Earlier text: ObituariesAfflictions as God’s Angels
AFFLICTIONS, like God's angels, will move away when they have done their errand. Vigilant Missionary Work.
MILTON, W. T., QUARTER ENDING DEC. 31, 1881.
Families visited........................... 31
Letters written............................ 43
“ received............................ 5
SIGNS mailed............................... 414
“ distributed............................ 64
Other periodicals distributed.............. 104
Pages tracts, etc. loaned................... 32
“ “ “ given away.................... 2831
Donations.................................. $1.15
MARY L. HUGHES, Secretary. WALLA WALLA, QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1881.
Families visited........................... 218
Letters written............................ 125
“ received............................ 9
SIGNS mailed............................... 80
“ distributed............................ 117
Other periodicals distributed.............. 67
Pages tracts, etc., loaned.................. 668
“ “ “ given away.................... 890
Subscribers obtained....................... 23
Donations.................................. $6.05
MRS. MATTIE RULAFORD, Secretary. SUE GRAHAM stood in the south kitchen door, pinning on her great calico apron, with a very disconsolate look on her usually sunny face. Grace Dennis, so pretty and dainty in her fresh cambric, drove by in her basket phaeton, with little crippled Bessie McAllister. The frown deepened on Sue's face, and she gave her apron-strings an impatient twitch. Then she turned hastily from the doorway to the hot kitchen. It seemed hotter than ever, as she remembered how cool and fresh it looked out of doors. And there were the breakfast dishes to be washed, rooms to be swept and put to rights, cake and pudding to be made, and dinner to be prepared. She turned back to the door again, her brown eyes overflowing. "What is it, Susie dear? asked her mother, stopping on her way to the pantry at the sight of Sue's woe-begone face; "what is it, dear?" "Nothing much," responded Sue, trying to smile back, but succeeding in calling up only a very tearful one; "I'm so tired of all this, and discouraged," she said. "Do you ever think of it as something your heavenly Father has given you to do for him, Sue?" "Why, mother!" and Sue turned abruptly round. "You don't mean he cares or knows anything about all this work, do you?" "Why not, dear? Doesn't he know when even a sparrow falls to the ground? 'Are ye not much better than they?' You are just where he put you, and if you do the duties he has given you to do, cheerfully and faithfully, even though they are small, I believe he sees and knows, and cares too, for the faithfulness of the service." A minute after Sue heard her mother in the pantry preparing for baking. There was a grave, thoughtful look on Sue's face now, in place of the frown. "Perhaps," she thought to herself, "perhaps I can serve Jesus just as truly as Grace Dennis. It isn't as pretty work, though," she thought, with a sigh. "It would be so nice to dress daintily and prettily as Grace always does, and have leisure to do graceful deeds of kindness as she does; but if this is what he gives me, I'll try and do it the best I know how. And cheerfully, too," she added, bravely. And then, without further delay, she went about the homely duties of the day. But how different they seemed to her, viewed in the new light. If she was doing them for him, they must be done with extra care. Every little nook and corner was thoroughly swept and dusted; there was a strong temptation to slight the out-of-the-way places sometimes. Every dish was washed and wiped with utmost care, and never was cake lighter or nicer than Sue's that day. "Oh, mother, you don't know how much you helped me this morning!" said Sue that night. "I think I do," answered her mother, "for I know what a difference it made in my life when I first believed that He knew and cared not only about the great things of life, but about the little, homely, every-day duties too. It is hard sometimes to accept his choice of work for us; but he knows best. If he wishes us to glorify him in home life and every-day service, let us do it as faithfully and as cheerfully as though he asked some greater thing of us. 'Content to fill a little space if thou be glorified.' Can you say that, Sue?" "I'll try to," she said softly, as she stooped for a good-night kiss.—Sel. ONCE upon a time there was a king, good and just, and beloved by his subjects. But he had not been long seated on the throne before his health began to fail. He cared not to go forth from his palace, and all its beautiful adornments gave him no pleasure. The feast spread before him he scarcely tasted, for all his appetite was gone. The king grew thin, his form wasted, he had no spirit either for work or amusement. At last, the courtiers whispered among themselves! "Alas! alas! our king is gradually wasting away: He will not long remain in this world!" Many doctors were sent for. Various were the opinions which they gave as to the cause of the king's illness, the nature of his disease. Some persons even hinted at poison. Much medicine was given to the king, but still he grew no better. He seemed at last unable to do anything but recline on cushions, taking hardly any nourishment, and finding solace in nothing but smoking his hookah. It was commonly reported in the city, "Our good king is going to die!" At last, a very famous physician from a neighboring country was sent by its friendly king. The fame of this physician had been spread far and wide, so numerous had been the cures which he had wrought. The physician was admitted to the presence of the king, whom he found pale and almost lifeless, with closed eyes, extended on his soft couch. The physician felt the king's pulse, inquired into his symptoms, and then asked for twenty-four hours before deciding on his case. The next day, the physician returned with something wrapped up in an embroidered cloth, and with a countenance so cheerful that the hearts of all gathered hope. "Have you, O physician! found out any cure for my grievous sickness?" asked the king. "I have found something, O ruler of the world! which, by the favor of the All-merciful, may work a cure, if used with courage and perseverance," said the physician. "I will shrink from no remedy, however painful," cried the king, "if only my lost health can be restored." The physician slowly opened the folds of the cloth, and behold! a bright sickle, with handle of carved ivory, appeared in view. The attendants looked on in wonder, for they knew not by what magic power a sickle could work a cure. Then said the physician, "Every day, O mighty monarch! take the sickle in your royal hand, and descend into yon field in which I behold corn ripening in the sunshine. Ply the sickle with force and vigor, until the ivory handle almost cleaves to the hand that grasps it, and the toil-drops stand on your majesty's brow. Then, returning to the palace, deign to partake of the food which will then be set before your majesty. Persevere in thus using my sickle until yon field be reaped; and if my lord's health be not improved, let his servant's head be the forfeit." The sick monarch agreed to try the virtue of the wonderful sickle, which, when not actually used, was by his command to be kept locked up in a sandal-wood chest. No one was to touch one ear of corn in the little field except the king, who hoped to gather health from its reaping. He went forth alone on the following morning with the wonderful sickle, nor returned till his hand almost clave to the ivory, and the toil-drops stood on his brow. "Bring me food, and quickly!" cried the king. "I am half dead with fatigue!" And he threw himself back on his cushions. Food was served in silver vessels. The courtiers looked on wondering as the king proceeded to eat it. "Yesterday," whispered one, "the dishes went away almost as full as when they were brought. To-day the king has almost finished the pilau, and now he is busy with the curry and rice!" After a plentiful meal, the king, who was usually sleepless, fell into a long, deep slumber. When he awoke, he observed with a smile: "I have not had such a sleep for many months. There must be magic virtue in the sickle." Day by day, the monarch went out to reap his corn and bind up his sheaves, which were always given to the poor. Day by day, he returned weary and very hungry. His step grew firmer, his eye brighter, he was far more cheerful and hopeful. Soon the king gave audience to ambassadors, then felt able again to judge the cause of the poor in person. All the dwellers in the city rejoiced to see his returning health, all praised the gifted physician, and sick grandees offered the latter thousands of rupees for magic sickles like that used by the king. When all the corn in the little field had been reaped by the royal hand, the monarch sent for the physician. He loaded the doctor with praises and costly gifts, and permitted him to return to his own land. The wonderful sickle was preserved among the choicest treasures of the king. The Home Circle.
By Mabel S. Emery
This morning the clouds were cold and gray;
They shadowed the hills by the sun unkissed;
The mountain was hid in a vail of mist,
And the earth awoke with a sigh to-day.
The river rippled with murmur fine,
Fretting at pebbles that cumber its course;
Far away, on a hillside pine,
A crow was calling in accents hoarse. Down the road, in the grimy dust,
Toiled the form of a way-worn man.
Little showed he of a God-like plan—
Shunned or spurned as he asked for a crust;
Brutal nature, with passions dyed,
Handed down by a race that's blind,
"The laws of our being are hard," I cried,
And Life is cruel, and Death is kind." The sun set fair in the shining west,
With glory of crimson, and rose, and gold;
The tale of a weary day was told,
And a breeze in the maple breathed of rest.
The far-off mountain, robed in haze,
Transfigured stood, and towered alone
Beyond low hills in greenwood maze,
A great, deep-tinted jasper stone. Down by the meadow, from bower of green,
Rising in silvery, sweetest note,
I heard the song of the wood-thrush float—
A hermit singer that trills unseen.
Softly he caroled in numbers low,
Slowly I felt what the sweet notes meant:—
"The world is fair, and the glad winds blow;
God cares, and remembers; so rest content." A FOREIGNER feels superfluous and out of place among those whose speech he does not understand. So does an undevout person in devout company. To feel at home anywhere, one must first learn the language of his surroundings. A gentleman relates his experience in a modest religious family with whom he boarded some years ago, and the effect of humble home piety upon his character and life. At that time—while teaching in a village academy—he was not a religious man, but the custom in the household where he lived provoked his curiosity, and in a little while awakened his serious interest. Each morning, after breakfast, the mother withdrew to the kitchen with her children—two daughters aged nineteen and thirteen, and a little boy of ten—and there a chapter in the Bible was read in turn together. The young man sometimes overheard the reading. The rest of the service was in a lower tone. The good woman was quiet and retiring, and was naturally timid of a gentleman who was "college-learned." For this reason she shrank from conducting her family devotions in the presence of her guest. Finally his desire to witness the exercise in which it seemed he was not expected to share, induced him one day to ask leave to remain. Consent was given, of course, though with some little embarrassment. He read the Bible with the rest, after which all knelt, and the mother prayed as usual for her family, and added a short and simple petition for her guest; then the elder daughter, though evidently confused by the presence of her teacher, followed with a trembling prayer; the younger daughter uttered a few words of childish worship, and the little boy repeated "Our Father." There was a pause then. All remained on their knees. They were waiting for the teacher to pray. But the young man did not know how to pray. In no very comfortable frame of mind he silently rose and left the room. He felt that he had thrust himself in where he had no business to be. Weeks passed, and daily in addition to the first awkwardness of being left out at prayer-time, he carried a sense of blame in keeping himself a stranger among friends. There was no cure for this uneasiness but to learn the duty which their example had set before him. He examined the grounds of the faithful woman's belief. He was conscientious in it. The result was that he was led to pray, and when next he sought permission to bow with the rest at the family altar, he could join sincerely in their devotions as a servant of the same Divine Master whom they served.—Youth's Companion. The Worship of the Preacher
On a recent Sunday, when the pastor of one of the leading churches of St. Louis was absent from his pulpit, several persons expressed dissatisfaction at seeing a stranger in the pulpit, and one lady said she would not have come if she had known that Dr. — was not going to preach. An elder standing near, very promptly replied: “Madam, the worship of Dr. — will be resumed next Sunday.” —The whole number of newspapers and periodicals published throgout the world is reckoned at 37,274. —Rev. Samuel Johnson, a co-laborer with Garrison and Phillips in their anti-slavery work, died on the 21st inst. —The boiler of a portable saw-mill at New Carlisle, O., exploded Feb. 22, killing five men, and wounding four. —It is reported that both Germany and Austria have given orders for the strengthening of their Eastern fortresses. —The Russian steamer Vielaben sunk, February 25, in a collision on the Black Sea. It is said all on board perished. —An offer to give lands to the Jewish refugees who have arrived in Philadelphia has come from the State, of North Carolina. —The schooners Edith, Paul Loomis, and Paul Revere, of Gloucester, Mass., are believed to be lost with their crews of fifty men. —A portion of the Kings County (N. Y.) Insane Asylum was burned, the 21st inst. Loss, $15,000. One patient was burned to death. —The House Committee on Naval Affairs has agreed to recommend the immediate appropriation of $10,000,-000 to begin the construction of a new navy. —The President has nominated Ex-Senator Conkling to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Ex-Senator A. A. Sargent, of California, as Minister to Germany. —February 25, during the course of a trial in San Francisco, in which much personal abuse was being indulged in, the prosecuting attorney while addressing the jury, was shot by the policeman who had made the complaint. —A road locomotive for war purposes was lately tried before Count Moltke. It weighed 28¾ tons, and drew easily forty tons's weight of guns mounted on their carriages, fully equipped. Its maximum traction power is 150 tons, and its cost of maintenance is about 50 cents an hour. —After the opening of Parliament, Bradlaugh appeared in the House and took the oath which he refused to take last year. He took his seat, contrary to the order of the chair, and by a vote of 291 to 93 was expelled for contempt. A new election was ordered for Northcote, and Bradlaugh is announced as a candidate. —In one of the Oakland schools the pupils were allowed to send valentines to one another, for the purpose, as the principal said, of exercising them in composition. They were not, however, examined by the teachers, and a chance examination of one led to the development of facts anything but creditable to the reputation of the school for morality. —Delegate Cannon confessed before the Judiciary Committee that there are no laws in Utah for the suppression of immorality. He attempted to evade the force of this admission by saying that in Utah all acts are subject to the absolute veto of the Governor, but admitted that the Utah Legislature had never passed any law whatever against the gross forms of immorality. —All the classes of Princeton College have voluntarily signed a pledge that during their college course they will abstain from hazing, and will discourage it in every way. That college has been particularly disgraced by the lawlessness of students, and the recent heavy fines imposed upon some of the students, by the criminal courts, may have influenced them in making their voluntary pledge. —The Captain of the British ship Milton, together with his wife and two children, and two sailors, was picked up Feb. 8, by a schooner, off the coast of Lower California. They had been in an open boat, with very little food, for forty-six days, and were at the point of death by starvation. One sailor and one child had died. Another boat load of the crew was picked up after floating for twenty-three days, but the third boat has not yet been heard from. —Chinese capitalists have recently bought several thousand acres of timber land in San Mateo County, Cal., and are about to enter into competition with American manufacturers. The Alta predicts that since with their cheap labor they can undersell other manufacturers, they will soon monopolize the business. It advises the retail dealers to strenuously refuse to have anything to do with any lumber introduced by the Chinese, and to shun any yard offering it for sale. —The distress caused by the Mississippi floods is beyond calculation. The river was eight inches higher than in the flood of 1876. Arkansas City was completely submerged. Many merchants were driven from their stores in Cincinnati, on account of the rise of the Ohio. The worst of the flood is probably over, but on account of the wholesale destruction of property, the suffering will be great for some time. Congress has appropriated $100,000 to be used by the Secretary of War for the relief of the destitute. The number of laborers left destitute is thought to be from 50,000 to 75,000. —A method of making fire-proof printing and writing paper has been invented in Germany. It is described as follows: Asbestos fibre of the best quality is washed in a solution of permanganate of potash, and then bleached with sulphurous acid. Five parts of ground or finely divided wood fibre, such as is used for paper-making is mixed with ninety-five of the asbestos. The two are then mixed with glue water and borax, and worked over into a paper pulp, which yields a fine paper with smooth surface, and can be calendered for writing. It is claimed that this paper will resist a white heat. —The Mormons have gotten up a memorial to Congress, begging that body not to interfere with their beastly practices. This memorial sets forth that the young people of Utah are fully in accord with the doctrine of polygamy, and that they consider the practice of the same by their parents has been uniformly pure and ennobling. All the schools were canvassed, and every boy and girl old enough to write was required to sign it. The teachers or bishops signed for those who were unable to write. Every house in the Territory has been visited. In spite of the pressure brought to bear, many Mormon women refused to sign the petition. Several prominent Mormons have gone to Washington. It is significant of the power of the present anti-polygamy movement, that, whereas a few years ago the Mormons dictated terms, they are now begging to be let alone. —There are now more than 700,000 members of the Baptist churches in the United States who are of African descent. —Revivals have been very numerous throughout the country. The Methodist states that it has recorded in its issues for 1882 nearly 1,300 conversions in Methodist churches. —That was a shrewd answer that was made by a colored waiter to a politician who asked him, "Do you think I am elected to be saved?" "Scarcely know, Massa," was the reply, "but I never heerd of any one bein' elected that wasn't a candidate." —The Pope has addressed a very grave letter to the Italian Bishops, commanding them, in view of the dangers surrounding the church, to increase their activity, to encourage Catholic societies among the laity, to develop the Catholic press, and to advocate boldly the temporal independence of the Pope. —In a late work on Sunday, this passage occurs: "That the 'Lord's day' is the day on which Jesus arose, is distinctly stated in the writings of the early Christian Fathers." This, of course is conclusive except to those few who find it "distinctly stated" that the day on which God rested is the "Lord's day." See Ex. 20:8-11; Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28. Whom shall we believe? —Henry Ward Beecher is now finding fault with the Psalms, and accuses them of containing as bad mental philosophy as there is in the world. He says: "David never could have written some of his psalms if he had lived in our day, and if he had believed what I believe." Nobody will doubt this assertion, but very many will be devoutly thankful that David did not believe as Mr. Beecher does. —The Rev. Father Scully, of Cambridge, Mass., condemns church fairs in the following strong language, which is significant as showing the state of things that exists: "They demoralize our girls, more than do our lowest theaters, for girls, armed with their church fair book, go forth under religious and parental sanction where they please and when they please, entering even bar rooms to solicit chances and votes. The children think of nothing but the fair. Home, church, and school are banished. When läger beer is sold in our churches where fairs are held, how can we train our youth to look with horror on the evils of rum?" —The Examiner, in commenting upon Rev. Mr. Miln's infidel utterances in Chicago, very justly says that his position is but the natural result of the "tendency to 'pare away' from that which has been revealed." It says: "It is the peculiar glory of Baptists that they have always protested, with equal fervor, against both of these tendencies; that they have never failed to lift up their voice in protest against those who would take away from, and those who would add to, the words of the Book. They will neither suffer that the doctrines of men shall be taught as the commandments of God, nor that the doctrines of God shall be degraded into commandments of men." This is sound doctrine, but the Examiner has evidently forgotten all about the fourth commandment. —The Christian at Work thinks that the falling off in church attendance that is so much talked about, is due to the deterioration of family government. It says: "We are not of those who believe that the former times were better than these; but it is undoubtedly true that in this country family government is not what it was. There is not the discipline in the home, the respect for the parents and for age, the deference to authority that there used to be. And we do assuredly know that in too many families the sons and daughters are allowed to go to church or not as they choose, to study their Sunday-school lesson or not, to attend the Sunday-school or not—all as it may please the sweet will of the children to do." And this we say, is the very reason why "the former times were better than these." —The Boston Christian Register gives an amusing description of "A Telephone Church," such as may be looked for in the near future: "There is a central office connected with each stockholder's house. The choir and minister are at the central office, and the service is of the usual form, but all goes through the telephone. The plan requires no church officers except to go round the circle of the wires, which is about twenty-five miles, and test the wires and instruments. Every stockholder is his own sexton, as he can keep his own house in order to suit himself." There are some "difficulties to be overcome if possible. Those who have been accustomed to be late at church would probably forget to put the receiver to their ears until the sermon is over, and no way has yet been devised for having the responsive service as used in the Episcopal Churches." But the advantages of the telephone church are too apparent to allow of its being given up on these accounts. Great expense is avoided, and also the mixing with uncongenial people of a lower social grade. Worshipers can recline while they listen, "dressing" is unnecessary, and best of all, the contribution box is abolished.—S. F. Post. Obituary.
By I. D. Van Horn
GAREY.—Died at Portland, Oregon, Feb. 12, 1882, Augustus Garey, aged 37 years and 13 days. His death was caused by an accident which happened to him Jan. 10, while at work on the North Pacific R. R., in northern Idaho. A limb from a falling tree struck him on the back of the head with such force as to paralyze his entire right side and the lower part of the left. It was his request that he be removed to his father's home in Woodland. The journey was undertaken and upon arriving in Portland, he was seemingly better. Here, while waiting for the steamer, in company with his brother, in spite of every attention employed by physicians and nurses, the sufferer passed away. His body was brought to Woodland, and the funeral took place from the family residence, Sunday the 19th, at 2 P. M. A large number of friends and neighbors extended their sympathy to the mourners by attending the funeral. Bro. Garey embraced the views of Seventh-day Adventists in 1873. He was faithful to the cause he loved. We have reason to believe that he rests in hope. Remarks were made at the funeral by the writer, from John 11 :25, 26. YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE
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Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. TRACTS.—4 cents each. Redemption—The Second Advent—The Sufferings of Christ—The Present Truth—Origin and Progress of S. D. Adventists—Ten Commandments not Abolished—The Two Covenants—Address to the Baptists—The Two Thrones—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The Spirit of Prophecy—The Millennium—Signs of the Times—Scripture References—Constitution of the T. and M. Society—Tithes and Offerings—Sabbaton. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. Mixed.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
CONSISTENCY is a rare jewel, and nowhere do we find less of it than among the advocates of Sunday observance. A curious example was lately given in a meeting of the “Home Protection Society,” an organization to enforce the Sunday Law. In one of their resolutions it was stated that the weekly rest and worship of the “Christian Sabbath,” is a right guaranteed both by the laws of God and of the State. Later in the meeting, the individual who offered the above-mentioned resolution, stated that he thought that Seventh-day Adventists, in carrying on their printing business on Sunday, “do not violate the letter and spirit of the law of man, but they do violate the law of God.” Now here’s the rub: The advocates of the Sunday have claimed that the law which they were seeking to enforce was simply a “police regulation,” that there was no thought of enforcing the law as a religious enactment. These same individuals, too, at the society meeting referred to, regretted that Brother White, when arrested as manager of the “Pacific Press,” for working on Sunday, did not plead guilty. But an eminent member of the same society thinks that he has violated the law of God, but not any law of man, either in letter or in spirit. Of what, then, would they have desired him to plead guilty? Evidently of nothing, unless they hold that a Police Court is empowered to enforce the law of God. It has puzzled us to know just on what grounds the Sunday advocates stand, but we are not likely to have our curiosity gratified in this respect, at least not until they find out for themselves. One thing, however, we would request as a special favor. We claim to keep the law of God. In fact, the requirements of our denomination are simply to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” But our friends say we are violating the law of God. We ask, Wherein? We think that, as a Christian duty, they ought to apprise us of our error. It will not be enough to say that we work on Sunday. We know that; but what we want is a plain statement of the law of God that we violate by so doing. Something if it exists, that shows that Sunday has any more claims as a day of rest than Thursday or Friday. We shall not be exacting; a single passage will suffice. All the commandments of God with which we are familiar are very plain—“thou shalt,” and “thou shalt not.” Give us, then, a statement of it that is plain enough to convict a man in any court—before a jury of unprejudiced intelligent men, and we will plead guilty, and at once and forevermore keep “the venerable day of the sun.” We are willing to be enlightened, but while we find no law of God in favor of the Sunday, we shall believe with Paul, that “where no law is, there is no transgression.” Ohio Tract and Missionary Society Address
The address of the secretary of the Ohio T. and M. Society is, Mrs. E. H. Gates, Clyde, Ohio. Sickness in California
By Editor
WE have been absent from the Office much of the past week, attending funerals. There is very much sickness in California this winter, from which we are not altogether exempt here. Elder Haskell’s Feeble Health
ALL the friends of the cause on the Pacific Slope have regretted that Eld. Haskell has been in feeble health much of the time since he left California. Few men have labored in this cause more untiringly than he, and many prayers will be offered that his strength shall not fail. Professor Brownsberger Arriving in California
WE learn that Professor Brownsberger, who was some time detained in Battle Creek, is on his way to California, and will arrive here in a few days. We hope soon to be able to say more on the subject of a school than we can at present. God’s Law and Sunday Law
By Editor
IN the report of the last meeting of the “Home Protection Society” the following paragraph occurs:— “Mr. —— said there was a higher law than the law of man—the law of God. He did not believe in violating the law of God by enforcing the law of the Legislature.” Correct. We could not have stated our position any more clearly. We hope the gentleman will continue to impress this fact upon the members of the Society. Caution Regarding the Sunday Law Movement
By Editor
WE ask our brethren generally to be cautious in their statements in regard to the actions, and more especially to the motives, of those who are endeavoring to enforce the Sunday Law. This movement is only a prelude to that which will yet be made throughout the Union. We do not hold the friends of that law directly responsible for the arrest of the Superintendent of the Pacific Press. We believe they are sincere in expressing regret that the arrest was made. We have every reason to believe that most of the prominent men in this movement respect us and our motives, as we do theirs. They think we are laboring under a mistake; we certainly think the same of them. Time will soon decide which party is correct in this. We deal with principles instead of men. Questions Answered.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
1. WHAT is the nature of the “strong drink” referred to in Deut. 14:26. It apparently recommends that which other Scriptures prohibit. 2. Are we to understand from Num. 11:31 that the quails fell to the depth of three feet and over so great an area of country as here indicated? 1. It is not in Paul's writings alone that there are “things hard to be understood.” And it is not alone the “unlearned” that have stumbled over the subject of “strong drink” as found in the Bible. In this case, as in all, it is safe to start out with the assurance that the Bible does not contradict itself. The Hebrew word shekar, which is translated “strong drink,” means that which satiates, as well as that which intoxicates. Kitto says: “It had in all probability a much wider signification than is now conveyed by the phrase ‘strong drink.’” He classes the various senses of the word under three heads. 1. Luscious, saccharine drink, or sweet syrup, especially sugar or honey of dates. From it are derived words meaning “dainty,” “dessert,” “sweetmeat.” 2. Date or palm wine in its fresh or unfermented state. 3. Fermented, or intoxicating palm wine. It is doubtless the first of these that is referred to in Deut. 14:26. The “strong drink” of the first class, was not injurious in itself, but was forbidden whenever the circumstances required abstemiousness, as in Judges 13:4. It is a well-known fact that much sugar or sweetmeats produce a state of fulness, lassitude, and dullness. It was on this account, doubtless, that these things were forbidden to those who “separated themselves unto the Lord.” Num. 6:2-4. The use of the last class, that which intoxicates, is not countenanced in the Bible. 2. It is not a necessary conclusion, even from our English version, that the quails lay on the ground to a depth of two cubits, and the original does not warrant it. The sense is conveyed by the Vulgate, a literal translation of which is: “They flew in the air two cubits high above the earth.” Sunday Law Tract.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
LAST week an edition of 5,000 of this tract was issued, and another edition is already called for. The Oakland church has taken and distributed 1,500, the San Francisco church 1,000, and other churches, that ordered only a few hundred, are calling for more. The demand for it convinces us that it was the right thing at the right time. Our object in circulating the tract was not to stir up strife, but to take advantage of an interest that had been awakened by the friends of the Sunday, to place the truth of the Bible on this question before the people. The truth on the Sabbath question has probably been brought before more people in California during the past two weeks than ever before. That the prejudices of some should be aroused by it, is no more than could be expected. The truth has ever met with opposers, and we know of no way to avoid opposition except by keeping silent in regard to the truth, and this we cannot do. On the whole, however, the tract has been well received, and has received favorable notice from the press of this city. Some persons accused us of playing into the hands of the "League of Freedom," of desiring to enforce the observance of the Sabbath, and other things equally absurd. But none who have candidly read it, find any difficulty in understanding exactly our position. We have nowhere charged the "Home Protection Society" with the arrest of the manager of the Pacific Press. They disclaim any connection with it, and we give them the benefit of the supposition that when they started the movement they did not foresee the result. Some evidently thought that a law which is general in its application could be enforced upon simply a few. They doubtless have learned better by this time. The Oakland Times justly says: "The obstacles in the way of a Sunday Law are much greater than had been anticipated when the agitation was first started." One of two things must now be done: The law must either be strictly enforced or else repealed. Whatever happens we are content, so long as the agitation serves to make the truth of God more clear to the people. E. J. W. Oakland and San Francisco.
OAKLAND.—Church N. E. corner Clay and 13th Streets. Meeting every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M. Preaching every second and fourth Sunday evening of each month. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Pastor. Sabbath-school at 9:30 A. M. W. C. White, Superintendent. Seats always free. SAN FRANCISCO.—Church on Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Meeting every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. M. C. Israel, Elder. No regular preaching. Sabbath-school at 9:45 A. M. E. A. Stockton, Superintendent. Street-cars of the Hayes Valley Line, and Central and Lone Mountain Line, pass close to the meeting-house. 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, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.
By Uriah Smith
THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.
THIS is a full exposition of a portion of prophecy which applies to our own Government, showing the position the United States holds in prophecy, and the part it has to act in the closing scenes of time. Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed; and abundant testimony is given to prove that in a few years this will be the In this country. Facts and statistics are largely presented, showing in the most conclusive manner that this government is the one pointed out in the prophecy quoted. 200 pages. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers, 20 cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.