—Pennsylvania has a population of 4,000,000 of whom 1,000,000 live in cities.
—The St. Gothard tunnel, under the Helvetic Alps, measures nearly ten miles in length, costing about $60,000,000.
—Extreme destitution prevails in Labrador, and fears are entertained that, unless assistance is promptly rendered, many people will die of starvation.
—Until recently human as well as animal bones were used in French sugar refineries; in fact the former were as lately as 1858 sent from Algeria to France.
—May 8, the steamship Gaelic, of the Occidental and Oriental steamship line, arrived at San Francisco from Hongkong and Yokohama with 549 Chinese passengers on board.
—It is estimated that the sugar crop of Cuba will be 100,000 tons short this season. It is time the United States took effectual means to inaugurate the extensive production of beet sugar.
—Postal statistics show that of all European countries (Russia probably excepted) the fewest letters are written in Spain. Thus in 1875-6 only 87,000,000 letters passed through the Postoffice, being but 5.49 to each inhabitant.
—Immigration to this country seems to be slightly increasing again, as seen from the statistics of arrivals and from the reports of consuls in European ports, that laborers who went from America at the beginning of hard times are begging for means to return.
—There is a prospect of a large emigration of English people, discouraged by stagnation in business, resulting in strikes, etc., to the mineral and agricultural lands of Alabama, following the investment of English capital in the railroads of that State.
—There are now in the Massachusetts women's prison three hundred and fifty-five female convicts, their ages ranging from sixteen to sixty-eight years. In the nursery attached there are forty-three babies, fourteen of whom were born in prison. The convicts are guarded, controlled and managed by women, and as a reformatory institution it is making a good record.
—May 8, Charles Morgan died in New York city. He was owner of Morgan's line of steamships running between New York and New Orleans and other vessels in the Texas trade—twenty-one in all. He was sole owner of the railroad running from New Orleans to Morgan City and the railroad from Indianola to Victoria, Texas. His fortune was estimated at $13,000,000.
—The Sydney correspondent of the Australian and American Home News writes that the loss in Australia by drouth in 1876 represented about $10,000,000. It was with great difficulty that stockholders could be induced to furnish statistics. The losses in 1877 are known to be very much heavier. Previous prosperous seasons have enabled the colonies to bear up under this heavy blow, but, of course, many individuals have gone under.
Mr. Muller in Oakland.
TUESDAY, May 7, Rev. Geo. Muller delivered his first lecture in Oakland in the German language. He spoke in English on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday evenings, and also on Sunday at 11 A. M. The subject of his lecture on Friday evening was the Orphan's Home of which he was the founder. Each time he spoke to large and attentive audiences.
Tent in San Francisco.
OUR meetings have now continued about four weeks, and we have given forty discourses. We are at the most interesting point, where souls are deciding to obey the truth. We have about one hundred interested hearers, and out of these we shall have many accessions to the numbers in San Francisco.
On Sunday evenings our tent is well filled. Last Sunday evening Sister White gave an earnest discourse from John 15: 1-10, which was well received by the people and moved hearts. A number have already decided to go with us and we are reaching out for more. We are satisfied that the plan we have adopted of canvassing San Francisco by sections is the true plan of doing the work here. It is impossible to draw them together to one concentrated meeting at present. As expressed in one of the dailies last week, there is "no city in the nation, of double the number of inhabitants, that spread over so much territory as San Francisco." To reach the people we must go where they are. Pray for us.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, W. M. HEALEY.
Giving of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai.
By W. M. Healey
"Thus did Almighty God for the first time publish his commandments in a solemn manner to the world. They are ten in number, and contain the sum of all our obligations both to God and man; they will, to the latest posterity retain their full force, and no man can ever presume to transgress them without incurring the guilt of sin.
It is the wish of devoted men, that every Christian shared a part at least of that holy fear with which the Israelites were at that time so deeply penetrated. Such a fear is the beginning of true wisdom; it checks the passions, and restrains the heart from vice. Length of time and corruption of morals, first amongst the Jews and since amongst Christians, have almost worn out the salutary impressions, and left the world imperfectly sensible of its sacred obligations.
Self-love has studied every art, and by every subtlety has tried to explain away the force of God's precepts, and to remove every bar that is a check to our corrupt inclinations. But Jesus Christ who has assured us that not so much as the least tittle of this law can be altered, continues to be still the same God he always was, and still exacts the same respectful obedience to his precepts. No length of time can prescribe against their force, and no fashions of the age can make any change in the nature of their obligations. It is not fear, it is the nobler sentiments of love and charity, that ought to influence our obedience to the law of God.
Servile fear may for awhile restrain a slave from vice; it never can perfect the freeborn sons of God in Christian virtue. Very different from the stiff-necked Israelites, who desired God to speak no longer, lest their fears might kill them, a Christian wishes to hear the voice of God for himself; for he knows that the words of God are the words of life, and therefore begs him to accompany them with the unction of his holy Spirit, that his yoke might be made sweet and his burden light."—Reves Bible History, p. 107. W. M. Healey.
Personal.
By James White
We take pleasure in stating that Brother John Griffith, who this 8th day of May, completes the house at our mountain home at Healdsburg, has done a beautiful job, and has by faithful labor and good management saved us hundreds of dollars which would have been required by other builders. We recommend him to those who have buildings to erect as a faithful workman and master of trade, a quiet Christian gentleman, and one every way worthy of patronage. J. W.
Received.
By Editor
Copies of the Italian tract, Il Sabato della Bibbia, published in Bâle, Switzerland, were received at this Office a few days since. This tract is a neat thirty-two page, on the subject of the Bible Sabbath. It contains a list of tracts published in the French and Italian languages. We rejoice to know the light of Bible truth is spreading among the different nations, and as we see these tracts published in the various languages, we are reminded of the words of a popular writer upon their mission:—
"> It is my conviction that more will have to be done through the press. Tracts can go everywhere. Tracts know no fear. Tracts never tire. Tracts never die. Tracts can be multiplied without end by the press. Tracts can travel at little expense. They run up and down like angels of God; blessing all, giving to all, and asking no gift in return. They can talk to one as well as a multitude; and to a multitude as well as to one. They require no public room to tell their story in. They can tell it in the kitchen or the shop, the parlor or the closet, in the railway carriage or in the omnibus, on the broad highway or in the footpath through the fields. They take no note of scoffs, or jeers, or taunts. No one can betray them into hasty or random expressions. Though they will not always answer questions, they will tell their story twice, or thrice, or four times over, if you wish them. And they can be made to speak on every subject, and on every subject they may be made to speak wisely and well. They can, in short, be made vehicles of all truth, teachers of all classes, the benefactors of all lands."
Circulate the "Signs."
By Editor
A BROTHER in this city, who has been sending the SIGNS to a friend in Bryantsville, Kentucky has received a reply from which we are permitted to extract the following:
"The more I read your paper the better I like it. The paper advocates a new doctrine to this part of the country, and I can hardly keep it until I have read it. An Adventist was never heard of in this part of the country until that paper found its way here. After reading it, and searching the Scriptures, I have come to think that it comes nearer teaching the true light than anything I ever read. I am not a member of any church and don't lean to any denomination, so I read it with impartiality, and I am not far from being an Adventist."
Red Bluff, Tent No. 3.
TWENTY-SIX lectures have been given. Ten have signed the covenant. One of them was "buried in baptism" to-day in the Sacramento river, there was from four to five hundred persons present. The average attendance at our meetings is about thirty. Pray for us.
M. C. ISRAEL,
B. A. STEPHENS.
May 12, 1878.
Hymns of Praise.
By Editor
WE have just issued a 64-page collection of hymns and tunes adapted to use in religious lectures, camp and tent-meetings, in social meetings and in the home circle. The hymns are all accompanied by music.
The first part of the book is devoted to standard hymns and tunes. The remainder is filled up with new, stirring, sacred songs, some of which appear for the first time in this book, and any one of which is worth more than the price of the book. Price, paper cover, 10 cents ; board covers, 15 cents ; cloth covers, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Oakland, Cal.
APPOINTMENTS.
By Editor
We will speak at the tent in San Francisco Sabbath May 18, at 10:30 A. M.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, W. M. HEALEY.
I WILL speak in Oakland Sunday evening May 19, at 7:30.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
THE camp-meeting of the North Pacific Conference of S. D. Adventists will be held from June 27, to July 2, 1878. The place of meeting will be on the land of Adam Stephens, three miles north of Salem, on the line of the O. & C. railroad.
The second annual session of the North Pacific Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting. The proper number of delegates should be chosen by each organized and partially organized church, to represent them at the meeting. Ministerial help from the California Conference may be expected.
I. D. VAN HORN,
S. MAXON,
THOS. STARBUCK. } Conf. Com.
Camp-Meetings.
CAMP-MEETINGS for 1878 are located and appointed as follows:—
KANSAS, Neosho Falls, May 22-27
NEW YORK, East Aurora, May 29 to June 4
WISCONSIN, Madison, " " " " "
MISSOURI, Appleton City, " 30 " " "
" Gallatin, June 6-11
MINNESOTA, Hutchinson, June 19-25
OREGON, Salem, June 27 to July 2
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.
Received for the Signs.
$2.00 EACH. Geo F Gilson 5-19, W P Hammond 5-8, Joseph Mayhew 5-19, Mrs D M Prosser 5-19, H C Chrisman 5-19, Mrs Brothers 5-1, Geo Chitwood 5-19, Wm Leavitt 5-1, Mrs M E Blackerby 4-45, D J Burroughs 5-16, F Peabody 5-16, Mrs F A Reed 5-19, Jonas Farnesworth 5-15, Bruce Graham 5-21, Emeline More 5-19.
$1.50 EACH. Jessie Tullebright 5-19, Mark L Lowrey 5-29, S W Armor 5-19, Wm Hand 5-19, T J Holcomb 5-19, Emily E Light 5-19, Chas P Haskell 5-19, Minerva A Carman 5-19, Mary B Thompson 5-19, Marvin C Amidon 5-19, Cyrus P Amidon 5-19, Melinda Case 5-19, Albert Amidon 5-19, Absalom Davis 5-19, J E Atchison 5-19, Charles Wardell 5-19.
30 CTS EACH. Mr Tommensen 4-31, Mrs Younghans 4-31, Mrs Dommiy 4-31, Thos Maguire 4-31, A Toft 4-31, A Jenson 4-31, M Pedersen 4-31.
MISCELLANEOUS. N C Bryant $1.00 4-38, P B Emerson 50c 4-32, John R Taylor 75c 4-48, H R Reynolds 50c 4-31, John Reynolds 50c 4-31, Mrs J B Brown 3.00 6-1, A W Cove (8 copies) 12.00 4-6, Edmond Wright 50c 4-35, Mrs Maria Myers 75c 4-43, Mrs Sarah Tuttle 75c 4-43, Cadie B Harris 75c 4-43, Samuel Swarts 50c 4-32, W S Foote (6 copies) 9.00 5-11, S L Welch (3 copies) 4.50 5-19, E H Whitney (8 copies) 12.00 5-7, Isadore Green (11 copies) 16.50 5-18, Mrs Lina Penniman (9 copies) 13.50 5-19, Mrs B A King (2 copies) 3.00 5-14, J W Shields (8 copies) 8.00 5-1, Chas A Butler 50c 4-27, S D A Tract Society South Lancaster (25 copies) 37.50 5-16, S N Haskell (26 copies) 39.00 5-2, V M Society South Lancaster (33 copies) 49.50 5-7, V M Society South Lancaster (14 copies) 21.00 5-16, G F Richmond (5 copies) 7.50 5-7, J R Israel (25 copies) 37.50 5-12.
Received on Account.
Cal T and M Society $69.50; Vermont T and M Society 50.00.
California Conference Fund.
Dixon $33.00, Pacheco 13.90.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
CRUDEN'S Concordance. $1.75, post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book ; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.
Progressive Bible Lessons. 50 cts.
“ “ “ “ for Children. 35 cts.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In Board, 50 cts; in paper 30 cts.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.00.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25, post-paid.
Thoughts on Daniel. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30 cts.
Life of Joseph Bates, with Likeness. Revised. Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, $1.25.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the "Christian Statesman." Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. Mrs. E. G. White. 416 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in seven Pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White :-
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry - - - 10 cts
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness - - - 10 cts
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables - - - - 15 cts
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles - - - - - - 15 cts
No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion - - - - 10 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension - - - 10 cts
No. 7. The Apostles of Christ - - - - - - 10 cts
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 75 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (Poem.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts.; paper, 15 cts.
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 25 cts.
Facts for the Times. 25 cts.
The nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. C. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God. J. H. W. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Saints' Inheritance, or the Earth made New. J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. J. N. A. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-four. James White. 10 cts.
Review of Baird's Two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. W.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Milton on the State of the Dead. 5 cts.
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Argument on Sabbath—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture Reference—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The First Message of Rev. 14—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day do You keep and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on immortality—Is the End Near?—Can We know?
Address, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
Visit to San Francisco.
By James White
Sister Isabella Moore was among the first to embrace the Sabbath in San Francisco, very soon after the opening of the mission in California by Elders Loughborough and Bourdeau. She has maintained a consistent firmness in adhering to the faith, and in the discharge of her duties as a true Christian lady from the first.
But sickness of a dangerous type came upon her about a year since, upon which she has been balancing in point of health and life, between hope and fear, more recently however the matter has seemed to be decided that her stay on these mortal shores was very brief, and agreeable to her request, as stated in the last weeks SIGNS, we have this day, Sabbath, May 11, administered to her the Lord's supper. Several of the earliest friends of the cause joined in this solemn ordinance at the house of her son-in-law, Gov. Holden. Mrs. Holden, the worthy daughter of Sister Moore is not a practical Seventh-day Adventist, but we were glad that she partook of the emblems, while tears flowed freely. Hers has been a sacred trust in so faithfully caring for one of God's dear children, for which she will not lose her reward.
As we shook Sister Moore's hand and expressed our last farewell she stated that she did not expect to see us again; to which we replied, probably not until we meet to eat bread in the kingdom of God. May we all prove faithful and meet our dear sister with all the family of the redeemed around the supper table of the Lamb.
J. W.
Pacheco.
By E. R. Gillett
LAST Sabbath and Sunday, in company with Sister White and Brother and Sister Baker, I attended meeting in Pacheco. Friday evening at 7:30 quite a company were assembled to hear Sister White. She spoke over one hour in her usual earnest and instructive manner. Her testimony was timely, and well received. On Sabbath at 11 A. M., she spoke again, having good freedom. This was followed by an interesting social meeting in which all save two took part. Nearly ever one expressed themselves as having been greatly strengthened and encouraged by the sermon, and more determined than ever to press forward.
This being one of the new churches, they had never been organized in the tract and missionary work, and for this object, and to get them into working order, I visited them. A meeting had been appointed for this purpose the evening after the Sabbath. At the close of the social meeting, Sister White made some remarks upon the importance of this branch of the work. This prepared the minds of those present to enter heartily into the work. I think every member of the church enrolled their names as members of the T. and M. society.
E. R. GILLETT.