The holidays are at hand, and in accordance with a custom of long standing, many will give and receive gifts. Children especially expect to be remembered on these occasions, and many parents will deny themselves greatly in order that their little ones may not be disappointed.
There is nothing wrong in this custom unless it is carried to an extreme. Unfortunately, too many purchase mere trifles that give but brief pleasure, and are soon destroyed, or if lasting, are of no practical value. But good books are not open to this charge. They are always appropriate, always interesting, and are the means of enjoyment and profit, not only to the receiver, but to all his friends. They are lasting, and thus they serve to keep the giver in remembrance.
We would call the attention of the reader to our list of "Holiday Books," found in another column, especially to the "Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle." No more acceptable present can be made to a boy or girl than these books, and we have yet to see the grown person who is not interested in their perusal. Every child who loves to read will be delighted, and those who care little for reading will have a love for it created, while at the same time it will not be unduly stimulated. There is no more profitable way of spending an evening at home than for one member of the family to read aloud from some good book to others who are variously employed. Again we repeat, Do not waste money in useless trinkets, but save it by purchasing valuable books.
Labor Among the Churches.
By M. C. Israel
A MINISTERS' meeting was held at St. Helena, November 28, 29, for the purpose of considering the wants of the cause in this State. Elders Healey, Ballou, Rice, Rogers, and myself, were present. The wants of the church, Sabbath-school, Tract and Missionary and Temperance Societies, were separately and carefully considered, and, as far as possible, plans of labor were decided upon, whereby we hope, by the help of the Lord, to assist the brethren and sisters of the different churches to build up these branches of the work.
While at St. Helena several meetings were held. There was preaching by Elders Rice, Healey, and Ballou. Some changes were made in the Sabbath-school. Arrangements were made to district the place and make a thorough canvass for the SIGNS. Elder Rogers was chosen to act as pastor of the church. The brethren there are of good courage.
It was decided that Elder Healey would visit the churches at Napa, Vacaville, Woodland, Arbuckle, Sacramento, Placerville, and Nevada City. Elder Rice visits Ukiah, Willits, and Lakeport. Elder Ballou and myself expect to visit the churches in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Providence permitting we will meet with the church at Fresno Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 9, 10.
We ask for the prayers and help of the brethren in this work.
M. C. ISRAEL.
Oakland, Dec. 4.
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.
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. ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MRS. ELIZA PALMER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass. MRS. C. L. BOYD, Salem, Oregon.
SABBATH READINGS FOR THE HOME CIRCLE.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
The world is full of books, but the really good ones are scarce. For twenty years Mrs. White has been selecting choice, interesting and instructive stories, the best of which are presented in four volumes of 400 pages each. A more interesting collection can rarely be found. The selections have been carefully made, and none need fear to place them in the hands of their children. They are not, however, designed exclusively for the young. They are for home reading, and all members of the family circle will be entertained and benefited by their perusal.
Price per set of four volumes, neatly put up in box, $2.50.
THE SUNSHINE SERIES.
Choice moral and religious stories for little ones. Adapted to children from four to eight years and older. In ten small books of 32 pages each. Put up in glazed paper covers. 320 pages. Price, 50 cents.
GOLDEN GRAINS.
Ten books of 32 pages each, of the same character as Sunshine Series, adapted to children from seven to twelve years and older.
320 pages. Price, 50 cents.
NONPAREIL. 8vo. (4 3/4x7x1 3/4). 660 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 3/4). 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.
RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS.
This beautiful resort is well known to hundreds of Californians, who have made it their home during a portion of the year for several years. It has lately been refitted, and valuable improvements have been made. With a full corps of competent physicians and helpers, it presents attractions to invalids that are found in no other Sanitarium in California. Every variety of bath can be given. It is most beautifully situated on the mountain-side, two and one-half miles from St. Helena. The little valley which it overlooks is a gem, and the surrounding mountain scenery is such as can only be found in California. Experienced tourists affirm that there is no finer place in the State. The water is pure, and the climate mild.
Address, H. H. CHASE, M. D., St. Helena, Cal.
Pacific Press Publishing House
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE,
PUBLISHERS "SIGNS OF THE TIMES,"
General Job Printers, Book-Binders, and Electrotypers
OAKLAND, CAL.
The world is full of books, but the really good ones are scarce. For twenty years Mrs. White has been selecting choice, interesting and instructive stories, the best of which are presented in four volumes of 400 pages each. A more interesting collection can rarely be found. The selections have been carefully made, and none need fear to place them in the hands of their children. They are not, however, designed exclusively for the young. They are for home reading, and all members of the family circle will be entertained and benefited by their perusal. Price per set of four volumes, neatly put up in box, $2.50.
THE SUNSHINE SERIES.
Choice moral and religious stories for little ones. Adapted to children from four to eight years and older. In ten small books of 32 pages each. Put up in glazed paper covers. 320 pages. Price, 50 cents.
GOLDEN GRAINS.
Ten books of 32 pages each, of the same character as Sunshine Series, adapted to children from seven to twelve years and older. 320 pages. Price, 50 cents.
Address. PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
The Editor’s Journey East
By Editor
The Editor sends copy this week from Las Vegas, N. M., on his way East. We shall doubtless receive, very soon, fresh and interesting reports from the General Conference.