Earlier text: Dakota Camp-Meeting—The Banner of Light places the number of Spiritualists in this country at eleven million. —It is said that the Mormon hierarchy had in the field last year more missionaries than the American Board. —Archbishop Gibbons, of Baltimore, Md., recently administered the sacrament of confirmation to 700 children in the cathedral. —A Wesleyan Methodist in England, a few weeks ago, in forwarding an offering to the Mission Fund, said: "I believe the resurrection is very near, and I would not like Christ to find me with much earthly coin." —In sixty-eight years the American Bible Society has issued 43,892,631 volumes of the Scriptures, in more than eighty languages and dialects. It has also prepared the entire Bible in raised letters for the blind. —Mr. Lathbury, pastor of the M. E. Church at Bakerville, Conn., says in a letter to the Christian at Work, "My experience is that fully three-fourths of the church members need converting to the religion of Christ." —The Christian at Work is in favor of making Good Friday a legal holiday. It certainly is consistent. There is no reason why Good Friday and all other days of Catholic appointment should not be recognized as well as Sunday. —Mr. Moody is reported, by a London paper, to have said that, upon returning to England after an absence of eight years, he found that nineteen-twentieths of the backsliders from the ranks of his former converts had been led away by the public house. —In the African section of the Hermannsburg Mission, which embraces nineteen congregations in Natal and twenty-one in Transvaal, there were baptized in the year 1883, 992 persons. The whole number of converts in these congregations is now 8,632, and 544 applicants for baptism are still waiting. —At the last annual meeting of the China Inland Mission, Mr. Stevenson, one of the society's earliest missionaries, said: "China is now fully open to the gospel; more so, indeed, than some European countries, or even some parts of Ireland." During the past year the mission has sent out thirty new missionaries. —Dr. William Hayes Ward, editor of the Independent, is about to head an expedition to the valleys of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, to make a survey of that region, with a view to exploration and excavation in the interest of Assyriology and the illustration of Bible language and antiquities. The cost of the expedition is to be borne by Miss Catherine Lorillard Wolfe, of New York. It will be known as the Wolfe expedition. —As a result of the efforts of Dr. John C. Berry, of Maine, who for twelve years has been a medical missionary in Japan, a movement has been inaugurated in Philadelphia for establishing a medical college, a hospital, and a training school for nurses in that country. Prominent Japanese Christians promise to provide real estate and buildings if an endowment to support professors and purchase apparatus is raised in the United States. —In a report of church doings in New Haven, Ct., we read that "the sales of the seats in the Church of the Redeemer amounted to $8,500" this year, being in excess of last year. This seems almost like a satire, when we remember that one of the proofs which the Redeemer gave of the divinity of his mission was that the poor had the gospel preached to them, and that of himself he said that he had not where to lay his head. It does seem as though the name of that church ought to be changed. —The Christian Union says that it would "be glad to see the Christian Church so broad in the administration of its discipline as to admit to its membership friends who do not believe in the sacrament of baptism and the Lord's Supper." Why not say that it would be glad to see those admitted who do not believe in Christ? If one does not believe in the memorials which Christ commanded to be observed, how much does he lack of not believing in Christ? This is called progression. It reminds us of the soldier who, when asked concerning the movements of the army to which he was attached, replied that they were "advancing backwards, and the enemy was retreating upon them." —"General" Booth, of the Salvation Army, made a speech a short time ago, concerning the future plans of the army, in which he said: "Whatever takes place in the future, you may depend upon it we shall be there; and even at the battle of Armageddon, our soldiers will be amongst the foremost." We would not have ventured to say as much ourselves, but we are not inclined to doubt the General's words. The reader will remember from reading Rev. 16 that the armies are gathered to the battle of Armageddon at the instigation of the spirits of devils, and it has for some time been our opinion that the Salvation Army, and the so-called "holiness bands" of this country, are but feeders for Spiritualism. Mr. Booth spoke more wisely than he knew. —The Independent says: "Indeed, we do not see why a man cannot be a member of two denominations at the same time, if he wants to, enjoying the fellowship of both, their watch and care, and subject to their discipline." This sentence is worthy of note, as indicating the popular tendency toward a union of all professed Christian bodies. What a man believes is getting more and more to be thought a matter of no consequence, provided he outwardly conforms to the requirements of morality. Bearing this in mind, can any one fail to see that in order to effect a union of church and State, it is not necessary that the State single out any particular denomination as the recipient of its favors, but that it pledge itself to maintain certain dogmas common to them all? There can be no doubt but that such an event is near at hand. —We find in the Chronicle a brief report of a sermon preached by an Elder Pattee before the Y. M. C. A. of San Francisco, on the subject of the Sabbath. After declaring that the whole moral law is abolished, the Elder asks why the first day of the week was substituted as the Sabbath. His answer is: "Probably the most important reason consists in the fact that the resurrection of Christ took place on the first day of the week." Not very profound argument, certainly, but if there is no moral law, it doesn't make any difference whether one has a reason for his action or not. Among the new things stated is "the fact that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the first day of the week." The descent of the Holy Ghost, it will be remembered, was at Christ's baptism. Probably the Elder's hearers did not think to question his statement, but we are extremely curious to know how he found out that Christ was baptized on Sunday. —The Examiner (Baptist) of New York, utters a warning note concerning the growing looseness of novel writers, stating that illicit love plays some part in nearly all modern novels, and in many is the very staple of the plot. "The result," it says, "is that the reading of the novels of the day is coming to be a perilous business, if one has any desire to keep his mind free from such contaminating influences as make the French a thing to be shunned like a pestilence." It further says: "The majority of the readers of books are the members of our Christian churches; bad books will not long be published if they find no readers; does it not follow, therefore, that the novels dealing with libidinous passion cannot retain their present popularity without the complicity of those who are exhorted to seek 'whatsoever things are pure'?" This is the most serious indictment that we have seen brought against the popular churches and church members; and it is all the more strong because the Examiner does not give it as an indictment, but as a simple statement of a well-known fact. —The Pacific Methodist says: "We have some teachers and preachers in this country, professional revivalists, who offer religion to the people in homeopathic doses in gelatine capsules to hide the bitterness of repentance—a godly sorrow for sin. Some of them have, by some new chemical process peculiar to their theological laboratory, discovered a sulphate of religion from which the disgusting and offensive element of repentance has been extracted. Others retain this element, but exhibit the dose in capsules so it will not be offensive to their patients. These doctors and their new nostrums, or with the old medicine for sin-sick souls in capsules, are in demand, particularly in some communities and by certain classes of people. Repentance for sin is the offensive part of religion. If it were not for this, more people would be willing to take religion. In order to popularize religion and make it palatable these doctors have invented new ways of administering it. It is almost impossible for one to know when a patient swallows a dose exhibited in one-grain capsules. It is an easy-going case. No tears are shed, no wry faces made, no effort, no agony; the tiny pellet is gulped down with scarcely an effort at deglutition." Publishers' Department.
By Editor
NOTICE.—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 them are not indebted to the Office. Money orders, drafts, etc., should be made to "Pacific Press," NEVER to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed. OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
Michigan—Miss Hattie House, care Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich. New England—Mrs E. T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Repository, South Lancaster, Mass. North Pacific—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon. England—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng. Norway—Eld. J. G. Matteson, Akersveren No. 2, Christiania, Norway. Switzerland—B. L. Whitney, care Les Signes des Temps, Bale, Suisse. "Practical Hints about Canvassing"
By Editor
For the Signs, Good Health, and the "Way of Life," should be in the hands of every S. D. A. minister, colporter, and canvasser. Price, 6 cents post-paid. J. H. Kellogg, M. D., editor of Good Health, writes: "Have just received copies of your little book, 'Hints to Canvassers.' I think it is neatly gotten up and the models for canvassing are well written. It is very much better than anything else I have seen respecting the canvass for our periodicals." New Receipt Book.
By Editor
We have now ready a receipt-book to be used in taking short-term subscriptions for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Each book contains fifty blank receipts. The receipt has a brief description of the SIGNS, and answers several questions and objections, and is thus calculated to facilitate the work of the canvasser. It has been developed in the field, and thoroughly tested. Sent by mail, post-paid, for twenty cents. ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Luella Hail, Eld. C. L. Boyd. BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Moses Glunt, Mrs. S. E. Sanders, Eld. E. A. Briggs. BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—W. S. Fleming, W. A. Young, Mrs. M. Higgins, Mary McDulin, Mrs. Ida Gates, B. F. Hicks, W. H. Wakeham, Iowa T. M. Society, Amos Snyder, Eld. J. H. Cook, E. B. Taft, Richard Arthur, Mrs. Alice Culbertson, R. D. Gleason, C. A. Brink, W. B. Roberts, I. Sanborn, Church and Lamb, A. W. Rothwell, Mrs. G. D. Ballou, Miss. Ellen Simons, F. E. Scofield, Grace M. O'Niel, Viola Bishop, T. R. Angove, A. E. Rea, Mrs. M. A. Bishop, Mrs. A. J. Hutchins, H. W. Miller, A. M. Lewis, L. F. Harbaugh, Miss Flora Wing, H. A. Wilder, Miss C. Roberts, Edna Viers, B. E. Wilder, Andrew Brorson, Mary R. Stem, Eld. E. A. Briggs. 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. CALIFORNIA T AND M SOCIETY.—District No 1, per Mrs C C Ramsey $36.80, District No 2, per W H Ingels $81.60, District No 3, per Joseph Eggleston $6.40, District No 4, per H C Palmer $43.90, District No 5, per Miss Libbie Saunders $29.45, District No 8, per Ellen Simons $7.00, J. Q. Allison $4.50, Mrs F J Skelton $1.00, H A Wilder $4.50, Bro Wilson 75c, Mrs B Reilly 50c, Mrs H C Spoor $1.00, F J Jacobs $1.00, W G Buckner $1.50, Mrs S A Gobin $2.50, Viol. Bishop 50c, W S Fleming $1.50. CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—San Francisco Church (tithe), per H C Palmer $275, Healdsburg, per A LaRue $10, Adams, per A F Horning $10. OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:45. Seats free. Invitations to all. SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Mission Reading-rooms at 316 Fremont Street. —The cholera is still raging at Marseilles and Toulon, France. —A hurricane did much damage near Deadwood, D. T., on the 6th inst. —The entire business portion of Port Perry, Ont., was destroyed by fire, July 4. —Ninety-one buildings have been erected in Oakland in the last three months. —Three hundred people were rendered homeless by a fire at Lachine, near Montreal, July 4. —It is said that sheep and cattle herds in western Texas are threatened with annihilation by drouth. —The following sign is exhibited in a Parisian street. "Madame Zenobie C—, third story, lets out teeth for parties and balls." —W. B. McGill, the railroad president who recently committed suicide at Cincinnati, it has been discovered had issued fraudulent paper to the value of $150,000. —A heavy water-spout fell in Madison County, Ark., on the 7th inst., covering a radius of fifteen or twenty miles. Six persons were drowned, several houses were washed away, and crops were ruined. —A young Japanese, on his way home from England, where he has been studying law and has been admitted to the English bar, told a San Francisco reporter that as civilization advanced in Japan litigation increased. —The French Minister at Pekin has been instructed to demand from China a war indemnity of 250,000,000 francs. Admiral Courbet has been ordered to seize the Foo-Chow arsenal as guaranty of the payment of the indemnity. —A very severe wind-storm swept over central Illinois on the morning of the 5th, doing great damage to property. At one place a train of loaded cars was lifted from the track. Macon and Sangamon Counties suffered the most severely. —The officers of a vessel which arrived in New York, recently, report having encountered, off Hatteras, an immense school of sharks. It is said there were many thousands, extending thirty miles. The captain claims to have killed about two hundred with a Winchester rifle. —In 1853 the total carrying capacity of all the city railroads of New York was 6,800,000 passengers per year. Last year they carried 268,000,500. This not only indicates a great increase of population, and of riding facilities, but a growing aversion to the exercise of walking. —A Pesth, Hungary, dispatch says: "The trial of 420 peasants for complicity in the anti-Magyar escutcheon riots of September last resulted in the conviction of 296, the remainder being acquitted. Those convicted were sentenced to imprisonment for from three days to ten years." —Orders have been issued from Washington, forbidding all land officers to allow any one to file an entry upon land that is in possession of Indians who are working it. This order is in consequence of attempts of white men to dispossess non-reservation Indians along the Columbia River of land that they have cultivated for years. —The growing disinclination among the male population to undergo military training and service, is a serious menace to the military strength of Germany. There were 14,702 men sentenced during the past year for attempting to emigrate to avoid the required military service, and cases against 14,178 more offenders in this particular are still pending. Besides this, the number of men from whom service is due, and who during the past year have refused to report for duty, and to furnish required excuses for such failure, is 103,251. These facts have produced great anxiety in the German war department. —The relief ship Thetis succeeded in rescuing the remnant of the Greely Arctic Expedition, near Cape Sabine, in Smith's Sound, June 22. Lieutenant Greely and five men were the only survivors, and they were on the point of starvation. Although the glory of having reached the farthest point north yet attained by explorers now belongs to a United States party, it cost eighteen lives and almost incalculable suffering to accomplish the otherwise valueless feat. True, the theories of some other scientists have been overthrown, but that is going on every day in all departments of science. We heartily indorse the sentiment of President Arthur: "This is the last of the Arctic expeditions, as far as I can prevent them. None of them have ever paid for the extreme suffering and loss of valuable lives they have occasioned." Northern Dakota.
By George C. Tenney
Acting under the advice of the General Conference Committee, I go at once to northern Dakota, intending to labor as the providence of God may open the way. There are quite a number of scattered Sabbath-keepers in that part of the Territory reached by the Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railroads, and I greatly desire their help and prayers in opening the work in this northern country. I request all who are interested in the cause of present truth in this section to write to me, stating where they live, and what are the prospects for introducing the work in their communities. I trust that all the friends of God's cause are ready for action. The time has fully come. Let us consecrate ourselves to the Lord's work. My address is Casselton, Cass Co., Dakota.
G. C. TENNEY. Denver, Col.
By N. H. Rankin
The Seventh-day Adventist Mission, corner California and Twenty-third Streets, has now a very large assortment of books, pamphlets, and tracts treating upon Bible subjects, such as "Man’s Nature and Destiny," "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," "History of the Sabbath," the writings of Mrs. E. G. White, etc. The canvassers are meeting with success, and, although but a small portion of the city has, as yet, been canvassed, hundreds of subscriptions have been obtained for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The evening meetings at the large tent are well attended, and many are becoming deeply interested in the subjects discussed from time to time. Elds. E. R. Jones and Wm. Ostrander conduct the services. N. H. RANKIN. Free Access to Valuable Books.
By Editor
THE attention of the public is called to the following valuable and most interesting works, which the International Tract and Missionary Society, through its branches, is liberally distributing as far as possible amongst free libraries and reading-rooms throughout the country: “History of the Sabbath and of the First Day of the Week;” “The Coming Conflict;” “Thoughts on the Book of Daniel;” “Thoughts on the Revelation;” “Life of Wm. Miller;” “Life Sketches of Eld. James and Mrs. E. G. White;” “The United States in Prophecy;” “The Sanctuary and 2300 Days of Daniel 8:14;” “Sketches from the Life of Paul;” “The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan” (4 vols.) including the lives of Christ and his apostles; and “Life of Joseph Bates.” The society has placed the foregoing volumes in the following libraries and reading-rooms in California, where the public may have access to their contents: San Francisco—Territorial Pioneers’ Library, 838 Market Street; Y. M. C. A., 539 Howard Street; I. O. O. F. Library, 325 Montgomery Street; Free Public Library, Bush Street, between Kearny and Dupont; Mercantile Library, Bush Street, between Montgomery and Sansome; Mechanics’ Institute Library, 31 Post Street; Knights of Pythias Library, 931 Market Street; California Pioneers’ Library, 808 Montgomery Street; Law Library, North City Hall, and the Free Reading-room at 631 Sacramento Street. Oakland—Pacific Theological Seminary, and Public Library. Also in the Public Libraries in Alameda, Stockton, Los Angeles, San Jose, Santa Clara, Petaluma, Hollister, Santa Cruz; the I. O. O. F. Library at Nevada City; in the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute at Berkeley, and the State Prison at San Quentin. Also in the Free Reading-room at Mendocino, and Good Templars’ Reading-room at Little River, Mendocino County. Persons desiring to purchase any of these books, can do so by addressing SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Assorted Package No. 1. Price, 10c.
Which Day Do You Keep, and Why—Who Changed the Sabbath—The Sabbath in the New Testament—Elihu on the Sabbath—God’s Memorial—Sunday Not the Sabbath—Why Not Found Out Before—One Hundred Bible Facts about the Sabbath. Assorted Package No. 2. Price, 25c.
This package contains all the tracts in package No. 1, and the following in addition:— Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—The Ten Commandments Not Abolished—The Seventh Part of Time—The Definite Seventh Day—Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Address to the Baptists—The Sunday Law. OTHER WORKS ON THE SABBATH.
The Truth Found.—A comprehensive exposition of the nature and obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. 64 pp.............................10c Sunday Seventh-day Examined.—A critical examination of the claim that Sunday is the true seventh day of the fourth commandment. 88 pp.....................10c Brown’s Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath Question. 64 pp...........................................................................................10c Appeal to the Baptists.—An address from the Seventh-day Baptists to their first-day Baptist brethren, urging a restoration of the Bible Sabbath from the stand-point of Baptist principles of argument and interpretation. 48 pp.................................................................10c Eleven Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. 228 pp. 25c Vindication of the True Sabbath.—By a former missionary of the Presbyterian Church.................................................................10c Morality of the Sabbath.—Showing that the Sabbath commandment, being found in the midst of the nine acknowledged moral precepts, is, like the others, moral in its nature. 96 pp.............................................................................................15c Testimony of the Fathers of the first three centuries concerning the Sabbath and First-day. A candid examination of both sides of the question. 112 pp...................................................................................................................15c Assorted Package No. 3. Price, 10c.
The Coming of the Lord—Is the End Near—Can We Know—The Signs of the Times—The Judgment—Without Excuse—The Second Advent. Assorted Package No. 4. Price, 25c.
Containing package No. 3, and the following in addition:— The Millennium—The Present Truth—The Third Angel’s Message—Exposition of Matthew Twenty-four. OTHER WORKS ON THE SECOND ADVENT.
Our Faith and Hope.—A series of ten sermons on the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 198 pp..............................................25c Second Coming of Christ.—An exposition of Matthew 24th chapter. 64 pp...........................................................................10c Three Messages of Rev. 14.—Showing the nature and character of the warning messages designed to prepare the world for the last great Judgment. 96 pp...................................................................................................................10c The Saints’ Inheritance, or the Earth Made New. 82 pp...........................................................................................10c The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the symbols of Rev. 8 and 9. 96 pp......................................................................10c Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Assorted Package No. 5. Price, 10c.
Is Man Immortal—Thoughts for the Candid—End of the Wicked—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Departing and Being with Christ—Milton on the State of the Dead. OTHER WORKS ON MAN’S NATURE.
The Hope of the Gospel.—What is it, and when will it be consummated? 80 pp.......................................................................10c Matter and Spirit.—An argument on the relation of matter and spirit, and the dependence of thought upon organization. 66 pp............................10c History of the Doctrine of the Soul.—The belief in its immortality traced among all races and peoples to the present time 186 pp., cloth............75c Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Assorted Package No. 6. Price, 25c.
The Plan of Redemption—The Sufferings of Christ—The Sanctuary of the Bible—Scripture References—The Spirit of Prophecy—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The End of the Wicked—The Two Thrones. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Sandwich Island Missionaries.
By Editor
"A TRAVELER who has recently returned from the Sandwich Islands says that he saw in Honolulu a long, handsome street of elegant houses, showing evidence of much ease and luxury. These are the homes of missionaries—a significant contrast to the miserable tenement-houses of the poor at home. The traveler also saw the wives of some of these missionaries reclining in sedan chairs carried by heathen natives, whom the ladies spurred on to greater speed by poking their parasol handles into their naked backs. When will people learn to give their money where it is most needed—at home among the poor who swarm in vile places?"—Hartford Times. We are assured by a friend, whom we consider perfectly reliable, who recently came from Honolulu, that there is not a word of truth in the above item. He says that the Catholics are more numerous in the islands than any other denomination, and he says (what everybody knows), that the moral and religious standard is lower there than it was under the first missionaries; but the above is a base misrepresentation. We have before known "travelers" to consider it a merit to circulate evil reports of missionaries, who, as a class, are worthy of the highest respect. Camp-Meetings for 1884.
By Editor
VIRGINIA, — . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 5-12
TEXAS, Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 8-18
NEW YORK, Syracuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 14-26
IOWA, Marshalltown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 14-26
ILLINOIS, Peoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 19-26
NEW ENGLAND, Worcester . . . . . . . . Aug. 20 to Sept. 2
MICHIGAN (Northern) Traverse City “ 27 “ “ 1
NEVADA, Reno, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 29 “ “ 8
VERMONT, Burlington . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 28 “ “ 9
INDIANA (Southern), Farmersburg, . . . Sept. 2- 9
MAINE, Portland, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 4-15
OHIO, Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 11-22
MICHIGAN, Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 18-29
COLORADO, Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NEBRASKA, — . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 24-30
INDIANA, Logansport . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 25 to Oct. 7 GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. Reno Camp-Meeting Date Changed
By Editor
By an oversight the Reno, Nevada, camp-meeting was appointed to close Sept. 5, which will be Friday. By request of Eld. Ballou we change it to Sept. 8. He promises to give particulars concerning the meeting next week. Sister White Going East.
By Editor
AFTER counseling on the subject with much consideration and prayer, Sister White has decided to attend some of the Eastern camp-meetings, beginning with that in Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 14-26. Although it would be our personal choice, and the choice of all in California, to have her remain here and attend our camp-meeting, we have not said a word to influence her, our love for the cause at large being greater than our local preferences. We believe the Lord has led in coming to this decision, and we feel assured that he will lead to his own glory. Tent Meeting in Oakland.
By Editor
THE tent is pitched on Poplar Street, near Tenth, in Oakland, and meetings are in progress. The tent is 50 by 70, carpeted with "hop cloth," seated with benches and chairs, well lighted, and every way presents an attractive appearance. The entrance is a regular double door. We pray for good results, and invite the prayers of all for success in the work in this important field. The meeting has opened with a good attendance. California Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
As was mentioned last week, it is the intention to hold this meeting in Oakland. It will probably begin September 18. A definite appointment may be looked for next week. There is no place in the State more accessible than Oakland, and for several years past the expression has been quite general for about the middle of September as the time. Besides our usual California laborers, Elders Corliss, Loughborough, and St. John will attend the camp-meeting this year. No pains will be spared to make the meeting successful. We hope for a large attendance from all parts of the State. THE new catalogue of publications that was promised some time ago is now ready. It contains, besides a classified list of all the denominational books, pamphlets, and tracts published by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, with prices, a full list of Bibles, charts, Sabbath-school maps, books for Bible students, Sabbath-schools, and the home circle, and prices on a full line of stationery. It contains the name and price of everything kept for sale at the SIGNS office, except subscription books. Sent free on application. Coming of the Lord.
By Editor
In answer to the question of a friend in a distant State we commenced a series of articles, intended to be brief, to show the importance and the duty of knowing when the advent of our Lord is near, even at the doors. The unexpected press of labor which came upon us at the Northern camp-meetings compelled us to suspend them. In the meantime our assistant improved the opportunity, according to an intention which he had some time entertained, of taking up the subject in a series of articles of wider range. Of this we are glad. We believe it is not necessary to invite our readers to give them due consideration. Retreat at St. Helena.
By Editor
IN company with Eld. W. C. White and his mother, Mrs. E. G. White, we paid a visit to the Retreat at St. Helena, last week. We found it full of happy, contented people. Sister Chamberlain assures us that the influence of the climate in that favored spot shows itself in a marked manner by the improvement shown in the health of feeble persons, after even a brief residence there, with little or no treatment. The water is pure, and "everything lovely." In a meeting of the Board of Directors action was taken which, we hope, will insure greater prosperity of the institution. Hopeful Outlook for Upper Columbia.
By Editor
IN our notice of the Northern camp-meetings we expressed our regret that the Upper Columbia Conference is so destitute of laborers. But the prospect is not all dark for that field. There is one hopeful feature which we gladly mention. Those who attended the Healdsburg College, from the Northern Conferences, not only took back to their homes a good report of the school, but showed in their deportment the good effects of the training which they received, both literary and religious. This has awakened such an interest in the College that a large number are looking toward Healdsburg as the place where they may receive a fitting-up for usefulness in life. Parents are making preparations to send their children. Many wish to go, who, we fear, will not be able unless they receive some encouragement and assistance. Professor Brownsberger said he received encouraging words from about twenty at the Walla Walla camp-meeting; and he felt quite confident that at least ten will go to the College, the next College year, from eastern Washington and Oregon. If this hope shall prove to be well founded, then we may confidently look for a good work in that field, not far in the future. For we feel safe in promising in behalf of the school: Give the College scholars, and it will return you workers. In making preparations to go to school, let there be no delay. Classes for important studies will be formed at the beginning of the year for all grades of pupils. And the beginning is near. The school will open Aug. 4. Nebraska Fall Camp-Meeting Announced
By Editor
Elder Cudney writes to the Review: "I am now able to state the time of our [Nebraska] fall camp-meeting. The camp-meeting proper will commence Sept. 24, and continue till the 30th. A canvassers' and workers' convention will be held previous to this date, beginning Friday, Sept. 12, and continuing till the commencement of the camp-meeting." We are not yet informed as to the place. No North, No South.
By R. M. Kilgore
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS have no national or sectional boundaries. They have no Adventist Church North nor Adventist Church South. They are the same in Europe and America. They have Conferences organized in Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and in all the States North. They have churches in nearly all the other Southern States, and believers in all of them. Their ministers reported nearly fifteen hundred converts last year. This year more than $100,000 will be raised by them to spread their views throughout the world. The Mission of Bangs
By Editor
"BANGS," it is said, are going out of fashion. We do not know whether to rejoice or not. They are hideous; the fashion appears to have been taken from the "Digger" squaws, who always have their hair cropped to hang over their diminutive foreheads. Yet the fashion seems to be fitting. The forehead is the glory of the human race; it is a sign of intelligence. And where there is a scarcity of intellect, it is quite appropriate to "take in the sign." We rather think the bangs had better stay; they have a "mission" to fulfill. A SABBATH-KEEPER to do general farm work. A good home and steady work to a good man. Wages $360 per year. Address, F. H. ADAMS, Fresno City, Fresno Co., Cal.