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.
DRIFTING ALONG.
By Editor
THE following question and answer are from the Christian Union:—
"Mr. Beecher, in his sermon on 'The Blessed Dead,' says in an apostrophe, 'Rest until the all-dissolving trumpet shall summon thy dust and thou shalt appear before God clothed in the new, unwasting form of the spiritual body.' Is there any Scripture that teaches clearly this material doctrine of the resurrection? Must we think that at the resurrection a literal 'trumpet' will be heard and literal 'graves' will be opened? I ask the question earnestly, because the literal interpretation repels me so; yet I should not be repelled if it is the true one.
Yours truly, J. C.
"Fayetteville, N. Y."
"Neither Mr. Beecher's expression nor that of the Scripture, which he has borrowed and employed, is necessarily to be taken literally. They are figurative utterances, indicating the fundamental truth that the soul shall yet stand before God, re-clothed in a body immaterial and indestructible; but the method and the nature of the experience no man knows. There is not even any reason to suppose that they were known by the sacred writers themselves."
That is to say that although he used the language, he did not mean what the language expresses, but something as far removed from it as darkness is from light. He knows, however, that it is figurative, and he knows to what the figure refers; but in what manner the fact referred to may be fulfilled he does not know, and because he does not know, "the sacred writers themselves" did not know. For, how could the inspired apostles know what Henry Ward Beecher does not know? We can bear with knowledge when it is positive, but positive ignorance is not so endurable.
The "great men" of the Christian world are fast taking the ground of the Spiritualists on the subject of the resurrection. In fact their methods of Bible interpretation are drifting them into the shoals of Spiritualism, where they will soon be settled down.
Changes to The Signs
By Editor
Two more numbers of the SIGNS complete the volume. No paper will be issued on Thursday, Dec. 29. Some improvements in the appearance of the paper will be made in the next volume. The utmost efforts will be put forth to make the contents useful and acceptable to its readers.
Enforcing the Sunday Law
By Editor
SOME may think that we spoke rather earnestly in our last paper on the subject of enforcing the Sunday law. But we are put on the defensive by the action of the religious people of the State. We are sorry to say that the expressions of some church people in regard to Seventh-day Adventists do not show that their religion is of a high or humane order.
The Change of the Sabbath
By Editor
THE article in a late issue of the SIGNS entitled "The Change of the Sabbath," has attracted considerable attention, and received commendatory notices from different places. A recent number of the Kankakee, Ill., Herald, contains the article copied entire. We are glad of it. Somebody will see the light if the scribes and pharisees shut their eyes from it.
California Weather and Tent Meeting
SOME rain fell in California in November, but not much. Heavy frosts prevailed extensively. Ice was the general order. The nights were altogether too cold for out-door meetings, and the tent-meeting in Alameda had a rather small attendance accordingly. It is now closed.
Suppressing College Hazing
By Editor
President Reed, of the University of California, is bringing credit to himself and to the school by his vigorous efforts to suppress college rowdyism, commonly called hazing. Our colleges have too long been disgraced in that manner by hoodlums.
THE SUNDAY LAW.
By Editor
The San Francisco Post says:—
“The press of the interior make a mistake in asserting that the Sunday law has been passed upon and sustained by the Supreme Court. It has never yet been brought to the attention of the tribunal. The Chief Justice, in determining a habeas corpus case pending before him alone, pronounced the law constitutional and valid; but the Chief Justice is only one-seventh of the Supreme bench.”
That was our understanding of it. Those who are so earnest to enforce a universal observance of Sunday will have their eyes opened to several points which they have not considered. Starting out with the avowed intention to suppress the liquor traffic on that day, they secured the sympathy of all of the better classes. But not only have they abandoned that ground, but appearances indicate that they will affect the liquor traffic far less than other and useful businesses. The law exempts restaurants, and in some places the saloons are already being turned into restaurants, where liquor will be furnished in the same manner that tea and coffee are served. Such an evasion of the law might not always succeed, but it will lead to endless litigation, and disagreements of juries. We notice by the papers that several cases have already resulted in jury disagreements.
If the ministers and their allies make such sweeping applications as they declare they intend to, the result is easy to foresee; a reaction will set in which will make their movement too unpopular to succeed in jury trials, and make the Sunday law the subject of a lively time before the next legislature of the State, where it will be greatly modified, if not repealed. They have been too much elated over the prospect of an easy victory.
At a meeting in the Congregational church in Oakland, on the evening of Nov. 28, a form of agreement was adopted to be presented to every business man and firm in the city, to secure their promise to transact no business on Sunday. It was prudently suggested by a D. D., that this pledge be not presented to the ministers. And we suggest to the committee or prosecutor to ascertain how many ministers work for wages next Sunday in Oakland. This matter may come up for consideration.
Our Publications in England.
By Editor
ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.
INDUCEMENTS TO WORKERS.
By Publishers Signs.
We have selected a few choice and valuable books which we will give as prizes to our friends who will send us six or more new subscribers.
For SIX NEW SUBSCRIBERS we will give you your choice of the following: "The Comparative New Testament," the "Life and Epistles of St. Paul," by Conybeare and Howson, "Thoughts on Daniel" (new edition), or "Thoughts on Revelation" (new edition).
For TWELVE NEW SUBSCRIBERS, your choice of "Handbook of Bible Geography," "Bible Manners and Customs," "Pilgrim's Progress," 12 mo. illustrated, "Josephus' History," or "Cruden's Complete Concordance.
For TWENTY NEW SUBSCRIBERS, your choice of the "Pictorial Child's Bible," the "Pathway to the Holy Land," "Dowling's History of Romanism," or "Rollin's Ancient History," in two royal octavo volumes, large print, and well bound.
For FORTY NEW SUBSCRIBERS, your choice of a large and elegant illustrated Family Bible, with both versions of the New Testament on opposite pages, also having sixteen full-page steel engravings, and over five hundred wood-cuts; or a copy of the "Home Hand-Book of Domestic Hygiene and Rational Medicine" (bound in leather), or a large and recent map of Palestine, size, 72x108 inches, mounted on cloth, with rollers.
The premium book, Geikie's "Life of Christ," will be sent to each new subscriber when $2.10 is received. The prizes will be furnished at this office, the postage or express to be paid by the person receiving the prize. Send in the names.
PUBLISHERS SIGNS.
SACRAMENTO.
By M. C. Israel
SINCE the camp-meeting, Brother and Sister McClure and Brother Scott have been visiting the interested ones, and holding meetings in this place. I had the privilege of spending a few days with them during the latter part of last month. The interest has increased, until now they have a company of about twenty-five who meet regularly. Six new ones have taken their stand on the truth since camp-meeting. We secured a building on the corner of Eleventh and I streets in which to hold regular meetings, which contains rooms suitable for the mission, where a good supply of our publications are kept. The Sabbath-school is held at 9:30 A. M. and is followed by the regular Sabbath meeting at 11.
On Sunday evening at 7:30 a meeting is held for Bible reading on selected subjects. On Wednesday evening a regular prayer and social meeting is held. The friends there have taken hold with a commendable zeal in fitting up a place of worship.
A Tract and Missionary Society has been organized, and we feel hopeful for the work there. Our good camp-meeting did very much in opening the way for missionary labor, by making a favorable impression on the minds of the people, and turning their attention to the truths of the third angel's message.
M. C. ISRAEL.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week
BY ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
THE Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made; and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE
Concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the
COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS
In regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious index enables the reader to find the comments on any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week
BY ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
THE Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made; and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE
Concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the
COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS
In regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious index enables the reader to find the comments on any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, 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.
Bound in cloth, 380 pp. Price, $1.00.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
A Great Book on the Greatest Subject.
By Editor
NEW CHEAP EDITION.
THE LIFE AND WORDS OF CHRIST.
By CUNNINGHAM GEIKIE, D. D.
This edition of Geikie's "Life of Christ" contains all the copious notes of the author, and an index. It brings Dr. Geikie's famous work within the reach of every Christian family in the land.
To each new subscriber to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, we will give a copy of the "Life and Words of Christ," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D., a work of profound learning and extensive research, clearly written and intensely interesting. It is a volume of over eight hundred pages. The charge for postage and wrapping will be ten cents extra, making the cost of both book and paper only $2.10.
TO OUR OLD SUBSCRIBERS.
To each one of our old patrons who will renew his subscription before January 1882, and send us three new subscribers, we will also send free, by mail, a copy of the premium book.
REVISED EDITION—JUST ISSUED
By J. H. Waggoner
Thoughts on Christian Baptism.
BY ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.
Being an examination of its
ACTIONS, SUBJECTS AND RELATIONS.
Also, a brief consideration of the
Historical Evidences of Trine Immersion.
Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged.
Price, postpaid, Paper Covers, 25c.; Flexible Cloth, 35c.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
ADVENT TIDENDE.
By Editor
TWELVE PAGES.
A DANISH-NORWEGIAN RELIGIOUS SEMI-MONTHLY.
Devoted to the dissemination of the great truths applicable to this time, among the Danes and Norwegians. Each number contains a beautiful illustration of some interesting Bible theme, besides a large amount of varied reading on different points of our faith. The subjects of health and temperance and the leading events of the day, are given due attention, thus making it, with its other features, an invaluable household magazine.
TERMS.
To American subscribers, $1.00 a year. Five or more copies to one address, 75 cents per copy. New subscribers receive the magazine one year, and the beautiful picture, The Way of Life, for $1.00.
To European subscribers the paper is sent at $1.10 a year.
The premium picture, The Way of Life, is sent to new subscribers.
Address ADVENT TIDENDE, Battle Creek, Mich.
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, Mich.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton England.
Miss ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So Lancaster, Mass.