p. 214 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 18. (5/4/1882)

Fairview Church.

By I. D. Van Horn

I ARRIVED at Fresno the evening of April 20. They had not received word of my appointment, hence no meeting that night. But the next evening there was a good turn out at our meeting held in the Masonic Hall. There are several good citizens of Fresno City that are interested in the truth. It would be a good point for a tent meeting next fall. Sabbath morning we went to Temperance Colony. Bro. Howard was with me. We enjoyed three good meetings during the day, and most of the Fairview church, within reach, were present. Sunday was also a good day for the church. At the business meeting in the afternoon it was thought best that the members of the church living in the mountains near the Toll House be organized in a church by themselves, as the church had granted them privilege by vote at the January Quarterly Meeting.

On Monday, the 24th, Bro. Smith took us up to Burr Valley. We arrived in time to visit a few of the families before evening. We enjoyed excellent freedom speaking on the subject of the Christian Graces in the evening. All came out. On the next day at 11 o'clock we spoke to them again, and in the afternoon we organized them into a church. Union prevailed, and twelve came into the organization. There are six others who will join as soon as they get letters from other places. Bro. George Hutchings was elected Elder, but was not ordained as he is in Alameda. Bro. Wauchope was elected Clerk. They adopted the tithing system, also the T. and M. work. They have thirty-three members in their Sabbath-school. They chose the name "Mountain View" for their church, and they wish to be taken into the Conference at its next session.

At the business meeting in Temperance Colony, a petition was handed in by the members of the church living in Fresno City and vicinity to allow them the privilege of organizing in a church by themselves. Their request was granted, and an appointment made to meet in the house of Bro. M. J. Church on Wednesday, April 26, at 3 P. M. On our return from the mountain we filled this appointment, and a church of fourteen members was organized in harmony with the doctrines and principles of S. D. Adventists. The name by which this church will be known is "Fresno City." They wish to be taken into the Conference at its next session. Bro. M. J. Church was elected Elder and was ordained. Bro. Horace Munn was chosen Clerk. He was also made Librarian of the T. and M. Society. Their Sabbath-school numbers 26. A few others will join this church as soon as they get letters. The cause in Fresno Co. was much encouraged by our short stay. There will be a large representation from this county to the camp-meeting.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Sabbath-School in Kernville, Cal.

By Mrs. C. M. Martin

In January last, Brn. Morrison and Brorsen organized a Sabbath-school in this place. The membership at that time was thirteen; although some have dropped off, others have joined us, so that our membership has increased, and we are of good courage. Much of the prejudice here in regard to our work has worn away, and the future looks brighter. We hold our school regularly, and trust in the Lord to assist us.

Mrs. C. M. Martin.

Chicago Takes the Head

CHICAGO takes the head. The Inter-Ocean thus describes the peculiarity of one small district in that city: "Five hundred liquor saloons, 200 houses of prostitution, 150 concert saloons, gambling houses, and pool-rooms—all in a region bounded by Van Buren, Fourteenth, State and Clark Streets, five blocks one way and four the other. In this territory it is estimated there are 3,000 abandoned women, and the nightly orgies of these maddened and dissolute people are attended by 12,000 young men, who, it is estimated, spend on the average fully $100,000 weekly in the most depraved and degrading amusement.—Lever.

The Saucer Pie.

"WELL, what do you think of our little girl, Eben?" Mrs. Rutherford asked this question just as they were through dinner, and Jenny had been excused from table. They had brought her to their pleasant country home, a month before, on probation, with a view to keeping her as their own.

Eben laid down his knife and fork, pushed back his plate, and looking through the open door, to catch a glimpse of pink gingham flitting around the corner, answered slowly:—

"I like her right well; I think, if you're suited, we'd best keep her. She is bright, and willing, and truthful."

"And a quiet little thing," put in his wife.

"Yes; don't know but I'd as lief she wouldn't be so quiet, though. I'll tell you, Sarah, I'm sort o'longing for a child's laugh rippling out at anything or nothing. I'd like to see her dancing about, and singing to herself, chattering like a magpie, and all that sort o' thing. I've tried to please her. I've told her stories, and taken her around on the farm with me, and let her ride on Charley's back to the brook; and she likes it all, in a quiet sort of way. But she doesn't seem downright happy and merry, as it's a child's right to be."

"Oh, well, I guess she's contented enough, plenty to eat and wear, and kindly treated. I'd rather she'd be quiet than like Mrs. Dorr's little Nelly over the way, climbing trees and riding fences, and singing and shouting from morning till night."

Meantime, Jenny was sitting on a rock by the brook, laving her bare, white feet, and saying to herself,

"Now, if I thought she'd care anything about them, I'd get her some of those great blue flowers—they're beauties," looking at the clusters of the Iris: "I'd as lief wade in as not. But I suppose she'd say, 'Yes, yes; child, very pretty, don't clutter the floor with them,' and keep on tying up her curtains or 'ranging her closets. Mamma always liked them so much. O mamma!" And the little figure lay prone on the grass, trembling and sobbing.

"Mamma! O mamma, I want you. She's kind to me, but there's nobody like mamma."

"Poor child! poor child!"

It was Eben's voice, but tender and gentle. His strong arms lifted her quivering form, and laid her head on his shoulder.

"There, there, dear, don't cry. Want to go to mill with me? You shall have the reins yourself, and drive if you like."

A few words from Eben that night set Sarah thinking; and the new thoughts that came to her were strengthened next day in a neighbor's kitchen. She had "run in" of an errand, and found "Aunt Martha," as she was called in the neighborhood parlance, making pies. She stood by her moulding-board, with sleeves rolled up, and wide gingham apron on, the picture of a healthy, hearty, blithe old lady. Half a dozen pies, with rich, golden centers, stood by her side. Half a dozen apple pies were already browning in the oven. She had a little crust left. She rolled it out, spread it in a couple of saucers, filled the centers, round and plump, with the juicy spiced apples, and daintily trimmed the edges.

"Do you make saucer-pies, auntie?" asked Mrs. Rutherford in some surprise.

"Yes, every baking. Why not?" said auntie.

"Well, when the children are not at home to eat them, it seems hardly worth while. It is easier to put all in one large pie, and tastes just the same, you know."

"Oh, yes; but some child is so apt to happen along of an errand or something. A saucer-pie is a great thing to a child. I've made them about every fortnight for fifteen years, and always found use for them. It more than pays for the work to see the little folks so pleased. You know, dear," the old lady added gently, "the time that trifles give great pleasure is so short, it passes by before we are aware. Sometimes, I think it is only childhood that is content with daily bread."

"I'll make a saucer-pie for Jenny next time I bake," said Mrs. Rutherford to herself, as she went home. "Strange I never thought of it before. I'll—let me see—I'll dress her dolly new for her. It's quite shabby. And I'll keep her with me more, and tell her stories at bed-time. Maybe it is just the little things mothers do that she wants to chirk her up."

The next morning, Mrs. Rutherford concluded it was time to have some pies, and went to work with a will. When the baking was done, a dainty saucer-pie, sugared on top, and plump with ripe, sweet berries, stood on the dresser.

"Here's something for you, dear," she said, as Jenny came in with quiet footfall, and she placed the little pie in the child's hands. Jenny's face flushed, her eyes lighted up, and then to Sarah's surprise grew dim with tears, and the sensitive mouth quivered. But only for a moment.

"Thank you, thank you!" she said eagerly, "It's just like the little pies mamma used to make for me."

"Ah! that's it," thought Sarah. "Eben's right, to be sure. She wants 'mothering.'" And she drew the little girl to her side and kissed her. The dimpled arms were around her neck in an instant, and the kiss returned, and through the day Jenny seemed to feel happier and more at home.

Bed-time came, and Jenny, nestling in the white pillow, looked up with wondering eyes as Mrs. Rutherford sat down on the side of the bed, and taking the little hands in hers, said kindly, "Shall I tell you a story, dear?"

She listened with eager interest to the story of the Highland shepherd's child, lost in the mountain mist, and guarded and fed by his faithful dog. And when Mrs. Rutherford bent down and kissed her, the white arms again wound impulsively around her neck, and Jenny said, for the first time, "Good-night, mamma!"

Sarah was startled, the new name seemed so sweet. "I see now," she thought. "Eben is right. It is mother love and care the child needs and shall have."

Mrs. Rutherford kept her resolution. She did not, could not, at once feel the intense devotion of a mother. But she was no longer content with feeding and clothing her charge. She tried to satisfy the hungering and thirsting for affection, which she had learned to meet and recognize. She sought Jenny's happiness, and in due time, she had her reward. Love in her own heart, grateful love in her child's, strengthened day by day. Jenny grew gradually happier, till her laugh and song rang out as merrily as Eben wished. And her presence seemed like sunlight in their home. And when a year had passed, neither of the worthy couple would any more have thought of parting with her than if she had been theirs by birth. They knew no difference in the home-tie.

"It all dates back," said Sarah to her husband one evening, as they sat talking by the fire after Jenny went to bed, "all this happiness dates back to that first saucer-pie. Jenny seemed from that time to believe that I loved her."—Christian Register.

The Home Circle.

By T. W. Parsons

SEEKING REST.

O YE that fare amid these breathless places, Spending your souls 'twixt factory and mart, Ye whose quick eyes and pale and eager faces Reveal the restless heart,

What are ye seeking in your fevered labor, That knows no pause through all the crowded week, Each for himself, and no man for his neighbor, What is it that ye seek?

"O, some seek bread—no more—life's mere subsistence, And some seek wealth and ease—the common quest; And some seek fame, that hovers in the distance; But all are seeking rest.

"Our temples throb, our brains are turning, turning; Would God that what we strain at were possessed; God knows our souls are parch'd and black with yearning; God knows we faint for rest."

He went his way, a haggard shape and dreary, His hard face set toward the kindled west; And, lo! a voice, "Come unto me, ye weary, And I will give you rest." —T. W. Parsons.

Rainbows Over Sin’s Rapids

By Talmage

I stood one day at Niagara Falls, and I saw what you may have seen there—six rainbows bending over that tremendous plunge. I never saw anything like it before or since. And so over the rapids and angry precipices of sin, where so many have been dashed down, God's beautiful admonitions hover, a warning arching each peril—six of them,—a thousand of them.—Talmage.

Anecdote of Webster.

WHEN Daniel Webster's father found that his son was not robust enough to make a successful farmer, he sent him to Exeter to prepare for college, and found a home for him, among a number of other students, in the family of "old 'Squire Clifford," as we of a younger generation have always heard him called. Daniel had, up to this time, led only the secular life of a country farmer's boy; and though the New Hampshire farmers have sent out many heroes, as firm and true as the granite rocks in the pasture, there cannot be among the hard and homely work which such a life implies, the little finenesses of manner which good society demands. Daniel was one of these diamonds of the first water, but was still in the rough, and needed some cutting and polishing, to fit him to shine in the great world in which he was to figure so conspicuously.

None saw this more clearly than the sensible old 'Squire. The boy had one habit at table of which the 'Squire saw it would be a kindness to cure him. When not using his knife and fork, he was accustomed to hold them upright in his fists, on either side of his plate. Daniel was a bashful boy of very delicate feelings, and the 'Squire feared to wound him by speaking to him directly on the subject. So he called aside one of the other students with whom he had been longer acquainted, and told him his dilemma. "Now," said he, "I want you this noon at the table, to hold up your knife and fork as Daniel does. I will speak to you about it, and we will see if the boy does not take a hint for himself."

The young man consented to be the scapegoat for his fellow-student, and several times during the meal planted his fists on the table, with his knife and fork as straight as if he had received orders to present arms. The 'Squire drew his attention to his position, courteously begged his pardon for speaking of the matter, and added a few kind words on the importance of young men correcting such little habits before going out into the world. The student thanked him for his interest and advice, and promised reform; and Daniel's knife and fork were never from that day seen elevated at table.

A Valuable Secret.

It is related of Franklin that from the window of his office in Philadelphia he noticed a mechanic, among a great number of others, at work on a house which was being erected close by, who always appeared to be in a merry humor, and who had a kind and cheerful smile for every one he met. Let the day be ever so cold, gloomy or sunless, the happy smile danced like a sunbeam on his cheerful countenance. Meeting him one day Franklin requested to know the secret of his constant flow of spirits.

"It's no secret, doctor," the man replied. "I've got one of the best of wives, and when I go to work she always gives me a blessing with her parting kiss; and when I go home she is sure to meet me with a smile and a kiss of welcome; and tea is sure to be ready; and as we chat in the evening, I find she has been doing so many little things through the day to please me, that I cannot find it in my heart to speak an unkind word or give an unkind look to anybody."

And Franklin adds; "What an influence, then, hath woman over the heart of man, to soften it and make it the foundation of cheerful and pure emotions. Speak gently, then; a happy smile and a kind greeting after the toils of the day are over cost nothing, and go far toward making home happy and peaceful.—Presbyterian Journal.

Filial Love.

THE Chinese are a peculiar people, therefore their literature is peculiar, and none of it more so than the following anecdote, which would, without doubt, sink deep into the heart of a Celestial: In the Chow dynasty (about three thousand years ago) there was a man named Laou-Lai-tsze. When he was seventy years of age, he used to put on bright and many-colored clothes, and then he would play about like a child. Sometimes he would carry water into the hall, and pretend to stumble, and fall flat on the ground; and then he would cry, and run up to the parents' side to please the old people, and all to make them forget, for a time at least, their own great age.

News and Notes.

By Editor

—Three inquests on suicides were held in San Francisco, April 29.

—The estimated reduction of the public debt for April is $14,000,000.

—It is reported that half the children in Eureka, Cal., are afflicted with small-pox.

—The number of immigrants that arrived in New York last month was over 70,000.

—Dr. Lamson, for whom the United States interceded with England, confessed his crime.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson died at his home in Concord, Mass., April 27, of acute pneumonia.

—The bill to restrict Chinese immigration passed the Senate by a vote of thirty-two to fifteen.

—J. G. Vanmeter, an old citizen of Oroville, Cal., died suddenly, April 27, from the effects of a bee-sting.

—The present annual consumption of all classes of distilled liquors in the United States is about 70,000,000 gallons.

—Chicago has but 300 churches to 5,242 liquor saloons, and 8,000 of its 100,000 buildings are used for immoral purposes.

—The lowest percentage of illiteracy in the United States is found in Nebraska, and the highest in South Carolina.

—A large part of the news of the day is contained in accounts of crimes, such as we cannot admit to our columns.

—The effort to restore the franking privilege is reported "a dismal failure." The dismal part would have been its success.

—A fire at Eau Claire, Wis., April 24, destroyed sixty-three buildings, causing a loss estimated at not less than $250,000.

—The Indian war in Arizona is assuming rather large proportions. The government is preparing to engage in it vigorously.

—Lieut. Danenhauer, of the Jeannette, has arrived at St. Petersburg. He is convinced that the Captain De Long party will never be found.

—A mass meeting in Clay Co., Missouri, near the home of the James boys, indorsed Governor Crittenden in his warfare against the bandits.

—The steamer City of Sanford was burned near Jacksonville, Florida, April 25. Nine persons are known to have perished in the flames.

—A grand plan to blow up the Kremlin at the time of the coronation of the Czar, has been discovered. Three hundred arrests have been made.

—A bill has passed in the Senate, to appropriate $5,000,000 for the improvement of the Mississippi River, and $1,000,000 for the Missouri River.

—Pinkeye is raging in Santa Clara county. The San Jose Times says thirteen horses died of this disease on the San Martino ranch, near Gilroy, recently.

—The severest earthquake ever known in Western Washington occurred at 10:45 on the evening of April 30. Mount Ranier has emitted smoke since the shock.

—Heavy fighting is reported between the natives on the west coast of Africa. More than 2,000 persons were killed. The English inhabitants are alarmed for their safety.

—The Herald’s London special says: The House of Commons has passed the bill authorizing the construction of an electric railway at Charing Cross, under the river to Waterloo Station.

—In San Jose, Cal., on the morning of April 30, a house burned and a man and his wife were burned in it. The papers say they used intoxicating liquors. Nobody to blame, of course.

—It is stated that in spite of orders from St. Petersburg for the prompt punishment of the persecutors of the Jews, several notorious offenders have been released from custody. Fresh outrages are taking place constantly.

—There was a riot at Frankford, County Kings, Ireland, on Saturday, April 29. A number of persons, reported to have paid rents, were fearfully beaten. The police arrested thirty persons and cleared the streets at the point of the bayonet.

—Last week a Whitehall gentleman, viewing the St. Patrick procession in New York, overheard a footman say: "Bedad, the whisky sellers roides the horses, and the whisky drinkers goes afut." N. B. No news in this item. It was always thus.

—Two foreign dispatches read: "London, April 30. A full-rigged ship is ashore at Swanage. All on board have been drowned. The gale has been very heavy." And "Aberdeen, April 30. The loss by the fire in the New Market buildings was $100,000. Three persons were killed."

—A dispatch from Boston, May 1, says: "The steamer Glamorgan, from Liverpool, arrived badly scratched by ice. The vessel steamed 160 miles on the southern edge of an ice field and passed fully 100 large icebergs, on which were Polar bears and many seals. Several sailing vessels were sighted, ice-bound."

—An unusually severe wind, amounting to a hurricane, visited London and the southern and western parts of England, April 29. At Dover, Swansea, Brighton, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and other places on the coast, great damage was done and many lives were lost. Many disastrous wrecks are reported, though reports are yet partial.

—Some fellow of nihilist tendencies recently made an attempt on the lives of Wm. H. Vanderbilt and Cyrus W. Field, by sending them packages of explosives. The plan failed only because one of the packages exploded in the mail-bag. Another infernal machine was sent in New York, to Police Superintendent Walling. It is now generally agreed that this is the work of German socialists.

—The following note from a San Francisco paper of recent date will be of interest to meat eaters: "Vento Palmer, a dairyman near the Presidio, was arrested by officer Christie yesterday on a charge of slaughtering within the city limits, a charge of selling diseased meat being held in reserve. On the afternoon of the 18th inst. Palmer slaughtered a sick cow, which evidently had but a few hours to live, and on the following day attempted to dispose of the meat. The person making the complaint states it to be a weekly occurrence for dairymen and stock-owners in the outlying districts to kill diseased cattle, and sell the flesh to meat-peddlers and sausage-makers."

—The following is from Nature, the leading scientific journal of England. Under date of April 6th, 1882, it says: "Our Paris correspondent inspected a few days ago, at Fiel’s workshop, the large flint-glass disk which has been cast for the Lick Observatory in California, and purchased by the Trustees for $2,000. It is now on its way to Clark’s for polishing. Its diameter is 38.34 inches, its thickness, 21.65 inches; its weight, 374.85 pounds avoirdupois. This casting took place in four days, during which eight tons of coal were consumed. The cooling took thirty days. On the optical tests being made the glass was found perfect in all its parts. The crown-glass disk has been cast and is cooling."

Religious Notes.

By Editor

-Moody and Sankey have declined for the present, an urgent invitation to enter upon a year's evangelistic work in London.

-Mr. John F. Slater of Norwich, Conn., has given a million dollars for the Christian education of the colored people of the Southern States.

-The number of Protestant communicants increased about 14,000 in the city of Berlin during the past year, owing largely to the labors of the city missionaries.

-A Chicago paper says that Mr. Miln's new religious organization for the promotion of ethical culture will be known as the "First Monetarian Church," and will worship in the church of the Indefinite.

-A contemporary says of a certain Sunday-school, that, "having a surplus after paying the expenses of a recent festival," bought an easy chair for their pastor, etc. There was no sarcasm intended, either.

-Says the S. F. Chronicle: In the Church of the Advent yesterday morning, Bishop Kip, assisted by five other clergymen, admitted a sister into the "Sisterhood of the Good Shepherd," thereby fairly inaugurating the Protestant Sisterhood movement on this coast.

-A Methodist bishop recently said that "if half the Methodist membership were cut off, the church would be all the stronger." This would probably apply to other churches. A church's strength lies not in the number of nominal members, but in the working members.

-A magnificent flutter has been raised among the numerous mediums and clairvoyants of San Francisco, by a demand from the authorities for a license of $50 per quarter, payable in advance. Some have taken down their signs. They claim exception on religious grounds.

-But very little attention is paid in China to the education of women. A lady missionary, who has been teaching and traveling for nearly ten years in China, says that out of eight hundred women whom she had visited, only four could read at all, and only one could read the Chinese language well.

-"Pew-renting and the annual meeting of the First Church, Kalamazoo, was made a gala-time, with musical and literary exercises, supper, etc. The innovation was delightful to all." To be sure. The good people had doubtless attended so closely to their religious duties for so long a time that they needed a little change.

-The Jewish Messenger suggests that "an editorial union" of the religious press, embracing different denominations, with occasional meetings, would knit religious papers more closely together, and be of general advantage. Whereupon the Independent remarks: "We would heartily welcome such a union in this city. There are subjects enough in which we all have a common sympathy." Why not have a "denominational union" of the various churches? Are there not points enough in which they all have a "common sympathy?" We expect to see this before very long.

Obituary.

By Alfred H.; Mary R. Cleaves

CLEAVES.—Died, of acute hydrocephalus, April 2, 1882, our little Harry Edmund, aged eleven weeks.

ALFRED H. AND MARY R. CLEAVES.

Tracts

By Editor

TRACTS.—1 cent each. The Coming of the Lord—Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Without Excuse—Thoughts for the Candid—A Sign of the Day of God—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—Which Day?—Can We Know? or Can the Prophecies be Understood?—Is the End Near?—Is Man Immortal?—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—The Law of God—What the Gospel Abrogated—100 Bible Facts about the Sabbath—Sunday not the Sabbath—"The Christian Sabbath"—Why not Found out Before?

Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

TEMPERANCE TRACTS.

By Editor

TEN CENTS will secure a select package of stirring Temperance Tracts, containing one hundred pages of facts, figures and pointed arguments against intemperance in all its forms. The following constitute the package:—

Alcohol, What is it?—True Temperance.—Tobacco-Poisoning.—Tobacco-Using a Cause of Disease.—Tobacco-Using a Relic of Barbarism.—Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee.—Ten Arguments for Tea and Coffee Answered.—The Cause and Cure of Intemperance.—The Drunkard's Arguments Answered.—Alcoholic Medication.—Principles of Health Reform.

TWENTY-FIVE CENT PACKAGE.

A larger package, costing 25 cents, contains 248 pages in eighteen tracts. In addition to the above eleven, it has the following Health and Temperance Tracts, which are larger:—

Wine and the Bible.—Alcoholic Poison.—Moral and Social Effects of Alcohol.—Pork; the Dangers of its Use.—Tea and Coffee.—Healthful Clothing.—Dyspepsia.

ONE DOLLAR PACKAGE.—HEALTH BOOKS.

In addition to the above, we will send the following valuable Health Books for one dollar:—

Diphtheria (new edition illustrated), price 30 cents.—Healthful Cookery, 25 cents.—Proper Diet for Man, 15 cents.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

OXFORD S. S. TEACHERS' BIBLES.

NOS. PEARL 42mo. (Size 4 x 5 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches.)

French Morocco, boards........................................$1.50
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RUBY 16mo. (Size 4 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches.)

Imitation Levant, Divinity circuit, leather lined, silk sewed, round corners, and band....................................................... 4.40
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NONPARIEL 8VO. (Size 4 3/4 x 7 x 1 3/4.)

Turkey Morocco, boards........................................ 4.50
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NONPARIEL 16mo. (Size 4 x 6 1/4 x 1 3/4.)

French Morocco, gilt edges, stiff covers, silk book-mark...... 2.35
Persian Morocco, gilt edges, flexible covers, silk book-mark... 2.75
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Turkey Morocco, gilt edges, flexible covers.................... 3.25

MINION 8vo. (Size 5 x 7 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches.)

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MINION, Small 4to. (Size 7 x 9 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches.) WITH WIDE MARGINS FOR MS. NOTES.

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For sale at the Office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

VALUABLE BOOKS FOR BIBLE STUDENTS.

By Editor

SACRED GEOGRAPHY AND ANTIQUITIES.

WITH maps and illustrations, by Rev. E. P. Barrows, D. D. The investigations of missionaries and explorers during the last century have thrown a flood of light on many points once involved in obscurity, and it is the aim of this book to condense and put into methodical form what has thus been collected. 685 pp. $2.25.

BIBLE GEOGRAPHY. HAND-BOOK OF

Containing the name, pronunciation and meaning of every place, nation, and tribe mentioned in both the Canonical and Apocryphal Scriptures. By Rev. Geo. H. Whitney, A. M. Illustrated by one hundred engravings and forty maps and plans. 12 mo. 400 pp. $2.50.

BIBLE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. HAND-BOOK OF

Containing descriptions of the ancient manners and customs mentioned in the Bible, and explaining over three thousand Scripture Texts. By Jas. M. Freeman, D. D. Illustrated by 168 engravings, and accompanied by an Analytical Index, a Textual Index, and a Topical Index. 12 mo. 515 pp. $2.50.

THE WORLD'S PROGRESS, A DICTIONARY OF DATES.

Being a Chronological and Alphabetical Record of all essential facts in the progress of society, from the creation of the world to the present time, with chart. By T. B. Perkins. Octavo size. 1,020 pp. $3.00.

SMITH'S NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY.

This work gives the connection between the Old and New Testament History, the relation of the Holy Land to the surrounding nations, a full account of the political and religious life of each separate section of the Jewish nation, and a clear and harmonized account of the Gospel and Apostolic History. 12 mo. 780 pp. $1.75.

LIFE AND EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL,

By Conybeare and Howson, giving a living picture of St. Paul and the circumstances by which he was surrounded. Illustrated with maps and engravings. 764 pp. $1.50.

THE LIFE AND WORDS OF CHRIST.

By Cunningham Geikie, D. D., with marginal references to the Scriptures, notes and index. Two volumes complete in one book. Printed in pica type, octavo size. 1,260 pp. $1.75.

We have just received the following commendation of this work from an earnest Christian worker in Maine :—

HAVING read Dr. Geikie's life and works of Christ, I find it more interesting the farther I read; and when he introduces us to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, one can almost imagine himself present to witness the cruel mockery, and the terrible scenes of Calvary. Although I am not prepared to indorse all that is said in the book, yet I think it the best I ever read of the kind.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Camp-Meetings.

KANSAS, Burlingame, Osage Co., May 18-23. UPPER COLUMBIA, Dayton, W. T., May 31-June 6. IOWA, Des Moines, June 1-6. WISCONSIN, Baraboo, " 8-13. OREGON, " 14- NORTHERN MICHIGAN, Saginaw, " 14-20. MINNESOTA, Minneapolis, " 21-27. DAKOTA, Parker, June 29-July 4. TEXAS, Waxahachie, July 21-31.

Manuscript on Our Institutions

By Editor

Eld. S. N. Haskell.—MS. on "Our Institutions" just received. We have published all that we have received from you, except private notes.

Camp-Meeting Announcements

By Editor

The Hanford Camp-meeting will be held near the village. See Elder Israel’s notice. The Oregon Camp-meeting will commence June 14.

Home Hand Book Orders from New Zealand

By Editor

An order has recently been received at this office from New Zealand, for two dozen copies of the Home Hand Book. Books have before been sent from this office to that island. We expect that we shall yet have a large patronage from New Zealand and Australia.

No Signs Next Week.

By Editor

IN consequence of so many being absent at the Southern Camp-meeting, no paper will be issued from this office on May 11. The next paper will be of date May 18.

Our School.

By Editor

THE article on another page, entitled, "Our School in Healdsburg," by Mrs. E. G. White, is the substance of remarks made by her at a special meeting in Oakland, April 24, in connection with the Annual Meeting. The remarks were listened to with great interest, and we are sure the article will be read with equal interest.

Aurora Borealis.

By Editor

WE are receiving accounts from every part of the country of the unusually interesting auroral appearance on Sunday night, April 16. It was a grand display on this coast, and the more interesting from the fact that such appearances are more rare here than east of the mountains. It was the first seen by us in a residence of several years in California.

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