—The number of voters in Great Britain is 2,909,977.
—There are said to be 100,000 Scandinavians living in this country at the present time.
—The United States Government warehouse at Fort Lincoln, was burned July 14. Loss, $100,000.
—Texas claims to have three millions of inhabitants, and to be the third now in population and the first in size among all the States of the Union.
—Diaz has pronounced against a railway connecting Mexico with the United States, and refuses to admit the contract agreed upon by his predecessors.
—July 11, the boiler of a threshing engine working on a ranch three miles from Grayson, Stanislaus county, exploded killing one man and wounding others.
—Half the required £1,000 has been raised towards a martyrs' memorial at Stratford, England, where eighteen martyrs suffered death in the years 1555 and 1556.
—London covers 700 square miles and contains 4,000,000 inhabitants. It contains more Jews than the whole of Palestine, more Roman Catholics than Rome itself, more Irish than Dublin, and more Scotchmen than Edinburgh.
—The railroads of the United States have in use 3,500,000 car wheels. Those on fast passenger trains are renewed every ten months; but freight cars use the same wheel sometimes ten years. The average life of a wheel is 50,000 miles, and at that rate it takes 700,000 a year at a cost, less the old wheels, of $6,000,000.
—The socialists of New York held a mass meeting Monday evening, June 24, to commemorate the French Revolution of 1848. About 1,500 people were present. The speeches were moderate in tone, but some of the inscriptions on the numerous red flags were by no means peaceful—one of them being, "Bread or Lead."
—As showing the cost of labor in Europe, the rate of wages paid on certain railroad works of the same class was: In Portugal, $1.54 a week; in Ireland, $2.20; in France, $2.90, and in England, $5.30. Nevertheless, it was found that over the whole works the same amount of earth had been moved for the same amount of money.
—Farmers in all parts of Ohio are receiving almost daily notices signed "Working-men's Bread or Blood Committee," and warning them against buying labor-saving machinery, and especially self-binding reapers. Threats are made that every such reaper will be destroyed and stacks of grain burned if an attempt is made to use them.
—The harp may be traced to the remotest antiquity. It was an instrument in high favor in Egypt. At Thebes, a fresco painting was found by an explorer who supposed it to have been executed fourteen hundred years before Christ. In the Illiad, Achilles is represented as playing on a well-wrought harp, with costly frame of polished silver, brought from conquered Thebes.
—According to the census of Peru, taken last year, that country has 18 departments, 3 frontier Provinces, 95 Provincies, 765 districts, 66 large towns, 68 small towns, 1,285 villages, 487 hamlets, 6,200 settlements, and 4,473 haciendas and plantations. The total population is 2,699,945, of which 1,365,945 are men and 1,334,000 women. The 2,699,945 inhabitants of Peru are distributed over a surface of 1,605,742 square kilometres, that is to say, a proportion of two persons, or rather more, to each, the superficies being about equivalent to 250 acres.
—By returns received at the Agricultural Bureau, Washington, from over eleven hundred counties in twenty-nine States, it appears that the crop prospects early in June were by far the best in the history of the country, both as to acreage and average apparent yield per acre. The increased area in winter wheat is 2,500,000 acres: Spring wheat 2,000,000, and oats and rye about nine per cent over last year's planting. Kansas has 500,000 more acres in wheat this year than last, Illinois 300,000; Wisconsin 17, Iowa 25, Minnesota 30, and Nebraska 40 per cent increase in acreage. In all the great grain States the prospect was better than average. Texas this year produces a large quantity of wheat, and in some of the counties the yield is as high as 18, 23 to 31 bushels per acre. The average in all the States will probably be as high as sixteen bushels. This indicates a total harvest, exclusive of the Pacific States, of more than 400,000,000 bushels. Allowing 270,000,000 bushels for home consumption in bread and seed, and but 40,000,000 bushels for the Pacific States, the probable surplus will be 170,000,000 bushels.—S. F. Chronicle.
Brain-Work and Brain-Worry.
THIS is the text of a good hygienic discourse in a foreign journal, and the "conclusion of the whole matter" is as follows: "Brain-work is conducive to health and longevity, while brain-worry causes disease and shortens life. The truth of the statement, and its application to what we see around us, is evident enough; yet it is well that such subjects should continually be discussed. Intellectual labor, although severe, like that performed by the judges of our highest courts, or by scholars and persons devoted to literary pursuits, if unmixed with excitement, and followed with regularity, is seen to promote bodily health and long life. On the other hand, mental cares, attended with suppressed emotions, and occupations which from their nature are subject to great vicissitudes of fortune and constant anxiety, break down the health of the strongest. Every one has seen a class of men whose early mental training was deficient, and to whom the writing of memoranda was irksome, engaged in middle life in great undertakings, and taxing the memory with a mass of complicated business accounts, simply because they could more easily remember than write. Their power of memory for a certain kind of facts is often truly astonishing, but the strain is at last too much, and they die before their time. The brain-worry of our school children might furnish useful illustrations of the truth of the same general proposition, but we forbear."
Questions Answered.
By John Norton Loughborough
Question. The seventh verse of the 20th chapter of Acts says, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread," &c. Did they meet to partake of the sacrament, or was it an ordinary repast for refreshment? An individual who is well versed in the Scriptures, and professes to be an expounder of the same, said that the disciples met to partake of the Lord's supper on the first day of the week to commemorate or sanctify that day as the "Christian Sabbath." Even if it was the Lord's supper, it would not be sufficient evidence to prove that the first day is the "Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Not being positive that the disciples partook of the Lord's supper on that occasion, I ask for information, for myself and others.
J. G. O.
Answer. There is no direct evidence that this breaking of bread was a communion season, but is supposed by many to be only a common meal. It says "when they had broken bread and eaten." Christ was made known to his disciples in "breaking bread." No one contends that that was a communion. Breaking bread seems to be an expression in the New Testament for partaking of a common meal.
Question. In what manner did Christ come, as is mentioned in Matt. 10:23—"Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of man be come?"
J. G. O.
Answer. By comparing these words with Matt. 10:1-6 you will see Christ had chosen the twelve and sent them forth into the cities of Israel, and by reading Matt 11:1, it appears that when he had made an end of commanding them, and sending them forth he himself went forth to teach in their cities. I suppose the idea was that before they should get through with that special mission in the cities of Israel he himself would come, that is, he would overtake them.
Question. Should a county assessor call on a Sabbath-keeper to assess his property on the Sabbath, would the latter be dishonoring that sacred day, by answering the questions in regard to the valuation of his property, etc., if the assessor should say that he could not call on any other day, and Saturday (Sabbath) was the only day on which he could receive statements from property owners, at his office? How would the law deal with a man who would refuse to give a statement of his property on Saturday, that being the day prescribed by law?
J. G. O.
Answer. I think in a case like the above, I should procure one of the assessors blanks, fill it out, and make an affidavit to it beforehand, and when the assessor called upon the Sabbath, pass it over to him, stating the fact that I conscientiously observed the day as the Sabbath. With any reasonable man, there would be no further trouble, for the law is complied with.
J. N. L.
North Pacific Camp-Meeting.
By Isaac D. Van Horn
OUR camp-meeting is in the past. We can look back to it with satisfaction, for it was a decided success. The attendance was much greater than any one had anticipated. Every-body was charmed with our beautiful ground, which was one great cause of the perfect order that was maintained throughout the meeting.
The ground occupied was about three acres, nearly half of which was enclosed by a neat pole fence. The entrance through this fence into the inclosure was by a tripple archway, beautifully ornamented with evergreen. On the front of this were the words "Seventh-day Adventist Camp-meeting," and on the inside "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace good will toward men." About thirty feet from this was the entrance to the large pavilion. Over this was an arch covered with cloth of red and blue on which appeared in letters of white "What is Truth?"
With the large tent as a center the camping tents, twenty-four in number, were put in a semi-circle. All the ground within the inclosure was made smooth and carpeted with straw.
The store and restaurant were under the direction of the camp-meeting committee, and paid all expenses. We had a new 50-ft tent on the ground, in one side of which was the book stand, and the remainder was occupied by brethren, who brought blankets, but did not have tents. By actual count there were two hundred camping on the ground.
Religious services began on Thursday, June 27 at 6 A. M. There was a good interest at the very beginning, and it increased to the close. The subjects chosen seemed to meet the wants of the people all the way through. Especially was this the case with the testimony of Sister White. Her efforts were highly appreciated by all our brethren and sisters, and I believe all were greatly benefited.
Our meetings on the Sabbath were devoted to our people and were especially interesting. At 2 P. M. Sister White had good freedom and at the close of her discourse made a call for sinners who wished to become Christians to come forward. Twenty-one responded, and with deep feeling showed evidence of their sincerity.
On Sunday the crowd came in from the surrounding country. It was estimated that two thousand people were on the ground. All were charmed into silence and respect by the beautiful ground they beheld, and the perfect order maintained. Subjects relating to our faith and hope were taken up by which the people had reasons given them why we were Seventh-day Adventists. At 2 P. M. Sister White spoke with great freedom and power. Hearts were touched by the appeals made, and impressions that cannot be easily thrown off were fastened upon the minds of the sober and thoughtful in favor of the truth.
Monday, was another special day for our people, and also a day of business. Sinners and backsliders were again invited to the front seats. About the same number responded as on the Sabbath. Out of this number six arose requesting baptism. As four of them lived near the Beaverton church, and two in Salem, it was decided that they should be baptized the following Sabbath at the time of their quarterly meeting.
The business sessions of the Conference were all characterized with the best of feelings, and the one great motive of all seemed to be to push on the work. Six persons received license to improve their gift. Brother Wm. L. Raymond was ordained to the gospel ministry and received credentials. There are now three ministers and six licentiates in this Conference. All may not be able to give themselves entirely to the work, but we hope to see them make some effort.
We feel grateful for the visit Sister White has made us, and the memory of her testimonies and good counsel will live in our affections while time shall last. We extend an earnest invitation to her in company with her husband to again visit Oregon.
We thank God for our good camp-meeting. The news has gone through this valley that we have the finest camping ground ever seen in the State. A wealthy farmer living a few miles away from the ground came to our meeting, and stated to some friends of his that he never saw a camp ground before that he would take his wife and daughters to, but now he was going right home and bring them to this meeting. The papers both of Portland and Salem published items specially mentioning the beauty of the ground and the good order maintained.
We feel that this meeting has done much to strengthen our cause in this new Conference. We believe the work will go forward with more power than ever before.
There can be no doubt that the Lord's hand is in this work. Moving in harmony with his will, we shall surely succeed in reaching the glorious result.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Salem, Oregon, July 10, 1878.
Camp-Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough
In the SIGNS No. 21, of May 30, is an article on the California camp-meeting suggesting September 13 to 23 for the northern meeting, and September 27 for the commencement of the southern meeting. I requested all the ministers, elders and leaders of churches in California to write me immediately as to how the time suited. One brother wrote wishing to have the meeting a week later. One minister wrote that himself and the Vacaville church were pleased with the time suggested, aside from this I have heard nothing, except that several have made inquiries when the meeting is to be held, saying they have seen nothing about it as yet. Please read the article on last page of No. 21, and write me immediately at Reno, Nevada.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Oakland.
By W. M. Healey
It is four weeks since the tent came here. The attendance and interest remains good. Twenty-six have signed the covenant. Last Sunday we had our second season of baptism, and buried seven adult persons in Lake Merritt, in the presence of about two thousand people who came to witness the scene.
Last Sabbath we had an excellent social meeting. The Lord is blessing his work here. To his name be the glory. W. M. HEALEY.
July 15, 1878.
Healdsburg.
By Mrs. W. M. Healey
THE quarterly meeting of district No. 1 was held at this place. We were much encouraged by the presence of brethren and sisters from other churches in the district. Brother R. A. Morton gave a discourse which caused us all to think seriously of our condition before God. At the close of the Sabbath we enjoyed a short, but excellent prayer and social meeting. Several interesting and encouraging testimonies were given at the business meeting, as the result of distribution of the SIGNS and tracts, which inspired us to work more zealously in the future. We feel encouraged, and are determined to press onward in the good way.
July 15, 1878. MRS. W. M. HEALEY.
Placerville, Tent No. 3.
By B. A. Stephens
The interest here continues to be good. Books sell well. The life of Urgos makes a stir among the Roman Catholics. Many, who were tampering with Spiritualism, now seem ashamed that they gave it any countenance. Nearly four hundred were present to hear it exposed. The Sabbath question was introduced last evening. Of course the attendance will fall away as the cross comes in sight, but it was thought best to introduce it while the interest is at its hight. We earnestly desire the prayers of all that our work here may "save some."
July 14, 1878. B. A. Stephens.
A Place in the Spiritual Creation
If you are born of God, and there is no place assigned to you, then you are a marvel in the spiritual creation.
Seriousness.
One of the depressing signs of the times is the general decay of seriousness, which shows itself in many ways—in conversation, in literature, and in the occupations of life. How hard it is to engage anybody in a sober and earnest conversation! People like to talk well enough, and will talk without ceasing on the most trifling subjects. They are ready to gossip, to entertain each other with the small talk of society, but it is rare in comparison that we sit down with one who seems to delight in conversation of a high kind. The mass of people do not even think seriously. They have no convictions, and do not care to have any, even while life is so solemn and earnest, and so swiftly passing away. They do not care to think deeply about anything outside of their special lines of business. They avoid the trouble of a real intellectual grapple with any of the great problems of life. They do not want to be burdened with opinions which are only formed as the result of thought, and which may compel them to some positive actions or to sacrifice. They would get their views as they get their dinners, where they can be had the easiest, and take their creeds as they buy their clothes, “ready made,” and as easy to put on. In politics, they go in a party; in religion, with a sect; to which they give up their own independent thinking, content to have it done for them.—Evangelist.
College Catalogue.
By Editor
THE new catalogue of Battle Creek (Mich.) College, for the college year 1877-8, is now ready. It is the most full and complete of anything of the kind we have ever seen. A full history of the institution is given, and all necessary information is imparted in regard to all kinds and classes of expenses, tuition, books, courses of study, etc. Seventy-two pages, printed on nice, tinted paper, and just the thing to put into the hands of those who may be induced to attend, and well calculated to create an interest in behalf of the College. Send stamps for a copy.
Camp-Meetings for 1878.
INDIANA, Kokomo, Aug. 14 to 19.
ILLINOIS, Bloomington, Aug. 27 to Sept. 3.
OHIO, Tiffin, Aug. 28 to Sept. 3.
NEW ENGLAND, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
MAINE, Sept. 4-9.
VERMONT, “ 11-17.
Union Meeting.
By W. M. Healey, M. C. Israel
There will be a union meeting of the churches of San Francisco and Oakland, at the Oakland tent, Sabbath, July 20, at 11 o'clock A. M. Mrs. E. G. White will be present to address them. The Sabbath-school in San Francisco will be ommitted, that of Oakland held in the church at the usual hour. We purpose to close the Sabbath with prayer-meeting in the tent at 7 P. M., followed by the State quarterly tract and missionary business meeting, and sermon. Come prepared to be at all these meetings.
W. M. Healey,
M. C. Israel.
Quarterly Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE California State Quarterly Meeting will be held in Oakland, Sabbath and First Day, July 20 and 21. All directors are requested to attend, and as many members as can do so. The business meeting will be held Saturday evening. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Appointments.
By J. L. Wood
PROVIDENCE permitting I will meet with the churches as follows:—
Locust Grove, July 25-29.
Lemoore, July 31 to August 6.
Fairview, August 6-12. J. L. WOOD.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
$2.00 EACH. Alex Underwood 5-1, Fred Hutchins 5-14; E Sharp 4-21, J Mavity 5-25, T C Howells 5-27, H Philbert 5-24.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs George Hodges 5-27, C Burckhalter 5-27, H H Porch 5-27, B F Woods 5-27, M Moore 5-27, Mrs Maggie L Coleman 5-27, H J Rohrbecker 5-27, H C Read 5-27, Mrs Mamo Lober 5-27. H D Clark 6-1, Sylvia Kinne 5-27, S G Brewster 5-27, Mrs O Aulthouse 5-27, Joseph Hilderbrand 5-27, J P French 5-27.
MISCELLANEOUS. Almon D Farrar 50c 4-36, H C Leach 50c 4-43, Mrs A H Bradford (3 copies) $4.50 5-17; J C Loomis (8 copies) 12.00 5-26. Samuel Griffith 75c 5-3, Mrs E H Wood 1.00 4-48, L F Weston (4 copies) 6.00 5-27, Maria Ledingham (2 copies) 3.00 5-27, Alonzo H Brown (2 copies) 3.00 5-27, W H Herrick 1.00 5-2, Chas Proctor 1.00 4-48, Alfred McLeod 50c 4-37, Mrs Caroline Briggs 38c 4-38, Lewis Martin 1.00 5-1.
Received on Account.
Missouri T and M Society $60.00.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
CRUDEN'S Concordance. $1.75, post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.
Progressive Bible Lessons. 50 cts.
“ “ “ for Children. 35 cts.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In Board, 50 cts; in paper 30 cts.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp, $1.00.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25, post-paid.
Thoughts on Daniel. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30 cts.
Life of Joseph Bates, with Likeness. Revised. Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, $1.25.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the “Christian Statesman.” Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. Mrs E. G. White. 416 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in seven Pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White:—
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry - - 10 cts
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness - - 10 cts
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables - - - 15 cts
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles - - - - 15 cts
No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion - - 10 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension - - 10 cts
No. 7. The Apostles of Christ - - - 10 cts
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 75 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (POEM.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts.; paper, 15 cts.
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 25 cts.
Facts for the Times. 25 cts.
The Nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. C. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God. J. H. W. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Saints' Inheritance, or the Earth made New. J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. J. N. A. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-four. James White. 10 cts.
Review of Baird's Two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. W.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Milton on the State the Dead. 5 cts
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost-Time Question—Argument on Sabbath—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture Reference—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The First Message of Rev. 14—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day do You keep and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—Is the End Near?—Can We Know?
Address, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
The Dime Tabernacle.
A MEETING of the General Conference Committee was held at Battle Creek, Mich., July 3, 1878, to consider the subject of a new meeting-house. The rapidly increasing congregations, in consequence of the location of the College and Sanitarium, and other causes, demand a house of worship that will seat 2,500 persons, and on special occasions accommodate 3,000.
It was decided by the committee, that, as a tabernacle would cost only about one-half what a fashionable meeting-house would cost, in their opinion it would be more in accordance with the faith of Seventh-day Adventists to build a plain tabernacle that would seat this number of persons, than to build a fashionable house, with the same money, that would seat only about one-half this number.
And it was the decision of the committee, that the funds to build this house be raised by monthly contributions from any and all persons, men, women, and children, who shall esteem it a pleasure to contribute to such a house, and the amount of these monthly contributions be ten cents from each contributer. These contributions to be collected by the librarians of the tract and missionary societies, and forwarded to the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., or SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.