The Young Men's Christian Associations' "prayer-meeting topic" for April 22 is one worthy of more than an evening's consideration. It is, "If Christ were not risen, what? 1 Cor. 15:13-19." We earnestly hope that this scripture may be considered apart from dogmatic, man-made creeds. It will throw some light on the source of immortality, and when this boon is given; it will show that men will utterly perish without the resurrection, even those who sleep in Jesus. Power to overcome sin and death, and everlasting life in the kingdom of God depend on the resurrection of Christ and our resurrection through him. Why should the glorious doctrine and fact of the resurrection be hidden by the unscriptural doctrine of the inherent immortality of the soul? Is not the Bible view worthy of serious regard? But if dead men now live, why the resurrection? why so much in the Bible concerning it?
Roman Catholic Opposition to Public Schools
By Editor
The Roman Catholic archbishop, the "Most Rev. Dr. Riordan," of San Francisco, is on his way back from Rome. While passing through England, he spent several days at Liverpool, during which time he gave his views on the American public-school system, as reported in the Catholic Times of that city, of February 8. Below we give some quotations which show what this American prelate says of our public schools:—
"Of course the battle is a serious and a difficult one. The public schools are thoroughly equipped for the work of instructing youth, and it is a strain upon us to find resources to enable us to compete with them."
After complaining that no religious instruction is given in the schools, he says: "Of course, the result is deplorable. . . . In our country there is an atmosphere not favorable to the growth of religious sentiment amongst the young, and, as a matter of fact, a good many Catholics are impregnated by it."
But if religious instruction were given, the archbishop would be still more dissatisfied than he is now, unless that instruction was Roman Catholic. That is the secret of it all. Rome is a foe to our public schools because they teach the youth to think, and thinking is not favorable to Roman Catholicism. The result of no religious instruction in the schools is deplorable from a Catholic standpoint, whether that standpoint is held by Catholic or Protestant.
The Signs of the Times.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
OAKLAND, CAL., SECOND-DAY, APRIL 22, 1889.
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 copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
A CABLE dispatch from Basel, Switzerland, received the morning of the 17th brings, in the briefest possible terms, the sad news of the death of my father, Elder J. H. Waggoner, formerly editor of this paper, and for the last two years editor of Les Signes des Temps, at Basel. He lacked but little more than two months of being sixty-nine years of age, and for over thirty-seven years he was an active worker in the cause of Sabbath reform and in the advocacy of the soon coming of Christ. As a minister he labored in the United States from Maine to California, and was from the first intimately connected with the publishing work. We have no particulars concerning his death, but know that he must have labored almost, if not quite, to the last, because at the writing of the last letter received from him, only a few days ago, he was in his usual health. In his death the cause has lost a faithful worker, and we have lost a most kind and loving parent. But we know that he rests in the blessed hope, which he loved so long. We stop the presses to make this brief announcement. We are anxiously waiting more definite news, and hope to be able to give a more detailed notice in the next issue.
E. J. WAGGONER.
No Paper Next Week
By Editor
ON account of the regular annual meeting of the Pacific Press Publishing Company and the other meetings in connection therewith, we will issue no paper next week. No. 17 of the SIGNS will bear date of May 6. However, as the volume consists of fifty numbers, our subscribers will lose nothing by this omission, while printers and editors will obtain a much-needed rest, and be afforded an opportunity to attend the meetings.
Sabbath-School Contributions for Russia
By Editor
It was stated at the Fresno camp-meeting that the missionary contributions from the Sabbath-schools the present quarter are to go to the establishment of a city mission in Hamburg, Germany. This was a mistake. According to the vote of the International Association, the Russian mission is to be the recipient of the Sabbath-school missionary contributions for the present quarter. We hope that it may be bountifully remembered.
Sunday Laws and Prohibition
By Editor
The religious press of the country is wont to advocate Sunday laws as a temperance measure, but the fact that two of the leading religious weeklies of the country, namely, the Congregationalist and the Christian Union, are opposed to prohibition in Massachusetts should open the eyes of the people to the fact that with very many the exaltation of Sunday as a religious institution is the first, and, indeed, the only, object of Sunday legislation. The only effectual prohibition is that which closes all saloons 365 days every year, and that is the kind which the Signs advocates.
Roman Catholic Influence in Great Britain
The Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain is well organized. In England and Wales there is 1 cardinal archbishop, 16 bishops with 2 suffragans, and one cardinal (Newman); there are 2,380 priests, serving 1,306 chapels, churches, and stations, with a considerable number privately employed. In Scotland there are 2 archbishops, 4 bishops, and 341 priests. Ireland has 4 archbishops, with 28 bishops. And, as is generally the case, Rome is making its influence felt not only in religious but also in political circles.
Religious Liberty in Japan
By Editor
THE article in the new constitution guaranteeing religious liberty in Japan is to the effect that "Japanese subjects shall, within limits not prejudicial to peace and order, and not antagonistic to their duties as subjects, enjoy freedom of religious belief," which means that the subjects of that empire shall believe just as they please provided the Government is willing. The provision is, of course, about as valuable as an exemption clause in a Sunday law allowing Sabbath-keepers to do ordinary work on the first day of the week, provided it does not disturb others, and leaving the "others" the judges of what constitutes disturbance.
Prohibition Party and Sunday Laws
By Editor
It is announced that Wilbur F. Crafts, the Secretary of the American Sunday Union, will visit this State in June next to labor and lecture in the interest of that association. Referring to Mr. Crafts and his proposed visit, the California Voice says: "He should receive here every possible help and encouragement, or, rather, we should avail ourselves to the utmost of his valuable services to rid our State of its unprofitable, demoralizing, and indecent [liquor traffic, we would naturally expect a temperance paper to say, but the Voice says] desecration of the Sabbath." It is beginning to look very much as though the whole strength of the so-called Prohibition party was to be given, not to the suppression of liquor selling, but to the securing of Sunday laws.
The Solution of Unanswered Prayers
ARE not the words of the psalmist, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me," the solution of unanswered prayers? "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Ps. 34:18), but "he that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. 28:9. To turn away from hearing the law is to cling to those things which the law condemns, and that is to regard iniquity in the heart. The precious promises of God are for the broken of heart, those who are penitent, who loathe their sins, and desire to turn away from them; such have the blessed assurance: "Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." Ps. 68:13.
Why Working People Do Not Attend Church
A LEADING London clergyman recently asked the question, "Why do the working-people not attend church?" and, according to the Christian World, received, among others, the following replies:—
"You ministers despise the workingman, and side with the robber landlords and capitalists."
"The workingman is quite willing to go to places of worship, and to take his wife and family, if the minister will go to him. The workingman don't want controversy. Let the churches be open every night, the same as the public-houses, for singing, lectures, and similar meetings."
"The workingman sees that his interests are neglected in the churches, and he therefore goes to halls, clubs, societies, the open arch, the park—the workman's chapel. The school-master is abroad—but not in broadcloth. We have learned that we must go to men of our own class if we want to better ourselves."
"We workers are beginning to understand some of the past history of the country, and we find that the representatives of the churches and chapels have always been against the workmen."
"We work such long hours that we don't care to go to church on Sundays. We go into the country."
A CARD OF THANKS.
By Miss Anna Moore
EDITOR SIGNS OF THE TIMES: You will please allow me to thank, through your very appreciated columns, an unknown person for sending me your most excellent journal regularly since last December. I remember receiving a postal requesting me to read the papers and then hand them to my friends, but unfortunately I have lost the card. If my unknown friend should read this notice, I earnestly desire the name and address, as I very much wish to thank the individual personally for placing such splendid reading in my home, and either pay for the paper or send one in return. I have endeavored to place every copy that I have received in the hands of friends who I thought would take the most interest in, and probably subscribe for, it. May the choicest blessings of our heavenly Father be strewn about the pathway of this unknown person, who is doing much lasting good by scattering such words of cheer and comfort in the homes of many. And I cannot refrain from saying, God bless the editors of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Sincerely, Miss Anna Moore.
Willow City, Gillespie Co., Texas.
"BIBLE STUDENTS' LIBRARY."
By Editor
The first number of this publication lies before us. It is entitled, "Bible Sanctification, a Contest of True and False Theories," by Mrs. E. G. White. This pamphlet ought to be widely circulated everywhere. It contains eleven chapters, the last of which, "The Christian's Privilege," is alone worth the price of the pamphlet, which is only ten cents. But the better way to obtain this publication is to subscribe for the Library, $3.00 per year, fifty-two numbers. Each number is a separate treatise on some important Bible theme. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., or 43 Bond Street, New York.
Civil Government and Religion.
By Alonzo Trevier Jones
By A. T. JONES, ONE OF THE EDITORS OF THE "AMERICAN SENTINEL."
Scriptural, Logical, Plain, and Forcible.
This important work shows clearly the relation that should exist between Church and State at the present time, as proven by the Bible and history of the past twenty-five centuries.
Chap. I distinguishes between "What Is Due to God and What to Cæsar;" Chap. II shows for what purpose "The Powers That Be" are ordained; Chap. III outlines vividly the relation that existed between "Christianity and the Roman Empire;" Chap. IV ably discusses "The Religious Attack upon the United States Constitution, and Those Who Are Making It;" Chap. V unmasks "Religious Legislation," calling special attention to the Blair Sunday Bill, now pending in Congress; Chap. VI is devoted to "The Sunday-law Movement in the Fourth Century, and Its Parallel in the Nineteenth."
These and other topics of equal interest make this treatise INDISPENSABLE TO EVERY LOVER OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
"Civil, Government and Religion" is a pamphlet of 176 large octavo pages. Price, 25 cents.
MILLIONS OF COPIES should be placed in the hands of thinking people AT ONCE. It clearly defines what position we, as American citizens, should sustain toward the effort now on foot to secure religious legislation. Address,
Pacific Press Publishing Co., 12th and Castro Sts., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 Bond St., New York.
TEN LECTURES ON
By John Harvey Kellogg
NASAL CATARRH.
Its Nature, Causes, Prevention and Cure; and Diseases of the Throat, Eye and Ear, due to Nasal Catarrh, with a Chapter of Choice Prescriptions.
BY J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.
The work contains 120 pages, and is embellished with a colored frontispiece and six beautifully colored plates, besides many illustrative cuts of the throat and nasal cavity.
This little work is in GREAT DEMAND. Send 30 cents for a copy to PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., OAKLAND, CAL. Or 43 Bond Street, New York.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
RECEIPTS.
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—Mrs. M. Carlisle $5.
AFRICAN MISSION.—Santa Barbara fifty cents.
MISSION.—Santa Barbara fifty cents.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Kansas Tract Society $300.
INTERNATIONAL MISSION FUND.— Mrs. Linnie Heald $20.
CALIFORNIA GENERAL FUND.—Mrs. Linnie Heald $3.50.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.—First-day Offering Mrs. A. C. Bainbridge $1, Eureka by G. H. Gibson $5.95.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—Pinos Church by E. Moore $10, Mrs. L. J. Miller Lakeport $2.25, Mrs. A. C. Bainbridge Cahto Cal $7, Eureka by Geo H. Gibson $146.65, Grass Valley $64, San Francisco by H. Gruettner $12, Santa Rosa $115.10, Norwalk $139.65, A. F. Horning $9.80, S. H. Bond on acct. note $28.
SENTINELS FOR MISSIONARY WORK.
By Editor
SIXTY assorted back numbers (four different dates) of the American Sentinel sent post-paid for $1. Just the paper to hand to your neighbor or mail to a friend. All about the National Reform movement, the Sunday question, the Blair bills, etc.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS FOR THIS QUARTER
By Editor
ARE contained in the Sabbath-school Lesson Pamphlet, published by the International Sabbath-school Association. This is a neat little pamphlet of 64 pages, breast-pocket size. It contains the Sabbath-school lessons for the first six months of 1889. All should supply themselves with copies of this pamphlet for review lessons and for future reference. Many excellent explanatory notes accompany the lessons, and this pamphlet preserves them in convenient form for reference. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., OAKLAND, CAL.
Or 43 Bond Street, New York.
Appointments.
THE Upper Columbia Tract and Missionary Society will hold its annual session in connection with the camp-meeting to be held at Colfax, W. T., May 22-29, 1889. H. W. DECKER, Pres.
THE Upper Columbia Conference will hold its annual session for the transaction of business, in connection with the camp-meeting to be held at Colfax, W. T., May 22-29, 1889. Let all churches see that delegates are elected and provided with credentials. CONF. COM.
NEVADA CAMP-MEETING.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE annual camp-meeting for the State of Nevada will be held in Reno, beginning Wednesday morning, June 5, and closing on the morning of June 12. We earnestly hope that there will be a full attendance of all the Sabbath-keepers in the State of Nevada, with as many of their friends as may be induced to come. A good supply of ministerial aid will be furnished. Sister F. L. McClure will give, in the afternoon of six days of the meeting, practical lessons in hygienic cookery. These lessons were received with high appreciation by a large class at the recent Fresno camp-meeting, and cannot fail to be productive of much good.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
TENTS FOR THE RENO MEETING.
By John Norton Loughborough
THOSE wishing to rent tents for the Reno camp-meeting should write at once to Elder N. C. McClure, 1591 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, Cal. The rents will be the same as usual: 10x12, $4.00; 12x16, $6.00. All orders for tents should reach Brother McClure by May 26, so as to give time to ship the tents in season that they may be erected before the meeting commences.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
IN THE HEART OF THE SIERRAS.
By J. M. Hutchings
BY J. M. HUTCHINGS.
THIS new work is a complete historical and descriptive summary of the wonderful Yo Semite Valley and Big Tree Groves. The author, Mr. Hutchings, is an old pioneer, and has for more than 20 years resided in the Valley. He took the first sketches of it that were ever taken, and was the first to make its
MARVELOUS GRANDEUR KNOWN TO THE WORLD.
The work is complete in one volume of nearly 600 pages, and is illustrated with over 150 illustrations, 28 of which are
BEAUTIFUL FULL-PAGE ARTOTYPES.
These artotypes are the most charmingly characteristic of any illustrations ever produced, and are perfectly true to life, having been photographed from nature.
Sold only by subscription. Agents wanted everywhere. For prices and terms,
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
THE SABBATH QUESTION
IS THE LEADING SUBJECT OF THE DAY.
THE GREAT DEMAND OF THE HOUR, FROM THE PULPIT AND THE PRESS, IN SOCIAL CIRCLES AND IN LEGISLATIVE HALLS, IS
That the Sabbath be more strictly observed. To assist the intelligent-minded of our land to have correct views of this important question, a book has been prepared which thoroughly discusses the Sabbathic institution in every conceivable phase. Such is the valuable work entitled
"History of the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week."
By Eld. J. N. Andrews.
This great and exhaustive work is the result of ten years' hard labor and historical research. The book contains 548 12mo pages, and is printed in clear type, on good paper, and is well bound. Price, post-paid, $2.00.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
43 Bond Street, New York.