—Queen Victoria and the Princess Beatrice, are at Baden Baden.
—A $46,000 fire is reported at Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the 31st ult.
—Gladstone is likely to be returned to Parliament from Mid-Lothian.
—This week 134 members of Parliament will be elected in Great Britain.
—The Ponemah Mills, Taftville, Conn., were burned on the 29th ult. Loss $250,000.
—A cyclone passed over Lawrenceville, Va., on the 27th ult., doing great damage.
—The Lighter to convey Cleopatra's Needle to this country, has arrived at Alexandria.
—Scotch Presbyterians require their missionaries in China to return home once in seven years.
—The Methodists are rapidly increasing in Sweden, through the medium of revival meetings.
—Nihilist printing offices have lately been discovered and broken up at St. Petersburg and Warsaw.
—Great efforts are being made to stay the ravages of diphtheria in the province of Kharkoff, Russia.
—The Chileans are again aggressive, and are preparing to attack Africa simultaneously by land and sea.
—A terrible fire is reported in Montaimont, a village of Savoy, France, in which seventeen persons perished.
—It appears that the United States have been disgraced in Samoa by Consul Dawson. “I told you so.”
—It is reported that Chinese troops have crossed the Amour river into Russian territory, to the number of 20,000.
—Last year twelve persons in the United States and Europe, gave an aggregate of $3,000,000 to the cause of foreign missions.
—Lesseps characterizes the elegance of the private residences and the magnificence of the hotels of San Francisco, as astounding.
—The Columbians are indignant at the attitude assumed by this country in regard to the building of the Darien canal by European capital.
—According to the latest returns, Copenhagen has a population of 286,000. In 1850 it contained 129,000; in 1860, 150,000; and in 1870, 181,000.
—The Church of the Saviour, Moscow, Russia, which is to be dedicated in September, has been 47 years in building, at a cost of $15,000,000.
—A religious paper inquires, when a church building is dedicated with a “first-class mortgage” on it, which is dedicated to the Lord, the house or the mortgage?
—The Roman Catholic clergy in France numbered, in 1851, 52,855; in 1861, 58,321; in 1876, 55,269. The Protestant ministers and Jewish rabbis number about 6,000.
—Dr. Cuyler, in the Evangelist, says there are a number of Presbyterian clergymen who are threatened with expulsion from their pulpits for denouncing dancing and wine-drinking.
—The Central Presbyterian says: “The preacher now who preaches the terror of the law is apt to make himself unpopular.” But not so unpopular as he who attempts to keep the law.
—The past year there were reported $16,000,000 assessments on stocks in California, and about half that amount of earnings! Is it any wonder that hard times cling to this State more than to any other?
The Sand-lot received a severe set-back in San Francisco at the election for freeholders to frame a new city charter and for a joint Senator for San Francisco and San Mateo counties, the Citizen's Union Ticket receiving a majority of 7,500 votes.
—A cyclone in Kansas, April 2, destroyed over twenty buildings in Ottawa, and badly damaged others. It traveled thence north-east, destroying farm houses on its way. Near Girard, south of Ft. Scott, seventeen houses were destroyed, and some lives lost.
—President James B. Angell, of Michigan University, has been appointed and confirmed Minister to China, vice Seward removed; and John F. Swift, of California, and William H. Trescott, of South Carolina, Commissioners, to act with Angell in the forming of a treaty to supplant that now existing between China and this country.
MISSIONARY SIGNS.
By J. H. Waggoner
Just as we are going to press we receive the following telegram:—
“Battle Creek, Mich., April 5, 1880.
“Pacific Press: Change Signs to twelve-page edition, and add three hundred, five weeks.
B. O. V. M. Secretary.”
Also word from South Lancaster, Mass., V. M. S., who had reduced their order to less than 50, now change to twelve-page edition, and order 300 copies.
This is cheering news at the opening of our annual meeting. We are happy to know that these give expression to a feeling which very extensively prevails,
J. H. Waggoner.
MEETINGS IN OAKLAND.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
Last Sabbath was one of the best days for the Oakland church which it has ever known. There was a good attendance from San Francisco, and also from the other churches in this part of the State. The Missionary meeting, appointed for first-day, called in brethren from various churches.
In the morning it was very rainy, so that the attendance at the Sabbath-school was not as large as usual, but the exercises were of usual interest. At 11 A. M. Bro. Haskell spoke on the sacredness of vows. He enjoyed freedom in speaking, and the subject was of absorbing interest to the congregation. The Scripture facts presented, and the illustrations given, were well calculated to make an impression on all minds, especially in showing the difference between “tithes” and “free-will offerings.” An offering is that which we consecrate to God, but a tithe is that which God himself has consecrated, and which we have no moral right to use for our own purposes. Some who have hitherto stood in doubt about the tithing system confessed that all their doubts were removed. We hope that all who heard may be permanently benefitted by this clear presentation of the truth.
In the afternoon Sister White spoke upon the words of our Saviour’s warning in Luke 21:34, 35. All felt that she had special help from Heaven on this occasion. A very deep impression was made. Faith was strengthened in the near coming of the Lord, and in the work which He is carrying on among his people to prepare them for translation into his kingdom. We have strong confidence that much good was done in this meeting. Those who felt weak, and were faltering, felt both reproved and encouraged. The truths, so precious to those who love the Lord and his appearing, brought light and courage to all hearts.
On first-day morning a prayer-meeting was held at the house of worship, followed by a meeting at 10 o’clock to consider the general wants and interests of the cause in California. An interchange of opinions regarding the field served to impress all with the magnitude of the work open before us. Urgent calls come from every direction. Here again Sister White gave good counsel to the ministers and to all workers; and while the laborers are few and feeble, new hope and courage seemed to come in as we were led to consider God’s power and willingness to bless our efforts when we walk in his counsel and take hold of his strength. He can bring light out of darkness and order out of confusion. He can work by few as well as by many. He can use the weak to confound the mighty.
Sunday evening Sister White spoke again to a full house. Her remarks were practical, interspersed with interesting incidents in her own experience, showing the power and mercy of God as manifested in several cases of severe afflictions.
The missionary meeting of this church was held the evening after the Sabbath. As usual, the reports showed the circulation of a large amount of reading. This city is being thoroughly canvassed with our publications, and it is much to be desired that a tent meeting shall be held here, as well as in San Francisco, as early as the season will permit.
Sunday afternoon the missionary work was presented, a class of about forty was organized. All the ministers in the State are present. The lessons of the day will be reviewed at night, for the benefit of those who cannot attend through the day. A daily prayer meeting is appointed at five in the morning. Thus far they have been profitable, the spirit of God being manifest in them.
J. H. Waggoner.
THE RECENT STORM
THE first three days of April brought the heaviest storm of the season to California. It was general, reaching from San Diego to Shasta. In the latter section the rain fell in torrents, and the streams are flooded.
On the Sierras the storm was probably the severest that has occurred since the railroad has been in operation. On the line of the road about the Summit, the snow fall was from eight to ten feet, and the whole depth of snow, in some localities, forty to fifty feet. 750 feet of snow sheds were destroyed near Emigrant Gap. The sheds over the Summit were constructed to resist a great pressure of snow, but the heavy timbers were shivered by the weight of snow and the force of the wind. Very little injury to trains is reported as yet.
When the wind abated a rain storm set in, and fears are entertained of much greater damage to the road by the increased weight of the snow, and by slides. The papers give lengthy and interesting descriptions of the storm and effects.
In Tulare county nine inches of rain are reported for the season, which is an unusual quantity for that region. Of course the farmers rejoice at the prospect.
Obituaries: Susie Forthamp and Annie M. Phipps
Obituary
MRS. SUSIE FORTHAMP, wife of John D. Forthcamp, daughter of M. J. Church, departed this life, April 8, aged 25 years 2 months and 10 days. She leaves a husband and two small children and numerous friends and relations to mourn her loss. M. J. CHURCH.
FELL asleep in Jesus, March 25, 1880, in Rocklin, Cal., Mrs. Annie M. Phipps, aged 30 years and 23 days. Her disease was consumption. She received baptism at my hands last August, and continued till death a faithful member of the Rocklin church. Sermon from John 10:10: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” B. A. STEPHENS.
Appointments.
MRS. E. G. WHITE will speak in San Francisco next Sabbath, and in Oakland next Sunday evening.
MRS. E. G. WHITE, Providence permitting, will meet with the church in Dixon, Sabbath and First-day, April 17, 18. Let the appointment be properly circulated.
I EXPECT to preach in San Francisco next Sunday evening. J. H. WAGGONER.
LAFAYETTE, Cal., April 10 and 11; will the Pacheco folks please meet with us. B. A. STEPHENS.
At the request of the director of district No. 1, Bro. R. A. Morton will attend the quarterly meeting to be held at Santa Rosa, April 17. The missionary meeting will be held evening after the Sabbath.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
The Southern California Camp-meeting will be held April 22-28, at Lemoore. The grounds selected are about half way between Hannaford and Lemoore. Trains will stop at the ground.
Hay and grazing for cows or horses; also wood will be furnished free. Tents will be furnished at a reasonable price by ordering immediately of G. W. Cody, Lemoore, Tulare Co., Cal. All mail matter designed for those upon the camp-ground should be sent to Lemoore.
This will be an important meeting for all Southern California. Time will be taken for instruction in the missionary work. Sister White and other help from the East will be present. A grand rally of all our friends in that section of the country is expected. Come and bring your children, neighbors, and friends. Come prepared to remain till the close.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
CAMP MEETINGS IN OREGON.
By I. D. Van Horn
THE Seventh-day Adventists in the North Pacific Conference, will hold two Camp Meetings this season: The first at Milton, Umatilla County, Oregon, will be held from May 20th, to 31st. All of our people East of the Cascade Mountains will need to attend this meeting, and should begin at once to get ready.
The second will be held at Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, from June 9th, to 15th. There should be a general turn out of our people West of the Cascades at this meeting. More particulars will be given soon. Help from the General Conference may be expected at both of these meetings. A general rally of our friends is anticipated.
I. D. VAN HORN, President.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
(PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
Twelve-Page Edition.—A live Religious Family Paper, containing, in addition to the great variety of original articles, which make it a desirable prophetic journal, Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, News, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school. Per Year, $2.00
In clubs of ten or more copies to one address, to be used for Missionary work, each 1.50
Eight-Page Edition.—Condensed from the above. Per Year, 1.25
In clubs of ten or more, each 1.00
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—or—
Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
Elder J. N. Loughborough, Ravenwood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
Miss Eliza Thayer, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So. Lancaster, Mass.