ONE of the ablest men of California, a State Senator, recently died, leaving a will made out in proper form. But the will has been set aside under the plea that the testator was not mentally competent to make it. During his life the idea of his incompetency would have been scouted. But we are inclined to think the decision was a just one. The man who will leave his property by will to be handled by administrators and lawyers, instead of disposing of it himself while he is able to see that it goes where he desires, must be somewhat shattered in intellect. The fact that a man makes a will is likely soon to be considered sufficient evidence in court that he is insane.
"Position and Work."
By Editor
“The Position and Work of the People of God under the Third Angel’s Message,” is the title of a pamphlet of eighty-two pages, written by Eld. W. H. Littlejohn. The readers of the SIGNS are acquainted with the clear, logical style of Eld. Littlejohn, as shown in the articles on the “Constitutional Amendment,” which we recently published. There are some members of our churches (we speak it with regret), who are not thoroughly converted to all the doctrines which we consider essential parts of the faith of those to whom is committed the Third Angel’s Message. This is the book which they need, and which they ought to read with a candid and prayerful spirit. We recommend to our church elders to see that the members of their several churches are all supplied with this pamphlet. It is a complete synopsis of the faith of S. D. Adventists, and a faithful presentation of the work which they have to do in the providence of God, in the fulfillment of his prophetic word. Price, only 10 cents.
Camp-Meeting at Hanford.
By M. C. Israel
THE location for camp-meeting has been changed from Wason’s grove as advertised, the trees in it being too near together to admit our tents. The place we have selected is on the west side of the town of Hanford, adjoining the Park which contains a beautiful grove of locusts, and will afford a nice walk, and shade for any who wish to use it. The new location is much more convenient in many respects, and will better accommodate the people of the town. The preparations for the meeting are progressing finely, and a large attendance is expected. M. C. ISRAEL.
Anything to Uphold Sunday.
By Editor
THOSE who have read the "History of the Sabbath," by Eld. J. N. Andrews, will remember the so-called miracles that were performed in the thirteenth century to prove the sacredness of Sunday. They may not be aware, however, that even at this day the same tricks are resorted to, but such is the case. The following letter was sent to us by a friend in the East, who informs us that he found it printed both in English and German, and quite extensively circulated, even at the present time, in Central Pennsylvania. It is nicely printed in colors, illustrated, with the "All-seeing Eye" prominent in the heading:—
"A LETTER WRITTEN BY GOD HIMSELF, AND LEFT DOWN AT MAGDEBURG. It was written in golden letters, and sent by God through an angel; to him, who will copy it, it shall be given; who despiseth it, from him will part THE LORD.
"Whoever works on Sunday is cursed. Therefore, I command you that you do not work on Sunday, but devotedly go to church; but do not adorn your faces; you shall not wear strange hair, and not carry on arrogance; you shall give to the poor of your riches; give plenty and believe, that this letter is written by my own hand and sent out by Christ himself, and that you will not act like the dumb beast; you have six days in the week, during which you shall carry on your labors; but the seventh day (namely, Sunday,) you shall keep holy; if you do not that, I will send war, famine, pests, and death among you, and punish you with many troubles. Also, I command you, every one, whoever he may be, young or old, small and great, that you do not work late on Saturday, but you shall regret your sins, that they may be forgiven you. Do not desire silver and gold; do not carry on sensualities and desires: do think that I have made you and can destroy you.
"Do not rejoice when your neighbor is poor, feel more over sorry with him, then you will fare well.
"You, children, honor father and mother, then you will fare well on earth. Who that doth not believe these and hold it, shall be damned and lost. I, Jesus, have written this myself with my own hand; he that opposes it and scandalizes, that man shall have to expect no help from me; whoever hath the letter and does not make it known, he is cursed by the Christian church, and if your sins are as large as they may be, they shall, you have heartily regretted and repented of them, be forgiven you.
"Who does not believe this, he shall die and be punished in hell, and I myself will on the last day inquire after your sins, when you will have to answer me.
"And that man who carries this letter with him, and keeps it in his house, no thunder will do him any harm, and he will be safe from fire and water; and he that publishes it to mankind, will receive his reward and a joyful departure from this world.
"Do keep my commandments which I have sent you through my angel. I, the true God from the heavenly throne, the Son of God and Mary. Amen.
"This has occurred at Magdeburg, in the year 1783.'"
We remember a case where a certain minister stated to his congregation that he could find a command to keep Sunday in the Bible. To make good his assertion, he himself wrote the commandment and placed it in his Bible, and on the following Sunday read it to the people. This was satisfactory to his flock, because they desired to have it so, and were not curious to know where the longed-for passage might be found. There are many people, however, who will wonder how such methods are resorted to, if the Sunday institution has any valid foundation.
Key to the Prophetic Chart.
A TRACT of thirty-two pages, paper covers. One of the most useful and interesting of the tracts published by our Publishing Association. It is a brief but very clear explanation of the symbols presented on the Chart of the Prophecies used by our preachers in illustrating the visions of Daniel and John. They who understand these two prophetic books, or even the outline of history presented in these symbols, have a clew to the understanding of all the prophetic Scriptures. Every S. D. Adventist should study this little work. Price 10 cents.
Appointments.
Oakland and San Francisco.
OAKLAND.—Church N. E. corner Clay and 13th Streets. Meeting every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M. Preaching every second and fourth Sunday evening of each month. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Pastor. Sabbath-school at 9:30 A. M. Dr. E. J. Waggoner, Superintendent. Seats always free.
San Francisco
San Francisco.—Church on Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Meeting every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. M. C. Israel, Elder. No regular preaching. Sabbath-school at 9:45 A. M. E. A. Stockton, Superintendent. Street-cars of the Hayes Valley Line, and Central and Lone Mountain Line, pass close to the meeting-house.
Upper Columbia Camp-Meeting.
By G. W. Colcord
THIS meeting will be held, D. V., in the City Park, Dayton, W. T, May 31 to June 6, 1882. First service, Wednesday evening at 7½ o'clock. It is expected that Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Editor of the SIGNS, of Oakland, Cal., and other speakers, will be with us. Our four Conference organizations will hold their annual sessions in connection with the religious exercises of the encampment. Let each organization elect delegates, prepare reports, and make an early and thorough preparation to attend.
Do you wish to rent a tent? Order of the undersigned without delay.
G. W. COLCORD, for Conf. Com.
Box 37, Walla Walla, W. T.
VALUABLE BOOKS FOR REFERENCE.
Dowling's History of Romanism. This large work of 940 pages, traces the history of Romanism from the earliest corruptions of Christianity to the proclamation of Papal infallibility, and the deposition of Pius IX. as a temporal sovereign. It not only refutes the errors and superstitions of Romanism, but tells the story of their origin, exhibits the workings of the iniquitous system, reviews historically its domination over kings and princes, its oppression of the consciences and torture of the bodies of men, and the efforts of different ones at different times to relieve Christendom from its terrible thralldom. The papacy occupies so prominent a position in the prophetic field, and is gaining such an influence upon the people of this country, that any information pertaining to it is of special interest to the student of prophecy. Muslim bound. $4.00
Half Morocco. 4.75
Pilgrim's Progress. 12mo. edition, printed by Dodd, Mead & Co. This edition is firmly and beautifully bound, printed on heavy tint paper, contains 36 engravings, and has marginal references to such texts of Scripture as are illustrated by the story. 336 pp. $1.50
D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation. 1 volume. $5.00
Gibbon's Rome. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. 6 vols. $5.00
Josephus. By William Whiston. $3.00
The Complete Analysis of the Holy Bible: or, How to Comprehend Holy Writ from its own Interpretation. This work contains the whole of the Old and New Testaments, collected and systematically arranged; together with an introduction, setting forth the character of the book, and the immense faculty this method affords the reader for understanding the word of God. Also, three different tables of contents prefixed, a general index of subjects, a Scripture index, and tables of principal subjects with their parallel sections subjoined, so elaborated and arranged in alphabetical order as to direct at once to any subject required. Concordances, Introductions, Collections, Manuals, etc., however excellent and useful in their place, can form no substitute for such a work as this, which is on a plan peculiar to itself, and places the whole Bible singularly at the command of the investigator. It is arranged in Chapters and Sections, which embrace Thirty Books, Two Hundred and Eighty-Five Chapters, and Four Thousand One Hundred and Forty-Four Sections. The title of each Book gives name to its subject. The title of each Chapter is expressive of all included in that portion of that Book, and the caption of each section develops the prominent idea embraced in the section. By Rev. Nathaniel West, D. D. 1097 pp. Half Morocco, gilt. $7.00
Any of the above works will be sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of prices named.
Address REVIEW & HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.,Or, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
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.
MISS ELIZA THAYER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass. | W. L. RAYMOND, Gaston, Oregon.
Our Publications in England.
ANY of the books, pamphlets, and tracts issued at this Office may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish Catalogues, and give prices in English money. He will also receive subscriptions for our periodicals.