p. 384 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 5, No. 48. (12/18/1879)

Earlier text: The United States in Prophecy

Religious News and Notes.

—The Independent is busily engaged defending the theory of evolution, and trying to prove that Genesis is not a history.

—It is said that Cardinal McCloskey has asked and obtained permission to erect three new bishopricks in the United States, to be under his jurisdiction.

—A party of twelve Carmelite nuns, whom the people of Gautemala had grown tired of and driven away, have recently established themselves at Yonkers, N. Y.

—At its late meeting, the Illinois Baptist State Association passed a resolution disapproving of the use of tobacco by Christians, and speaking of the habit as “a peculiar evil” in preachers.

—The Luthern church in this country is steadily advancing. The Lutherische Kalender for 1880 reports for all the Lutherans in America, 3,087 ministers, 5,376 congregations, and 689,163 communicants.

—The communicant roll of the Reformed Episcopal Church shows an increase of over 3,000 members during the past twelve months. There are now eight Bishops and upwards of one hundred clergymen.

—The Tennessee Conference of the M. E. church, South, recently reported 2652 “adult baptisms,” and only 704 “infant baptisms.” From these figures it would seem that infant baptism is dying out among them.

—At the election recently of a new Swiss Council of State, M. Cartaret, and his party, who promised to continue the war against the Ultramontanes and favor the Old Catholics, succeeded in gaining only three seats out of the seven.

—In Rome, Italy, a Waldensian preacher lately preached against mariolatry, which called forth severe articles from the priests, bishops, cardinals, and even the Pope. Masses were celebrated and special meetings held “to atone for the outrage on the mother of God.”

—Seven Belgian priests have gone to the length of prohibiting children attending the communal schools from entering their churches. In consequence the Minister of Justice has issued a circular calling attention to the existence of laws making the churches free to all.

—Mr. Moody and Mr. Sankey, who are to spend the winter at St.-Louis, commenced their meetings there on the 25th ult. The city has been divided into five districts, and the details of the work placed in the hands of a committee of laymen, composed of one from each evangelical denomination.

—The Vice-President of the United States laid before the Senate a petition of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, representing 5009 churches and over half a million communicants, asking for a Commission of Inquiry concerning the alcoholic liquor traffic. Referred.

—The Rev. George Hepworth, D. D., has had an interview with Father Hyacinthe in regard to his doctrinal position, and gives as a result the opinion that the pere is not a Protestant, except in the sense of protesting against abuses in the Church of Rome. He is still a Catholic, conducts a Catholic service, and holds essentially to the Catholic theology.

—The Council of the English Church Union has determined upon the policy of resistance to Lord Penzance’s judgment in the case of the Rev. Alexander Mackonochie. Mr. Mackonochie has expressed his willingness to go to prison. His church wardens and congregation will prevent another clergyman from officiating in his place, without authority from Mr. Mackonochie.

—Fine churches were charged by Dr. Tudor of St. Louis, at the recent Evangelical Alliance Conference, with being one cause why the masses do not go to church in cities. Dr. Tudor said: “Our fine fashionable churches deter the poor, argue the question as we may. ‘Go to your church with this bonnet? And it is all the bonnet I have!’ is the irresistible argument on the other side.”

—Infidelity being so rife in Holland, it is scarcely necessary to say that the system of education is entirely secular, but the length to which the exclusion of the Bible is carried is somewhat remarkable. A member of a school board said to the deputation to the Christian Alliance: “If it were proposed to set a headline for a copy for the children to write the words, ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners,’ it would not be allowed, because the words are taken from the Bible.”

—Cardinal Nina, Papal Secretary of State, writes to the Papal Nuncio at Brussels that the Holy See has used all efforts in the past to avoid a conflict, and that further overtures are inconsistent with its dignity. He instructs the Nuncio to return to Rome at once, if the Belgian Government recalls its Ambassador to the Vatican. The dignity of Rome was already compromised by professing good will to the Belgian Government and instructing the Bishops to continue their resistance.

—The Protestant Episcopal Church has recruited largely since the war from the Southern army. Bishop Quintard, of Tennessee; Bishop Dudley, of Kentucky; Bishop Peterkin, of West Virginia; Bishop Harris, of Michigan, and two or three others, including the Bishop-elect of Louisiana, Dr. Gallisher, all served in the Confederate army, and so did at least three of the missionary Bishops appointed by the House of Bishops—Elliott, of Western Texas; Wingfield of Northern California and Penick, of Cape Palmas.

Secular News.

—Trouble in Cuba is increasing.

—Thomas A. Doyle has been elected mayor of Providence, R. I., for the fifteenth time in succession.

—The war in Afghanistan is not ended. The natives are still resisting the English. A heavy battle has recently taken place.

—Twelve men are awaiting trial for murder in New York city. There are six indicted for murder now in Ukiah jail, Mendocino county, Cal., awaiting their trial.

—Secretary McCrary resigned, was nominated for Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Alexander Ramsey, of Minnesota, was confirmed as Secretary of War.

—An attempt to assassinate Lord Lytton in Calcutta, was made Dec. 12. As usual, when attempts are made upon the lives of nobility, the perpetrator was insane. Too many insane people at large for the safety of crowned heads and rulers.

—A railroad has just been completed to the top of Mount Vesuvius. It rises from the level of the Neapolitan Bay to the very verge of the crater. It is run by powerful traction engines, at each end, with steel ropes. It is expected to prove a paying investment.

—There is a growing feeling that the Ute Commission will prove a failure, and that a war must ensue. At a recent session one warrior gave a war signal, but it was not responded to, and some of the Indians immediately left. They all come thoroughly armed.

—The village of Red Rock, Luzerne Co., Pa., was entirely destroyed on the night of Dec. 11, by the firing and explosion of oil-tanks. The oil spread over the village, burning everything in its track. Three hundred families were left homeless in the cold.

—A recent battle between the Montenegrins and Albanians was the bloodiest and most destructive in the history of the war. Not less than 1,500 troops are reported killed, and at least 2,000 wounded. The battle was fought in the bitterest possible spirit, no quarter being given on either side.

—In the election in Massachusetts for School Committees, the women voted. The vote in Boston was nearly to the full number registered. A report says, "The decorum at the polls and the courtesies shown the new element in the voting population was a noticeable feature of the day's events."

—The most distressing accounts continue of the sufferings of the people in Upper Silesia, caused by famine. The crops were almost a total failure, and latest advices are to the effect that not less than 200,000 people are suffering for food, many of whom must starve unless relief be furnished by the Government.

—Near Harrison, Ohio, Dec. 9, on the White Water Valley Railroad, a construction train, closely following a passenger train, ran into a wagon crossing the road, containing Peter Singer, Mat. Singer, Mrs. Maggie Singer, Peter Nuse, and Miss Ella Hurley. The first four named were instantly killed, and Miss Hurley injured.

—A frightful explosion of sewer gas took place on the night of Dec. 9, on Jefferson street, from Second to Sixth streets, Oakland, by which windows were shattered, houses injured, and one porch thrown completely down; mantles were broken, plaster cracked, etc. Some houses have a scorched appearance. A similar explosion, equally severe, occurred in San Francisco on Sunday last.

—Great excitement was reported, Dec. 10, prevailing at St. Petersburg. The gendarmerie and police forces have been largely increased. They incessantly patrol the streets of the city, and are especially numerous and vigilant near the Winter Palace. These circumstances indicate that fresh attempts upon the life of the Czar are anticipated.

—Winter in Switzerland has set in with almost unexampled fury. Within the past few days earthquakes, hurricanes, and snow storms of unprecedented violence have occurred. Railroads are blockaded with snowdrifts and fallen trees, and in this city, Berne, Neuchatel, and other points, immense damage has been done to property, and considerable loss of life is reported.

—A very severe wind storm passed over the town of Renick, Randolph county, Mo., Dec. 9. The residence of Byid Ryle was torn to pieces, every member of the family being more or less injured, and Mr. Ryle fatally. The house of Joe Patrick was blown down, and Mrs. Wright, a visitor, was so seriously hurt that she died last night. The dwelling of Noah Burkhead was torn to pieces, and Mrs. Burkhead was seriously wounded. Several other houses were considerably injured, and fences, grain, stock, and trees destroyed.

—The destruction of dams on nearly all the principal rivers in Hungary and Transylvania, and the terrible inundations, are again filling the public mind with anxiety. But for the intense cold, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees below zero, Reaumar, Grossevardien, and several villages around the city, would have shared the fate of Szegedin. Temeovar, Arada, and several towns in Transylvania, were partly inundated Monday, and, as Grossevardien, a great number of houses fell in. So suddenly came the flood that hardly any preventive measures had been taken, and great damage to property is reported, but no loss of life. A continuance of the frost alone can prevent the most serious disaster.

Water of Life.

By Editor

In the "International Lessons" for Sunday Schools is the following comment on Rev. 22:1:—

"‘Water of life.’ A Hebraism for ‘living water,’ or water flowing as from a spring, fresh, clear, and cool."

After the same method of interpretation we are to suppose the expression, "Tree of life," is a Hebraism for a "living tree." Thus in Gen. 2:9 a living tree would form a beautiful contrast with the other trees, which we may suppose were dead trees, in the garden of Eden!

These international Sunday-school lessons contain about as much theological twaddle as can anywhere be found.

United States in Prophecy.

WE regret that we made the author of the article in last week's SIGNS appear to say what he did not say, namely, that a tunnel has been completed under Detroit River. There is a wide difference between a work contemplated and completed; but from present indications the statement will soon be true of the Hudson River at New York. The argument on our progress as a nation stands strong, for all must be aware that only a part of the evidences are given in these articles.

San Francisco.

LAST Sabbath there was more than an usually good turn out in the city, not only of our own people, but strangers were present. Our meeting was a good one. San Francisco is truly, as has been said, a missionary field, and we deeply regret that the Conference is not able to do more missionary work in the city at this time. Scarcely anything is being done at present when so much needs to be done. With its moving population we fear the church will not hold its own unless some provision is made for labor there.

Napa.

By M. C. Israel

By the advice of Eld. Haskell I have commenced visiting the churches for the purpose of getting them more fully to adopt the tithing system and the additional one-third for missionary purposes. Was at Napa from the 12th to 15th. At the close of our meeting on the Sabbath, stated the object of my mission and some of the Scripture evidences why we should give of our substance to carry forward the message, and the advantages of a regular system to give as the Lord has prospered us. We had evidence that the Lord worked for us, for on visiting the brethren and sisters at their homes on the two following days we found them nearly all, who had not done so, willing to sign the tithing and temperance pledges, and also to adopt the one-third, to keep up the district missionary funds. We hope, and expect, to find the same spirit manifested throughout the Conference. And as we prove the Lord by bringing all the tithes into the storehouse with our offerings, to help advance his work in the earth, we may expect that he will pour out his blessing upon us, and the cause in California will advance. We pray that he will give us hearts and grace to do our part that the promise may be fulfilled. M. C. ISRAEL.

Chico, Cal.

By J. D. Rice

CLOSED our meetings in the tent about two weeks ago on account of heavy rains. Have been laboring privately since. Thirty-nine have signed the covenant, others are keeping the Sabbath. We expect to take the tent down to-morrow and store it here for the winter.

Sabbath and to-day we held meetings organizing a Sabbath school of between forty and fifty members. Bro. L. Church Superintendent. Bro. Frank Boucher, Secretary.

T. and M. Society organized with seventeen members. Sr. Cora Boucher, librarian. Presented the Bible system of finance, and all present (thirty-four) signed the tithing pledge. To-day five willing souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. Prayer-meetings appointed for each Wednesday evening. We think there is a chance for more profitable labor here after the holidays. In the meantime we expect to labor with the churches.

J. D. RICE. R. A. MORTON.

Dec. 14, 1879.

Beecher’s Blasphemous Language

THE Monitor, San Francisco, quotes the statement of the Chronicle that Beecher's language last Sunday, as reported by telegram, was of such a blasphemous and indecent character that but few journals in the land would dare print it; and says: "We were sorry to see the horrible blasphemies published by the Bulletin. It is a sad use to be made of the telegraph and printing press, the noblest inventions of the age, thus to make them the means of disseminating such abominable utterances."

Crime Statistics in Italy

“STATISTICS of crime in Italy show a fearful state of affairs. The report of the minister shows that during the past year more than 2,000 murders were committed, an average per million of the population unequaled by any other country on the face of the globe. During the same time the number of ordinary robberies, burglaries, etc., is stated at 40,000, while there are 50,000 robberies accompanied with violence. In her long catalogue of crime Italy stands without a peer.”

DECEMBER IN CALIFORNIA.

By T. L. Harris

The silver fountain playeth White in the pale moon's shine; The mild south wind delayeth, Caught in yon fragrant pine; The garden jasmine bloometh; The violet perfumeth; The garden space assumeth A mystery divine.

After bright rains the roses Re-open, freshly fed; The calla's lip uncloses, Acacia buds dispread. Re-born the verdure springeth; O'er meadows where she wingeth The lark, delighted, singeth, To raptures caught and wed.

Is this the pale December, Who, in the frozen lands, Weeps in her widowed chambers, With deathly lips and hands? Crowned with the solar powers, Robed all in pearly showers, She leaves her budded bowers; A bride, a bride, she stands.

Heart! pining in the old time, A promise take from this! By silver time, by gold time, God cometh, with a kiss. Changed age, with blessings laden, Glides forth, a white-robed maiden, To lead thee to her aidenn— The new creation's bliss.

T. L. HARRIS.

Useful Even in Isolation

WHEN John was banished to Patmos, a lonely, rocky island in the Ægean Sea, he probably thought his usefulness was at end. But God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways (Isa. 55 : 8, 9); and therefore he who often maketh the wrath of man to praise him so overruled the event that it was for the glory of his own name and the good of his servant. From that rocky pulpit the beloved disciple has been preaching adown the centuries, and will till the glorified Saviour shall come to take his bride to himself. It is best to trust God in storm and sunshine. He can make us useful where we little think of it. See Rom. 8 : 28.—Messiah’s Herald.

Appointments.

By Editor

No providence preventing Elder J. H. Waggoner and myself will meet with the church at Santa Rosa, Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 20-21. On the following Sabbath Elder Waggoner will meet with the church at Vacaville.

M. C. ISRAEL.

Church Quarterly Meetings.

THE church quarterly meetings will be held the first Sabbath and Sunday in January. On the Sabbath the list of members is to be read by the clerk and each member is expected to respond in a personal testimony or by letter. Evening after the Sabbath or Sunday the church tract and missionary meeting will be held, at which time all dues for the past quarter should be paid.

District Quarterly Meetings.

THE quarterly meetings of the several districts will be held on Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 10 and 11, as follows:— No. 1 at Santa Rosa. " 2 " 3 " St. Helena. " 4 " Los Bolsa " 5 at Woodland. " 6 " Red Bluff. " 7 " Oakland. " 8 " San Francisco. At these meetings there should be a full report from every church in each district.

State Quarterly Meeting.

THE State Quarterly Meeting of the California T. and M. Society will be held in San Francisco Sabbath and Sunday, January 17 and 18. It is earnestly hoped that all of the Directors and other officers will be present and as many of the brothers and sisters as can.

OAKLAND—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7. Sabbath-school at 9:30 o'clock Sabbath morning.

SAN FRANCISCO—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church.

Business Department

By Editor

$2.00 EACH. T M Chapman 7-1, Wm Nuttall 6-47, Mary A Higley 7-1, T Chibot 7-1, James Dougan 7-1, W A Pratt 7-1, Lydia Crane 6-45, Cordelia Woodruff 6-47, J B Gregory 6-47, John Jones 7-1, J L Wood 7-1.

$1.50 EACH. Mrs H Reave 6-48, Sarah E Striplin 7-1, James Griswold 6-47, Jane Rench 6-26, Peter Powers 7-3, Martha J Logan 7-1, Myron C Gould 6-47, Wm Lord 7-1, L J Yoder 6-48.

50c EACH. David Frame 6-17, Joseph E Wilson 6-10, Mrs J McMulkin 6-13, Mrs Polly Denison 6-12, Edwin O Tuttle 6-12.

MISCELLANEOUS. Luther Warren (5 copies) 6.00, 6-47, Miss Ella Lucas (24 copies) 7.20, 6-12, J B Stillwell (10 copies) 12.00, 6-47, David Hoyt 75c 6-24, J Swartz 75c 6-24, Mrs J Jones (3 copies) 3.60, 6-41, S J Kelly 1.00, 6-32.

FINE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS, FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS, AND LIBRARIES FOR SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

TITLE.	PRICE.
History of the Reformation; in five volumes, by Martin. The most readable work of the kind published. Price in Morocco	$12.00
Life of Luther, and His Times, by Martin	1.50
History of the Huguenots, by Martin	1.50
Purpose	1.25
The Climbers	.90
Almost a Man	1.00
Almost a Woman	1.25
The Mediterranean	6.00
The Bird World	5.00
The Sea	5.00
Mysteries of the Ocean	5.00
The Mountain	5.00
Those Holy Fields	4.00
Spanish Pictures	4.00
American	4.00
Great Shipwrecks	2.50
Animal Life Throughout the Globe	2.50
Josephus	2.00
Golden Springs	2.00
Beautiful Birds	2.00
Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress	2.00
" " "	1.00
" " "	.75
Bible Picture Book	1.75
Indian Mirror	1.75
Bible Pictures	1.50
Picture Book of Animals	1.50
Memorials of Early Genius	1.50
Treasures of the Deep	1.50
Earth and Its Treasures	1.50
Wonders of the Underground World	1.50
Wonders of the Physical World	1.50
Self-taught Men	1.50
The Vivians of Woodiford	1.50
Stories of Animal Sagacity	1.50
Stories of Bird Life	1.50
Alpine Adventures	1.50
Home Life in Ancient Palestine	1.50
Sea Birds	1.25
With the Birds	1.25
Scenes with Hunters and Trappers	1.25
The Ocean and Its Wonders	1.25
Natural History of the Bible	1.25
S a Birds and Story of Their Lives	1.25
Aloe's Picture Story Book	1.20
The Children's Garland	1.20
The Daisy Chain	1.20
The Children's Wreath	1.20
The Children's Poesy	1.20
Natural History Scrap Book	1.00
Half Hours Among the Animals	1.00
Goat Land	1.00
Success in Life	1.00
Youthful Diligence	1.00
Mark Raffles in Japan	1.00
The Sea and the Sea Shore	1.00
Birds of Gay Plumage	.75
With the Birds	.75
Perils Among the Heathen	.75
The Boy Makes the Man	.75
The Birds We See	.75
Things in the Forest	.75
Bible Pictures and What They Tell Us	.75
Stories from Jewish History	.75
Story of Audubon	.50
" Cyrus Field	.50
" Palissy, the Potter	.50
" Scoresby, the Arctic Navigator	.50
" John Howard, the Philanthropist	.50
" John Smeaton	.50
" Sir Humphrey Davy	.50
" Benvenuto Cellini	.50
Homes of the Birds	.50
Home Circle, Vols. 1, 2, 3	each .60

OXFORD BIBLES.

They contain, in addition to the authorized Text, with References,

I. THE BIBLE STUDENTS' HELPER. 1 Notes on Old Testament. | 15 The Divided Monarchy. 2 Notes on New Testament. | 16 Genealogy from Adam to 3 Miracles in Old Testament. | Jacob. 4 Parables in Old Testament. | 17 Supposed Chronology of the 5 Miracles of Our Lord. | Acts and Epistles. 6 Parables of Our Lord. | 18 Geography and Topography 7 Names & Titles of Our Lord. | of Palestine. 8 Prophecies about Christ. | 19 Natural Hist. of Scripture. 9 Prayers found in Scripture. | 20 Ethnology of Bible Lands. 10 Harmony of the Gospels. | 21 Historical Summary. 11 Missionary journeys of Paul | 22 Symbols used in the Bible. 12 Paul's Voyage to Rome. | 23 Tables of Weights & Meas- 13 Jewish Sects, Parties, etc. | ures, and Time & Money. 14 Chronology of Old Test. | 24 The Jewish Year.

II. AN INDEX TO THE HOLY BIBLE. III. A COMPLETE CONCORDANCE OF THE SCRIPTURES. IV. DICTIONARY OF SCRIPTURE PROPER NAMES, WITH THEIR PRONUNCIATION AND MEANING. V. SCRIPTURE MAPS. 1 The Ancient World. | 7 Kingdoms of Judeh & Israel 2 Armenia, with Assyria, Bab- | 8 Assyria and the Adjacent ylonia, etc., in the Patri- | Countries, illustrating the archal ages. | Kingdoms of Solomon, and 3 Canaan in Patriarchal ages. | of Judah and Israel, and 4 The Peninsula of Sinai, with | the Captivities. part of Egypt, illustrating | 9 Palestine in the Times of the Journeys of Israelites. | Our Lord. 5 Canaan as divided among | 10 The Environs of Jerusalem. the Tribes. | 11 Journeys of Apostle Paul. 6 The Dominions of David | 12 The Roman Empire in the and Solomon. | Apostolic Age.

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NONPAREIL 16 MO. TEACHERS' BIBLES. 600 French Morocco, gilt edges stiff covers $2 35 601 " " " circuit " 2 75 605 Persian " " flexible " 2 75 610 Turkey " " stiff " 3 25 611 " " " flexible " 3 25 615 Levant " " " divinity circuit kid lined.. 5 75 661 Turkey " gilt edges, flexible covers....... 4 25 Postage 12 cents additional.

MINION 8VO. TEACHERS' BIBLES. 705 Persian Morocco, gilt edges, flexible covers.. 4 25 708 Imitation Seal Skin, gilt edges, divinity circuit kid lined.. 5 25 710 Turkey Morocco, gilt edges, stiff covers 5 00 711 " " " flexible " 5 00 715 Levant " " " divinity circuit kid lined.. 7 50 720 Seal Skin, red under gold, limp.. 10 00 Postage 18 cents additional.

WIDE MARGIN FOR MSS. NOTES. 911 Turkey Morocco, gilt edges, flexible covers..... 9 50 915 Levant " " " divinity circuit kid lined.. 14 00 Postage 28 cents additional.

REFERENCE BIBLES WITHOUT TEACHERS' HELPS. Clasp Family or Pulpit Bibles, from $7.50 to $12,00 Postage from 50 cents to 75 cents additional. 3002 Gilt Edge, stiff covers 1 00 3021 " circuit " 1 25 3029 " " brass rim and clasp.. 1 25 Postage 9 cents additional.

Those wishing to see size and type can obtain sample by writing to this office. Any one ordering Teachers' Bible for Holiday Present, can have their name stamped on the cover in gold free of charge. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

Close of the Volume.

By Editor

THIS number closes the Fifth Volume of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. We have little to say of the past, except this, that the mercy of God has followed us throughout the year. Our cares and perplexities have not been few; but often, when the way seemed hedged up on every hand, the Lord has opened it before us, and His ear has never been closed against the united petitions of those laboring here.

We were sent by the General Conference to take local charge of the SIGNS for one year. Our readers are aware that we have somewhat exceeded our time, holding our position till the end of the volume, that arrangements may be better made for the benefit of the volume to come. By the kind interest as well as forbearance of friends this has been a prosperous year for this paper. We are thankful that its present standing is what it is. When we consider the difficulties under which we have labored much of the time, and the many failures we have made, (for we have not been able, under our circumstances, to bring the paper up to that standard which we had marked for it), we feel that we have great reason to be thankful for the patience and forbearance so continuously manifested by our patrons. But whatever our failures may have been we know that none have been intentional. We have this consciousness that we have endeavored to serve the cause untiringly to the best of our ability since we came to the Pacific coast.

We are happy to say that the outlook for the paper is much brighter than it was a year ago. The prospect for the future is every way cheering. We have been able to make such arrangements that the mechanical execution of the SIGNS will be even better than it has been in the past. Much of the type will be entirely new, and of superior finish; and some young people have been in training under our own supervision to do the type setting on the paper. We think we may safely promise that the work will be first class in every respect.

But this is only a small part of the improvement which we are warranted to promise for the coming volume. It has been a matter of deep regret that the arduous labors of Sister White, during the Camp-meeting season, prevented the uninterrupted continuance of her valuable articles. We do not expect that her labors in such important meetings will be less; but the General Conference, at its late session took steps to furnish her with the requisite assistance of writers, so that there may be no interruption of her writings in the year to come. This will be a feature of the coming volume which all its readers will appreciate. To those who have had the privilege and pleasure of reading her writings not a word need be said as a recommendation of them. The conviction which they carry to every reader, of their excellence and value, is better than any recommendation which others can give them.

By reason of circumstances, beyond human control so far as we know, Brother White was prevented carrying out his intention to furnish a series of articles for volume five. But while attending the Camp-meetings the past season he was maturing his views on important Scripture subjects, which he now proposes to give through the SIGNS in an "all-year series" of articles. These articles will be a leading feature of the paper for the next volume. In making these announcements we feel doubly relieved,—not only of burdens of responsibility for the contents of the paper, but our feelings are those of deep satisfaction that the paper will be constantly supplied with the most acceptable matter.

Altogether we most heartily congratulate the patrons of the SIGNS on the bright prospect before both the paper and its readers.

The Importance of Good Reading

By Ellen G. White

"There are many who have not books and publications upon present truth. Here is a large field where money can be safely invested. There are large numbers of little ones who should be supplied with reading. The Sunshine Series, Golden Grains Series, Poems, Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle, &c., are all precious books, and may be safely introduced into every family. The many sums usually spent in candies and useless toys may be treasured up with which to buy these volumes.

"Children need proper reading, which will afford amusement and recreation, and not demoralize the mind or weary the body. If they are taught to love romance, and newspaper tales, instructive books and papers will become distasteful to them. Most children and young people will have reading matter, and if it is not selected for them they will select it for themselves. They can find anywhere a ruinous quality of reading, and they soon learn to love it; but if pure and good reading is furnished them, they will cultivate a taste for that."

BOOKS FOR ALL SEASONS!

By Editor

We wish to call attention to the following books issued at this Office for the youth and children:—

I. SUNSHINE SERIES.

This series comprises ten little books in glazed covers, each containing 32 pages of choice and attractive stories for children from four to eight years of age. Price of the series, 50 cents.

2. GOLDEN GRAINS.

This is also a series of ten books, each containing 32 pages of carefully selected stories for children from eight to twelve years old. Price, 50 cents. Bound in three volumes—The Hard Way, The School-boy’s Dinner, Grumbling Tommy—40 cents each.

3. CHILD'S POEMS.

This book contains the prettiest poems ever written for children, and will be found of lively interest. Even older ones read it with pleasure. Price, 30 cents.

4. THE HOME CIRCLE.

This series will comprise, when completed, a library of four or five books of about 400 pages each. They are filled with the choicest selections both of prose and poetry, and are adapted to the minds of the youth. Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are now ready for orders. Price per volume, 60 cts.