It has been remarked that it is quite uniformly believed that baptism is an initiatory rite. It is therefore not a church ordinance in the same sense that the Lord's Supper is a church ordinance. The supper is for those only who are fully church members, and it is to be celebrated repeatedly; of this it is said: "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come."
Baptism being initiatory, is a means of constituting a person a member of the church, but it does not necessarily constitute a person a church member. This is accomplished only by the action of the church. From what has already been said it is evident that the church has control of its own membership. It must exercise discipline; it must withdraw from those who walk disorderly; he that will not hear the church is to be unto them as a heathen man and a publican. Of course it is to determine who may become members. When Paul "assayed to join himself to the disciples" at Jerusalem, they would not receive him until he was recommended by Barnabas. And Paul's order given to the church of Rome is evidence that they exercised due care over their membership, or as to whom they received into their fellowship. Rom. 14:1. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye." "Admit the weak brother to Christian fellowship." —Bible Com. "The design here is to induce Christians to receive to their fellowship those who had scruples about the propriety of certain things," etc.—Barnes. "He exhorted the pastors and members of the church at Rome, to receive among them as a brother, the weak believer."—Scott. "Receive to your fellowship."—Clarke. "Give him your hand as the old Syriac version renders it; count him one of you."—Dean Stanley.
As the Lord's Supper belongs to church members only, it becomes important that we understand who are church members, or who are entitled to the privilege of communion. We say then, (1) No one can be a member of the church until he has been accepted by a vote of the church. (2) No one can be a member of the church until he has been baptized.
As we are treating of the visible church, or the church as an organized body, we are speaking of those qualifications which may always be ascertained to a certainty. We hold as a matter of course that the church should not accept any one to its membership without suitable evidence of his fitness for the position. Repentance and faith are almost universally recognized as requisites to Christian character. But beyond this brief statement—too brief to indicate the position of the church or of the candidate—each denomination of professed Christians has some definite declaration of its faith; some peculiar expression of faith and practice, which it requires that all its members shall indorse and receive. Were this not the case they could not possibly satisfy even their own minds that there is any reason for their denominational existence. Which is to say that different denominations attach different ideas to the words repentance and faith, and these definitions with their results become the peculiar basis of their organizations. With some, repentance is but a vague and indeterminate word, but there is not nearly that difference of opinion in regard to repentance that there is in regard to what constitutes faith—the faith of the gospel.
Our rule of testing the qualifications of members is briefly stated in the concluding part of the message of Rev. 14:9-12: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." These terms express the whole sum of every possible duty of fallen man: the commandments of God, the moral law "summarily contained in the ten commandments" (Webster), the duty of man under all circumstances, but now broken and therefore convicting all the world of sin. And the faith of Jesus, comprising all that is peculiar to the gospel of Christ as a remedy for sin; as the means of pardon, of restoration to obedience, and imparting a hope of eternal life through Christ our Lord. In a word, we have in these the sum total of all pure morality and all true religion.
It is our firm belief that a person ought to have in his life and purpose a well defined religious experience—a conviction of sin by the aid of the Holy Spirit, and a fixed determination to walk in the truth—before he should be accepted to church membership. But while these are among the requisites to membership, they do not impart to any individual the privileges which belong exclusively to church members. We speak now especially of that which we consider the third gospel ordinance,—the Lord's Supper. Many seem to suppose that, whatever may be their church relations, or if they have no relation to any church, they are entitled to the privilege of "communion" by virtue of their conversion; by reason of what they "feel" or have "experienced," rather than by virtue of their conformity to the rules and regulations laid down for the guidance of the church and of church members. Against their claim we enter our hearty protest.
We deeply regret that such loose views have so largely obtained as they have, throughout the land. It is to be lamented that the obligations of church membership are so lightly regarded as they are by multitudes of professed Christians; but we can expect nothing else where individuals claim, and are often allowed to receive, the benefits and privileges of church membership without taking upon themselves its obligations or showing a willingness to bear its responsibilities. They profess to be followers of Christ, but they lightly regard his teachings in regard to his church—his body. To such his words appeal: "And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
And we go farther. We may admit all that these individuals claim in regard to their conversion; we may admit that they are truly converted, and are accepted of God as believers in his Son, and yet not admit that they are entitled to the privileges of church members, unless they formally and properly become church members. This we cannot admit without breaking down every rule of church government and denying that the church has any control of its membership, or that it has any right of discipline and of determination as to who are and who are not members.
Let it then be distinctly understood that evidence of good Christian character is not, of itself, evidence of a right to the privilege of sacramental communion. Were this to be received as sole or sufficient evidence of such right, it would become the means of breaking down all church authority, and of destroying all the safeguards which the Lord has seen fit to set around his church. We think this proposition cannot be controverted. True, it may be quite contrary to the feelings of many well-intentioned Christians; but feelings are no argument, no test of duty. It cannot be denied that every Scripture ordinance has been changed or entirely ignored under the guise of pious feelings. There is no security in these matters except in strict conformity to divine instructions.
An individual is not a member by a vote of the church, without baptism; neither is he a member by baptism without a vote of the church. And to baptize a person with the understanding that he shall be voted into the church at some future time, is irregular. Baptism being an initiatory rite, must be under the control of that authority which accepts and rejects members, and not under the control of a minister, the pastor, or the officers of the church. The church alone can authorize the elder or pastor to administer baptism.
These remarks on baptism are made in this connection only because it is a prerequisite to partaking of the Lord's Supper. That it is so has been the opinion of the church in all ages. Some opinions which are now popular have become so by a struggle; but as far as we know there has never been a question raised on this point. It is not possible to draw a contrary view from the Scriptures.
But this directly involves the subject of communion with all denominations. Many charitably disposed brethren, in the kindness of their hearts, consider themselves under obligation to admit to our communion, or to go to the communion of, those who appear to be honest, pious people. It is then pertinent to inquire of such, Would you admit those same people, on the ground of their piety, to membership in your church? To be consistent with the Scriptures, and with their own faith of the Scriptures, they would have to reply, We could not admit them to our church as members unless they should first be baptized, and should conform to the requirements of our church. But then the inquiry further arises, Is it consistent to admit to the privileges of church members, those who have not the qualifications to become church members? If you cannot fellowship them as members, how can you fellowship them not being members?
In order to make our investigations practical, it will be proper to answer queries and objections which have actually been raised on the subject. Thus it is said, It is the Lord's supper,—the Lord's table,—not ours, and we have no right to exclude any who wish to come and who profess to be the Lord's servants. But that is the very reason why we would be careful, and even exclusive. If it were our own table, we would admit many whom we cannot now admit. If the church were our own arrangement, we would accept many on the score of kindness, sympathy, and favor, whom we cannot now accept. But it is indeed the Lord's church, and the Lord's table, and as those to whom the truth and the ordinances are committed, we are in duty bound to keep the church as pure as may be possible, and admit to the Lord's table those only whom we would admit to the Lord's church. We might with equal propriety argue that baptism is the Lord's ordinance, and we have no right to deny it to any applicant who professes a desire to follow the Lord. And the church is the Lord's church, and we have no right to deny admittance to any who profess to be the Lord's servants. But to follow out this rule would soon make the table a common table, and bring the church and the ordinances into contempt. We cannot believe that any person will put forth claims which lead to such results, if he will use reason, and examine the Scriptures as to our obligations to the Lord and to his house.
The Revised Bible and Authorized Version
The Revised Bible is not likely to supersede the Authorized Version. Of the New Testament it has frequently been said that it would be much better if the revisers had understood English as well as they did Greek; and now Professor Briggs, of Andover, has a 48-page article in the Presbyterian Review, in which he mercilessly scores the Old Testament revision, claiming that the revisers did a poor job on account of their insufficient knowledge of Hebrew.
Obituary.
ADAMS.—Died in Fresno, Cal., July 16, 1885, of consumption, Freeman H. Adams, formerly a resident of Colusa County, Cal. W. H. INGELS.
Appointments.
By Editor
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Seats free.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 914 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
EAST PORTLAND (Or.)—House of worship on G Street between Tenth and Eleventh. Sabbath-school every Sabbath (Saturday), followed by services. Preaching or Bible-reading Sunday evening. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The public is cordially invited. Free public reading-room, corner of L and Fifth Streets.
Kansas Camp-Meeting.
THE Seventh-day Adventists will hold a camp-meeting at Beloit, Mitchell County, Kansas, August 20-30, 1885. Public services daily at 10:30 A. M., 2:30 and 7:30 P. M. A cordial invitation is extended to the public, as ample accommodations will be provided for all who come. A liberal reduction of fare is expected over all the railroads to Beloit for all who attend the camp-meeting.
Nebraska Camp-Meeting at Kearney.
By A. J. Cudney
IT is now decided to hold a camp-meeting at Kearney, August 12-18. We want all our brethren in western Nebraska, and as many others as possible to attend this important meeting.
All railroads in this State favor us with reduced rates to the meetings. Those coming with teams will find good accommodations for their horses. More particulars will be given in the future with reference to laborers, etc. At this time, however, we would say we expect some of the most experienced laborers to be present. A. J. CUDNEY, for Conf. Com.
The Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By R. M. Kilgore
THIS important State meeting will be held this year at Aurora, September 9-15. Aurora is about thirty-five miles southwest of Chicago, on the main line of the C. B. & Q. R. R. We have already the promise of reduced rates on the railroads leading to the city, and we expect to secure the same on the other connecting lines. The meeting will be held in the Even's Park, in the southern part of east Aurora. The Lincoln Avenue street-cars run directly in front of the park, making it accessible from all parts of the city. There are several reasons why Aurora was selected, which we trust all will see in due time.
We are assured that Elder George I. Butler, president of the General Conference, Elder O. A. Olsen, and other prominent speakers, will be present to instruct the people. Meetings will be conducted in the English, Scandinavian, and French languages, and separate tents will be provided for these services, and also for children's meetings. We shall have on the grounds an ample supply of provisions at reasonable rates, and a dining tent where warm meals can be obtained by those who desire to come without preparations for cooking their own meals. Should any desire to rent tents they can obtain them by corresponding with William Armstrong, 136 Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois. There will also be a good supply of books, tracts, and periodicals on the ground.
The readers of the SIGNS throughout the State of Illinois are cordially invited to attend this meeting. We would urge you to come and share with us the benefits we hope to enjoy. You cannot but be profited by coming, and we feel sure you will be pleased with the manner in which the meetings will be conducted.
Remember the time, and come prepared to remain till the meeting closes. R. M. KILGORE.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
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.
Geikie's "Life and Words of Christ."
"LIFE AND WORDS OF CHRIST," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D. New and cheaper edition, the handsomest yet issued at a low price. One volume, 16mo., 838 pages, brevier type, cloth binding. Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of 60 cents.
To Our Agents.
By Editor
WHEN sending orders to this Office for the SIGNS, Pacific Health Journal, American Sentinel, and books, please make the orders for the different periodicals on separate slips of paper, as separate books are kept for each periodical. Place the orders for SIGNS on one slip of paper; those for the Journal on another; those for the Sentinel on still another, etc. By so doing you will greatly accommodate the clerks in the Office, and facilitate business.
Pacific Health Journal.
By Editor
REASONS WHY YOU WANT IT.
1. It gives exactly the information needed by common people, in every-day life.
2. It is free from technicalities; it uses only plain terms which are understood by all classes.
3. It has a wide range of subjects,—health, temperance, food, drinks, cooking, housekeeping in general, and right living in all things.
4. It presents the subject of health from a Bible standpoint, showing that to be healthy is a duty resting on a moral basis.
5. It advocates temperance—not merely as abstinence from ardent spirits, but as a Christian grace, which concerns the habits of the entire life.
6. It will contain valuable and reliable recipes, and directions for doing the right thing in the right manner.
7. It will give directions for caring for the sick. As nursing is the best part of "doctoring," such directions are valuable, and needed by all.
8. Its miscellaneous matter will be useful, as well as entertaining.
9. It is elevated in tone, and will always be entirely free from light, trashy reading.
10. It will contain no serials; though articles in different numbers may be related as to subjects, each will be complete in itself, not requiring another to explain it.
Price, 50 cents per year. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
RECEIPTS.
By Editor
NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—B R Sheckler $9.30, Bernardo $68.50, P Penfold $5, San Francisco $24.35, Woodland $103.70, Petaluma $45.35.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—Bernardo $10.60, P Penfold $5, J E Graham and wife $100.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.—G C Martin $25.
CHURCH DEBT FUND.—R H Blackwood $6.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Ind T and M Society $9.10, Va T and M Society $3.20.
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—G C Martin $100.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Elder S N Haskell, Hawaiian Mission, L H Farnsworth, M M Taylor, L C Chadwick, L A Scott.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—R M Kilgore, Mrs Albert Dean, J M Hicks, R M Van Loan, Miss M L Huntley, E J Callans, Clara E Low, H P Holser, L H West Jr, F R Dunlap, C Maynard, Isaac G Knight, G W Green, L J Benton.
The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
NEW ILLUSTRATED EDITION
OF
# THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
## BETWEEN
# CHRIST AND SATAN FROM THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM TO THE END OF TIME.
By MRS. E. G. WHITE,
Author of "The Life of Christ," "Sketches from the Life of Paul,"
"Bible Sanctification," and other popular works.
PRINTED AND BOUND IN THE VERY BEST STYLE. OVER TEN THOUSAND SOLD IN SIX MONTHS.
This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other. Beginning with our Lord's great prophecy given while viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, in which he outlines the history of the whole dispensation, it sketches the fulfillment. It pictures the siege and overthrow of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple. It calls our attention to the bitter persecutions of the Christians in the first centuries, and notes the rise and growth of the Papacy. It gives a clear conception of the character and influence of the Waldenses, who, through centuries of persecution, maintained the purity of their faith, and by their missionary efforts prepared the nations of Europe for the Reformation.
Brief and lifelike sketches are given of the works, the successes, and the persecutions of Wycliffe, Luther, Tyndale, Huss, Jerome, Knox, and other reformers and martyrs.
Considerable space is given to the life, work, and influence of later reformers and great religious leaders, such as George Whitefield, the Wesleys, and William Miller, and this is followed by chapters treating upon The Origin of Evil, The Agency of Evil Spirits, The Snares of Satan, and the Judgment.
The closing chapters give a vivid picture of the warfare of the church, her final redemption, and vividly describe the triumph of the people of God, the destruction of Satan and all his followers, and the renewing of the earth, which ends the awful controversy between the Son of God and the Powers of Darkness.
Earnest Christians of all classes and creeds will find in it encouragement and instruction in the delineation of the struggle maintained by men raised up of God in each successive age to preserve the pure and true religion, and they will see that the world has been led to accept one after another of Satan's devices, until her teachers are corrupted with false doctrines and with infidelity.
The period of history covered by this volume, is one of the deepest interest to all classes of readers.
The style of the author is clear, forcible, and often sublime, and, although simple enough in its statements to be understood and appreciated by a child, its eloquence calls forth the admiration of all.
A tract of 24 pages, which fully answers this question, and shows how Sunday displaced the Bible Sabbath. Extracts given from Catholic writers. Price, 3 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE HOME OF THE SAVED.
By John Norton Loughborough
By Eld. J. N. Loughborough.
Gives the Bible evidence upon the interesting topic of the earth made new, as the inheritance of the saints. 82 pp. Price, 10 cents. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
By Eld. D. M. Canright.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Eureka, California.
AFTER a very quiet sail of twenty-five hours, Brother Ings and myself arrived here this forenoon. In all my sailing on this coast I never saw the sea so smooth north of San Francisco, as on this trip.
The camp is located in an alder grove within the city limits. The shade is abundant. There are twenty-two tents up, besides the large tent. Times are exceedingly hard in this county, which will tell somewhat against the meeting. The prospect at present is not favorable for a large attendance. But all seem hopeful, cheerful, and happy. We pray that we may have a good meeting—one which will be a lasting benefit to the cause in this part of the State.
It is our earnest hope that our brethren will not get into the habit of letting hard times keep them away from these important convocations. If the prospect for this world is discouraging, it is no reason why we should let go the work of securing a home in the world to come. EDITOR.
Eureka, Cal., July 30.
P. S. Last evening, at our first meeting, we had a larger congregation than we had expected. All were quiet and attentive. The influence seems to be favorable, and we hope for good results.
"Helps to Bible Study."
By Editor
THIS is the name of a pamphlet of 78 pages, consisting of short Bible-readings written and compiled by a committee of ten persons selected by the students of Battle Creek College, near the close of the last term. The thirty-two readings touch upon nearly all the points of faith held by Seventh-day Adventists. The questions, in the main, are simply and naturally put, and the references subjoined are to texts that would most readily establish the points. The "Hints to Bible Workers," are worthy of a careful reading by all who do Bible work. Price, 25 cents. Address Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
We have no doubt of the utility of this and similar works, if they are used as they should be. If they are used as "helps to Bible study," they will be found a ready means of getting a good outline of Bible truth. But no one should get the idea that the Bible-readings that are published from time to time are for the purpose of saving him the labor of getting up Bible-readings, when he has occasion to hold them. No person should think of giving a reading which he has not himself prepared. It need not be entirely different from any other on the same subject; but it should be the work of the one who gives it. Only under one condition may one person use a Bible-reading prepared by another, and that is, that he has studied it so thoroughly that he understands every point as well as did the one who wrote it.
Some one will say, "This would shut off a good many from holding Bible-readings, for many do not know how to prepare them." Then they should learn. Anybody who understands a Bible subject can prepare a Bible-reading on it, and he who does not understand a subject well enough to get up a reading on it, ought not to give one. Persons may use the printed readings as models in asking questions, as well as in getting an understanding of the subject, but every Bible-reading should bear the stamp of the one who gives it. No two persons can present any point in the same manner and have it equally effective, therefore one person cannot do effective work with a Bible-reading prepared by another, any more than he could with a sermon prepared by another.
Saul's armor was good, but it did not fit David. One person may get up a Bible-reading in the very best possible manner, yet in the hands of one whose mind is cast in a different mould, it will not be so effective as an inferior one, which he knows how to handle, because it is the product of his own mind.
The Signs of the Times.
By Editor
OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, AUGUST 6, 1885.
Camp-Meetings in 1885.
VIRGINIA, near Marksville, Page Co., ... Aug. 11-18
NEBRASKA, Kearney, ... " 12-18
VERMONT, Burlington, ... " 13-25
IOWA, Des Moines, ... " 18-24
KANSAS, Beloit, Mitchell County, ... " 20-30
MAINE, Portland, ... Aug. 20 to Sept. 1
NEW ENGLAND, Lynn, Mass., ... " 27 " " 8
NEVADA, Carson City, ... " 27 to " 7
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Santa Ana, ... —
NEW YORK, Syracuse, ... Sept. 3-15
ILLINOIS, Aurora, ... " 9-15
MICHIGAN, ... " 17-29
CALIFORNIA, Stockton, ... " 18-28
INDIANA, Logansport, ... Sept. 24 to Oct. 6
OHIO, Springfield, ... Oct. 1-13
KENTUCKY, ... " 14-20
NEBRASKA (State Meeting), Lincoln, ... " 14-20
MISSOURI, ... " 14-20
Nevada Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
EVERYTHING looks favorable for a good and successful camp-meeting in Nevada this year. The difficulties which surrounded the work last year do not now exist. The meeting is in a new place,—Carson City,—where the work is just now opened with favorable prospects. Every friend of the truth in Nevada should go to the meeting, and go there to work. It will be a most favorable opportunity for missionary labor, and it ought to be well improved. A good and efficient preaching force will be there, but preachers cannot do all the work of a camp-meeting. Our precious cause ought to be pushed forward much faster than is now being done, and "who are the reapers?" Who is anxious to share the glory of the harvest-home? There is enough for all to do.
The Great Controversy—Popular Edition.
By Editor
As was stated last week, this book is now ready for orders. The first two editions sold well, but this, we are confident, will be in much greater demand. Besides a steel portrait of the author, Mrs. E. G. White, it contains twenty-one full-page illustrations. Following are the subjects:—
Jerusalem in the Time of Christ—Early Christians in the Catacombs—Penance of Henry IV. at Canossa—Waldensian Missionaries—Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Knox, Tyndale—Jerome Led to Martyrdom—Luther's Protest against Indulgences—Luther, Melancthon, Calvin, Zwingle, Frederick III.—Luther before the Diet—Luther at the Wartburg—Reformers Preaching in the Fields—Reading the Protest at the Diet of Spires—Cranmer, Rogers, Ridley, Latimer, Bradford, Hooper—Wesley Preaching in the Fields—Scene in the French Revolution—Wesley, Whitefield, Bunyan, Fletcher, Miller—The Ten Virgins—Christ Healing the Demoniac—Proclaiming the Dogma of Papal Infallibility—The Earth Made Desolate—"A Little Child Shall Lead Them."
The four groups, containing portraits of the leading reformers, are as fine illustrations of the kind as we have seen in any book. We hope soon to see a large force of agents handling this new edition. It will be mainly used as a premium for the SIGNS for which it is well adapted. Canvassers can apply to the secretaries of their State societies, or to the Pacific Press, for terms, etc. Price of the book per single copy, $1.50.
A Parting Tribute.
By Editor
AS MANY of our readers take up this number of the SIGNS to read it, it will be the day of General Grant's funeral. We have already referred to his death, and as this is the last issue of the SIGNS before his burial, and the last occasion on which we can so appropriately do so, we wish to add another slight tribute to his greatness. The London Telegraph referred to him as "the greatest and most successful general that the United States has produced," and our American journals seem to be willing to accede as much, but to us that very faintly describes the position of U. S. Grant, among generals.
We state it as our opinion, and firmly believe that history will justify it, that Ulysses S. Grant was the greatest general that any nation has produced, in ancient or modern times. He successfully commanded more men for a longer time, than did any other general known to history. As Lieutenant-General of all the armies of the United States, he directed the movements of more than a million men, for more than a year, and never made a false move.
However, to speak of him thus simply in respect to his generalship is by no means all. But we only have space to refer further to that supreme moment at Appomattox, when a conquered foe anxiously hung upon his word to know what their immediate future was to be, he expressed all and more than we can say, when he said, "Let the men keep their horses for they will need them in tilling the soil." It is impossible to imagine Napoleon in such a scene. Nor was it the least mark of his greatness that, at such a moment, such a general should turn his attention so entirely to the arts and blessings of peace. Take him as a man amongst men, concerned simply in the affairs of men and nations, we shall never look upon his like again.
Interest in Boise City
In a business letter, Elder J. J. Smith writes as follows, from Boise City, Idaho:—
"The interest here is very good. The Sabbath has been presented, nine have promised to obey, and several others will. There are about thirty that are interested. Pray for the prosperity of the truth in Idaho."
Sunday Laws and Glasgow Immorality
SINCE the Pall Mall Gazette exposures of London immorality, inquiries which have been made have revealed the fact that in Glasgow the same organized system of corruption prevails, and it is claimed that there is in Glasgow and Edinburgh more open immorality than in any other places in civilized Europe. And yet those cities have very strict Sunday laws. Can the Christian Statesman explain how it is possible for vice to exist under those circumstances?
Church Entertainment and Revival Meetings
By Editor
AMONG the church notes in the Oakland Tribune, we find the following:—
"The ladies of the San Pablo Avenue Baptist Church gave an entertainment last Tuesday evening that was a success. The church will hold special revival meetings through next week."
We do not fully understand the significance of this announcement. Was the entertainment preparatory to the revival? or does the revival immediately follow, in order to counteract the effects of the entertainment? May we imagine that the entertainment was designed as a "bait," to induce young people to attend the revival services? If this is the case, they should not pronounce it a success until they see how the revival turns out.