Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 8.

Editorial
Earlier text: ELDER A.'S NEW YEAR'S SERMON

FAITHFULNESS RATHER THAN GREATNESS.

ALL who stand unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle, must feel the special warfare of Satan against them. As they realize his attacks, they will flee to the Stronghold. They feel their need of special strength from God, and they labor in his strength; therefore the victories they gain do not exalt them, but lead them in faith to lean more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to God is awakened in their hearts, and they are joyful in the tribulation which they experience while pressed by the enemy. These willing servants are gaining an experience and forming a character which will do honor to the cause of God.
The present is a season of solemn privilege and sacred trust to the servants of God. If these trusts are faithfully kept, great will be the reward of the faithful servant when the Master shall say, "Give an account of thy stewardship." The earnest toil, the unselfish work, the patient, persevering effort, will be rewarded abundantly; Jesus will say, Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends, guests. The approval of the Master is not given because of the greatness of the work performed, because many things have been gained, but because of the fidelity in even a few things. It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accomplished.—Testimony for the Church, No. 19.

Revolt in Szechuan, China

Tatsu, in Szechuan, China, where a riot occurred two years ago in which several Catholic natives lost their lives and a large number were driven from their homes, has lately been the scene of a small revolt, at the head of which is the ring leader of the former riot. The leader, who has been urgently "wanted" by the officials since the previous outbreak, has this time declared war against the powers that be in this turbulent district, and has collected around his banner a large following of riffraff. The latest account of him was that he was occupying a position in which the forces of law and order were afraid to attack him. In these circumstances the officials fell back on the plan which has so often served in such cases, namely, that of starving the enemy out. The plan, however, may not work so well in this instance, if it be true, as is reported, that the people of the district are largely in sympathy with the rebels.

Measuring the Present by the Past

How shall we judge their present, we who have never seen That which is past forever, and that which might have been? Measuring by ourselves, unwise, indeed, are we; Measuring what we know by what we can hardly see.
—F. R. Havergal.

WHAT DO WE GIVE?

WE all enjoy giving. There is hardly a man to be found who does not like to make a present, at least sometimes and to some persons. The higher his esteem for the person, the greater his enjoyment in offering the gift. This truth is fully tested in the usual Christmas giving. Now let us apply this same principle to our manner of giving for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ.
Do our contributions toward it form any measure of our love? Are they the product of any real self-denial on our part? Let us place ourselves, for a moment, side by side with a few poor but noble Christians lately converted from heathenism, and remember that we are side by side with them in God's sight.
We are indebted for this incident to the Herald and Presbyter, which records it as follows:—
"A church at Benito, Africa, with a native pastor and membership, has decided to contribute each 'one dollar every six months and the women fifty cents.' They appear to be in want of ready money. The first collection was made up of 'iron pots, oil, pomade, ringlets, calico, a keg of powder, cutlasses, etc.' But the collection, when turned into money, as it will be, amounts in value to fifty good round gold dollars, to be applied to missions. When one has a heart to give, there is always a way."
Are there not ribbons, neckties, gloves, fancy fans, canes, etc., which we might deny ourselves—and hardly think it worth calling denial—while we devoted the money to a higher use? But let us not be afraid of real self-denials, if we would be good soldiers of the cross. "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." And again, "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me." —Bible Class Scholar.

International S. S. Lessons.

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8
LESSON 2.—SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1893.

REBUILDING THE TEMPLE.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture.—Ezra 3:1-13.

1. And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
2. Then stood up Joshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
3. And they set the altar upon its base; for fear was upon them because of the people of the countries; and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
4. And they kept the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the ordinance, as the duty of every day required;
5. And afterward the continual burnt offering, and the offerings of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.
6. From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord; but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
7. They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, unto Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
8. Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of the Lord.
9. Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God; the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
10. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the order of David king of Israel.
11. And they sang one to another in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord, saying, For he is good, for his mercy endureth forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
12. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, the old men that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy;
13. So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Golden Text.—"They praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." Ezra 3:11.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

  1. What did the children of Israel do on the seventh month? Verse 1. Note 1.
  2. For what three great events was this month noted? Note 2.
  3. What would naturally be the first work they would do while surrounded by enemies?
  4. But how did these people show faith in God? Verses 2, 3. Note 3.
  5. What did they then do, and after what manner? Verses 4, 5. Note 4.
  6. How long did they wait? Verse 6. Note 5.
  7. What was done for those who worked? Verse 7. Note 6.
  8. What was done on the second month of the next year? Verse 8.
  9. Who were appointed head over the work? Verse 9.
  10. What did the priests do while the foundation was being laid? Verse 10.
  11. What was the grand chorus of that song? Verse 11. See Psalm 106.
  12. How did the people respond? Verse 11.
  13. What other emotion than that of joy was expressed, and why? Verses 12, 13. Note 7.
  14. In what foundation may we rejoice? Note 8.

NOTES.

1. In the seventh month.—That is, the seventh month of the first year of Cyrus, of the year in which the Jews left Babylon for Jerusalem.
2. Events.—Lev. 23:23-36 gives three feasts,—the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. The blowing of trumpets called all the people together, preparatory to the building of the altar.
3. Builded the altar.—The hostile Edomites were on the southeast, the semi-idolatrous Samaritans and mixed races were on the north. 2 Kings 17:24-28; Ezra 4:9, 10. But they did not fortify themselves nor make a covenant with the people about them. They first "builded the altar of the God of Israel." They put God first. They had no new fashion; they built it as God directed. Young man and woman, first of all in life build an altar unto God. He is blessing and health within, and a wall round about.
4. According to the custom.—When one is in a position to know his weakness, he does not try experiments with God. Israel had to a great extent learned this. What confidence and joy it gives to know that we have chosen without reserve God's way, God's word, God's law, in all details. We can then praise God, not at the close of our work, but in the doing of it, as did they.
5. From the first day.—Do not wait till you are rich, or better, or circumstances are better; offer to God first. When you can do no better, God accepts what you have. If you have no temple, worship with the best you have. Consecrate that all to God. See Ps. 119:59, 60; Gal. 1:15, 16.
6. Them of Zidon and them of Tyre.—They seemed to have hired men of Tyre and Zidon, as did Solomon, to bring timber for the temple. See 2 Chron. 2:3-16. The amount of money given for the work on the temple in free-will offerings is estimated at $400,000. See Ezra 2:69.
7. Shout of joy . . . noise of weeping.—Some weeping no doubt over the sins of the past, and of the departed glory of the Urim and Thummim and the ark of God, others joyous because of God's goodness in prospering them and giving them the privilege of again building a house to God's glory.
8. THE TRUE FOUNDATION.—God's great spiritual temple is being builded. Humanity regenerated by God's grace forms the materials of which it is built. Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16. The foundation of it all is Jesus Christ and his truth. 1 Cor. 3:11; Matt. 7:23, 24. We are built up in that temple by the word of God. Acts 20:32. Rejecting this, however bright our way may seem, however secure or beautiful our foundation, the storms and tempests of the future will prove our foundation to be sand, our way a snare, our light but the dead sparks of our own kindling. Choose Christ and his word; build on the true foundation. In that we may rejoice now, "with joy unspeakable and full of glory."

RISE AND PROGRESS

—OF—

Seventh-Day Adventists.

Tokens of God's Hand in the Movement, and Brief Sketch of the Advent Cause from 1831 to 1844.

By J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

This new book, fresh from the pen of one of the oldest ministers in the advent movement, cannot but be of great interest to all, and especially to those who have become Seventh-Day Adventists in recent years and know but little of the early history of the cause and its leaders.
The following are some of the chapter headings: Extent of the Advent Proclamation; The Tarrying Time; The Midnight Cry; The Disappointment; Fresh Tokens of Divine Guidance; Perils, Reproaches, Victories; New Features in the Work; Providence of God in the Publishing Work; Organization; Rapid Advancement; Though Workers Faint, God's Work Advances; Truth Advanced Even by Opposition.
The book contains nearly 400 pages, with 50 illustrations, several of them full page, and is neatly bound in cloth, and furnished in two styles.
Cloth, plain edges . . . . . $1.25 Cloth, gilt edges . . . . . 1.50
Books sent postpaid on receipt of price.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., OAKLAND, CAL. Or 43 Bond St., New York.

THE ATONEMENT.

The author, in a book of 368 pages, takes up this great central doctrine of the gospel, and treats it in two parts. Part first,

An Atonement Consistent with Reason.

In this he shows that the doctrine of an atonement through the medium of a voluntary substitute is consistent with reason. Part second,

The Atonement as Revealed in the Bible.

In this is discussed the plan of redemption through Christ, by which every sinner who accepts Christ will be justified; sin will be turned back upon the head of its originator; the earth will be cleansed from the curse; God's righteous government will be restored over the entire universe; and all who will not become loyal subjects of that government will be destroyed.
The book presents a CRITICAL AND EXHAUSTIVE TREATISE on this interesting subject, by a thorough Bible student, and wholly from a Bible standpoint, and cannot fail to be of great value to everyone who reads it.
Third edition, bound in cloth, embossed in black, with gold title on back and front cover.
Price, postpaid, $1.00.
Address, Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 BOND ST., New York City.

Answers About Human Nature

BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING MAN. By Alonzo T. Jones. Bible Students' Library, No. 76. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 16 pp.; 2 cents.

LESSON II.—SABBATH, JANUARY 7, 1892

HOW WAS GOD’S WORD GIVEN?

I. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17: “Every scripture is inspired of God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for discipline which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.”
1. How much is included in the term “every scripture?” Note 1 (a).
2. How is the Scripture given? Note 2 (b).
3. How much then of the Scriptures is given in this way?
4. For what is it profitable?
5. What is it intended to do for the man of God?
6. For what will he be prepared?
7. How much more knowledge, then, will he need? Note 1 (c).
II. 2 Peter 1:21: “For no prophecy ever came by the will of man; but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Ghost.”
1. How much is included in “the prophecy”? Note 2 (a).
2. Through whom was the speaking done? Note 2 (b).
3. What moved them to speak?
4. Could they thus speak at will? Note 2 (c).
III. Heb. 1:1, 2: “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the ages.”
1. Who has spoken in time past?
2. Through whom, and how has he spoken?
3. Who speaks in the end of these days?
4. Through whom?
5. Who, then, is the speaker, both in time past and in these last days?
6. Have we, then, any authority for discriminating between the Old and New Testament, and saying that one is of more importance than the other?

NOTES.

1 (a). Every Scripture.—The scriptures to which the apostle refers were the scriptures then known to the Jews, which Timothy had known from a child (2 Tim. 3:15), and which are summed up by our Saviour in the term “the law of Moses,” “the prophets,” and “the Psalms.” These now form what is commonly called the Old Testament. Paul implies that he wrote the same way (1 Cor. 2:13; 14:37), and Peter classes the writings of Paul with “the other scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16), and the words of the apostles with those of the prophets (2 Peter 3:2). We may take the term “every scripture” as including within its scope the whole Bible.
(b) Inspired of God.—Literally, “God breathed.” The words, the original words, are the words of God, the breath of God. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Mark that it is not the man or the writer that is inspired, it is the word. God did not breathe the man, but the word. The Bible never speaks of “inspired men.” It is vain to question the process or theory; God’s word does not deal in theories, but facts. What it does declare is that every writing of these Holy Writings is “God breathed.” Peter’s writings may show his peculiar characteristics; Paul’s may show his; Isaiah’s, his; Joel’s, his; Luke’s, his, and so on; but, nevertheless, while the words are Paul’s and Peter’s and Isaiah’s and Joel’s and Luke’s, and many others, they are all the words of the Spirit of God. The skilled musician plays on the fife, the flute, the cornet, the flageolet, the clarionet, and the notes are those of the fife, the flute, the cornet, etc., having the characteristic of each instrument, but the notes are all inspired by the skillful master; they are also his notes.
(c) Furnished Completely.—If a man is completely furnished, he certainly needs no more. Whatever other “helps” he may have, if these “helps” do not lead to greater knowledge in the word of God, to greater attainments in the life given in that word, to greater efficiency in the use of the sword of the Spirit, and more of the power of the Incarnate Word, they are not helps, but hindrances, it matters not by what name they may be called. The word of God furnishes unto every good work.
2 (a). Prophecy.—By the term “prophecy” the apostle covers evidently all that is covered by the term “scriptures” by Paul; for all through whom the scriptures came were prophets. In fact, the entire gospel of Christ is one grand prophecy.
(b) Men Spake.—All the best texts, says Vincent, omit “holy.” Inspiration of God is not dependent on the understanding and perfection of the instrument. God generally used holy men, men who were consecrated to him, but sometimes those were used who were not. Balaam, who went to Balak with a covetous intention, was used as an instrument of God (Num. 22:21, 22), and his after course showed his wickedness (Num. 31:16). God even rebuked the madness of the prophet by giving voice to the stupid animal which Balaam rode. The disobedient prophet delivered God’s message. 1 Kings 13. The wicked Saul prophesied. 1 Sam. 19:23. So also did wicked Caiaphas. John 11:49-52. Neither does inspiration depend on enlightenment, for the prophets themselves did not understand all they wrote. 1 Peter 1:11, 12; Dan. 12:8-10. Enlightenment is one thing, and pertains to the man; inspiration is another thing, and pertains to the word.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

1. What language does God use in speaking?
2. Is he limited to any one language?
3. Are the writers inspired, or the word?
4. Do the infallibility and perfection pertain to the man, or to the inspired writing?
5. Is it essential that we should be able to determine the names of the writers of the Scripture?
[For other notes and suggestions see the Sabbath School Worker and the lesson pamphlet.]

REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION.

By W. A. CARNEY.

A Compendium of Forms, Instructions and Legal Information for Secretaries of Corporations, with Extracts from, and References to, the Judicial Decisions of the Courts of Last Resort of the Various States and of the United States, as to the Rights, Duties and Liabilities of Stockholders, Directors, Officers, Agents, etc.; by Whom and in What Manner Corporate Contracts can be Legally Made and Executed, How Ratification is Effected and Consent of Stockholders Secured. Nature of Liability of Stockholders, etc.
There are many points of law which are neccessary to be known in order to avoid uncertain results, but the Law of private corporations is ordinarily widely diffused through, and only accessible in, expensive law books. To concisely present so much of corporation law as every stockholder, director and officer should be familiar with, has been the aim of the author in issuing the second edition of The Secretary’s Manual. Wherever neccessary to amplify or illustrate the text, apt and authoritative quotations have been made from the judicial decisions from the Courts of last resort.
How many persons, for instance, connected with corporations, can define the precise meaning of the term, “Organization,” as applied to corporations, know what constitutes the charter of the corporation, are aware under what circumstances a director is entitled to compensation for ordinary services, and whether or not he can vote on the question of giving himself a salary?
There is need for such a book; hundreds of corporations are formed every week in the United States, and a work of this kind is now needed to qualify directors and officers as to their duties, and enable them to discharge such duties with celerity and certainty. The numerous forms given will save the time of the experienced.
The secretary who is desirous of recording the proceedings of the stockholders and board of directors in “good form” will find the purchase of this book an investment which will soon be many times repaid.
THE “MANUAL” IS NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH. Price, . . . . $1 50 Address PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., OAKLAND, CAL. Or 43 BOND STREET, NEW YORK.

PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL

AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.

A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles, and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically

A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,

Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is especially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and housekeepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by all. Price, $1.00 per year. Sample copy free.
Address, PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL, St. Helena, Cal.

The Atonement

THE ATONEMENT. Part I, "An Atonement Consistent with Reason." Part II, "An Atonement as Revealed in the Bible." Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. Cloth, $1.00.

SECULAR.

—Of the Russian people who were engaged in the cholera riots last fall, another lot have been convicted and sentenced,—four to suffer death, eight to imprisonment and hard labor, thirty to the house of correction, and forty to imprisonment without labor.
—A man recently arrested in Los Angeles, Cal., is wanted in Joliet, Ill., for a murder committed twenty-five years ago.
—It is said that Senator Hill, of New York, has been tendered the position of Secretary of State by President-elect Cleveland.
—Late advices from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, state that the ravages of typhus fever have caused an alarming increase in the death rate.
—It is reported that smallpox has broken out among the Quilcene Bay Indians, about twenty-five miles from Port Townsend, Wash.
—The latest motor power for street cars is ammonia gas; it is now in use in Manchester, England, in New York City, and at the World's Fair grounds, Chicago.
—A fearful explosion of coal gas occurred in Banfurlong Colliery, Wigan, England, on the 14th inst., and it is said that fifty miners were killed, besides extensive damage to the mines.
—Mauna Loa, the great Hawaiian volcano, is again in active eruption, and it is said some adjacent villages are in great danger. The eruption was preceded by violent earthquake shocks on the 2d inst.
—Moorish pirates captured the Spanish schooner Icod, carried the crew into the mountains, and refused to surrender them till paid $15,000 ransom. It is probable that the government will pay the money.
—P. D. Armour has given to the city of Chicago, as a Christmas present, the Armour Institute, valued at $1,500,000, and an endowment of $1,400,000. It is said to be the best technical institute in this country.
—A Panama dispatch says the Columbian Government has ordered all the ports closed against vessels sailing from Hamburg after the 10th inst., because of official advices that the cholera had again broken out.
—President Hippolite, of Hayti, has executed six guards and imprisoned a lieutenant for allowing a suspicious individual to get past them and approach his residence in the night, presumably bent on assassination.
—The city clerk of Colorado Springs, Colorado, has confessed to having stolen $6,500 of the city's funds. He was a prominent church member, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and connected with various other lodges and societies.
—All the relics of Columbus that can be secured in Europe will be brought to the exposition early next spring on the United States man-of-war Newark. These relics are scattered through museums in Great Britain, France, Spain, and Italy.
—A press dispatch from El Paso, Texas, states that Mormons have secured 6,000 acres of land in the Concho River Valley, Mexico, and that two elders and 100 men have gone in advance of a contemplated colony to construct an irrigating canal and temporary quarters.
—The U. S. Supreme Court has rendered a decision which relegates about 1,500,000 acres of railroad land in Southern California to the public domain, thus rendering it subject to settlement. The land is situated in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties.
—Health Officer J. W. Prendergast, of Cincinnati, has recently returned from a trip through Mexico. He says that country is one vast hospital, sickness prevailing at so many places. Typhus fever is epidemic in the City of Mexico, and the deaths from smallpox average from forty to fifty a day.
—On account of implication in the now notorious Panama Canal swindles, the French Minister of Finance has been obliged to resign, and it is said the entire ministry is shaky, with strong suspicions even on the president of the republic. He was at least cognizant of the guilt of his Minister of Finance.
—A little surprise is expressed by a Toledo paper at the dimensions and armament of three English vessels that have appeared on the Georgian Bay. It is said they purport to be revenue cutters, but in reality are small though well-equipped men-of-war, capable of destroying all the American armament on the lakes.
—A Cleveland, Ohio, dispatch says that one Arthur Wiullmau, who undertook the task of fasting fifty days, has given it up in disgust, declaring that the people did not appreciate the scientific importance of the feat. It is gratifying to know that at least one foolish freak has failed to captivate the public mind.
—Colorado's "man-eater," Parker, who has been in the penitentiary since 1888, for murdering and eating his traveling companions during a hard winter in the mountains, has petitioned to be released. He was sentenced on eight charges to five years each, and now that the first term is about up, it is claimed that the succeeding ones are illegal. He says human flesh has a better flavor than any other, and has that taste that makes one crave for more. Under such circumstances he is a dangerous man to be at large.
—A cyclone passed near the town of Summit, Mississippi, on the 13th inst., wrecking everything in its path, which was about 300 yards wide. The house of a Baptist minister named Young was thrown down and the whole family was more or less injured. In the neighborhood five persons were killed and a number seriously hurt.
—There will probably be a strong protest from foreign countries against the proposed restriction of immigration to the United States. In some prominent quarters it is characterized as an insult on the part of our government to shut the doors against immigrants at a time when all nations are invited to attend the World's Fair at Chicago.
—San Juan County, Utah, is the scene of a new gold mining sensation. It is a very rough region, and difficult to reach on account of desert surroundings, void of water and timber, although when reached the placers are along the San Juan River for fifty miles above its confluence with the Colorado. There is said to be a great rush to the new mines, especially from Arizona.
—Col. Elliott F. Shepard, president of the American Sabbath Union and proprietor of the New York Mail and Express, is in trouble. His business manager was under contract for five years, but was discharged at the end of two years, and sued for damages. Shepard gave "incompatibility" as the reason for the discharge; but the complainant says that the only incompatibility of which he had any knowledge was due to his refusal to attempt to bribe city officials to advertise in the Mail and Express, as instructed by the colonel to do, and for which purpose the colonel had given him money. Shepard won the suit.
—The revenue cutter Bear arrived in San Francisco on the 12th inst., from Bering Sea, having been absent since April 28. While on this tour 178 domesticated reindeer were purchased in Siberia and transferred to Alaska. A station was established at Port Clarence, about eighty miles below Point Barrow, where corrals were built for the reindeer, and a house for the four Siberian keepers. The Bear also visited the cliff dwellers on King's Island, in Bering Straits, whom it had saved from starvation last year. This year the natives were found to be well supplied, but still grateful for last year's relief.

A HOLIDAY BOOK.

Useful as Well as Ornamental.

Most children like picture books, and most people who have children buy picture books for them. But about holiday time many people buy picture books for other people's children.
A nice picture book is a nice present. A good picture book is a good present. An instructive picture book is an instructive present.
All these qualifications are included in the BOUND VOLUME of

OUR LITTLE FRIEND.

There is no use in buying books that teach children folly and nonsense. They learn too much of that incidentally. They get too much without buying it. Let the money be spent for something useful.
Volume II contains over 400 pages, 7x10 inches, and is bound in cloth and also in paper, with a handsome design on first page.
Price, in Cloth....................................$1 00 Price, in Paper....................................60 These prices include postage. Address

OUR LITTLE FRIEND,

OAKLAND, CAL.
Continue reading: New Publications on Religious Liberty