—A lady has sent the Lutheran Board of Missions $2,000 as a fund for training native preachers in India.
—There are in Virginia 207,559 Baptists, 108,500 Methodists, 24,604 Presbyterians, 12,778 Episcopalians, 14,000 Lutherans, and 13,500 Disciples.
—The Legislature of Utah adopts defiant talk, and says that Utah asks nothing of the Government. The Woman's Exponant is outspoken in favor of polygamy.
—A complaint against the proprietor of Woodward's Gardens, for violation of the Sunday law, was dismissed, on the ground that the law does not apply to theaters.
—A minister in southern California, writing to the Central Baptist, says: "Our church will hold about 150, and by getting up a concert we can fill it." No doubt of it.
—Bishop Crowther reports that the average Sunday congregations at the stations on the Niger now amount together to 3,472 souls, of whom he reckons 1,599 as native Christians, and 451 as communicants.
—The "American Sabbath" is the latest for Sunday. The reader will observe that "American Sabbath" and "Christian Sabbath" are not necessarily synonymous. It will require an Act of Congress to make them so.
—Anti-polygamy meetings are the order of the day all over the country. The expression sounds well, but the Mormons will continue to laugh, as the boy in the apple-tree did when tufts of grass were thrown at him.
—It is said that the Pope is about to establish diplomatic relations with the United States, having created the office of Papal Delegate. When the United States upholds the Pope's Sunday by law, such a delegate to the ecclesiastical branch of this Government would be very appropriate; but, till then, it is difficult to see what he can do, since this country has no ecclesiastical power at present, and the Pope has no civil power.
—A "rush" is expected at a certain church in San Francisco; so its paper says. Are the famous revivalists going to work there? Oh, no; "The ladies will give one of their genuine, old-fashioned, New England dinners—brown bread, baked beans, coffee, etc., best quality. Dinner from 5:30 to 7:30, and then a musical entertainment of an hour; all for the small sum of twenty-five cents." That will bring them. For filling churches, a good dinner will discount the gospel by large odds.
—The Society of the Holy Infancy (Catholic) has, within less than forty years, baptized (?) 500,000 infants, and placed 80,000 in orphan asylums. The Master-General commends this work and gives the following precious bit of information. His authority for the statement is not given: "Every year, by means of this infantile apostolate, a vast number of children, snatched from eternal death, are sent to Heaven to complete the number of the elect, whose pure and innocent legions, by their number and stainless beauty, constitute the most resplendent trophy of the church militant."
—The Catholic Mirror, in an article entitled "Head Off the Devil," advises as a means of so doing, the providing of parish libraries. As an example of how this may be done, it gives the following instance: "In 1880 Father Downey was stationed at the Immaculate Conception Church in this city (Baltimore). He had a lot of bric-a-brac, won at fairs and presented by friends. He raffled it off, and with the proceeds determined to found a parochial library. He bought a couple of hundred volumes," &c. The Independent very properly concludes that the devil himself lent a hand in that "heading off."
—A correspondent of the Christian Union writes to that paper that he has doubts as to his conversion, and among other reasons for his doubt, he says he enjoys reading Mr. Beecher's sermons better than he does the Bible. Whereupon the C. U. comforts him with the assurance that Mr. Beecher's sermons will answer the purpose just as well as the Bible. It says the Bible "is a system of divinely revealed and illustrated truth. It is the truth that God is a Father, that man is a prodigal son, that the Father's love has provided for the son's repentance, and awaits the son's return. Moses illustrates these truths best to some men, David to others, Paul to yet others. If you find them best illustrated to your mind and heart in the modern preacher, it is your privilege to find them there. . . . Water is water, whether you dip it up from the bubbling spring or draw it from an aqueduct half a dozen miles or more away." We would refer the reader to Rom. 12:3, and remark that sometimes the vessel through which the water passes has a great deal to do with its purity.
Visits to San Francisco and Oakland
By Editor
Last Sabbath we met with the church in San Francisco. It was a profitable day to us all. Sunday evening was stormy, but the attendance in Oakland was fair, and the interest manifested to hear the word was good.
The Meaning of Regeneration
By Editor
To J. L. E.—The word “regeneration” is used twice in the Bible: Matt. 19:28; Titus 3:5. The original word is defined by Greenfield: “A being born again, new birth, regeneration, renovation.”
General Articles.
By Editor
NONE of the readers of the SIGNS ever tire of the excellent articles which appear on the first page of our paper, which have been so regularly furnished by Mrs. E. G. White. At her request they are omitted for a few weeks, as she is furnishing articles which we publish in the missionary department entitled, "Among the Churches." The instruction contained in these articles is of too great value to be confined to the individual churches named, and we gladly give place to them in the paper. They will, however, be few in number.
Last week, on the first page, we gave an interesting extract from Dr. Geikie's Life of Christ. This week we give the first chapter of Eld. Littlejohn's work on the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The book is advertised in our paper, and kept for sale at this office. It is exactly the book for the times. The chapter given this week will afford the reader a good idea of the style of the writer, which is logical, interesting, and every way unexceptionable.
School Matters.
By Editor
On this page will be found a brief account of the meeting of the committee in Healdsburg. In addition we state:—
1. The building and ground have been purchased for $3,750. The first cost was over $10,000. The building is new, well arranged, with one hundred school-seats in it.
2. The grounds are too small. Other desirable ground can be obtained at moderate rates, and should be secured soon.
3. It is yet uncertain at what time the school will commence. It will depend on the expressed wishes of those who will attend the first term. Let us hear from such immediately.
Future information will be given in the SIGNS as fast as arrangements are made looking to the commencement of the school. It is the determination of the committee to move carefully, and place everything on a secure basis, and so insure the best possible success.
The "American (?) Sabbath."
By Editor
IN his speech in favor of Sunday, at a mass-meeting held in Oakland recently, a D. D. said: "America established the Sabbath as a household regulation, and we should observe it." Let's see; the commandment must read something like this: "Remember the first day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the first day is the household-regulation Sabbath of the Americans; in it thou shalt not do any work. . . . For in six days the Americans made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the first day; wherefore the Americans blessed the first day and established it." We had no idea that the authority of the Americans extended so far back. Much, however, as our patriotism would incline us to wish America to take the lead in all things, we are forced to admit that in this matter the Pope got the start of her.
We Are Not Convinced.
By Editor
SOME people are trying hard to convince the Seventh-day Adventists that it is wrong to work on Sunday in violation of the law of the State. The argument is easily made; it is this: We are to be in subjection to the "powers that be;" to obey rulers, etc. By this rule we are under obligation to abstain from labor "on the venerable day of the sun."
At the risk of being considered somewhat obdurate
Obeying God Rather Than Men
By Editor
we must say we are not convinced. We think, however, it is not because of obduracy in us, but that we have studied the word of God too intently to be misled by any such misapplication of its teachings. It is a well-known saying that, "A little learning is a dangerous thing;" and this may prove true in the case of some people, whose knowledge of the Bible is too superficial to be of benefit to themselves or others.
We are reminded of the debater who once undertook to prove that it was our duty to baptize (or rhantize) our children. The proof offered was considered positive beyond the possibility of evasion. It is found in 1 Peter 2:13: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man." But we are hardly prepared to adopt this rule without the limitations which the Scriptures put upon it. We have adopted the Scriptures to use, but do not choose to abuse them in the manner indicated by such arguments.
If we are wrong in working on Sunday for the reason stated, then Moses was wrong for not yielding to the laws of Pharaoh; the three Hebrew children were wrong for disobeying the law of Nebuchadnezzar, by reason of which they were (very justly, it must be supposed) cast into the fiery furnace; Daniel was wrong in disobeying the law of Darius, and, of course, he was deservedly thrown into the den of lions. And the apostles of Christ were wrong when they persisted in preaching "Jesus and the resurrection," after the rulers had strictly prohibited such seditious conduct. Many like instances may be presented. And it must seem strange to these modern expositors of the word of God, that in all these cases the Lord vindicated them in their wrong-doing (?) and put the rulers to confusion. How will they account for this?
We can easily solve the difficulty. In these cases the rulers were enacting laws which were contrary to the law of God; which, if obeyed, would lead to a violation of the law of God. Such laws must not be obeyed. When "the powers that be" are "a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well," Rom. 13, then it is the Christian's duty and delight to yield obedience to them; but when they turn aside and make themselves a praise to evil doers and a terror to them that do well, then our answer is always found in the answer to the rulers in Acts 4:19: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."
A Chinese Minister.
By Editor
AMONG the arrivals from the East yesterday was Yung Wing, who for the last three years has occupied the position of Second Minister for China at Washington. He has been a resident of the United States since 1846, and is said to be a naturalized citizen of this country. He is a graduate of Yale College, where he won high honors, two of our most distinguished lawyers being his classmates. It was by his efforts chiefly that the Chinese Educational Commission was established at Hartford, Connecticut. He belongs to the "advance party" of China, of which La Hung Chung is the leader, and has done more than all others of his countrymen to break down the barriers of Chinese exclusiveness. He is now en route to Peking.—S. F. Chronicle, Feb. 9.
At a Methodist Conference in Los Angeles we heard Bishop Wiley say: " You dislike the Chinaman in California because you do not know him."
We have always believed that in California we see the worst side of Chinese life, and for this California is partly responsible, for the means of assimilating to our civilization have been persistently denied to them. Mostly shut out of the public schools, denied the privilege of becoming citizens, treated as outcasts from their arrival upon our shores, and almost entirely deprived of the humanizing influence of female society, it is too much to expect that our civilization should have any elevating influence upon them. They are heathen, but they are not ignorant. Crossing the bay on the boat which took the "overland" passengers on the 8th inst., we had a fair opportunity to observe the appearance and manner of Yung Wing and his attendants, which indicated the refinement and culture which he possesses. The "hoodlum" element of this country has no reason to look down upon the Chinese, even in the unfavorable light in which they are presented in this State.
Bishop Wiley said that the Methodist mission in the Foo Chow District was commenced about the same time that Methodism began its work in California. With all the difference of surroundings, the Conferences in that district are as large as those in California, have as many preachers and as many members. And it is probably
A Higher Type of Christianity
not too much to say that their members are more devoted and self-denying, and less worldly, which is to say that they present a higher type of genuine Christianity.
School Meeting.
A MEETING of the S. D. A. School Committee of California, was held at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, in connection with the State quarterly meeting; present, W. C. White, Chairman; John Morrison, Elder J. H. Waggoner, T. M. Chapman, and Wm. Saunders, Secretary; absent, M. J. Church, and Wm. Butcher. At the first meeting, Mrs. E. G. White made appropriate remarks upon what should be the aims and ends of a denominational school, such as is purposed to be established in this State by Seventh-day Adventists, the gist of which was that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and that it was necessary to have a school of our own in order to take the children away from the evil influences found in nearly all the common schools and colleges of the day.
Elder Waggoner made remarks in favor of the establishment of a school.
W. C. White made a statement of what the Committee had done thus far in looking over the field to ascertain the best point for location, a principal to take charge of the school, the expense of tuition, board, etc.
W. Saunders stated that he regretted that we had not a full committee present—there were five of the seven on hand, however, and being a majority, were competent to act. Would like to hear the mind of the Healdsburg people on the subject.
Bro. Young stated that he favored this place for location of the school for the reasons that it was a place where property could be obtained cheaply, the climate was good, crops were certain, and the people were prosperous.
Elder Waggoner said he had visited several points in the State, and all things considered, Healdsburg seemed to offer the most advantages.
At the second meeting W. C. White reported that he had seen Professor Brownsberger in Michigan, and had succeeded in securing a promise from him to come to California and take charge of the proposed school, together with his wife who could act as one of the assistants. Report accepted.
Committee on location reported that the best, most suitable, and cheapest building attainable was at Healdsburg—a large two-story wooden building of excellent design and construction, in an eligible locality, upon commodious grounds, and already furnished and in use as a school, which could be obtained at reasonable figures.
The Committee examined the Healdsburg Institute building. The matter of teachers and text-books was discussed, when the following resolution was offered:—
Resolved, That the Board extend to Professor Sidney Brownsberger, of Battle Creek, Mich., an invitation to come and take charge of the proposed school as soon as possible, and that his wife also be invited to come with him and take a position as one of the teachers. Carried.
T. M. Chapman suggested that it was proper to consider the matter of locating the school at this time, whereupon John Morrison moved that the Healdsburg Institute be purchased on the terms proposed. This was seconded by Wm. Saunders, and after quite general discussion the question was put and carried unanimously.
Moved and seconded that W. C. White be empowered to receive a deed of the said school property in trust for the Board of Trustees of said school hereafter to be elected. This also received a unanimous affirmative vote.
After full consideration and discussion the following rates were fixed for tuition: Primary department, $2.50 per month; Intermediate, $3; Grammer, $4; High School, $5. Special studies, such as the languages, music, etc., to be charged extra. Where families send more than one pupil, a discount of ten per cent. to be allowed.
Moved that the school be called the Healdsburg Academy. Carried. WM. SAUNDERS, Sec.
Appointments.
Oakland.—Church N. E. corner Clay and 13th Streets. Meeting every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M. Preaching every second and fourth Sunday evening of each month. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Pastor. Sabbath-school at 9:30 A. M. W. C. White, Superintendent. Seats always free.
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.
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Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
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REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Michigan.
ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MISS ELIZA THAYER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass.
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