p. 441 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 37. (10/7/1880)

Earlier text: A SCORPION AMONG THE PAPERS

DID ABRAHAM KEEP THE SABBATH?

By T. M. Stewart

Our opponents say, No! They tell us we have no evidence in the Bible that the Sabbath was observed before the time of Moses. But it is a significant fact that Moses dated the Sabbath back to Eden. If he knew that it had been observed all the way down to his time, his language is consistent with this fact; but if he knew it had never been observed, then his dating it back to creation without one word of explanation was a wonderful oversight.

But let us see if Moses did not teach that Abraham kept the Sabbath. Moses says, Gen. 26:2-5, "And the Lord appeared unto him [Isaac], and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of; sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries; and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Then God had laws in the days of Abraham and he kept them.

The same writer tells what the Lord said to the children of Abraham when he brought them out of Egypt after a sojourn of four hundred years in that land. Ex. 16:4: "Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from Heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no." Then he had a law at least thirty-three days before it was given from Mount Sinai; and the people knew it, or they could not have been tested by it. It must have contained directions concerning the days of the week, or the gathering of the manna would not have tested their obedience to his law. These were the children of Abraham, and they had been taught the law of God that Abraham kept, and now they were to be proved to see if they would be the children of Abraham. Jesus said to this same people, John 8:39, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." But God is going to test them. Hear him. Ex. 16:5: "And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily." Then this was the way in which they were to keep the law.

Read verses 22, 23: "And it came to pass that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man; and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said." (See verse 5.) Then this was not a violation of God's law. Moses continues: "To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord." Hence, to obey God's law, they must observe the Sabbath. Verse 26: "Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none." Then God's law before it was given at Sinai contained instructions about working six days and resting the seventh. The Lord says Abraham obeyed his law, and from the foregoing we see that to obey it he was obliged to keep the Sabbath.

Verse 27: "And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day, for to gather, and they found none." This was a violation of God's law. Verses 28, 29: "And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" "So the people rested on the seventh day." That is the way to keep the Sabbath; so Abraham must have rested on the seventh day.

Read also the testimony of Paul in Rom. 2:25: "For circumcision verily profiteth if thou keep the LAW; but if you be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision." Then in order for circumcision to avail anything, a man was obliged to keep the law. Paul has just told us in verses 17-23, what law he meant. Circumcision was first given to Abraham; so Abraham must have kept the law, or his circumcision would have been nullified. Therefore, Abraham was a Sabbath-keeper, and a seventh-day-keeper, too, for thus saith the Lord.

"If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Let us do the works of Abraham, that we may be his children. T. M. STEWART.

GOD'S LOVE.

By Northwestern Christian Advocate

THERE is no such thing as punitive justice in God separate from love. It is impossible to formulate any tenable theory of future punishment from which the love of God is eliminated, for "God is love." Love is the regnant attribute by which all his other attributes are controlled. His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, justice, mercy and truth are made the almoners of his love. Love prompts every act he does. Any conceivable punitive act of God not prompted by love, is not an act of justice, but of the veriest injustice. A god who ceases to love men while he is punishing them is not the God of love. Nor does this in any way conflict with the fact that God punishes sinners here and hereafter. Divine love is punitive when punishment is necessary. The tenderness of God is not more a dictate of his love than is his severity. That is not love, but a maudlin affectation of it, which will not administer deserved punishment.—Northwestern Christian Advocate.

THE CAMP-MEETING AT ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA.

By S. N. Haskell

THE location of this meeting was all that could be desired. It was upon a smooth lot of land occupying an entire block, 450x500 feet, upon which was a growth of oak trees which furnished ample shade, considering the sea breeze which constantly came from the bay. The city of Alameda contains about 9,000 inhabitants, and the ground was in the central portion of the city. It is owned by a wealthy gentleman in New York City, who freely gave us the use of it.

On the north side was Railroad avenue, where the steam cars, from 5 A. M. till 10 P. M., passed every hour to and from San Francisco. On the south side was Santa Clara avenue, upon which the horse cars passed every half hour to and from Oakland, about three miles from camp. One block farther south was a narrow-gauge steam car railroad, which also passed to and from San Francisco every hour by another route. Each of these roads connected with a ferry crossing the bay. They had stations nearly opposite our ground. San Francisco was about seven miles from the encampment, and within a radius of ten miles were over 350,000 inhabitants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUND.

There were two main entrances, one on Railroad avenue and the other directly opposite, on Santa Clara avenue. Over each entrance was an arch of sufficient width to admit teams; on either side of this was a smaller one, under which those on foot passed. On both sides of these arches were appropriate mottoes, adorned with evergreens.

Upon the right, entering from Railroad avenue, was a 60-ft. tent used for a restaurant, with a cook-room and store attached. Then came the city of over one hundred tents, laid out in regular streets. Each tent was numbered, and each street named. Upon the left of the entrance was a 50-ft. lodging-tent, containing fourteen lodging-rooms adjoining the wall of the tent, while in the center was a committee-room. Suspended upon a limb of an oak tree was a directory, upon which was the plan of the encampment, the name of each street and family tent being so arranged that any stranger could go directly to any tent without further inquiry.

A little farther south on the main street was the book-stand tent, with its wide-spread curtains. Over the main entrance to it was an arch upon which were the words, "Buy the Truth and Sell it Not." Over the center of this was the painting of a large book. In the south-eastern portion of the ground was the large tent for preaching services, 60x100 feet, with an extension curtain 40x60 feet. Seats were also extended outside of the limits of this curtain each way.

The neighbors and friends showed their good will by bringing from their houses pots and vases of the choicest flowers, until the front and top of the desk were covered with flowers and plants of the most beautiful tint and richest fragrance.

Water pipes extended the entire length of the ground, with faucets at each street.

The main thoroughfare, and in and around the large tent, was covered with clean straw. Nothing appeared gaudy, but everything was tastefully arranged and well calculated to impress the mind that the entire encampment was a spot consecrated to the worship of the Creator of the beautiful and the Author of order.

THE ORDER

On the ground was excellent. Many of our brethren came to the meeting trembling with fear, which was freely expressed by some, that the "hoodlums," or rowdies, from San Francisco would cause us much trouble, if not wholly break up our meeting. Others besides our brethren expressed fears, as such religious meetings were sometimes broken up. It was feared that a beer garden just across the street from the ground would furnish us intoxicated persons, especially on Sunday, that, as well as the bathing-houses which lined that portion of the bay, was a great place of Sunday resort.

Three of the leading daily San Francisco papers, as well as the Oakland and Alameda papers, did us much credit. We had not one disagreeable circumstance to complain of. People passing on the side-walk would speak in a subdued tone as they came near where the meetings were held. It seemed that the Spirit of God rested upon the entire encampment, and others as well as ourselves realized it.

Sometimes an unthinking smoker would come upon the ground, but one word from those appointed to preserve order was sufficient to induce him not only to desist, but to offer an apology. The chief of the police department of Alameda, on returning to the station, reported his visit as follows: "I thought I would go over and assist them in keeping order one night. I went on with my cigar in my mouth as usual, not thinking that it was a violation of their rules to smoke upon the ground. Soon one of those fellows whom I had sworn in as special police came up to me and politely said it was against their rules to allow smoking on the ground. I apologized and quietly withdrew, concluding that they could get along better without me than with me."

THE MEETINGS.

The tents were nearly all pitched, and preparations made, so that the meetings commenced promptly at the time appointed, and continued uninterrupted till the close. Every afternoon and evening there was preaching, and at 5:30 A. M., and 5 P. M., social meeting. The remainder of the time (excepting that for family worship, at 8 A. M.) was occupied with business meetings, Bible classes, and instructions in the various branches of the work. We never attended a camp-meeting where there was more of a general attendance of those upon the ground at all of the meetings. The variety of the meetings seemed to rest, rather than weary.

Those who assisted in the preaching were Elders Waggoner, Healey, Wood, Briggs, and the writer. Chartered cars came from Chico, Lemoore, and Woodland. It was the largest camp-meeting ever held in the State, and generally considered the best.

THE SPIRITUAL INTEREST.

At the first of the meeting, some of the brethren were appointed to take charge of a certain number of tents, learn the spiritual condition of each individual, and make special efforts for the unconverted and backslidden, and the children of our brethren. These were to know where they were during service, be with them in family worship, and where two tents were so close as to cause confusion, to get them into one. This kind of labor was followed up throughout the entire meetings, and contributed largely to the spiritual interests of the meeting. The interest increased from first to last; also the congregation from outside daily increased. Especially was this the case in the afternoon and evening. Not a few attended all of the meetings, even the early morning meeting, and frequently took a part. In nearly every social meeting three or four could be seen rising at once to bear their testimony. Many took their stand with us who had never heard of us before. Others embraced the truth when it was first preached here, but had backslidden and given it up. One superannuated Methodist presiding Elder said he had conducted thirty-six camp-meetings, but never saw the like of this. Himself and wife took their stand on the side of God's commandments. A Baptist minister, who for some time had been reading our works, and was convinced of the argument, publicly took his stand. As soon as he can arrange matters, he intends to go out to labor in the cause of present truth.

Each Sabbath day, a special move was made for the unconverted and backslidden. Many signified their desire for the prayers of God's people, by coming to the front seats. Most of these acknowledged God's blessing. The second Sabbath a deep solemnity prevailed; the Lord came near to us. After spending some time in the large tent, those who had come forward, separated and went to a number of small tents, while others remained in the large tent. At the ringing of the bell, all again repaired to the large tent, to spend the closing moments of the Sabbath in prayer.

Sunday afternoon a large concourse of people assembled to witness the baptism of thirty-six willing souls. Brn. Israel and Wood administered the ordinance.

The Sabbath-school work, conducted by W. C. White, was a success. On each Sabbath it could be truly said that we had a model Sabbath-school. It was the largest Sabbath-school ever held in California, nearly one hundred and fifty more being present than at the one held last year. A number of Jews were present, who seemed much interested. One Rabbi said he had watched our progress with a great deal of interest ever since he first learned of us; was much interested in the sanctuary question, as presented on the camp-ground.

About one hundred and fifty subscribers were obtained for our various periodicals, and between four and five thousand dollars pledged, including that which was paid for the different institutions and enterprises connected with the cause.

Arrangements were made by which our ministers will enter three new fields within one week after the close of the camp-meeting. Besides this, Bro. Israel will take charge of the missionary work in Alameda, to carry forward the interest awakened there, and arrange for meetings, etc.

At our last meeting, which was attended by nearly every one on the ground, a unanimous rising vote was taken in favor of a three weeks' camp-meeting next year. A general regret was expressed that this meeting could not continue one week longer. Not a tent was taken down till the meeting closed.

From the nature and effect of this meeting, our conviction is stronger than ever before, that where our people can co-operate, a two weeks' camp-meeting is best, with a full corps of helpers. Then instruction can be given in the different branches of this work. Also there should be seasons of seeking God for the outpouring of his Spirit, to fit ministers and people for the coming conflict. The brethren returned to their homes much encouraged, expecting a two weeks' camp-meeting in Southern California next spring, and a three weeks' in the fall.

Thus closed to me the most encouraging camp-meeting I ever attended, for which I feel grateful to God. S. N. HASKELL.

TIME.

By Jos. Clarke

How little is time appreciated by most, except to be used for selfish purposes—for profit, or for pleasure, or ambition. But in the light of eternity, how few estimate time as it should be estimated, how few weigh this invaluable treasure in a proper balance! Our most valuable blessings are seldom appreciated until they are withheld from us for a time. The manna became by constant use so little valued that the people complained, murmured, and rebelled, while eating of this heavenly food.

Time is continued to us day by day; our season of probation is lengthened out; shall we undervalue this great blessing, and let the precious opportunity of repentance escape? There is a point of time in the life of each of us, which, if improved, would set our feet in the straight and narrow path that leads to a future life of glory, immortality, and infinite, unspeakable happiness, in the presence of God, of Jesus Christ, and angels, and the just made perfect in Heaven.

There was a period of time in which the antediluvians were warned of the coming deluge. At a certain set time the deluge came; at a certain appointed time the waters of the flood were assuaged, and earth again smiled in beauty and glory, although it was deprived of its former magnificence. So, for a long period, good men looked forward to the time when the Messiah should appear; and when that period of time arrived, the glorious One appeared. For a time he was the present Saviour; good men rejoiced with joy unspeakable; the unfortunate and the poor were relieved. But time flew relentlessly on, and the Messiah was here on earth personally no longer.

Since that time, good men have looked down the distant ages for the fulfillment of the predicted signs of his second coming. Those signs in sun, moon, and stars, have taken place, and now they know he is near, even at the doors. Soon he will come in all the glory of his Father; yes, the time is near. A little space of time and all the elect will be safely landed on the plains of paradise.

Time will run as before its steady course. A thousand years will the sun count in its annual circuits while the poor ruined earth lies in utter ruin without inhabitants; then the resurrection of the wicked will take place, the earth be in flames, and the last sinner consumed.

Time will not stay, but will rush on to final victory. The time will come when all these events will be passed, and the purified earth will bloom as when first from the hand of the Creator. Time will verify the truth of prophecy, and will prove that Jehovah will do as he has said by the words of all his prophets.

JOS. CLARKE.

THE DAKOTA CAMP-MEETING.

By George I. Butler

This meeting was held at Sioux Falls, a beautiful town situated on the Big Sioux river, perhaps the finest town in the eastern part of the territory. Dakota has few natural groves, timber being very scarce. Many, however, have planted trees which make a rapid growth. A young grove of cotton-wood, lying close to the edge of the village, served as our camp-ground in this case. The weather was very hot at first, but became quite cold before the meeting closed, and a Dakota blow made things somewhat lively and uncomfortable towards the last.

Our meeting was not large, perhaps one hundred of our people were present on the Sabbath. Elders E. W. Farnsworth and S. B. Whitney assisted in the preaching. About one-half of those present were Scandinavians, this nationality composing about that proportion of the Conference.

The preaching was mostly practical, designed to teach what it is to be a true Christian, to show us our own deficiencies of character in order that improvement may be made, and how help may be secured of Christ to make such improvement, and how the graces of the Spirit obtained. The truth found a ready response in the hearts of all.

On the Sabbath, when opportunity was given for those to come forward who desired prayers, and who wanted to obtain a deeper experience in the work of God's Spirit, nearly nine-tenths of those present accepted the invitation; we had an excellent meeting.

Sunday the weather was so unfavorable but few could come out. On Monday we made special efforts for the unconverted. Some thirty manifested a special desire for prayers, and most of these made a good confession of Christ, souls were converted to God. Elder Whitney baptized ten willing souls; it was a pleasant season.

On Tuesday morning we had a good farewell meeting. Many cheering testimonies were borne, and great gratitude was expressed at the privileges enjoyed. They had been more than rewarded for the efforts made in coming to this meeting. We became much attached to those with whom we became acquainted. This young Conference seems to be making a rapid growth. They claim about three hundred Sabbath-keepers already, and they were organized into a Conference only last year. Dakota is settling up with a good class of people. Elder S. B. Whitney was elected President for the ensuing year. May God bless his labors abundantly. GEO. I. BUTLER.

CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.

THE ninth annual session of the California State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at the Alameda camp-ground, Sept. 16-27, 1880.

FIRST MEETING, SEPT. 17, 10:30 A. M.

Opening prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. After some appropriate introductory remarks by the President, Eld. S. N. Haskell, the following delegates presented duly accredited credentials from their respective churches:-

Arbuckle, P. Grinnell; Gilroy, E. A. Briggs; Healdsburg, N. A. Young, Geo. W. Mills; Lemoore,

J. E. Yoakum, G. W. Cody, Peter Scazighini; Napa, W. G. Myers; Nevada City, J. D. Rice; Oakland, G. A. Baker, A. H. Cochran, C. H. Jones, P. M. Morrison, W. N. Glenn, W. C. White, R. A. Pritchard; Placerville, Geo. Vickery; Rocklin, G. P. Davis; San Francisco, Frank Brown, S. M. Meeker, Rufus Parker, E. A. Stockton; St. Helena, W. A. Pratt, James Creamer, John Mavity; San Pasqual, J. H. Waggoner; Santa Rosa, Jay McCulloch, J. A. McCulloch, John Morrison; Vacaville, Sister M. Butcher; Woodland, J. C. Martin, Wm. Saunders, Alfred Mason.

Delegates were elected to represent those churches which did not present credentials, as follows:-

Bloomfield, Annie Hoskins; Christine, Ruel Stickney; Fair View, Lucius Church; Guenoc, Sister H. A. Poulson; Lafayette, Sister W. J. Ireland; Petaluma, T. M. Chapman; Red Bluff, D. S. Hemstreet; San Jose, Mary L. Irving; Freshwater, Chico, Auburn and Grass Valley, at their request, were taken under the watchcare of the Conference, and delegates appointed to represent them as follows: Freshwater, J. T. Roberson; Chico, Geo. De Forest, J. D. Rice; Auburn, J. S. Howard; Grass Valley, E. A. Briggs. On motion by T. M. Chapman, Nevada City and Lafayette churches were, in accordance with their request, received into the Conference.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Eld. Haskell made some remarks showing why the camp-meeting was not held at Healdsburg as recommended in the resolutions of the last Conference. It was not because satisfactory arrangements could not be made, but on account of the great advantages of holding a meeting where thousands would have easy access to it; and by obtaining favorable reports in the various journals, the public at large might become acquainted with us as a people, and the nature and magnitude of our work.

All members in good standing were invited, by vote of the Conference, to take part in all the deliberations, except voting. On motion by W. G. Myers, the President was duly authorized to appoint all necessary committees. Remarks were then made by Elders Haskell, Waggoner, Wood, and Bro. Saunders, showing the prosperity of the cause in this State the past year; and also the advisability of our praying that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into his vineyard even from our midst.

The President then announced the committees as follows: Committee on Credentials and Licenses: J. H. Waggoner, Alfred Mason, John Mavity. On Resolutions: W. M. Healey, Wm. Saunders, J. D. Rice. On Auditing: Ruel Stickney, T. M. Chapman, W. C. White, W. A. Pratt, Wm. Saunders, J. E. Yoakum. Committee on Nominations, W. M. Healey, W. A. Pratt, Wm. Saunders.

On motion the meeting adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 21, 5:30 P. M.

Prayer by the President. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses submitted the following:-

"We recommend for credentials as follows: J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice, M. C. Israel, and J. L. Wood. For licenses: E. A. Briggs, J. S. Howard, W. C. Grainger, and J. G. Hurley. For licenses as colporters: W. J. Bostwick, P. M. Partridge, Frank Lamb, W. W. Smith, N. C. and F. L. McClure.

"We have dropped the names of several under these heads, who have had credentials or licenses in the past. Bro. Judson requested that his credentials be not renewed, as he would probably not use them enough to make it worth while. We are opposed to licensing those who give no promise to use their license. It is of no use to them, and represents both them and the Conference in a wrong light before the world. The credentials and licenses issued ought to indicate exactly our working strength. We have not learned that colporter's licenses have been of any particular benefit, except in a very few cases. In most cases we have heard nothing whatever from those to whom they were issued; in other cases we think that persons can prove somewhat their efficiency without licenses as well as with, and thereby give some reasonable assurance that it will not be out of place to confer them."

The names were then taken up in order, and acted upon separately. Credentials and licenses were granted to all who were recommended to receive them. The President then spoke of the duty of these laborers, and who had a right to receive, and who to give the Lord's money from the treasury. It was shown that the Lord's tithe is not under the control of any single individual, but being placed in a general treasury is disbursed only by the Executive Committee chosen for this purpose by the body of our people; that those laborers only should receive of the Lord's tithe who have shown their worth by the fruits of their labors. The minister must show himself faithful and true to the cause of God under every emergency, and should he forsake the work for the dearest of earthly considerations, when souls are trembling in the balance, he proves himself unworthy of the Christian ministry, and we cannot conscientiously pay him one cent of the Lord's money. But if he is actually in want we have recommended rather that he should be helped by private donations, as has been done.

Eld. Waggoner followed, speaking of the sacredness of the tithes, and saying that the brethren calculate closely to faithfully pay the Lord's tithe, and unconsecrated hands should not handle it.

Eld. W. M. Healey, chairman of the committee on resolutions, submitted the following reports:-

Resolved, 1. That we thank God for the manifold blessings bestowed upon us; and for the general prosperity of the cause during the year past.

That we appropriate one-tenth of our Conference funds to the General Conference.
That the tithing system of the Bible is the proper one for Seventh-day Adventists to carry out for the support of the cause of God and the ministry; and that this Conference firmly believes it to be the duty of every church member composing it to hold as sacred that which already belongs to God, and to return the same promptly to the treasury, that the cause may be sustained, God be honored, and we be justified by the performance of that solemn and sacred duty.
That as Eld. Waggoner is unable to labor regularly on account of bodily infirmities, and needs a season of rest, it is the sense of the Conference that he should have the required rest. And we feel rejoiced to learn that he has consented to continue his connection with the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, hoping and trusting that he will soon be restored to health.
That we have confidence in the "Testimonies" and recommend them and the "Spirit of Prophecy" for general circulation and careful perusal.
That we return thanks to Mr. Carpentier for the use of our camp-ground.
That we are obliged to the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad Company for favors received.

The resolutions were adopted. Resolutions three and five were also passed by a rising vote of the congregation.

On motion the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.

THIRD MEETING, SEPT. 24, 5 P. M.

Prayer by Elder M. C. Israel. The Secretary then read a report showing that in the past year about one hundred and thirty have embraced "present truth" in this Conference. Four new and permanent companies have been raised up. Two churches have been fully organized, and a large number added to those churches already raised up.

Most of our brethren have pledged to pay the tithe, and already we see a wonderful increase of the flow of means into the Lord's treasury, and are enabled to see that we have been robbing God in tithes.

The missionary, temperance, and Sabbath-school work has made corresponding advancement the past year. There has also been very noticeable improvement by our various officers in reporting. Our brethren have made a good beginning, and we have great reasons to be encouraged. We trust that corresponding advancement may be made the coming year, and with God's blessing there will be.

The Treasurer presented a statement of the general workings of the Conference for the past year, as follows:-

"From the reports of the churches to the State Secretary, it is shown that there has been tithes collected to the amount of eight thousand seven hundred and forty dollars and thirty-four cents. A portion of this has been allowed, by the Conference Committee, to be retained on the indebtedness of churches. There has been sent from this, to the General Conference this year $822.25. Of this $214.00 has been paid directly through the church officers, and will not appear in the report of the financial condition of the Conference."

FINANCIAL REPORT.

Balance in SIGNS Office Oct. 9, 1879... $ 6.87 Received from churches from Oct. 9, 1879, to Oct. 1, 1880... 5,163.83 Received on Donations, etc., from Oct. 9, 1880... 765.21 Total... $5,935.91 Paid Ministers from Oct. 9, 1879, to Oct. 1, 1880... $3,982.53 Paid for expressage, printing, etc... 193.92 Tithe to General Conference... 608.25 Total... $4,784.70 Balance on hand Oct. 1, 1880... $1,151.21 W. C. WHITE, Treasurer.

The Nominating Committee submitted their report as follows: for President, Elder S. N. Haskell; Secretary, J. D. Rice; Treasurer, W. C. White; Executive Committee, John Morrison and M. C. Israel; Camp-meeting Committee, G. D. Hager, E. J. Church, and Geo. W. Mills.

Elder J. H. Waggoner then gave good advice and instruction to those going out as public laborers, with particular reference to their personal habits and their private deportment both in their public labors and in private houses. "Avoid all appearance of evil," and labor to minister rather than to be ministered unto. The brethren and sisters were exhorted to always sympathize with the right, and never flatter their ministers. Satan will see to that.

On motion the meeting adjourned. J. D. RICE, Sec. S. N. HASKELL, Pres.

Temperance.

CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

THE first annual session of the California Health and Temperance Society was held on the Alameda camp-ground. The first meeting convened Sept. 20, at 9 A. M. After singing, prayer was offered by Eld. Wood, followed by remarks from the President relative to the growth and extent of the temperance work among us. He stated that while we have ever been a temperate people, yet it is scarcely more than a year since an organization was effected by us. The minutes of the meeting held at Healdsburg, Sept. 22, 1879, at which time the State society was organized, were read and approved. A report of the work accomplished during the year, and of the financial condition of the society was then given as follows:—

The total membership of the society is now 1,142. All but 147 of these have been obtained during the year. Of these 827 belong to organized clubs, of which there are 16; 621 are full members. 843 have signed the teetotal pledge; 170 the anti-rum and tobacco; and 129 the anti-whisky pledge. Tracts amounting to $40.00 have been distributed to the clubs during the year.

The treasurer's report for the year is as follows:— Amount received on Initiation Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118.50 Amount received on Dues and Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.37 Amount received from General Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.40 — $189.27 Amount paid General Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $103.75 Amount paid on Incidental Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.64 Amount paid Signs Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.40 Cash on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.48 — $189.27

FINANCIAL STANDING OF SOCIETY.

Due from SIGNS Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .45 Cash on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.48 — $21.93 Due General Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.18 — $21.93

After the reading of the report, Eld. Waggoner spoke of the amount of work yet to be accomplished, and thought that the membership should be increased to three thousand or more during the year. Seventy-two names were obtained by the solicitors during the meeting, which are included in the above report. The committee appointed on nominations consisted of Eld. Waggoner, W. J. Bostwick, and M. J. Church.

The second meeting was held Sept. 23, at 2 P. M. Eld. Healey submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted:—

Resolved, That we as a society consider it important that the principles of health and temperance be practically carried out, especially by our brethren, and, Whereas, The principles of the teetotal pledge are in harmony with what we believe to be Bible truth, therefore, Resolved, That we urge upon all the friends of the cause of Christ, with their families, to sign this pledge, and, Whereas, There are three grades of pledges, upon some one of which all temperance people can unite, Resolved, That we recommend a special effort be put forth to further this work among those who may need the moral strength of social influences; and to accomplish this we urge that clubs be organized in companies where they have not already done so. We also recommend that they endeavor to hold regular monthly meetings, and seek by every proper means to make them interesting and profitable.

Quite a number of those present then made remarks relative to the work in their respective localities, and many interesting incidents were related. One brother stated a case that had come to his knowledge, where a minister of the gospel boarded for a time in the family of a respected and intelligent gentleman, who, being somewhat worn with the cares of business, was persuaded by the servant of Christ (?) that it was necessary for him to indulge in stimulants in order to keep about his work. This man has become an inveterate drinker, and is for days under the debasing influence of liquor.

The members present then resolved by a rising vote, that they would each endeavor to bring at least one person into the society during the year. The Nominating Committee reported the following persons, who were duly elected as officers for the ensuing year: President, Eld. S. N. Haskell; Vice President, C. H. Jones; Secretary and Treasurer, Barbara C. Stickney.

On motion meeting adjourned.

S. N. HASKELL, Pres. BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Sec.

"HAVANA" CIGARS FROM PAPER.

The straw paper manufacturers of the Chatham portion of Columbia county, N. Y., have for many years been aware that their product has nearly all gone South, and been used in Cuba as fillers for cigars. None of them manufacture specially with this end in view, although their paper is well adapted for "bogus" cigar making. The paper used for the purpose indicated is of the lightest weight (7 to 7 1/2 lbs.) it is possible to make. There is one mill in the county located at Queechy (town of Canaan) which manufactures the straw paper expressly for wrappers—not fillers. The Queechy Paper Company's paper mill is situated on a creek but a short distance below a lake, and being at the head of the stream, the water is of much greater purity, and hence their ability to produce the desired article of paper. The straw paper used in filling the Havana cigars is saturated with a decoction prepared from the stem and refuse of Havana seed leaf, mingled with which are extracts of liquorice root, senna, etc. The paper is so skillfully stamped to resemble the tobacco leaves, the very veins of the leaf being perfectly imitated, that it can seldom, if ever, be detected from the genuine article.—Paper World.

THE ANDERSONVILLE OF TO-DAY.

The Andersonville graveyard, as described by a recent visitor, is an unfrequented spot, except for travelers from the North, among whom are many war veterans who were prisoners in the stockade. There are 13,715 marked "Unknown." There is a surrounding wall of solid brick, and the place is kept neat by a resident Superintendent under Government pay. Part of the stockade is still standing, but nothing remains of the prison, and the site is covered by bushes. There is no trace of the famous brook, nor any marks of the wells dug by the prisoners.

Sunday Closing Reduces Drunkenness

A DIMINUTION of over three thousand cases of drunkenness, reported by the Dublin police, according to last year's return just issued, furnishes practical evidence as to the good results following the Irish Sunday Closing Act, although that city is one to which the act only partially applies.

Medical Uses of Wines

The Lancet has commenced a series of articles on the medical uses of wines, having appointed a commission to institute a special inquiry into the subject in view of the probable increased consumption of the light wines of France.

Continue reading: JONES JONES; OR, IF ALL WERE RICH, WHO WOULD SERVE?