THIS head refers, not to the Institute itself, but, to the book so named, which contains the substance of Elder Smith’s lectures in the Institute held in Oakland in the spring of 1877. We have no other book which contains such a complete digest of the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists. Brief, but clear, and pointed; its brevity is a recommendation to those who wish to learn—and thoroughly learn—the main points of our faith, without a long course of reading. It is not merely a reading book; it originated in class exercises, and is a book for study. No book can be more desirable in the family or in the library of our preachers, and especially of the young. See advertisement in this paper.
The Life Everlasting.
By Editor
THIS is a work by Prof. J. H. Pettingell of Philadelphia, teaching the doctrine of life only through Christ. It contains over 700 pages, and is a work of decided merit. It may be obtained at this office; price, $2.00. We shall notice it further hereafter, and obtain permission to make selections from it.
Our Mistake.
By Editor
We have to confess to having been in error in regard to the passing of the resolution changing the time of holding quarterly meetings. In the "multitude of business" we had the impression left on our mind that it was passed. And the same impression was on the minds of those connected with the Office in Oakland, and the notice was given accordingly. On examining the "Year Book" we find that the report of the committee was laid on the table and not taken up again. Considerable time was spent in discussing it, especially by those from the Mississippi Valley States.
But we hope to be gainers by the mistake in one point, on the Pacific Coast. The quarterly meetings will have been so long in the past at the time of our annual meetings here in April that we shall expect a larger attendance at that time. Where churches have a scattered membership we have found that they do not make strong efforts to attend unusual meetings if they come near together. We hope that none will excuse themselves from being here the fourth Tuesday in April.
And we take this opportunity of again recommending the "Year Book" to all our friends. It is a "ready reference" for the proceedings of our yearly meetings, and for the statistics of the Conferences and Associations. It should be in the house of every Seventh-day Adventist.
True Christianity.
THERE are Christian converts in Japan so poor that when they change their residences they can carry all their possessions on their backs; and their contributions average eight dollars per annum. Some of our American Christians would do well to read Christ's words to the Pharisee, in Luke 7:41-47. We really think that this passage gives the clue to the disparity between the contributions of professed Christians in this country and those in heathen lands.
Frank James.
By Editor
A FRIEND and old acquaintance in Missouri sends us the following, clipped from a paper published in his neighborhood:—
“Frank James was arraigned in court at Independence last week, on indictments charging him with the murder of Detective Witcher and complicity in the Independence robbery, but both cases fell through for the want of testimony against him. He was then indicted for complicity in the Blue Cut train robbery, and pending a trial of the cause he was placed under $3,500 bonds. It is understood that, although hundreds were ready to go on his bond, he does not desire his release, as he could then be indicted in other counties. A Nebraska official came down with a requisition for James, but Gov. Crittenden informed him plainly that he would honor no requisition from any State as long as there was a single indictment pending against him in Missouri. Other States might as well lay low. There will be indictments enough—good, bad and indifferent, just and unjust—found against him in Missouri to secure to him the ordinary six feet of green earth when life's fitful fever is at an end.”
The paper from which this was taken, the Osceola Sun, is a Democratic paper, and our friend, who was formerly from Ohio and a strong anti-slavery man, sends it as evidence that the Democratic party, or those who were in sympathy with the South, does not sympathize with and uphold James. He says that it is true that James has been lionized in Missouri, but probably not more than criminals in other parts of the country. Some shameful exhibits of this kind in California of late years, wherein the vilest criminals were exalted to be the heroes of the day, fine appearing ladies supplying them with bouquets and securing their photographs, silence all our complaints against the citizens of Missouri in the James case. What State can cast the first stone?
Crime.
By Editor
IN the columns of one daily paper for the past week we have noted twenty-five murders, and as many more murderous assaults with attempted robbery, etc. Besides these there were various crimes of a no less grave character, defalcations, etc. We have no idea that more than a small proportion of the deeds of violence are reported, but what we have makes a chapter of crime that is shocking. A paper that has no account of a murder is a rarity.
Perplexity of Nations.
ENGLAND has not a pleasant outlook for her future. The recent attempt to destroy the Government buildings in London imparts to all classes a feeling of insecurity. It has caused the working classes of England to turn against the Irish agitators, with whom they had been in sympathy, but it has greatly strengthened the hopes of the agitators themselves on both sides of the Atlantic. Their financial committees in the United States report that funds come in freely since the explosion in London, while the English are naturally displeased that those who are endeavoring to destroy her are under American protection. This may lead to unpleasant complications. Agitators in America boldly declare their dissatisfaction with dynamite as being too slow—they are in favor of burning London! No one who is not past feeling can contemplate without a shudder the sufferings which a general conflagration would bring upon her millions of inhabitants. But crime assumes vast proportions in these days, and is as bold as it is reckless. The foundations of society are everywhere assailed, and no nation is safe.
Appointments.
Annual Meeting
PURSUANT to the statutes of the State of California, and the by-laws of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Oakland, the annual meeting of the members of said church will be held at the church building, corner of 13th and Clay Streets, on Wednesday evening, April 4, 1883, at 7 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of electing a board of five trustees to serve for the ensuing year; and for the transaction of such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. The attendance of all members in the city will be necessary, in order that business may be legally transacted.
By order of the President.
W. N. GLENN, Secretary.
THE BIBLICAL INSTITUTE.
THIS book is a synopsis of the lectures delivered at the Biblical Institute in Oakland, April, 1877, by Elders James White and U. Smith. It covers the principal points of doctrine held by Seventh-day Adventists, treating of the Millennium, Second Coming of Christ, the Prophecies of Daniel 2, 7, and 8, the Messages of Rev. 14, Two-horned Beast of Rev. 13, Sanctuary, the Seven Churches and the Seven Seals of Rev. 2–8, Seven Last Plagues, Nature and Destiny of Man, Saints’ Inheritance, Bible View of the Sabbath, Examination of alleged reasons for Sunday-keeping, etc. Although the book contains only 352 pages, these different subjects are treated at sufficient length to make them very plain. The book may be used to good advantage in class recitations, as questions are appended to each lecture. It is just the thing for those new in the faith, or those who wish to investigate. Price, $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
A CONTRAST OF
TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price 10 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
By Eld. J. N. Andrews.
The Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made, and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious Index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
Comprising "Experience and Views" and "Spiritual Gifts Volume One," bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
By Eld. U. Smith.
THIS work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study.
416 pp. $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
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, Michigan.
MRS. ELIZA PALMER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass.
ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MRS. C. L. BOYD, Salem, Oregon.