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Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 18.

Satan's Devices.
Earlier text: Temperance

California Tract and Missionary Society.

THE first session of the third quarterly meeting of this society convened in Oakland, April 23, 1884. The meeting was called to order by the Vice-President, Eld. M. C. Israel. Prayer by Eld. Loughborough. The minutes of the meeting held in January at Healdsburg were approved as read.
Mention was made of the extent to which the resolutions made at that time have been carried out. The first two refer to furnishing public libraries with our publications. In various parts of the State these have been visited and supplied. In San Francisco all the prominent libraries, with one exception, manifested a willingness to give our books a place on their shelves, and also to receive files of the SIGNS and Good Health.
The resolution referring to the islands of the Pacific was re-read. Eld. Israel stated that a "Hand-book" had been secured containing much valuable information in regard to Australia, also directories from which addresses can be obtained for missionary use. A very interesting letter written to Eld. Waggoner from a gentleman in Collingwood, Australia, was read. He writes that there is no vitality in their worship, and no stirring work; that they have turned the truth of God into a meaningless fable. He earnestly desires that that place be visited in the name of the Lord.
A number of libraries in the vicinity of Melbourne have been written to in reference to supplying them with our works. An answerfrom the Mechanics' Institute in Geelong has already been received, acknowledging the receipt of sample copies of the SIGNS and Good Health, and stating that they will be received for a year and duly filed.
A Committee on Resolutions, consisting of W. C. White, E. J. Waggoner, and Wm. Ings was appointed. Sometime was then devoted to reports from those engaged in ship missionary work. Many incidents of thrilling interest were related, revealing some of the good results of this work.
The second meeting was held April 24, at 3 P. M. After listening to the minutes of the last meeting, the report of labor for quarter ending April 1 was read, as follows:—
Districts No. of Members Reports Returned Members Added Members Dismissed Missionary Visits Letters Written Signs taken in clubs Review Signs Good Health Instructor Other Periodicals
No. 1 193 58 29 4 75 238 458 3 50 8 3 2
No. 2 91 36 5 8 25 217 206 4 9 ... 1 ...
No. 3 77 35 ... 3 23 135 131 ... ... ... 1 23
No. 4 27 1 ... ... ... 107 82 ... ... ... ... ...
No. 5 92 38 2 6 45 98 197 1 6 3 ... ...
No. 6 7 2 2 5 376 ... ... ... 2 ... ... ...
No. 7 127 72 15 12 477 441 515 1 38 15 2 85
No. 8 95 41 3 3 16 180 175 1 5 3 2 ...
No. 9 30 13 10 ... 28 5 30 5 11 2 1 ...
No. 10 30 15 ... ... ... 40 54 3 11 2 ... ...
Ships ... ... ... ... 334 ... 50 ... ... ... ... ...
Total 769 311 66 41 1399 1061 1898 18 156 19 8 110
Districts Pages tracts and pamphlets Periodicals Membership and Donation Sales Periodicals Total
No. 1 121117 2790 $167 80 $20 15 102 45 $290 40
No. 2 8673 1780 50 95 8 65 99 60 159 20
No. 3 4489 1343 25 70 13 10 129 20 168 00
No. 4 534 354 ... ... ... ...
No. 5 15373 2141 5 20 2 25 127 07 134 52
No. 6 2650 40 ... ... 38 80 38 80
No. 7 46642 6080 73 95 9 20 146 90 230 05
No. 8 15385 19 60 44 15 29 10 117 95 191 20
No. 9 4644 1384 11 90 9 35 ... 21 25
No. 10 2134 814 1 00 1 60 54 35 56 95
Ships 47299 7578 62 00 ... ... 62 00
Total 268940 39864 $ 442 65 $ 93 40 $ 816 32 $1352 37
Collected on miscellaneous funds—District No. 2, $10.00; District No. 5, $7.00.
This report shows considerable increase over that of the previous quarter, in the amount of work done. Verbal reports from directors of the various districts were then given, showing their good working condition and increasing interest.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:
WHEREAS, There is an increasing interest manifested by the passengers on board ships and steamers, going to and from San Francisco, to read our publications; and, WHEREAS, There is no place provided for the keeping of these books; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend our ship mission to place in these ships, as far as possible, cases suitable to hold a loaning library, and that they be furnished with the most interesting of our smaller books. WHEREAS, The SIGNS OF THE TIMES would find many readers if placed in the parlors and reading-rooms of our best hotels; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend that our local societies supply the SIGNS regularly to these and similar places, where it will be kept and read; and, WHEREAS, The placing of the SIGNS in a neat binder will secure its care and preservation; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend the use of the Perfect Binder, and that the papers be placed in it, week by week. WHEREAS, There appears to be a good opening for a health journal on this coast; and, WHEREAS, The managers of the Rural Health Retreat contemplate the publication of such a journal; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend the establishment of such a journal, and we pledge our hearty support in securing for it a wide circulation.
A number spoke strongly in favor of the SIGNS binder to be used in libraries and other places of public resort to which the SIGNS is furnished. These binders will not only serve to preserve the papers but will attract many readers whose attention would not otherwise be called to them.
Forcible remarks were made by several upon the advantages to be gained by having cases in which to keep our publications on board the ships. A model case was presented. It is constructed in such a way as to hold eight pamphlets or tracts so that the title of each can be read. Over one hundred were ordered by those present from different parts of the State to be placed in reading-rooms, hotels, and other suitable places.
The place of holding the fall camp-meeting was then discussed. After an expression of those present it was decided by vote that the vicinity of Oakland be the first choice and Stockton the second. Bro. White suggested that as the Camp-meeting Committee are over-burdened with work, and as difficulty often arises in finding help to do necessary work, each church elect a number of brethren equal to the number of its delegates to the annual Conference, to go early to the meeting in order to prepare the ground, pitch the tents, and to assist the Committee during the meeting and at its close. This was sustained by a unanimous vote.
The meeting then adjourned. M. C. ISRAEL, Vice-Pres. ANNA L. INGELS, Ass't Sec.

The Story of Erromanga and Its Martyrs.

THE island of Erromanga is one of a group of about twenty lying in the South Pacific, and now known as the New Hebrides. They are all of volcanic formation, and it will be remembered that one of the most fertile of the group, Aurora, thirty-six miles long by five miles broad, disappeared in 1871. The story of the introduction of Christianity into these islands, and especially into Erromanga, will always be full of tragic interest. It is a story full of sublime heroism, patient endurance, and Christian martyrdom, crowned with the sublimest exhibition of Christian love and triumph. The first attempt to introduce Christianity into Erromanga was made by the noted missionary, John Williams, in 1839, and he paid for it with his life, having been clubbed to death as soon as he landed upon the island. For eighteen years thereafter no further effort was made to introduce Christianity, except by native teachers from other islands, and these were in such mortal peril that they had at last to be withdrawn.
Then, a young Presbyterian minister, Rev. George N. Gordon, went from Nova Scotia, and settled with his brave wife on the island. It was a grand piece of moral courage on the part of each. For four years this brave, Christian pair did much missionary work of an elementary character; but their usefulness was cut off in a moment by the tomahawk of the savage. Then followed an act of forgiveness and Christian love which can only be described as sublime. The brother of the martyred missionary, then a student at Halifax, resolved to continue the work in which his brother had fallen. James Gordon, as soon as his studies were completed, went to Erromanga, and labored faithfully among the natives for eight years, when he too had his skull cleft by a tomahawk and fell dead. In the same year, 1872, ignorant of James Gordon's death, Rev. H. A. Robertson, a third Nova Scotian, landed on the same "habitation of horrid cruelty." The sad news which he received had no power to turn him from his purpose. Calmly he built a hut and began to proclaim the gospel of divine good will. Eleven years have since passed, and he recently returned to Canada on a visit, to report progress—the first white missionary who has ever left Erromanga alive.
Such heroic Christian persistence never fails, and Mr. Robertson's report is ample proof and confirmation of this. The mission has now ten churches on the island, one of them standing on the very spot where Captain Cook was murdered one hundred and twelve years ago, and another in memory of the martyrs. The cornerstone of the latter was laid three years ago by the grandson of the very man who killed John Williams. There are also on the island thirty-three Christian schools. In some respects the Erromanga Christians may already teach a lesson to many nearer home, as Mr. Robertson assures us that "church was attended regularly, and there were few instances of one absentee."
A story of similar heroism might easily be told regarding the Wesleyan missionaries who landed in Fiji in the year 1835, and persisted, at the constant peril of their lives, in preaching Christ to ferocious cannibals. There, too, the heroism, though undescored on earth, has been rewarded from Heaven. Surely the record of such trials, self-sacrifice and triumphs, must stir our hearts to renewed earnestness in holding up the hands and encouraging the hearts of such brave Christian workers.—Christian at Work.

Christianity in Tokio

THERE are at present twelve Presbyterian churches in Tokio, Japan, and the Government daily paper advertises the Bible for sale. "In ten years Tokio may be a Christian city," said one of its young men at the late conference of churches in Japan. Certainly the prediction does not appear so very improbable.

Hid in Christ.

By Elias Benjamin Sanford

UNION with Christ gives the insight of his love. To those who obediently follow him, the light of that vision, dawning upon the soul in the moment of spiritual birth, increases as the "going forth of the morning." The cross as a factor in human history and the source of doctrine, may be analyzed and discussed by the thoughtful student, but it becomes luminous only to the heart that has received the insight of redeeming love. The humble disciple, whose life is hid in Christ, has a far more satisfactory knowledge of the truth than that possessed by the profound scholar whose heart is a stranger to the indwelling of the divine grace. In this light self is revealed; a disclosure that is sad and disheartening. But the spiritual insight that Christ bestows is along lines of light that center in hope without and not within.
Introspective thought can never be healthful unless the mind, from the discovery of need and weakness, seeks and finds the sources of eternal strength. Life hid in Christ does not blind the soul. Quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit it becomes more sensitive and alive in all its faculties; the light that discloses the way of access and reconciliation to God, guides the redeemed life into harmony with the divine will, whose gracious heritage is grace and fullness of joy.
Sheltered in Christ we are brought under the best possible condition of spiritual culture. There is bestowed an insight that has a transfiguring quality. Virtues and graces, that in their nature are excellent, manifest a meaning and purpose that is only evolved by union with the mind and Spirit of the divine Redeemer. The disclosures of truth that come through this communion are more full and precious than those bestowed by any reflected light. The day is better than the night, even if the moon be full-orbed.
The insight of life hid in Christ not only gives clear views of truth that strengthen and enrich personal character, but it discloses the divine method and spirit of service for others. "Follow me," says the Master, "and I will make you fishers of men." Those who keep close to him possess the insight of faith and love that is granted the joy of winning souls. There is lack neither of opportunity nor usefulness. They see the waving harvest-fields and are eager to thrust in the sickle.—Rev. E. B. Sanford.

Not What, or Where, but How.

“PLEASE put on your thinking-cap for my benefit this evening, auntie.”
“Very well, Aleck, what is it?”
Placid-faced Widow Gray spoke kindly, but without raising her eyes from the skein of yarn she was carefully placing upon the smooth arms of the old swift.
The handsome lad hung his worn cap upon a nail behind the door, held his fingers a moment over the glowing stove, patted the white cat asleep on a cushion in the warmest corner, then taking the bit of paper upon which his aged friend was about to wind the soft, smooth yarn, he said coaxingly:—
“Please, auntie, I like to make the arms of the old swift fly around. They seem to be ever reaching for something, but are fulfilling their mission all the while.”
The widow was used to the lad’s matter-of-course way, when he ran in of an evening, of making a pleasure of sharing whatever work engaged her attention; so now she only said:—
“Wind it close, remember, Aleck, or it will not knit even.”
“All right, auntie, now for business;” and as the old lady settled down in her rocking-chair, and took up her knitting-work, he went on:—
“Mr. Hyde, at the supper-table to-night, gave me notice to quit. He wishes to take a younger boy, one who will eat less and wear smaller clothes,” and Aleck laughed, looking down at the bottom of his jacket sleeves half way to his elbows, and then at his trousers legs half way to his knees.
“I am not surprised, my child,” replied Mrs. Gray, deliberately. “You can come here right away, and stay until you can find a better place. You have done well in staying as long as you could in the home your father found for you before he died. There is always enough to do for any one who has the will, and it does not make so much difference what or where your work is, as how you do it. There are always opportunities, if one is looking for them, to do good or to do evil, to help others and to help ourselves.”
A sharp rap at the outer door cut short the old lady’s wise speech, and Esquire Eaton, a short, stout, broad-shouldered man, blustered in.
“I was passing, and called to see if my socks were done,” he said, declining with a bow and wave of his hand, the splint-bottomed arm-chair Aleck moved forward. “I am off for Washington in the morning instead of at night to-morrow, as I expected, and all the last things have to be done up this evening.”
“I am just toeing them off, sir,” said Mrs. Gray. “The white yarn only came up an hour ago, and Aleck is winding it for me.”
The ‘Squire looked disappointed. “I shall not have to go barefooted if I do not have them,” he said “but it is a whim of mine that to keep off colds it is well to wear home-knit blue socks with white toes. We all have our whims, hey, Aleck?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the lad, respectfully, “and one of mine when a very little fellow, was to learn to knit. My mother taught me to knit a whole stocking the winter before she died. So, when yarn enough is wound, I can pick up the stitches for Auntie Gray, and help her about toeing them off. When they are finished, sir, I will bring them to your house, and if you are all in bed, I will leave the package in the porch at the side door. Will that do, sir?”
“Good,” said the ‘Squire, looking pleased now. “It will do very well, indeed,” and dropping a bank note into the widow’s lap he bustled away with her fervent “God bless you!” ringing in his ears and warming his heart all the way to town.
It was eleven o’clock before Aleck, after a busy evening, and a brisk walk in the frosty air, opened the gate leading through a deep yard to the ‘Squire’s handsome dwelling. That gentleman himself opened the side door as Aleck went lightly up the steps of the porch.
“All abed but me,” he said. “Come in and I will pay you for your trouble.”
“You may pay Auntie Gray for that, sir.”
“Come in,” repeated the ‘Squire, with something more than mere politeness in his voice, and the lad obeyed. A gust of wind from the open door-way sent the papers on the library table flying like a flock of sea-gulls to all parts of the room. Aleck removed his cap and mittens, and picking up the papers, returned them to the table. As the ‘Squire put a letter into its envelope, he watched the lad out of a corner of his eye.
“Going to school this winter?” he asked.
“I suppose not, sir. I am looking for something to do.”
“What do you want?”
“I cannot be over particular, sir. It don’t matter so much what or where the work is, as what I make of it,” he replied, unconsciously repeating Mrs. Gray’s words.
“I will give you work, then, and we will see what you make of it. This call to Washington is very unexpected to me, as you perhaps know. My wife and daughters are to go with me. I have had time for very few arrangements. The housekeeper and her husband are to be left in charge, but they are getting old. You may come here and stay and go to high school and do for your board and clothes whatever needs to be done.”
“What shall you expect me to do, sir?” asked Aleck, looking puzzled.
“You may get the mail three times a day. The postmaster has been directed what is to be forwarded. If you see anything else that needs to be done you can do it if you feel disposed, just as you would were this your father and mother’s home and they had been unexpectedly called away to be gone for several months.”
“I see, sir,” said Aleck. “I will be on hand bright and early. Good-night, sir.”
The ‘Squire chuckled to himself as the door closed. “I’ve given him a chance, and if he’s the boy I take him to be, he will make the most of it. I shouldn’t have thought of it if I hadn’t liked the way he was winding that yarn. He had little idea that every time the long arms of that swift went whizzing around they were reaching out into his future.”
“You can keep an eye on him,” said ‘Squire Eaton to Margaret, the house-keeper, next morning, “but I hardly think he is the kind of a lad to turn out like Percy Stiles; and mind, now, that he never hears Percy’s story.”
Margaret nodded, and as the master went out, John, her husband, said:—
“Wasn’t he a queer one? The ‘Squire has never had anything to do with boys since then; and yet he dotes on boys.”
“I know it,” said Margaret; “just think how much he set by master Percy and what a chance the lad threw away. Do you remember how the ‘Squire looked at first, when he really believed there had been a burglar in the house, and he said, ‘You are a hero, Percy. You have saved our lives and our property!’”
“I remember,” said John, “but that was nothing to the scene after the matter had been investigated, and he was convinced that Percy was the rogue, as well as the hero, when he called us all into the library and sent for the poor lad. He came thinking he was to receive a reward for his bravery. It is just like a picture in my mind now—the ‘Squire rising from his arm-chair, with that stern, white face; Percy with the exultant air and look of expectation changing to that of a culprit. Do you remember how his voice sounded when he said, ‘All the boys I ever read about in story-books did something very brave and dangerous to win for themselves fame and gifts and friends, and I wanted to be a hero?’”
“Yes,” said Margaret, “I remember it, and the ‘Squire’s reply: ‘The honest boy who does his simple duty and makes the best of every day is the hero that the world needs; but I think this lad is made of a different kind of stuff.’”
“He’s made a busy winter of it, sir,” said the old housekeeper when, one April day, the ‘Squire arrived at home unexpectedly and asked for Aleck. “He’s not been away one evening nor missed a day at school the whole term. He’s made the fire, swept the paths, looked after the hinges of the gates, the latches of the barn-doors, and the fastenings of the blinds. He’s petted the dogs and cats and birds, watered and trained the plants, and cheered up the time for John and me as blithely as if we had been his own grand-parents. He has not failed one morning running right up to the widow Gray’s before school-time to see how she was getting on, and he has never meddled with anything nor been in mischief.”
“And he has written me a letter every Saturday,” said the ‘Squire, “giving a concise account of all the happenings here.” Going into the library and looking about, he added: “He has filed all my periodicals and kept everything ready for me to look over as easily as if I had been gone only for a week.”
“Well, Aleck, what have you made of your work?” he said, as the lad came in flushed with pleasure at seeing him.
“I have had a very profitable winter at school, sir. I have read a good deal of history, I have learned a great many things of John and Margaret, and I cannot tell you, sir, how happy I have been. I am afraid I have done very little to pay for all these privileges.”
“I have found a boy that I can trust, and that pays me,” said the ‘squire, and his voice grew a little husky. “Now we will make a new bargain.”
All that was years ago. Aleck is ‘Squire Eaton’s law-partner now, a successful man, and better than that, a good man. He is fond of helping young people, he likes to have them improve their time, and he often says: “It is not so much consequence what or where your work is, as what you make of it.”—The Standard.

The Home Circle.

By New England Journal of Education

GOD'S SCHOOL.

ONE by one, as the days go by, To learn our lessons we bravely try; For every hour some task is set— Difficult, easy, short or long— And whether we come to it weak or strong, Somehow or other it must be met.
Graded well is this school of ours, Each one's duties within his powers, And his task the thing that he needs to know, And many a time does the page grow dim, And before tired eyes the hard words swim, And the hours go by so slow, so slow.
Various ages are gathered there; Flaxen ringlets and thin, gray hair Alike fall over the lesson-books. And often the little ones laugh in glee At the beautiful words their bright eyes see, While the old sit silent, with grave, sad looks.
Skillful teachers assembled here, Patiently labor year by year; Never mistake in their work was known; Only the scholars, weary or vexed, Idle, impatient, tired, perplexed, Suffer from errors all their own.
The Spirit teaches the highest class; Time takes all as they onward pass; Joy is claimed by the happy few, While Care, Experience, Labor, Pain, Treasures of knowledge help us gain, And Conscience conducts the grand review.
But, patiently learning day by day, We are longing to hear the Master say That our school-days here are done; And after the last long term shall pass, To be transferred to that upper class In which the advanced work is begun.
—New England Journal of Education.

About Debt.

By John Plowman

WHEN I was a very small boy, in pinafores, and went to a woman's school, it so happened that I wanted a stick of slate pencil, and had no money to buy it. I was afraid of being scolded for losing my pencils so often, for I was a real careless little fellow, and so did not dare to ask at home; what, then, was I to do? There was a little shop in the place, where nuts, and cakes, and balls were sold by old Mrs. Dearson, and sometimes I had seen boys and girls get trusted by the old lady. I argued with myself that Christmas was coming, and that somebody or other would be sure to give me a penny, then, and perhaps even a whole silver sixpence. I would, therefore, go into debt for a stick of slate pencil, and be sure to pay at Christmas. I did not feel easy about it, but still I screwed up my courage, and went into the shop. One farthing was the amount, and as I had never owed anything before, and my credit was good, the pencil was handed over by the kind dame, and I was in debt. It did not please me much, and I felt as if I had done wrong, but I little knew how soon I should smart for it. How my father came to hear of this little stroke of business I never knew, but some little bird or other whistled it to him, and he was very soon down upon me in right earnest. God bless him for it; he was a sensible man, and none of your children-spoilers; he did not intend to bring up his children to speculate, and to play at what big rogues call financing, and therefore, he knocked my getting into debt on the head at once, and no mistake. He gave me a very powerful lecture upon getting into debt, and how like it was to stealing, and upon the way in which people were ruined by it; and how a boy who would owe a farthing might one day owe a hundred pounds, and get into prison, and bring his family into disgrace. It was a lecture, indeed; I think I can hear it now, and can feel my ears tingle at the recollection of it. Then I was marched off to the shop like a deserter marched into barracks, crying bitterly all down the street, and feeling dreadfully ashamed, because I thought everybody knew I was in debt. The farthing was paid amid many solemn warnings, and the poor debtor was set free, like a bird let out of a cage. How sweet it felt to be out of debt! How my little heart did vow and declare that nothing should tempt me into debt again! It was a fine lesson, and I have never forgotten it. God bless my father, I must say.
—John Plowman.

The Little Family Foxes.

By Mrs. Sangster

ONE of the most malignant of the family foxes is discourtesy, and he creeps into households where one would not suppose it possible for him to find even momentary hospitality. People who are ordinarily polite, well-bred and genial, are sometimes guilty of rudeness in manner and speech and action at home, of which they would be ashamed in society. Parents are hasty and fretful in their way of addressing or reproving children, and children forget the respect and honor due to parents. A great deal of unhappiness overclouds homes, which might be bright as the morning, but for this wretched habit of brusqueness and incivility which fastens on some unfortunate victims like a second nature. It has its different phases, to be sure. When papa indulges in it the family are apt to say that he is tired. If it is mamma who is irritable and peevish, it is intimated that she is nervous. Like the lady in a charming little magazine-story, it is benevolently supposed that she may have "neural" on the top of her head! When aunt Kitty or sister Sophy are short and snappish, it is excused because they were up late last night at a party, and it is only little Floy, or small Tom, who is sent to bed in disgrace for answering impertinently and frowning blackly.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole family lump, and it is curious to observe how rapidly and certainly this evil infection spreads. "Quiet people have quiet children," said a plain woman to me the other day, and she was right. Persons who are invariably polite to each other in the presence of their sons and daughters, do not often have to check the latter in a thoughtless or improper manner of speaking; for courtesy as well as its opposite, is atmospheric and educational. It is worth while, if the fox we are thinking of has intruded into our vineyard and begun his work of spoiling our tender grapes of good-will, of gentleness, and of daily cheer, to think how best to banish him. There are three magic Ps, which have never failed when properly used, to utterly rout and destroy the subtle foe. Their names are patience, perseverance, and prayer. If you feel that your family has fallen into the habit of being cross and unmannerly, pray first to have your own heart and temper sweetened, then meet angularity and crookedness with invincible patience, and be not discouraged in setting a good example.—Mrs. Sangster, in Christian at Work.

Boy Inventors.

A BOY'S elders are guilty of a foolish act when they snub him because he says or does something which they don't understand. A boy's personality is entitled to as much respect as a man's, so long as he behaves himself.
Some of the most important inventions have been the work of boys. The invention of the valve motion to the steam engine was made by a mere boy. Newcome's engine was in a very incomplete condition from the fact that there was no way to open or close the valves except by means of levers operated by the hand. Newcome set up a large engine at one of the mines, and a boy, Humphrey Potter, was hired to work these valve levers; although this was not hard work, yet it required his constant attention. As he was working the levers he saw that parts of the engine moved in the same direction and at the same time that he had to open or close the valves. He procured a strong cord and made one end fast to the proper part of the engine and the other end to the valve lever, and then had the satisfaction of seeing the engine move with perfect regularity of motion. A short time after, the foreman came around and saw the boy playing marbles at the door. Looking at the engine he saw the ingenuity of the boy, and also the advantage of so great an invention. The idea suggested by the boy's inventive genius was put in a practical form, and made the steam engine an automatic working machine.
The power loom is the invention of a farmer's boy who had never seen or heard of such a thing. He whittled one out with his jack-knife, and after he had got it all done he, with great enthusiasm, showed it to his father, who at once kicked it to pieces, saying that he would have no boy about him who would spend his time on such foolish things.
The boy was sent to a blacksmith to learn a trade, and his master took a lively interest in him. He made a loom of what was left of the one his father had broken up and showed it to his master. The blacksmith saw he had no common boy as an apprentice, and that the invention was a valuable one. He had a loom constructed under the supervision of the boy. It worked to their perfect satisfaction, and the blacksmith furnished the means to manufacture the looms and the boy received half the profits. In about a year the blacksmith wrote to the boy's father that he should bring to see him a wealthy gentleman who was the inventor of the celebrated power loom. You may be able to judge of the astonishment of the old gentleman when his son was presented to him as the inventor, who told him that the loom was the same as the model that he had kicked to pieces a year before.—Sel.

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 any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

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,

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. Dealing with our own land and applying to our own time. Of surpassing interest to every American reader. New edition; revised and enlarged. Cloth, 225 pp., 75cts. Paper covers, new edition, condensed, 186 pp., 25cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

SMITH'S COMPREHENSIVE

By Editor

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.

YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

By Editor

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, post-paid, $3.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION.

By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné.
This book is indeed a standard in evangelical literature, and is so well and favorably known as to need no description; it is the most complete and impartial history of the Reformation extant; and certainly no one should need to be urged to seek all the information possible concerning the history of one of the greatest revolutions ever effected in human affairs.
Bound in cloth, 5 vols. in one..................................$1.50 Larger edition, illustrated............................................4.00 Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

SECULAR.

—Several thousand Chinese laborers are said to be seeking employment in Manitoba.
—There is said to be a general movement among English landlords to reduce rents.
—The amended Chinese Restriction bill has passed the lower House of Congress, by a vote of 184 to 13.
—At Toronto, Ont., April 30, four dynamite cartridges were found under the Parliament buildings.
—Four members of a sheriff's posse were killed in a fight with robbers near Kittanning, Pa., on the 3d inst.
—By the burning of the Poor House in Van Buren County, Mich., April 29, fifteen persons lost their lives.
—Strikers on the Ontario and Quebec Railroad have been superseded by 270 Italian laborers from New York.
—A London dispatch says, "Dynamite has become one of the factors in politics, and is now daily heard of in every country of Europe."
—The Oriental Bank of London, has failed for $35,000,000, which, under the law, the stockholders will have to make good—if they are able.
—The 500th anniversary of the foundation of Heidelberg University, in which Luther was a professor, is to be celebrated in grand style in 1886.
—The town of Brisbin, Clearfield County, Pa., was totally consumed by fire, on the 2d inst. Loss, over $1,000,000. About 1,000 families were left destitute.
—The "ladies" of Paris, having exhausted the aviary, have gone to the market gardens for fashionable ornaments. The latest style is a hat trimmed with artichokes.
—The Mexican Government is in negotiation with an English syndicate for a large loan. The Government has strained its purse-strings on railroad subsidies.
—The pope has ordered the closing of the Laval University, Canada, because of its expenditure of over $1,000,000 of church funds without becoming self-supporting.
—Westminster Abbey is reported to be in such a state of decay that, in order to preserve it from ruin, an expenditure of half a million dollars will be necessary for repairs.
—The Government income from Scotland last year exceeded that from Ireland by $1,000,000, yet the Government expenses in Ireland were $4,000,000 more than in Scotland.
—A terrible explosion occurred in a powder magazine at Havana, April 30, destroying a large amount of property. Twenty-one persons were killed, and about eighty wounded.
—Heavy floods are reported in some parts of Texas. At Houston five inches of rain fell in twenty-four hours. Besides damages to roads and bridges, a large area of the cotton crop is much retarded in growth.
—A report comes from Port au Prince that the English schooner Grapple was burned by the natives at St. Croix Island, $10,000 worth of property confiscated, and the crew murdered. A war vessel has been sent there.
—In New York, a Board of Health analysis of thirteen samples of yellow mustard showed adulteration in all of them. Three samples contained naphthal yellow, a dangerous explosive, and violent irritant and poison.
—The members of six different families in Louisville, Ky., were recently sickened by eating cake containing arsenic. One child died, and others were dangerously affected. How the arsenic got into the cake is a mystery.
—It is reported that Prince Victor, son of the Prince of Wales, on attaining his majority, which occurs the beginning of next year, will be raised to the peerage, with the title of Duke of Dublin, and will thenceforth reside in Ireland.
—The Catholic authorities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island, have petitioned the English Government to protect their interests in the funds of the Propaganda at Rome, now threatened by the Italian Government.
—It is supposed the steamer State of Florida has been lost on the Atlantic. Two of her life-boats have been found. It is surmised by New York agents that dynamiters were on board, and some of their implements were accidentally exploded.
—An ex-City Treasurer of Newark, N. J., has been fined $500 and costs for allowing a false entry to be made in his books through neglect. The Judge said that officials must not only be honest, but they must see that their official duties are carefully discharged.
—Last week forest fires swept over about 50,000 acres near Emporium, Pa., destroying several large mills and over thirty other buildings, besides an immense number of logs. Like reports come from Reading and Williamsport, Pa.; Port Jervis and Kingston, N. Y.; Matawan, N. J., and Isle of Wight County, Va.
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