"She has called herself the 'Holy Catholic Church' for a good many centuries, and has been able to support her claim to the exclusive use of the title by a large body of very respectable proof. Her failure, nevertheless, to prevent the immense schism known as Protestantism, and to get even a tithe of her male members to pay any attention to her ordinances, is not to be overlooked by any church which proposes to work under a new name."
A curious 'church' it must be that cannot get even a tithe—one in ten—of her male members to pay any attention to her ordinances! But this is the undoubted fact in regard to the Church of Rome, which some still venture to regard as a Christian church. How many more of her members must reject her ordinances before she will cease to be a church?
Using the Bible Like a Compass
The following anecdote is a good illustration of the manner in which some people use the Bible: An old hermit in Michigan, when the country was new, several times lost his way in the woods. At length he was advised by a friend to get a pocket compass. He did so, and being instructed as to its use, got along for awhile very well. In course of time however he lost his way again, and lay out, as usual. When found he was asked why he did not travel by the compass. He did not dare to, he said. He wanted to go north, and he "tried hard to make the thing point north, but it wasn't no use, 'twould shake, shake, shake round, and point southeast every time."
The Field of Science.
By Editor
FROM an article in the National Baptist, by John M. Gregory, LL.D., we take the following remarks on the proper field of science; on what it can do, and what it cannot do:—
"Modern science has established its claims to the confidence of mankind by the wonderful inventions to which it has lighted the way in the useful arts. Men will not dispute the truths which have given them the telephone, the electric light, and a hundred inventions which stand as witnesses for the value and verity of scientific truth. The issues between science and religion are daily becoming more clearly and sharply defined. They cannot be disguised nor softened, and they are all the sharper because unsought by either party. Science feels itself compelled to adhere to simple, sensible facts, and is therefore shut up to material things. If a scientist recognizes any existence beyond matter, as many eminent scientists do, he either confesses himself unscientific in so doing, or he claims, and properly, that material science does not include all that can be known, or that is worthy of belief.
"It needs to be borne in mind that all is not science which is called science, and every true scientist will acknowledge that much of his science is unproved assumption, or unestablished inference. A competent and candid criticism should dissect these theories and show to the people how much is clear fact and how much is cloudy conjecture. The author of the brilliant discourse under consideration would doubtless tell us that more than half of his statements were mere theories, not proven truths. Next year many of them may be discarded for fresher and more plausible theories. The supposed 'mistakes of Moses' are not half as numerous as may be found in the record of every science of a hundred years' growth. The track of geology is strewn thick with the wrecks of discarded theories, and physics, biology and anthropology have changed front more than once in the memory of living men. But these changes are frankly avowed by scientists, and are claimed as proofs of the progress and honesty of scientific men."
Showing Appreciation and Sympathy
THERE is no kind tendency so often resisted as that of showing appreciation and sympathy at the moment needed.
Kind Impulses and Soul Growth
EVERY kind impulse acted upon gives the soul an upward tendency; every one unheeded blunts the finer sensibilities.
A Striking Parallel.
DR. GORDON, Baptist minister of Boston, speaking of Luther's work, at the time of the anniversary, drew the following striking parallel, which tells its story so plainly that even Boniface himself must see the point:—
"The battle of temperance goes on to-day as did the battle of Reformation then. Puritan Massachusetts has gone into the business of peddling indulgences. She says to the rum-seller, 'Give me $100 and I will give you a certificate to make as many orphans and widows as you please.' But it is said, as an excuse, 'People will drink. So let's make the most of it and increase our revenues.' So in Luther's time, Pope Leo said: 'People will sin. So let's make the most of it and increase our revenues.'"
SECULAR.
By Editor
—There were 4,000 suicides in Paris last year.
—A cargo of 9,000,000 cartridges comes overland for shipment to China.
—In London, 2,000 steel workers have refused to work at reduced wages.
—The Legislature of British Columbia is discussing a Chinese Restriction Bill.
—Forty Apache children have been sent to the Indian training school at Carlisle, Penn.
—There were 670 new bills introduced in the House of Representatives of Congress on the 6th inst.
—Capt. Eads has gone to London to get aid toward his project of a ship canal across the isthmus of Tehuantepec.
—Unusually cold weather is reported in Georgia, and there is considerable suffering amongst the poor in consequence.
—The Apaches on San Carlos reservation raised about 3,000,000 lbs. of corn last year, besides large quantities of vegetables.
—There are cheering reports regarding the crop prospects of this State. We are glad to hear them, but it is yet a good while till harvest.
—The temperance women of Springfield, Mass., are making efforts to establish coffee stands in the vicinity of the lowest rum-holes in the city.
—A lot of speculators who have been buying up trade dollars at considerable discount, are now asking Congress to have the Government redeem them at par.
—Joseph Cook says there are not over five leading newspapers in the United States that a self-respecting American would recommend to a visitor to read.
—The pope has consigned to the "secret archives," a statement of the secret conversation between himself and the German Crown Prince, for the benefit of posterity.
—Japanese currency is approaching par. It has been depreciated for more than five years, and at one time the premium of silver over paper was more than 80 per cent.
—The cartmen of Havana have struck against increased taxation, and refused to work. In consequence goods are crowding the wharves, and business almost stopped.
—There are only six men in the U. S. Senate who are not very wealthy; these are Blair, Logan, Cullom, Lapham, Vest, and Mitchell. A large number are millionaires.
—Brazil is working toward the emancipation of slavery. A law has been passed taxing owners $100 a year for each slave. Many of them are not worth that much to their masters.
—Minister Lowell has decided to resign the Lord Rectorship of St. Andrews, London, the technical objections to the office being held by a foreign minister being greater than he anticipated.
—Chinese immigration, public lands, railroad matters, and the tariff are prominent questions in Congress. Of course all these will be manipulated with reference to the next Presidential campaign.
—Judge Sawyer, of the U. S. District Court, has decided against the hydraulic miners in the celebrated debris case. Those miners, however, who can take care of their own debris, are exempt from the injunction.
—Captain Cox, the slayer of Chas. McLaughlin, in San Francisco, was discharged, on examination before Police Judge Lawler, on the plea of self-defense. There was no direct evidence but that of the defendant himself.
—The Indian school at Forest Grove, Oregon, is to have increased capacity the coming year, and will have 200 pupils. Government aid to the amount of $25,000 has been promised, to purchase land and erect buildings.
—Gen. Crook says the Chiricahua Indians are highly intelligent, and are specially shrewd in making treaties; they quickly discern an advantage for or against themselves, as also any act of bad faith on the part of the whites.
—A great fire at Stillwater, Minn., on the 9th inst., caused a loss of $100,000. The town of Baird, Texas, was almost entirely burned down on the 8th. And in New York, on the 9th, a coffin factory was destroyed, involving a loss of $90,000.
—Reports are rife as to the condition of contract laborers on the Hawaiian plantations. The situation is said to be one of absolute slavery during the three years of servitude, and that foreigners are induced to migrate thither under gross misrepresentations.
—The Board of Supervisors of San Francisco have formally petitioned the U. S. Senate for an appropriation to build a new post-office. The building is much needed; the city's population has more than trebled since the present facilities were provided.
—As the English Government declines to support Egypt outside of Egypt proper, or to allow Turkey to do so, the Egyptian troops have been ordered to evacuate Khartoum, which is in Soudan. It is said this exposes 11,000 Christians to the mercy of El Mahdi.
—The perplexity of nations in Europe is again aroused by recent Nihilistic moves. It is now alleged that this whole element is Slavonic as against the German, of which the royal family is largely composed; and that the menace is toward the German as well as the Russian Government.
—Secretary Frelinghuysen, upon investigation, is of the opinion that O'Donnell was not a citizen of the United States. He was a teamster in the army, and not a soldier; and his papers are said to have been "irregular" (mildly speaking). We must give the English Government credit for being very patient and forbearing with American interference in this matter.
—A prominent French official scouts the idea of the United States maintaining the supremacy of republican ideas in America with her present military and naval defenses. He says every great power in Europe is menaced by our prosperity; that they are aware of our defenseless condition, and would gladly see the nation humbled. And further, that all our great cities could be laid under tribute before we could raise a respectable navy.
—The body of A. T. Stewart, which was stolen from its tomb in 1881, has been recovered. A ransom of $50,000 was paid to the robbers, and the body returned. Judge Hilton, executor of the estate of deceased, and Mrs. Stewart, became convinced that the robbers would probably never be caught, and that the body would not be recovered by any other means than by a compromise; and there were threats of further depredations on the property and persons concerned, if a ransom were not paid. A single unarmed servant had to carry the money to a designated country place in the night, where a party of masked men received it, and delivered up the body.
—When Peter Cooper of New York died, it was supposed that nearly everybody would want to donate something, though but little, toward building a monument to the memory of the great philanthropist. He had spent tens of thousands in money, and much time, in various benevolent enterprises. So boxes were placed at several convenient places to receive contributions. Recently the boxes were opened, and found to be full—of buttons, counterfeit coins, tin disks, and other trash, with hardly any money. There is much just indignation at this ingratitude on the part of the community; but the great Benefactor of the whole race has been treated in the same way by the masses for nineteen centuries, notwithstanding his benevolence is good for time and eternity.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—An Eastern religious journal says, "The records show that Oakland, Cal., is the most moral city on the Pacific Coast."
—It is said that the struggle against ritualism in the Church of England was less active last year than for the past ten years.
—The N. Y. Independent says, "The protection of the Sabbath [Sunday] rest by the Government has not been given up, and must not be."
—In Bavaria, where until recently all public worship except that of the Roman Catholic Church was strictly prohibited, the Methodists have been granted, by royal decree, the rights of a distinct church.
—The American Board has opened a new enterprise in Japan, to be known as the North Japan Mission. A peculiarity of this region is that all the good harbors are on the eastern or Pacific Ocean side of the island.
—Thomas Starr King (Unitarian) once said that "the difference between Universalists and Unitarians is this: The former believe that God is too good to damn them, and the latter believe themselves too good to be damned."
—There are several questions at issue in the Disciple Church, and being discussed by leading church journals, which bid fair to cause a division of the denomination. Among these issues are the organ and church festivals.
—A missionary contemporary states that a lady, on a recent country trip through Japan, sold 350 gospel pamphlets in less than two hours; and more were eagerly sought after. Those who hunger and thirst for the word of life certainly ought to have it.
—There is to be a National Council of Catholics at Baltimore, Nov. 9, 1884. The pope designed to appoint Archbishop Sepecci as presiding Apostolic Prelate; but on the strong urgency of the American bishops, he decided to appoint Archbishop Gibbons.
—In Stamboul, Turkey, the American Bible House and the British and Foreign Bible Society run a friendly rivalry in the same building. The business of both increases from year to year. The "miserable Government" is said to be the principal drawback to the spread of the gospel.
—Father McNally of St. Patrick's Church, West Oakland, has forbidden Catholic parents to send their children to the public schools, and enjoins them to patronize St. Joseph's Institute. As a consequence, over 200 children have been withdrawn from the public schools in that part of the city. In this city about 1,300 children attend the Catholic schools.
—The Christian at Work complains that the opening of the Bartholdi Art Loan Exhibition on Sunday is "a needless desecration of the Sabbath." It is hard to understand where the desecration of the Sabbath comes in. There is no violation of the fourth commandment, and that being the only existing divine law upon the subject, of course the day it sets apart is the only one that could be desecrated.
Obituary.
CHAFFEE.—Died of paralysis, in Dunn Co., Wis., Oct. 17, 1883, Bethiah B., wife of A. W. Chaffee, aged 66 years and 1 month. Sr. Chaffee was born at Bath, N. Y. She embraced present truth in 1858. Her life was ever in harmony with the truth she loved. In 1881 she moved to Wisconsin and joined the church at Knapp. Truly the church has lost a mother in Israel. Bro. Chaffee is left, but not without hope. Five children are looking for that "blessed hope." Words of comfort by the writer.
R. M. FOSTER.
PHELPS.—Died at Crow Wing, Minn., Dec. 8, 1883, after an illness of about three weeks, my father, Aaron G. Phelps, in the 75th year of his age. He was born in Waitsfield, Vt., and in youth manifested a desire for pioneer life, emigrating to Wisconsin at an early day. He was converted under the labors of the Methodists. In 1850 he embraced the faith of the Seventh-day Adventists, and traveled over one hundred miles on foot to attend their first Conference in Wisconsin. He was a firm believer in present truth to the day of his death. We hope to meet him, with those who have fallen asleep before, when the Lifegiver comes. Services were conducted by M. D. Everest, Baptist.
H. F. PHELPS.
WEBSTER.—Died at Dayton, W. T., Dec. 30, 1883, of spotted fever, Newell, son of Arthur and Sarah Webster, aged 10 years, 8 months, and 24 days. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from John 11:25. Little Newell was laid in the hill-side, in hope that he will soon return "from the land of the enemy."
W. A. GIBSON.
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 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.
Review and Herald.
By Editor
THIS paper—"our church paper"—has commenced its sixty-first half-yearly volume, and its conductors have been making improvements on it also. It has a neat rule border around its pages, which will prove a saving, being intended for a protection to the type on the edges of the pages, which are most liable to injury on a cylinder press, as well as for improved appearance.
Elder G. I. Butler is on its staff as Corresponding Editor. He wields a ready and vigorous pen, and as he has no other editorial work on his hands, this addition cannot fail to add to the interest and usefulness of the Review.
It is now within a few days of thirty years since we first saw the "Advent Review," and our acquaintance with it has been quite close ever since. Some of the time we have been connected with it in the office, and always taken the deepest interest in its prosperity. The following words from its editor, in its first number of this volume, we have read with much regret:—
"This paper has been, from the beginning of the message which we believe is the last to go to perishing men, the organ and exponent of this work. From the records of its columns may be traced the principles and polity of this cause, its advance movements, its struggles and victories, through all its progress. The growth of the work in these later years has been in many respects remarkable. Its friends and adherents have increased greatly in numbers. Yet the subscription list of the REVIEW runs along year after year at about the same figure, the accessions being scarcely more than the losses. Without stopping to inquire why this is so, any of our patrons will be ready to admit that it ought not to be so."
In the earlier days of this work we measured the success of our labors, not so much by the number who professed the faith, as by the number who subscribed for the Review. If they refused to take that paper we had great fears that they would fall away from their profession; and we found that this was generally the case. It was a source of continual strength and encouragement to "the little flock." It fed their faith with plain, doctrinal truths—present truth—which the scattered ones so much needed. And they need them yet. On this point Eld. Butler, in the same number, says:—
"We have no faith whatever that good talk about devotion, prayer, and the ordinary duties of religion, however good in itself, and however necessary, can supply the place of the glorious doctrines of the last message. These must be brought prominently before this generation, and they must ever be burning brightly in our own hearts. Otherwise, our zeal will lag, and our piety become like that of those around us who have no faith in these truths. These glorious doctrines have ever given point and life to our work."
Our response to this is a hearty, Amen. At the Oakland missionary meeting on the evening of January 8, the Director was instructed by a unanimous vote to make or have made a thorough canvass of this church in behalf of the Review and of Good Health. This is a move which we expect will be followed up on all this Pacific country.
The Ten-Days' Meeting at Healdsburg.
By Editor
WE have not a regular report of this important gathering, for want of time to prepare it after the meeting closed. The paper was prepared for the press on the closing day of the meetings, which explains the lack. But accounts from some who were present part of the time, and reports in the local papers, indicate that its interest and importance are past computation. The meetings began January 3, and ended on the 12th. We collate some items from the local press. The Enterprise says:—
"About two hundred are present at the morning and afternoon meetings, and three hundred in the evening. The various services are conducted by Elder M. C. Israel, of Oakland; Wm. Healy, of Healdsburg; C. L. Boyd, of Portland, Oregon; J. O. Corliss, of Michigan; E. J. Waggoner, Biblical Instructor in the College; Mrs. E. G. White, of Healdsburg, and W. C. White, of Oakland. When these people have a general meeting they make a business of attending, and all work must stand aside, as will be seen by the following programme, which is followed daily:
"6 A. M.—Early prayer-meeting.
"9 A. M.—Prayer and social meeting.
"10:30 A. M.—Bible-reading.
"12 M.—Canvassers' class.
"3 P. M.—Instruction to Colporters.
"7 P. M.—Bible-reading.
"It makes busy work for the farmers who have three to six miles to drive to attend all these meetings.
"Besides the forty young men and women boarding at North College Hall, who have come from all parts of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington Territory, to the College, there are a large number of representative Adventists from abroad, who came as delegates to these meetings."
The Flag also gives a creditable report, from which we take the following:—
"No attempt will be made to particularize in regard to the many excellent exercises since the opening meeting. Apparently it has been 'a feast of good things' to all in attendance. Many of the meetings have been characterized by great spiritual power.
"A NOVEL FEATURE.
"Instead of the usual discourse at the hours above specified, the minister conducts a Bible-reading service by means of questions, which are answered from the Scriptures by the congregation. The whole audience join in the exercises, and it is an inspiring sight to witness the promptness and zeal with which they engage in searching the Scriptures, like the noble Bereans, 'to see whether these things be so.' This is a beautiful scene, to see the many 'swords of the Spirit' flash as they are unsheathed in all parts of the room. Only Bible answers are accepted. This method seems more effective than sermonizing, to popularize and disseminate a knowledge of Bible subjects."
Encouraging.
By Editor
LIZZIE S. CAMPBELL, State Secretary of the Illinois T. and M. Society, writes:—
"I think all the officers of the T. and M. Society, and the ministers, and many of the brethren and sisters in our Conference, are working for the SIGNS, which, as we understand it, is only another term for the progress of present truth; for wherever the SIGNS goes it carries with it the precious light of truth."
BRO. D. H. OVERLEY, Monticello, Ind., in a business letter to this Office, incidentally remarks:—
"One of my neighbors greatly prizes the paper, and heartily endorses the views. He has put aside his tobacco; so I will donate him the paper for six months."
BRO. D. B. HECKERT, Ogden Center, Mich., in a note renewing his subscription, says:—
"It [the SIGNS] is a welcome visitor in my home, with the precious truth it brings. I hope it may have abundant success in warning the people of the danger ahead."
This is just our mission—warning the people of danger ahead. This is the burden of the Third Angel's Message of Rev. 14: 9-11, which we proclaim. The foregoing testimonials are but random samples of many that are daily received.
Office Payment Notice and Reunion Report
By Editor
NOTICE.—We send no papers from this Office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving them are not indebted to the Office.
Money orders, drafts, etc., should be made to "Pacific Press," NEVER to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed.
Because of the pressure of business in the meetings at Healdsburg, it was found impossible for those from whom it was expected, to send a report of the Sabbath-school reunion of that church, Jan. 1, in time for this issue.
Back Numbers.
By Editor
WE can furnish back numbers to January 1, 1884, to all new subscribers, single or in clubs. Those who desire their subscription to commence with No. 1 of the new volume will please so state in their orders for the SIGNS.
Is it I?
By Editor
If the tab on your paper is dated previous to January 24, 1884, then your time has expired. Shall we retain your name on our list? Please write us this week.
$25,000 Wanted!
WE, the undersigned, hereby give the sums set to our names, to raise the sum of $25,000 to be placed under the control of trustees chosen at the annual session of the California Conference. Said sum to be loaned to some of our Institutions at 5 per cent, the proceeds of which shall be used to assist those who are seeking an education at the Healdsburg College, to fill positions in the cause of God. Said individuals must be recommended by the Conference Committee and the College Faculty.
William Butcher............................$5,000
Joseph Leininger...........................5,000
John Morrison..............................1,000
F. H. Adams................................500
Mrs. Mary Scott............................500
A Friend to the Cause......................800
"Who'll be the next?"
THOUGHTS ON DANIEL, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Eld. U. 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: 42-44), and shall meet a similar fate.
416 pp. Price, $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
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. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study.
416 pp. Price, $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE NATURE AND TENDENCY OF MODERN SPIRITUALISM.
By Eld. J. H. 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.
184 pp. Price, 20 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
Seventh-Day Adventist Missionary Society.
A sixteen-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.
Free Public Reading-Rooms
Of North Pacific Tract Society, East Portland, Oregon, on L, near corner of Fifth Street. Open from 10 A. M. till 9 P. M. All are welcome. This is five blocks east of Stark Street Ferry.