Brother Cudney writes from Nebraska, saying: “Three tents are running in this State, and all report a fair interest.”
A note from Brother St. John says they have commenced meetings in Santa Barbara City, but feel the lack of missionary labor in the city, none having preceded the tent meeting. With the experience of our workers, and in the present state of the work, it is a serious mistake to make no provision for canvassing and colporting before a tent meeting.
Brethren Smith and Owen are holding meetings in a tent in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Co. They are of good courage.
Catholic Baptism.
By Editor
CATHOLIC baptism did not have altogether a smooth sea before the Presbyterian General Assembly. Dr. Schaff’s resolution was vigorously opposed by some. The Converted Catholic, whose editor understands the Romish church from its foundation up, is of course strong in opposition to the idea of giving validity to Romish ordinances. In our next we will give a selection from its columns on this subject.
“Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate.”
By Editor
THE first number of this journal will be in the mail at the same time as the present number of the SIGNS. As previously announced, it has 24 pages, issued bi-monthly, 50 cents a year. It will be the constant effort to make it useful; and no pains will be spared to improve it in this respect. We believe that many will see their need of it, and both take and read it and send it to their friends. Every number will contain important information in regard to right methods of living, and the responsibility resting upon us to so live as to bear the burdens and discharge the duties of life successfully.
They who receive specimen copies are requested to use them where they will do the most good.
Impressive Reminder.
By Editor
THE readers of our periodicals are well acquainted with Brother R. F. Cottrell through his writings. In this manner he has greatly helped the cause of truth. Though aged and infirm enough to be "superannuated," his interest in the truth is not abated, and his labors do not cease. Lately our heart was caused to "burn within us" by receiving the following note from him:—
"DEAR BROTHER: All things conspire to tell us that the work of the gospel will soon be finished. The winds will be held a little longer for the servants of God to be sealed [Rev. 7:1-3], while the last message is spreading over the earth. You and I belong to ‘this generation,’ and it may be our lot to witness the closing scene, terrible as it will be. We have believed the Lord's work these many years, have loved it, I trust, in a measure at least, and if faithful may see its consummation. At all events I hope to be found with you at the post of duty while life on earth shall last; and finally, when all God's people are gathered and changed to immortality that we may be found of the number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Yours to meet there, "R. F. COTTRELL."
Yes, that will be a "terrible" day; unspeakably terrible to those who are compelled to "drink of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation;" to those who have no refuge, but vainly call upon the rocks and mountains to fall on them, and hide them from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. That day will be the culmination of all the terrors which have been suffered by the impenitent in the time of trouble, in the plagues of God's wrath, or which have been threatened since man first fell from the favor of God.
But that day will have no terror for the "little flock" who have the assurance that Jesus is coming for their redemption. All their terror, their fears, their struggles and sufferings, will forever pass away in that day. But "who shall it be?" That is a question that presses upon us with great weight, as "we see the day approaching." God grant in mercy (for it will be all of mercy), dear Brother C., that we may be steadfast in the "patience of hope, and the labor of love," faithful in duty until that day shall dawn in terror and in glory—all glory for "the remnant."
Competent Teachers Wanted.
By Editor
IN a late number of the San Francisco Chronicle we find the following good point, and very pertinent inquiry:—
“We are in receipt of a letter signed ‘Several Students of the State Normal School,’ complaining of the alleged incompetency of the instructor in drawing. The writer says with this single exception all the tutors are thoroughly efficient. We are afraid that ‘Several Students’ is not a competent judge, and that a teacher of spelling would fill a long-felt want, in her case at least. Any one who adopts such unique modes of spelling as ‘compitent,’ ‘dischargeing,’ and ‘three-forths’ needs a spelling-book and not a drawing teacher. Can it be possible that any of our high schools send such bad spellers to the State Normal School as this letter would seem to indicate?”
It certainly is “possible,” for “Several Students” is certainly there; we have indubitable evidence that she is a “bad speller;” and how could she get into the normal school without being sent, perhaps graduated (?) from the high school? Unless California high schools are an exception among the high schools of this country, it is highly probable that just such bad spellers are sent to the State Normal School. We have not the least idea that it would be at all difficult to find bad spelling in any normal school in the United States. Nor is it confined to the normal schools; even the colleges are not free from it. Indeed, bad spelling appears to be considered an accomplishment, for it is not infrequently found in those who have been graduated from somewhere, and who consequently have a smattering of Latin, French, drawing, etc., and a thorough knowledge of bad spelling, and so are “compitent” to write complaints of the incompetency of their teachers.