Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 16.

The Sermon
Earlier text: Our Publishing House

Explanation.

By William Saunders

As my name has been mentioned in both the Review and Herald and the Signs of the Times without my knowledge beforehand, in connection with the publication of the latter; and as it was generally expected by the friends who were present at the last Conference and Camp-meeting that the Office material would be removed to Woodland as soon as practicable after the close of the session, where the paper was to, and I think would have been, issued weekly, but which was not done for reasons given by Elder Butler in the Signs for Nov. 12; for these reasons, and because I want the brethren, on this coast particularly, to understand more clearly than they can from anything that has been said in the paper why I did not accept the position referred to, I desire to make a statement of the matter from my own standpoint through the Signs of the Times.
When Bro. White was editing and publishing the Signs, all went well. Duty called him to another field, and since that time the paper has not, for various reasons, been published regularly; but each number was good when it did appear.
At our late Conference, Elder Butler, who was a delegate from the General Conference, presented a proposition made by Elder White to the California Conference to accept a donation of $6,000 from the General Conference, for the purpose of establishing the publishing interest on this coast, provided the Conference would assume the publication of the Signs of the Times—the donation to include the material already purchased by Elder White for printing the paper, amounting to about $800. The very liberal donation so kindly offered was thankfully accepted and the terms agreed to, the California Conference assuming the publication of the paper.
When the proper time came in the Camp-meeting, subscription papers were started in aid of the publishing fund, and within an hour nearly $20,000 were pledged by the friends of the cause. They responded nobly to the call for means to help in the work in this direction, showing a liberality and cheerful willingness to sustain the cause with their means such as has very rarely been manifested by any people.
Before we left the Camp ground, Elders Butler and Loughborough informed me that one more number of the Signs would be issued at Oakland, and then it would be removed to Woodland and its publication placed in my charge. In the meantime I was requested to engage rooms in connection with my own Office, which I did, and although the principal one was occupied as a school room, I secured the promise of it with another adjoining, the two being just what was needed for the publication of the paper as now managed, for $8.34 per month. The press-work, however, would have to be done on my hand press (the use of which would have cost nothing) until a power press could be procured, for which I was promised another room on the ground floor under the rooms above mentioned, at $8 per month, when needed. Elders Butler and Loughborough came to Woodland a couple of weeks after, saw the rooms and approved what I had done in engaging them.
Meanwhile another number of the Signs had been issued at Oakland, but was dated "Woodland," in contemplation of the removal. This would have been very proper if the necessary arrangements had been perfected and the matter carried out accordingly; but it was very unfortunate as it terminated. Of course I felt very sorry, but was not conferred with in regard to it, and consider myself blameless as to that. Neither had anything been said to me about the compensation I was to receive for the arduous position I had not sought but was asked to accept—really a four-fold one—that of printer, publisher, local editor and business man; a position, the duties of which would have occupied all my time from early morning till bed time. I have filled a less arduous one for years and know something of what it is. I felt that I could not refuse to take hold of it, being the only one of the profession in the cause on this coast, much as I might and did dread the constant and incessant labor such a position would necessarily involve. And I thought I could help to conduct the paper; and, being in the business and a practical printer, also help to conduct its labor department economically and properly.
I was requested to accompany Elders Butler and Loughborough to San Francisco, where the State Conference Committee and Conference officers were to meet and determine finally as to the removal of the paper, and I did so. The conference was held in the double tent and the persons mentioned were all present. After consultation it was determined that $12 per week was as high as could be paid to any one connected with the publication of the paper. Such a low salary I felt bound, in justice to my family, to myself, and to others who should work in the Office, to decline. I could not think it right to take such a burden upon myself for so low a salary. Such a position is worth in California three times what was offered me, or $36 per week. When asked what I was willing to accept, my reply was that under the circumstances I would work for $18 per week—just one-half. I did not base my calculations on $36 per week, however, but considered simply a foreman's position in a printing office in this State, for which is paid $30 for ten hours' labor. Thirty dollars per week for a year amounts to $1,560; $18 per week for a year amounts to $936; the latter deducted from the former amount leaves $607. This last amount, then, my brethren, I proposed to sacrifice for the cause continually, year after, as long as I should be connected with the Office, in dollars—to say nothing of my pledge of $100 at the Conference, my yearly s. B. of $65, and many other items which I have felt a privilege to give, and which has been done cheerfully—nothing of the extra time that could and would have been given—nothing of the consequent loss my own hand work would necessarily suffer.
And yet Bro. Butler's articles, if I understand them correctly, represent me as standing in the way of the progress of the publishing interest—as not willing to make my share of the sacrifice necessary to the successful carrying on of the paper. And yet, how I could support my family—a wife and three daughters—in California on $12 a week, is more than I can see; and why such a thing should be asked, in the present condition of the cause, I cannot understand. There certainly is no justice in requiring those who do the hard labor and assume the responsibilities connected with the publication Office to make so much more sacrifice in proportion than others. Does not he who works for one-half what he can obtain elsewhere, and does it year after year, do as much as the one who is rich and pledges double the amount for a single year? I can but think so. It strikes me as being somewhat like the case of the rich man and the poor widow who cast their gifts into the treasury.
But I think all the difficulty has arisen from a mistaken idea of existing facts. A very great mistake is made in putting down prices on this coast to the level of those paid at Battle Creek, Michigan. I doubt if men in a hundred on the average could be found—men who have tried both—who would not say that it costs twice as much to support a family in California to-day as it does in Michigan. I have tried both. I lived as well in Battle Creek eighteen years ago when I received only ten dollars per week as foreman of the Jeffersonian, a weekly news-paper, as in a similar position in San Francisco six or seven years ago (on a daily evening paper) upon thirty-six dollars per week. In order to do justice, it seems to me the circumstances of locality and expenses of living, etc., must be considered. Everything upon this coast is done on a different scale from the East. People get more for their labor and make money more easily in most avocations. They are consequently more liberal in their views and more generous in giving to sustain any cause they may espouse. Was not this evinced by our brethren in the matter of pledging their money in this very cause at our late Camp-meeting? It certainly was. And Bro. Butler, who had just arrived from the East, remarked it. Their money was given willingly, not grudgingly—and I believe God will bless those cheerful givers.
I farther believe the word of God teaches that the laborer is worthy of his hire—that it is positively and absolutely wrong to oppress the laborer. Besides, such a course ties up his hands from usefulness in any other direction—makes him a mere machine—prevents him from feeling like a free creature, made in the likeness of his Creator, or being a man among his fellow-men.
I want to do my part in this great work—the more the better—but I think and feel, before God, that too much has been required of me at the hands of my brethren composing the Conference Committee. The Conference I do not believe would have asked anything so manifestly unjust. And it seems to me my knowledge of, and experience in, the business, both in California and in Michigan, ought to enable me to judge what is right in the matter of wages quite as correctly as those who have not had that experience.
I feel it due me that these simple facts, be laid before the readers of the Signs of the Times, that they may be able to form a correct opinion as to the course I have taken, and to determine whether I am really deserving of the censures the articles in the late issue place upon me. I have done all in the fear of God.
In my simplicity it seemed to me I was making a very great sacrifice for the cause in consenting as I did to put in so much time and labor for the low rate (for California) of $18 per week. But my brethren think otherwise, and I am left to conclude, with them, that I am not the man for the place; and though I feel very sorrowful over it in view of all the circumstances, I agree with Bro. Butler that it “was rather providential that the paper was not removed to Woodland.”
In behalf of Truth and Justice, Wm. Saunders. Woodland, Nov. 25, 1874.

Family Religion.

REV. DR. VAN DOREN, in the Christian Intelligencer, has a good article on the importance of family religion and worship. Speaking of some of the excuses for neglect of duty, such as want of time, etc., he says:—
How comes it to pass that the prayerless heads of families find time to trade or farm, to gossip, to visit friends, to attend elections, to frequent the theater, the dance, and a thousand other scenes, but no time to pray with their families? We once saw a young merchant urging with energy, arising to vehemence, a successful business. We accosted him as to his neglect of this and other duties.
"No time, sir, no time, sir," replied he in urgent haste.
"Well, my dear young friend, God will give you time by and by."
Only one week after, he was driving with Jehu speed along the avenue, and one of the tires of the wheels broke. His splendid team, being frightened, became unmanageable, ran away, and flung him against an iron lamp-post, and broke both his legs. His very first thought, he afterward confessed, was his reply to the above question. "Will you have time enough now to pray, Alfred?"
For three long months, like a chained eagle, that fiery-hearted merchant was confined to his house at home. It was a harvest time for eternity as it regards the interest of his soul.
The strongest argument in favor of neglecting family worship is seldom stated. It is a want of heart for the duty. Men who have not been renewed, find it a hard task to play the hypocrite alone. But to subject themselves to the scorching glance of children and servants—this is too much.
It was the question with the patriarch, some three thousand years since, concerning the hypocrite, "Will he always call on God?" A similar question brought a proud, insolent questioner to grief before a large congregation. A minister of Christ, after he had finished a searching sermon, took his seat; but the conscience of one of his hearers could not thus rest. Some explanation of this discourse, in a scoffing manner, was requested by the stranger. The pastor arose, and said:—
"I perceive this gentleman to be a Universalist preacher who questions me. If he will answer me, I will respond to two dozen of his questions. Do you, sir, pray regularly in your family?" The questioning Universalist preacher was as silent as the grave. We read that Prof. Webster, the murderer of Dr. Parkman, was asked a similar question, and the answer may be inferred.
Our Lord prayed with his disciples, as well as alone. These Jewish converts were his family. Abraham, David, Job, Cornelius, Aquila and Priscilla, trained those intrusted to them to hear the daily voice of prayer in the family circle. But sad is the case, where one of the heads of the family is not only unwilling to lead, but opposed to that divinely-ordered custom. It was such a state of the case that Dr. Payson said reminded him of "a dove with a broken wing." Through eternity will millions of souls continually and adoringly bless Providence for their privilege of having been reared under the sacred shadow of the Family Altar.

English Clergyman Goes to Rome

ANOTHER English clergyman, Rev. Alfred Newdigate has gone over to Rome. His secession has caused much excitement, as he held the secretaryships of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and Church Extension Society, in the Diocese of Litchfield.

The Test of Character

THOSE who lack a good-natured character may be sure they cannot long sustain, without detection; an artificial one.

Idleness.

MANY young people think an idle life must be a pleasant one, but there are none who enjoy it so little and are such burdens to themselves as those who have nothing to do. Those who are obliged to work hard all day enjoy their short period of rest and recreation so much that they are apt to think that if their whole life were spent in rest and recreation it would be the most pleasant of all. But this is a sad mistake, as they would find out if they made a trial of the life they think so agreeable. One who is never busy can never enjoy rest, for rest implies relief from previous labors; and if our whole life were spent in amusing ourselves, we should find it more wearisome than the hardest day's work. Recreation is only valuable as it unbends us; the idle can know nothing of it. Many people leave off business and settle down to a life of enjoyment, but they generally find that they are not nearly so happy as they were before, and are often glad to return to their old occupation to escape the miseries of indolence.

Amends.

When a person is converted from his evil ways to Christ, he wishes to counteract the mischief he has wrought in the past, and immediately addresses himself to do it. If he has wrongfully damaged another, he humbly confesses the injury he has committed, and endeavors to repair it; if he has slandered another, he revokes the slander and brands it false; if he has defrauded another, he makes reparation; if he has led one astray, by inculcating error and false principles, he seeks to win him over to the truth and the dominion of virtue. The celebrated Earl of Rochester had been the author of many profane and lewd writings, tending to promote vice and immorality, but when on his dying bed he was "renewed in the spirit and temper of his mind," he gave a solemn charge to have them all destroyed.—Sel.

Two Church-Goers.

The Man who Came Late.—He had no time to ask a blessing on the service for himself or his neighbors. He missed the opening exercises. He disturbed others who had come in time. He disturbed the minister. He showed pretty plainly that he did not consider as much respect due to God's house as to his own place of business. He set a bad example to others. He missed a blessing for himself.
The Man who Came Early.—He had time to take his seat quietly and get comfortably warm or cool, as the case might be. He had time for a quiet and refreshing season of prayer before the service began. He disturbed nobody. He showed due respect for the time and place, and also for Him who has promised always to meet those who gather in his name. He was able to join in the whole service, and to be in time for it. He set a good example to others. He won a blessing for himself.

Sin and Repentance

SIN rides the sled down hill. Repentance draws it back again.

Do Not Forget Old Friends

Never give up old friends for new ones. Make new ones if you like, and when you have learned that you can trust them, love them if you will, but remember the old ones still. Do not forget they have been tried and found true; they have been merry with you in times of pleasure, and when sorrow came to you they sorrowed also. No matter if they have gone down in the social scale and you up; no matter if poverty and misfortune have come to them, while prosperity came to you; are they any the less true for that? Are not their hearts as warm and tender if they do beat beneath homespun instead of velvet? Yes, kind reader, they are as true, loving and tender. Don't forget old friends.

The Cold Spell.

FEBRUARY has been marked by extreme cold weather throughout the eastern States, commencing the 3d. A few of the many items given in the papers we quote.
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 10.—The immense quantities of ice in the rivers have considerably diminished; the weather to-day being mild there is now no serious impediment to travel. Several persons crossed the North River this morning from Eighteenth street to Hoboken. This is the first ice bridge which has occurred on North River since 1835. The ice was soon rendered impassable by foot passengers and boats resumed their regular trips.
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 14.—The weather in this section, which throughout the day was remarkably mild and pleasant, changed to-night to intense cold, accompanied with a violent gale. The thermometer at 7 o'clock to-night was eight degrees above zero, with indications of going still lower. The cold weather appears to have placed a check upon the commission of crime and the occurrence of accidents, fires, etc. Everything is dull, items of newspaper interest scarce, and the city generally devoid of life.
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 15.—The weather to-day has been intensely cold, with the thermometer ranging about 10 degrees above zero. The East and North Rivers are filled with floating ice, and the ferry boats made trips at irregular intervals. The sound and bay are also blocked with large cakes of ice, and navigation is greatly interrupted. Pilots all testify to the unprecedented severity of the weather, and say that in all their experience they have not been called on to withstand so bitter and trying a siege as that they have endured for the past fortnight. On Thursday last the ice packed along the shore at Keyport, New Jersey, became broken and drifted to sea. Several vessels were blown out to sea on the ice floats in which they were frozen. One of these, a sloop, had on board the Captain, Charles Woodward, and a sailor; the vessel had just returned from a voyage and was short of provisions and fuel. When last seen, at night, they were still drifting with the ice. Another vessel, a schooner, had on board the navigator, Captain Collins, and two sailors, named Wilson and Ludlow. Four days have elapsed since she was seen, and it is feared that all have been lost.
BOSTON, FEBRUARY 13.—The Boston market fishermen, ice-bound on the inside of Cape Cod bay, are worse off shore than they were yesterday. The revenue cutter Gallitar lies at anchor under Long Point locked in with a dozen vessels, and many fishermen in sight of home have hoisted signals of distress. There is no clear water in Cape Cod Bay. A cold wave passed over New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine last night, the thermometer showing from 22 to 36 degrees below zero, being the coldest weather this season.
CONCORD (N. H.), FEBRUARY 14.—A dispatch from Franklin, in this State, says the unusually cold weather yesterday continues. To-day the thermometer stood as low as 40 degrees below zero. Much suffering has been caused by the severity of the weather. The workmen engaged in cutting ice in the Merrimac river report it to be four feet thick, an event that has never occurred before.
This is the first year in the memory of man that Great Salt Lake has been frozen, and the mercury has not been below zero this winter.
In Chicago, Feb. 3, the streets were covered with ice, and the wind so strong that it was dangerous to travel in wagons. Trains were blocked in every direction. And so things continued for some time.
A letter from Walla Walla says the cold there has been intense; the thermometer down to 39° below zero, and one day it did not rise higher at any time than 31° below zero!
Battle Creek, Mich., editor of Review under date of Feb. 8, says :—
"We are having winter here in good earnest; thermometer 24 degrees below zero."
LATER.—Report from Battle Creek gives 33 degrees below zero.
Feb. 17. The Gloucester (Mass.) harbor is effectually closed, preventing the fishermen from getting out unless by cutting the ice.
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 17.—The thermometer shows fifteen degrees above zero; ice in the rivers is undiminished in quantity; over 3,000 street hydrants are frozen, and great inconvenience is felt over the larger portion of the city for want of water. The ice in the Sound is still frozen fast. Hudson River is bridged with ice opposite Fort Washington.
There has been much suffering in some parts of the country, especially in that part of the West devastated by the grasshoppers. Many cattle have died there; also in Washington Territory.
In contrast with the above we give the following from the San Francisco Chronicle of Feb. 14 :—

SAN FRANCISCO WEATHER.

The following record since February 7th is compiled from the books of Thomas J. Tennant, meteorologist and mathematical instrument maker :
Feb. Lowest 9 A. M. 12 M. 3 P. M. 6 P. M.
7......48° 53° 61° 63° 58°
8......42 48 57 61 55
9......44 50 58 62 54
10......44 52 57 56 51
11......47 52 56 56 50
12......47 50 55 55 51
13......46 54 58 58 52
Coldest night, 8th inst., 42°; warmest night, 7th, 48°; coldest day, 8th, at 9 A. M., 42°;
warmest day, 7th, at 3 P. M., 63°. The Lowest reading of the thermometer occurs between 4 to 6 A. M.
The coldest at San Francisco is 75 degrees above that of Battle Creek, and 81 above that of Walla Walla!

Business Department.

By Editor

California Publishing Fund.

$80.00 Each. W A Pratt.
$25.00 Each. John I Tay, Lucy E Wilkins.
$40.00 Each. D M Canright.
$10.00 Each. G A Baker, M H Wallace.

Received for the Signs.

$2.00 Each. Mrs S A Allen, G A Baker, C A Carey, J Morrison, James Harlow, C A Parker, Wm Semple jr, W O Swinnerton, Marrietta E Graves, T D Rumple, Henry Bartlett, A D Wallace.
$1.00 Each. D P Curtis, Hiram Schell, Mrs M Patton, Mrs James Hills, G W Hall.
Miscellaneous. Thomas Evans 50c, Henry Groat 20c, Julia M Rhodes 25c, Russell Palmer 50, G W Rose 10c, Wm Burroughs 10c, John Abplanalp 10c, T B Cary 50c, Mrs L Knights $2.25, Thomas Thornton 15c, Heman Dodge 15c, P G Gessford 10c, Seth White 25c, J H Eastwood 25c. D Woodworth 50c, W S Hall 50c, T J O'Neal 50c, Mrs Sarah Price $1.10, Mrs A P Crystal 25c, Mrs M J Butcher 35c, Mrs A G Craig 50c, Joel L Locke 25c, M H Morris 50c, Wm Roberts 50c, Mrs Ann Dunn 15c. Harvey Perkins 25c, Hattie Philips 25c, E F Wittlinger 30c, R T Stillman 50c.

Books! Books!! Books!!!

☞ Our Book List.—Any persons on the Pacific Coast wishing any of the publications named in our book list can obtain them by mail or express by writing to the Signs of the Times, Oakland, California, enclosing the published price of the same. When sent by mail, books will be post paid; when by express, at the expense of the one ordering the books; but in this case a liberal discount will be made when ten dollars worth or more are paid for with any one order.

The Signs of the Times

By Editor

OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, FEB. 25, 1875.

THIS WEEK'S PAPER.

THIS week's SIGNS will be received with more than usual pleasure; not so much, however, for the increased excellence of its reading matter, as from the cheering reports of meetings, the statements of the permanent establishment of the Press in this city, and the future weekly issue of our good paper. The work of publishing, which has been delayed somewhat, from this time, with the favor of God, will go right forward.
The "Explanation" from Bro. Saunders, on page 127, would have been given in the SIGNS the first of December had it not been sent to Iowa by the editor for consideration by Bro. Butler. Bro. S. has treated the subject understandingly, and with Christian candor. Having kept house during the year 1874, six months at Oakland, Cal., and six months at Battle Creek, Mich., we decide that $18 per week in coin at Oakland, is about equal to $12 at Battle Creek in currency. We enjoyed a happy renewal of acquaintance with Bro. S. at the late Conference, and were glad to know that trials have not dimmed his faith, nor dampened his ardor in the cause.
As we pen these lines the carrier brings a postal card dated at Woodland, Cal., Feb. 22, 1875, from which we copy: "Our people here are very generally well pleased with what was done by the Conference. Every one agrees that Oakland is the best point for permanent location that could have been selected. We trust the work will now go forward more rapidly than ever. Affectionately, yours in hope,
WM. SAUNDERS."
Eld. J. H. Waggoner, well known as a safe expositor and able writer, will assist on the SIGNS, and have the charge of the paper in our absence. Let the SIGNS OF THE TIMES be circulated wherever the English language is read. Ten thousand new subscribers wanted. We design to occupy considerable space with expository articles containing the reasons of our faith and hope. And Mrs. W. will contribute largely.

Note.

By John Norton Loughborough

I AM now at my home in St. Helena, Cal., seeking rest from the excessive cares of the last few months, and waiting on my companion, who is in the last stages of consumption, and must soon sleep. Pray for us in our affliction. We shall be glad to hear from our friends. Address, St. Helena, Napa Co., Cal.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

San Francisco.

By J. H. W.

THE regular appointments Feb. 13, 14, I attended. The prayer meeting on Sabbath evening was a spirited meeting, and a large number was there. The room was more than full. I spoke to them on Sabbath morning and Sunday night. The interest was good. The cause is advancing in this city.
Two persons who have been connected with the First-day Adventists in the East took a decided stand for the Sabbath and the present truth at this meeting. The Lord was with us, and we felt encouraged.
The above remarks will apply also to the meetings Feb. 20, 21. J. H. W.

Quarterly Meetings.

By J. N. Loughborough

The second State quarterly meeting of the Cal. T. & M. society will be held in district No. 3, with the Napa church, the first Sabbath and first-day in April.
The district quarterly meetings will be held as follows:
District No. 1, with the Petaluma church, March 27 and 28.
District No. 2, at Santa Rosa, March 6 and 7.
District No. 3, in connection with the State quarterly meeting, at Napa, April 3 and 4.
District No. 4, at Vallejo, March 13 and 14.
District No. 5, at Woodland, March 20 and 21.
District No. 6; time and place to be designated in the future.
District No. 7, at Oakland, March 27 and 28.
District No. 9, at San Francisco, March 6 and 7.
It is expected that reports of labor, as designated by the blanks, will be made by the churches in their respective districts. These should be summed up by the district secretary, and forwarded to our State T. & M. secretary, Sr. Lucie Bush, Woodland, so that she can make out her report of the workings of the society for the quarter, except district No. 3, before the State quarterly meeting. It is expected that each district, through its director, will balance all its indebtedness for periodicals, &c., at the time of the State quarterly meeting.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres. T. and M. Society.

News and Miscellany.

Religious Riot in Mexico.

A terrible riot was incited by the Catholic priests in Acapulco, Mexico, Jan. 20th, against a Protestant congregation. Five members of the congregation were killed at the door; one died next day; and nine more were seriously wounded. Two of the assailants were killed, and one died next day, and it is rumored that thirteen were wounded who escaped to the mountains, of whom five died of exposure. The authorities have commenced an investigation, with the intention of punishing the guilty parties.
Crimes of violence seem to be fearfully on the increase in San Francisco. During the month which closed yesterday, fourteen persons were arrested and held to answer on the charge of murder and two on the charge of assault with intent to commit murder. What is San Francisco coming to?—Chronicle, Feb. 6.
The death-rate has been steadily rising in New York city for several weeks, and diphtheria rages fatally. The World atributes the sanitary condition of the city to the filthy state of the streets, the mire and the mud-holes, and says that fashionable doctors drive about in their coupes "with faces full of ill-suppressed exultation."
A Catholic Consistory is to be held at Rome in March, at which nine new Cardinals will be created among the number Archbishop Manning and three Americans.
LONDON, FEBRUARY 15.—Intelligence of a serious disturbance in the city of Bethlehem in Palestine has been received here. The Greeks made an attack upon the quarter of the city inhabited by the Armenians, and several on both sides were killed.
It is reported that the Pope has written to Don Carlos, expressing sympathy, but advising him to reconsider his determination to continue the war, as the dignity of the Catholic church has been vindicated and the rights of the clergy recognized by Alfonso.
An important resolution passed by the Old Catholic Synod at Bonn abolishes obligatory confession, but allows and advises that "if any man cannot quiet his own conscience" by self-examination, he may open his grief to his priest. Confession is carefully left to each man's inclination and sense of personal duty, and is so minutely hedged about by restrictions that abuse shall be restricted.
On December 21st, during a storm, a powder magazine at Scutari (Albania) was struck by lightning. The force of the explosion destroyed a portion of the city walls and several houses. Upwards of 200 persons were killed or wounded.

Fires.

At Virginia City, Cal., Feb., 5, loss 3,500. At San Jose, Cal., loss over $90,000. Feb. 9, at New York, loss $100,000. Hoboken, New York, Feb. 17, loss $50,000.
Kingston, Jamaca, February 16.—A fire broke out in Port Au Prince on the 12th inst. There being no water the flames spread rapidly, and on the 13th were still beyond control. Five hundred houses have been destroyed.
TEN thousand men, women, and children are said to be without the necessaries of life in New York City.
MINNESOTA loses 2,000,000 bushels of wheat by grasshoppers.

Appointments.

By Editor

OAKLAND.—There will be preaching at the Hall, cor. 12th and Broadway, Sabbath, Feb. 27th, at 11 A. M., and in the evening of the 28th at 7:30.
SAN FRANCISCO.—Mrs. E. G. White will speak at the A. P. A. Hall, 713 Mission Street, Sabbath, Feb. 27th, at 11 A. M., and on the evening of the 28th, at 7:30.
PETALUMA.—Eld. D. M. Canright will speak at the usual place for worship of the S. D. A. church at Petaluma, Sabbath, Feb. 27th, at 11 A. M. He will commence a course of lectures in the Baptist church the 28th, at 2:30 P. M.
Continue reading: P U B L I C A T I O N S