, we propose, we would gladly have done, or would like to do this or that; but "ought to," applied to this or that, carries a tone of moral authority from which there is no innocent escape.
"I ought to have learned my lesson!" mutters the disgraced school-boy as the offered prize slips into a comrade's hand. "I ought to have taken my mother's advice!" sighs a repentant daughter, as her fair name falls blighted into the mire. "I ought to have been careful of my health!" moans the confirmed invalid, when the pains of regret grow sharper than the pains of disease. "I ought to have said No! to the first temptation," groans the drunkard when in a sober hour he reviews the once happy and honorable past. "I ought to have set that child a truer example!" weeps a broken-hearted parent over a lost son or daughter. "I ought to have watched, and prayed, and striven, and conquered!" gasps a dying one, as the hour comes when it is too late for aught. "I ought to have believed!" shriek a multitude of lost spirits when the day of grace has closed forever.
It is with the "ought to" of to-day that we have most to do,—the little oughts that come on hour by hour, moment by moment; it is in them we live or die; they make or ruin all we are, and all it is possible to become. A very small thing it may be to write a letter in its time; but the doing or the leaving undone may have consequences to ourselves of vastly more importance than anything the letter may signify. It is by very little things we are lost; some little habit of wrong that strengthens and fastens itself upon the character, until the good that is or might be is undermined and destroyed, or some quiet persistent way of doing right that elevates and ennobles the whole being like a leaven of saving grace. There is little fear if we make and cling to the habits of prompt and true behaviour in the small matters, but that the larger ones will be regulated by the same rule, and will reach the right result.
It is in truth, the "ought to" of the little things of life whereby we stand or fall.—Sel.
Still Another Case
By John Norton Loughborough
From Nebraska.
A SISTER, writing from Nebraska, orders the Signs to a friend in Kansas, and says: "We are all very hard up at the present time. We are living in the grasshopper district, and all we have is given to us as aid to keep us from starving, and under such circumstances we are not able to pay for the paper, but I hope it will not be so always."
Still Another Case.
A SISTER writing from Missouri, sends several names for the Signs, and says: "On account of the failure of crops, which was caused by chinch bugs and dry weather, it is utterly out of the question for me to send a donation. If you cannot send the papers, please write immediately, so that I may give an answer to my friends."
We have sent the papers, feeling that it would be a pleasure for those who are blessed with plenty to furnish, at least, reading matter to those in such destitute circumstances. J. N. L.
From San Diego County.
A BROTHER writes from San Diego county, sending five subscribers and $5.50, and says:
“I am not a member of any church, but I am a strict believer in the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine. I pray to God night and morning. I know he has answered some of my prayers. I care nothing for the riches of this world. I am perfectly willing to give up all for the assurance of eternal life. I hope to receive a part in the first resurrection. Myself and four others are keeping the Sabbath. I was convinced by hearing Elders Loughborough and Cornell preach in Yolo county.”
From Tehama County.
By Jochim Puls
Bro. Puls writes from Tehama county, Dec. 8th: We are in middling good health up here. We are still trying to do the Lord's will. I have not forgotten the good time we had at the camp-meeting. I got well paid for all my expense for going down there. I know the Lord is good, and I shall trust in him. Your brother in hope,
Jochim Puls.
From Del Norte County.
BRO. MOORE writes from Del Norte county, sending two dollars and three names for the SIGNS, and says: "With the Lord's help I shall strive to turn others to think as I do in regard to the observance of the Lord's Sabbath instead of man's. Myself and family have been Sabbath-keepers about one year. We are living in a community opposed to our doctrine. Some do not resist as strong as they have done. We hope and pray that some will come out and join us.
The Lord is with us, and I pray that you may continue sounding the glorious proclamation until the whole world may hear the echo, and all good people come out of Babylon. Whenever the harvest is fully ripe, 'Come, Lord Jesus,' and take thy people, is my prayer. God bless you and all the other faithful brethren and sisters."
From Solano County.
BRO. HOWARD, director of district No. 4, writes, respecting their quarterly meeting, as follows:
“Our first quarterly meeting has just closed. All the members of our society were present, except Brn. C— and B—, the former being away, and the latter unable to attend. We selected a few thoughts from Ezekiel 34 : 11, 12. How true are these words at the present time. The Lord is seeking out his true sheep, those that are willing to hear his voice. Blessed be the name of the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever. We were all greatly strengthened and blessed of the Lord. There was a good degree of freedom among our little band in bearing testimony for the Lord and his commandments. Pray for us that we may press on to the kingdom.”
Obituary Notices.
By J. W. Palmer
"I WILL ransom them from the power of the grave: I will redeem them from death." Hosea 13:14.
DIED, Nov, 14, 1874, at Stony Point, Sonoma Co., of quick consumption, sister F. Anna Ayres, aged 40 years and 7 months. Sister A. embraced present truth, and was baptized by Bro. Loughborough about four years ago. She leaves the best of evidence that she sleeps in Jesus, and will have a home in that kingdom where opposition and persecution will not enter.
J. W. PALMER, Church Clerk.
THIS WEEK'S PAPER.
By Editor
WE are happy to greet our readers again, with a good variety of reading matter, and, as most of you will receive the paper about January 1, 1875, we greet you with "a happy new year."
The year 1874 is numbered with the past; what has its record told upon our cases? We think, as we cease to use it in our dates, and as we prepare for the new—1875—one year nearer the execution of the judgment and the consummation of our hope; one year less of probationary time in which to prepare to meet our Lord and to labor to save our fellow men; one year less of toils and conflicts and temptations.
It has been the year in which many of our readers have first learned of the precious truths which are advocated in the SIGNS. It has thus become to us a year in which new responsibilities have been laid upon us. As we enter upon 1875, shall we, realizing these responsibilities, so devote our talents of ability, strength, and means, as to lead others to the truth, that they in turn may rejoice with us in the love of God and his cause?
In this number we give the concluding article of Bro. White upon Our Present Position : or the Waiting Watching time. It is excellent, setting forth in a concise manner some of the duties and responsibilities of these times. One would conclude from a perusal of his article that he had no sympathy with the idea that watching meant to sit down and wait in idleness, but rather that he had caught the spirit of the parable.—"For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore : for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning. Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping." Mark. 13 : 34-36.—Working watchers.
Ministration of angels and Saints' Inheritance, each deal in an important chapter in the thread of argument upon which they treat. Morality of the Sabbath is a demonstration of the fact that, God in giving man the Sabbath made a merciful and wise provision for his physical wants, and that the Sabbath has its origin in the nature of things as much as any other of the commandments.
We give another chapter of the Rise and Progress of the Seventh-day Adventists, and publish some advance instructions, and reports of progress in our missionary work. The SIGNS, like its predecessor the Review, is almost mysteriously finding its way into different parts of the world. Already is fruit beginning to appear. I know of a number who have already embraced these precious truths and commenced the observance of the Sabbath by reading the few numbers of the SIGNS which have already been issued. This stimulates us to push on the work, and extend the circulation of the paper.
About a week since, we opened a letter addressed "SIGNS OF THE TIMES, California." It was evident that the writer of the letter knew, or had heard, that there was such a paper somewhere on this coast, and committed his letter to the mails to try its destination. Of course, if it came at all it would come to the grand distributing office of the coast, San Francisco. There it had laid three weeks. Our paper passes through that office for distribution to other States; some generous clerk discovered that said letter belonged in Oakland, and sent it over. It proved to be a letter from a man, away down in the State of Mississippi who wants the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. He gave his name and address clearly and distinctly, and the SIGNS is on its way to him. God bless the paper to his good and the good of his State.
The reports, from different counties of this State, and different parts of the field, are full of encouragement. We see that many are embracing the truth from reading; this is surely an incentive to our missionary workers to press on in their efforts in judicious tract and periodical circulation. In the letter from San Diego, you will notice the brother mentions four besides himself that are keeping the Sabbath. These were brought into the truth by reading our publications furnished by this brother.
The whole paper contains much that is instructive both theoretical and practical. May those that read be blessed with the same spirit of good cheer that has characterized those engaged in the preparation of the paper. May we all learn the truth, learn to cheerfully perform our duty as revealed by the truth. May we "shine as lights in the world," and have the consolation at last of seeing others saved in God's kingdom as the result of our faithfulness. So may it be. John Norton Loughborough
To Correspondents.
By John Norton Loughborough
A BROTHER writes to know if we think it is right for our seventh-day brethren to go to Christmas trees in the popular churches of the day.
In reply, we would say, while it is not our prerogative to be conscience for other people, it has seemed to us that the way many of these popular Christmas trees are conducted it was no place for a Christian to be. I see no harm in a gathering of Christians with their children either in their own house or at the church, for the distribution of useful presents, even from a tree denominated "Christmas tree;" but when it is turned into a young theater, we beg to be excused from participating, or witnessing.
Before me lies an account of one of these Christmas church festivals just passed in San Francisco. Christ was personified in a little child as follows : ‘“Christ child” appeared in the form of a little fairy, dressed in white. While she was making an address a white dove fluttered in, bringing a written letter from Santa Claus, which she read aloud. The next tableau disclosed the Christ child seated in the top of a Christmas tree, and a number of wondering children standing gazing at her. Santa Claus appeared, and the tree was soon despoiled of its fruits. Dancing then commenced to the accompaniment of Ballenberg’s band, and was continued till the wee hours.”
A good rule in such things is, “Where Christ is not, I cannot be.”
J. N. L.
Business Department.
By Editor
"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully." (margin, negligently). Jer. 48 : 10.
California Publishing Fund.
$90. EACH. F E Lyttaker & wife.
Received for the Signs.
$2 EACH. Theo L Moore, S J Anthony, E Reid, J W Andrews, Mrs Lydia Gerber, Matthew Wing B C Lawson, F S Freeman.
$1 EACH. H Reinhold, W A Darris, Lucius Winston, L Wilkinson, T M Prior.
MISCELLANEOUS. B Lawson 10c, A B Armon 10c, Wm Semple 10c, J B E Young 10c, A Hagan 10c, J J Packer 10c, Mrs Annie Winkler $5, I I Smith 10c, Henry Hippenbrock 10c, W W Gump 10c, Valencort Griggs 10c, E Griffith 10c, G W Bloomfield 10c, T George 10c, T Guffey 10c, H H Pippenmeir 10c, I T Minton 10c, Dr W Edgerton 10c, Mrs M Warner 10c, William McCoy 10c, Rebecca Ake 10c, D Myers 10c, W G Myers $1 50, D L Jaycox 50c, Mrs Wolcott 10c.
Books! Books!! Books!!!
☞ OUR BOOK LIST.—Any persons on the Pacific Coast wishing any of the publications named in our book list can obtain them by mail or express by writing to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California, enclosing the published price of the same. When sent by mail, books will be post paid; when by express, at the expense of the one ordering the books; but in this case a liberal discount will be made when ten dollars worth or more are paid for with any one order.
What They Say.
Europe Expectant.
The military manœuvres on the Continent have once more fixed attention on the stupendous preparations for war by which the period is distinguished beyond all others in historical memory. Disguise the fact as we may under the high-sounding terms used to express purely defensive measures of preparation, it is still a fact that Europe is being transformed into one vast camp, and that, in round numbers, some six millions of the best manhood of the leading powers of Europe are withdrawn from productive industry to prepare for some unforseen and deadly contingency. The question is where and whence this contingency may arise, and it is only when we try to answer this question that the real difficulty of the problem presents itself. Men who are familiar at the embassies can tell no more than the manipulator of Reuter's telegrams or the speculative writer of a leading article in his dingy garret.
Baron von Molrowscratch shrugs his shoulders when you ask him what he thinks of the state of Europe, and if you persist, only wanders away into commonplaces and thinks it all very sad. France cannot fight; Germany does not want to fight; Austria will not move in her fine strategic position until she is absolutely compelled; Italy has enough to hold her own; and Russia has more to gain by watching events than by precipitating them. Something like this is the sum of all that can be said on the subject by those who ought to be the best informed, and it is precisely because this is the case, while notwithstanding all the powers stand ready armed against some common and ill-understood danger, that the situation is dangerous.—Broad Arrow.
Asia's Cry of Anguish is the title of a Mohammedan paper at Constantinople, which represents that Asia, the mother of Islam and of all science and culture, is in danger of being overrun by the barbarians. The Russians, it complains, are navigating the Oxus in order to penetrate to the heart of Asia; the Dutch are stamping out civilization in Sumatra; and the English, under pretence of supressing the slave-trade, are persecuting Mohammedanism in India and Arabia; while the Asiatics, instead of repelling the Europeans, are at war with one another.
Hygienic Almanacs.
By Editor
We have a supply of Hygienic Almanacs for 1875, and can fill orders by mail for this coast, at ten cents per copy, post paid. Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. These almanacs not only contain the usual calendar, but also a Sanitarium, giving special health directions for the month. It is no cheap affair, but its pages are filled with useful instruction. Get one for yourself, and introduce them to your friends.
English Bibles.
ENGLISH Bibles are preferable to American, because, first, they are firmer bound ; therefore more durable. Second, they are linen paper, hence you get larger print in a smaller sized book than American print. We will send any of the following English Reference Bibles, by mail, post. paid, at their respective prices.
In ordering, designate the number of the Bible, in the left hand column of this list that you want. The Diamond are a convenient size for the pocket, and adapted to young eyes. Minion is the largest sized pocket Bible. It is good print for any eyes. Nonpariel is the next smaller type, Pearl next, Diamond the smallest we have. Please send in your orders.
Miraculous Powers.
By Editor
This is the title of a new work, of 130 pp., from the pen of Elder M. E. Cornell, containing Scripture testimony on the perpetuity of Spiritual gifts, "Illustrated by the Narratives of Incidents and Sentiments, Carefully Compiled from the Eminently Pious and Learned of Various Denominations."
The price of this work is 20 cts. a copy, postpaid. Those on this coast who wish the work can send in their orders to this office immediately, as we are prepared to fill orders.
GET all the subscribers you can for the SIGNS at $2 00 per year. Send in your donations, and send names of those you have the promise will read and pay the postage. State this in connection with all the names you send, as we can send no free papers on any other condition.
ALL money sent by mail to the SIGNS' office should be in drafts or postal orders, payable to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, if the sum exceeds $2 00. Sums less than $2 00 can be in currency or postage stamps.
ALL letters or business for the SIGNS should be addressed "Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal."
PUBLICATIONS.
By Editor
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, etc., etc.
For Sale at this Office.
Cruden's Complete Concordance. In this any passage in the Scriptures can readily be found. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
Bible Dictionary of Bible names, customs and countries, and maps of Bible lands. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, by J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1 25.
Thoughts on Daniel. By U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. By U. Smith. $1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00. Paper, 40 cts.
The Constitutional Amendment : or The Sunday, The Sabbath, The Change, and The Restitution. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the "Christian Statesman." Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. By Ellen G. White; 416 pp. $1.00.
Autobiography of Eld. Jos. Bates. 318 pp. $1.
Hygienic Family Physician. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50 cts.; in paper, 30 cts.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Camp Meetings and other Religious Gatherings. Compiled by Elder James White. 196 pp. Bound 50 cts. Paper 25.
The United States in Prophecy. By U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
The Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts. Gilt, 40 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. By J. N. Andrews, 25 cts.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. By D. M. Canright, 25 cts.
The State of the Dead. By U. Smith. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope, No. 1. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary and Saving Faith. 20 cts each.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Bible from Heaven; a Dissertation. 20 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Ministration of Angels : and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust ; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Saint's Inheritance, or the Earth made New. By J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Truth Found ; the Sabbath. By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
Brown's Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel's Message. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel : What it is, and when it will be consummated. By J. N. Loughborough, 80 pp. 10 cts.
An Appeal to the Baptists, from the Seventh-day Baptists, for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath 10 cts.
Four-cent Tracts : The Two Covenants.—The Law and the Gospel—The Seventh Part of Time—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—The Present Truth—The Second Advent.
Three-cent Tracts : The Kingdom—The Lost Time Question—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Much in Little—Scripture References.
Two-cent Tracts : The Sufferings of Christ—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Sabbath by Elihu—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Argument on Sabbatism—Clerical Slander—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Millennium—Definite Seventh Day.