It is somewhat singular to trace the manner in which arose the use of the common beverage of coffee, without which few persons in any half or wholly civilized country in the world now make breakfast. At the time Columbus discovered America, it had never been known or used. It only grew in Arabia and Upper Ethiopia. The discovery of its use as a beverage is ascribed to the Superior of a monastery in Arabia, who, desirous of preventing the monks from sleeping at their nocturnal services, made them drink the infusion of coffee, on the reports of shepherds who observed that their flocks were more lively after browsing on the fruit of that plant. Its reputation spread through the adjacent countries, and in about two hundred years it had reached Paris. A single plant, brought there in 1714, became the parent stock of all the French coffee plantations in the West Indies. The Dutch introduced it into Java and the East Indies, and the French and Spanish all over South America and the West Indies. The extent of the consumption now can hardly be realized. The United States alone annually consumes it at the cost, on its landing, of from fifteen to sixteen millions of dollars.
Risk of Great Eaters.
Great eaters never live long. A voracious appetite, so far from being a sign of good health, is a certain indication of disease. Some dyspeptics are always hungry, and feel best when eating; but as soon as they have finished eating they endure torments so distressing in their nature as to make the unhappy victim wish for death.
The appetite of health is that which is inclined to eat moderately when eating-time comes, and which, when satisfied, leaves no unpleasant reminders. Multitudes measure their health by the quantity they eat; and, out of ten persons, nine are gratified with an increase of weight, when in reality it indicates an increase in disease, showing that the absorbents of the system are too weak to discharge their duty, and the tendency to fatness, or obesity, increases until existence becomes a burden, and sudden death closes the painful history.—Hall’s Journal.
Think for Yourself
THINK for yourself, and think much more than you talk.
Business Department.
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,” (margin, negligently). Jer. 48:10.
Received for the Signs.
$3.00 EACH. J S Howard 3-1, Jane Rowland 3-1, H E Campion 3-1.
$2.00 EACH. Mary J Otis 3-1, F Cramer 2-1, Geo Drew 2-33, Mrs A Morehouse 2-33, Wm Nichols 2-33, James Hall 2-13, A Gordon 2-1.
$1.00 EACH. Mrs Ann Marshall 3-1, Mary Husted 2-47, J G Anthony 1-37, Joseph Gilbert 1-37.
MISCELLANEOUS. E A Gorham $1.50 2-25, Lucinda Baker $1.10 3-1.
California Publishing Fund.
Jane Rowland $25, H E Campion $20, Mrs T McFarland $15, Maggie A Cook $20, John Cook $70, E Horne $10, L E Wilkins $10, John Mavity $50, G A Baker $10.
Donations to the Signs.
Jane Rowland $2.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, etc., etc.
By Editor
For Sale at this Office.
OUR BOOK LIST. Any persons on the Pacific Coast wishing any of the publications named in our book list can obtain them by mail or express by writing to the Signs of the Times, Oakland, California, enclosing the published price of the same. When sent by mail, books will be post paid; when by express, at the expense of the one ordering the books; but in this case a liberal discount will be made when ten dollars worth or more are paid for with any one order.
PUBLICATIONS.
Prices in Coin.
Cruden's Complete Concordance. In this any passage in the Scriptures can readily be found. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
Bible Dictionary of Bible names, customs and countries, and maps of Bible lands. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, by J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1 25.
Thoughts on Daniel. By U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. By U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of Wm. Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00. Paper, 40 cts.
The Constitutional Amendment : or The Sunday, The Sabbath, The Change, and The Restitution. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the “Christian Statesman.” Board, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. By Ellen G. White; 416 pp. $1.00.
Autobiography of Eld. Jos. Bates. 318 pp. $1.
Hygienic Family Physician. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50 cts.; in paper, 30 cts.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Camp Meetings and other Religious Gatherings. Compiled by Elder James White. 196 pp. Bound 50 cts. Paper 25 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. By U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath or False Theories Exposed. (P.M.). By Uriah Smith. Muslin, 40 cts.
The Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts. Gilt, 40 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. By J. N. Andrews, 25 cts.
Facts for the Times, revised and enlarged, 25c.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. By D. M. Canright, 25 cts.
The State of the Dead. By U. Smith. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Bible from Heaven; a Dissertation. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Miraculous Powers. Evidences, Scriptural and historical of the perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts. 20 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Ministration of Angels : and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By D. M. Canright, 20 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. By D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Redemption, or the Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness (Life of Christ, No. 2). By Mrs E. G. White. 15 cts.
The Destiny of the Wicked. By U. Smith. 15 cts.
The Saint's Inheritance, or the Earth made New. By J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Truth Found ; The Sabbath. By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
Brown's Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel's Message. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel : What it is, and when it will be consummated. By J. N. Loughborough, 80 pp. 10 cts.
Four-cent Tracts : The Second Advent.—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—The Present Truth—The Suffering of Christ.
Three-cent Tracts : Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?
Two-cent Tracts : Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Sabbath by Elihu—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Argument on Sabbath—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists.
One-cent Tracts : Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Sign of the Day of God—The Two Laws—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming to the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day, and God's Answers.
Address, Signs of the Times.
OAKLAND, CAL.
FAMILY HEALTH ALMANAC FOR 1876.
By Editor
Our new Family Health Almanac is now ready for distribution. In view of its large circulation last year, we have this year prepared for a still larger circulation, so that all orders can be promptly filled.
Its table of contents includes something of value for every one. Many improvements have been made over the issue of last year. The calendar pages are re-arranged, so that they are much more convenient for reference than before. The chronological and astronomical data are unusually full. Useful sanitary hints are given for each month in the year, which are alone worth the price of the almanac. The body of the work is made up of short, concise articles on the most prominent subjects of health reform. A choice collection of practical recipes form the concluding portion of the work. This almanac should find a place in every family in the land, not only as an indispensable calendar for daily reference, but as a missionary of noble, elevating, vital truths.
This little work is offered at the following liberal rates:—
Single copies, postage paid, 10 cents. In quantities of 50 or more, one-half discount, postage added when sent by mail.
These are better terms than are offered by any other publishing house.
Agents' outfits will be in readiness in a few days. Address, Health Reformer,Battle Creek, Mich., Or, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Health Publications, and the Family Health Almanac can be had at this Office at the above prices in coin. Agents for the Health Reformer on this coast will report to this Office, and receive their commission in coin.
Teachers of Godless Schools.
By J. H. W.
It is a well known fact that the head of the Catholic Church has denounced the common schools of America as godless, and forbidden Catholic parents sending their children to them. Strange to say we find many Catholics among the teachers in these schools. They show a wonderful desire to get the children of Protestants under their influence. “Father Gerdemann” left the priesthood of the Catholic church, and is now lecturing in Pennsylvania on the corruptions of Romanism. On the subject of public schools he makes the following pertinent remarks:—
“How is it that we find so many Catholics engaged as teachers in our public schools when, at the same time, they are forbidden as immoral, dangerous, and godless to Catholic pupils? Who can answer? It would seem as bad to act as teacher in a bad system as to be trained under it as pupil. Secondly, how is it that so many Protestants persist to trust their children to the academies and colleges in charge of sisters? They undoubtedly are aware that to a great extent those institutions owe their existence to Protestant patronage. They are aware that the sisters, all their professions to the contrary notwithstanding, try every thing to imbue the mind of the Protestant pupil with Romish superstition, and many parents experience to their sorrow what successful proselyzers those sisters are. Although the teaching and training in colleges is more thorough and complete than in the parochial schools, still it is by no means so very excellent.
“Why, then, do Protestants insist on furthering Roman influence and endangering the pure faith of their children? Who again will answer? We shall consider ourselves fortunate indeed if by to-night’s remarks we have contributed ever so little in confirming your resolution of ever maintaining the school system with which every true and loyal American is so well satisfied, which we know to be the source of our intelligence, the cornerstone of our liberty.
“Our land is so fair, so rich, so broad; our people are prosperous, free and happy; the sun never shines on a brighter land, on a freer people. Shall it always shine on a happy land, on a free people?”
“We know your answer, and therefore let us be vigilant, let us watch the crafty enemy of human liberty and progress, let us oppose his movements, let every man and party, that dares to lay unholy hands on our free schools, our free press, our free conscience, perish, that our nation may live, free, happy, and advancing.”
J. H. W.
Wanted.
By Editor
TEN thousand subscribers wanted immediately. The regular price for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for a volume of forty-eight numbers, postage paid, to all who subscribe for the paper for themselves, is $3.00. Individuals, and also Tract and Missionary Societies, who subscribe for other persons, and actually pay themselves, can have the SIGNS for one-half the regular price.
To Delinquents.
By Editor
We have sent our paper to many who have not yet paid anything for it. By this time these persons know whether it is worth to them the small sum required. They need our paper, and we need their patronage. We invite these to become full-paying subscribers for volume two, and we will give them volume one. In this case they will receive two full volumes for the small sum of $3.00. Those who do not immediately respond to this liberal offer may expect that their paper will be discontinued.
Just What is Wanted.
THERE will be ready and for sale at this Office, as soon as orders can reach us from the East, a pamphlet setting forth the condition of the Pacific Mission, the Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, its design as a pioneer paper, and the Tract and Missionary work generally. Price of the pamphlet, post paid, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Oakland, California.
Much Needed Work.
By James White
For some time we have felt that it was a duty we owed the public, to present the many interesting facts in the experience and labors of Mrs. White in a modest volume for extensive circulation. Her name is very widely known. People view her and her work variously. And many, for want of authentic statements of the facts in her life and labors, take unfavorable views of her.
We shall give quite full sketches of Mrs. W.'s life in the current volume of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, beginning the first of December. It will probably be a year before the book will be completed. We hope for 10,000 new subscribers by the first of December to commence with the proposed interesting sketches of one who should appear in her true light before the inquiring public. J. W.
New Works.
By Editor
We now design to issue several new works from our California Press which will be eagerly sought by our people everywhere.
1. A pamphlet treating on the Pacific Mission, California Press, circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and Tract and Missionary Work. Price, post paid, 10 cents.
2. Testimony for the Church, Number Twenty-six. Price, post paid, 25 cents.
3. A series of sixteen page tracts for children. Price, post paid, 2 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Review and Herald please copy.
One Thousand Agents Wanted.
SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS.
One thousand energetic persons can find employment which will be pleasant, profitable, and useful, as agents for HYGIENIC PUBLICATIONS. To those who will devote their whole time to the work, and make a thorough canvass of their respective sections, and to Tract and Missionary Societies the following special rates are offered:—
Sixty per cent. discount on the Pamphlets, Health and Diseases of Women, Tobacco-Using, and the Hygienic System.
Fifty per cent. discount on the Health Reformer, the Family Health Almanac, and “Healthful Cookery,” the new cook book.
Virginia City in Ruins.
Yesterday, the 26th, a large part of Virginia City (Nev.) was swept away by fire. Banks, hotels, railroad depots, the mining works, and almost the entire business portion of the city are in ruins.
The fire broke out early in the morning, raged all day, completely destroying over thirty blocks, at an estimated loss of $5,000,000.
The scene from the heights west of the city at 9 A. M., was most terrible. Hotels, churches, mills, hoisting works, both newspaper offices, the Opera House, business houses and residences were but a sea of fire, while the wind blew a gale, and sometimes rose to a whirlwind. Explosion followed explosion in rapid succession until the mountain side seemed a veritable pandemonium.
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE
Are utterly destitute, and hundreds of men are thrown out of employment. The weather threatens a storm and is very cold, and what is to be done with all the people it is hard to say. The Catholic, Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches are destroyed, but the other churches and school houses are thrown open for the sufferers.
Calls have been made for help. Wells, Fargo and Co. offer to carry packages of money, clothing, and provisions, free of charge.
The Last of Earth.
THE Paris correspondent of the Traveler has the following:—
“Never envy any man! All have their burdens, and He ‘that tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb,’ hath endowed habit with the power of alleviating the heaviest loads. The other day there was a funeral in this street, a few doors below the home in which I live. All the hideous pageantry which increases the horrors of death, was assembled. The crowd was numerous. The luxurious mansion of the great banker was one great funeral chamber. The banker is worth a million of dollars. His average income is a hundred and twenty thousand dollars. He is the head of a joint stock company, which enables him to dispose of ten millions of dollars at his pleasure. He is one of the lions on ‘Change’. Don’t you envy him? Oh, no; don’t envy him; he has his sorrows as well as anybody; for ’twas only six months ago the undertakers laid his third son, then nineteen, in the grave—the other day his second son was carried away by the sombre tradesman to the graveyard, tho’ the boy was but twenty-one. His oldest daughter is a hunchback, and is in declining health. His second daughter is bed-ridden with consumption, and will surprise the doctors if she outlives the winter. The banker himself is blind from over-labor. He has been known to pass twenty days without undressing or sleeping in a bed; all his repose being a few hours of feverish slumber snatched from corroding cares, a respite passed on a sofa! Oh, don’t envy the rich banker, though his coffers overflow with gold, for it avails little to him; and though, as I grant ye, the resonant chimes of coin tossed about as so much trash in his cash office sounds musical to the ear, yet the oft-hand passing bell and doctor’s tread, common in that house as the resonance of gold, destroy all the effects, except the painful contrast between the emptiness of human vanity and ambition. So, envy no man!”