IN the minds of very many persons there is a great prejudice against canvassing, or any one who is engaged in that business. And yet there is no real reason why it should be so. If the canvasser is an honorable man, dealing kindly and fairly with all, and handles only those things that are useful, and that will recommend themselves to the purchaser, his is as honorable a way of earning a living as is the grocer's or the dry-goods merchant's. Such an one, if he continues in one section of country, and becomes known to the inhabitants, will be looked upon as a friend.
But the canvasser need not look upon his work as a mere means of earning a living. If he realizes that he is doing good, in short, that he is a missionary, his work will be ennobled, and he himself will be elevated by it. If he is canvassing for a really valuable book, one that teaches things of the greatest importance, we see no reason why he should not be considered a missionary, for what more can any missionary do than to teach men those things that they most need to know? His work does not end when the book is delivered and he has received the money, but the influence of the transaction will be felt in all coming time. Let the book canvasser, then, consider himself an educator.
We call attention again to our "Subscription Book Department," as containing just the books to be used in this work. They sell readily, as has been proved by experience, and they are such books as any one can confidently recommend. We have not space at present to particularize, but ask you to send for terms to agents, and an outfit.
Crowding the Pope.
By Editor
The pope has received another blow; not directly but in such a manner that its import cannot be mis taken. The case is this: An artist had been employed to do some work in the Vatican. As his pay was not forthcoming, he sued the pope's chief steward, in one of the lower courts, and won his case. The steward pro tested that the State Court had no jurisdiction in a matter arising within the Vatican. The court rejected his plea, and the higher court, although it awarded the case to the steward on the merits, affirmed the principle asserted by the lower court, that the jurisdiction of the civil court does extend into the Vatican. Of course if it extends over the pope's household, and his chief offi cials, the conclusion is unavoidable that it extends over the pope himself.
What a change from the time when the pope made and dethroned kings at his pleasure. Then nobody dared call him to account for his acts; now he is amenable to a petty court, the same as the clergy of Protestant denominations. This is something like ret ributive justice; and it is more. It is in the line of the fulfillment of the prophecy that "they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end."
-At a meeting of the Ministerial Union in San Francisco, recently, the matter of advertising Sunday services in the Sunday papers was discussed at some length. The prevailing opinion seemed to be that it is wrong. Dr. Jewell said that some of the Methodist clergy had resolved not to advertise any day in papers that publish a Sunday edition. Even the late election has not taught them tolerance. We will not quote the proverb which this conduct brings to our mind.
Healdsburg College.
By S. Brownsberger
OPENING OF SPRING TERM.
The fall term of Healdsburg College closes December 26, and after a vacation of one week the spring term opens January 3. We would urge all who can attend next term to be present at the opening. Commence work with the others in your classes and you will be more likely to succeed.
Let none stay away for fear they may not be able to find accommodations for boarding. Quite a number of excellent families of our people have recently located at Healdsburg, and there are boarding and lodging facilities here now for thirty to fifty more. Board and lodgings, with all the accommodations provided that a student requires, may be obtained here for $3.00 to $3.50 per week. Tuition is low, ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per month for the common branches. The past term has been a successful one, and we are very hopeful for the future.
This College can be made the best in the State of California, and the Board and Faculty will not be satisfied until this is fully realized. It is not always the case that wealth and numbers are necessary in a school to secure to its students the best possible culture. These indeed are often a serious obstacle in the attainment of this end. The best school is that in which are developed from its students the best specimens of humanity possible. S. BROWNSBERGER.
Gradations in Crime.
By Editor
THE law does recognize different degrees in crime, but the men whose duty it is to enforce the laws seem to have become confused as to their purport, and invert the intended order. Three cases have recently come to our notice by means of the daily press. We give them in the reverse order of their occurrence. 1. A Chinaman in San Francisco was convicted of smuggling half a pound of opium. For this offense he was promptly fined fifty dollars. 2. A short time before, from a vessel in the bay, two white men were detected in the act of smuggling 10,000 pounds of the same drug. The enormity of the crime seemed to appall the officials, for up to the present time nothing has been done about the matter with the exception of an occasional newspaper mention. 3. Frank James, brother of the notorious Jesse, himself a well-known robber and murderer, who for years has led the life of a lawless bandit, and has distinguished himself as the slayer of many unarmed and inoffensive citizens, has grown weary of dodging the officers of the law, and given himself up. If he were a representative of one of the powers of Europe he could not receive more marked attention. The Governor of the State (Missouri), Judges, and all the first (?) citizens press for the honor of shaking his hand; and bouquets are sent him every day, by ladies who have furnished the room where he is temporarily detained, like a palace. Nobody has any doubt that he will receive an unconditional pardon. The sentiment of justice seems to be fast dying out. And in this we see another evidence that we are now in the last days, for the prophet in speaking of the time just preceding the coming of the Lord, says: “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isa. 59:14.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS VOLUME ONE.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
The readers of the SIGNS need no introduction to the writings of Mrs. White. The article on the first page of each paper, from her pen, is always eagerly read; and those who read it need no guarantee that her writings are elevating in their nature and marked by a high moral tone. This book has long been out of print, and is now re-published, as much that it contains has never appeared in any other work. It is a brief but vivid sketch of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, from the rebellion in Heaven to the establishment of Christ's Kingdom. The book is well adapted for extensive circulation, as it contains a great amount of important matter in a small space. Much of the matter is of special interest to the church at the present time.
In paper covers; 154pp. Price, 25 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS
EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS.
By MRS. E. G. WHITE.
This volume contains the earliest writings of Mrs. White, first printed in 1851. It contains an account of her early religious experience, and a brief account of the wonderful dealings of God with her. Apart from its intrinsic value, it will be of interest as showing the harmony between the earliest writings of the Seventh-day Adventists and those published at a later date. Its publication is very timely.
In paper covers, with Supplement, 25 cents.
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.
SUBSCRIPTION BOOK DEPARTMENT
AGENTS WANTED
TO CANVASS FOR THE FOLLOWING VALUABLE BOOKS:
Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.
THE best selling book before the people. Agents in the East are handling this book with great profit. One says: "Nearly everybody seems to want it. I have only canvassed about seven or eight days, and have obtained forty-one subscribers. 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation' might be sold by the thousand in this State."
The book is one that everybody will want, as it treats of subjects that are now agitating the public mind, and its style and language are so plain that none can fail to understand it.
LIBERAL TERMS TO AGENTS.
For further information and outfit, address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Home Hand-Book.
By Editor
We have still a large number of the HAND-BOOK, which we are anxious to sell before March 31st. To live Agents who will dispose of 20 or more copies before that date, very liberal terms will be given.
We have just received a large order from New Zealand, which is the most practical testimonial we can receive.
SEVERAL COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA STILL UNCANVASSED.
For particulars apply, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Parsons' Hand-Book of Business and Social Forms.
As General Agents on the Pacific Coast, we invite the attention of Agents to the rare advantages offered by this work.
1st. Among its authors are Prof. G. H. Bell, Prof. Uriah Smith, Hon. Chas. S. May, Hon. W. C. Gage, etc.
2d. Its departments include instructive articles on Penmanship, Bookkeeping, Legal and Commercial forms, Grammar, Letter Writing, Good Behavior, etc., affording an excellent opportunity for self-instruction in branches so necessary in the present days.
3d. It is the cheapest work of the kind published.
4th. It is selling rapidly. Agents are astonishing themselves and the publishers.
For particulars apply, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
NONPAREIL, 8vo. (4 1/2x7x1 1/8).
560 Turkey Morocco, Boards ......................................... 4 50
665 Levant, Circuit................................................. 6 75
665 1/2 Same as No. 665, with Round Corners.......................... 7 10
MINION, 8vo. (5x7 1/4x1 1/8).
711 Turkey Morocco, Limp............................................ 5 50
715 Levant, Circuit................................................. 8 00
715 1/2 Same as No. 715, with Round Corners......................... 8 30
721 Best Levant, Divinity Circuit, kid lined, silk sewed, red under gold edges.........................................................11 00
905 Persian Morocco, wide margin.................................... 9 00
Any of the above can be had with Patent Index; price, $1.00 extra; or name in gilt, 25 cents extra.
A Large Assortment of FAMILY BIBLES.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists
By Editor
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE, PUBLISHERS "SIGNS OF THE TIMES," General Job Printers, Book-Binders, and Electrotypers, OAKLAND, CAL.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 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.