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Signs of the Times, Vol. 9, No. 48.

General Articles
Earlier text: Among the Churches

Offerings to The Lord.

"And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded to make." Ex. 36:5.
TO APPRECIATE this example of cheerfulness in giving, several points must be noticed:—
1. The gold, silver, and other precious articles they were required to bring, must have been that which they received of the Egyptians when they left Egypt. Ex. 12:35, 36. It was all they received for their life-long cruel bondage.
2. They were as yet homeless—journeying to a land of which they knew nothing, and of which they had little or no idea, except that derived from the promise of God.
3. And of course they had then no means of gain—no income upon which they could depend for the future.
4. Reasoning from probabilities, they would greatly need many of the articles they were required to offer, when they took possession of their new homes in Canaan.
5. An entire uncertainty hung over them in regard to the length and vicissitudes of the journey upon which they had entered.
And the order given to Moses was, to take only of such as offered willingly with his heart. Ex. 25:2.
We often read, with great surprise, of the many instances of their distrust of God, and their murmuring against his providence. Yet, according to their circumstances, their trust and consecration will compare very favorably with ours.
1. We have had evidence constantly accumulating, of the faithfulness of God's promises concerning our future inheritance.
2. The things which we are required to offer here will be of no use whatever to us when we enter the promised land.
3. On the contrary, all the benefit we can derive from our worldly substance there is secured only by our consecrating and devoting it to the cause of God here, Luke 12:33, &c.
4. If we are correct in our expositions of prophecy, (and who can doubt it?) much of that which is counted of most value now, will cease to be of any value to us before the time of deliverance comes; that is, before our future inheritance is given to us. Rev. 13:17.
5. And much of the substance now in the hands of the church of God, has come into their possession with comparatively little effort on their part; some by inheritance or other providences over which they had no control, or in which they had no direct agency.
Had the children of Israel been situated as we are in these respects, we should doubtless be quick to detect a wonderful lack of "the spirit of sacrifice" in their offerings. And yet, when we consider all their "tithes and offerings," under all their varied circumstances, we must admit that if our recognition of divine authority, and of divine blessings, is to be measured by our obedience and consecration, we fall far behind the Israelites, whether we view them as wanderers in the desert, or as dwellers in the land of Palestine. Many who think the Bible system of tithing is oppressive, and regard it with as much distrust as if it were a compulsory tax, seem to forget the many offerings in addition to their tithes.
Reading the Bible, and looking at the past and present, we must confess to a great change somewhere in these subjects; if it is not in God (see James 1:17), then it must be in man. Will the teachings of the Bible sustain the change?

State Quarterly Meeting.

By Cal. Conf. Committee.

THE quarterly meeting of the California Tract and Missionary Society, will be held in Healdsburg, January 3 to January 13, 1884. A series of Bible-readings and meetings for a revival of our spiritual interest will be held in connection. All our brethren and sisters are invited. The churches in this part of the State should be largely represented, and the church and tract society officers from all parts of the State should endeavor to be present. Sister White, Elder Corliss, and other laborers are expected to be present.
CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.

Our Quarterly Meetings.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

It will be noticed by appointment in this paper, that the State quarterly meeting is to be held in Healdsburg, in connection with a ten days' meeting for Bible-readings, January 3 to January 13, 1884. This will interfere with the district and church quarterly meetings, and we therefore recommend that each church in our Conference hold its quarterly meeting December 22 and 23, and that the Librarians at once forward their reports to the District Secretaries. Then the District Secretaries can at once send their reports to the State Secretary at Healdsburg. Thus we can have the reports at the State meeting, without holding the district meetings first.
We are very anxious that there be a large attendance of our people at this meeting. The church and tract society officers especially should be present if possible. The cause is rising in all parts of the world, and now is the time to make special moves, if we would secure God's blessing and walk in his opening providence. The meetings of this character just held in Battle Creek and South Lancaster, have been especial seasons of blessing, and we hope our people will make the most of this opportunity.
S. N. HASKELL.

$25,000 Wanted.

WE, the undersigned, hereby give the sums set to our names, to raise the sum of $25,000 to be placed under the control of trustees chosen at the annual session of the California Conference. Said sum to be loaned to some of our Institutions at 5 per cent., the proceeds of which shall be used to assist those who are seeking an education at the Healdsburg College, to fill positions in the cause of God. Said individuals must be recommended by the Conference Committee and the College Faculty.
William Butcher..............................$5,000 Joseph Leininger........................... 5,000 John Morrison..............................1,000 F. H. Adams..................................500 Mrs. Mary Scott..............................500 A Friend to the Cause........................300 "Who'll be the next?"

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

A NEW PAMPHLET.

By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
A concise yet comprehensive exposition of this important Scriptural doctrine; being a conclusive argument, covering the principal features of the subject upon which theologians and denominations take issue. 40 pp. Price, 5 cents. A liberal discount by the hundred.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

WHO CHANGED THE SABBATH?

By Editor

This question very naturally arises when the evidence is presented that Sunday is not the original Sabbath of the Lord; and a complete and satisfactory answer to it is given in the tract with the above title. The following is the plan of the argument: 1. Scripture evidence is introduced to show that God regards his law as unchangeable. 2. The prophecy is quoted which clearly points out the Papacy as the power that should make the change. 3. Standard Catholic books are quoted to show that the prophecy has been fulfilled. Every one who desires to know the truth in regard to the Sabbath should read this tract. 16 pp. Price, postpaid, 3 cents; $2.25 per hundred.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,

By Editor

PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE

Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists.

A twelve-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel, with Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, the Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school.
Price Per Year, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00
In Clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used in Missionary Work, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—OR—
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Michigan. MRS. ELIZA PALMER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass. E. S. WHITEIS, Sec. Nebraska T. and M. Society, Fremont, Neb. ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England. MRS. C. L. BOYD, Salem, Oregon.

Notice to Our Readers

By Editor

NOTICE.—We send no papers from this Office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving them are not indebted to the Office.
Money orders, drafts, etc., should be made to "Pacific Press;" NEVER to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed.
THE next number of the SIGNS will be dated Jan. 3, 1884.
AT the opening of the next volume we shall give our readers some startling evidences of the nature of Spiritualism and mediumship.
THE interesting articles on Nehemiah are not concluded in this paper. We have two more, which will be published in January.
WE commenced an editorial for this number of the SIGNS on The Day of the Sabbath, or the identity of the Sabbath day, but as we could not say all we wished to on that subject in one number, concluded to lay it over to the first number of Volume 10.
SOME matters which might be noticed to profit came to hand too late for this paper. A number of letters remain unanswered for want of time to attend to them. We fear we can do no better until our assistant editor can be spared from Healdsburg College.
"THE red sky," evenings and mornings, still continues. And still it remains unaccounted for. The latest decision of "science" on this coast is that the redness is caused by the great amount of smoke in the atmosphere. This we might believe if the phenomenon were a local one, and if there had been an unusual amount of fires prevailing. But the present redness prevails from the Pacific to the Atlantic, even in those countries where heavy rains have fallen. We have seen the atmosphere so smoky, in the Eastern states and in Canada, that the sun was nearly obscured, but the like of this we have never seen. We do not believe that it can be accounted for, any more than we can account for the so-called "Northern lights."

HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR OLD AND YOUNG.

By Editor

Price.
The Mountains $5 00
The Bird World 5 00
Sunbean Stories (3 vols.) 5 00
Sabbath Readings (4 vols.) 2 50
Pillar of Fire 2 00
Leonore's Trials 1 75
Without a Home 1 50
Nanny Davenport 1 50
Vivians of Woodiford 1 50
Tom Bently 1 50
Pen Portraits 1 50
Harry Maitland 1 25
Ellen Dacre 1 25
Gutta-Percha Willie 1 25
The Hard Problem 1 25
Paul Venner 1 25
Jessie Bower 1 25
Sequel to Tim 1 25
Temperance Tracts 1 25
Best Fellow in the World 1 25
No Danger 1 25
Witnessing for Jesus 1 25
Studies of Neglected Texts 1 25
David Livingston 1 25
Within Sea Walls 1 25
The Old Red House 1 25
Saved 1 25
The Prince of Good Fellows 1 25
Ten Cents 1 25
From Father to Son 1 25
How Could He Escape 1 25
His Honor the Mayor 1 25
Penny Rust Christmas 1 15
Still Waters, or Dreams of Rest 1 00
Frances Morton 1 00
Glen Elder 1 00
Two New Year's Days 1 00
Prohibitionist's Text-Book 1 00
Barford Mills 1 00
White Hands and White Hearts 1 00
Coals of Fire 1 00
Norman Brill's Life Work 1 00
Home Making 1 00
Week-day Religion 1 00
Schönberg Cotta Family 1 00
The Pledge and the Cross 1 00
Palestine for the Young 1 00
The Lost Estate 1 00
Our Coffee Room 1 00
Water-Spouts 1 00
The Old Brown Pitcher 1 00
Ten Lectures on Alcohol 1 00
Paul Brewster and Son 1 00
A More Excellent Way 1 00
Caught and Fettered 1 00
Story of the Bible 1 00
Juno and Georgie 90
Mary Osborne 90
Juno on a Journey 90
Hubert 90
Jessie's Work 90
Fred's Fresh Start 90
Alcohol—Its Nature and Effects 90
The Red Bridge 90
Rachel Noble's Experience 90
The Hard Master 85
Echo Bank 85
Sybil Gray 80
Tiptoe 80
Secret of Victory 75
Rosa Leighton 75
Drops of Water 75
Over the Way 75
Little Blue Jacket 75
Bertie's Present 70
Songs for Little Ones 70
The Brother's Choice 60
Jonas Clare 60
Fanny Lightman's Choice 60
May Covely 60
Talks on Temperance 60
The Model Landlord 60
The Temperance Speaker 50
Dialogue on Drink 50
A Piece of Silver 50
Bible Rule of Temperance 50
Frank Spencer's Rule of Life 50
The Pitcher of Cool Water 50
Sunshine Series (10 books) 50
Golden Grains (10 books) 50
Circled by Fire 40
The Emerald Spray 40
The Curse and the Cup 40
Come Home, Mother 40
The Vow at the Bars 40
To any one ordering $5.00 worth of the above we will give a discount of 10 per cent. A choice line of Sabbath-school Teachers' Text-books, and a full line of Temperance Text-books constantly on hand. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
TRACTS.—1 cent each: The Coming of the Lord—Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Without Excuse—Thoughts for the Candid—A Sign of the Day of God—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—Which Day?—Can We Know?—Or Can the Prophecies be Understood?—Is the End Near?—Is Man Immortal?—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—The Law of God—What the Gospel Abrogated—Bible Facts about the Sabbath—Sunday not the Sabbath—"The Christian Sabbath"—Why not Found out Before? Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

SABBATH-SCHOOL HELPS.

By Editor

Clarke's Commentary, 6 vols ................................ $24.00 Barnes' Notes, 14 vols ..................................... 21.00 Smith's Comp. Dictionary, sheep ............................ 6.00 " " cloth .......................................... 5.00 History of Reformation ..................................... 5.00 " " (condensed) .................................. 1.50 " " Romanism, cloth ................................ 4.00 Young's Concordance ........................................ 3.00 Cruden's " ......................................... 2.00 Whiston's Josephus, large .................................. 3.00 " " small ...................................... 1.75 Hand Book of Bible Geography ............................... 2.50 " " Manners, etc ................................. 2.50 Dictionary of Bible ........................................ 1.75 Smith's New Testament History .............................. 1.75 Geikie's Life of Christ, large ............................. 1.75 " " small .................................... 75 Blunt's 'Coincidences' ..................................... 1.50 Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' .............................. 1.50 Sketches of Jewish Social Life ............................. 1.25 The Temple and Its Services ............................... 1.25 From Exile to Overthrow .................................... 1.25 Life of Apostle Paul (C. and H.) ........................... 1.00 Sketches from the Life of Paul (Mrs. White) ................ 80 Giant Cities of Bashan ..................................... 1.00 Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE

TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

The latest and most complete work of the kind ever published is now offered at a price within the reach of

EVERY BIBLE STUDENT.

This book places in the hands of everybody, knowledge heretofore limited to a very few.
It contains one hundred and eighteen thousand more words than Cruden's Unabridged Concordance. It gives every English word, also the Hebrew and Greek original words, with their pronunciation and literal meaning. The Greek and Hebrew words are transliterated so that they are intelligible to any English reader.
A complete index of the original words is added, referring them to the English words under which they are found. Price, postpaid, $3.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

SMITH'S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY

OF THE BIBLE.

NEW EDITION, octavo size, 1,200 pages, with many important additions and improvements from the works of the most eminent scholars, commentators and travelers. It is designed to be

A COMPLETE GUIDE

In regard to the pronunciation and signification of Scriptural names; the solution of difficulties respecting the interpretation, authority, and harmony of the Old and New Testaments; the history and description of Biblical customs, events, places, persons, animals, plants, etc.
In this book it is designed to make everything intelligible to those who understand only the English language, and to place them as nearly as possible on a level with the scholars who are familiar with the original languages of the Scriptures.
All the words in the vocabulary are pronounced and divided into syllables, and words or parts of words are respelled whenever this is necessary to indicate the pronunciation.
The book contains numerous maps, and is abundantly supplied with superior engravings, which are of real utility to the student.
No one who desires to study the Scriptures intelligently will be without a copy of this most excellent book. Price, in cloth, $5.00; in library binding, $6.00 Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.

AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY PAPER FOR YOUTH AND

CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND

RELIGIOUS CULTURE.

This paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information.
As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study.
The Sabbath-school Department contains two series of lessons, one for children and one for youth.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 75 CENTS A YEAR.

All new subscribers paying the above price will receive the "Child's Poems" as a premium without extra charge.

TERMS TO CLUBS, PAID IN ADVANCE.

Price per Copy, Post-paid. 5 to 10 copies ................................... 60 cents a year. 10 copies and upward ............................. 50 cents a year. Subscription for 5 to 10 copies will be taken for six months. Larger clubs may be paid for quarterly. Address YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, Battle Creek, Mich.

NEW MUSIC! THE LAST IS THE BEST!

JUST PUBLISHED,

By GEO. D. RUSSELL, 126 Tremont Street, Boston, a new book of Music, entitled,

PEARLY PORTALS.

BY D. S. HAKES.

The music and words of this book are mostly entirely new, and well adapted to the Sabbath-school and social circle. It is receiving the most unqualified praise from all who have examined it. The music is of a high order throughout, and yet not at all difficult.
160 pp. Per copy, 35 cents; $3.60 per dozen. Bound, 50 cents; $5.00 per dozen. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

S. D. A. Educational Society.

(BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.)

THE annual meeting of the stockholders of this society was held in Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 14.
The Treasurer's report showed that the receipts for the current year, including on notes issued, were $6,275.61. Disbursements the same, including $161.50 for teachers' salaries for previous year. Present worth of property $40,046.67. Outstanding notes, $9,002.50.
Remarks were made by Eld. Littlejohn, President of the College, and W. C. White, and Mrs. E. G. White, about our educational interests and the object of having such a school; also, on the importance of having manual labor connected with study.
The committee presented a number of resolutions. In reference to a resolution passed at the preceding annual meeting, that provision be made for a boarding place for students, where manual labor can be given them, it was resolved that $25,000 be raised during the coming year, to pay present indebtedness and make the proposed improvements.
And in view of the large number who will need instruction and training as ministers, missionaries, colporters, Bible-readers, and teachers, and that this work will not be self-sustaining, it was resolved to raise an Endowment Fund of $50,000, to be loaned to our various institutions at five per cent., the proceeds to be applied to this object.
A recommendation was made that the trustees employ a competent person to instruct missionary workers.
A resolution was passed requesting the publication of an address on education, delivered by sister E. G. White before the meeting, Nov. 14.
The following-named persons were elected trustees: Geo. I. Butler, W. H. Littlejohn, A. R. Henry, W. H. Hall, J. H. Kellogg, H. W. Kellogg, and W. C. Sisley.

HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

A MODEL INSTITUTION.

Instruction given in Ancient and Modern Languages and the Physical Sciences.
Common Branches Thoroughly Taught. Special Training for Teachers.
This institution has met with almost Unparalleled Success in the short time since its incorporation.

WHY DOES IT PROSPER?

  1. The Instruction is very Thorough and Practical.
  2. The Discipline is Rigid yet Parental.
  3. The Strong Moral and Religious Influence finds its equal in no other Institution of the kind.
  4. The expenses of Students for Board, Tuition, etc., come within the ability of all.
  5. The Methods employed in the class-room, and the Professional Instruction, afford special advantages to those desiring to teach.
While its courses embrace all the higher Collegiate Branches, which are taught in the most thorough manner, especial attention is given to the Common Branches.

DISCIPLINE.

One of the most prominent features of Healdsburg College is the effort to impress upon its students the claims and benefits of morals and religion. Any one of known evil habits, who is exerting a pernicious influence upon his fellow-students, is not tolerated in the school.
During the year 1883 there was completed a large building called NORTH COLLEGE HALL,
Upon a track of eleven acres of ground, the whole designed for a Students' Home, where will be afforded the best home influence, and an opportunity for combining manual labor with study. No other institution offers so favorable facilities on so reasonable terms.
Besides the regular class drills in the different branches, there is given occasional instruction concerning methods of teaching and general school management.
To those who wish to obtain instruction in the Bible, Old and New Testament History, &c, special inducements are offered. A class will be opened at the beginning of the Spring Term, for old and young.

A PRIMARY DEPARTMENT

Is connected with the College to accommodate those children whose parents desire to place them under the instruction and moral influence of the school.
The Spring Term begins January 2, 1884, and closes May 29, 1884. Any information, and calendar sent on application. Address, S. BROWNSBERGER. A. M., President, Healdsburg, Cal.

LIFE OF ELDER JOSEPH BATES,

By James White

WITH PORTRAIT.

This is a reprint of his autobiography, with lengthy introduction, and closing chapters on his public ministry, last sickness, and death, by his fellow-laborer,
ELDER JAMES WHITE.
This is a book that will be read with the deepest interest by both old and young. The first portion of the book pertains to his sea-faring life of over twenty years. Here will be found the record of his adventures in his passage from cabin-boy to master and owner. Then follows the account of his conversion, which took place while on the ocean, and the reforms with which he was connected. He was the organizer of the first temperance society in New England, and was identified with the advent message from its start. Every family should have a copy.
352 pages. On fine tinted paper, $1.25; Plain white paper, 85 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

TO OUR OLD SUBSCRIBERS.

By Editor

To each one of our old patrons who will renew his subscription before March 1, 1884, and send us six new subscribers, we will also send free, by mail, a copy of the premium book.

OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.

By Uriah Smith

THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.

By Eld. U. Smith.
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.

THE SUNDAY MOVEMENT,

By Editor

Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed, and abundant testimony is given to prove that it is fast coming to be the ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION 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 pp. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

A BOOK FOR THE TIMES.

THE RELIGIOUS AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION;

OR,

THE SABBATH, THE SUNDAY, THE CHANGE, AND THE RESTITUTION.

THE object of the proposed Constitutional Amendment, together with the authority for it, is fully canvassed.
The views of the leaders of the parties both for and against the Amendment are fairly given in this book.
The present agitation of the SUNDAY LAW makes this book especially interesting and instructive at this time.
380 pp. Bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE TRUTH FOUND.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

THE NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.

By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
THE title of this little book sufficiently explains its character. It contains more Scriptural information in regard to the Sabbath than any other book of twice the size, and yet it is so simplified as to be easily comprehended. The author quotes the opinions of many learned men concerning the Sabbath, and their conflicting theories are strongly contrasted with the clear, straightforward teaching of the Bible.
64 pp. Price, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE SEVENTH PART OF TIME.

By Editor

A SERMON ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.

By W. H. Littlejohn.
This is a refutation of the theory that God sanctified simply a seventh part of time as the Sabbath, without fixing that time to any definite day. The necessity for a

UNIFORM DAY OF REST,

Is admitted by nearly all, and is advocated in this book. The author also shows that the Creator understood and anticipated this necessity, and proves by five different processes of reasoning that the seventh or last day of the week, and no other, was in the beginning, and is now, the Sabbath of the Lord.
32 pp. Price 4 cents; $3.00 per hundred.
Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
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