Considerable space in this number of the SIGNS is devoted to the General Conference, but we do not believe that our readers will complain of this. The matter which we present is of general interest, and may be read with profit by all. There is, however, besides the Conference business, a large amount of interesting and valuable matter on Bible subjects; as much, perhaps, as the ordinary reader can well digest before the next issue of the paper.
Prayers for Temperate Preachers
By Editor
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union has decided to make it a special point in their public and private prayers, to pray that the 54,000 preachers in this country "may all become total abstainers and advocates of prohibition." It is a most pitiable thing that there should be any room, and much more that there should be any need, for such prayers. Think of its being necessary to pray in private and in public, that the preachers of the gospel should practice the principles which they profess to preach.
Additional Recommendations on Labor
By Editor
The Committee on Distribution of Labor made the following additional recommendations at the last meeting, which were adopted:—
That Russel Hart, of Battle Creek, Mich., go to Norway to assist in the publishing house in Christiania for a year or so, until efficient help be educated.
That Sister Carrie Mills go to Portland to take a position in the school and Bible work.
That Elder Oscar Hill and wife go to Alabama and Mississippi to labor.
That furnishing labor to the Pacific islands be referred to the General Conference Committee, with the recommendation that someone be selected to supply the urgent wants of that field.
General Conference Book Committee Resolutions
THE following important resolutions were passed at the General Conference:—
WHEREAS, Our growing publishing interests in different parts of the world are one in purpose, and should ever be united in action; therefore,
Resolved, That this Conference appoint a standing committee of thirteen persons for the coming year, to be known as the Book Committee, whose duty it shall be to labor for the improvement and wider circulation of our denominational literature.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of this committee to hold a meeting in the spring and another in the autumn of the year, at the most convenient place for the majority of the committee to meet.
Resolved, That questions as to the necessity of establishing new printing offices, the duties and privileges of the smaller offices now in operation, and all questions that may arise between our publishing associations or general agents, shall be referred to this committee, whose decisions, after receiving the approval of a majority of the General Conference Committee, shall be considered as the voice of this body.
This committee, as elected for the coming year, is composed of the following persons: Geo. I. Butler, U. Smith, W. C. White, J. H. Kellogg, C. Eldridge, F. E. Belden, C. H. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, E. M. Morrison, J. G. Matteson, E. W. Farnsworth, R. M. Kilgore, A. T. Robinson.
Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation
By Editor
THE managers of the Chautauqua studies have done themselves honor and the public untold good by placing upon their list of studies for the present class-year the "Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation." We heartily commend this action of the Chautauqua managers, and congratulate the students. The use and influence of that book can never be anything but an unmixed good. We wish it might be studied in every home in the nation, or in the world for that matter. We are glad of the increased circulation that will be given to the book and to its sublime philosophy through the work of the Chautauqua circles. The book has been issued in a new edition and smaller size, and is sold at the low price of sixty cents. It can be had at the Pacific Press, this city.
Thanksgiving-Day and Sunday Worship
By Editor
THANKSGIVING-DAY has come and gone. It was no doubt observed throughout the country as well as is usual on this annual occasion. The churches assembled in their usual places of worship, and gave thanks to God, and worshiped him from whom all blessings flow. The saloons got in their evil work, and did a flourishing business all day. Games, excursions, and festivities of all kinds went on with great eclat. In San Francisco alone, 45,000 people attended the base-ball games. Yet with all this increased saloon traffic, and playing of games, and running to and fro, on this day specially appointed for worship and thanksgiving to God, we have heard not the slightest complaint of anybody's worship being disturbed; while on Sundays there is not nearly so much of this noise, drunkenness, and festivity, and yet the complaints are almost universal from the leaders in the churches, that their worship is most sorely disturbed. Now why is this? Why is it that with all these things nobody's worship is disturbed on Thanksgiving-day, while with not nearly so much of it on Sunday so many people's worship is so much disturbed? Why is it that that which so greatly "disturbs" people's worship on one day has no tendency at all in that direction on another day? We wish that somebody whose worship is disturbed on Sunday would enlighten us on this point. We have no idea, however, that any such will do it. The fact is that it is not at all Sunday worship, but it is solely the Sunday doctrine that is disturbed. If the Sunday doctrine had any support in the word of God, there would be no complaints of disturbance of Sunday worship.
NEBRASKA APPOINTMENTS.
By J. P. Gardiner; A. J. Cudney
The Lord willing we will hold meetings in Nebraska as follows:—
December 9-12, Raeville and Lincoln.
“ 15-20, Stearn's Prairie.
“ 29-Jan. 3, Blair country.
January 5-9, Decatur.
“ 13-16, Jackson.
We desire a general rally at each of the above-named places.
The first meeting at each place will be held at 7 P. M.
J. P. GARDINER,
A. J. CUDNEY.
Land Offer for a Presbyterian University
The Southern California Investment Company offers $200,000 worth of land in the San Francisco Valley to the Presbyterian Synod if it will establish a university at Beaumont. The offer has been referred to a committee.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
International Tract and Missionary Society.
A sixteen-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel; with Departments devoted to Health and Temperance, The Home Circle, the Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school.
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