p. 223 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 4, No. 28. (7/25/1878)

Earlier text: The Second Coming of Christ

GOOD HEALTH.

Proper Diet for Man.

VEGETABLE FOOD NOT STIMULATING.

THE argument against meat as a stimulant is often met by the remark that vegetables are also stimulating. This statement is untrue. Vegetable food, such as wheat, corn, potatoes, and similar productions, are wholly unststimulating in character. Why, then, it is asked, does a weary man, who is faint and weak from hunger, feel rested and strengthened immediately after eating his dinner, and while the food eaten is still in his stomach, none of it having been yet assimilated? This objection may be easily answered. Why does the sudden cry of fire cause a bed-ridden invalid to spring from his couch and escape from the burning building, notwithstanding the fact that he has not before walked a step for many years? How does the music of fife and drum enable a weary soldier to continue his march for many hours with ease after he thought himself completely exhausted? The cause of these phenomena is found in mental and nervous influence. In the first case the mental excitement becomes so great that pain and weakness are dissipated, and the whole vital force of the system is summoned to action. In the second case, the wearied, irritated nerves are soothed by the harmony of music, and their action becomes balanced and harmonious, when weariness of necessity ceases at once.

So in the case of the man who feels stronger immediately after eating his dinner. When hungry, there was nervous irritation, an unbalanced condition of nervous action resulting from the unpleasant sensation of hunger. As soon as the cause of irritation is removed, the man feels rested and refreshed, and so appears to be stronger.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH.

Stimulation always weakens muscular power, as has been amply demonstrated by extensive experimentation of some of the most eminent savants of Europe. In view of this fact, the conclusion is inevitable that animal food must be prejudicial to the attainment of the highest degree of physical development, since we have already shown that it is stimulating in its character.

Not only is this true in theory, but the principle is well sustained by facts. Among the lower animals we find the strongest individuals are of the vegetable-eating class. We hardly need mention the enormous strength of the elephant, the rhinoceros, the horse, the ox, and other animals of like character. The whole class of carnivorous animals does not furnish so fleet an animal as the reindeer, nor so graceful and agile a one as the gazelle.

What is true concerning the lower animals is found to be equally true of man. The early Grecians, especially the noble Spartans, subsisted almost entirely upon the fruits of the earth, as did also the Persians during the period of their greatest strength and prosperity, as may be seen from the following paragraph respecting the latter people from Rollin's Ancient History:

"The only food allowed either the children or the young men was bread, cresses, and water, for their design was to accustom them early to temperance and sobriety; besides, they considered that a plain, frugal diet, without any mixture of sauces or ragouts, would strengthen the body, and lay such a foundation of health as would enable them to undergo the fatigues and hardships of war to a good old age."

Success in war at the time when the Persians and Grecians were prominent actors in the arena of political strife depended almost entirely upon personal strength and prowess, and not so much upon strategy and ingenuity as at the present day. When we find these nations arising from very small and obscure beginnings, and successively becoming masters of the world, we cannot question their superiority over their enemies in the physical development necessary to enable them to compete successfully with all opposition. And in view of the facts already cited, who can doubt that the frugal vegetable diet to which they restricted themselves was the principal agent in securing to them the hardihood and bodily vigor which they possessed.

Another fact which is strikingly confirmatory of this view is the well-authenticated statement of historians that, as the Persians became prosperous and masters of the whole world, they allowed themselves to depart from their simple mode of life, especially in respect to diet. As the result, they soon began to decline in strength, and their armies were no longer able to withstand the attacks of the more frugal and hardy Grecians. The Grecians, in turn, after a time also became addicted to the use of animal food, and so became enervated, and in time were forced to give place to another and more hardy nation. We would not presume to say that the use of animal food was the only cause which operated to bring about the decline and final overthrow of each of the nations mentioned, but we do not hesitate to claim that it was one of the chief causes which, acting both directly and indirectly, served to bring about that result.

Nearly all the nations of modern Europe subsist almost entirely upon vegetable food. At least, such is the case with the laboring classes—those who constitute the bone and sinew of any nation. The lower classes of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, and Ireland, eat very little meat, frequently tasting it not more than once a week; yet when not addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors, a more hardy, robust set of people cannot be found. The inhabitants of Greece, who live upon coarse bread made from unbolted meal, are remarkably powerful and agile. In truth, from two-thirds to three-fourths of the whole human race have always subsisted upon vegetable food, and yet when they have been well supplied, and other habits have been approximately correct, they have been well sustained.

RELIGIOUS NEWS AND NOTES.

—Russia was the only government whose department at the Paris Exposition was opened with religious ceremonies.

—At a recent meeting of the Evangelical Alliance it was stated that four of the languages of Africa had been reduced to writing—the Bechuana, Zulu, Caffre, and Basuto—and the Scriptures translated into them; and there were now 50,000 church members.

—Gospel temperance meetings are now held on Sunday evenings in the Park theatre in New York city, by Mr. C. W. Sawyer. Similar services are held during the other evenings of the week at the chapel of the City Mission. The meetings are under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association and of the City Mission.

—Four more old London churches are to be torn down during the year. Last year witnessed the destruction of the fine church of St. Michael and of All Hallows, where Milton was baptized, and the four which are to be torn down this year are all the work of Christopher Wren, two of which possess spires of singular beauty and originality of design.

—The first Moravian missionaries embarked from Copenhagen in 1733, for the West Indies and Greenland. In fifteen years they had commenced sixteen missions, bringing the gospel to the Negroes, Hottentots, Esquimaux, Greenlanders, and American Indians. The missions at present consist of 95 stations, 303 European missionaries, 1,547 native assistants, 300 school teachers, 68,476 members of the church, 22,647 communicants, 16,484 children in day schools, and 12,983 in Sunday-schools.

Good Advice to Graduates.

The young men now leaving college who think that it would be beneath their dignity to engage in mechanical pursuits, and that the education which they have received is only intended to fit them for some one of the learned professions, ought to study the baccalaureate discourse delivered by Dr. Peabody, on Sunday last, before the graduates of Harvard. "We need," said he, "able and educated men in agriculture and manufacture, and there is not a department under those titles that may not be elevated, not alone in name, but in its permanent value as a factor in its well being by such recruits as our college might furnish." Students fresh from the university are too apt to forget that there is something practical in life to which their education is only an introduction, and that if it helps them in law, in medicine and in theology, it will also be an aid to them, in those other pursuits which are equally associated with national progress and prosperity. A few matter-of-fact sermons like Dr. Peabody delivered, just at the time when young men's minds and feelings are the most receptive, might lead them to indulge less in thoughts of being carried through life on flowery beds of ease, and more of following avocations which will in the end yield not only pleasure but profit.—Baltimore American.

Self-Denial for Health and Longevity

To GET well of any chronic disease, of a serious character, and to remain cured, a man must be led to see the nature of his own case, the needs and requirements of his own constitution, and must have that force of character which compels compliance with those requisitions. Intelligent self-denial is the price of health and long life the world over: it never will be otherwise.

This Life.

If this life were all, if we could look to no blissful hereafter, then indeed might we droop in despair. The lot of all here is mixed with suffering and sorrow. There is no brow that does not wear its crown of thorns. Sickness and death will take up their abode in the fairest homes, and the cold clods of the valley ofttimes hide from us our dearest treasures. What consolation is there for the stricken mourner if no ray of hope pierces the darkness of the tomb? if he has no faith in Him who has said, "I am the resurrection and the life"?

There is nothing in all the wide world on which the tempest tossed soul can rest but the religion of Jesus. Ask the man whose locks are white with age, who has toiled all his life long for gold, if his riches yield him satisfaction, and he will tell you, No.

And yet though religion is all that can really benefit any, how lightly is it esteemed. The world! the world! is the cry of nearly all. Give me this first, and perhaps afterwards I will attend to eternal things. Oh, fatal mistake! How many will rush on in striving to gratify pride and ambition until it is too late to be saved.

Thoughts for the Afflicted

THOUGHTS FOR THE AFFLICTED.—A Christian under manifold trials replied to the following effect, to a friend who was condoling with him: "I look around, and see how many there are who are much more heavily afflicted than myself. I look within, and I see how much corruption there is in my heart, which needs to be mortified, and which provokes the rod. I look downward, and I see that death which I deserve, and from which grace alone has delivered me. I look upward, and I see that God whose hand overrules all events, and who doeth all things wisely and well. I look backward, and I see from how many troubles he has delivered me, and how many sharp afflictions he has made to work together for my good. I look forward, and I see that 'far more and exceeding and eternal weight of glory' to which he is conducting me, and for which, by those afflictions, he is preparing me. And when I have looked in all these directions, I do not think much of my afflictions."

OBITUARY.

By J. S. Howard

DIED, of consumption, at Middletown, Lake county, Cal., July 8, 1878, our dear Sister Margaret E., wife of S. V. Cooper, aged thirty-five years and one month. She embraced the present truth some four years ago, in Napa city, under the labors of Elders Loughborough and Cornell, and was baptized at the first Yountville camp-meeting. Her last moments were those of bright expectation of a part in the first resurrection. She entered the shadowy vale, calmy trusting in her Saviour. Words of comfort were spoken by Rev. Cornwall (Presbyterian) from the words of our Saviour, "I am the resurrection and the life." J. S. HOWARD.

The Dime Tabernacle.

By James White

PROBABLY no enterprise has been taken hold of by our people with greater zeal than the building of a house for the Lord, at Battle Creek, Michigan. The growth of the cause at that point has demanded larger houses of worship from time to time. The first, 18x22, was built in 1854. This was soon too small to convene the church, to say nothing of our General Conferences. The second, 22x44, was built in 1858. But this soon was insufficient to convene General Conferences; and the third, 42x66, was built in 1866. In this house the church has worshiped until the present time, and till the past year it would hold the congregation by filling the gallery and by supplying extra seats. But the house thus packed is always uncomfortable, so much so that feeble persons from the Sanitarium seldom attend worship, and the citizens of Battle Creek do not attend even on funeral occasions, from the fact that they know there are no seats for them. During the past winter some of the College students were literally driven from the house after Sabbath-school to give room for the resident congregation. The reader will not therefore wonder that the work of building a house of sufficient capacity to take in the crowd is taken hold of with a good degree of enthusiasm.

The plan by which means is to be raised to build this house, and the name of it, may seem somewhat novel to our people, but we think they will be convinced that a good plan has been adopted. The building is to be substantial and warm, with one thickness of brick, like the Sanitarium. This not being a solid wall is usually called brick veneering. This house will be of sufficient size to convene three thousand persons. It will be of respectable hight, with plain belfry, in which our good bell will be placed. The inside will be finished in a plain, neat style, and the ceiling above will be in hight to compare with the seating capacity of the house. This place will be of sufficient size to convene the entire Sabbath-school, which had to be divided last winter for want of room, and, to take in the crowd on special occasions. This house will be one-third larger than any house of worship in Michigan; as we are credibly informed that the largest in the State will seat only two thousand persons.

The dime Tabernacle takes its name from the plan of raising the means to build it which is as follows:—

1. All persons, inside or outside of the churches of Seventh-day Adventists, wherever they may be in the four quarters of the globe, saints or sinners, rich or poor, white or colored, high or low, and of all nationalities, who will of a willing heart and a ready mind give the sum of ten cents each month for the period of one year, are invited so to do. Payments to be made monthly, commencing with July. Those persons who choose to do so, and we hope most of the friends will, can pay the sum of $1.20 in advance. This will enable the building committee to prosecute the work rapidly, and have the house ready to dedicate the first of December. As circulars will be sent out everywhere, more fully illustrating the manner of raising and forwarding the dimes, we will pass to notice,

2. That there are not less than twenty-five thousand persons, including men, women, and children, in the ranks of S. D. Adventists, and should all of these give a dime each month, the sum of $30,000 would be raised. Probably not more than $20,000 will be needed. In this case however there would be the handsome sum of $10,000 to put into the treasury of European missions. Will $30,000 be raised? Certainly it will be. For a moment let us see how much must be saved in each of the secular days in the year in order for twenty-five thousand persons to raise $30,000. This can be ascertained by dividing the sum for each person to raise by 312, the number of secular days in the year, and the result is three mills and eleven-thirteenths of a mill on each laboring day in the year! Only three mills and eleven-thirteenths of a mill on each of the laboring days of the year!! Will the $30,000 dollars be raised? Will it? Certainly it will.

And when the Dime Tabernacle shall be completed, all the cheerful doners will be invited to the dedication. Then they can see the house they have built for the Lord, and enjoy at least one service in it. And then a full report of the history of the building of the house, with a complete statement of the cost will be given. And the doners names and addresses will be given in pamphlet form in connection with the aforesaid statements and mailed to the doners. Will the Dime Tabernacle go up at once? It will! It will!! Already the old building is removed and masons and carpenters are at work on the very cite where God has been worshiped by the Battle Creek church during the past twelve years. We again urge promptness by all who wish to help build the Dime Tabernacle that the builders be not hindered in their work from want of ready cash.

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. JAMES WHITE, Chairman.

State Quarterly Meeting.

THE fourth quarterly meeting of the California State Tract and Missionary Society met as per appointment the evening of July 20, 1878. Prayer by Elder Healey. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted, after which the report of labor during the quarter was called for, and read as follows :—

District	1	2	3	4	5	7	8	Total
Other periodicals distributed......	217	36	70	61	31	422	299	1,136
Signs distributed...	687	103	393	51	123	3,300	1,652	6,309
New subscribers for other periodicals.	4	5	5	4	1	7	18	44
New subscribers for Signs. ............	4	15	2			17	43	81
No. pp. Tracts, etc., loaned......	5,278	1,741	11,016	660	2,589	16,430	5,414	43,128
No. pp. Tracts, etc., given away......	9,713	11,383	8,719	1,356	8,878	32,692	19,449	92,190
Book sales ......	$6.80	51.25	7.25		6.60	12.20	31.90	$116.00
Donations......	$31.10	5.00	28.75		32.20	63.95	36.25	$197.25
New Members......	$2.00	$1.00			2.00	10.00		$15.00
Letters written......	49	39	22		19	407	60	596
Ships visited......						6		6
Families visited......	28	4	2		21	861	94	1010
No. of Reports......	50	24	42	6	26	50	31	229
Memberships......	56	46	60	10	52	72	46	342

As seen by the above table the whole number of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away is 135,318. The whole amount of money received is $328.25.

The subject of the Dime Tabernacle soon to be erected in Battle Creek, Mich., being introduced it was

Voted, That we earnestly recommend all to pledge their dimes toward this enterprise according to the plan recommended in the circulars sent to the librarians of the various churches.

As much of the missionary work during the past quarter has been done by the members of the Vigilant Missionary Society, it was suggested that separate reports be prepared by which it could be seen how much had been done outside of such societies. It was therefore

Voted, That blanks for this purpose be prepared by a committee of three appointed by the chair, of which the chairman should be one.

On motion the meeting adjourned.

J. E. WHITE, Vice President.

MRS. A. M. LOUGHBOROUGH, Secretary.

Oakland.

By W. M. Healey

WE continue our work here. The attendance is quite good. Mrs. E. G. White gave three discourses in the tent last week to good and appreciative audiences. Last Sabbath we had a union meeting of brethren from Oakland and San Francisco. We had two hundred Sabbath-keepers present and an excellent meeting. Last Sunday the pastor of the second Congregational church preached a sermon on the Christian Sabbath. We review him to-night. There is considerable interest taken in the question, and we expect others to obey the truth.

July 23, 1878. W. M. HEALEY.

Reno, Nevada.

By John Norton Loughborough

THE new Nevada tent is pitched in Reno, Nevada, a few rods from, and in full view of, the Central Pacific railroad. Our tent was packed, and scores stood outside. The climate here is mild, so we can have up the walls and preach to the people outside as well as inside the tent. The people are very friendly. The Lord gave freedom in speaking the truth, may his blessing follow this effort in Reno. Pray for us.

July, 22, 1878. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

California Sabbath-School Association.

IMMEDIATELY after the State quarterly meeting of July 20, 1878, a session of the California Sabbath-school association was held.

The committee appointed at the last State quarterly meeting reported, 1. That the constitution adopted last October was incomplete in some respect and needed amendments, and, 2. That a blank should be prepared for quarterly reports from the different schools.

The committee presented an amended constitution which brings this State association into harmony with the National association, and which is similar to the constitution adopted by the State associations throughout the United States. It reads as follows :—

ARTICLE I—OBJECT.

The object of the association shall be the promotion of greater uniformity of action and efficiency in the workings of the Sabbath-schools of California.

ART. II—NAME.

This society shall be known as the California Sabbath-school Association of Seventh-day Adventists.

ART. III—DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

The officers of the association shall be a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and an executive board of three, of which the president shall be one, who shall be elected annually.

ART. IV—DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

The duty of the president shall be to preside at all the meetings of the association, and of the executive board, and to call special meetings thereof.

The duties of the secretary and treasurer shall be similar to those of similar officers in other societies.

ART. V—DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD.

The functions of the executive board shall be : (1) To represent this association when not in session assembled, and to execute all its recommendations and orders. (2) To assist, either personally or by authorized agents, in organizing, and conducting Sabbath-schools, and Sunday-schools in those places where an attendance can be secured, and where the truths of the Bible can be plainly taught. (3) To make all necessary provision for rendering the sessions of the association interesting and profitable, and in general to labor to make our Sabbath-schools efficient in preparing their members to be fruitful workers in the grand mission of the third angel's message.

ART. VI—FUNDS.

The funds for defraying the expenses of this association shall be obtained by contributions from the several schools in the State, and by individual donations.

ART. VII—REPRESENTATION.

SECTION 1. Delegates. The several schools shall be represented in business sessions by delegates.

SEC. 2. Appointments. Each Sabbath-school of fifteen or less members is entitled to one delegate for each additional fifteen members.

SEC. 3. Superintendents. All the superintendents present at a meeting of this association shall be received as delegates.

ART. VIII—AMENDMENTS.

This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the delegates present of any State meeting of the association.

ART. IX—MEETINGS.

The yearly meetings of this association shall be held in connection with the State Conference meeting.

The above amended constitution was adopted by unanimous vote.

According to Article III of the constitution it was found that an election of two members to act in connection with the president as an executive board was necessary. It was therefore

Voted, That M. C. Israel and John Mavity act in this capacity.

Voted, That the matter of blanks for quarterly reports be referred to the executive committee.

The meeting then adjourned.

J. E. WHITE, President. ALICE CANFIELD, Secretary.

The Dime Tabernacle.

By General Conference Committee

BLANK pledge papers with full directions how to raise and forward the dimes are prepared and sent out to very many from the Review and Herald Office. Those who do not receive them can obtain them by sending to the Review Office, Battle Creek, Mich.

GEN. CONF. COM.

Rural Health Retreat.

By J. D. Rice

THIS Institute has been opened but five weeks and only advertised in one paper nine days, yet even now the house is crowded by those seeking board and treatment, there being thirty-five persons now lodging under its roof. Besides this there are four tents pitched on the grounds which are occupied by those who also take treatment at the Institute.

I came to this place from Tulare county, a distance of three hundred and sixty miles, four weeks ago yesterday. I was in a state of extreme prostration, occasioned by a fever which had been preying upon my system for three weeks. One week before coming here I had a relapse, brought on by over exertion the first day after rising from a two weeks' fever. Upon my arrival I immediately fell into a kind of stupor or semi-conscious state, which had been coming over me during the last day of my journey. I remained in this state of stupor for nearly a week, being wholly conscious only about one hour each day. I was faithfully cared for during this stage of the disease, and at the end of twelve days I had so far recovered that I was able to rise from my bed and sit up several hours. Since then I have been rapidly improving day by day.

With a heart full of gratitude to our heavenly Father for so graciously preserving my life through my sickness, and realizing that the benefits of the Rural Health Retreat are the means by which God has raised me up to still labor in his cause, I am led to give him praise. I feel that it is due to speak a few words in regard to the Health Institute, that others who are afflicted may receive the benefits that are to be obtained at this Institution.

The building is situated several hundred feet up the side of Howell mountain, commanding a delightful view of the valley, and the mountains beyond—a landscape seldom surpassed in beauty. I would say to those who are sick and need treatment, Come to the Rural Health Retreat, where you have combined, proper treatment, fresh mountain air, and pure soft water flowing from a crystal spring.

J. D. RICE.

St. Helena, Cal., July 18, 1878.

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.

"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.

$2.00 EACH. Martin Shepherd 5-1, Geo Griffith 5-37, J W McReynolds (4 copies) 5-1, Mrs H Cameron 5-38, W H Duvall 5-20, Mrs S Stevenson 5-28, John M Pugh 5-28, A H Will 5-20, R C Cruey 5-1, Elisha Sharp 5-1, W C Holmes 5-10, Alvis Smith 5-38, J W Beal 5-28.

$1.50 EACH. John Woof 5-28, Mrs E Jones 5-28, Mrs Eliza Harvey 5-28, Jesse Woods 5-28, E C Lawton 5-28, Alice Bogert 5-28, John S Osborn 5-28, Wm Allen 5-28, John B Maurins 5-28, Ellen Cudd 5-2, Levi Coombs 5-28, J Crandall 5-21, R D Benham 5-28.

MISCELLANEOUS. Lucy Woodell 37c 4-40, Geo Hawkins 50c 4-40, John Armstrong 50c 4-40, W M M Armstrong 50c 4-40, Dr E W Kerr 50c 4-40, B B Kerr 50c 4-40, S B Flint $1,00 5-4, J F Feaque 75c 5-4, S V Ward 75 5-4, J Q Butler 3.00 5-8, T B Maxcy 50 4-44, W A Woolsey 50c 4-44, Mrs Lina Penniman (3 copies) 3-75, 5-19, T H Starbuck 1.00 5-1, J Crandall (10 copies) 16.50 5-28, D Washington 1.00, 4-30, Lydia Brown 75c 5-24, Clark and Bud 75c 5-4, Mrs M Pittman 75c 5-4, John Funk 75c 5-4, Henry Heavell 75c 5-4, Jno and Thomas Quackenbush 75c 5-4, Mrs Lon Quitt 75c 5-4, Mrs Bothwell 75c 5-4, Mrs Burdett 75c 5-4, Mrs P Bainter 75c 5-4, Jas Skinner 75c 5-4, W M Dail (3 copies) 2.25 5-4, W M Dail 1.75 6-7, Pittman and Gentry 75c 5-4.

Received on Account.

Cal T and M Society $23.58.

California Conference Fund.

Gilroy Pr John Griffith $2.67, Middletown 30.75.

European Mission.

Miss Betsy Larden $50.00, Warren Farlern 10.00, Frank D Starr 1.00, Calista F Moon 2.00, Wm S Moon 15.00.