Earlier text: Missionary SpiritRussia Restricts Drink-Shops
The Czar of Russia has decreed that there shall be no more than one drink-shop in any Russian village, and where two or three villages are near together, the one drink-shop shall suffice for all, and this shall be managed by a "man, born and resident in the village," who shall be appointed by the Common Council and paid by salary. He is to derive no pecuniary profit beyond his salary, is to sell also food and tea, and is liable to fine, dismissal, and even imprisonment, if he allows any man or woman to get drunk on his premises. In a given contingency, if the population should become notoriously drunken and disorderly, the communal authorities are to interdict the sale of liquor entirely in that district or village for as long a time as they shall see fit. Dr. Rush and the Minister
THAT pious Christian, wise philosopher, and celebrated physician, Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, was once consulted by a minister who was somewhat unwell. The doctor prescribed a medicine that was extremely unpalatable. The patient inquired if he might not take it in a little good old Jamaica rum. "No, sir," was the decided reply. "Why, sir," said the other, "what harm will it do me?" "Sir," said Dr. Rush, "I am determined that no man shall rise in the day of Judgment and say Dr. Rush made him a drunkard." TEMPERANCE includes the timely use of that which is to be used, and the timely letting alone of that which is to be let alone. Temperance always involves total abstinence from something. It is sheer nonsense to claim, as some do, that temperance implies the actual use of everything in moderation; that to be temperate one must indulge moderately in strychnine, and laudanum, and whisky, and wine, and turpentine.—H. Clay Trumbull. The following is from the Southern Presbyterian Review for 1871: "The government statistics for 1871 may well cause every honorable man to hang his head with shame, and may well fill every patriot's heart with alarm. They are as follows. Let them be pondered by every lover of his country: Salaries of all ministers of the gospel, $6,000,000. Cost of dogs, $10,000,000. Support of criminals, $12,000,000. Fees of litigation, $35,000,000. Cost of tabacco and cigars, $610,000,000. Importation of liquor, $50,000,000. Support of grog-shops, $1,500,000,000. Whole cost of liquor, $2,200,000,000. And these are the facts in this 'enlightened' nineteenth century, and in these United States. One might infer from them that we are fast becoming, if not already, a nation of drunkards. And then consider this country's estimate of the gospel ministry, the ministers of all denominations costing a sum, less by millions, than the very dogs of the land." DELEGATE Post, of Wyoming Territory, has introduced a bill in Congress which it is to be hoped will not be passed. It is called "a bill to reduce the internal revenue tax on cigarettes," but a more appropriate title would be, "a bill to make lunatics and idiots, and for other purposes,"—the "other purposes" being to fill up the cemeteries and make millionaires of the undertakers. Mr. Post must be an enemy of the human race. He could not if he tried, hit upon a more certain method of killing off a large portion of the rising generation, and of making idiots of the one that is to follow it. The cigarette annually kills thousands and thousands of children and young men, and those whom it does not destroy physically, it mentally ruins. The tax on it should be increased, not reduced. It would be well to place it so high as to put these poisonous packages beyond the reach of the small boy.—N. Y. Herald. The afternoon sunshine crept lazily along the west side of the house, until it reached the sitting-room window. Passing in unhindered it found Minnie's head directly in its path, and lingered lovingly on the gold-brown braids of hair, turning them into a crown of glory. She sat on a low ottoman, her fingers lost in the meshes of some bright worsteds, and her face unusually grave and thoughtful. Mrs. Ray was near by with her knitting-work, and in an easy-chair close to the window sat Minnie's handsome brother Tom. Profound silence had reigned for some time. Tom was absorbed in his book, Mrs. Ray was planning economy for the coming winter, and Minnie—where were her thoughts? Suddenly she dropped the tangled skein which her slender fingers had been unraveling, and leaned her head on her hand, partly shading her eyes. She had a sweet, mobile face, which, at first glance, one would call girlish pretty; but something impelled a second look, which would discern the earnest lines about the mouth and chin, and the thoughtfulness of the broad forehead. It was the same way with her eyes. Clear, simple brown eyes seemed, sparkling with youthful happiness; but there were darker depths, like the still places in a river, which told of something below the surface. Tom, coming to the end of his chapter, threw down the book, and looked up to find his sister in a brown study. "What is it, Min?" he asked. "Is fancy-work too deep for you? Does it take as much thought as that sober face of yours indicates?" She gave the worsteds a little impatient push, which sent them to the floor, as if to show that they were far from occupying her thoughts. The deep garnet and pale-blue threads found an excellent background in the shaded browns of the carpet, and the sunshine stole on and touched them softly, as if to solace them for their exile. "I was wondering what it really means to be happy." Tom looked at her curiously, and her mother spoke in rather a reproving tone:— "Why Minnie, child, aren't you happy? I'm sure we have given you every advantage, and I try the best I can to make your home pleasant." "I was not complaining, mother;" answered the girl, stopping the course of the needles long enough to imprint a kiss on one of her mother's hands. "It seems as if I wasn't making as much out of my life as I might—that's all." "I'm sure you do a great deal, dear. There's your Sabbath-school class, and the mission work; and I'm pretty sure there's no young lady about here who visits the poor, and sympathizes with those who are in trouble, as much as you do." Minnie made no reply; and her face still wore its grave expression. "Just how would you define happiness?" asked Tom. "I—don't—know," answered his sister, hesitatingly. "I'll read you what Kant says;" and Tom reached for his book. "Here it is: 'That life we may call happy, which is furnished with all the means by which pain can be overcome; we have, in fact, no other conception of human happiness.'" "Nonsense!" ejaculated Minnie, her brow knit, and her face more puzzled than ever. "Be careful, young lady, how you apply that word to so profound a philosopher as Kant," said Tom, laughing at her perplexed expression. "And now think if it is not true, are you not unhappy when you are in pain? If you have the means by which pain can be instantly overcome, does it not banish your unhappiness?" "Then you consider the absence of pain as synonymous with happiness." "You are thinking only of physical pain. Remember that there are other varieties much more difficult to endure. Let us say, for instance, that you are in pain now because you cannot answer that question which puzzles you. That is a mental pain, but it causes you suffering of a certain kind. Now, if you have the means by which that pain can be banished, will you not be happy?" "Then, all Kant has done for me is to tell me what the trouble is. I knew that before, only I should not have dignified it by the name of 'mental pain.' He doesn't furnish the means to overcome the pain, and that is the present necessity. Enough of definitions, Tom! They do very well in books and for school-children. I want something living." "You know," interposed Mrs. Ray, "what the Word says, 'Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.'" "Yes, mother, my trust is all right. Do not think I am faltering in that direction,"—for Mrs. Ray's voice had in it a hint of anxiety,—"but I want something, and I don't know just what." After a moment more of grave meditation, she sprang to her feet, saying:— "I'll go and ask Miss Prue." As she came to the door ready to start, Tom caught up his hat and walked out with her. Mrs. Ray watched them from the window. "I don't just understand either one," she murmured. "They are more like their father than they are like me. If he had lived,"—and she paused a moment to brush away a tear,—"he could have helped them as I don't know how. What is happiness to them doesn't quite seem to content them. There—I knew Tom would turn that corner! I don't know what will come of his going so much to see Maude Reynolds. She is a nice girl, but I can't bear to think of giving up my first-born so soon. He is only twenty-two." And she turned from the window to answer some question of eight-year-old Willie, who had not yet grown beyond her comprehension. Minnie's light tap had been speedily answered, and she soon found herself seated in a comfortable rocker, awaiting the return of Miss Prue, who had excused herself for a moment. The room was long and low, but gave one a feeling of cozy brightness. A secretary at one end was covered with papers, which seemed to indicate some amount of literary work. There was a bookcase in one corner, and near the window stood an easel with a half-finished picture on it. There were pictures on the walls, and brackets with bright lambrequins, while fancifully worked tidies adorned the chairs. Miss Prue's real work was among the poor. She gave the greater part of every day to visitations among the needy, the wretched, the sorrowing, the wicked, reading the Bible to them and praying with them, as well as finding material aid for those who were deserving. Many a sad face was brightened by her presence; many a tear she wiped away; many a fair face, which had felt its first blush of shame, was turned from the path of sin to righteousness and truth, by her earnest pleading words. Her spare minutes at home she devoted to something which should take her thoughts quite in an opposite direction. "I see and hear so much of the dark side of life," she often said, "that I must have bright, cheery things at home." She lived alone, took care of her own rooms, and still—besides her regular work—found time to write for the papers, to paint, to read, and to make various articles of fancy work. Many of her friends treasured the work of her hands in the shape of a little painting, or some dainty tidy or pin-cushion. With her usual quick perception, Miss Prue saw that her guest had come for some special purpose, and, like a wise woman, gave her time to tell it. She chatted to her about her visitations, showed her the painting she was at work on, and told the idea of her last new story. "Have you noticed that little white cottage across the street?" she asked at length. "I want to tell you about the young couple who have lately moved in there. They have known each other for a long time, and pledged mutual love some five years ago; but misunderstandings and lovers' quarrels separated them from time to time, only to be forgotten in the renewal of their affection. Young people think too lightly of such things in these days. If an engagement was looked upon as being as sacred as a marriage, there would be fewer wrecked hopes, and more happy hearts. Well, these friends of mine were delaying their marriage until Harry should be well settled in business. When he determined that he was ready for a wife, to his complete surprise Mamie suddenly broke off the engagement. I was deeply interested in it all, for I have known Mamie since she was a little girl, and I was kneeling close by Harry the night he was converted, which somehow gave me a claim in him. Moreover, they both trusted me with their trials, as well as their joy. I have a sister living in the town where Mamie's parents reside, and I concluded to go there for a visit. Of course I saw Mamie. She was miserable and unhappy, just as I had left Harry. She told me all about it, finally. She is a very sensitive, conscientious girl, and, a short time before, a gentleman, of whom she had thought merely as a friend, had asked her to marry him. She thought that she must have been guilty of some indiscretion in order to encourage him to such a proposal, and only wrote to Harry that she was not fit to be married, which, of course, puzzled him very much. I came back with her permission to tell Harry all about it. He took the next train to her home after he had heard the story, and they were married six weeks after. And they are so happy, perfectly contented with each other, and devoted to their little home. And when I am very weary, and have been where I have seen only wickedness and crime, I stop in there, on my way home, to steal a bit of their sunshine. And when they say, 'If it hadn't been for you, Miss Prue, we might not have been here,' I come home with my heart glowing with the thought that I have a share in that happy home life." Miss Prue paused, and Minnie came to a stool by her side, and laid her head in her lap. "Tell me some more," she said, softly. "There's another one of my girls," went on the gentle voice, "in whose happiness I do so rejoice. She came in one day to tell me how perplexed she was. A number of paths seemed opening before her, and she did not know which was the right one to follow. After she had told me all about it, a verse came into my mind, which I quoted to her: 'Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.' The very next day she came in with a radiant face to tell me how she did commit it all to him the night before, and in the morning she saw the way clearly; and, moreover, a letter had come to her, which assured her that she had made the right decision. So she is teaching now, and has made a home for her widowed mother, and her last letter was full of gladness from beginning to end. And I said to myself, 'Aren't my girls rich!' A bit of their wealth belongs to me. I like to live with those I love, especially in their joys. In fact, I have become so habituated to living with others, that I really question whether I have much life of my own. I have thought, lately, that if an angel should come to me as to Abou Ben Adhem, and ask me the same question, I should have to answer much as he did. Though I think that I should say, 'Write me as one who loves his fellow-men, and loves above all to find God in their lives.' There, my dear, have I tired you with my stories? You were so unfortunate as to find me in a talking mood."191 Minnie lifted her face, the brown eyes looking very deep, and the thoughtful lines most prominent in her whole face, but with a light over all. "You have given me just what I wanted, without my even asking you for it. And now I must go." "But this is not fair," and Miss Prue laid her hand detainingly on the girl's arm. "You know I must have my bit of it." "Well," Minnie answered, "I was thinking about what real happiness was. Tom quoted Kant, and mother quoted Scripture, but neither one answered my questionings. I know now." "There are two great commandments," said Miss Prue, earnestly. "To love God is first, but to love our fellow-men is like unto it." With a light step and lighter heart, Minnie hastened homeward. Willie was in the front yard, turning somersaults on the soft grass. "Oh, Minnie, he called out, "I have won the first prize at school." "Have you, dear? Well, I am ever so proud of my little brother." Will stopped his preparation for another turn, to look after her. "She never said anything like that before. I'll get the prize next time, too, if she's proud of me—you bet I will,"—and over went his heels, more emphatically than before. At the door Minnie met her mother. "Mr. Johnson was here while you were away, and he can invest that money for me at eight per cent." "How fortunate!" cried Minnie. "Now don't worry any more, will you, mamma?" and with a caress added to the endearing word, Minnie went on, while her mother's eyes moistened as she murmured, "She is a good daughter." Tom noticed the glad, bright eyes, and the sweet expression of his sister's face. "Happiness—that reminds me. Have you solved your problem, Min?" "Yes, Tom. It is to 'rejoice with them that do rejoice,' as well as to 'weep with them that weep.'"—North-Western Advocate. I SAW a man with tottering steps,
Come down a graveled walk one day:
The honored frost of many years
Upon his scattered, thin locks lay.
With trembling hand he strove to raise
The latch that held the little gate,
When rosy lips looked up and smiled—
A silvery child voice said, "Please wait." A little girl ope'd wide the gate,
And held it till he passed quite through,
Then closed it, raising to his face
Her modest eyes of winsome blue.
"May Heaven bless you, little one,"
The old man said, with tear-wet eyes;
"Such deeds of kindness to the old
Will be rewarded in the skies." 'Twas such a little thing to do—
A moment's time it took--no more;
And then the dancing, graceful feet,
Had vanished through the school-room door.
And yet I'm sure the angels smiled,
And penned it down in words of gold;
'Tis such a blessed thing to see
The young so thoughtful for the old. —The Michigan Legislature, having considered the question, has decided not to tax churches. —The adult white population of Texas is 750,000, and 250,000 of these are communicants of some church. —In 1853 the native Christians in China numbered 351; in 1863, 1,974; in 1868, 5,743; in 1872, 7,960; in 1877, 13,035; in 1881, 19,660. —When religious papers copy a joke that is going the rounds of the press, in which reference is made to the twentieth chapter of Hebrews, what inference may be drawn? —It is believed that the number of copies of the Bible in circulation has increased from 5,000,000, at the commencement of the present century, to 148,000,000 copies at the present time. —Dean Stanley once said, “If a man has not read ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ he should go and read it at once, and if he has read it a hundred times, he should go and read it for the hundred and first time.” —Within fifty years the number of mission stations has increased from 502 to 5,765, and the number of ordained missionaries has increased from 656 to 6,696, with 33,856 assistants, against 1,236 fifty years ago. —The New York Evening Post sent a circular note to various clergyman, requesting them to express their opinion upon the question of opening museums or libraries on Sunday. Of twenty-three responses, eighteen were against, and five in favor of Sunday opening. —The Christian Advocate gives this sound advice: “When a layman exhibits genuine zeal and capacity for usefulness, do not persuade him that he ought to get a license to preach. The very sort of men needed now are layman who have the mind of Christ and love his work.” —The Christian at Work says: “About the two silliest questions the Average Christian can discuss are: Is the decalogue binding on Christians? and, Shall we recognize our friends in Heaven?” We agree with it. No thinking person would question matters that are made so plain in the Bible as to seem almost self-evident. —There are now about 900 Wesleyan churches in the Fiji Islands, and 1,400 schools. Of a population of about 120,000, over 100,000 are reckoned as regular attendants at the churches. Idolatry is scarcely known, and cannibalism, for which these islands were so famous fifty years ago, has been voluntarily abandoned save by a single tribe. —A book on the Sabbath has been recently published, in which the author proves (?) that the earth was brought into existence on Monday, Sept. 23, of the year 1. We have not read the book, but if he does not also prove (?), before the close of the volume, that so much time has been lost that no one can tell whether the day now called Saturday, is Monday or Friday, the author is more consistent than most first-day writers. —It is stated that a movement is on foot among some of the more important Sunday-schools in favor of abolishing the old custom of bestowing Christmas presents on the children of the school, and substituting the practice of bringing presents by these children, to be donated to the less favored children of poor and distant mission fields. We know of schools that have pursued this course, with the most satisfactory results. It is well to give the children a chance to learn that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.” —In execrable taste Rev. Thomas Harrison, the revivalist, advertises in the Western Christian Advocate, of Cincinnati, the history of his life and other books. We might pass the advertisement by unnoticed, but that it contains his likeness, with the words, “THE BOY PREACHER,” in flaming capitals overhead. “Boy preacher,” indeed!—he is a man of twenty-five or thirty:—how long does that first childhood last, we should like to know? If Mr. Harrison proposes going on with his revival work we advise him to drop a method which more fittingly suits “Yours-for-health, Lydia E. Pinkham,” than a minister of the gospel.—Christian at Work. —It is said that Russia intends to reduce its army at the end of the year to 300,000 men. —Twelve persons were killed by the explosion of a boiler in a corn-chopping mill, in Baltimore, on the 13th inst. —News from Rio de Janeiro states that jewels to the value of £20,000, belonging to the ladies of the imperial family of Brazil, have been stolen. —Governor Tritle, of Arizona, has written President Arthur to urge an appropriation of $150,000 for the purpose of putting down outlawry in that Territory. —Five thousand Jews were expelled from Moscow during the Easter holidays. This would seem to indicate that religious prejudice is one factor, at least, in the persecution. —The postage stamps, cards, and stamped envelopes, issued for the nine months ending March 31, amounted to $30,697,119. The requisition for stamps in one day last week, aggregated $694,106. —Parnell has been released from confinement, to visit his sister in Paris. Although his release was only on parole, it is taken as an indication that the government is relaxing its coercive measures. —A boy only fifteen years of age has been arrested in Omaha, in the act of stealing from the mail. He had been at the business for some time, and had taken over $30,000 in money and drafts, from letters. —A bill has been passed in Canada, legalizing marriage with a deceased wife's sister. Those voting against the bill have given notice that they will appeal to the Governor-General for a veto, and, if this fails, they will petition the Queen to disallow the bill. —A Washington firm of lumber dealers recently received a car load of redwood, direct by rail from San Francisco. This was the first consignment of lumber ever received in Washington from California. Redwood is in considerable demand for interior trimmings. —A severe hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, visited the northern part of Texas, and southern part of Arkansas, April 12. The hailstones were reported to be very large, some of them ten inches in circumference. The damage to property in Dallas, Texas, is estimated at $150,000. —The Legislature of Ohio has passed a law giving to every village in the State, that has within its limits a college or university, power to provide its own ordinance against the evils resulting from the sale of intoxicating liquors. Oberlin people were instrumental in bringing the law about. —The announcement is made that the dry-goods firm known as A. T. Stewart & Co., have decided to close out their business. The business has been steadily running down since the death of A. T. Stewart. The failure is attributed largely to the loss of the Jewish trade, on account of the treatment of the Hebrews by Judge Hilton, manager of the estate. —In the trial of a Chinaman for burglary, in San Francisco, last week, although the offense was clearly proved, it was impossible to convict, because one of the jurors objected that imprisonment is no punishment for a Chinaman. He assented to the fact that the prisoner was guilty, but said he would not convict Chinese of anything less than murder, with the death penalty attached. The Judge promptly dismissed him from the jury. —A new bill, to restrict Chinese immigration for ten years instead of twenty, was passed in the House by a vote of 201 to 37. There is no doubt but it will become a law. Public sentiment in the East is quite strong against any restriction. A petition against any such measure, signed by nearly all the business men of New York, has been sent to the President, but large mass-meetings in favor of restriction have been held in Philadelphia and Chicago. —The Municipality of Catania, in Sicily, has just completed the erection upon Mount Etna, of an observatory, at the height of 9,671 feet above the sea level. It is believed that in the Etna observatory, spectroscopic results will be obtained, which are impossible at all the previously existing astronomical stations throughout Europe. The site of the observatory has been so selected that, in case of an eruption from the crater, a stream of lava would be divided above the building, and would pass it without injuring it. —A case was recently tried in San Francisco, in which a man brought suit against a street-car company, because a conductor had ejected him from a car. It appears that the man had no change, and tendered first a $5.00 gold piece, and afterward $20.00, in payment for his fare. The conductor refused to make change, and put him off. In the suit, the company claimed that its employes were not bound to make change. The plaintiff was awarded $800 damages. TRACTS.—2 cents each. Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code not Revised—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Judgment—Much in Little—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. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and for sale at this Office. History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week for the period of 6,000 years. By Eld. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.25 The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Dan. 8:14. By Eld U. Smith. 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By Editor
WE have received the first number (April, 1882) of a monthly of the above name, published by E. B. Meredith, 60 Wabash Ave., Chicago, edited by Dr. W. R. Harper, of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Morgan Park, Chicago. It contains twenty pages, to be increased to twenty-four, is well printed on fine paper. Price, $1.00 a year. It is published “in the interests of Old Testament Literature and Interpretation,” and is “the only periodical in the United States devoted exclusively to the interests of Old Testament study.” Dr. Harper is probably doing more than any other man in the country to arouse an interest in the study of the original of the Old Testament, and to aid those who are seeking to obtain a knowledge of the Hebrew language. The first number is one of interest to the Bible student, and with its list of contributors it cannot fail to keep up its interest. We may notice some of its articles hereafter. It is not for “scholars” or schooled men alone, but it is suited to all, and we recommend it to every minister. Castroville and Salinas, California.
By M. C. Israel
DURING the last ten days I have visited the Sabbath-keepers of these two places at their homes, and held meetings at the two places, in company with Brn. Benton and Lamb, through whose labors, principally, these have accepted the truth. We held three meetings at Castroville, and organized a T. and M. Society, of six members, who had already subscribed for a club of SIGNS and were doing missionary work. They also have an interesting Sabbath-school. A Union Church having been built there, they have the privilege of holding their meetings in it. On Sabbath, April 15th, we had a meeting of nearly all the Sabbath-keepers of the two places and vicinity, at Salinas. Over thirty were present. After the preaching service a second meeting was held in the afternoon, and a church of twenty-one members was organized. Henry Rieck, was elected Elder; A. French, Deacon; E. C. Starrett, Treasurer; and R. M. Ketchum, Clerk. Through the kindness of the pastor and trustees, we had the use of the Baptist Church and baptismal font on Sunday afternoon, where we had a discourse on baptism, at the close of which, seven willing souls followed the Lord by being "buried with him by baptism," and who we trust have risen to walk in newness of life. One of these was a member of the church, but was not satisfied with her former baptism. The other six were added to the church, making twenty-seven members in all. There are several others who keep the Sabbath and meet with us, who will unite with the church soon. Our hearts have been encouraged by witnessing what the Lord has done in that part of the State, within a year. The brethren are much encouraged, and wish to be remembered in the prayers of God's people. Oakland, April 18th. M. C. ISRAEL. Healdsburg Academy Opening.
WE have received information that "our school" opened with twenty-six scholars—a larger number than was expected the first day. The prospect is encouraging. We know of a number who are making preparations to go to Healdsburg soon to attend the school. Probably more definite information concerning the opening will be given in the SIGNS next week. THE friends in Central California will please note particularly:— 1. The address of the Camp-meeting Committee of the Southern California Camp-meeting. Weigh well the important considerations there presented. 2. The appointments of Elder Van Horn in this paper. By the severe sickness of his child, he was prevented from going to Fresno and Tulare Counties as early as was expected. His time to work in those counties is very short. To have it improved to the best advantage, all must attend the meetings now appointed. 3. The place of meeting—about one mile and a half south of Hanford, in Wason Grove. 4. We this week print a Camp-meeting Supplement of two pages, which will be sent to hundreds of people in those counties, and quantities will be sent to the churches to be circulated. Let them all be used. Give thorough notice of your meeting; expect your friends and neighbors to attend; and be sure to attend yourselves, and make your friends at home on the ground. The Camp-meeting in Washington Territory is definitely appointed in this paper. It will be at Dayton, Columbia Co., in the same park used last year. It will commence May 31. Though the time is about one week earlier than last year, it will be no detriment to the meeting. It will secure the attendance of some who could not attend at a later date; and the weather is as likely to be suitable then as later. Last year there was good weather at that season, but not much during the camp-meeting. And so in Oregon. The weather had been suitable for a Camp-meeting for weeks, but there was considerable storm during the meeting. We expect to attend these meetings, and hope the brethren and sisters will pray and work for successful meetings in both Conferences. We especially invite the young people of Oregon, who wish to work in the cause, to attend the Camp-meeting this year. Bro. Boyd, who appoints to be present, has given much attention to the work of organizing, and they will have an excellent chance to receive instruction in the various branches of the work. Profitable Sunday's Work.
On Sunday, April 9, $32,000 were raised in the First Congregational Church of Oakland, by the aid of Mr. Kimball, toward discharging the debt of the church. This was altogether the best-paying work done on that Sunday by any establishment in Oakland. We run our presses many Sundays for less money. No arrests have yet been made. What was lacking to pay the debt—about $11,000—was raised on Sunday, the 16th. We congratulate Dr. McLean on the financial success of the work of the two Sundays in his church. Southern Camp-Meeting.
By W. C. White
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As the time of our camp-meeting draws near, let us seek God earnestly for his blessing to rest upon us, and upon his cause in our section of the country. May we each realize that the success of the work committed to us depends on the efforts we put forth. So let us plead with God to bless the work of this camp-meeting, that both ourselves and our friends and neighbors may be truly benefited. We all need the privileges of the camp-meeting. Let us commence in time to shape our work so as to attend all the meetings. We may not have another opportunity of this kind. Remember that life is uncertain; let us wisely improve the present. If we do our duty, God will bless us; if we neglect it, he will hold us responsible. Talk with your neighbors and friends, and persuade them to attend the meetings. And let us make such preparation that we can make it a pleasant place for our friends to remain during the meeting. Bro. Van Horn has been detained at home by severe sickness in his family. He leaves his child still sick, to spend some time with us before the camp-meeting. Let us show that we appreciate the sacrifices which the servants of God are willing to make in our behalf, by faithfully seconding their efforts, and discharging our duty. And above all, let us remember the amazing sacrifice which God and his Son have made, that we may have life, and let us rejoice that we have the privilege of being workers together with God in the greatest work in which man can engage. Our missionary work has not received all that attention that it should have received. We need to have a revival of the spirit of consecration to the cause and work of God. Those who hold offices in the Missionary Societies need to be prompt in the discharge of their duties, and the members must be equally prompt in working and reporting their work. For our failures in the past let us unitedly humble ourselves before God, and seek a fitting up for future duty. Bring your children to the meeting. The Sabbath-school work will receive attention, and a school will be held on Sabbath mornings. Come expecting to take part in the exercises. Come expecting that your children will attend the meetings, and receive benefit from them. Pray for the success of the meetings in this respect. Do not let the burden of the meeting rest on a few. Let each one ask himself, What can I do to make this meeting successful? What responsibility rests upon me? Let no one urge that his talent is small, or that he has but one, and so hide it in the earth. The "sure word of prophecy" is fast being fulfilled, showing indeed that "now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." We have no time to lose. Who, by indifference or carelessness, will risk his case now? The prize is almost in sight. Let us not be weary in well-doing, but by diligence make our calling and election sure, and so gain an entrance abundantly into the kingdom of our Lord. CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
Hanford, Cal.