Annual Meeting of the California Conference Association
THE twelfth annual meeting of the California Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the thirty-seventh annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, at Fresno, Cal., January 31 to February 5, 1908, for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors and transacting any other business that may come before the meeting.
W. T. Knox, President.
E. A. Chapman, Secretary.
Annual Meeting of the California Conference.
THE thirty-seventh annual meeting of the California Conference will convene at Fresno, Cal., Jan. 31, 1908, at 7:30 P.M., continuing until February 5. Each church is entitled to one delegate for the church, and one additional delegate for every twenty members. A full delegation is earnestly desired.
W. T. Knox, President.
E. A. Chapman, Secretary.
North Pacific Union Conference.
By W. B. White
NOTICE is hereby given that the first biennial session of the North Pacific Union Conference will be held at College Place, Wash., Jan. 31 to Feb. 9, 1908. The first meeting of this session will take place at 9:00 A. M., January 31. All accredited delegates are requested to be present, if possible, at the first meeting.
W. B. WHITE, President.
STORY OF PITCAIRN ISLAND.
By Rosa Young
BY MISS ROSA YOUNG.
The present work is written by a native of the island, and one who has practically spent her whole life on the island, a few years of her childhood only having been spent on Norfolk Island. While her lifetime does not cover quite one-half of the time covered by the history of the island, she had access for many years to one, at least, who remembered events that occurred before the beginning of the present century. The author's father was the second oldest man of the community at the time of his death, in September, 1893, and was a grandson of John Adams, one of the mutineers of the Bounty, whose death took place in 1829. She has thus had the best of advantages for obtaining a correct knowledge of the island history. The book is neatly bound in cloth, and will be sent post-paid for $1.00. Address this office.
Coal Mine Fatalities
The “Scientific American” says that there are killed annually in the coal mines of this country three times as many men per thousand as there are in the coal mines of most European countries. In seventeen years 22,840 men have lost their lives, 11,000 of these in the last six years. In the year 1906, 4,800 were injured and 4,800 killed. The death-rate is decreasing in Europe, while increasing here.
Mormon Missionary Progress
English religious organizations of every denomination are reported as becoming alarmed at the progress made by the Mormon missionaries in that country. Three hundred are said to be at work in the island, and they claim to have made 150,000 English converts in seven years. On the continent and in the British colonies they are no less active. They are said to be working successfully in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Turkey, Greece, and in all Australia and New Zealand. They are said to be the only sect that is making headway among the Japanese. Of course they have advantages in the Old Country which they do not have in this. Many of their converts are poor, with very little prospect of bettering their condition, and the glowing reports of the great West no doubt have many times very much to do in seducing them to leave home and come to this country.
and t
No
Harry
of Ch
in Ch
the m
with
Elizab
to en
May
Sig
troit
Sig
well,
Not Christian Healing
Not Christian Healing.—Much is being said in the newspapers over the work of Bishop Fallows in Chicago of treating flocks of sick folks thru "Christian Psychology." He prescribes suggestion and then persuasion; basing his work on the idea that most of the complaints to which human flesh is subject are imaginative, he treats them accordingly. He takes no patients except those examined by physicians, who, we are left to infer, certify that the patient has no organic disease. It certainly is not Christian healing, or the healing practised by Christ, any more than is that of Christian Scientists. Christ took them as they were, it mattered not whether the disease was functional or organic, contagious or infectious, and He healed them by the creative power of His word or touch.
Annual Incomes of European Kings
The approximate annual income of King Edward VII is said to be $2,360,000; that of the Emperor of Germany, $3,000,000; King Alfonso of Spain, $1,690,000; while King Haakon's, of Norway, is only $194,440. King Edward, it is said, is still paying debts which he contracted before he became king.
Change of Address
By Editor
Change of Address.—The office of the Utah Conference and the Utah Tract Society has been moved to room 53, Hooper Building, Salt Lake City.
Bible Student's Subject Index
Bible Student's Subject Index.—An alphabetical arrangement of more than 1200 subjects, any of which may be found in less than a minute. Prepared by W. H. Wild, 169 Maple St., Hinsdale, Ill. Price 6 cents.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
SIGNS, Watchman; Mrs. Jas. Woods, 322 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, Ind.
SIGNS, Life Boat, and tracts; Mrs. E. J. Popplewell, Darlington, Mo.
SIGNS, Liberty, Watchman, tracts; J. S. Killen, 183 Flint St., Asheville, N. C.
SIGNS, for hospital work; W. H. Stanley, Box 108, Hayward, Cal.
Denominational literature, papers and tracts; E. W. Wolfe, Wapello, Iowa.
SIGNS, tracts, etc.; Chas. F. Voltz, Lexington, Ind.
Periodicals and tracts for home mission work; Mrs. A. E. Malony, 2219 S. Elm St., Muncie, Ind.
THE word of God paints a few fascinating pictures of hospitality—kindness—shown to strangers.
Two striking instances occur in the 18th and 19th chapters of Genesis. Both took place in connection with the destruction of that lawless, cruel, doomed city, Sodom.
On both occasions distinguished men extended the grace or courtesy. It was offered by both with thrilling urgency and civility. It was offered instantly, without previous preparation or planning, and therefore was genuine hospitality.
In the first case, the time must have been about midday, an hour when, naturally, travelers on foot would be weary, hungry, thirsty, and when a glad, free, open invitation to eat, drink, and tarry awhile, would awaken keenest gratitude.
The entreaty to rest and wash the feet was made by a prince, seated, a moment before, in his tent-door, himself drowsing there, possibly, because of the noonday fervor. Or, more likely, he was absorbed in thought over a startling promise that had been made him but a short time before.
But he lifted up his eyes, and a little way off there stood three strangers. He sprang to his feet, he ran to them, and bowed himself low before them, as was civil to do. Addressing one of them by the term, "My Lord," he besought Him not to pass by, but to partake of refreshments which he would prepare for them; to rest awhile "under the tree," and afterward they might go on their way.
The three pedestrians accepted the beautiful grace with readiness and pleasure. They had come from heaven on a mission sad and woful. Of this the man at the tent-door knew nothing. But before that memorable day closed he might have been heard making the exalted entreaty that should there be found in a city, doomed to dreadful extinction the next day, but ten godly men, the multitude of wicked therein should have longer lease of life.
From the evening of that notable day there ring down the centuries the cheering tones of another proffer of hearty hospitality to strangers.
Two wayfarers of that far-off day approached a certain city's gates, probably just at the set of sun, an hour fitted to stir in the heart of a kindly man feelings of sympathy and compassion for weary travelers. Citizens of the place were hastening thru the gates to their homes and to rest.
Soon the twilight would deepen into darkness. And soon, if conscience were not dead, would come the turning the thought backward upon the day's deeds, just or unjust, kind or cruel, open or secret.
That city stood upon the famous plain of Jordan, a plain "well-watered everywhere," "even as the garden of the Lord." Gen. 13:10.
At its gates that evening sat a man of wealth and influence. And, far better, he had a knowledge of the true God.
When the two travelers drew nigh to the gates, he arose quickly, greeted them courteously, and pressed them to tarry all night at his home. Very surprising and striking was their reply: "Nay: but we will abide in the street all night." He urged them greatly. They yielded, and accompanied him to his house where he provided for them a bountiful repast. By these fortunate steps that man saved his life—next day. He had entertained angels unawares.
"Yes," the reader will say, "it was an easy matter for those men to be hospitable, to be generous. They were rich in cattle, gold, and silver. They were dependent upon neither a daily wage nor a scanty salary."
Ah, true hospitality does not consist in giving lavish feasts, in fine appointments for the rooms of guests, nor entirely in fervent entreaty pressed upon wayfarer or friend. It lies in the high inherent quality of doing the right thing because it is right, according to one's ability, and without thought of compensation of any kind. It exalts the element of brotherhood in mankind. It is doing to another as one would wish that other to do by one's self under the circumstances. Let me recite an instance of noble hospitality.
A few years since, in making the trip overland by train from Portland, Ore., to San Francisco, I stopped off, for a night and a day, at the pleasant little village of Medford on the Oregon and California railway. I arrived at Medford at verge of evening. A very gracious letter of introduction brought me a cordial welcome from the young pastor of the Presbyterian church of the village and his wife, in whose home I passed the night.
Newspaper interests required of me a visit to Jacksonville, the oldest town of Southern Oregon, and lying five miles to the west of Medford. The conveyance thither was by stage. The vehicle called for me at four o'clock of that arctic March morning. The highway, preeminently rough, was lighted only by the stars.
We arrived at Jacksonville just at break of day, and in the office of the hotel found a huge fireplace diffusing great comfort from a body of glowing, snapping wood.
The day was spent in obtaining the facts and information I sought, and at sunset I left the noted gold center for Medford. Owing to the roughness of the road it was long after dark when we alighted at the hotel door. Every room in the structure was occupied. To obtain shelter there for the night was impossible.
Therefore I set out in pursuit of the home to which I had been warmly welcomed the night before. The evening was very dark. Soon I discovered that I had missed the way. In fact I had walked in the opposite direction. Realizing my position,—in a strange town, the darkness dense, the hour becoming late,—I called at the house nearest me, and rang the bell.
A lady answered my summons. I asked her to kindly direct me to the dwelling of Mr. B——. She replied, "Madam, you are far from there."
I then gave her my name, told her my errand in Southern Oregon, and explained why I was without shelter at that hour. She replied: "I have moved into this house this day. No rooms are settled. But if you will come in I will give you something to eat. I will make you a bed upon the floor. You shall have perfect welcome, and I will see that you are ready for the train to Ashland at four o'clock in the morning."
With heart profoundly grateful I accepted this most unusual courtesy. Before four o'clock she stood at my bedside. While I dressed she prepared me a tempting bit of refreshment. Then, putting on her wraps, she accompanied me to the train, lest I should again miss the way.
For all this, no persuasion could prevail upon her to accept the least compensation. Reader, that was true, noble, Christlike hospitality.
The Saviour's Grace.
By Max Hill
'Tis naught that I have done
That merits Jesus' love for me;
My deeds had never won
Salvation free.
But for the grace of Christ
No hope of mercy could I see;
In love He sacrificed,—
Lived, died for me.
His love has won my love;
Hope on, my soul, and trust His grace
Till thou in heaven above
Shall see His face.
MAX HILL.
Tempests and Their Benefits
TEMPESTS may shake our dwellings and dissipate our commerce, but they scourge before them the lazy elements, which otherwise would stagnate into pestilence.
Labor Is Its Own Reward
Man, being essentially active, must find in activity his joy, as well as his beauty and glory; and labor, like everything else that is good, is its own reward.—Bishop Whipple.
Dollar Missionary Package
For $1.00 we will send you 100 copies of the Signs of the Times and 100 copies of Our Little Friend.
Not 100 of the Signs all one number, but the best assortment we can make from the recent Gospel Series since May 1—beautiful copies just as they came from press.
The Little Friends also a careful selection of attractive issues. Address:
SIGNS OF THE TIMESMountain View . . . California
A GREAT WINTER RESORT.
Do you know that Colorado, and especially the valley in which is situated the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, is a most delightful winter climate, equal in every respect to that of California or the sunny South?
The Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium is a well-equipped medical institution, employing the very best and most approved methods of treatment.
The medical staff comprises four physicians—two men and two women—graduates of leading medical schools, together with a large corps of nurses of both sexes.
No tubercular or consumptive patients received.
Special reduced rates are afforded during the winter months. Write to-day for large illustrated catalog, with card of rates. Address, Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, Boulder, Colorado.
An exposition, verse by verse, of one of the most striking chapters in the New Testament; covering
Matthew Twenty-four
Second Coming of Christ
our Lord's great discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the world, and the special signs of His second coming to reward His children. The facts of fulfilment given make this pamphlet worth many times its price. 94 pages, price 10c.
PACIFIC PRESS
Mountain View, Cal.
FOR SALE
Beautiful home in Mountain View, California. Consists of two corner lots; with new seven-roomed modern cottage, 45 fruit trees, small barn; on a principal residence street, 3 blocks from Pacific Press, 2 blocks from Seventh-day Adventist Church and church school. Price $2,250 if sold at once.
The following books are ready sellers at this time of the year. The discount to those who canvass for them is forty per cent. For additional information address your tract society.
Our Little Folks' Bible Nature
This book contains simple lessons on nature, taking up the subjects in the order of creation. It is designed as a beginner's book in reading, and at the same time to teach beautiful lessons from nature, based on the Bible.
A graphic account of the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, interwoven with many interesting incidents in His life. The story is simply, yet beautifully told, and the lessons taught, inspiring and helpful.
The book is written in a style that will hold the interest of the children, and will so acquaint them with the life and character of the Saviour as to lead them to make Him their personal friend and to desire to be more like Him.
182 pages. Price, board, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
Also in German, Danish, Spanish, and Swedish.
Uncle Ben's Cobblestones
Familiar talks with boys and girls about the common articles of every-day use, such as air, water, sunshine, fire, smoke, glass, coal, salt, paper, matches, etc.
Uncle Ben has a very pleasing way of telling about the origin and use of these various things. There is a ray of sunshine streaming throughout the whole book, and yet it does not touch the fickle so prevalent in books for children.
The purpose of the book, aside from the useful information given, seems to be soul culture, for we observe on every page a moral fragrance that will impress young minds in the right way.
Uncle Ben tells about more than one hundred different things in all, and intersperses with happy thoughts that bring good cheer to young and old.
221 pages. Price, $1.00.
Story of Daniel the Prophet
A biography of this wonderful prophet of God. Entirely new in its conceptions and designs. The Scriptures narrating the story are printed in parallel columns with the author's delineations and interpretations. This one feature of the book alone renders it very serviceable and desirable.
In connection with the story of this remarkable life, a clear and forcible exposition of the prophecies is also given. The author has endeavoured, not to arouse controversy, but to suggest thoughts, both in story and side references, that will create religious interest and further study in the things of God.
The book contains both a scriptural and general index of subjects, has eighteen chapters, and 369 pages. Price, $1.25.
The Vegetarian Cook Book
This book contains about four hundred very carefully prepared recipes of healthful, hygienic dishes, suitable to every taste, and every condition in life. There is also one chapter on the Hygiene of Cooking, explaining the various methods, such as boiling, steaming, stewing, baking, braizing, and broiling.
The author has had a broad experience in restaurant work, and has given the results of his experiments and observation in this practical work. We believe the good, wholesome foods, hygienically prepared, will appeal to many who are suffering from the effects of bad foods and wrong combinations.
The classification of foods is so arranged, and the work so thoroly indexed, that any recipe may be referred to instantly.
266 pages. Price, 75 cents.
Steps to Christ
This little work by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner, the steps by which the sinner may find Christ and be made complete in Him.
While the book is an excellent guide to inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those older in the way, who are experiencing difficulties.
The all-pervading spirituality and wholesome counsel blended throughout its pages, cause the book to meet with general acceptance. Once read, it is often re-read and studied as a guide-book in the way of salvation.
An excellent companion volume to "Steps to Christ," by the same author.
This book is an exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, written in beautiful and eloquent language, and bringing out helpful and encouraging thoughts from the Master's words, that were so abundantly laden with Spirit and life.
In imagination the reader is taken back to the scene on the mountain-side, where He sits with the disciples and enters into the thoughts and feelings that filled their hearts. A book for those who enjoy a quiet hour of study.
218 pages. Price, cloth, 60 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
Mountain View, Cal.
285 Salmon St.,
Portland, Ore.
1109 E. 12th St.,
Kansas City, Mo.
Hopeful and Hopeless
Hopeful and Hopeless.—Bishop J. W. Bashford, Methodist bishop in China, at the centennial banquet in Boston, stated that the movement in China to-day toward Christianity is nothing less than a revolution. More than one million copies of the Bible a year during the last three years have been sold in China. This is hopeful. What has led to this is the same old heathen idea of worshiping the strongest god. Europeans captured Pekin with only thirty thousand men, when one million men had failed to capture it in a war previous. So the Chinese said, "These white men have something that we have not, and we are going to get it." When they were spared after the city was taken, that also led them to admire the whites, and they concluded that their civilization rests upon their Book the Bible, so the declaration was issued that the Bible and the book of Confucius should be taught side by side all over China. One of the hopeless things growing out of it is the state religion, a thing that is bound to follow when religion is connected with government in any way. The bishop tells us, "By royal decree 437,000,000 people observe the Christian Sabbath. There has never been anything like it since Constantine adopted Christianity in Rome." And it is about after the same order as Constantine's Christianity. If ever a man was a curse to the Christian church, it was Constantine, and the so-called Christian Sunday which he foisted upon the church was "the wild solar holiday of all pagan times." Out of that grew the Dark Ages.