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CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—R Sheckler $1.05, J B Brannen $10, Mrs M Scott $4.19, Mrs I Moore $3.50, Placerville $6.20, Healdsburg $192.90, F and A Stickney $5, St. Helena $38.50, Ferndale $31.55, Lemoore $153.25, Napa $7.75, G H Heald $15, Santa Rosa $58.65, San Jose $75.90, Woodland $15, A C Walden $4, Mrs C Ruoff $4, F S Austin $6, E J Church $13.80, J Lieninger $10.30, Mrs E J Church $1.10, M E Saunders $1.80, J H Thorp $10, W N King $1.78, N C McClure $62.65, Hetty Hurd $7.75, Jas Creamer $8.75, Mrs E J Howard $5, J D Rice $60, R S Owen $25, M A Lee $10, W S Swayze $10, S McElhany $12, San Francisco $178.05, Petaluma $35.15.
STOCK IN HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—Dr C F Young $10, D M Prosser $50, M E Cordavant $2.50, L Cordavant $5, S D Fresh $10, Zach Thorp $25, Fred Haub $10, P M Morrison $20, E Spath $10, P Scazighini $500, T H E $1000, A T Stickney $25, R Buckner $10, J M Church $10, O M Peoples $10.
STOCK IN HEALTH RETREAT.—Byron Belden $20, Mrs C Ruoff $5, J F McCutchan $20, Jos Eggleston $5, J F Bahler $10, E J Church $1, E Spath $10, T H E $500, O M Peoples $10, S P Chambers $20.
STOCK IN PACIFIC S D A PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.—O W Burnell $10, D S Hemstreet $10.
CALIFORNIA PUBLISHING FUND.—M E Saunders $8.25.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Ind T and M Society $30.10, Colo T and M Society $350, N P T and M Society per H A Baxter $60.
CHURCH DEBT FUND.—L M Whisby $50.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.—P Scazighini $100.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—T H E $200, E Spath $3.33.
HAWAIIAN MISSION.—E Spath $3.33.
American Heathenism.
By Editor
A CALIFORNIA Presbyterian writes to the New York Independent concerning the Chinese, and says:—
"Already American-born boys and girls of the lower classes, growing up from tender years familiar with the vices described in the epistle to the Romans, have merely heathen consciences, feeling little or no sense of sin or shame in the commission of such crimes. No Eastern parent would wish his child to grow up in contact with such vices. Foreign missionaries send their children home to avoid it. Here it cannot be avoided. But those who are compelled to meet it, and to bear the forefront of the battle against heathenism, ought to have at least the sympathy of their brethren who are so safe in the rear ranks."
The Independent makes a few comments, and closes with these words:—
"We only add that children grow up equally here with heathen consciences; but we do not lay the blame on the Chinese."
We have no plea to make in favor of the Chinese in California, but we venture the assertion that their presence in San Francisco is no more detrimental to the morals of that city than the presence of an equal number of white people that might be imported from New York City or Chicago would be. We believe the Independent is correct in saying that in the East, as well as here, children grow up with heathen practices and heathen consciences. Human nature is essentially corrupt. Children are born with tendencies to vice; and with human fiends ready on every side to instruct them in its details, and parents blind or else indifferent to the practices, heathenism is as certain to exist in America as in China or Africa. Let the blame rest where it belongs.
Demoralizing Influence of Pleasure-Seeking.
By Editor
A FEW weeks ago a telegraphic dispatch made the simple announcement that one of the jockeys on the Brighton track had been thrown from his horse and killed. Afterward the details were given by a correspondent of a New York paper. The letter shows, although not written for that purpose, the heartlessness which is begotten by a love for amusement. It seems that the managers of the track insisted that thirty-one horses should start together, so that it might be said that the greatest number of horses ever started together had run at Brighton Beach. In the consequent wild rush and jam, one jockey, a lad sixteen years old, was crowded from his horse and trampled upon and his skull crushed. Says the correspondent:—
“The dead body of the boy was carried into the stable. Then everybody on the grand stand knew Moran was dead, and many a woman's handkerchief was brought into use. The poor mother sat there as still as a pillar of stone could be. The news was too sudden and shocking for her. The darling that she had kissed a few hours before, was cold in death. Then came the reaction with her, and that was too sad to be described here. The indignation against the management of Brighton Beach was intense, but it did not last long on the race-course. In a few minutes men and women were betting just as wildly as ever, jockeys were weighing out for the next race, the bell was calling the horses to the post, and amid it all lived the sorrowing heart of a mourning mother bending over the form of the boy who would never caress her in life again.”
The one who writes the above, thinks that the managers of the track, who are to blame for the boy's death, ought to get up a benefit for his mother. By all means; have another race, and let her have the proceeds.
And this is in the nineteenth century, in the midst of the highest civilization the world has ever known. It may be the highest civilization, but it reminds us very strongly of the civilization of Rome in the days of her gladiatorial shows, when the death of a man added to, rather than diminished, the sport.
We repeat, that a love for pleasure for its own sake begets heartlessness. It could not be otherwise, for selfishness is at the root of all mere pleasure-seeking. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves.”
The Pacific Health Journal, No. 3, for October, is out in good season, as we intend each number shall be.
PERSONS wishing information concerning Healdsburg College, should address Prof. S. Brownsberger, Healdsburg, Cal.
A FRIEND has kindly suggested to us by what means we can fill the Rural Health Retreat with patients. Will some kind friend now suggest some feasible means to provide room for the patients who are coming?
THE letter of Mrs. E. G. White, referred to by Elder Whitney in his letter published in this paper, was written on the ocean and sent to the New York camp-meeting. We have read it over and over, but cannot find space for it this week. It will be given in the SIGNS next week.
MR. LOCKE (Nasby) refuses to join the "third party" prohibition movement, but is trying to secure a pledge in favor of prohibition from candidates of both parties, for the legislature, and is endeavoring to defeat those who will not give the pledge. We believe that Mr. Locke has the key to the proper solution of this question.
A CONGREGATIONAL pastor writes to the Advance that his eyes have been opened to the Christianity there is in Roman Catholicism, simply by talking with a Catholic priest. We might all very soon be converted to Catholicism as the only representative of Christianity, if we would only lend a credulous ear to whatever its priests might choose to tell us.
Attention!
By Editor
WE would like to have at once the permanent address during the year, of each minister and licentiate in the California, North Pacific, and Upper Columbia Conferences. We also wish the address of each officer in the North Pacific and Upper Columbia Conferences. Please attend to this immediately. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
False Christs.
THE Saviour said concerning the days preceding his coming: "There shall be false christs, and false prophets." The Spiritualists are assiduously working to fulfill this prophecy. They have always contended for christs—not for Christ—claiming that their mediums belonged to that class. In order to uphold their claims, they take most singular positions, and make sad havoc of Scripture. Thus a writer in an Eastern paper talks learnedly on the subject, as follows:—
"There might be several Christs at the same time. Hence we read, 'Touch not mine anointed and do my Christs [here rendered prophets] no harm.'"
This word "here rendered 'prophets'" is so rendered because it means prophets, and has no other meaning according to the lexicon. It is never rendered Christ, and it has no such meaning. It may be referred to the Christ as one of his offices, as "sacrifice" may be applied to him. But the writer has gained his object, for every Spiritualist will believe that his statement is true; and false christs will receive their adoration, and the true Christ they will continue to revile.
An Interesting Letter.
By Editor
THE following from Brother Whitney, of Rome, N. Y., cannot fail to be read with interest. The report of the success of the canvassing work in New York is truly cheering. We want much more of that kind of work in California. Some have neglected this, choosing to act as colporters. There is work in good canvassing, but the results to the cause are good. We rejoice that the cause is onward in the Empire State:—
"Our camp-meeting which closed last week was in some respects the most successful meeting we have ever held in the State, especially in the matter of the outside interest, and the reports which were gotten into most of the leading papers in the vicinity. The letter from Sister White called out much favorable comment, and it has served, I think, to bring her and her writings more prominently before the public here than anything else which has ever happened, especially taken in connection with her being here last year. The "Great Controversy" (vol. 4) is selling well—beyond our expectation. There seems to be a demand for it everywhere where the SIGNS has been read for any length of time. And it is remarkable, considering the hard times, how successful we have been in delivering, too. In Utica one of our workers had, a few days ago, seventy orders for vol. 4 to deliver, and these had been taken before our tent-meeting there, so of course the prejudice would naturally be greater after than before; but he was successful in delivering to all but two, and they agreed to take the book a month later. This, in the hard times, seems wonderful to me.
"We took orders for about fifty sets of the bound Testimonies on the camp ground, and we hope to sell as many more. There seems to be no limit to which the work can be carried, so far as the openings are concerned; but of course the expense is heavy, especially in our cities. But we believe the Lord will help to surmount the obstacles, if we only do all we can. We are rejoiced to read of the prosperity attending the work on the Pacific Coast. The work is one, and I long to see it go as we have not seen it yet."
THE AGE TO COME: A REFUTATION OF THE DOCTRINE.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
BY ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.
Embracing a critical examination of the Temporal Millennium—The Return of the Jews—Time and Manner of the Establishment of the Kingdom of God—The Day of the Lord, and the Promises to Israel. Second edition revised. 168 pages; price, post-paid, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.; Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
BY ELD. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
International Tract and Missionary Society.
A sixteen-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.