—The school authorities of Washington, D. C., have refused to admit colored pupils to the schools for white children.
—It is stated by good authority that $16,000,000 are paid out annually in Chicago for liquor, and there are 5,000 saloons.
—A Swedish mail steamer sunk recently in Calmor Sound, Sweden, while on a trial trip. Fifteen persons were drowned.
—The ignition of a dry Christmas tree in a house in New York caused the destruction of twenty oil paintings valued at $10,000.
—Great excitement prevails at El Paso, A. T., and neighboring villages, small-pox having broken out. Fifteen cases are reported.
—It is reported that cold weather prevails on the Sahara Desert, and that hundreds of camels and many soldiers have perished in consequence.
—Advices from Tabrez, Persia, state that the Russian garrison at Askabad has been increased to 8,000 men, and the outposts are advanced forty miles eastward.
—A fire in Galveston, Texas, the 13th, destroyed property to the extent of a million dollars. The county library and the libraries of the Judges of the Supreme Court were burned.
—The latest advices from Venezuela are that a revolutionary conspiracy has been discovered. A strong guard surrounds the house of the President, who has 10,000 men at his disposal.
—The Czar has signed a ukase, in accordance with which payments by peasants on account of lands they received at the time of their emancipation will be reduced by 12,000,000 roubles a year.
—In Ventura County, Cal., considerable damage to property has been done by the recent gales. Eleven barns, two dwellings, and a great number of other buildings, fences, windmills, etc., have been destroyed.
—The outrages committed in Ireland in December, numbered 574. In Cork, recently, the police discovered a case buried in the ground, which contained a large number of Snider rifles and a quantity of dynamite, gun cotton, and ammunition.
—The largest steel sailing ship afloat, registering 2,220 tons, has just been launched at Belfast, Ireland, from the yard of Ismay, Imray & Co., managers of the White Star Line. It is named Garfield, and will be employed in the Australia and California trade.
—The California Powder Works at Pinole Station, Contra Costa Co., eighteen miles from Oakland, were blown up on the 11th. Two men were killed and several injured. All the buildings in Oakland were shaken by the explosion as though by an earthquake.
—Quite an excitement prevails in Germany over the Emperor's edict. The Allegemeine Zeitung has been seized for calling it a coup d'etat. Other papers have been suppressed. It is stated that the Emperor has decided to proclaim Crown Prince Frederick William Regent, on the 22d of March next.
—The steam-ship Lion was lost at sea, recently, on a trip from St. Johns to Trinity Bay, N. F. Forty-three persons were on board, of whom eighteen were passengers. No one can account for the loss as the time necessary for the trip was only eight hours, and there was no storm. No survivors remain to throw light on the mystery.
—Quite extensive damage was done in different parts of the country on the 10th inst., by fires. At Denver, Col., a fire destroyed $200,000 worth of property and caused the death of two persons; two children were burned to death in a house at Knife Falls, Minn., and Los Angeles, Cal., was visited by the most destructive fire ever known there.
—The weather in California last week was what might be termed phenomenal. A cold, northwest wind swept over the State, having its usual drying effect. Wheat has been injured considerably. In the southern counties the cold was very severe. In San Bernardino snow fell to a reported depth of eight inches. More than a few scattering flakes were never seen there before. In other places considerable snow fell.
—January 13, a terrible accident happened on the New York Central Railroad, near New York. The express train from Chicago, heavily loaded, having eight palace coaches, was run into by a special train. Two palace cars were telescoped and burned. Eight persons were killed, and very many injured. Senator Webster Wagner, proprietor of the Wagner Palace Cars, was one of those burned to death. The accident is charged to the carelessness of a brakeman, who has been arrested.
—In regard to the Campbell-Cannon contest for a seat in Congress as Delegate from Utah, it is thought that both will be rejected—Campbell because he was not elected, and Cannon because he is a polygamist. It is stated that no polygamist will hereafter be allowed a seat in Congress. This, although good in itself, will have no effect on the evil, for the Mormons can send a man to represent them who is not a polygamist, but who will work for their interests. Entire disenfranchisement of all who believe in or practice polygamy would doubtless be as effectual as anything.
—The advocates of the Sunday law in California are beginning to move on the enemy's works. The proprietors of the Opera Garden in Oakland have been arrested for keeping open on Sunday night. A jury trial was demanded and the case is now in Court. The proprietors are members of the "League of Freedom," and a stubborn fight is expected. It is said that whichever way the case is decided it will be appealed. Twenty-three business men of San Leandro, Alameda Co., have been arrested for violation of the law. In Arcata, Humboldt Co., the saloon-keepers had formed a combination to fight the law, but after they had been arrested and convicted on four different charges, they gave it up and will close in future on Sunday.
Religious Notes.
— Moody and Sankey expect to go to Paris, where there is plenty to do.
— Three French missionaries have been murdered near the oasis of Ghadamas, in the Sahara Desert.
— Major Whittle and Mr. McGranahan have just commenced a series of revival meetings in San Francisco.
— The Presbyterian and Reformed Societies of Japan have 2,000 members and eighteen churches, from nine years' labor.
— It is reported that in North China the largest number of converts are obtained where the Scriptures are most faithfully circulated.
— The converted Jews of New York have established a weekly prayer-meeting, in the hope of bringing many of their people to acknowledge Christ.
— Rev. Dr. C. H. Malcolm, of the Baptist Church, has been ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, by the Bishop of Rhode Island.
— Col. Geo. R. Clarke gave a Christmas dinner to 500 poor people, at the Pacific Garden Mission, Chicago. The Colonel is a zealous missionary among the destitute of that city.
— The conversion of the Roman Catholic Canon of St. Peter's, at Rome, continues to attract much attention, and it is said to have a strong influence on the religious of that country.
— The Jewish Times of San Francisco speaks of "that immortal Jew known in history as Jesus Christ," and says: "Though there is no record that he ever wrote a line, yet more has been written concerning him than has, in all probability, ever been written about any other person, and one of the most widespread and extraordinary systems of religion ever founded has been established in his name."
— A New York correspondent of the Boston Watchman, (Baptist), speaks in becoming terms of condemnation of the church fairs, or "turning houses of prayer into places of merchandise." He speaks of a week's church work as "a week of nonsense, frivolity, cheating, and gambling." Of Talmage's church he says: "The Tabernacle was turned into a mammoth showcase, and the boys and girls held as wild a carnival as was ever seen in Rome. Other churches followed—the Baptist among the rest." And all this as evangelical Christianity!
Obituary.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
DE FOREST.—Eva A. De Forest, oldest child of George and Emma De Forest, died in Oakland, January 9, 1882, aged 5 years, 5 months, and 9 days. Her disease was whooping-cough and pneumonia, and her sufferings were great, but were borne patiently. She was always a kind, cheerful, and obedient child, and since her parents embraced the Sabbath, manifested a love for it remarkable in one so young. Brother and Sister De Forest have the sympathy of the church in their affliction, and are sustained by the hope of a happy meeting at the soon-coming resurrection. E. J. WAGGONER.
George Borland Obituary
BORLAND.—Died in Lafayette, Contra Costa Co., Cal., January 9, 1882, George Borland, aged 20 years, 5 months, and 10 days. The cause of his death was hem-orrhage. (San Francisco papers please copy.)
STANDARD BOOKS
By Editor
Issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and for Sale at this Office.
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week for the period of 6,000 years. By Eld. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.25
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Dan. 8:14. By Eld. U. Smith. This work explains the past Advent movement, and makes plain the present position of those who wait for the Lord. 352 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Eld. U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 416 pp. $1.25
Thoughts on Revelation. By Eld. U. 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. 420 pp. $1.25
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. This book gives interesting sketches of the Christian life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. $1.00
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, relating his experience of twenty-five years on ship-board, with incidents of his rise from cabin-boy to master and owner. The closing chapters relate to his labors in the ministry and in the cause of temperance and other moral reforms. Fine tint paper, 352 pp. $1.00
Life Sketches of Elder James, and Mrs. E. G. White. The early lives and Christian experiences of both are given in this volume. Their subsequent history is so connected with the cause, that this book gives an outline of the rise and progress of our people and our cause. With fine steel portraits of both. $1.25
Thrilling Incidents in the political life of Francesco Urgos, while a soldier with Garibaldi, including his perilous escape from the tyrants of Rome, and his subsequent travels in Africa and Syria. 328 pp. $1.00
The Biblical Institute. This work contains a synopsis of the lectures given at the Battle Creek College by Eld. U. Smith, and at Biblical Institutes. 352 pp. $1.00
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Eld. U. Smith. This work treats on the great questions of the condition of man in death, and his destiny beyond the resurrection. 356 pp. $1.00
The Spirit of Prophecy : or, the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. Each, 400 pp.
Vol. I. Old Testament Facts to Christ. $1.00
Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ. 1.00
Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of his Apostles. 1.00
Vol. IV. (In preparation.) 1.00
The Constitutional Amendment : A discussion between Eld. W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 384 pp. $1.00
Spiritual Songs. A book of hymns and tunes. 537 hymns, 147 tunes, 416 pp.
Morocco, gilt, $1.50
The Song Anchor. A popular collection of songs for the Sabbath-school and praise service. 164 pp. 35 cts.
Bound in muslin, 50 cts.
The Bible from Heaven. By Eld. D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but is in deed and in truth, the work of God. 300 pp. 80 cts.
The Soul and the Resurrection, showing the Harmony of Science and the Bible on the Nature of the Soul and the Doctrine of the Resurrection. By J. H. Kellogg, M. D. 75 cts.
The United States in the Light of Prophecy : or, an exposition of Rev. 13:11-17. By Eld. U. Smith. Dealing with our own land and applying to our time. Of surpassing interest to every American reader. 200 pp. 40 cts.
Thoughts on Baptism. By Eld. J. H. Waggoner. The subject viewed in the light of the Bible and History. 186 pp.
Bound in flexible cloth, 35 cts.
Paper covers, 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath ; or false theories exposed. A poem, by Eld. U. Smith. 60 pp. 30 cts.
Glazed paper covers. 15 cts.
The Game of Life. Three lithographic illustrations with explanations. These scenes represent Satan playing a game with man for his soul. Neatly bound in board. 50 cts.
The Advent Keepsake. A collection of Bible texts for each day in the year, on the subjects of the Second Advent, the Resurrection, etc. Muslin, 136 pp. 25 cts.
Bible Lessons for Little Ones, No. 2. Flexible cloth. 15 cts.
Bound Volumes of Review and Herald. Each, $2.50
The Youth's Instructor for 1879-'80. Firmly bound. $1.00
Bible Lessons for Little Ones. A Sabbath-school book designed for the use of beginners, and prepared with special regard for the wants of very young children.
In flexible cloth, 84 pp. 15 cts.
Gems of Song. A vest-pocket song book containing hymns only. A choice collection. 96 pp., 119 hymns, bound in flexible cloth. 15 cts.
BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS.
By Editor
Constitutional Amendment. Condensed, 336 pp. 40 cts.
Sanctuary and 2300 Days. Condensed, 224 pp. 30 cts.
Facts for the Times. A collection of valuable extracts from eminent authors. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Eleven Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. By Eld. J. N. Andrews. 226 pp. 25 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Terrific Explosion.
THERE have been four or five powder explosions in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay within the time of our sojourn upon this coast. But the last, on Wednesday, January 11, a few minutes before 12 o'clock, was the severest of all. We were in the street, and the sharpness of the report induced the belief that it was a heavy gun within the city, not far off; and great was our surprise to learn that it was at Pinole Station, on the C. P. Railroad, eighteen miles north of this city. It was at the Hercules Powder Works. From the reports we have not been able to learn the exact cause. It was at first supposed to have originated in the explosion of a steam boiler in one of the buildings, reported under a pressure of thirty-five pounds. If this were true we can but say that the idea of working in a powder mill connected with a boiler which could explode at that pressure cannot be particularly pleasing. A number of buildings were demolished, of one of which it was said not a timber remained. As the hands had just gone to dinner the loss of life was small. Two Chinamen killed, and a few persons injured.
The damage to buildings not connected with the works was considerable. Many people in Oakland were much frightened, supposing it to be a heavy earthquake. San Rafael, across the bay, was well shaken.
Question.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
WHAT did the Saviour mean by not casting pearls before swine? Do his words place any restriction upon missionary work?
M. E. A.
The entire passage to which reference is made reads thus: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” This cannot be understood as limiting missionary work, because, (1) Such a construction is forbidden by other texts. The gospel commission is: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” See also Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:4; John 1:9, etc.; and (2) a careful consideration of the text shows the individuals represented as dogs and swine have heard the truth, and willfully turned from it. The swine is the embodiment of filth, and “dog” is used in the Bible as a term of the deepest reproach. It is used to represent, (1) false teachers, Isa. 56:11; (2) persecutors, Ps. 22:16; (3) the devil, Ps. 22:20. Paul says they are to be shunned, Phil. 3:2, and our Saviour says that their lot will finally be without the holy city, in the lake of fire, Rev. 22:15. None will be outside the city but the incorrigibly wicked.
In general, then, a dog represents one who knows the truth to some extent, or who may possibly have accepted it, but who rejects it with scoffing, returns to his evil ways, and rails at those who by precept or example condemn him. This view is sustained by Prov. 26:11, and 2 Peter 2:22. God does not try to force men to be saved against their will. Labor with such individuals is not missionary work, but controversy; and the truth can only be injured by such controversy.
Dr. Clarke comments on this passage as follows:—
“As a general meaning of this passage, we may just say: The sacrament of the Lord’s supper, and other holy ordinances which are only instituted for the genuine followers of Christ, are not to be dispensed to those who are continually returning like the snarling, ill-natured dog to their easily predominant sins of rash judgment, barking at and tearing the characters of others by evil speaking, back-biting, and slander,; nor to him, who, like the swine, is frequently returning to wallow in the mud of sensual gratifications and impurities.”
E. J. W.
Absenting From Church Ordinances
In making an effort to correct the error in our church in Oakland, of members absenting themselves from the ordinances, we were not aware that the minds of others were exercised on the same subject. We are pleased to learn that the General Conference took notice of it, and placed the matter in the hands of a committee for consideration.
Church Meetings and Baptisms
LAST Sabbath Sister White spoke in San Francisco. It was a good day for that church. All were strengthened and encouraged.
We spoke in Oakland in the morning. In the afternoon three were baptized. The first Baptist Church, of which Dr. Abbott has been pastor for some time past, kindly tendered us the use of their baptistry. This is not the first time that church has shown us a favor which is highly appreciated by the S. D. A. Church of Oakland.
Tract on Sanctification.
By Editor
For several weeks our book-room has been out of the excellent tract on "Bible Sanctification," by Mrs. E. G. White. We are happy to inform our readers that a new edition has just been printed at this office, and all orders will be promptly filled. See advertisement in this paper.
Review and Herald
Review and Herald.
THE Advent Review and Sabbath Herald is the "church paper" of the Seventh-day Adventists, and as such it ought to be found in every family of the denomination. A recent premium offer is worthy of the attention of all. It is, to send the Review for 1882 to new subscribers, with the "Life of William Miller" for $2.25. The book is a bound volume of over four hundred pages, and sells for one dollar, and is well worth the price.
Meetings in Oakland.
DURING the first two years of our labor here we preached regularly in Oakland the second and fourth Sunday evenings of each month. During the last year the district meetings of the church have been held Sunday evenings. These have proved very profitable, and cannot be dispensed with. But the signs of the times and the present state of the work seem to demand that public meetings be resumed in this city, and the matter is now under advisement to alternate between district meetings and preaching on Sunday evenings. This arrangement will probably commence in February, provided the members are ready to sustain the preaching meetings by their presence.
The Spirit of It.
By Editor
A BROTHER in Indiana gives us a little chapter of his experience which shows the real animus of the movement which has for its apparent object a reverence for Sunday. If it is not simply opposition to the Sabbath, then indications are not what they seem. This brother has a neighbor who neither fears God nor regards man, but profanes every day by obscenity and infidelity. During the past eighteen months, there have been but few Sundays in which he has not worked at his regular business, and no fault is found with him and no move made about it. But this brother, one who had religiously observed the seventh day, one bright, warm Sunday took his wagon into the back yard to give it a coat of paint—a work which would neither attract attention nor cause disturbance, but he was instantly threatened with arrest for breaking Sunday.
From this, two inferences are easily drawn :—
1. Had this brother been a profane, godless man, he could have broken Sunday with impunity.
2. His keeping of the Sabbath was his real offense.
A case exactly parallel to this happened not long since in Michigan ; and the lesson such circumstances affords is not to be mistaken.—Review and Herald.
The English Mission.
THE visit of Eld. Loughborough from England will ever be remembered as a pleasing feature of our late General Conference. His narrative of the work in that country was full of interest, and his rehearsal of the obstacles met, and the providence of God manifested in overcoming them, inspired new hope and courage in all hearts. He goes back to his field of labor with an increase of help. The General Conference Committee have proposed that Bro. John of Illinois go to assist him in the preaching of the word, that Sr. Jennie Thayer assist in the missionary work, and Bro. Drew of California in ship labor; while Bro. and Sr. Ings may return to this country, their services being called for in another important field.
Bro. Loughborough will take with him to England his two children, who will very soon be important helpers in the work there; and the prayers of all those who heard his good words of faith and courage, will accompany him to his post of duty, and ascend to the throne of grace for all other laborers in foreign fields.
The above we find in the Review of January 3. Also the following resolutions bearing on the same subject:—
WHEREAS, It appears from the condition of the work in England that a paper especially adapted to the demands of the cause is needed in that country, and
WHEREAS, We are not prepared to furnish sufficient help to publish such a paper without greatly interfering with other branches of the work; therefore—
Resolved, that a special edition of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES be printed at the expense of the English mission fund, until such time as the way may open for the issuing of a paper in England; and we further suggest that Eld. J. N. Loughborough and W. C. White be a committee to consider the propriety of a change of name.
Resolved, That in our opinion Eld. J. N. Loughborough should for the present have as many copies of Good Health as he can use to advantage in the mission in England, at the expense of the English mission.
Prof. Bell's Grammar—Hearsay Evidence.
WE cannot speak from personal examination of the book; for this we have not had opportunity; but it gives us pleasure to record what others say, whose opportunities have been better than ours. We readily believe every word spoken in favor of the "Natural Method," because it has been our privilege to notice Prof. Bell's class practice, and to note the progress of students under his tuition. A young man who is now attending a "Business College" in Oakland—a College not confined to business alone, but embracing general branches of a thorough education—took to his school the Grammar of Prof. Bell. The Principal soon told him that his progress was greater than it could have been with the use of any other book, and that it was his intention to adopt it in his school as the text-book on grammar. We are confident that this will be the result in other good schools where this "Method" becomes known.
Weather in California.
THAT well-known personage, “the oldest inhabitant,” is lost in astonishment at the recent weather in California. And well he may be. The wind in Oakland reminded us of our experience in Illinois. From San Buenaventura a gale is reported which demolished buildings, windmills, etc.; the damage was great, and a large number of buildings, mostly barns, were destroyed. At San Bernardino the snow fell to a depth of nearly a foot. The hills about Santa Barbara were covered with snow. It is reported that at Sacramento the thermometer fell lower than at any previous time in twenty-five years. This will give our readers an idea of the phenomenal weather period through which we have passed. Not much rain yet. The wind was a “norther,” and much damage was feared to the wheat.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THIS is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price 10 cts.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.
By Uriah Smith
THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.
BY ELD. U. SMITH.
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.
THE SUNDAY MOVEMENT,
Which is now attracting such general attention is thoroughly canvassed; and abundant testimony is given to prove that in a few years this will 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 pages. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers 20 cents.
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.
Miss ELIZA THAYER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass.
ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
W. L. RAYMOND, Gaston, Oregon.