—The Belgium riots have been suppressed.
—A strong effort is being made to reopen the mint at Carson City, Nevada.
—Four men were drowned, April 1, at Readsboro, Vt., by the breaking of a bridge.
—The sealing steamer Resolute was lost recently in the Atlantic near Fargo Island.
—It is stated that the Pacific railroads owe the Government an aggregate debt of $105,000,000.
—Thirty-six ostriches, from Port Natal, Africa, were recently received by a breeder in Los Angeles, Cal.
—Warlike preparations continue at Constantinople, and war with Greece is now considered inevitable.
—A number of women, engaged in smuggling Anarchist publications into Belgium, have been arrested.
—A correspondent of the Baltimore Sun states that Mt. Vesuvius is showing signs of increased activity.
—Senator Stanford, of California, has denounced boycotting as an unwarranted interference with the rights of others.
—The eating-house of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, at Green River, Utah, was burned March 30. Loss, $18,000.
—April 1 eleven hundred iron workers at Lincoln, England, struck against a seven and one-half per cent. reduction of wages.
—Over 40,000 pounds of powder exploded in the Culebra section of the Panama Canal, March 30, killing ten men, and seriously wounding forty.
—The car and locomotive shops of the Northern Pacific Railway, located at Brainard, D. T., were destroyed by fire, March 28. Loss, $100,000.
—Northern Georgia and Alabama have recently suffered from heavy freshets. The damage to railroads, bridges, etc., is estimated at $2,000,000.
—March 30 a cyclone swept across a portion of Bullock County, Ala. Considerable damage was done, and four persons are known to have been killed.
—Indictments have been found against nearly all the prominent officials and politicians of East St. Louis, Ill., charging them with corrupt and criminal acts.
—Recent dispatches from Anam report a fresh massacre at the Catholic missions in the province of Quang Bang. The number of victims is said to have been 442.
—A body of revolutionists recently attacked a strong Government force near the river Daiman, Uruguay. The Government troops were defeated, with a loss of 400 men.
—The principal part of Key West, Florida, was destroyed by fire March 30. The loss will reach nearly one and a half million dollars. Fifteen persons were injured, but no lives were lost.
—Another arrest has been made in New York in connection with the Broadway Surface Railway bribery cases. This time it is an ex-alderman who is made to feel the strong hand of the law.
—It is reported that Russia has notified the powers of her intention to occupy Bulgaria in the event of Prince Alexander's final refusal to accept the Governorship of Roumelia for five years only.
—The New York Times makes public the statement that something like $500,000 has been spent in Congress by the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to prevent the forfeiture of its land grant.
—A dispatch dated March 30 says that a disease resembling malignant diphtheria has broken out in Johnstown, N. Y. There have been twenty-one deaths, the victims dying in a few hours after being attacked.
—Four lives were lost on the morning of April 3 in a fire at the Planters' Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. About three years ago, at about the same hour, three lives were lost under similar circumstances in the same building.
—Geronimo and his band of murderous Apaches surrendered to General Crook a few days since, but in less than twenty-four hours afterwards the chief with twenty of his followers made his escape. The Indians took their arms with them.
—A Constantinople dispatch says: "A series of experiments have been progressing at the Dardanelles to test the strength of several new Krupp guns. Several gunners have been killed, and a number of guns have been found to be worthless."
—The Eastern situation is constantly growing more threatening, and the Powers are all preparing for war. Both France and England are sending war vessels into the Mediterranean, and the impression at Athens is that Russia will invade Bulgaria.
—March 31 a mob demanding labor and railroad extension, assembled around the Parliament buildings at St. Johns, N. F., and stormed the Assembly House, routed the police, and broke into the Council chamber, planting their banner on the table of the House.
—The Tribune's Halifax special says: "Advices from Newfoundland report that terrible destitution is prevailing there. One hundred families in St. Johns are actually on the verge of starvation, and 1,600 people are being supplied with the necessaries of life either by the Government or public subscriptions."
—Another of the buildings erected by the notorious builder, Buddensiek, in New York, fell on the night of April 1, injuring three children, one fatally. One of Buddensiek's buildings fell a year ago, and one person was killed and ten injured. Buddensiek was convicted of manslaughter, and his sentence of ten years in prison is now suspended, pending an appeal. In the meantime, he is putting up numerous buildings.223—Owing to the outrages recently perpetrated upon Chinamen in the United States, the anti-foreign feeling in China is running very high, and the Government of that country has taken steps to prevent an outbreak. Orders have been issued forbidding even the use of violent language toward foreigners.
—The coast of Long Island was the scene of two marine disasters, March 31. The German steamer Europa went ashore at Quogue and was abandoned by her crew; and the City of Hartford, a steam vessel, was wrecked near Rye Beach. No lives were lost. The two vessels with their cargoes were valued at $400,000.
—The situation on the Missouri Pacific Railroad remains practically unchanged. Some trains are being moved, but only under strong guards. In a great number of cases, engines have been "killed," and some trains have been ditched. In four States,—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas,—proclamations have been issued and the militia called out. April 3, a conflict took place at Fort Worth, Texas, between the strikers and the civil authorities. Three officers were shot fatally. Several of the mob were also killed and others wounded.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—Speaking of cigarettes, an exchange says: "The empyreumatic oil of the paper is a deadly poison, and it is this that is making idiots and weak-minded creatures of those who otherwise might have developed into men of brain and power and influence."
—Webster & Co., publishers of General Grant's memoirs, are soon to publish the autobiography of Pope Leo XIII. The arrangements between the publishers and the pope have been made, and the book will appear in all the leading languages of the world.
—It is claimed that Mr. Edison is a Spiritualist medium, and that his invention of the quadruplex telegraph was revealed to him in a trance. The Religio-Philosophical Journal quotes a New York Congregationalist minister in proof of the statement.
—The Christian at Work has repeatedly declared its belief that the seventh day of the week, and that alone, is the Sabbath. Its advocacy of the Saturday half-holiday, however, is not a move in favor of at least partial Sabbath observance, but is on the principle that the Sabbath must be devoted to pleasure so that Sunday may be devoted to worship.
—The Indian Witness, in noting the death of the Rev. Cephas Bennett, the veteran missionary of Burmah, says that as the resources of the Baptist mission press at Rangoon developed, he added one language to another till he had printed the gospel message in five different tongues, not one of which ever had a word set up in type before.
—The Saturday half-holiday movement is assuming large proportions. A large meeting in its favor was recently held in Chickering Hall, New York, in which resolutions requesting proprietors of all places of business to close at one o'clock Saturday afternoon, and to take some other day for pay-day, were adopted unanimously and with great enthusiasm. A committee of one hundred was appointed to urge the general adoption of these measures. On this committee are such men as Mayor Grace, Judge Noah Davis, William E. Dodge, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Jacob Astor, Henry Ivison, Dr. Frank Hamilton, William A. Dorsheimer, and the principal clergymen of the city.
—Mr. A. H. Siegfried, Eastern manager of the Chicago Daily News, has a long article in the Christian Union on "The Attitude of the Secular Press towards Religion." His opinion is that the secular press of the United States is on the whole favorable to practical religion, and that "the newspaper can and does go where religion cannot without smirching her garments, and so becomes her willing, strong, and sometimes indispensable ally." Concerning the Sunday newspaper, he says: "It will stay; it will grow; you cannot down it, or even ignore it. What is religion going to do for it and with it? Shall it be a Sunday newspaper, or a paper for and of the Sabbath?" It will doubtless be a Sunday newspaper until the church gets hold of it, when it will be a paper of and for the Sunday.
Whitfield's Revivals.
It may be interesting and profitable to note two facts in connection with the great work of this man of God.
1. They are coupled with foreign missions.
George Whitfield had shown some success as pastor through his great faithfulness and real ability. But while he was waiting for a church to be given by his bishop, after having entered upon the first stage of ordination, he decided to accept the foreign charge of Georgia in America. It took as long in 1738 to go to Georgia from England as it now takes to go from the United States to India. Then Georgia was a wilderness, and far more sickly than our Midnapore. Friends sought to dissuade Whitfield from this foreign charge. They told him of his talent, and of some large curacy to which he would be preferred at home. But Whitfield stood firm. There were some months before his ship would sail for Georgia. He meanwhile occupied his time in going about England, preaching and making an acquaintance with the churches as he was invited; and at once a most remarkable work began. Thousands flocked to hear the young preacher who had sacrificed himself to go to Georgia. The Spirit came with power upon preacher and hearers. Sinners by hundreds were melted. Whitfield went to bid his friends farewell at Bristol. He was invited to preach. The record says: 'All denominations hastened to hear him. The whole city seemed to be alarmed.' So from city to city, always with the same power, was he invited over England till the day he sailed.
2. His remarkable work occurred, too, in connection with giving.
In Georgia, Whitfield soon found he needed funds with which to provide for children made orphans by the pestilence with which that new climate swept away parents. Whitfield soon returned to England to solicit funds for his orphanage, and to complete his ordination. His zeal soon aroused the enmity of his brethren in the episcopacy. They refused him their pulpits. He, led by God, betook himself to commons and to groves. Thus he collected for his orphanage; but best of all, he gathered a rich harvest of souls for the garner of his Lord. Concerning Georgia, Whitfield says: 'Thus the place I intended to hide myself in became, through my being obliged to return for these purposes, a means of increasing that popularity which was already begun, but which, by me, was absolutely unforeseen, and absolutely undesigned.'—Morning Star.
Protecting Buildings from Earthquakes
Earthquakes are literally an every-day occurrence in Japan, and recent experiments by Professor Milne, of the Imperial College of Engineering, Tokio, show that the vibrations are chiefly horizontal, and generally in irregular ellipses, like the figure 8, in spirals, and many complicated forms. Even small areas have a variety of motions, in various directions, so that one part of a building is shaken in one direction while another part is shaken differently; spots of even small areas are free from vibration while others have a maximum motion, so that it is possible to select a spot for building where little or no shock is felt. Professor Milne has found that interposing small balls, say 1/4-inch shot, between properly formed plates, in the foundation of a large building, so that the whole could be moved a slight distance in any direction, caused the vibrations of the earth to be very slightly felt in the building. Also by digging deep trenches for the foundation walls, so that the latter did not come in contact with the surface of the earth, the vibration was very small. It is found necessary to either bind buildings, having ordinary foundations, very securely together, or to purposely allow different parts to vibrate independently. Chimneys, for instance, must not be connected to a building, as they are less liable to fall if standing alone.—Sabbath Recorder.
Obituary.
By John Norton Loughborough
COREY.—Sister Anna E. Corey, aged forty-seven, formerly of Gaines, Mich., died of typhoid malarial fever, in Temperance Colony, Fresno County, Cal., December 20, 1885. Remarks were made at the funeral by Brother M. J. Church, elder of the Fresno church, from Rev. 14:9-12. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." Sister Corey leaves a husband and six children to mourn their loss. She rests in hope of a part in the first resurrection.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Appointments.
By Editor
North Pacific Conference.
CAMP-MEETING.
THIS Conference will hold its next annual camp-meeting May 18-25, at East Portland, Oregon.
There are many reasons why every lover of the truth should be at this annual convocation, and why he should bring his children, friends, and neighbors. There are thousands in our Conference who are unacquainted with present truth. To us is committed the solemn trust of presenting this light to them. We have one year less in which to do this than at our last annual meeting. Our corps of workers has more than doubled, but we greatly need the reconverting influence of God's Spirit to fit us for the work he has given us to do.
We greatly fear some will not come at the beginning of this meeting. Perhaps they will get here the last of the week, and will then realize something of their loss, and will wonder why we do not have a two weeks' camp-meeting. Elder Geo. I. Butler can be with us just one week. This may be your last chance to meet with him. Best of all, we expect Jesus to be with us the entire week. If we can all be baptized with the Spirit from on high, we may hope to carry the truth to many souls during the coming year.
There will be a stand where healthful provisions can be obtained at reasonable rates; also a restaurant where a limited number can obtain meals.
Tents, if ordered in season, can be rented at the following rates: 12x14, $4.50; 10x12, $3.50; 8x10, $2.50. These you will find ready pitched on the ground. One dollar extra will be charged for floors. Send in your orders at once to Wm. Potter, East Portland, Oregon.
CONFERENCE.
The tenth annual session of the North Pacific Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, May 18-25. Every church is entitled to one delegate, and an additional delegate for every ten members. Thus, if a church has ten members, it is entitled to two delegates, and an additional delegate for each additional ten members. These are to be elected by the church, and not appointed at the Conference, as has sometimes been done. Every one should be present at the first meeting, Tuesday, May 18, that the committees may be appointed, and all business be done early. The last of the meetings may then be devoted wholly to religious exercises.
TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The tenth annual session of the North Pacific Tract and Missionary Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, May 18-25. Every member of the society is a voter, and it is necessary that every voter be present to assist in laying plans for the coming campaign. Special instruction is needed in the different branches of the work.
SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By Conference Committee
The eighth annual session of the North Pacific Sabbath-school Association will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, May 18-25. All members of the Sabbath-schools are members of this association, and should be present to participate in its deliberations.
CHAS. L. BOYD, WM. POTTER, J. E. GRAHAM, } Conference Committee.
Workers' Institute.
By Charles L. Boyd
A WORKERS' institute will be held at East Portland, Oregon, May 3-18. Instruction will be given by those of experience in canvassing, Bible-reading, tract society and general missionary work. Every church and company should have men and women qualified to do these different kinds of work in the Master's vineyard.
To all who love the truth, I wish to say, If you cannot come yourself, will you not encourage and assist, if necessary, some worthy brother or sister to attend this institute? To insure success in our work we need discipline. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Annual Meeting.
THE regular annual meeting of the Rural Health Retreat Association will be held at the Retreat, near St. Helena, Napa County, Cal., Tuesday, April 13, 1886, at 9 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of selecting a Board of Trustees, and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting.
It is designed at this meeting to change Art. 3, Sec. 1, of our present Code of By-Laws by substituting the word "five" for the word "seven," so as to read: "The business of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Five Directors, who shall be Stockholders in the Association." This change is deemed necessary to conform to the charter.
A full representation in person or by proxy is desired.
By order of the President.
J. S. GIBBS, Secretary.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
SEND to this office for Catalogue and circulars of new books, pamphlets, etc. We have a fine assortment of books for Sabbath-school and teachers' libraries. Catalogue sent free to any address.
Special Notice to Agents.
By Editor
WHEN sending orders to this office for SIGNS, Pacific Health Journal, American Sentinel, and books, please make the orders for the different periodicals on separate slips of paper, as separate books are kept for each periodical. Place the orders for SIGNS on one slip of paper; those for the Health Journal on another; those for the Sentinel on still another, etc. By so doing you will greatly accommodate the clerks in the office, and facilitate business.
RECEIPTS.
By Editor
NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.
ORDERS FORWARDED
By Editor
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—G W Cody $25, Mrs A Danforth $10.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—N Y T and M Society $150, Elder T M Steward $5. California T and M Society Dist No 3, Oakland Society, $70.75.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Philip Kent, F T Lamb, J G Smith, W H Saxby, L A Scott, Henry Scott, Australian Mission.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—A T Robinson, Isaac Morrison, Mrs Dora King, F T Lamb, Eld D T Fero, Lannus Pilkington, Conrad Walter, W S Swayze, R M Smith.
PEARLY PORTALS.
By D. S. Hakes
By D. S. Hakes.
The music and words of this book are mostly entirely new, and well adapted to the Sabbath-school and social circle. It is receiving the most unqualified praise from all who have examined it. The music is of a high order throughout, and yet not at all difficult.
160 pp. Per copy, 35 cents; $3.60 per dozen. Bound, 50 cents; $5.00 per dozen.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE ADVENT REVIEW
By Editor
AND SABBATH HERALD,
A RELIGIOUS FAMILY JOURNAL,
PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH., BY THE S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
Sixteen large, closely printed pages of choice reading matter, treating upon all the Prophetic themes of the Bible, the Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ at Hand, Closing Reforms in the Church, the Gospel of Christ, Conversion, Practical Godliness, etc. etc.
This is the organ of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, the oldest journal of this people. It is now in its sixty-third volume. Contains full reports from the ministers and the doings of the different organizations of this denomination. No one should fail to take the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Price, in advance, $2.00 per year. Address, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
THE SABBATH QUESTION IS THE
LEADING SUBJECT OF THE DAY.
THE GREAT DEMAND OF THE HOUR,
From the Pulpit and the Press, in Social Circles and in Legislative Halls, is, that the Sabbath be more strictly observed. To assist the intelligent-minded of our land to have correct views of this important question, a book has been prepared which thoroughly discusses the Sabbatic institution in every conceivable phase. Such is the
"HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK,"
BY JOHN NEVINS ANDREWS.
This great and exhaustive work is the result of ten years' hard labor and historical research. The book contains 528 12mo pages, and is printed in clear type, on good paper, and is well bound. Price, $1.25, post-paid.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
By Eld. D. M. Canright.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
SMITH'S DIAGRAM OF PARLIAMENTARY RULES,
—SHOWING—
### THE RELATION OF ANY MOTION TO EVERY OTHER MOTION, AND ANSWERING AT A GLANCE OVER 500 QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE;
—TOGETHER—
WITH A KEY CONTAINING CONCISE HINTS AND DIRECTIONS FOR CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OF DELIBERATIVE ASSEMBLIES.
A work designed for Students, Teachers, Professional Men, all who may be called upon to preside over business meetings, all who ever have occasion to take part in business proceedings, and all who may wish to inform themselves on the important subject of Parliamentary Rules. The subject is here presented under
AN ENTIRELY NEW ARRANGEMENT,
By which a great amount of information is presented to the eye at once, in a MARVELOUSLY CONDENSED FORM. By an ingeniously-devised system of diverging and converging lines, all the rules applying to any given motion, and all the motions coming under any given rule, are presented at one view, FACILITATING IMMENSELY the acquisition of a general knowledge of this subject, and furnishing to a Chairman instant information on any point upon which doubts may arise.
IT IS TO THE STUDY OF PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE WHAT A MAP IS TO THE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHY.
Bear in mind that every member of a deliberative assembly should understand parliamentary rules as well as the Chairman, to avoid the mortification of moving out of order.
Size of Diagram, 12½ by 6½ inches, printed on bond paper. A key is appended to the Diagram, containing full explanations, hints, and directions for conducting deliberative proceedings, printed on fine calendered paper, with ornamental colored border. The whole is put up in neat muslin covers, embossed in jet and gold, convenient and durable for pocket use.
Price, by mail, post-paid, single copy, . . . 50 cents.
Agents wanted in the Western States.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
American Slavery.
By Editor
A DISPATCH from Kansas City, March 25, reads as follows:—
"With the exception of the Pacific Roads, the railroad blockade has been raised from this city, the switchmen's strike having been settled. Freight is going forward as usual on the Atlantic and Pacific. The terms of settlement are as yet unknown. The men returned to work at 7 o'clock last night by order of the chief of their association, and are themselves ignorant of the prices fixed upon."
If there is any worse case of Chinese slave labor in the United States than that, we have never heard of it. The Chinese, we believe, although under the control of some company, are informed as to the wages they will receive when they are set to work. At any rate their case is no worse than that of the white laborer, yet we have seen no protest against white slavery. These poor laborers are deluded with the idea that they are striking for liberty, while they are in reality in a condition of voluntary servitude to labor "managers." No Southern overseer ever exercised such despotic sway as is exercised by the men who control a large part of the laborers of this country. Oath-bound secret societies have made it impossible to any longer call this a free country.
Canvassing Great Controversy Illustrated
By Editor
A BROTHER in Kansas writes: "I have canvassed two days, and have taken nine orders for 'Great Controversy Illustrated.' Facts show that agents can do well selling this book. And every book that is sold is worth a hundred sermons. Here is a field for missionary labor."
Seventh-day Adventists and Women’s Rights
By Editor
"Will you please give the views of Seventh-day Adventists on so-called Women's Rights,—the propriety of women voting?"
The Seventh-day Adventists have no "views" on the subject. Individuals probably have their own opinions, but the denomination has no time to give to such questions.
Fresno Camp-Meeting Notes
By Editor
BRIEF notes from the Fresno camp-meeting, which will be closed before this paper comes from the press, state that the weather is very pleasant. About 175 people are camped on the ground. Only a moderate attendance of the citizens. In the Sabbath-school the first Sabbath there were 160 members, in 24 classes. The Sabbath-school contribution was $16.55.
The Bible-Based Message
By Editor
It is impossible to please everybody. Sometimes people hastily charge us with teaching doctrines that are not found in the Bible. After they have read the SIGNS awhile, they find out their mistake. But now comes a man who lives in this State, and feels very much grieved because the message which we preach is "derived from the Bible, and only from the Bible." If he wants anything different, we shall have to disappoint him.
Spiritualism in the Press
By Editor
THE editor of the Golden Gate, after referring to the contemptuous terms in which it was formerly the custom of the press to speak of Spiritualist meetings, says: "Now there is not a daily paper in the city [San Francisco] that does not speak as respectfully of Spiritualism as it would of Presbyterianism or Methodism." There is something significant in this, and we believe that the result will be, as the editor predicts, that thousands who have never done so, will soon identify themselves with the Spiritualists.
Chinese Retaliation and American Civilization
Of the reports that the Chinese Government was going to retaliate for the ill treatment of its people in America, a San Francisco Chronicle editorial says:—
"The very latest dispatches from the Admiral commanding on the Chinese station report the prompt punishment by the Chinese authorities of some Chinese rioters who molested Americans."
That is no doubt owing to the fact that they are pagans, and have not risen to the level of "our American civilization."
Fashion and What Is Right
A PRACTICE is not necessarily wrong because it happens for a time to be fashionable. "Fashion" is exceedingly changeable, and those persons who steadily follow a sensible custom may occasionally find themselves in fashion. Such ones cannot be said to follow fashion, and should not discard a good thing because it chances to be fashionable. There is nothing wrong, but rather the contrary, in doing as other folks do when they do what is sensible and right. The wrong consists in following custom simply because it is custom. Do what is right, regardless of what others do.
THIS is the title of a 16-page tract which has just been issued at the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The following note, which stands as a preface, will show the object of the tract:—
"In 1881 we procured from the publishers a pamphlet, as noticed below, and that part of it which related to Exodus 16 we reviewed in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, June 2. So many called for it that we republished our review in 1883. As there are still calls for those numbers which we cannot supply, we now put it in a tract, so that we can supply them as desired."
The tract contains our articles reviewing the professed exposition of Exodus 16 by a Mr. Armstrong, of the Genesee Conference. We have invited a review of our review of Armstrong, over and over promising to publish a correction and retraction if anybody will show that we erred in a single particular in our criticism of Armstrong's deceptive book. There are plenty of people who are interested in the matter, who have the ability to point out our errors if they existed. We have no fear in that direction. Mr. Armstrong misrepresents the Hebrew of the book of Exodus, and his friends must know it. Why his book is kept in the market is beyond our ken. Wherever Mr. Armstrong's book is used, we invite the friends of the truth to use this tract.
Give a Reason.
If a child be asked why it is doing a certain thing, it will be very likely to answer, "Because." This answer is generally regarded as an evidence that there is no cause, or that if there be a reason for the action, the child does not know of it. If an adult should give such a reply, we should know that he had no reason to give. But if either the child or the adult should return the answer, "Because I do," we should say that he was either unreasonable or impudent. Now for the application. We ask people why they follow certain practices in religion, and the answer is, "Because it is the custom of the Christian world." What is this but saying, Because we do? Ought not reasonable people to abandon a practice for which they can give no better reason than that? "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21. And "sanctify the Lord God in your heart; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." 1 Peter 3:15.
Easy Proof.
By Editor
A MAN in Missouri sends us five pages of manuscript in which he "proves," to his own satisfaction, no doubt, that the Sunday is the true seventh day of the fourth commandment. And how does he arrive at this conclusion? Simply by calling Friday the fifth day of the week. This might do if a man had power to change the nature of a thing by calling it by another name. Friday is the sixth day of the week, and Sunday is the first, no matter what people call them. Saturday is also the seventh day of the week, and "the seventh day is the Sabbath." Calling it by a name that does not belong to it, will not change the fact.
What Has Passed Away.
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17. There are many who apply this to the keeping of the commandments, especially to the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath. Such persons seem to forget that the very next clause adds, "And all things are of God." The seventh-day Sabbath is one thing that is of God; for the commandment says: "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." The "old man," the "body of sin" (Rom. 6:6), is the sum of the "old things" that have passed away to those who are "in Christ." "Sin is the transgression of the law;" therefore those who are in Christ have put away transgressions of the law. Out of Christ they could not keep the law acceptably (Rom. 8:7, 8); in Christ they are able to do the things that are of God, among which the fourth commandment stands prominent.
The Fashion of Wearing Birds
It is estimated that the women of this country are responsible for the destruction of 10,000,000 birds every year. The birds, many of them song birds, are used for the purpose of disfiguring ladies' hats. A writer in the London Truth says that the queen contemplates issuing a note "censuring the barbarous and vulgar fashion which so many women have lately adopted of wearing the bodies of birds, or parts of their bodies, on bonnets, hats, and dresses. Her Majesty strongly disapproves of this practice, which of late has greatly increased, which is daily increasing, and which most assuredly ought to be abolished." But those who follow that fashion would adopt another equally abominable, if that were abolished.
The Enemy of Temperance
By Editor
The Advance says: "The greatest enemy of the temperance cause to-day, is the movement in favor of high license." We most heartily agree, although many good men are advocating it. It is possible for an honest man to be deceived or mistaken. The liquor traffic is an evil, and only an evil—an unmitigated curse. But when it is licensed by the Government, it is given the stamp of respectability, and is thus made a greater curse than it could be if unlicensed. To license the liquor traffic, is virtually to say that it is right, and the Bible says: "He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him." Prov. 24:24.
The Signs of the Times.
By Editor
OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, APRIL 8, 1886.
Payment in Advance
By Editor
We send no papers from this office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.