It is the determination of the publishers of the SIGNS to increase their list of subscribers by several thousand names during the next few months. To accomplish this, the following very liberal offer is made: To each new subscriber to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES we will give a copy of Cunningham Geikie's magnificently written and intensely interesting and instructive work, "The Life and Words of Christ, a volume of over eight hundred pages. The charge for postage and wrapping will be ten cents extra, making the cost of both Book and Paper only $2.10.
The "Life and Words of Christ," by Cunningham Gelkie, D. D., is widely known as one of the most interesting and helpful books published. The author has not, like many other writers upon the Life of Christ, contented himself by giving the reader a running commentary on the four Gospels, but has by clear description of the country and people, and by a grouping of historical facts, given such an introduction as prepares the mind to better understand the acts of Jesus.
A great and noble work, rich in information, elegant and scholarly in style, earnestly devout in feeling.—London Literary World.
A work of gigantic industry, of the highest literary rank, and breathing the spirit of true faith in Christ.—Dr. Delitzsch, the Commentator.
It seems to me among books a pearl of great price, and a man might well sell a thousand others to become possessor of this one.—Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Will last when we have all passed away—is by far the best.—Rev. C. H. Spurgeon.
Geikie is more careful and accurate, and he makes clear many points which require the aid of a painstaking worker like himself.—S. S. Times.
This is a work of profound learning, and I am not surprised at the great success which it has already attained. I would not willingly be without it.—The Archbishop of York.
Address,
"SIGNS OF THE TIMES."
Oakland, Cal.
NEW BOOKS.
By Editor
WE have received from the S. D. A. Publishing House in Battle Creek, Mich., two books which have for some time been looked for with much interest.
"Thoughts on Daniel," by Eld. Uriah Smith, second edition, revised and enlarged. In the preface the author well says:—
"There is no prophecy which a person can have so little excuse for misunderstanding, as the prophecy of Daniel, especially as relates to its main features. Dealing but sparingly in language that is highly figurative, explaining all the symbols it introduces, locating its events within the rigid confines of prophetic periods, it points out the first advent of the Messiah in so clear and unmistakable a manner as to call forth the execration of the Jews upon all who shall endeavor to explain it, and gives so accurately, and so many years in advance, the outlines of the great historical events of our world's history, that infidelity stands confounded and dumb before its inspired record."
This book possesses so much interest to the student of prophecy, giving such clear outlines of the history of the world even down to the coming of the Son of man and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom, so strikingly marking out events now transpiring and soon to transpire, that we have obtained leave of the author to give large extracts from his work, which we consider the best Commentary on this prophecy that has ever been published. We shall select from those parts which most clearly point to our times. On the fourth page of this paper will be found the first article, beginning with chapter two.
"Thoughts on the Revelation," by the same author, third edition, revised and enlarged. In recommendation of this book we can say all that we have said of "Thoughts on Daniel." These volumes can be obtained by ordering of Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Price $1.25 each. Both well bound, each containing over 400 pages.
We have recently issued at this office a revised edition of "Christian Baptism," by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. It considers baptism in its "action, subjects, and relations," and, in addition, contains the most thorough exposure of the false claims of trine-immersionism, in a historical view, that has ever been given. Its arguments are brief, clear, and forcible. In paper covers, 210 pages, 25 cents.
THE STORY TOLD.
The Russian River Flag uses its irony to good purpose in the following item:—
We fear that the Petaluma Courier is incorrigible. That paper rejoices in the recent destruction at sea of 1,000 barrels of whisky. Bless poor Shattuck's soul, he could not have been himself when he shouted jubilate over that event. Think what that thousand barrels might have effected! There could not have been less than twenty drunks in each barrel, or a grand total of 20,000 drunks, all lost to a Christian community. In this number of drunks were certainly 5,000 fights, including five murders, 1,000 black eyes, as many torn coats and abraded trousers; all this would make work for lawyers, jailors, doctors, and tailors, thus making things lively for several useful classes of our people. It is a severe blow to the prosperity of San Francisco generally, and to prison-keepers in particular; still some persons rejoice in this calamity.
ALL THINGS NEW.
By Editor
WITH us, we think all will admire the poetry on the first page of this paper, under this head. We would be pleased to give the proper credit for it, but are not able to do so, as we find it without any credit, and have no means of learning who is its author.
CAMP-MEETING.
By Editor
It will be seen by notice in this paper, that the California Camp-meeting will this year be held in Sacramento. There are several good reasons for taking it to Sacramento.
1. The churches in that valley have always given way to other places, and never had a Camp-meeting in their part of the State.
2. It will accommodate several new companies who ought to have the privileges of the meeting.
3. It will accommodate the large majority of the churches as well as any other locality.
4. The ground occupied last year in Alameda is now built upon and therefore cannot be obtained.
5. No suitable ground can be obtained in Alameda except on the Bay, which is too much exposed to cold, fall winds.
6. It is desirable, for several reasons, to commence as late as Oct. 6, and this is early enough for the climate of Sacramento, though rather late for the coast.
We expect a large attendance at this meeting.
REVIEW AND HERALD.
By Editor
At the annual meeting of the Iowa Tract and Missionary Society the following resolution was adopted. We are pleased to record such a vote as this in the strong State of Iowa, and hope that their acts may fully accord with their resolution. And we hope that other States may follow this example.
We well remember the time when the Review was found in the house of every Sabbath-keeping Adventist in the United States. And so it ought to be now. While the churches and Tract Societies need the SIGNS as a pioneer paper, to work with in "the regions beyond," they all need the Review as our church paper, for the especial benefit of themselves and their households. Every minister among us should consider it an important part of his work to see that this resolution is carried into effect:—
Whereas, The Review and Herald is our denominational paper, we believe it should be taken by all of those interested in the Sabbath reform, and
Whereas, There are many who do not have its weekly visits, therefore,
Resolved, That each church labor to extend the circulation of this valuable paper, and that earnest and judicious efforts be made to secure the subscriptions of all the above named class.
FEELING NOT FAITH.
By Editor
A GREAT deal of that which is called faith among religious people is only feeling, without a single characteristic of true, genuine faith. We were strongly impressed with this fact while reading the report of the labors of a minister in a certain denomination, who was called to a certain place. Speaking of his journey he wrote:—
“It proved to be a bitter cold day, and being exposed to the rain, my faith was tried; but we pressed on.”
Years ago “our faith was tried,” not in God nor in his truth, but in ministers who thus professed strong faith but manifested only the weakness of human feelings. We do not believe that person has real faith who is tried and tempted because of the rain falling from the heavens, or the inclemency of the weather. Faith tried with the beneficent providence of God! No; it is feeling, strongly tinctured with fanaticism. Let every servant of God keep himself from its bewildering control. True faith is thus described by the poet:—
“A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt.”
That which is confident in the sunshine and distrustful and tried when clouds arise and rain falls, should never be honored with the name of faith.
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE RECORD.
By Editor
WE have received a double number of the College Record, of Battle Creek, Mich., College, for May and June, 1881. It gives cheering assurance of the prosperity of this young but wide-awake college.
But to fulfill its mission it needs help. More room will be required, and other facilities will need to be increased with its increase of students. The last year has recorded a large number of munificent donations to institutions of learning. Has this College no friend of means with liberality to bestow a goodly gift for its benefit? No one is more worthy. No one of its age and opportunities is doing nearly so great and good a work. We hope it may not be left to struggle with difficulties in its career of usefulness, but be raised to a position where it can better develop the enterprise which it has always manifested.
Pres. Brownsberger is on a vacation for recruiting his health, and Prof. Stone is Pres. ad interim.
CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By Editor
THE time for this meeting is drawing near. We expect it will be the most important one ever held in the State, and that it will be more largely attended. Our brethren and sisters should make every effort to be there with their children and friends. We would invite all to read carefully, the article on convocations in Testimony 19, from which we quote a few words:—
"Let us all who possibly can, attend these yearly gatherings. All should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privileges God has provided for them to become strong in him, and in the power of his grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all to God. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast. He will be present, and he will do for you that which you need most to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul. All the treasures you possess, be they ever so valuable, would not be rich enough to buy you peace and hope, which would be infinite gain, if it costs you all you have, and the toils and sufferings of a life-time. To have a strong, clear sense of eternal things, and a heart of willing obedience to yield all to Christ, are blessings of more value than all the riches, and pleasures, and glories of this world."
THE PLACE.
After prayerful consideration, and having conferred with brethren by letter and otherwise, from different parts of the State, and there being a prospect of doing a greater amount of good, we have concluded to hold the meeting at Sacramento. The proprietors of the East Park have kindly offered us the free and exclusive use of their picnic grounds, a beautiful grove containing ten acres on the eastern boundary of the city. The H-street line of the city railroad terminates at the ground, offering ample facilities to attend the meeting from the city.
HOW TO GET TO SACRAMENTO.
The only opportunity for reduction of fare on the C. P. R. R. in this State is in chartered cars, which we can obtain at the following rates, each car limited to fifty adults, and entitled to two and one-half tons of baggage, weighed to one person:—
From Woodland, and return, $ 48.30 — $1.00.
" St. Helena, " " 163.40 — 3.30.
" S. F. and Oakland, " " 180.00 — 3.60.
" Red Bluff, " " 283.50 — 5.67.
" Chico, " " 201.60 — 4.05.
" Lemoore, " " 466.80 — 9.35.
" Fresno, " " 360.70 — 7.20.
We hope to get the same reduction on the S. F. and N. P. line as last year to San Francisco. There will be a safe and convenient place to keep and feed teams adjoining the camp-ground. The meeting will probably continue from Oct. 6 to the morning of the 18th. All should be on the ground one day before the meeting commences. The time can be set for the car to return at any time after the close of the meeting that the parties chartering it choose to name. If the parties coming to the meeting from any place do not fill a car, the number can be made up of excursionists to the city.
TENTS.
All who wish to rent tents can be accommodated by applying to M. C. Israel, Pacific Press, Oakland. The earlier the better
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
Missionary Society of Seventh-Day Adventists
A twelve-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel, with Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-School.
Price Per Year, . . . . . . . $2.00
In clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used in Missionary work . . . . . . . 1.50
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—OR—
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
MISS ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So Lancaster, Mass.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MRS. A. P. VAN HORN, Beaverton, Or
CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1881
By Editor
WE find in our query box a letter from Burgettville, Shasta county. Will the writer please give us his name?
CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1881.
OHIO, Plymouth, August 10-16
CANADA, Magog, P. Q., “ 10-16
VERMONT, Morrisville, “ 18-23
MAINE, “ 25-30
ILLINOIS, Bloomington, Aug. 31 to Sept. 6
NEW ENGLAND, September 1-6
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA, “ 9-19
INDIANA, “ 21-27
NEBRASKA, “ 21-27
MICHIGAN, Sept. 27 to Oct. 3
MISSURI, “ “ “ “
KENTUCKY, October 5-11
CALIFORNIA, “ 6-18
TENNESSEE, “ 13-18