Earlier text: Saul and DavidGuard Your Own Door.
By Rev. T. L. Cuyler
THERE is one sort of drinking house that no State enactment can touch, and that is a private house with a decanter in its cupboard. Good friends, guard your own door with teetotalism! A foolish rich man, who died lately, disinherited his drunken son. In the same will he bequeathed his “wine cellar” to certain heirs. That father most insanely tempted his own son to drink, and then on his dying bed gave the boy his last kick into disgrace! The most effectual of all home protection is to guard your home. From such temperance homes will come the power to close up the public dens.— Rev. T. L. Cuyler. APPROPRIATE—A wag says that an appropriate scripture for a tobacco-user to begin his prayer with is, “O Lord, I am a man of unclean lips.” A Wise Father and Sensible Daughter.
JUDGE A was a leading lawyer and a prominent Christian in the city of B, a man of property and influence, honored and respected by all who knew him. One of his children was a daughter, highly educated and accomplished, and a favorite in her social circle. She had every comfort in the home of her parents, and their property was such as to give her the prospect of ample means if they should at any time be taken away. But the father was wise and the daughter was sensible. So one day he said to her:— “You have every prospect, my daughter, of comfortable provision for the future, and that, in case of my death, you would be independent as to property, and without care or anxiety as to the means of living. But the changes of life are beyond our control, and reverses often come when we least expect them. And I think if you were to learn some trade or business, so that if you were left poor you could earn a living for your self, and, if need be, help others, it would be the wisest and best thing you could do.” And he reminded her of the old Jewish maxim, that “he that brought his son up without a trade, brought him up to be a thief,” and that our Saviour himself probably worked at the trade of a carpenter till he entered on the work of his public ministry, telling her still further that though she might never be dependent on her own exertions, it was well to be prepared to support herself if it should ever be found necessary. The daughter at once understood and fully appreciated the sensible views of her father, and fixed on dressmaking as that to which she would give her attention; and an arrangement was made with a leading dressmaker of the city, that from her she should thoroughly learn the business, just as any young apprentice might do. She did so; and while many in the leading society in which she moved wondered that the daughter of Judge A should ever think of such a thing as learning dressmaking, she quietly kept on with her work till she understood thoroughly all its details, as well as in aiding her mother in many ways for which she was before unqualified. And now mark the result. Within a year or two after the time alluded to, she met and soon became engaged to marry a gentleman well known to the world as one of the most scholarly and devoted missionaries that ever went forth from this country. And, as the accomplished and educated wife of such a man, she was not only useful as an instructor in the female seminary connected with the mission, but in teaching the girls as to their own dresses, and giving most valuable suggestions and help to the mothers and families of the vicinity. She led them on to views of domestic economy and comfort and civilization, to which they might long have been strangers but for her personal and practical knowledge of dressmaking. And she often remarked that she never could be thankful enough that her father had been so thoughtful and wise as to suggest the course she had taken. A somewhat similar case is that of an only son of wealthy parents, who graduated at college with high honor, and then entered a machine shop, and began at the very lowest point and diligently and faithfully worked his way up through all the steps of locomotive building till he made himself thoroughly familiar with the rolling stock of railroads and the connected engineering. His college associates and friends went, for the most part, to some one of the professions; but he went steadily on with his mechanic employment, coming home at night to take off his greasy and soiled clothing, and appear as a gentleman in the parlor, and in the morning rising for breakfast long before the family, and going off to his work for the day. And the consequence was that, having thoroughly mastered the details of his work, he was at once called to an important and lucrative position on one of the large railroads of the land, with a fair prospect of rising to its highest office of honor and trust. Are not these facts full of instruction? Are there not many young ladies of wealthy families who would be wise if they would in some way, by the knowledge of some business, prepare to be able to support themselves if in the changes of life they should be left dependent? And instead of crowding the professions, as such multitudes of our young men are doing, where for years they can, for the most part, expect but a limited and precarious income, would they not be far wiser to engage in those mechanical employments which are so conducive to the progress of society, and almost always amply remunerative to those who intelligently follow them?— Christian Weekly. The Tree and the Rock.
By Mrs. Annie A. Preston
WALKING rapidly along a shaded strip of country road, young and self-satisfied Pastor Powers overtook old Deacon Newbury, plodding slowly, leaning wearily upon his stout staff. "Good morning, Father Newbury," said the young man, briskly, "I am glad to have come upon you in this quiet place. Let us sit down here upon these mossy rocks for a chat," and as the old man assented, and took off his hat to enjoy the refreshing breeze, the young man went on, assuming a condescending tone. "I am anxious, sir; to change my pastorate here for a larger field. I have had the subject upon my mind for some time, but have hesitated about making my wishes known, for the reason that I do not know what the little church here will do without me. There are certain families here for whom I have done great things. They were not recognized in society before I came. I hardly think they will be after I go away. I have built up the church; everything has improved under my administration, as you know. You will not wonder that I am in a perplexed state of mind about leaving, and will, I am sure, give me your counsel as to my future course." The aged deacon put on his hat, straightened his tall form, and said, slowly pointing with his staff:— "Do you see that overhanging rock across the way, and do you see the stump just beneath its craggy shelf? A good many years ago an acorn sprouted there, the rock sheltered it, and it grew and grew, month after month, until in time it came to be a large tree. As its trunk increased in diameter, it pressed against the cliffs so closely that after awhile it forgot that it had not always been there, and believed itself to be the main support of the huge rock. I used to sit down here on this very spot where I am sitting now, and look at the tree. As the wind went singing through the branches, rustling its thick leaves, I would fancy it was the voice of the oak tree, and that it was saying, 'Look at me! see what a power I am in the world. What would become of you all did you not have my shade to rest under. What would become of the rock here did I not hold it in place?' "One day God sent a terrible wind roaring through the gorge. It seized upon the tree, and as it had no great depth of root it was torn up and fell by the roadside. As I came to assist about clearing it away, after the wind had subsided, I fancied I heard it sighing, 'Alas for my pride! The rock forms a part of the very foundations of the mountain, and yet in my vain glory I believed it depended upon me to keep it in position.' So, my young friend, the church of God depends not upon any one man. Before man was, the truth was. Men are God's instruments for promulgating the truth. The church of Christ, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, is everlasting and unchangeable. Men whom the church hath nurtured may become puffed up with pride at their success in trying to preach the gospel, and go down, but the church shall not go down." Parson Powers used to tell this story when an old man, and say, "Good old Father Newbury's practical lesson saved me from the fate of the oak tree. It lopped off the surperfluous outshoots of pride that were making me top-heavy, and caused me to strike my roots of faith down into the strong foundation ground of truth. I left the church soon after, as I had planned to do, but instead of going down, God blessed it continually in answer to the prayer of a faithful few, and I was willing to acknowledge with all humility that man alone cannot inspire a work of grace.—Mrs. Annie A. Preston, in Christian at Work. MANY years ago a lad of sixteen years left home to seek his fortune. All his worldly possessions were tied up in a bundle, which he carried in his hand. As he trudged along he met an old neighbor, the captain of a canal-boat, and the following conversation took place, which changed the whole current of his life: “Well, William, where are you going?” “I don’t know,” he answered. “Father’s too poor to keep me at home any longer, and says I must now make a living for myself.” “There’s no trouble about that,” said the captain. “Be sure you start right, and you’ll get along finely.” William told his friend that the only trade he knew anything about was soap and candle making, at which he had helped his father while at home. “Well,” said the old man, “let me pray with you once more, and give you a little advice, and then I will let you go.” They both kneeled upon the tow-path (the path along which the horses which drew the canal-boat walked); the dear old man prayed earnestly for William, and then his advice was given: “Some one will soon be the leading soap-maker in New York. It can be you as well as any one. I hope it may. Be a good man; give your heart to Christ; give the Lord all that belongs to him of every dollar you earn; make an honest soap; give a full pound, and I am certain you will yet be a great, good, and rich man.” When the boy arrived in the city he found it hard to get work. Lonesome and far from home, he remembered his mother’s words and the last words of the canal-boat captain. He was then and there led to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” He united with the church. He remembered his promise to the old captain. The first dollar he earned brought up the question of the Lord’s part. He looked into his Bible, and found the Jews were commanded to give one-tenth; so he said, “If the Lord will take one-tenth, I will give that,” and so he did. Ten cents of every dollar was sacred to the Lord. After a few years both partners died, and William came to be the sole owner of the business. He now resolved to keep his promise to the old captain; he made an honest soap, gave a full pound, and instructed his book-keeper to open an account with the Lord, and carry one-tenth of his income to that account. He was prospered; his business grew; his family was blessed; his soap sold, and he grew rich faster than he had ever hoped. He then decided to give the Lord two-tenths; he prospered more than ever; then three-tenths, then four-tenths, then five-tenths. He then educated his family, settled all his plans for life, and told the Lord he would give him all his income. He prospered more than ever. This is the true story of Mr. Colgate, who has given millions of dollars to the Lord’s cause, and left a name that will never die. Are there not boys and girls who will now begin to give to the Lord one-tenth of all the money they receive, and continue to do so throughout life?—Selected. Learning to Hold One’s Tongue
By Charles Haddon Spurgeon
SOME men are too talkative by half, and remind me of the young man who was sent to Socrates to learn oratory. On being introduced to the philosopher, he talked so incessantly that Socrates asked for double fees. "Why charge me double?" said the young fellow. "Because," said the orator, "I must teach you two sciences; the one how to hold your tongue, and the other how to speak."—C. H. Spurgeon. I know not—the way is so misty—
The joys or the griefs it shall bring;
What clouds are o'erhanging the future,
What flowers by the roadside shall spring.
But there's One that shall journey beside me,
Nor in weal nor in woe me forsake,
And this is my solace and comfort—
"He knoweth the way that I take." I stand where the cross-roads are meeting,
And know not the right from the wrong;
No beckoning fingers direct me,
No welcome floats to me in song.
But my guide will soon give me a token
By wilderness, mountain, or lake,
Whatever the darkness about me,
"He knoweth the way that I take." And I know that the way leadeth homeward
To the land of the pure and the blest,
To the country of ever-fair summer,
To the city of peace and of rest,
And there shall be healing for sickness,
And fountains life's fever to slake;
What matters beside? I go homeward;
"He knoweth the way that I take." —Delmonico, the great New York restaurateur, has become insane. —Key West, Florida, has eighty-one cigar factories, which turned out 75,000,000 cigars last year. —From Montana Territory we have reports of extensive forest fires, with great destruction of timber. —It is reported now that famine is completing the havoc in the stricken island of Java. —Heavy frosts are reported in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. —A Committee of the California Cotton Mills Company are looking up a factory site in Oakland. —Dakota Territory is looking to Statehood, and the Constitutional Convention is in session at Sioux City. —The Exchange Bank of Montreal has gone into liquidation, with liabilities amounting to $2,000,000. —Yellow fever prevails at various places on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, including Guaymas and Mazatlan. —On the Austrian railroads women are hereafter to be employed as switch-tenders and guards, on the same terms as men. —A Moscow paper deprecates an alliance between Russia and France, and remarks that the French Government is not certain for a single day. —Last week one steamer brought from Europe 682 Mormons, most of whom were unusually well supplied with money. They went directly to Utah. —Three men were buried in a mine at Deadwood, D. T., on the 7th inst., and one of them escaped by blasting his way to the surface with giant powder. —Prince Bismarck is said to be failing fast—a few months having apparently added years to his age. He now speaks of his ailments, a weakness which he never before exhibited. —A polygamous sect known as the Pilgrims, had built a new church at Erwin, Schuyler County, Illinois, when, on the night of the 9th inst., it was blown up with blasting powder. —Rev. M. L. Mott, Episcopal clergyman, died suddenly at his home in Modesto, during the night of the 10th inst., and two doctors give the opinion that nightmare was the cause. —An aged German rag-picker, named John Heffner, was recently killed on the railroad at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was the father of forty-two children, only five of whom survive him. —One hundred and twenty million dollars in United States Government bonds are held in England by three persons—the Duke of Sutherland, Sir Thomas Brassey, and the Baroness Burdett-Coutts. —The National Prison Association has been organized at Saratoga, New York, with ex-President R. B. Hayes as President. Papers were read on the "Prevention of Crime," and "Prison Reform." —At Livermore, on the 12th inst., a man named Harrington killed his adopted daughter, aged 14, and then took his own life. The reason for the deed was that the girl had circulated evil reports concerning him. —A London dispatch says the trial of O'Donnell will take place in November. American detectives will be present, who claim to have discovered a connection between O'Donnell and certain American societies. —At the consecration of a Russian chapel at Copenhagen, recently, there were present—the Czar and Czarina of Russia, the King and Queen of Greece, the Princess of Wales, and all the Danish royal family. —Among some troops which passed through Swatow, recently, there was a giant (a Kiang Chu man) eight feet five inches in height. He had received a bounty of $300, and great faith is put in him as a body-guard for General Fang. —At Foochow recently a native was summarily punished by decapitation for the offense of adultery, the adulteress being stabbed to death by her husband. The execution took place a couple of hours after the commission of the offense. —The life of Lord Lansdowne, Governor-General of Canada, is not considered safe in the capital, and a strong guard is kept around his residence while in the city (Ottawa). The cause is the alleged ill-treatment of his land tenants in Ireland. —Through the exertions of Cardinal Manning and his Secretary, 600 Irish children have found homes in Canada this season, for which the Dominion Secretary of the Department of Agriculture has estimated that two dollars per head would be allowed. —A foreign hotel of Shanghai was attacked by a band of twenty armed men, August 5th. One of the servants was murdered outright, the master and his dependents put to flight, and the place itself, after being sacked, set fire to and completely destroyed. —Russian officials have been very forward in Bulgaria, and it is thought that the Czar designs to replace the governing prince by one of his own choosing. It is supposed to be on this account that Roumania has formed an alliance with Germany and Austria. —The Irish National League held a demonstration at Waterford last week, at which 30,000 people were present. They passed a resolution demanding a Parliament for Ireland, denounced the Land Act as entirely inadequate, and transacted other routine business. —The crown prince of Portugal has visited Vienna, and, it is said, is to marry the Austrian Emperor's daughter, and that Portugal will enter the Austro-German alliance. This rumour of alliance also includes Spain, whose king has lately been cordially received at Vienna. —The Dominion Government of Canada finds it impossible to reduce the rate of postage to conform with the new rate (2 cents on letters) soon to take effect in the United States. The expenses of the Canadian postal service last year was twenty-one per cent. in excess of the receipts. —The gambling tendency of the age, as indicated by the attention given to horse-racing, base-balling, wrestling, prize-fighting, yachting, and kindred contests, would be a serious cause of alarm for the rising generation were it not for the persistent assurance that "the world is growing better." —The reciprocity treaty between the United States and the Hawaiian Islands proves to be decidedly in favor of the latter. The value of sugar imported under the treaty has been about $30,000,000, while the value of exports to the islands for the same time has been but little over half that amount. —It used to be said that the history of a nation was simply a record of its wars. It might be said now that the daily news budget is little else than a catalogue of the crimes committed in the land. A mere mention of the atrocities recorded in the newspapers during the week would more than fill the space we have allotted to "news." —The same daily paper that announces the acquittal of Frank James, the notorious Missouri outlaw, gives also a long record of depredations in which he was engaged. An unaccountable maudlin sympathy had been aroused in his behalf, which finally worked out his release, the jury standing eleven for acquittal on the first ballot. —Track-laying on the Northern Pacific Railroad was completed on the 9th inst., thus completing a third overland railway route between the Atlantic and Pacific. The last rail was attached to the telegraph wire, and as President Villard drove the spikes the blows were repeated on the instrument in the Broad Street office, New York City. —It is reported that in Philadelphia a den of counterfeiters has been discovered, where the money of Brazil and other South American countries was being extensively counterfeited. The Brazilian Government notified the Treasury Department at Washington last winter of suspicions that such a work was being carried on in this country. —The illicit distillers in the Indian Territory claim that internal revenue officers of the Government have no jurisdiction over them, and have assumed a threatening attitude toward legal proceedings against them. The question is awaiting the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury, as there is some doubt regarding the proper construction of the law. —Henri Rochefort wrote articles in a Paris paper, charging the King of Italy with pocketing funds sent from France to the Ischia sufferers, and great indignation throughout the Italian kingdom is the result. In consequence of this insult to their king, survivors of the great catastrophe resolved to return to Paris a munificent donation for their benefit. —Eleven archbishops of the Catholic Church in the United States have been summoned to Rome. One of them told a news correspondent that the principal subjects to be discussed will be the school question, and matters relating to the advancement of the church in this country; and it is hinted that the conference may result in a pilgrimage of Pope Leo to America. —A rival of the Suez Canal between the Mediterranean and Red Seas is proposed by Mr. Martin, an English engineer, via the Jordan. It would consist of a cut from the Bay of Acre to the northern end of the Jordan Valley, and another from the Dead Sea via the Wady Arabah, to the Red Sea. On account of its great depression, nearly the whole of the Jordan Valley would be flooded. BURDICK.—Died of typhoid fever, at Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 23, 1883, Bro. Charles Burdick, aged twenty-eight years and six months. Bro. Burdick received his first impressions of the truth at meetings held by Elds. Ellis and Curtis at North Auburn in the winter of 1877. During the next year he commenced the observance of the Sabbath. Owing to a severe fall which he met with a short time before his sickness, together with the nature of the disease, he was deprived of his reason during the greater part of his sickness. But while in his right mind, he gave his loved ones reason to hope that he was accepted of God. Though he never had been able to sing, a short time before his death he sang in a clear, sweet voice, that familiar hymn,—
"There is a gate that stands ajar."
He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss. A few remarks by the writer from 1 Cor. 14 :26.
J. FULTON. 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. 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 SEVENTH PART OF TIME.
By W. H. Littlejohn
A SERMON ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.
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. 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; $3.00 per hundred. Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION.
By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné
By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné. This book is indeed a standard in evangelical literature, and is so well and favorably known as to need no description; it is the most complete and impartial history of the Reformation extant; and certainly no one should need to be urged to seek all the information possible concerning the history of one of the greatest revolutions ever effected in human affairs. Bound in cloth, 5 vols. in one................................. $1.50
Larger edition, illustrated.................................... 4.00 Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. STIMME DER WAHRHEIT.
By Editor
A GERMAN MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED FAMILY JOURNAL. Devoted to the maintenance of practical Christianity and Bible religion. It is bold and outspoken in its explanation of the prophecies and defense of the doctrines of the near coming of our Saviour, and the binding obligation of the Law of God. Its neat appearance and the beautiful illustrations of many Bible subjects secure general favor, while the low price at which it is offered places it within the reach of all. TERMS, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. Single copy, one year..........................50 cents.
To new subscribers, with Way of Life as premium....75 cents.
Five or more copies to one address, for missionary
work, per copy..................................40 cents.
Ten or more copies..............................35 cents Single copy, one year..........................70 cents.
To new subscribers, with premium................$1.00.
Five or more copies to one address, per copy......55 cents.
Ten or more copies, per copy....................50 cents. Address REVIEW AND HERALD, or,
STIMME DER WAHRHEIT, Battle Creek, Mich. A DANISH-NORWEGIAN RELIGIOUS SEMI-MONTHLY.
Devoted to the dissemination of the great truths applicable to this time, among the Danes and Norwegians. Each number contains a beautiful illustration of some interesting Bible theme, besides a large amount of varied reading on different points of our faith. The subjects of health and temperance and the leading events of the day, are given due attention, thus making it, with its other features, an invaluable household magazine. To American subscribers, $1.00 a year. Five or more copies to one address, 75 cents per copy. New subscribers receive the magazine one year, and the beautiful picture, The Way of Life, for $1.00. To European subscribers the paper is sent at $1.10 a year. The premium picture, The Way of Life, is sent to new subscribers. Address ADVENT TIDENDE, Battle Creek, Mich. Temperance in the Schools.
SOME months ago the Christian at Work editorially maintained the proposition that the school house must decide the temperance question. In a recent number a Kansas correspondent indorses the sentiment, and adds a plea for a "text-book teaching the facts from an unbiassed scientific stand-point." The idea of teaching temperance in the schools is a good one. But the first requirement is a "willing mind" on the part of teachers to impart such instruction in a thorough manner, adding example to precept, and a public sentiment that would permit the innovation. The same sentiment that has ruled out the Bible from the schools would also rule out temperance as a study. Temperance as an educational branch, like any other science, would have to be taught thoroughly in order to accomplish any practical good, and in the Bible is found the bedrock of temperance logic. A text-book that the sentiment of even the majority of temperance advocates would admit to the schools would be superficial indeed. This correspondent says, "Facts are what we want in the text-book." Now facts would teach prohibition, but popular temperance ideas would reject that kind of teaching in short order. But we can recommend a text-book that contains all that any teacher whose heart is in the work need call for in the way of facts. It is one that nearly every family patronizes, and would meet with less opposition than any other. We mean the daily newspaper. That contains just the right class of facts for practical use — scientific facts, based on the law of cause and effect — such as are easily proven and readily understood. Then for the fundamental principles of true temperance, we would recommend the Bible. Let the teacher study that at home, and he will be able to make application of the facts. When these shall have been exhausted, the nation will have graduated in temperance. Aside from these, however, we can furnish a catalogue of temperance publications, for sale at this office, which deal in well authenticated, demonstrable facts, so compiled as to be readily adapted to the purpose. They do not come under the head of "avowedly temperance publications" which "seem done in high colors," nor are they "exaggerated and overdrawn pictures of the evil of moderate drinking"; and they do contain sufficient "facts from a scientific stand-point," to satisfy the most ardent demand. We know, too, that their teaching has been fraught with remarkable success in producing a healthy temperance sentiment in many families throughout the country, as also in our denominational schools. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. 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. MICHIGAN, (State Meeting,) Sept. 25 to Oct. 2
NEBRASKA, Crete, Sept. 19 to Oct. 1
KANSAS, Southeastern, Fort Scott, " 20–30
" Eldorado, Butler Co., Oct. 11–21
TENNESSEE, Leach, Sept. 27 to Oct. 2
MISSOURI, Oct. 11–16
" Bunker Hill, Miami Co., Oct. 1–10
ALABAMA, Choctaw Co. " 4–9 THIS is the largest meeting of the kind that has ever been held in this State. There are more than 150 tents on the ground, and over 650 campers. There is nothing like excitement on the ground, but there is a general good feeling, with evidences of increased confidence in the work. The camp has been districted for social meetings, and special meetings are held for children and youth. Meetings of the Conference, the Missionary Society, and the Sabbath-school Association have been held, the committees appointed, and everything progressing toward the completion of the business. Our educational interests have also been considered to some extent. The 10:30 A. M. meetings have all been devoted to Bible readings, which have been profitable and of great interest. It would not be possible to give any extended report at this time, but one point we notice with much pleasure. It seemed to be necessary to make an explanation of the necessity of publishing the "Review and Herald Supplement;" there being a quantity on hand for circulation. A very brief history of our work was given, and of the various efforts which have been made to hedge up its way, such as those made by the "Messenger party" and other fanatical factions. This had an excellent effect on the meeting. The supplement was eagerly taken; some who had read it spoke highly of its contents; and most of those who received it were liberal in giving something to pay expenses of its publication. We are more than ever convinced that they who thought to put a check on our work have opened the way for a most effective effort in its behalf. Aside from any direct reference to the statements of the "Marion part," there is much valuable information in it for our people. The work of canvassing with the SIGNS before tent meetings was strongly indorsed by the Conference; also Bible readings. Those who have had experience in Bible readings are enthusiastic in their praise as a means of interesting the people and of convincing of the truth. There is a power in the word of God, and they who have respect for its authority must be impressed when they read for themselves the direct statements of the Bible. If these readings be conducted judiciously, they cannot fail to be both interesting and profitable. With one feature of this meeting all friends of the cause must be pleased. An increasing interest is manifested in the missionary work in all its branches. In the school, as a means of educating laborers; in canvassing for our publications, including the SIGNS; in the seaman's mission, and in extending our work, as soon as possible, to "the islands of the sea." We shall be much disappointed if this meeting does not tell for the general interests of the cause of present truth in this State. Nevada is represented here by Brn. Harmon and Allen. By a unanimous vote Nevada was united to this Conference. Authority for this action was given by the last general Conference. It makes the bounds of this Conference very large, but we hope to see so great an increase of laborers that something may be done in all parts of the field. Bro. Colcord, of Washington Territory, is also with us. We are pleased with such visits from the officers of other Conferences, believing that they will be profitable to the cause. At the present time there seems to be a rising in the spiritual interest of the camp. We hope it may continue to the close of the meeting. Elder Bordeaux Leaves for France
ELDER D. T. BORDEAU and family left the American field for France, on the 4th inst., to engage in the work of spreading the Third Angel's Message amongst the people of his own nationality. Most of the time since his return from a former season in Europe, he has been laboring in Canada. Reopening of Battle Creek College
OUR people in general, and many others, will be glad to hear of the re-opening of Battle Creek (Mich.) College, under favorable auspices, after being closed more than a year. We learn from the Review that about eighty students were present at the opening, on the 5th inst., and the number is steadily increasing. A Vigorous Canvass for the Signs
ELDER ST. JOHN, President of the Ohio Conference, proposes to his flock a “vigorous canvass” for subscribers to the SIGNS. We naturally expect this kind of vigor to follow the camp-meetings, as the legitimate fruit of the spirit of progress engendered by the reunion of heart and sentiment usual at the annual convocations. Let the proposition pass around the Conferences, and may it meet a hearty indorsement. MR. BEECHER, while visiting relatives on this coast, has improved the opportunity to deliver a few lectures. Our curiosity to hear him was fully gratified some years ago, but we have read the published reports of some of his lectures given here. Were it not for his name at the head, the occasional assertion that he is a Christian, and the absence of oaths, we would think that we were reading one of Ingersoll’s lectures. He has evidently learned more of late from the noted infidel than he has from the Bible. We notice that the words “laughter” and “applause,” which frequently occur, are always at the close of some tirade against religion, or some emphatic denial of the inspiration of the Bible. From this we learn what class of persons are now his admirers. When, a few years ago, Mr. Beecher condescended to introduce Ingersoll to a New York audience, many of the adherents of the Plymouth pastor were considerably shocked at such familiar contact with infidelity; others deemed the act a bold stroke of policy, fraught with independent liberality. The scene was called “shaking hands across the ‘bloody chasm;” but the tone of Mr. B.’s recent lectures would indicate that there wasn’t much of a chasm there, or if there was, it has since become so nearly closed as to enable him to pass over to the other side. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Jer. 6:16. And this is “evolution,” in its practical working. 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
“Who’ll be the next?”