Earlier text: UNION OF PROTESTANTISM AND CATHOLICISM BECOMING MORE APPARENT"Mabel, why do you persist in such folly?" "Why, setting yourself up in opposition to all your friends and to old, established rules, as though you knew more than anyone else." Mabel could not trust herself to answer, and continued her work as though she did not hear the sarcastic words, but it was not so to be. "Mabel, do you intend to answer me?" angrily this time and in a louder key. Mabel raised her earnest eyes and announced quietly that she did not intend to offend anyone, but dare not offend God. "Oh, how can you act so, Mabel? You know Mr. Brown said last Sunday that it was not the custom in this enlightened age to follow the literal word, that the Spirit was all that was needed, and all the Jewish practices were annulled under this dispensation. And you know your dear father died justified, and he never kept the Jewish Sabbath. Why do you not hear to your friends? People now are beginning to call you fanatical, and what would they say if they knew you contemplated giving up your office as postmistress? O Mabel, Mabel, do not be so foolish!" pleaded her aunt, nearly in tears. "Auntie, do not think it is hard for me to follow the word as the Spirit enlightens me; please do not worry so about me. I must do what I think is right." "Yes, but why are you right and all the rest wrong on this question?" "Because, dear aunt, there does not happen to be any one of our friends who has been led to see this truth, but surely there are more of this doctrine, and I will try to find them." "And will you leave old and tried friends and go to strangers for a mere whim? Are you crazy?" "No, Aunt Mary, I am not crazy, but determined with the help of God to find a home among the people of God." "Mabel, Mabel, what an aggravating girl! Who are the people of God if they do not include Mr. Brown and the Christian friends of your lifetime?" "Dear aunt, the people of God are those who love him and keep his commandments, and walk in all the light they see. The seventh day should be kept as a memorial of our God and a sign of our citizenship. As an officer of the United States, I am obliged to labor in the post office on the seventh day and close up on the first day. I am resolved to assert my loyalty to my King by showing my colors; and as I find I must give up my office or hide my colors by working on the day that God sanctified for an everlasting Sabbath, I am really driven to the choice between God and mammon. For some time this passage has been ringing in my ears: 'What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'" and Mabel's earnest eyes were again riveted on her aunt.169 Years previous both her parents had died, and this aunt had been both father and mother to Mabel, and they dearly loved each other, although, as Mabel grew into womanhood, she developed a strength of character never possessed by her aunt, who consequently could not understand it. Mabel had been appointed assistant postmistress, and fulfilled the post so well that on the death of the postmaster she had been elected to the chief place, with the good wishes of all who knew her. An earnest Christian was Mabel Graham, and in her searchings of the Book she loved, she found to her amazement that there was no authority of the Scriptures for the sanctification of the first day of the week, that the words "Christian sabbath" were of clay, and her feet were on sand instead of resting on the Rock. Mabel prayed earnestly and sought diligently, like the noble Bereans of old, and found the pearl of great price, the truth as it is in Jesus. But she found, too, that her foes were of her own household. Her aunt strongly opposed her whims, as she called them. Why must Mabel set herself at defiance? why not worship the same as their friends and neighbors? Loyalty to her God required Mabel to give up all her living, and, despite the tears and entreaties of her aunt, and the sneers of her friends, she sacrificed all to her principles. When she was entirely free from her postal duties, she realized as she never had before that her sole dependence was on the Lord for daily bread. Her aunt was too deeply incensed at her foolishness to assist her, and Mabel left her home and friends and sought employment in a neighboring town. Oh, how Mabel prayed on that journey! And the Lord heard her and prospered her accordingly; for when a child of God asks him for bread, will he receive a stone? Mabel had a school friend in that town, and on her arrival she was astonished to find that she too had come to the light on this test question, and was just entering business, in fact, had already advertised for a helper who was also a Sabbath keeper. And here was just what she needed—a companion and friend, as well as the help needed in her business. The two friends gained the confidence and good will they so much merited. Some time afterwards Mabel's aunt acknowledged that Mabel was correct, and to her niece's great delight yielded her heart to observe the Lord's day. God rewarded Mabel richly for her loyalty, and in after life success crowned her efforts. The friends formed a partnership in the business, and conducted it on the gospel plan, by being diligent in business, serving the Lord. Loyalty pays both in spiritual and temporal matters, as Mabel often declared. And her aunt thanked her niece for so staunchly avowing her citizenship by obeying the law of God. HOW TO MAKE THE SABBATH A DELIGHT TO CHILDREN.
By Mrs. Z. A. Adams
I HAVE frequently been asked the question, "How do you manage to make the Sabbath a delight to your children?" and have also been asked to give some suggestions upon this point, to which I have replied, "I scarcely know what to suggest, for, although I have four children, I have never had any occasion for perplexity on this score, for the Sabbath is, and always has been to me and my children, 'a chief delight,' a precious boon, its advent always hailed with a glad welcome. Day of all days the best." On one occasion, upon being asked this question, I replied, "When I have opportunity to do so—for I was then absent from home—I will ask my children how it is or why it is they love the Sabbath so much; then I will be better prepared to answer your question in their own words." Accordingly, at the first favorable opportunity, I called them into my presence and said: "Children, I have been requested to tell why it is you take such delight in the Sabbath, why you enjoy it so much. I thought you could best answer for yourselves. I wish you to give me your own reason. Why is the Sabbath such a delight to you?" After a moment's pause, the eldest, in a reverential manner replied, "Because the especial blessing of God always comes with it in our home, our Sabbath evening devotions, our Sabbath school, our meetings, and all through our pleasant study and talks and walks heaven seems so near." Six-year-old Delbert then said: "I know; 'cause we are doing just what the Lord did. He kept the Sabbath." "Yes," said eight-year-old, "that is it. And he made it so nice, and blessed it and sanctified it." Then twelve-year-old daughter said in a quiet, solemn manner, "I cannot give the whole reason, but it is so sacred and blissful and peaceful and happy and so delightful." These answers, though short and containing but few words, expressed much, though perhaps they come short of satisfying the inquiry, the query being, "How shall we spend the Sabbath with our children, how amuse and entertain them, how interest and instruct in a pleasant yet profitable way?" I may not be able to mention any new or untried plan as to how this may be done, but the various ways in which it may be done—and all to the glory and praise of Him who has given us this day of blessings—are legion. This subject, like every lesson and circumstance in life, is two-sided; and as we all like best the pleasant side of the picture, though it be but a word picture presented in homely language, we will consider it. And as actual experience is practically profitable, while untried plans or imaginary methods could but prove valueless, we will give account of how we have observed the Sabbath with our children for nearly twelve years, during which time it has been, as before stated, a welcome visitor, hailed with delight. We have ever endeavored to impress upon the minds of our children the thought that it was infinite love that gave us the Sabbath; that it is a special gift, given for a special purpose, with an especial blessing pronounced upon it, of which everyone is a recipient who appreciates this fact; and that, being especially blessed and sanctified holy time, an especial preparation is necessary or due on our part that we may properly and acceptably observe the day thus set apart for man, and designed for a special blessing "throughout all your generations." When the Lord was about to meet with the children of Israel upon Mount Sinai, he instructed Moses to see that a special preparation be made on the part of the people that they might be ready for the occasion. Ex. 19:10, 11. As it was the presence of the Lord on that occasion that made it one of sacred solemnity, so it is the presence of the Lord in the Sabbath that makes the day holy. Children readily understand these things when they are presented to them in that simplicity which characterizes the word of God throughout. Our children take the word of God as we give it to them. They take it as we make it. Oh, that parents might so talk of God's word before their children that they would learn to appreciate its lovely simplicity, and let their children do the same! It was the simplicity of Christ's gospel that made it so precious to the common people, the unlearned, and ignorant. It is only as children—and grown people too—grasp in simplicity the story of God's great love that that love is responded to, and a glad, willing, happy service of love rendered to him in return. Only let us learn and teach our children that all God's dealings toward us are in love, and that the Sabbath is a token of that love, and that as we accept and receive the Sabbath, we accept and receive Christ, who is the Author and Creator of the Sabbath and all things, then will our children joyfully engage in the necessary preparation on the sixth day—according to his word—that will meet the approbation of the Lord. In quiet and order, with songs of praise and grateful hearts, will they be ready to greet the commencement of the holy Sabbath at the going down of the sun. Having previously set the house in order, and each member of the family refreshed themselves with a good bath, and provided with clean clothes—and this may be done in the humblest cottage or even sod house—the chairs, stools, or boxes, as the case may be, are neatly arranged, the table is drawn into the center of the circle, and upon it are placed the Bibles, hymn books, and lesson papers if desired. Let the children understand that it is their privilege to select the song for the commencement of the evening's devotions, or, if parents suggest, let it be with care that the selection be appropriate to the childish understanding. It is well to repeat some or all of the words, and talk together of their meaning, not in a listless, but appreciative, enthusiastic manner, ever holding forth170 the love of God. The devotional exercises for the evening consist of songs of praise, a family social meeting, which brings love and unity, tenderness of heart and contrition of soul, thus bringing in a spirit of prayer, and in which the children are encouraged to bear testimony and offer prayer, indeed, made to feel that much depends upon the part they act in the bringing in of the blessing of God; then the repeating of Scripture texts, a consideration of the lessons for the day, and a Bible story by way of illustration, an evening song, the 'good-night' talk, and committing of ourselves to our Father. Thus ends the eve of the commencement of the delightful Sabbath. An evening thus spent and the sweet rest in slumber, with the perfect confidence of the child that the angel of the Lord is watching over him, can but bring a quiet, happy awakening with the dawn of the Sabbath morning, attended by gratefulness and thanksgiving to God for renewed mercies, and the privileges that each Sabbath brings. Through the day we attend the Sabbath school, in the church or home, the other services, the pleasant walk or ride to and from church, we behold the Creator and Redeemer in everything around us,—the singing birds, the growing grass and trees, the fragrant flowers, the flowing stream, the grain and vegetables, the fuel and water, food and raiment, sunlight and air, and time would fail me to speak of the many, many things which we see around us, and each furnishing a text, an illustration of God's love. Call the attention of the children to all these things. Ask God to help you to draw from each a lesson for yourself and child. Do not fear you will exhaust these resources. This cannot be done. A lifetime of Sabbaths thus spent will not do it, but each day will bring with it new ideas, new truths, new illustrations, new developments, new views of God's goodness and infinite love, to talk about to your children, that will fill them with the desire to love God more and more, and serve him better and still better, and be made more like him; and, joyful in the thought that he is soon coming to take us to be ever with him and be privileged to go up from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, to worship before him in the New Jerusalem (Isa. 66:22, 23), where the Sabbath will be everyone's delight. DAILY BREAD.
By Emily Tolman
"Give us this day our daily bread"—
What need have I to pray this prayer
Whose table every day is spread
With bounteous fare? "Hast thou no hunger, then?" one said.
"Is every want quite satisfied?
And for thy mind's sustaining bread
Hast never cried?" "Or, if thy mind has all its share,
Is there no hunger of the heart
For love, that in this daily prayer
May have a part?" "Are body, mind, and heart all fed?
Yet surely then thy soul hast need;
'Give us this day our daily bread,'
Thou still mayst plead." "Whatever hungry want be thine,
Thy Father's house hath bread to spare.
Oh, then thou canst no longer pine;
Enough is there!" The Garment Ready Wrought
"By nature we are all weavers and spinners. We shut our eyes against the garment ready wrought, and, like silkworms, we shall die and perish in our web if the Spirit of God does not unravel it for us, and lead us to the righteousness of Christ." THE BABY'S HAMMER.
By William D. Murray
In a certain city lives a family which, until quite recently, consisted of a father and mother, and a strong, healthy boy, just two years old at the time of which I write. Ever since he has been able to use playthings, his main source of joy has been a hammer. Indeed, he usually has two or three of them among his belongings. Nothing pleases him more than to drive tacks into a board, or to mend the furniture with repeated blows. He sleeps with his hammers. When he was photographed, he insisted upon holding one in his hand. Some time ago, while at his grandmother's house, he found a large carpenter's mallet. This was the biggest and heaviest hammer he had ever seen, and at once it became his chief treasure. It was carried about by day and taken to bed at night. Not long ago a little sister was born into his world, and the boy was finally taken to see her. His parents wondered how he would receive the little stranger. He gazed upon her for a few minutes, while they told him who she was, and then went to the nursery and tumbled over his toys. Soon he returned, bearing his "heavy hammer," as he calls it, and presented it to the little girl. It was his most precious possession, and he showed his love by giving it to her. Would that we were more childlike in our love! Would that we who bear the name of Christians might show our love by being willing to give up our most precious things for Him whom we profess to love! It may be that the things we value most highly are really of as little worth as the baby's hammer, but we can use them to show that we sincerely love Him who died for us.—William D. Murray. THE CHARITY PROBLEM.
By Prof. C. C. Lewis
How and when to bestow charity so as to relieve real want and at the same time preserve the self-respect of the receiver; how, further, to avoid being imposed upon by undeserving persons and still guard against doing anyone injustice, and above all how to do what we do in the right spirit, without sounding a trumpet in honor of the deed, and feeling that we are in some measure more respectable because of its performance,—these are questions of long-standing perplexity. We hope merely to add our mite in contribution to their solution. And what we have to say shall be in harmony with three Scripture exhortations, as follows:— 1. "Every man shall bear his own burden." Gal. 6:5. 2. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Gal. 6:2. 3. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Ps. 55:22. These statements, we believe, justify the following propositions:— 1. As everyone must finally bear his own burden of sin, so he should now, as far as he is able, bear his own burden of responsibility. 2. As every man is liable to fall through temptation, and to become needy through misfortune, so he should be ready to help those who may have been overcome by temptation, or who may be needy. 3. As there are burdens too great to be borne alone, or even with the aid of others, so we should learn to cast our burden on the Lord. And we believe that in the light of these propositions we shall not be far from the truth in making the following observations:— A person who, to carry the burdens he has voluntarily taken upon himself in bringing into existence a family, asks for help before he has exhausted his power to bear those burdens himself, thereby injures his self-respect, which lies at the foundation of true manhood. A man having means who sees a fellow-being exhaust his resources, and waits to be asked for aid before he proffers it, or proffers it in a surly spirit, intimating that the object of his charity lacks in management, has forgotten that he inherited his own prosperity possibly from his father and his own good management, certainly from his God. The best way to bestow charity is to furnish work, as that preserves the manhood of the receiver. There is no justice in the notion that property should be divided, giving to every man an equal share. They who advocate it doubtless expect to be benefited by the transaction. It is a self-evident truth that the man who toils hard for years, practicing self-denial and economy, is entitled to reap and enjoy the fruit of his labors, though, if he is a good man, he will take delight in sharing his store with those in want. Community of goods among the early Christians?—Yes, the circumstances demanded it. Many were away from their homes, and all men were against them. Coming to similar times, are we? Very well; when we do, Christians should and will do likewise. But the man who makes that prospect an excuse for sitting down in idleness to patiently wait for that blessed time, does not deserve to share in the community of goods; but we presume he will be on hand, nevertheless. Work is the law of the universe. One of the best ways to worship God is to do something useful and honorable. Man has no more sacred duty than to toil with brain or brawn for the care of the dear ones God has given him. Up, then, fellow mortal, and find something to do, though you get but a pittance for pay. He that travels along Do-Nothing Way may expect to arrive at Have-Nothing Borough.—College View Enterprise. A LAZY man's clock always runs too fast. Mercy counted is trouble rubbed out. Small fish will nibble at any kind of bait. No vice has any more ugly face than self-conceit. Many people think nothing can be wrong that pays well. The back-seat professor wants a front seat at a circus. The man who lives a lie does it with a sword over his head. The devil is afraid of the man who can praise God in the dark. A wise man can see more with one eye than a fool with two. The favorite employment of a conceited man is to brag of himself. If we keep close to Christ, we will never find any weight in his yoke. Don't go security for the man who lets his gate swing on one hinge. JOYS IMMORTAL.
By D. E. White
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8. Joys immortal wait the faithful;
Crowns of life they soon shall wear;
Pearly portals swinging open
Welcome all who enter there. Sweet will be their rest in heaven;
Grief and pain will all be o'er;
Joyful songs they'll sing in Eden,
Songs triumphant, evermore. "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." The sufficiency of the apostle was not in himself, but in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, whose gracious influences filled his soul, bringing every thought into subjection and obedience to Christ. His ministry was fruitful. The first great commandment is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." On these two commandments the whole interest and duty of moral beings hang. Those who do their duty to others, as they would that others should do to them, are brought into a position where God can reveal himself to them. They will be approved of him. They are made perfect in love, and their labors and prayers will not be in vain. They are continually receiving grace and truth from the Fountain Head, and as freely transmitting to others the divine light and salvation they receive. In them is fulfilled the language of the scripture, "Ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Selfishness is abomination in the sight of God and holy angels. Because of this sin, many fail to attain the good which they are capable of enjoying. They look with selfish eyes on their own things, and do not love and seek the interest of others as they do their own. They reverse God's order. Instead of doing for others what they wish others to do for them, they do for themselves what they desire others to do for them, and do to others what they are most unwilling to have returned to them. Love is of God. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce this plant of heavenly origin, which, in order to flourish, must be watered constantly with the dew of heaven. It can flourish only in the heart where Christ reigns. This love cannot live and flourish without action; and it cannot act without increasing in fervency, and extending and diffusing its nature to others. God's ministers must have the truth in their hearts, in order to successfully present it to others. They must be sanctified by the truths they preach, or they will be only stumbling blocks to sinners. Those who are called of God to minister in holy things, are called to be pure in heart and holy in life. "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." If God pronounces a woe upon those who are called to preach the truth and refuse to obey, a heavier woe rests upon those who take upon them this sacred work without clean hands and pure hearts. As there are woes for those who preach the truth while they are unsanctified in heart and life, so there are woes for those who receive and maintain the unsanctified in the position which they cannot fill. If the Spirit of God has not sanctified and made pure and clean the hands and heart of those who minister in sacred things, they will speak according to their own imperfect, deficient experience, and their counsels will lead astray from God those who look to them and trust to their judgment and experience.—Testimony for the Church, No. 19. ELDER MATTHEW LARSEN reports meetings held in Osceola, Iowa, with the result that seven were added to the church. ELDER W. S. HYATT, president of Missouri Conference, reports the dedication of two houses of worship,—one at Enyart and one at Pleasant Hill. OUR Japanese school in San Francisco now has about sixty pupils. It has furnished five students for Healdsburg College and one for Walla Walla College. OUR denominational church paper, the Review and Herald, published at Battle Creek, Mich., enters upon the new year with a new dress in which to carry its weekly budget of good words to its numerous readers. Sixteen pages, $2.00 a year. AT Anvil, Oklahoma, where there is a German church of twenty-five members, Elder R. H. Brock recently organized an English church, which at last report had fifteen members. He also reports the organization of a tract and missionary society at Columbia. ELDER DAN. T. JONES has located at Guadalajara, State of Jalisco, Mexico, as the initial point of missionary endeavor in that country. Under date of December 29 he writes: "I expect my family and Sisters Ora A. Osborne, Dr. L. A. Wood, and Ida Crawford from Battle Creek next week. I have rented a house and will have everything ready to begin work when they get here. Our first work will be to learn the Spanish language, and for this I have secured a competent teacher." AT Clarksburg, Cal., Elder A. J. Osborne reports the organization of a Sabbath school of twenty members. A time had been appointed for baptism, and fifteen were expecting to go forward in that ordinance, but the administration at the time appointed was prevented by excessive rain. THE holiday number of the Youth's Instructor is, as usual, very handsome, and filled with interesting and instructive matter. It is the best youth's paper in the country, as it contains no sensational fiction to mar the good matter. Published weekly; $1.00 a year. Address Battle Creek, Mich. A LETTER recently received from Elder Gates, of Pitcairn Island, brings the sad news that another young lady and a child had died, and still another young lady was not expected to live. Like the daughter of Brother McCoy, whose death was before announced, these had been looked upon as coming laborers in the field. DECEMBER 24 three persons were baptized in San Francisco by Elder H. A. St. John. Of the cause there he writes: "Work among the sick and poor is bringing a rich and happy experience to the workers. We are teaching that the 'loud cry' of the last message is to be anointed with the Spirit of Jesus, and, like him, go about doing good." REPORTS from Battle Creek, Mich., give glowing accounts of the work there during the week of prayer. The results were quite practical. The Review says the donations "consisted of houses and lots, cash, gold watches, silverware, organs, sewing machines, and jewelry of all kinds." The total value was estimated at $21,347. Elder F. M. Wilcox informs us that, in addition to the donations, about 100 persons were baptized, nearly all of whom were new converts. WE learn by report from Elder W. W. Stebbins that the blessing of the Lord has been upon the work in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. As a result of eight weeks of labor, a church of thirteen members was organized. In the early part of the series of meetings a Sabbath school was instituted, which now numbers over twenty members. The missionary work has also been formally organized. Some are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet united with the church. SISTER ALMIRA RUOFF, formerly of California, is now canvassing for "Ladies' Guide" in Johannesburg, South Africa. Learning that some of our brethren in America are thinking of emigrating to Mashonaland, she takes occasion to warn them to go prepared for hardships. She says it will be like going to the Western States of America 75 or 100 years ago, only not so cold. "Land can be bought cheap, and there are rich gold mines, but those who go must make up their minds to endure hardships, and plenty of them, and it will not be like home." THE persecutors of our brethren in Maryland seem to be determined to push their work to the bitter end. Those who were sentenced to imprisonment, having served their sentences, met further embarrassment. A letter to the secretary of the International Tract Society at Battle Creek, Mich., says: "They were required to make a statement to the effect that they were not able to pay their fines, and this statement had to be signed by a number of witnesses. The brethren secured the necessary paper and witnesses, and then the sheriff claimed that he could not find any of the judges to sign it, so as to release him from his bond. So they were held from day to day. Evidently it was only an excuse to embarrass the brethren." BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING MAN. By Alonzo T. Jones. Bible Students' Library, No. 76. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 16 pp.; 2 cents. "CHARGE THEM THAT ARE RICH."
By R. F. Cottrell
BY THE LATE ELDER R. F. COTTRELL. Charge them that are rich that they be not high-minded,
Nor trust in a thing so uncertain
As temporal wealth, that they be not so blinded
By Satan's delusive, dark curtain;
That they should be rich in every good work
To succor the needy and dying;
In matters financial never to shirk,
On God's gracious promise relying;
For he will not suffer the faithful to fall,
But all needed help will be given.
While you give of your means in response to God's call,
You are laying up treasure in heaven. THE late Archdeacon Hare was once, when tutor of Trinity College, Cambridge, giving a lecture, when a cry of "Fire" was raised. Away rushed his pupils, and, forming themselves into a line between the building, which was close at hand, and the river, passed buckets from one to another. The tutor, quickly following, found them thus engaged; at the end of the line one youth was standing up to his waist in the river; he was delicate, consumptive looking. "What!" cried Mr. Hare, "you in the water, Sterling? You, so liable to take cold!" "Somebody must be in," responded the youth; "why not I, as well as another?" The spirit of this answer is that of all great and generous doings. Cowardice, and coldness too, says, "Oh, somebody will do it!" and the speaker sits still; he is not the one to do what wants doing. But nobility of character, looking at necessary things, says, "Somebody must do it; why not I?" And the deed is done.—Selected. "RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LIBRARY," NO. 16.
THE title of this little 12-page tract is, "Our Answer: Why Do Seventh-day Adventists Suffer Imprisonment Rather Than Keep Sunday?" This question naturally grows out of the recent experiences of our brethren in the States of Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Maryland, and the question is answered in a forcible manner. It should be circulated everywhere. Address any of our State tract societies or publishing houses. Price, 1½ cents. STEPS TO CHRIST. The Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal., have received an entirely new stock of the latest edition of that excellent book entitled "Steps to Christ," by Mrs. E. G. White. The price, postpaid, is only 75 cents. Address as above. FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOL.
With Illustrations and Special Instruction for MOTHERS AND TEACHERS.
BY LILLIE E. AFFOLTER AND F. E. BELDEN. THE LIFE AND WORDS OF CHRIST
The first of a Series of Three Books covering a Three Years' Course of Graded Scriptural Instruction for Children. "BIBLE OBJECT LESSONS," NO. 1, CONTAINS
160 PAGES, EMBRACING
52 Lessons—one for each Sabbath in the Year.
30 Original Hymns and Songs, Written for the Lessons.
36 Beautiful Full-page Illustrations, with Colored Plate.
52 Original Pen Drawings, showing how to use the Kindergarten Material when Teaching the Lessons. In the following styles of binding. Orders by mail will be filled postpaid at prices given below.
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When the Kindergarten Material (set of three boxes) is ordered with the book in either style of binding, purchaser will receive a beautiful premium "Portfolio of Blackboard Sketches on the life of Christ," to aid mothers, teachers and children in drawing. Special Kindergarten Material
To Accompany "Bible Object Lessons and Songs for Little Ones."
Book 1.—The Life and Words of Christ. The material for this book consists of three boxes: (1) Cubes and Triangles; (2) Squares and Oblongs; (3) Miscellaneous Supplies; two Cones and two Domes; ten 1-inch and twenty 3-inch Mounted Orange Sticks, to represent people; thirty-six 3-inch and twenty-four 1-inch Unmounted Green Sticks for Outline and Tree Building; ten Miniature Sheep; and Crumpled Green French Tissue Paper, to represent water. Boxes 1 and 2 are made of finished cherry, 3x3x3 inches, with locked corners and sliding top. The blocks are of hard maple. Box 3 is of pasteboard with double sides.
Price of the three boxes, by mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 75
Discount to schools when ordered in quantities.
Prices on Special Round Kindergarten Tables and Small Chairs on application. Parties in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Arizona and New Mexico, address Oakland House.
Those in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Long Island and New York City, address New York House. Or 43 Bond St., New York. PERIODICALS WANTED.
By Editor
CLEAN copies of any of our periodicals for missionary work will be thankfully received, if sent postpaid to Mrs. Helen Tidd, Waldo, Alachua County, Fla. CLEAN copies of the Signs of the Times or American Sentinel, if not older date than November, 1893, will be thankfully received for missionary work by Mrs. Nannie Peterson, Cathay, Mariposa County, Cal. CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers. Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited. San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free. Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome. East Portland, Oregon.—Church, No. 507 East Ankeny St. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free. DOES THIS MEAN YOU?
By Editor
WE notice on examination of our SIGNS list that many clubs and single subscriptions expire during the month of December. We feel sure that none want to miss any of the valuable instruction that is being printed from week to week in the SIGNS. We therefore advise early renewals, thus saving a break in the series of articles. Please notice the date on your address label of this number, and if your time has about expired, please renew at once. This will save us trouble, as well as yourselves.