THE editor of the Golden Gate, in an article on "Spiritualism in the Churches," says, "Ministers and laymen alike are disposed to 'try the spirits.'" Thus it is, he says, that "the communion of saints" is "a glorious fact in the lives of thousands who are never known or recognized as Spiritualists." Well we also are disposed to "try the spirits," but in a different way. If we were ignorant of the nature of some substance, we would not think of swallowing it in order to try it and see if it were poison. We would take it to a chemist, who would subject it to the test of some known substance, and we could soon tell whether or not it would be safe to take it. If it was declared to be poison, we should certainly leave it alone. Well, the same word which commands us to "try the spirits," also tells us how to try them: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20. Turning to a part of the "testimony" where a brief account of the work of the spirits is given, we learn that "they are the spirits of devils." Rev. 16:14. That settles the matter for us. We do not wish any closer acquaintance with those spirits than the word of God, our sure guide, gives us. It declares Spiritualism to be a deadly poison; and the only way we know of to escape the effects of poison is to let it alone.
Spiritualism and the Cross
By Editor
A LEADING Spiritualist paper says editorially: "It is not necessary that one should always avow his beliefs or disbeliefs before the world; especially when to do so is to invite social or financial disaster." This reminds us of one Mr. By-ends, of whom Bunyan speaks, who was for religion "so far as the times and my safety will bear it;" "when he walks in his golden slippers in the sunshine, and with applause." Such doctrine is, as we might expect, exactly opposite to that taught in the Bible, but it will find many advocates. Says one, "If Spiritualism is an error, how is it that it has so rapidly gained so large a following?" Just because it is error. The quotation at the beginning of this note should suffice for an answer. It, like all error, appeals to man's nature, and caters to his natural inclinations. But Christ says: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Such a call will never find a general, hearty response in this world.
Humboldt County Camp-Meeting.
By California Conference Committee
THIS camp-meeting will be held in Eureka, in Mr. Connick's grove, the same spot we occupied last year. Let all who wish to rent camping tents, or who wish space to pitch their own tents, write at once to Philip Kent, Eureka, Humboldt County, Cal. The rent of tents will be the same as last year, 10x12, $4.00; 12x16, $6.00. The meeting is to commence Wednesday evening, August 4, and close Thursday morning, August 12. We trust all will be ready to commence with the meeting, and continue to its close. The meeting is shorter than last year. Do not miss any of it.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
Papers Sent Only with Payment
By Editor
We send no papers from this office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the Signs are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
Request to Repeat a Lost Question
By Editor
Will the friend in Humboldt County, who sent us a question on the law, please repeat it? We would like to answer the question, but it has been lost.
The Present Truth, Volume One
By Editor
It is with pleasure that we acknowledge the receipt of a well-bound copy of Volume One of The Present Truth, published at Great Grimsby, England. This is our British sister-journal in the work of the Third Angel's Message of Revelation 14. We sincerely congratulate the publishers on the successful issue of the first volume, and wish them continued prosperity in the work until all earthly volumes shall be closed.
Adventists Imprisoned for Keeping Sabbath
By Editor
WE learn from the Review and Herald that the Supreme Court of Arkansas, and also that of Tennessee, has sustained the decision of the lower courts, against the Seventh-day Adventists who were tried for not observing Sunday religiously. The particulars of the Arkansas cases have not yet been learned; but there are three in Tennessee, who are each sentenced to a fine of $20 and costs, or to an imprisonment of one day for each 25 cents. As the brethren will not voluntarily aid an iniquitous cause, they will be compelled to lie in jail nearly three months for not keeping Sunday. In other words, they are punished for keeping the commandment of the Lord. And this is "Christian" America! But the end is not yet.
Contradictory Claims for Sunday Observance
EVERY one who has critically read books or papers issued in defense of the Sunday, or who has listened discriminatingly to sermons in its support, must have been struck with the contradictory positions taken. Not only do not two writers or speakers agree as to the authority for Sunday observance, but no writer or speaker is ever consistent with himself. All agree that Sunday should be kept, but they all give different reasons why. Now if in a court of law a dozen or more witnesses should swear that a man committed a certain crime, and no two of them should agree as to the time, or place, or manner of doing the act, a sensible jury would decide that they were bearing false witness, and were trying to condemn the innocent. Why should we judge differently in the case of Sunday against the Sabbath. Since the claims of Sunday rest wholly on the testimony of contradictory witnesses, ought not the "venerable day of the sun" to be turned out of court as an impostor?
Understanding Through Meditation
I HAVE more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation. Ps. 119:99.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
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