Earlier text: Difficulties of Pre-MillenarianismReligious News and Notes.
By Editor
—The late Bishop Ames, of the M. E. Church, left an estate valued at $250,000. —Dr. Kalloch has retired from the Evangel, and is succeeded by J. T. Prior, assisted by A. J. Frost. —A saloon keeper in Chicago has prosecuted a Methodist minister for calling his saloon "a gilded hell." —The Evangel, Baptist paper of San Francisco, advocates taxing church property. Justice demands it. —Dr. Howard Crosby has already been selected to give the next course of lectures on preaching at Yale College. —Dr. Stevens Parker, of Elizabeth, N. J., has been chosen to succeed Dr. De Koven as president of Racine College. —Dr. Dollinger denies the report that he will return to the Catholic Church, though he was invited to do so by the new Pope. —M. De Laveleye, the distinguished Belgian economist, has separated from the Catholic and united with a Protestant church. —Bishop Bowman has been round the world visiting Methodist missions. While in Italy he heard of the death of his wife in St. Louis. —The chaplain of the Maine Legislature prayed that the members might have the grace to stop speaking when they got through! —The Central Baptist says there are three kinds of Baptists: Missionary Baptists, Omissionary Baptists, and Anti-Missionary Baptists. —The London Weekly Review says that since 1860 upwards of 600 Jews have confessed faith in Christ in the chapel in Palestine Place. —The Bishop of Ripon has expressed himself as being in favor of Nonconformists having the privilege of burials in the parish church-yards. —Mr. Moody expresses the opinion that tabernacle work outside of churches in large cities is a mistake, since the converts do not generally attach themselves to any church. —The American Wesleyans, numbering about 20,000 will hold their Quadrennial General Conference in Pittsford, Mich., next October. They are strongly opposed to secret societies. —The Free Church of Scotland with 1,000,000 members, contributes as much for missionary purposes as the whole church of England, with its 12,000,000 members and almost unlimited wealth. —The Sunday-school Convention in Yo Semite valley has had several lectures on geology. One was delivered at Glacier Point to an audience of 200. More than were ever gathered on that spot before. —Orion Clemens (brother to Mark Twain), has been dismissed from the Presbyterian church in Keokuk, Iowa, for denying the inspiration of the Old Testament, and for heretical views of Christ. —The Southern Methodist Church has an Indian Conference, with 4582 members. Several other denominations have Indian missions, which have been successful, and which call for increased efforts. —Col. Ingersoll dedicates a statue to Thomas Paine at St. Louis. Bishop Coxe, in the Independent, gives extracts from Paine's slanderous and abusive letter to George Washington, to show how he should be esteemed by patriotic Americans. —The Methodist Woman's Foreign Missionary Society reports for its tenth year the receipt of upward of $80,000, being a large increase over the previous year. Of this sum the Cincinnati branch raised the largest amount of any of the seven branches. —Dr. Toy, an able scholar and teacher, has resigned his professorship in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, Ky., his views on the inspiration of the Old Testament being too lax to meet the approval of the trustees and the denomination. —Dr. W. C. Gray, in a letter from Saratoga on the Presbyterian General Assembly, writes: "I have never attended an Assembly where there was as much cheering and laughter." An "Assembly" "with prayers and tears," and "groanings that cannot be uttered," would be a rarity now-a-days. —Dr. Dean, of Bangkok, Siam, writes to the Baptist Missionary Magazine, of a heathen idol in human form, in a temple there, 177 feet long, covered with gold from his crown to his toes. Hundreds of other temples in that city have costly images. There is money cost in heathenism. —The Christian at Work concludes an article "About Church Union," thus, "The prospect for church union is not immediate nor encouraging, and that so long as Christians prefer their own little systems and methods to unity, so long will Christ's army remain disunited and disrupted in the face of the common foe." —J. H. Pittinger, A. M., author of the "Theological Tri-lemma," and special contributor of the Bible Banner, is caustic in a criticism of Dr. Kellogg's argument on the soul. He says, "I accept the conclusion but not the philosophy," and closes thus: "I can not believe that you have yet followed out your philosophy to its legitimate results. But so far as it is adopted and followed out, it will lead you, and all who follow it, into darkness and error." - Indians have been committing murders in Texas.
- The peach crop is reported a failure in Delaware.
- Hundreds are still dying of starvation in Cashmere.
- Cholera of a severe type has appeared in Afghanistan.
- Steps are being taken to import Chinese laborers into Brazil.
- Branch dead-letter offices are in prospect in the United States.
- The Burmese show determination to keep their country in a troubled state.
- S. Johnson and Co., Brazilian merchants, London, recently failed for $800,000.
- A committee of the British Parliament has reported in favor of the electric light.
- Wind and hailstorms of great severity are reported from various parts of the country.
- The inundation of Mantua by the river Po is reported on the increase. Great suffering is the result.
- By recent act of Congress silver is made legal tender in payment of debts to the amount of ten dollars.
- The Isthmus Canal Congress decided upon a route, and it is expected the work will soon be undertaken.
- Denis Kearney is having great difficulty in finding candidates to accept the nominations of his party.
- A very destructive storm passed over Southern Ohio and Indiana, extending into Kentucky, June 11.
- The foundation of the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, England, is weakened, and a new one is to be constructed.
- The African or Zulu war is likely to be much more expensive to England, in time and money, than Baconsfield promised.
- For the better protection of travelers, the New York Legislature has given Railroad Conductors the powers of police officers.
- At Conshohocken, Montgomery Co., Pa., the night of June 10, lightning struck a cotton mill, which was burned; loss $125,000.
- Mr. James Grant, one of the most noted of London publishers, died recently. Dickens' first sketches were published in his magazine.
- The yellow fever prevailed in Hayti the first of June, the French Minister and members of the legation having been among its victims.
- Two City Water Works Commissioners in Brooklyn, N. Y., were found guilty of conspiring to defraud the city of $50,000, and were fined $250!
- Investigations of Louisiana elections show an amount of political corruption perhaps without parallel. It is a sad burlesque on our form of government.
- Germany has made a demand on Peru for the release of a German vessel which was detained at Callao under the pretense of having carried contraband articles.
- Mr. G. W. Childs, of Philadelphia, denies that the reception of Gen. Grant in July has any political significance, and that the General has any political ambition.
- News from Cheyenne, Wy. T., says, "The present term of the court has been the most severe on criminals of any ever known in the Territory." Strong justice was much needed there.
- There is a prospect now that the Northern Pacific Railroad will be pushed toward completion. Large contracts for rails have been made, and several cargoes are now on the way by Cape Horn.
- Judge Packer, of Mauch Chunk, Pa., lately deceased, was one of America's notable men. He commenced life in poverty, and worked his way up to eminent positions. He gave steadily and largely to educational and benevolent causes, and yet left an estate valued at $12,000,000.
- A writer in the Oldham Chronicle, England, speaking of England's present war policy, says : "We regard ourselves as forming a part of the strongest nation in the world. Upon the Afghans we look with something like a feeling of contempt. They are savages, we are civilized; they are weak, we are powerful. Therefore, it is courageous to meet them in battle, and rob them of their territory."
- Of the severe storms of recent occurrence, one in Northern Kansas and Southern Nebraska, May 30, was the most destructive. It passed over nearly the entire northern tier of counties in Kansas, and extended into Missouri. More than forty people were killed; a much larger number severely injured. The destruction in buildings and other property was immense.
- During a thunder storm the morning of June 11, lightning struck the pump house of the Atlantic Refining Company, Philadelphia, on the Schuylkill River. This Company, with the Atlantic Storage Company, occupied 25 acres along the river front, on which were stored 25,000 cases of oil, which, with all the buildings and the Superintendent's Office and residence, were consumed. Five ships at the wharves were also destroyed. The heat of the fire was so intense that the firemen could do but little. The property of the Companies is valued at $2,000,000. The fire was rekindled by a strong wind, June 13, causing much additional damage.
Questions Answered.
By Editor
"IN synopsis of Lesson 24, The Cleansing of the Sanctuary, I read: The cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary must correspond to the cleansing of the earthly. The cleansing of the earthly sanctuary consisted in presenting the blood of the sin-offering as an atonement, and the removal of the sins that had been transferred to the sanctuary during the year. "Was there any sin transferred to the sanctuary on the day of atonement? or, in other words, did the high priest officiate in both the holy places at the same time? "In last month’s lessons it was taught that Christ entered upon the ministration in the most holy place in 1844. If so, did not his ministration close in the first apartment? and if so, did not probation cease? If not, please explain how the two correspond? E. A." This subject has been a trouble to many persons, but why, is not clear to us. The difficulty lies entirely in a supposition for which we see no warrant. Thus, if probation did not cease in 1844, we are asked to explain how the two correspond. That is to take for granted that it did cease according to the work of the earthly, of which there is not a particle of proof. The high priest did officiate in both places on the day of atonement. See Lev. 16. Kitto says that the regulations set down in Lev. 16 were in addition to the duties which belonged to that day in common with other days. Smith’s Bible Dictionary also says:—"On the day of atonement, the high priest performed the ordinary duties of the daily service." It was not a cessation of priestly service, but the culmination of it. How anybody ever imbibed the idea that the record of Lev. 16 indicated a close of probation we cannot imagine. On that day the priests cleansed them from sin, and they were required in an especial manner to "afflict their souls." Lev. 16:31. "For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people." Lev. 23:30. All this sufficiently indicates both a probationary condition and work on that day. Now we have a question to ask. Will some of our correspondents please give us a reason for supposing that there was no probation on the day of atonement? To N. F. H.—We know of no reason why we may not suppose that the phrase, "sons of God," in Job 1:6, is used in the same sense as in John 1:12, and 1 John 3:2. And if so, it took place on earth. Dr. Clarke thinks they were the angels, and says the expositions, or rather conjectures, are numerous. We do not discover any importance in it. Kansas Camp-Meeting.
By Geo. I. Butler
THIS meeting was held at Emporia, Kansas May 22-27. It was, doubtless, the largest meeting ever held by our people in the State. Thirty tents were upon the ground, including the two large tents, one of which furnished lodgings for many families. Probably upwards of three hundred and fifty lodged upon the ground, most of whom were Sabbath-keepers. On account of the change in the appointment being made so late, between thirty and forty came some two hundred miles with teams, a week too soon, and with difficulty were persuaded to stay over. This was a sore disappointment to them; but Elders Cook and Sharp held meetings a portion of the time before the regular appointment. Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Corliss were present at the meeting. We were also favored with the presence of Dr. Kellogg, of the Sanitarium, and Bro. W. C. White a portion of the time. They assisted in the T. and M. work, and in that of the Sabbath-school, also in the formation of a temperance association. Sr. White bore a very plain testimony to the people, especially upon the great subject of health reform, which is regarded so lightly by many. Her instructions were excellent. Bro. White spoke also with his usual freedom. Efforts were made especially for sinners and backsliders on Sabbath and Tuesday, and many responded by coming forward for prayers and confessing their sins with tears. On Tuesday thirty-five were baptized. The Kansas Conference is becoming quite large. It receives accessions not only by conversion, but probably more largely by immigration. I should judge that upwards of one-third of its membership came from Iowa, and nearly all its ministers and officers are from that State. Kansas is an excellent field, and should become one of our strongest Conferences. More spiritual life and energy are greatly needed; but there are many who fear God and want to do all they can for his cause. General Meetings in California.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
In this week’s SIGNS OF THE TIMES will be noticed the appointments for three general meetings in California. There will be time for one more before the Southern California Camp-meeting. At each meeting we shall present the missionary work in its different phases; the object, why all should bear a part in it, and how all can do something to advance the cause of God. We expect our friends living in the different sections where the meetings are held will make arrangements to attend all of these meetings. You cannot afford to lose one. Come prepared to attend the first, and remain until the last one is over. Come with a disposition to work for God, that his blessing may rest upon the meeting in a special manner, and that each become more imbued with the Spirit of Christ to labor for others. God’s Holy Spirit, his providence, the progress of the work, and the enemy marshaling his forces for the final conflict, all bear testimony that the time has come when we should buckle on the armour anew and prepare for the coming storm. We therefore feel anxious to see all of our brethren and sisters at these meetings, and that the Spirit of the Lord may also manifest itself in our midst. "Oh, while you feel 'tis hard to toil,
And sweat the long day through,
Remember it is harder still
To have no work to do." Persecution of Colored People.
THE New York Baptist Examiner publishes the statement of Rev. Mr. Ensley, who says he has been for years a teacher and preacher among the negroes in the Southern States, and notwithstanding the declaration of Senator Hill that the stories of the coercion and persecution of the negroes are all lies, he can testify from personal observation that they are terribly true. "I cannot count," he says, "the number of times I have seen nice, intelligent colored men and woman dragged and driven from cars as if they were criminals. I have known white men to tell the negroes that if they voted so and so they should lose their homes or their lives immediately. Yes, and I have known their lives to be taken after they had voted." “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”—JESUS.
THE very worst thing that could happen to a man would be for him to carry out his own purposes; to do just what he wants to do; to secure that which he thinks best for him. If we could have our own way, it would be the ruin of us; and we should be the unhappiest creatures imaginable, while on the way to ruin. We know what we want, but we don't know what we ought to want. God knows what is best for us; and he is planning, not only to secure it to us, but to bring us to want what is best for us to have and to hold, and to yield the pursuit or the possession of that which is not for our true welfare.—Ex. Teachers' Bibles.
By Editor
AFTER a careful examination of many varieties of Bibles, we are satisfied that the Oxford Teachers' Bible presents more advantages than any other we have seen. The print is clear, and the binding substantial. In addition to the authorized text, with references, it contains much that is essential to the study of the Bible, to wit :— 1. Notes on the Old and New Testaments. 2. Index. 3. Concordance. 4. Dictionary of Scriptural Names, with their pronunciation and meaning. 5. Twelve Scripture Maps. The price has been recently reduced, so that they can be offered even lower than the English Bibles we have previously kept. | Number. |
Description. |
By Freight or Express. |
By Mail. |
|---|
| 500 |
Pearl, French Morocco. |
$ 1.50 |
$ 1.60 |
| 502 |
“ Venetian “ (Circuit) |
2.00 |
2.10 |
| 600 |
Nonpariel, French Morocco |
2.35 |
2.50 |
| 601 |
“ “ “ (Circuit) |
2.75 |
2.90 |
| 605 |
“ Persian “ (Flexible) |
2.75 |
2.90 |
| 611 |
“ Turkey |
3.25 |
3.40 |
| 705 |
Minion, Persian Morocco (Flexible. |
4.25 |
4.45 |
| 715 |
“ Levant “ (Divinity Circuit) |
7.50 |
7.75 |
| 915 |
“ “ “ “ “ |
14.00 |
14.50 |
Please order by number, and not by price. We have also a good supply of family Bibles, and Bibles adapted to church use, which were bought low and can be sold below prices offered at any book store. The type is Small Pica, and very easy to read. Prices from $7.50 to $9.00. These Bibles must be sent by freight or express as they are too heavy to go by mail. Send for circular showing size of print, etc. Dunlap, Iowa, - - June 26 to July 1.
Salem, Oregon, - - - - June 25—July 1.
California, near Fresno City, Aug. 13—19.
“ Healdsburg, “ 21—27. No providence preventing I will meet with the friends
In Santa Rosa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 12—14.
“ Napa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 19—21.
“ Woodland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ 26—28. The above meetings will be general meetings, and each will commence Friday evening, and close Monday noon, so as to give our friends time to return to their homes Monday. We shall expect to see at these meetings all of our friends in the respective sections. To prevent misunderstanding, and to enable the friends to aid others in attending the meetings, my appointments will stand as follows: The first and third Sabbath of each month in Oakland; the second and fourth in San Francisco. And the evenings of the first and third Sunday in San Francisco; the second and fourth in Oakland. This will be the order after July 1. Next Sabbath I will be in Oakland, and San Francisco Sunday evening. District quarterly meeting in district No. 2 will be held in Lemoore. M. J. CHURCH. OAKLAND—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:30 o'clock Sabbath morning. SAN FRANCISCO—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church. Business Department.
By Editor
$1.50 EACH, Miss Martin 6-1, Caleb Shepherd 6-1, S A Keyser (3 copies) 5-36, Mrs Maria West all 6-1, Mrs Julia Titus 6-37, B B Warren 6-22, Mrs S A Shallenberger 6-23. MISCELLANEOUS. E M Chamberlain 2.00, 6-25, S K Shannon 20c 6-29, Samuel Gray 10c 5-40, Peter H Clark 1.00, 6-2, Sylvia Ferren 1.00, 6-7, Lucena E Marsh 1.00, 6-1, Mrs E A Bagley 36c 5-35, Wm E Evert 1.00, 6-1, J L Hall 5.00, 6-17, V M Society Battle Creek (42 copies) 50.00, 6-13, V M Society Battle Creek (84 copies) 100.00, 6-16, J L Helmer 75c 6-1, A D Hill 75c 6-1, J R Yerger 75c 6-1, Jacob Snyder 75c 6-1, Alice Fisher (5 copies) 6.00, 6-23, Isaac Kaufman (5 copies) 6.00, 6-23, Eld J N Loughborough (17 copies) 34.00, 6-23, H C Bagley (3 copies) 3.00, 6-23, Mrs John Rawlings 75c 6-47, Ollie Sutherland 40c 5-34. CAL. PUBLISHING FUND.
T J Bair 10.00, Miss L Pond 25.00. OAKLAND CHURCH.
Mrs A B Arner 50c S W Armer 50. CAL. CONFERENCE.
J H Waggoner 6.00.