Earlier text: Which Is the More Valuable?—There are said to be about 174,000,000 Mohammedans in the world. —A revival of religion is said to be in progress in the native city of the apostle Paul. —Bishop Simpson recently officiated at the marriage of Bishop Warren, both of the Methodist church. —The first Seventh-day Baptist Church of America was organized in Newport, R. I., in December, 1671. —Seventy young men gave themselves to the foreign mission work, as the result of Moody and Sankey’s visit to Belfast. —The Archbishop of Paris has just had his pay cut down from $9,000 to $6,000 per annum. The Bishop of London has $50,000 a year and two palaces. —A Mohammedan Board of Publications has been formed at Constantinople, to publish the Koran and the theological and historical works of Mohammedan writers. —On Dec. 30, the deacons of the African Methodist Church in New Haven, Conn., forcibly ejected the pastor from the pulpit because they had found a minister more to their liking. —The Mormon Bishop Sharp, just returned to Salt Lake from Washington, says that nothing but Providence can save Mormonism. Two “apostles” have gone to Washington in consequence. —Arrangements are being made for a scheme of Catholic industrial schools for Indians throughout the Canadian Northwest. The Ablat Fathers will have charge of the boys’ schools, and the Gray Nuns of those for the girls. —A Russian priest established a religious sect, all of the members of which were required to sacrifice their hair. It was in time discovered that the priest’s brother was a barber and hair dealer, and the two were making large exportations to France. The priest is now in jail, and the Order of Saraphinovski is extinguished. —Rev. G. L. Mackay, missionary of the Canada Presbyterian Society to the island of Formosa, off the coast of China, reports that over 2,000 natives have thrown away their idols, and desire to worship the one true God. A chapel has been opened in one village, and in another of over 200 inhabitants every soul wants to be a Christian, and every house is cleared of idols. —The Chattanooga, Tenn., Times, speaking of the Spiritualist “phenomena” in that part of the country, says: “They have not only puzzled, but converted to belief in the Spiritualist theory many men and women of our acquaintance who are as sound thinkers, as hard-headed and cool, as any in the country. Among these are eminent lawyers, jurists, and literary people.” —The Christian at Work says: “The Tennessee Colored Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church seems to be a model of liberality. It contributes twice as much as the White Conference in the same territory, and within two cents per member as much as the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in the same time and territory, with all the wealth of Nashville. This speaks well for negro liberality and ill for Caucasian penuriousness.” We have received ten letters this week in which the State was omitted. Correspondents will please be careful to put the county and State on all letters and postal cards. Also please sign the name instead of your initials. Better than Ever.
By Editor
THE SIGNS in its new dress, new clear-faced type, and the number of pages increased to sixteen. Notice the little yellow slip on this number of your paper, if your subscription has expired or runs out in January, please renew at once. SIGNS OF THE TIMES,—Mrs. Harriet Gibson, $12.00 SIGNS TO ENGLAND,—J. T. Treen, $5.00 J. H. ANTHONY
By J. H. Anthony
THORP.—Died, of typhoid fever, at Burrough Valley, Fresno County, Cal., Dec. 9, 1883. Bro. Henry C. Thorp, son of James H., and Rebecca M. Thorp, aged 19 years, 2 months, and 25 days. Bro. Thorp embraced the doctrines of the Third Angel’s Message nearly three years ago, and from that time lived a faithful Christian. During his sickness of eight weeks, he suffered greatly, especially during the last week, when his pain was most intense, often calling from his lips piteous cries, but never a complaining word. His last moments were peaceful, and he expressed his willingness to go. By the removal of our dear brother from our midst, a great loss is sustained by this community. His earnest zeal manifested in his labors among us, as a Sabbath-school and missionary worker, can never be forgotten. Remarks were made at the funeral by Eld. W. R. Smith, of Temperance Colony, on 2 Tim. 4:8. The parents and brothers of Bro. Thorp feel deeply the loss of their dear one, especially the father and mother, who are almost overwhelmed by sorrow; but the burden of grief is lightened by the blessed assurance that soon the Life-giver will appear and Henry will arise clothed with incorruption. Then shall they meet him never to part again. A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
The Bible record of the Sabbath, the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made and the work of restoration, are given in detail. EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian. Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THE NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
The title of this little book sufficiently explains its character. It contains more Scriptural information in regard to the Sabbath than any other book of twice the size, and yet it is so simplified as to be easily comprehended. The author quotes the opinions of many learned men concerning the Sabbath, and their conflicting theories are strongly contrasted with the clear, straightforward teaching of the Bible. 64 pp. Price, 10 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. The Seventh Part of Time.
By W. H. Littlejohn
This is a refutation of the theory that God sanctified simply a seventh part of time as the Sabbath, without fixing that time to any definite day. The necessity for a is admitted by nearly all, and is advocated in this book. The author also shows that the Creator understood and anticipated this necessity, and proves by five different processes of reasoning that the seventh or last day of the week, and no other, was in the beginning, and is now, the Sabbath of the Lord. 32 pp. Price, 4 cents; liberal discount by the hundred. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THOUGHTS ON DANIEL, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL, VERSE BY VERSE.
We are now living in times plainly pointed out in this prophecy, and it is important to understand it; for Daniel himself says that in the time of the end, the wise shall understand; while, if we fail, we are equally guilty with the Jews, who knew not the time of their visitation (Luke 19: 41-44), and shall meet a similar fate. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
This is a thorough expose of the system of Spiritualism. The author has carefully studied the subject, and has given such copious extracts from a large library of Spiritualist publications, as to fully condemn them in their teachings and in their practices, by their own testimony. It is also shown from the prophetic scriptures that Spiritualism is one of the most impressive signs of the times. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN.
By Ellen G. White
This is a series of four volumes, covering the entire period from the creation and fall of man to his final redemption. Volume One is devoted to Old Testament history. It is not merely a narrative of the leading events in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets; but moral lessons are drawn therefrom, in such a way as to make the book practically useful to the men and women of to-day. Volume Two commences with the life and mission of John the Baptist, and considers the first advent of Christ, his life and mission, as manifested by his miracles and teachings, and the nature and necessity of his life-work. It closes with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Volume Three takes up the subject at this point, and brings to view the most thrillingly interesting portion of Christ’s earthly career—his betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It closes with a brief history of the early church, including the missionary labors of Peter and Paul. Volume Four (in press) contains a history of the church from that time to the end, closing with the coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of Christ on earth. These books are not argumentative, but they throw a vast flood of light upon the sacred page. They are written in a clear, simple style, and are of absorbing interest to both young and old. They offer special encouragement and instruction to Christians; and there is nothing better to place in the hands of skeptics, to convince them of the truth of the Bible. 400 pp. Price per volume, $1.00 Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY;
By John Nevins Andrews
OR, GOD'S MEASUREMENT OF TIME ON THE ROUND WORLD.
This tract is an answer to the question, “Can a definite day be observed by all the inhabitants of the earth?” It is a complete refutation of the common objection against the Sabbath, that the rotation of the earth on its axis makes it impossible for all men to keep the same day, showing not only that a definite day may be observed in all parts of the earth, but that no real difficulty has ever been experienced in the matter. 16 pp. Price, 2 cents; $1.50 per hundred. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THOUGHTS ON BAPTISM.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
AN EXAMINATION OF THE ACTION, SUBJECTS, AND RELATIONS OF THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM. Also, a Brief Refutation of the HISTORICAL CLAIMS FOR TRINE IMMERSION. SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. Prices, post-paid,—In flexible cloth, 35 cents; paper covers, 25 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.
By Uriah Smith
THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.
This is a full exposition of a portion of prophecy which applies to our own Government, showing the position the United States holds in prophecy, and the part it has to act in the closing scenes of time. Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed, and abundant testimony is given to prove that it is fast coming to be the ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION in this country. Facts and statistics are largely presented, showing in the most conclusive manner that this Government is the one pointed out in the prophecy quoted. 200 pp. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers, 20 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL.
By Ellen G. White
In this book the history of Paul’s life, from the time when he “made havoc” of the church until he was “offered up” as its chief representative, is traced in a clear and connected manner. Paul’s allusions to himself in his epistles are connected with the record in the book of Acts in such a manner as to throw great light both on the epistles and the “Acts.” But that which gives the book even greater value than its historical accuracy, is the lessons that are drawn from Paul’s words, and the hardships which he endured, and their practical application to our own times. This is a marked feature of this work, and the instruction given in this way cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. 234 pp. Neatly bound in cloth, 80 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.; Or. REVIEW AND HERALD. Battle Creek, Mich. THE EARLY LIFE, CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE, AND EXTENSIVE LABORS OF
The production of this book was the last literary labor performed by Elder White. As nearly the whole of his active labor was performed in connection with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, which he was largely instrumental in founding, the work is necessarily quite a complete history of that people. The book abounds in interesting incidents, personal sketches, and religious experiences, some of which are quite remarkable, and altogether it forms a volume at once instructive and interesting. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. LIFE OF WILLIAM MILLER, WITH PORTRAIT.
This book contains sketches of the Christian experience and public labors of this remarkable man. No other man in this century has been more widely spoken of, and more generally misunderstood. These sketches were prepared by those who were his co-laborers, and are a true presentation of the leading events of his life and labors. In addition to the life and character of the man, the character of the Great Advent Movement, in which he acted so prominent a part, is clearly set forth. It is shown that Mr. Miller was no mere enthusiast, but a man of calm judgment, and his interpretation of the prophecies was mainly correct, his only mistake being in regard to the nature of the event to take place at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844. No one can consider himself well versed in the history of the advent movement in this country who has not read this book. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
COMPRISING “Experience and Views” and “Spiritual Gifts, Volume One,” bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.
By Editor
AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY PAPER FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND RELIGIOUS CULTURE.
THIS paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information. As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study. The Sabbath-school Department contains two series of lessons, one for children and one for youth. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 75 CENTS A YEAR.
All new subscribers paying the above price will receive the “Child's Poems” as a premium without extra charge. TERMS TO CLUBS, PAID IN ADVANCE.
Price per Copy, Post-paid.
5 to 10 copies .................................... 60 cents a year.
10 copies and upward .......................... 50 cents a year. Subscription for 5 to 10 copies will be taken for six months. Larger clubs may be paid for quarterly. Address, YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, Battle Creek, Mich. PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE,
PUBLISHERS “SIGNS OF THE TIMES,” Etc. GENERAL BOOK AND JOB PRINTING,
In the Best and Latest Styles, at Satisfactory Rates. In all its Various Branches; Promptly Executed in the Most Substantial Manner. STEREOTYPING AND ELECTROTYPING,
By the Latest Improved Methods. In the Finest Styles of the Art. ☞ Orders for anything in our line, by mail or express, will receive prompt attention. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, 12th and Castro Streets, Oakland; Or, 529 Commercial Street, San Francisco. Oakland Sabbath-School Reunion.
THE annual reunion of the Oakland Sabbath-school was held on New Year's eve; and we think it was the most interesting one that has ever been held in this school. We have room for little more than the statistics gathered from the reports. The membership and attendance were given for three years, as only by comparison can we learn the prosperity of the school. |
1881. |
1882. |
1883. |
|---|
| Average membership, |
186 |
159 |
177 |
| Average attendance, |
146 |
138 |
157 |
| Per cent. of attendance, |
78 |
86 |
88 |
Present membership, 205. In 1880, 5 were present every Sabbath in the year; 11 in 1881; 20 in 1882; 27 in 1883. The school is divided into four divisions: the First, Second, Fourth, and Senior. The First Division uses Book No. 1 of the Progressive Series, which extends from Adam to Moses. The Second uses Book No. 2 of the same series. This division has reviewed Book No. 1, and continued the study of the history of the Israelites during their sojourn in Egypt. The lessons studied in the Fourth Division are in Book 4, extending from the beginning of Solomon's reign to the rebuilding of the temple after the captivity. The Senior Division has studied the Acts of the Apostles, and in part Paul's letters to the Corinthians. Of the members of the school, 99 belong to the church, ten of whom were baptized at the last camp-meeting. There were 303 different persons enrolled as members during the year. During the last quarter a call was made by the State Association organized for the purpose of making a Home for Feeble-minded Children, for donations. There were collected on one Sabbath, $76.95. The contributions from the boxes for the last quarter were $75; for the year, $315.60, being $68.20 more than was received in 1882. The school bought two organs during the year; one for the use of the church, costing, with freight, $120; the other was a gift to the Seaman's Mission in San Francisco, cost $60. The amount received at the reunion was $241.50. The school voted unanimously to devote the proceeds of the reunion to the purchase of a bell for the church. This vote was taken before, so the bell was put up and first rang for the reunion meeting. Its weight is 1,000 pounds. The library contains 219 volumes. Two hundred Instructors were taken last year; 225 have been ordered for 1884. The benefit of the system of weekly Sabbath donations is clearly illustrated in the prosperity of this school, and in what it has been able to do during the past year. The church has not one wealthy member; all may in truth be called poor; yet by constantly giving something, even a little, great good has been accomplished. Some of the exercises were of peculiar interest. One, set down as a “Historical Exercise,” was especially so. It was carried on by a great number of pupils and teachers, from the little child to the eldest members of the school, rising in their places in ready succession, not gathered into any class arrangement, but as they were scattered in all parts of the house. Beginning with the creation a complete chain of history was given, down through the time of the patriarchs, the captivity in Egypt, the exodus, the judges, the kings and the prophets, through the ministry of Christ and his apostles, and continuing through the persecutions, and the reformations of Luther, Wesley, &c., ending by one repeating the Third Angel's Message of Rev. 14: 9-12, which reaches to the second advent. No long stories were told; each was very brief, and each exactly fitting to the preceding. It was as instructive as it was interesting. Another, which was quite pleasing to the assembly was a “New Year's Exercise.” It was an acrostic of twelve couplets, spoken by twelve girls, mostly quite small. As each in turn spoke her couplet she presented to view a large card having on it the first letter of the couplet, and when all were presented they stood holding up the words, “Happy New Year.” It was more interesting than we can describe it. As it was not Christmas they had no tree, but instead, a member of the school, who was once a sailor, made a full-rigged ship, four feet in length, which appeared from behind a curtain, running on a concealed tram-way, so arranged as to quite well resemble the motion of a ship on the ocean. She was well freighted; from her hold were taken packages, given by the classes and others, containing from one dollar to sixty dollars. She was appropriately named “Belle,” which, in sound, expressed the object for which her cargo was sent to that port. Nothing could have pleased the young people more. As the congregation was dismissed, on turning toward the doors there stood in view, under large figures of “1883,” nine little boys, having cards which together said, “Good Night.” And all felt that it was a good night, both interesting and profitable. THERE is an old saying that “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” When Adam was placed in a garden, where was caused “to grow every tree that was pleasant to the sight,” provision was made for his perpetual enjoyment. And not all the beauty was lost to the earth in the fall of man. There are many things yet existing which are pleasant to the sight. We love flowers; we pity those who do not. When we had opportunity to cultivate them we always patronized James Vick, of Rochester, N. Y., and recommended him to others, and we never yet heard a complaint of him. His “Floral Guide for 1884” comes to our table even more rich than its predecessors. It makes us long for “Paradise Restored.” SMITH'S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE.
NEW EDITION, octavo size, 1,200 pages, with many important additions and improvements from the works of the most eminent scholars, commentators, and travelers. It is designed to be In regard to the pronunciation and signification of Scriptural names; the solution of difficulties respecting the interpretation, authority, and harmony of the Old and New Testaments; the history and description of Biblical customs, events, places, persons, animals, plants, etc. In this book it is designed to make everything intelligible to those who understand only the English language, and to place them as nearly as possible on a level with the scholars who are familiar with the original languages of the Scriptures. All the words in the vocabulary are pronounced and divided into syllables, and words or parts of words are respelled whenever this is necessary to indicate the pronunciation. The book contains numerous maps, and is abundantly supplied with superior engravings, which are of real utility to the student. No one who desires to study the Scriptures intelligently will be without a copy of this most excellent book. Price, in cloth, $5.00; in library binding, $6.00. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.