Earlier text: State Prohibition ConventionJohnnie's Temptation.
By Mrs. M. E. Kidder
"Oh dear! I can't get this example," and down went book and slate in a very impatient way. "If you will let me, I think I can help you," said a voice near. Johnnie looked up in surprise, for he thought he was alone, and was more astonished still when he saw before him his mother's washer-woman's son. They both attended the same school in N—— village, and it had been Johnnie's delight to tease Willie about his clothes and encourage others to do the same. Only that morning Johnnie had hid his hat at play-time, and put a stick in his dinner-basket. "Are you willing to help me after hiding your hat?" Johnnie thought of the stick and determined to take it out as soon as possible. "I found it very easy. What is it you don't understand?" and the despised washer-woman's son sat down on the grass by the merchant's son, and together they soon had the knotty problem solved. Without stopping to thank him, Johnnie took his book and slate and went into the school-house to remove the stick from Willie's basket. Willie looked up in surprise at his sudden departure, but seeing some boys coming, thought Johnnie was ashamed to be seen with him. With a flushed face he wandered off alone till the bell rang. It was near the end of the term. The teacher had offered a prize for the best number of marks during the term in arithmetic. Johnnie, among others, was trying very hard for it. His father had promised him a velocipede if he obtained the prize. As the time drew near, the boys knew the prize was between Johnnie and Willie, but it was hard to tell which would get it. Two weeks before the time the teacher gave out an example. The boys were to work it out and bring it in on paper, and at the close of school the one who got it right was to explain before the company. Two days after, as Willie was going with clothes to Mrs. Brown's house, he stopped to see Johnnie rowing his little sister in a small boat, which was on a lake near the house. As he stood watching, a little black and tan dog came running down to the water. As soon as he saw his little master in the boat, he made a spring and landed on the edge, upsetting it and throwing them in the water. Willie knew Johnnie could not swim, so he jumped into the water. He caught Lillie and brought her to the shore and laid her down to go for Johnnie. Their cries had brought Mrs. Brown and the servants to the spot, who cared for Lillie. Willie found it more than he could do to keep Johnnie up in the water, for he held on to him so he could not swim, and being as large as Willie, they both went down together. Mrs. Brown's gardener brought a rope, and when they saw them come up threw it to them. Johnnie caught it, but Willie's strength was gone, and he sank again. The gardener gave the rope to Mrs. Brown and the servants, who attended to Johnnie, while he swam out for Willie. He brought him to the shore, but it was some time before he became conscious. He was placed in Johnnie's bed and the doctor and his mother sent for. The doctor thought it best not to move Willie for a day or two, until he was stronger. The day after, Johnnie sat by Willie's bed, waiting for him to wake. Willie finally opened his eyes. "Oh, I am so glad you're awake. I want to talk to you." "Do you? About the example?" "No; you know we were not to ask anyone about it." "Yes, I forgot. It seems a week since yesterday." "You know the day you showed me how to do the example?" Yes, Willie did remember it. "Do you know I was mean enough to put a stick in your dinner that day?" "No; I went in and took it out. What made you so patient when all us boys tried our best to torment you?" "Because I am trying to be a Christian." "Well, you are a strange boy. Do you know you almost died trying to save me?" "The Lord died to save us all." "But wasn't you afraid when you thought you was going to die?" "Oh no; I am not afraid to die." Just then Johnnie's mother came in and told them Willie must not talk any more then. The next day Willie went home. It was only a week now before school closed; the example was in everyone's mind. The boys were to give in their papers the day before, so the teacher could see who were right. Each boy passed up and laid his paper on the desk and took his seat again. The teacher laid them in his desk and closed it. At noon the scholars had an hour for dinner. Most of them went home. After they had gone two boys entered and looked around. "What do you want to take it for? You won't get it." "I don't want it. I only want him to be wrong. Every one made such a fuss when he saved Johnnie Brown, if he gets the prize he will be too proud to come here to school; he'll have to go to a private school when his mother gets rich washing." They went up to the desk, and looking over the papers, took out the one with Willie Dean on it, and put in another in its place. After fixing things as they were, they went out, taking the paper with them. As the door closed, a little black head peeped from behind a bench, and Sally Jones looked as if she meant to do something. Taking her basket, she went to the and climbed out, seated herself under a tree, where the boys saw her quietly eating her dinner. She watched them tear up the paper and hide the pieces in a hole in a tree. "Go, get us a match, Sally, will you? We want to burn out a hornet's nest that is in here." "I can't reach the matches, but here is more paper for you." "No, I won't; you come with me." Jim felt guilty, and was afraid. So putting the paper Sally gave them on top, they went after the matches. As soon as they were gone, Sally pulled out the paper, as she knew there were no hornets there, and taking out the white papers and hiding the in her basket, she put the other back and went off. She ran as fast as she could to Johnnie Brown's house and asked to see him. Mrs. Brown called Johnnie, but Sally stood looking at both with red cheeks and flashing eyes. They both looked at her in wonder. "What do you want of me, Sally?" "I want to whisper. I'm afraid some one will hear." "Don't you want me to hear?" asked Mrs. Brown. "No ma'am; if you won't be angry." "No;" said Mrs. Brown, smiling, as she walked away. Sally took Johnnie's hand and went out under a tree, where she sat down and told Johnnie to. Johnnie obeyed, wondering what would happen next. Sally emptied the contents of her basket in her lap. "There, do you see them, Johnnie Brown?" "Well, they are Willie Dean's example. The boys went and stole it and tore it up, and was going to burn these, only I stole them, too, I did." "Who did, Sally, and how did you know it?" So Sally told him all about it. "Never mind, Sally; I'll paste them together and put them back." "You won't tell, will you? because Jim and Louis might hurt me if they knew I told." "No, I won't tell. I'll fix it all right." After making him promise again, Sally went away. Johnnie sat in a very thoughtful mood. Here was a great temptation; if he did not put them back, he would likely get the prize, for there was another with Willie's name, Sally said, and Mr. Forbes would never know. He thought for a long time about all Willie had done for him in saving his life, and he got up, determined to ask his mother's advice, which he did, not forgetting to tell her how he had been tempted. His mother thought it best to tell Mr. Forbes, who looked at the paper, and finding it right, told Johnnie he would arrange it, but not to say anything about it. The next day the room was crowded with the friends of the children. After the exercises were over, Mr. Forbes arose to tell who had received the prize. He cleared his throat, and looking around, said, "Willie Dean is the only one who is right; he may step forward and explain it on the board." Willie stepped forward, and after explaining it satisfactorily received a handsome book. Mr. Forbes then said: "I have now another prize to give, which I did not offer, but I think all will agree with me that it is well deserved. There were two boys whom you all know, who have kept very close in their marks all the term; this example was to decide which deserved it. Two boys in this school, for reasons which I do not know, saw fit to try to take the prize from Willie. During my absence they took his paper from my desk and placed another in its stead. I will not say how Johnnie Brown got it, but he did. If he had destroyed it, he would likely receive the prize. He worked hard for it, and when it was almost in his grasp, he manfully came to me and told of the deception. I know the boys who did it, and if I return next term, it is according to their behavior whether they return or not. John Brown may now come forward and receive a prize for proving himself a boy that will do right in the face of temptation." There was loud applause as Johnnie received his prize, and one father and mother felt proud of their son. He received the promised velocipede, and Willie enjoyed a great many rides on it, for Johnnie found it was better to be poor and honest, than to be rich and dishonest.—Mrs. M. E. Kidder, in Christian at Work. A woman of the world went to church. After dinner her husband asked her, "What was the text, wife?" "Oh, something, somewhere in Generations; I've forgotten the chapter and verse. Mrs. High sat right before me with a Mother Hubbard bonnet on. How could I hear anything when I could not even see the minister? I wouldn't have worn such a looking thing to church if I'd had to go bare-headed." "How did you like the new minister?" "Oh, he is splendid! And Kate Darlin was there in a Spanish lace cape that never cost a cent less than $50; and they can't pay their butcher's bill, and I'd wear cotton lace or go without any, first." "Did he say anything about the new mission fund?" "No. And the Jones girls were all rigged out in their yellow silks made over; you would have455 died laughing to have seen them. Such taste as those girls have! And the minister gave out that the Dorcas Society will meet next week for work at Sister Jones's residence—that old pokey place." "It seems you didn't hear much of the sermon?" "Well. I'm sure it's better to go to church, if you don't hear the sermon, than to stay at home and read the papers. And oh, Harry! the new minister has a lovely voice; it nearly put me to sleep. And did I tell you that the Riches are home from Europe, and Mrs. Rich had a real camel-hair shawl on, and it didn't look like anything on her." A long silence, during which Harry thought of several things, and his wife was busy contemplating the sky-view, when she suddenly exclaimed: "There! I knew I'd forget to tell you something. Would you believe it, Harry, the fringe on Mrs. Jones's parasol is an inch deeper than mine, and twice as heavy. Oh, dear! What a world of trouble this is!"—Sel. The Home Circle.
By Vandyke Brown
NOW THAT THE DAY IS DONE.
The sun goes down in his regal glory,
The sun goes down, for the day is done;
With darkness ends forever the story
Which first in the rosy morn was begun.
What if this day were the final one?
For good or for evil 'tis written forever—
One page in the book of Time, which never
Can altered be by human endeavor,
Now that the day is done! In the deepening twilight I sit and ponder
On all that this vanished day may have brought;
Has it filled the promise of morn, I wonder?
Have its hours with pleasure or pain been fraught?
Shall we ever regret that its course is run?
How many who bravely went forth in the morning,
All fear of possible danger scorning,
Lie stark and cold—oh, pitiful warning—
Now that the day is done! How many thousands, in anguish and sorrow,
Are watching the shadows of night descend,
For this dying day was once that to-morrow
On which they counted as on a friend.
But alas for the friend they leaned upon!
He has proved the traitor to mock and bereave them—
His sunshine has been but a cheat to deceive them,
And naught but the dregs in the cup does he leave them—
Now that the day is done! But in many a home that was filled with gladness
When the morning broke, there stalks to-night
A phantom that turns all joy into sadness,
That casts on all coming time its blight
(Alas, that the day was ever begun!),
And little it comforts those hearts in sorrow
To know that the sun will rise on the morrow—
His rays can never their old charm borrow,
Now that the day is done! But just one day is the old world older,
But just one day are we nearer the end.
Have hearts grown warmer, or have they grown colder?
Have we raised up the weak or assisted a friend?
What if this day were the final one?
From the flush of the morn to the sun's last setting
The world has been toiling and striving and fretting,
And what has been gained that was worth the getting,
Now that the day is done?
—Vandyke Brown. Religious Notes.
By Editor
-There are sixty Methodist churches in New York City. -In the United States there is one regularly ordained minister to every 700 inhabitants, while in India, China, Japan, and Africa, there is only one missionary to every 2,000,000 people. -The Christian Union thinks that Moody's career as a special itinerating evangelist is fast drawing to a close, and that in a few years his name and work will be a pleasant memory, and nothing more. -At the Franklin Baptist Association held at McLeansboro recently, strong resolutions were adopted on the Sunday question, asking for not only a strict discipline in the churches, but for an enforcement of State laws. -The California correspondent of the Christian Statesman, in a recent communication to that paper, made the following statement: "Politics and the political and secular press do much to mould the sentiment of the pulpit." -A "captain" in the Salvation Army, in England, accepted a gold watch as a testimonial of respect from the people of the district where he had been laboring, and was discharged from the army in consequence. Two "lieutenants," who had accepted similar gifts, were also discharged, but were restored to their position on returning the presents. -The S. S. Times, says: "The New Testament Revision took off the head of at least 10,000 sermons, more or less. And 10,000 more sermons—and not less—would have their heads taken off if the Bible facts or Bible figures on which they are based were examined more critically. The Bible text is inspired; but sermons from Bible texts are commonly not inspired." -The Young Men's Christian Association of Chicago has sent invitations to the ministers of the northwest for a Convention to be held in that city on the 11th, 12th, and 13th inst., to consider the question of revival work during the coming winter. Over 450 ministers have signified their intention to be present. Several eminent clergymen from Europe and America will deliver addresses. -The parishioners of a clergyman in Scotland, in expressing to him their aversion to the use of manuscript sermons, asked: "What gars ye take up your bit papers to the pulpit?" He replied that it was best, for, really, he could not remember a sermon, and must have his paper. "Weel, weel, minister," they retaliated, "if ye canna remember the sermon, then dinna expect that we can." -The Iroquois County Times, published at Watseka, Ill., gives an account of the S. D. Adventists' camp-meeting recently held there, and speaks very highly of the order on the ground, and of the principles taught and practiced by our people. It says, in closing: "We should be glad to welcome back the Seventh-day Adventists another year, and in this we but echo the unanimous sentiment of the people of Watseka." -We hardly know how to characterize the action of the Methodist Conference in adopting a "telegram of brotherly sympathy to S. A. Redding, who lingers just on this side the river, and ever expects to pass over into the good land beyond." There seems to be just a little doubt as to the goodness of the land to which he is immediately going, or else their action was a farce. The Conference meant well, but it is hard for the face of men to reconcile a false doctrine with common sense. -There is said to be a young preacher in Richmond, Va., who uses in his sermons such language as this: "Unmeasurable eternities," "redemption-conditioned creation," "internal self-determination impaled upon the sharp retribution of an overmastering omnipotence," "the ethical activity of inert masses," "the interior divinity flashing forth in transfiguring splendor and revealing the separateness of the Son of God," etc. All of the preceding was taken from one of his published sermons. That man could study the sermon on the mount with great profit. -The following was adopted at the closing meeting of the Methodist Conference recently in session in Oakland: "Resolved, That we believe the American Sabbath, the day of rest incorporated in the organic structure of the nation, is a recognition of the doctrine of the decalogue and the authority of God; that any attempt to abolish or change the day is an attempt to destroy the national life; that the civil Sabbath in the Republican States depends upon the ballots of the citizens; that it is the duty of the Christian citizen to cast his vote where it will best promote the highest interests of the Christian Sabbath." -The National German Catholic Central Society, in session last week in Milwaukee, adopted a resolution in regard to prohibition, from which the following are extracts: "We believe in being temperate in all things, drinking included, and practice and recommend the same course; that we consider erroneous and unwise the condemnation and prohibition of the gifts which Providence has bestowed, such as wine and other beverages secured from fruits and grain; that we consider the present prohibition agitation as a mental epidemic, lacking logical and moral educational principles; that we especially protest against a prohibitory declaration that the poor-houses and jails throughout the country are filled with the effects of the license system." "We are of the opinion that the attacks of Prohibitionists upon personal liberty endanger the stability of our American institutions. Whoever wishes to support the latter should oppose prohibition." In this connection we also note that the California Methodists in their recent Conference, protested against any special prohibition agitation, believing that the country is not ready for it. They don't want a prohibitory law until all men are prohibitionists. -News from Pensacola, Florida, state that the yellow fever is still on the increase. -The coinage at the San Francisco Mint for the month of September was $4,000,000. -The reduction of the national debt during the month of September was about $16,000,000. -The Emperor of Austria has contributed 100,000 florins for the relief of the sufferers by the floods in the Tyrol. -The immense sugar refinery of Harrison, Havemeyer & Co. at Philadelphia, was burned on the 25th ult. Loss, $1,000,000. -Judge Folger, Secretary of the Treasury, has been nominated by the Republicans of New York, for Governor of that State. -Small-pox is raging at Cape Town, South Africa. There have been over 2,000 cases, mostly natives. Of these, 600 have proved fatal. -There is evidence of cholera in the State of Chiapas, Mexico. In Axtla, with a population of 5,000, there were twenty-eight deaths in one day. -Miss Frances E. Willard, President of the National W. C. T. U. has promised to come to California next spring, to labor in the temperance cause. -The New Orleans Times-Democrat estimates that the flood of 1882 costs the Southwest over $26,000,000, of which $15,000,000 fell to Louisiana's share. -It is estimated that the corn crop of Texas will reach 170,000,000 bushels. The value of the State's agricultural products is placed at $100,000,000. -Dr. R. H. Mc Donald, President of the Pacific Bank, San Francisco, was nominated for Governor of California, by the newly-organized Prohibition Home Protection Party. -Earthquakes have continued in Panama since the 7th ult. The losses at Panama amount to $250,000; at Aspinwall they amount to $1,000,000. There have been four deaths. -The boys of the Somerville Glass Works, Boston, struck for higher wages; but the Chief of Police threatened to make them go to school, and they at once resumed work. -A law just passed in Denmark provides that all drunken persons shall be taken home in carriages at the expense of the landlord who sold them the last glass. Now, that is civilization. -Eight of the principal lecturers of the Women's Suffrage Association are to lecture in Nebraska until the election. At that time a vote is to be taken on the Woman's Suffrage Amendment. -One of the severest storms ever known in that place occurred at Red Bluff, Cal., October 1. Both the hail-storm and the heavy rain which followed, were accompanied by heavy thunder and lightning. -In an interview between Said Pasha, the Turkish Prime Minister, and the Greek Minister, at Constantinople, the latter declared that Greece would not renounce an inch of territory ceded to her by the Porte. -The Pennsylvania Railway Company is placing upon the engine of each of its trains a tin box containing bandages, lint, liniments, etc., which will be accessible to conductors and other train hands in case of accident. -Dr. Norman Kerr, the medical temperance worker, estimates the annual mortality of the intemperate in Great Britain at 40,500, and the indirect mortality resulting from intemperance at double that number. -Governor Hawkins, of Tennessee, says that the prospects of the South as a manufacturing section are very flattering. About $2,000,000 are now invested in Tennessee in cotton factories, which are paying large profits. -The Khedive will shortly issue a decree granting amnesty to all officers, from captains downward, engaged in the rebellion, except those who participated in the riots or joined the army since the beginning of the campaign. -The Republicans of the Second Congressional District, Louisiana, succeeded in making their nominations only after a free fight, in which many were knocked down, pistols were drawn and fired, and the Sergeant-at-arms was fatally stabbed. -Judge Jere Black has espoused the cause of the Mormons, and will present to the Secretary of the Interior an argument in favor of the removal of Governor Murray, of Utah, and also to prove that the Utah Commission is unconstitutional. -A party of horsemen belonging to the French topographical expedition, was recently attacked by brigands near Tunis. The French commander was killed, and seven of his men disabled. The brigands lost thirty killed and fifty wounded. -Two men in Virginia recently settled a long-standing feud under peculiar circumstances. While service was quietly progressing in the Baptist church, the people were startled by the sound of fire-arms. A panic ensued, in which many persons were injured, Both the men were killed. -The Porte has addressed a note to the British Ambassador, demanding to know what steps are contemplated by his Government in regard to the withdrawal of the British troops from Egypt, as they are no longer needed in that country. It will doubtless be some time before the Porte receives an entirely satisfactory answer. -The saloon-keepers of Union Grove, Wis., were greatly incensed against a minister because he stated in a prohibition convention that the business men of the place favored license. They claimed that such a statement gave their town a bad name. It is a good sign when rum-sellers begin to feel that their business is a disgrace. -The Railroad Commissioners of California, at a recent meeting, passed a resolution fixing the maximum rate for transportion of passengers on all roads in this State at four cents per mile, and that in fixing the rate of fare for passengers, the distance shall be estimated at the nearest whole number of miles, and the charges shall be estimated at the nearest multiple of five cents. -The system of selling goods on installments, with the proviso that the seller may seize the articles whenever a single payment has been neglected, and that without refunding anything, has received a blow in an English County Court. The Judge described the agreement in common use as most infamous, and ordered a nonsuit, declining to hear the plaintff's solicitor or to grant a case of appeal. -One of the speakers in the economical section of the British Association, which recently met at Southamton, England, claimed that the stature of the various populations in the British Islands had been sensibly diminished by the use of tobacco. In the same section a warm discussion took place on the question of liquor licensing, and Professor Bourne claimed that an increase of duty on spirituous liquors was necessary, seeing that the greater part of the revenue derived from this source was expended directly in preventing, punishing, and repairing the evils which result from the liquor traffic.—S. S. Times. -The Monitor (Catholic), on the 'End of the Egyptian Struggle,' says: 'Gladstone's oft-repeated promises, if they are fulfilled, will not satisfy the people of England, who have no desire to be taxed to carry on a fracas against a section of the Egyptian people for the mere glory of marching up the hill and down again. In the meantime, Russia is rapidly getting her munitions of war in handy places for ready use; France and Italy are burnishing their armor, and, if the 'signs of the times' point to anything, they demonstrate a determination among the European powers to prepare for a terrible conflict at no distant day, a war that will change the boundaries of some European countries, and make England sorry that she ever entered upon the Egyptian imbroglio.' -An interesting case is under advisement by a San Francisco Court. The law makes it a crime to admit or permit a child under sixteen to enter or remain in a saloon or any place of entertainment where liquors are sold, exchanged, or given away. Three girls, from eight to twelve years of age, were sent to a saloon by their parents for beer, and were admitted and the beer sold to them. The defense is that the law does not apply to children sent by their parents on an errand. How the defendant manages to squeeze such an idea from the cold and dry letter of the law, or its evident spirit and purpose, either, is more than ordinary mortals can divine. It is difficult to see how parents can give permission for the violation of the law. It is a law for police regulation in society, and not for parents merely, who may or may not refuse to consent to its avoidance.—Record-Union. Quackery in Hebrew Exposed.
By Editor
SOME time since, there was sent to us an article first published in the Popular Science Monthly, in which the writer attempted to prove that our translation of Genesis, in which is given the age of the patriarchs, is incorrect; that the true reading of the Hebrew makes Adam's age 139 years instead of 930. We were well aware that it was incorrect, and laid it aside for examination, but before we found time to attend to it, the editor of the Review and Herald had referred it to Dr. Harper, who is undisputed authority on such questions, and received the following answer:— ELDER URIAH SMITH:
Dear Brother,— The article referred to has already been called to my attention several times. I can only say in reference to it; 1. That subsequent numbers of the Popular Science Monthly contained replies to this article, and that it would only be fair if those papers which published the article would also publish the reply. 2. That no more false conception of Hebrew syntax could be penned than that which lies at the foundation of the article. The writer shows himself to be lamentably ignorant of the most common principles of the language. A more brazen, unreliable, unscholarly statement could not well be imagined. It is so absurd as to be unworthy of a reply. Yours truly,
W. R. HARPER,
Baptist Union Theological Seminary, Chicago, Ill. Sunday in California.
By Editor
MANY of the secular papers and politicians fail to see why we should take so much interest in the political campaign in this State, seeing that our paper has been kept entirely aloof from politics heretofore. They look at the matter with the eyes of politicians, and yet they know that we are conscientious observers of the seventh day of the week, which is the Sabbath of the Lord, and that political editors and speakers are demanding a Sunday Law so rigorous, enforced by penalties so heavy, that no one will dare to transact any business on Sunday. This is a direct infringement on our rights as citizens and Christians. These editors and speakers largely admit that it is not a matter of conscience with them, and ministers, as A. J. Nelson for instance, openly declare that conscience must be subordinated to civil law! Others advocate the Sunday Law professedly on "sanitary" grounds alone, and preach stirring sermons on "police regulations." We do not object to their taking such a questionable course, if they see fit to act so inconsistently with the true position of ministers and Christians; we recognize their "free agency," and let them take their own course. But we do object to their efforts to subordinate our consciences to matters of worldly policy. We do object to any party, for the sake of gaining votes, announcing its intention to restrain us in the exercise of our constitutional rights in matters of religion. Ministers, acting as politicians, may subordinate their consciences as much as they please. We will give them the credit of knowing how little their consciences are worth, but will not admit that ours are equally valueless. We shall make known our principles and our rights as far as we possibly can. Another important point they entirely overlook. This religio-political campaign is in the direct interest of a counterfeit Sabbath, an illegitimate substitute for the Sabbath—the rest day—of the Creator of the heavens and the earth. We love the Bible, and its Author, and its institutions. God has never acted without a reason. His institutions are not the result of chance or caprice. He gave his Sabbath as a memorial of creation, that people might know that he is God, the Creator of all. Eze. 20:11, 12, 19, 20; Acts 17:22-29; Rev. 14:6, 7, and others. This memorial is set aside without a particle of Scripture proof or warrant, and a relic of superstition exalted in its place, and a great party in California stands pledged to make all men bow to the act of usurpation. And then politicians, whose vision has no wider range than to take in votes, rise up in wonder that we should take any interest in the matter! Of all people we should be most deeply interested. Who was more deeply interested in the law of Persia than Daniel, seeing that the law struck directly against his worship of the true God? We have an important truth for these last days. See Rev. 14:9-14. But we have not received it for ourselves alone. We owe a duty to God and to the world. The commandments of God, fourth commandment included, and the faith of Jesus, are the "present truth," and must be proclaimed to the world. Great events are near to come, and all nations and people must receive the warning. And shall we see the commandment of God assailed, despised, subordinated to human policy and to party politics, and sit still and say nothing? God forbid. Our prayer is that we may be yet more faithful, and give the warning with yet greater zeal for the honor of God and his truth. Missing Name and Address
By Editor
To R. F. E.—We have no copy of it. SOMEDODY sends an order for the Special Edition of the SIGNS, but gives no name or address. The envelope bears the postmark of Dublin, Neb. Who is it? No paper Next week.
By Editor
THE date of this paper is the time of the commencement of the camp-meeting at Healdsburgh. Next week, Oct. 12, there will be no paper published, as we wish all the hands to have the opportunity of attending the meeting. Prospects for Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
Elder Israel sends us (Oct. 2,) very cheering news from Healdsburgh. Preparations for the meeting were well under way. The rain had laid the dust nicely and the weather comes off warm and pleasant, as it always does in California after a rain. Everybody is looking for a good meeting, and we believe they will not be disappointed. Early Rains in California.
THE rainfall Sept. 16 was quite heavy in some places, and the area covered by the rain was quite large. Early on the morning of the 30th it commenced to rain again, and during that day and Oct. 1 the fall was considerable, especially for this season of the year. This is the first time within our knowledge of California that it rained twice in September. Of course this is no proof that we shall not have a pleasant fall. We had two weeks of splendid weather since the other rain. The papers state that the Indians in Butte County are predicting a wet winter, and are already making preparations to guard against the heavy floods. We never knew Californians to frown at the idea of a wet winter. Guide to Correct Language.
By Editor
WE have before noticed this work, by Prof. G. H. Bell, late of Battle Creek College. The author has the publication and sale of the book in his own hands now. His address is South Lancaster, Mass. We are sending for a quantity for the benefit of our apprentices and others in this office. No printing-office should be without it. The Bliss of Ignorance.
By Editor
WHEN Bishop Ames was once holding Conference in Illinois, a preacher, who looked with disdain upon educated ministers, made a speech against such, and thanked God that he had never been to college. "Do I understand," said the Bishop, "that the brother is thankful for his ignorance?" "You might consider it in that light," he replied. "Then," added the Bishop, "I think he has much for which to be thankful." It is not alone in the Methodist Church, nor in "the rural districts," that we find professed teachers who feel complacent in their ignorance; who boast that they do not understand the words which the Holy Spirit has given to us for light and instruction (See 2 Peter 1: 19-21, and 2 Tim. 3: 15-17), and look with disdain upon those who will not rest content with the same degree of ignorance which they so justly claim. And yet, in the words of Solomon, they are wiser in their own conceits than seven men who can render a reason. From all such, we pray, Deliver us. Newspaper Change.
By Editor
MR. J. B. IRISH, late of Iowa, has purchased a half interest in the Oakland Times, and taken editorial control of the paper. Mr. Irish comes to this city with a well-established reputation as a journalist and a politician. In his hands the Times becomes a Democratic paper. Each party has now a representative paper in Oakland. THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study. 416 pp. $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich. THOUGHTS ON BAPTISM.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner
Being an examination of its ACTION, SUBJECTS, and RELATIONS. Also, a brief consideration of the Historical Evidences of Trine Immersion. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Price, postpaid, Paper Covers, 25c.; Flexible Cloth, 35c. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
By Editor
A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price 10 cts. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.