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Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 34.

General Articles
Earlier text: MAINE CAMP-MEETING

SELF-DISCIPLINE.

AN intelligent and cultivated woman had a family of young children in whose training she felt a keen sense of responsiblity. She realized how necessary it was that she should set them a good example, yet found that she often failed in patience, that it was difficult for her to control herself and speak gently and tenderly to the little ones when they irritated her. Ashamed of her weakness, knowing that it was a sin which must injure her children, she determined the next time she spoke impatiently to one of them she would punish herself by going without the next meal, breakfast, dinner or supper, whichever it might be, and see if she could not in that way break herself of the habit. She soon had occasion to do so. The children asked "if mother was sick? Why she did not eat any dinner?" "No," she said, "but mother thinks it best to go without to-day." So it passed off for that time; but not long after it occurred again. "Why, ma, do eat some supper. Why don't you eat some supper?" said the little ones, quite concerned and disappointed. Then she thought she would tell them frankly the reason. "Children, your mother spoke crossly to you this afternoon; it is wrong to speak cross to any one; when you do wrong I have to punish you to make you remember not to do so again; but you know I have no mother to punish me to make me remember, so I have to punish myself."
The children all loved their mother very dearly and seemed deeply moved that she had to punish herself, and go without her supper or dinner, for speaking cross to them. A more solemn sense of the sinfulness of all wrong-doing arose in their young minds, since their mother felt that she was obliged to punish herself for doing a wrong act. But then it pained them to think that mother had to be punished; they could not bear to have it so. And from that time it was touching to see how constantly they strove to refrain from doing what would trouble her and make her speak crossly, checking each other by saying in this wise: "Oh, sister, don't do that; you know mother will be tired to-day, and perhaps it will make her go without her supper." Or, "Please don't, Harry; I'm afraid it will trouble mother, and you don't want to have mother punished, you know."

The Home Circle.

JUDGE NOT.

How do we know what hearts have vilest sin? How do we know? Many, like sepulchres, are foul within Whose outward garb is spotless as the snow, And many may be pure we think not so. How near to God the souls of such have been, What mercy secret penitence may win— How do we know?
How can we tell who sinned more than we? How can we tell? We think our brother walked guiltily, Judging him in self-righteousness. Ah, well! Perhaps had we been driven through the hell Of his untold temptations, we might be Less upright in our daily walk than he— How can we tell?
Dare we condemn the ills that others do? Dare we condemn? Their strength is small their trials not a few, The tide of wrong is difficult to stem. And if to us more clearly than to them Is given knowledge of the good and true, More do they need our help, and pity, too— Dare we condemn?
God help us all, and lead us day by day, God help us all! We cannot walk alone the perfect way, Evil allures us, tempts us, and we fall. We are but human and our power is small; Not one of us may boast, and not a day Rolls o'er our heads but each hath need to say, God bless us all!

HOME ATMOSPHERE.

This atmosphere of the household which either converts to Christ or perverts to fashion, folly, and impiety, is commonly created by the parents. They are responsible for it. If the whole trend of household talk and thought and ambition runs toward money-making, or social convivialities, or general godlessness of any kind, it is the father and the mother who give the pitch. Nowhere is it so difficult to make the best preaching or the best Sabbath-school teaching effective on character as in the malarious air of such a home. As soon expect to raise oranges in Lapland as plants of grace in so godless an atmosphere.
The parental influence penetrates through the house with as subtle a poison as escaping gas from an ill-built furnace. As Dr. Bushnell has pithily said, in his incomparable book on "Christian Nature:" "Whatever fire the parents kindle, the children are found gathering the wood. They help as either apprentices or accessories." If the father begins the Sabbath with some secular newspaper, the family will help him read it. If the parents go irregularly to God's house, the children will hardly go at all. If the mother is a scandal monger, she will make her children tattlers and eaves-droppers. If she directs her servants to say at the door that "she is not at home," the children will learn to be polite liars. If the father puts the decanter on his table, the boys will soon begin to practice with the fatal glass. That rich father who disinherited a son for drunkenness, and in the same will bequeathed his wine cellar to certain heirs, gave a very palpable proof of the home atmosphere which had poisoned the poor boy.
Parental provocation and ill-temper sour the very air of many households, so that the children can hardly escape being cross, snappish, and irritable. How can piety breathe in such an air. How can a family be trained up in the knowledge of God's word when the Book of books is seldom opened and the spirit of its instructions is no more known than in the house of a Mussulman? Even in the families of many professors of religion I do not look for any conversions; for I know that the influence of the most faithful discourses will be destroyed by the malaria of the home. It was the atmosphere of Elkanah's and Hannah's godly house that produced a Samuel. It was the wretched air of Eli's house which ruined Hophni and Phineas.—T. L. Cuyler, D. D., in Independent.

NOTHING TO DO.

MANY mothers, accustomed to hard work themselves, allow their daughters to grow up in comparative idleness. These unfortunate girls, with no special purpose before them, are in danger of learning only how to dress, to play the piano, possibly to cook a dinner—although that is not very common—but with no more idea that they are important factors in the great plan of humanity than if they were not human beings at all.
If they ever do any work in the world through necessity, it is likely to be inefficient and unsystematic work; or, if they do achieve anything really good, it is done with the pain and difficulty which those must suffer who work without proper discipline or knowledge. They are not contented and happy, for they have nothing to do with the time, which often hangs heavily upon their hands.
All girls should be occupied; if housework is distasteful, let them learn some trade. Useful work has a marked effect on character; and it will be a great stride toward that earthly millennium, for which some cherish vague hopes, when every woman, as well as every man, shall enter mature life, prepared by a training in useful work, to feel that she is one member of a great human family mutually dependent, and yet with an individual independence—where each has a part to do.—Sel.

The Basket and the Dime Novels

THE following anecdote, we have no doubt, will both instruct and amuse our youthful readers.
One of the elders of the Methodist Episcopal church has a son, who inherited his father's love for whatever is comic, and this son returned from school a few months since with a report of scholarship below the average.
"Well," said his father, "You've fallen behind this month, have you?"
"Yes, sir."
"How did that happen?"
"Don't know, sir,"
The father knew, if the son did not.
A basket of apples stood upon the floor.
And he said: "Empty out those apples, and take the basket and bring it to me half full of chips."
Suspecting nothing the son obeyed.
"And now," he continued, "put these apples back into the basket."
When half the apples were replaced, the son said:—
"Father, they roll off. I can't put in any more."
"Put them in I tell you."
"But father I can't put them in."
"Put them in! No, of course you can't put them in. Do you expect to fill a basket half full of chips and then fill it with apples? You said you didn't know why you fell behind at school, and I will tell you. Your mind is like the basket. It will not hold more than so much. And here you've been the past month filling up with chip dirt—Dime Novels!"
Not a dime novel has been seen in his hand from that day to this.

HOME JOYS.

WE were very much impressed lately by the orderly behavior of a large family of children, particularly at the table. We spoke of it to our host, and he pointed to a paper pinned to the wall, on which were written some excellent rules. We begged a copy for the benefit of our readers. They were called, "Rules and Regulations."
1. Shut every door after you, and without slamming it.
2. Never shout, jump, or run in the house.
3. Never call to persons up-stairs or in the next rooms; if you wish to speak to them, go quietly where they are.
4. Always speak kindly and politely to the servants, if you would have them to do the same to you.
5. When told to do or not to do a thing, by either parent, never ask why you should or should not do it.
6. Tell of your own faults and misdoings, not of those of your brother and sister.
7. Carefully clean the mud or snow off your boots before entering the house.
8. Be prompt at every meal-hour.
9. Never sit down at the table or in the parlor with dirty hands or disordered hair.
10. Never interrupt any conversation, but wait patiently your turn to speak.
11. Never reserve your good manners for company, but be equally polite at home and abroad.
12. Let your first, last, and best confidant be your mother.—Selected.

Heaven Is Not Populated with Thieves

The following bit of practical wisdom is from Rev. W. H. H. Murray: "Heaven is not populated with singing thieves, or palm-bearing bankrupts, who settle with their creditors at twenty-five cents on the dollar Wednesday, and ride to church the next Sabbath in a thousand dollar coach, with a man in livery on the box."

ITEMS OF NEWS.

-Cotton is being grown in Arizona.
-Twenty-four per cent of the people of New Zealand attend church.
-Eighty-five hundred and thirty-six emigrants arrived in New York last week.
-The Temps declares that the Alsatian Jesuits, in Rue Lafayette, will be expelled like the others.
-Fifty cases of small-pox were reported in Troy, New York, the 3d. Two deaths had already occurred.
-Several persons were killed by a collision of trains on the Housatonic railroad, near Parlor Rock, Aug. 30.
-Three million persons perish from opium in China every year. There are 2,700 opium shops in Ningpo alone.
-The grading on the Northern Pacific Railroad is expected to be completed to the Yellowstone river early in October.
-Advices from the Scotch iron manufacturing districts say that the strike is likely to continue. Only 32 furnaces are in blast.
-Owing to the disturbed condition of affairs in Buenos Ayres, the International Exposition has been postponed till next year.
-The Evangel says that "all the Baptist ministers of Baltimore, black and white, meet together in a conference every Monday morning."
-From Havana comes the news that the yellow fever has assumed an epidemic character, causing the death of forty persons in a few days.
-Governor Perkins has declared the 9th a legal holiday, it being "anniversary day," and the day on which the President is expected to arrive.
-Sept. 2, the steamer Hardwick, from Odessa for Bristol with barley, shifted her cargo and foundered. All on board were lost, except one fireman.
-The Mormons in Utah set down their numbers at 112,000. Since 1870, the Mormons have increased 45 per cent, the non-Mormons in the State, 200 per cent.
-A special from Santa Fe, New Mexico, states that Louis Terrasis has offered $2000 for the scalp of Victo-rio, the Apache chief, and $250 for the scalp of any of his warriors.
-August 31, Richmond, Va., was visited by one of the fiercest storms ever known in that section. The streets were flooded, houses inundated, and the occupants driven out.
-Because of a prediction of unusually heavy gales, 42 life-saving stations along the New Jersey coast were ordered to be equipped September 1, one month earlier than usual.
-A severe storm swept over the central portion of Florida on the 1st and 2d instant. Post roads were flooded and bridges washed away, and mail communication was seriously interrupted.
-The Emperor of Russia has arrived safely in Livadia, notwithstanding the repeated attempts of the Nihilists to "blow him up" by placing explosives under the railroad over which he was to pass.
-Russian papers contain an account of the explosion of a thousand-ton floating tank of kerosene, on its way to Baker, at Tsaritzen, on the Volga. It is believed that thirty persons perished. A woman entered the reservoir with a naked light.
-The funeral of Rev. Dr. Wm. Adams, president of Union Theological Seminary, is said to have been one of the most impressive ever held in the city of New York. It was attended by at least four hundred ministers of various denominations.
-A flood recently swept down the Glen of Glendore county, Ireland, flooding the church at Cammienon, and drowning a number of persons, who were carried away by the rush of waters. Eleven bodies are missing. Five bodies have been recovered.
-The Canada Pacific Railroad is to be built 2,000 miles, including 646 miles from Lake Nipissing to Thunder bay. From Lake Nipissing to Puget sound the road is to be constructed at once. Rothschild, Erlanger and the Barings are said to be interested.
-A dispatch from Ottawa, Kan., Aug. 31, states that over one hundred deaths from small-pox have occurred among the Indians. Sept. 4 they were still dying in large numbers. As soon as taken sick they are abandoned by all the rest of the tribe, and left to die of starvation if not of disease.
-A report from Gibson, Indian Territory, states that the Cherokees are up in arms against the Creeks, owing to the latter failing to deliver up thirteen negro murderers. And the Cherokees are gathering near there in great numbers, armed with Winchester rifles.
-The statue of Germania was unveiled in Dresden the 2d. It was erected as a memorial to the share taken by the Saxon army in the war of 1870. King Albert, Queen Caroline, Count Herbert von Bismarck, Prince Milan of Servia, and French and American diplomatic representatives, were present.
-The transportation of mails over the Arizona end of the Southern Pacific Railroad has been ordered to begin September 20. This completes a continuous mail route by rail from San Francisco through the entire length of California, and nearly across the southern portion of Arizona, a distance of 1,000 miles.
-Negotiations are proceeding with French capitalists to raise funds for the construction of a tunnel under the St. Lawrence river. Preparatory steps have also been taken towards uniting New York and New Jersey by means of a tunnel, also of connecting England with the continent. How long before the ocean will be tunneled?
-The steamer City of Vera Cruz from New York to Havana and Vera Cruz was wrecked by the recent cyclone off the coast of Florida. A mail bag and trunk, and at latest accounts, five dead and seven living bodies had been washed ashore near St. Augustine. Her passengers were mostly Cubans who had been spending the summer in this country.
-Owing to the President not having issued a proclamation allowing Chinese ships to enter American ports like the more favored nations, the Ho Chung was obliged to pay ten per cent extra Custom House duties on cargo before entering San Francisco bay. It is thought that this money will be refunded after the matter receives further attention.
-Work has now begun on the ship canal across Cape Cod. This will save ninety miles in distance and eight hours in time between New York and Boston, besides the estimated annual loss by shipwrecks around the cape of 6,000 tons of vessel property and from thirty to forty lives. The canal will be 141 feet wide at the top, with an average depth of 30 feet.
-The Daily Telegraph reports that a preliminary treaty of peace between Chile and Peru has been signed, and the following are its principal articles: Peru surrenders the monitors Monco Capac and Atahualpa, razes the fortifications of Callao, surrenders all the artillery of Callao, engages to not augment her navy for thirty years, and will re-imburse to Chile the cost of the war. Chile engages to pay half of the exterior debt of Peru.
-The Rescue says: "Fifty thousand dollars in cash, and ten thousand in land and building material, have been raised to build in Wilton, Conn., a hospital for the treatment of women who have been ruined by alcohol and opium. The President and cabinet, and other high officials, with 1,500 clergymen, including Cardinal McCloskey, and a number of Methodist, Catholic and Episcopal Bishops, have contributed to this fund and given the enterprise their warm approval."
-A dispatch from Los Pinos, the 28th ult., states: "The crisis in Ute affairs has passed. Seventy Uncompahgre and White River head men and chiefs placed their bands under the direction of the Agent. They have accepted Sapovonari as chief, have agreed to keep Ouray's property intact, and to proceed immediately to complete ratification and enrollment." They have killed five of Ouray's best horses that they accompany him to the "happy hunting grounds."
-A terrible disaster occurred last Thursday near Logrono, Spain. A battalion of troops was crossing the river Ebro, on a large raft constructed on pontoons, and in the middle of the stream, which is deep and rapid, the raft began to leak, the men became alarmed and capsized it. The next day, in the presence of the garrison and an immense concourse, 110 bodies were laid in two graves. King Alfonso, the Queen, and the Royal family, have headed the subscription list with $6,000.
-The women of New York State have the right to vote at the school elections the 16th. The Methodist advises "every woman to do as she pleases about it," and adds, "We know of no reason why they should be limited in voting to such elections; and we are not convinced that any great good will come from their voting at all." If every woman would attend faithfully and cheerfully to home duties, we would, in our opinion, cast a mightier influence for good than by voting.
-The Jewish New Year, or anniversary of creation, was ushered in with appropriate ceremonies in the temples Sunday evening last. The first day of the new year is the commencement of ten penitential days, which continue until after the Day of Atonement. The reason why the New Year occurs in the seventh Jewish month is explained by the fact that the first month (Nisan), in which the Passover occurs, relates to Jewish independence from Egyptian slavery, whereas New Years is the anniversary of the civil year.
-A dispatch from Rome says: "The Vatican has decided to augment and reorganize the colleges for Asia and Africa, being desirous of largely developing the Catholic Church in those parts of the world. As the College of the Propaganda Fide is not sufficient to meet the requirements, branch colleges will be established in suitable localities. A Vicariate Apostolic will be created in Morocco, and the Vatican is also considering the question of a suitable place farther in the interior of Africa for the establishment of another Vicariate."

OBITUARY.

CHURCH.—Died in Fresno, August 27, 1880, George M., son of George and Alice Church, aged eighteen months. Little George had been sick ever since his birth and died of consumption. Our brother and sister have the blessed hope to sustain them in their affliction that they may meet their little one where there will be no more death. Funeral service at the school-house in Temperance Colony, Sabbath, the 28th. Text, Ps. 103:13-16; John 11:25. M. C. ISRAEL.

BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS.

Constitutional Amendment. Condensed, 336 pp. 40 cts. Sanctuary and 2300 Days. Condensed, 224 pp. 30 cts. Facts for the Times. A collection of valuable extracts from eminent authors. 224 pp. 25 cts. Eleven Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 226 pp. 25 cts. United States in Prophecy. 200 pp. 20 cts. The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 184 pp. 20 cts. The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of Nature and Revelation. 168 pp. 20 cts. The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts. Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the coming and kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 20 cts. Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 168 pp. 20 cts. The Spirit of God, its Gifts and Manifestations to the end of the Christian age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts. The Three Messages of Rev. 14:6–12. Particularly the third angel's message and the two-horned beast. By J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts. The Two Laws, as set forth in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts. The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. 96 pp. 15 cts. Miraculous Powers. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts. 128 pp. 15 cts. The Complete Testimony of the Fathers of the First Three Centuries Concerning the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 112 pp. 15 cts. Matthew Twenty-Four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts. The Sunday Seventh-Day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts. The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject, as set forth in Revelation, Chaps. 8 and 9. 96 pp. 10 cts. The Truth Found. The nature and obligation of the Sabbath. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts. Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian church to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts. Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 48 pp. 10 cts. Hope of the Gospel. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. 80 pp. 10 cts. Christ and the Sabbath; or, Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White. 56 pp. 10 cts. Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of Redemption in its three stages. 40 pp. 10 cts. Review of Gilfillan; or, Thoughts Suggested by the Perusal of Gilfillan and other Authors on the Sabbath. 64 pp. 10 cts. Appeal to the Baptists for the Restitution of the Bible Sabbath. 46 pp. 10 cts. Review of Baird. A review of two sermons against the Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventists. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 88 pp. 10 cts. The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four objections considered. 88 pp. 10 cts.
Life of Christ, in six pamphlets. By Mrs. Ellen G. White:— No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry. 104 pp. 10 cts. “ 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness. 96 pp. 10 cts. “ 3. His Teachings and Parables. 126 pp. 15 cts. “ 4. His Mighty Miracles. 128 pp. 15 cts. “ 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion. 96 pp. 15 cts. “ 6. His Resurrection and Ascension. 80 pp. 10 cts. Life of the Apostles, in two pamphlets:— No. 1. The Ministry of Peter. 80 pp. 10 cts. “ 2. The Teachings of Paul. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Bible Lessons on Prophecy. The Lessons for Bible Classes as issued with the Youth's Instructor for 1879. 10 cts.
TRACTS.—16 pages, 2 cents each. Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Spirit of Prophecy—The Old Moral Code not Revised—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Judgment—Much in Little—The Millennium—The Two Laws—Seven Reasons—The Definite Seventh Day—Departing and Being with Christ—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Elihu on the Sabbath—First Message of Rev. 14—The Law and the Gospel.
HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE TRACTS. Startling Facts about Tobacco. A description of the evil effects of tobacco-using. 32 pp. 4 cts. Tea and Coffee. A careful statement of the objections to the use of these popular beverages. 32 pp. 4 cts. Wine and the Bible. A demonstration that the Bible in no degree sustains the habitual use of alcoholic drinks of any sort. 24 pp. 3 cts. Alcoholic Medication. A protest against the wholesale employment of alcoholic compounds in the form of bitters, tonics, blood purifiers, etc. 16 pp. 2 cts. Pork. This tract exposes the filthy scavenger in all his uncleanness. 16 pp. 2 cts. The Drunkard's Arguments Answered. Leaves no excuse for tipplers. 16 pp. 2 cts. Cause and Cure of Intemperance. 8 pp. 1 ct. Moral and Social Effects of Intemperance. A forcible statement of facts and statistics. 8 pp. 1 ct. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California.

The World Moves

"The present generation," says an exchange, "is certainly an actively progressive one in projects of material improvement. In addition to the great enterprises that have been made facts accomplished, we may note the progress on this continent of the suspension bridge which is to connect New York and Brooklyn, and of the tunnel which is to unite New York and New Jersey, and the inception of not one alone, but of two canal projects across the Isthmus of Panama. On the other side of the ocean, the present vast undertaking is a tunnel under the Straits of Dover, which shall do away with the Calais packet passage so famous for sea-sickness, and put England in new and immediate railroad connection with the Continent. The preliminary workings have had the most satisfactory results, the constructors have sunk their shaft to the stratum in which they propose to bore, and promise that in three or four years they will complete the task. Probably ten years would be nearer right, but what an accomplishment it will be if even in that period the Londoner shall be enabled to take a through palace car for Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg or Constantinople. What would an Englishman of the reign of good Queen Bess, or even of George the third have said to a prophecy like that? Truly the world moves."

PRAY FOR YOUR MINISTERS.

THERE are many reasons why you should do this. Your ministers have trials, and are subject to temptations, diseases, and afflictions, as other men, yet there is virtue and help in prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer stopped the windows of Heaven, so that it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months; then Elias prayed again, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Prayer preserved the three worthies in the fiery furnace; it preserved Daniel in a lion’s den; it opened the prison doors for Peter, and brought him to the house where the disciples were praying for him; it brought an angel from Heaven to instruct Cornelius where to send for Peter to come and teach him and his household more perfectly in the things of God; and it was in answer to the prayers of a few Sabbath-keeping women at Philippi that an angel was sent to direct Paul to that place.
Blessings are made conditional of prayer; “Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full;” “Pray one for another that ye may be healed.” The apostle writes to the Thessalonians, “Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable men.”
Prayer unites hearts in God’s work. It gives the minister courage to know that his brethren are remembering him in their prayers. Paul again exhorts the Ephesians to pray for him, that utterance might be given him that he might open his mouth and speak boldly in making known the mystery of the gospel; Eph. 6:19. To the Colossians he writes, “Withal praying for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
If the apostle Paul needed the prayers of his brethren that he might have utterance, and that a door might be opened before him, that he might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, then most certainly the ministers of this age need the prayers of God’s people.
Pray that those laboring in new fields may have freedom, and be glorified. Pray that they may be saved from the power of disease, and from discouragement. Pray that they may not be left to themselves, and make such moves that God cannot bless, and thus they be deprived of his favor. In short, pray that God may sustain them and guide them by his counsel. Above all, pray for the prosperity of the cause of God. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.”
“Prayer is intended to convey The blessings God designs to give; Long as they live should Christians pray, For only while they pray, they live.”
It not only unites hearts in the service of God, but it interests our souls in the work of Christ, and makes this work more of a reality to us. We think about it; we feel for its prosperity when we continue to pray for it. It cultivates a warmth of feeling, a tenderness of heart. Our minds become more susceptible to that which interests our Saviour, and it thus connects us with God.
Christ left the royal courts and came to this world to suffer and die that man might be saved. Every work, even the setting of type from which to print that which will spread the knowledge of his dying love, is a means of grace. Those that realize that God takes cognizance of all these things, and pray for his blessing to accompany every such act, are connecting themselves with Christ and his cause. They partake of his nature, their souls become elevated, and worldly interests recede from their view.
There is a demand for more prayer; and there should be more of a spirit of prayer throughout the entire camp of Israel, that the cause may prosper in the hands of God’s chosen servants. Some ministers know how to appreciate the prayers of others in their behalf, in the blessings received, which cannot be easily forgotten. We therefore repeat, pray for your ministers, and also pray for the work of Christ at large.
S. N. HASKELL.

CAMP-MEETING.

As our meeting is to be held this year where we expect a large attendance, it will be necessary that everything be done "decently and in order," and that our meeting commence with as little confusion as possible. To accomplish this we shall have to commence in time, so we would request our brethren to be on the ground at least one day before the meeting, that they can have their tents pitched and everything done before the meeting commences.
Those coming from the interior of the State will remember that the camp-ground is located near the coast, where we have a cool breeze from the ocean, consequently they will need plenty of good warm clothing.
A restaurant will be kept on the ground for those wishing to board, also a place and feed for horses.
Come early, praying that the Lord may meet with us.
G. D. HAGAR. G. A. BAKER. G. W. MILLS. Camp-meeting Committee.

PLEASE READ AND REPORT.

WE are anxious to know just how many Sabbath-keepers there are in California. We know by the reports, very near how many there are in our various churches, but there are many lonely, faithful ones, who are not included in the reports which we receive from the churches; also many covenant members of our fully organized churches which are not reported. We want the name, and address as near as possible, of all these by the time of camp-meeting. Now, if any of you know of any such, and will report their names to me within a week from date, I will be very much obliged indeed. If you do not know just where they are, report the county, or part of the State they are in, and I will try and find them, and render them such encouragement as I find they may need, and enlist them in the work of the Lord, that they also may hear the "well done," "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
If any of these lonely Sabbath-keepers should see this notice I would be much pleased to hear directly from them, just as soon as possible, as to how they prosper spiritually, and if there are any others who are with them in the "present truth," in their neighborhood. Direct all letters to Eld. J. D. Rice, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Will our brethren and sisters please consider this an individual matter, and give a little thought to it, and report to me, be it few names or many.
J. D. RICE.
Oakland, Sept. 7, 1880.

TO THE CALIFORNIA CHURCHES.

LAST week we sent you blanks, for Conference delegates, and a report of your tithe for this quarter. The Conference year ends at our camp-meeting, and as is our custom, the tithe for this last quarter is collected at this time, so that it may be used in the yearly settlements of the Conference. Those who have adopted the “Bible plan” will be ready to hand it to the S. B. Treasurer, at their first opportunity.
Those living at a distance from any church, who do not report to any individual church, can send their tithe direct to W. C. White, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., and report to me the amount sent.
Sept. 7, 1880. J. D. RICE, Sec. of Cal. Conf.

Children of God and Servants of Christ

It is one thing to be a child of God; it is quite another to be a servant of Christ. I may love my child very much, yet if I set him to work in my garden, he may do more harm than good. Why? Is it because he is not a practiced servant? This makes all the difference. Relationship and office are distinct things. It is not that all of God's children have not something to do, something to suffer, something to learn. Undoubtedly they have; yet it ever holds good that public service, and private discipline are intimately connected in the ways of God. One who comes forward much in public, will need that chastened spirit, that matured judgment, that subdued mind, that broken will, that mellow tone, which are the sure and beautiful results of God's secret discipline; and it will generally be found that those who take a prominent place, without more or less of the above moral qualifications, will sooner or later break down.
Lord Jesus, keep thy feeble servants very near unto thine own most blessed person and in the hollow of thine hand.—Sel.

Gratitude for the Harvest

THE United Presbyterian contains the following paragraph which is worthy of a thoughtful reading by all: "What kind of expression of gratitude do people give for the blessings of the harvest? In country places, where the harvest memories are fresh and happy, what would be more appropriate than a communion occasion in the churches, when the people around the table of the Lord would tell their gratitude and consecrate themselves and their blessings to the Lord? Beautiful in itself, it would also quicken the sense of dependence in the hearts of the people, and teach them to associate their gifts with a thought of the use they are to make of them in furtherance of the kingdom of Him who has bestowed them."

Where Was the Sabbath Changed?

"It does not take long," says the Sabbath Memorial, "for simple folks to find the Sabbath; they turn to their Bibles and there it is—The seventh day is the Sabbath. Even little children often ask puzzling questions of their parents, why the people keep Sunday instead of Saturday. The dear ones would like to be told where in the Scriptures the change was made. Can you tell dear reader? If you know, please to tell us where the divine authority is to be found."

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REMAINING CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1880.

OHIO, Clyde...........................Sept. 16–21. DAKOTA.................................. “ 16–21. CALIFORNIA, Alameda..................... “ 16–27. INDIANA, Rochester...................... “ 23–27. NEBRASKA, Central City.................. “ 23–28. MISSOURI, Warrensburg..................Sept. 30–Oct. 5. NORTH-WESTERN IOWA.................... “ 30– “ 5. MICHIGAN, Battle Creek.......Sept. 28 to Oct. 11. TEXAS...................................Nov. 11–16.

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Signs of the Times · Sep 9, 1880