Earlier text: Abram Leaves Ur and Haran—It is said that there are in the world 100,000 Christianized Jews. —Archdeacon Farrar has expressed himself as willing to recognize the validity of the orders of all Christian ministers. —Last year the receipts of the Woman's Board of Missions of the Interior were $43,768.23; $99 less than for the previous year. —Cardinal Gibbons is about to go to Rome to receive the red hat, and to consult with the Pope on the labor question in this country. —Hereafter no Roman Catholic in the archdiocese of Cincinnati can play on the organ or sing in the choir of any Protestant church under pain of being refused the sacrament. —The New York Tribune asks: "Can the churches fold their hands and flatter themselves that their duties are fulfilled, while the masses prefer the saloon to the pulpit?" It certainly seems that a great many of their members can. —Rev. G. H. Rouse, of the Calcutta Baptist Mission, says that at the present rate of progress it will take just one hundred years to Christianize India as England is Christianized. And if the thing were done, how much better would India then be than it is now? —The Central Labor Union of New York City has petitioned the municipal authorities to close the saloons on Sunday, and in this Miss Frances E. Willard sees "Christianity forwarded by the labor movement." It would seem to us that the Christianity that closes saloons on Sunday but allows them to do business on other days is scarcely worth forwarding. —The Congregationalist tells of a minister in New Hampshire "who complains that he has the best lot of people in his church whom he ever met. They get up entertainments, dinners and suppers, which are models of their kind, and do everything in the world except the things for which the church is especially designed." But there is nothing unusual about this case except the way the pastor seems to feel about it. Most ministers nowadays encourage that sort of thing. OAKLAND.—House of worship, southeast corner of Jefferson and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:15. Seats free. EAST PORTLAND (Or.).—House of worship on G Street, between Tenth and Eleventh. Sabbath-school every Sabbath (Saturday), followed by services. Preaching or Bible-reading Sunday evening. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The public is cordially invited. Free public reading-room, corner of L and Fifth Streets. SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 914 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching at 11 A. M.; also preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school classes in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:15. Mission reading-rooms at the church. NEW SUBSCRIPTION EDITION.
During the Christian Dispensation.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE,
Author of "The Life of Christ," "Sketches from the Life of Paul," "Bible Sanctification," and other Popular Works. THIS volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the Powers of Darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other. Beginning with our Lord's great prophecy given while viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, in which he outlines the history of the whole dispensation, it sketches the fulfillment. It pictures the siege and overthrow of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple. It calls our attention to the bitter persecutions of the Christians in the first centuries, and notes the rise and growth of the Papacy. It gives a clear conception of the character and influence of the Waldenses, who, through centuries of persecution, maintained the purity of their faith, and by their missionary efforts prepared the nations of Europe for the Reformation. Brief and life-like sketches are given of the works, the successes, and the persecutions of Wycliffe, Luther, Tyndale, Huss, Jerome, Knox, and other reformers and martyrs. Considerable space is given to the life, work, and influence of later reformers and great religious leaders, such as George Whitefield, the Wesleys, and William Miller, and this is followed by chapters treating upon The Origin of Evil, The Agency of Evil Spirits, The Snares of Satan, Spiritualism, Character and Aims of the Papacy, The Coming Conflict, The Scriptures a Safeguard, Desolation of the Earth, and the Judgment. The closing chapters give a vivid picture of the warfare of the church, her final redemption, and vividly describe the triumph of the people of God, the destruction of Satan and all his followers, and the renewing of the earth, which ends the awful controversy between the Son of God and the Powers of Darkness. Earnest Christians of all classes and creeds will find in it encouragement and instruction in the delineation of the struggle maintained by men raised up of God in each successive age to preserve the pure and true religion, and they will see that the world has been led to accept one after another of Satan's devices, until her teachers are corrupted with false doctrines and with infidelity. The period of history covered by this volume, is one of the deepest interest to all classes of readers. The style of the author is clear, forcible, and often sublime, and, although simple enough in its statements to be understood and appreciated by a child, its eloquence calls forth the admiration of all. Seventh Edition. Contains over 500 pages; 21 full page Illustrations and Steel Portrait of the Author; printed and bound in the very best style. SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.
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By Uriah Smith
THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND THE END OF THE WICKED.
THIS work is a thorough canvass of the great question of a future life, the nature of man in the present life, and the condition of immortality from a logical and scriptural standpoint. Every text in the Bible which has any possible bearing upon these points, is taken up and carefully explained, thus giving the most comprehensive view of the subject that has yet been presented. "Man's Nature and Destiny" contains 444 pages, and is printed from clear, new plates, on heavy paper, and is attractively bound in green muslin, with gilt side and back titles. All orders will be promptly filled by mail or express. Price, $1.25. Address,
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BY ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. GIVES the Bible evidence upon the interesting topic of the earth made new, as the inheritance of the saints. This pamphlet contains 82 pages. Price, 10 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.
By Sidney Brownsberger
A POPULAR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, ESTABLISHED IN 1882.
FOUR YEARS OF GREAT PROSPERITY.
FOUNDED AND MANAGED UPON SOUND PRINCIPLES.
THOROUGH INSTRUCTION IN THE ELEMENTS OF LEARNING IN ALL THE GRADES AND THROUGH THE CLASSICAL COURSE.
FACULTY CONSISTS OF FIFTEEN INSTRUCTORS OF EXPERIENCE.
1. Instruction in the various trades, with two hours per day spent in active work. 2. Methods in the Class Room are such as to secure the best kind of mental discipline. 3. A rigid parental discipline to cultivate high moral character. 4. Expenses within the reach of all. Twenty dollars per month covers all expense of tuition, board, lodging, washing, lights, fuel, etc. Spring Term begins Monday, January 3, 1887. S. BROWNSBERGER, A. M., President. SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY,
By Charles C. Ramsey
AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF IN-
This school is located at South Lancaster, Worcester County, Mass., thirty-five miles from Boston, and was founded in 1882. It is prosperous because operated on correct educational principles. Thorough instruction is given in all the common branches, and those of the usual high-school and academic courses. There are also well-sustained Biblical and Normal Departments. - A judicious discipline for the development of moral character. It is a safe place for the young.
- Methods of teaching that aim at mental culture of a high type.
- Instruction and practice in various kinds of manual labor and the use of tools.
- Astonishingly low expenses. Fifteen dollars per school month pays all expense of tuition, board, lodging, washing, lights, fuel, etc. For catalogue or further information address,
CHAS. C. RAMSEY, A. M., Principal.BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.
AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.
FOUNDED IN 1874. Six Departments of Instruction: namely, Collegiate, Theological, English, Preparatory, Manual Training, and Primary and Intermediate. A large faculty of competent teachers. Thorough instruction. A reading-room, and a well-selected library. Good school appliances, apparatus, and chemical laboratory. Healthful and desirable location. High standard of scholarship and morals, and good religious influences. Thorough and judicious discipline. Industrial training. Biblical instruction. A Missionary Department. Physical and moral training. In price of board, room-rent, and tuition, this College presents as great inducements as any institution of learning in the land. Persons coming to the school can obtain reduced fare on most of the railroads by applying to the College at an early date. For catalogues or further information, address
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, Battle Creek, Mich. OUR COUNTRY—THE MARVEL OF NATIONS.
By Uriah Smith
ITS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE, AND WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY OF IT. AUTHOR OF "SMITH'S PARLIAMENTARY RULES," ETC., ETC. This is a new and popular work on a subject of the deepest interest to all American citizens. It takes a brief but comprehensive view of our Government from a Historical, Political, and Religious Standpoint. The Sunday Question,
Modern Spiritualism, and
National Reform
ARE PROMINENT AMONG THE TOPICS ABLY DISCUSSED IN THIS WORK. THE MARVEL OF NATIONS is a work of 300 pages. It contains a steel plate of the author, and over forty illustrations. It is printed in clear type, and bound in cloth; price, $1.00. COMBINATION OFFER.—Arrangements have been made whereby those who desire can receive a copy of this Popular Book, and the American Sentinel, one year, post-paid, for only $1.25. Address, AMERICAN SENTINEL, Oakland, Cal. THE AMERICAN SENTINEL,
By Editor
AN EIGHT-PAGE MONTHLY JOURNAL. Devoted to the Defense of American Institutions, the Preservation of the United States Constitution as It is, so Far as Regards Religion or Religious Tests, and the Maintenance of Human Rights, Civil and Religious. IT WILL EVER BE UNCOMPROMISINGLY OPPOSED TO ANY-THING TENDING TOWARD A UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE,
EITHER IN NAME OR IN FACT. It is well known that there is a large and influential association in the United States bearing the name of the "National Reform Association," which is endeavoring to secure such a RELIGIOUS AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION Of the United States as will "place all Christian laws, institutions, and usages on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." While there are many persons in this country who are opposed to, or look with suspicion upon this movement, there are few, outside of the party, who realize what the influence of this amendment would be. The object of the American Sentinel will be to VINDICATE THE RIGHTS OF AMERICAN CITIZENS, Which, we believe, are threatened by this association. It will appeal to the very fundamental principles of our Government, and point out the consequences which would be sure to follow should they secure the desired Amendment to the Constitution. Every position taken will be carefully guarded and fortified by sound argument. Due respect will always be paid to the opinions of others, but The Rights of Conscience will be Fearlessly Maintained. Single Copy, per year, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50 cents.
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Address, AMERICAN SENTINEL, Oakland, Cal. THE HONOR DUE TO GOD.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
THIS is a candid examination of the question as to what the Lord expects from his children as an acceptable manifestation of gratitude for his gifts and care. It treats the important subject of tithes and offerings in a new and interesting way. Its arguments are clear and concise. It is a plain and faithful presentation of the truth of God's word on this subject. It ought to be in every house, and carefully studied by all who love the Lord and his appearing. A pamphlet of 64 pages. Price, 10 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, PUBLISHERS, Oakland, Cal. THE SABBATH QUESTION
By John Nevins Andrews
IS THE
LEADING SUBJECT OF THE DAY. THE GREAT DEMAND OF THE HOUR, FROM THE PULPIT AND THE PRESS, IN SOCIAL CIRCLES AND IN LEGISLATIVE HALLS, IS,
That the Sabbath be more strictly observed. To assist the intelligent-minded of our land to have correct views of this important question, a book has been prepared which thoroughly discusses the Sabbatic institution in every conceivable phase. Such is the valuable work entitled
"HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK." This great and exhaustive work is the result of ten years' hard labor and historical research. The book contains 528 12mo pages, and is printed in clear type, on good paper, and is well bound. Price, $1.25, post-paid.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
By Editor
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 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan; containing 144 pages. Price, 20 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. A TRACT of 24 pages, which fully answers this question, and shows how Sunday displaced the Bible Sabbath. Extracts given from Catholic writers. Price, 3 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. SAYS the Oakland Tribune:—
By Editor
SAYS the Oakland Tribune:— "The year 1886 will long be remembered for its labor troubles and strikes. But, notwithstanding the universal strikes all over the country, we have yet to learn of anything being gained by the strikers. We cannot recall a single instance where any advantage has been gained by a strike which might not have been obtained by negotiation."
There is truth in this. A little consideration will show any thinking man that strikes and boycotts are not only a violation of the golden rule, but they are disastrous to the parties engaging in them. Even when men succeed in getting an increase of wages by a strike, it will almost invariably be found that the increase does not compensate for the loss sustained in getting it. The grasping individual, as well as the grasping monopoly, usually overreaches to his own detriment. SALVATION ARMY METHODS.
By Editor
THE Boston correspondent of the Christian Union, in reporting the visit of General Booth to that city, makes the following criticism upon the methods of the army. We think the criticism is entirely just. And as the National Reform party is now courting the Salvation Army, it can very readily be seen what a worthy accession National Reform will gain when it shall have won the army. But the accession will be entirely worthy of the cause:— "The criticism which I make is not against his methods so much as against the positive way he asserts the salvation of those who go to his anxious seat to be prayed for. All the force of the meeting is directed to get sinners forward to be converted on the spot, even if they are half intoxicated. If they feel right, and submit, they are called 'saved.' They sing, 'I am saved, I am saved.' The soldiers are taught to proclaim their own salvation. If they were called new recruits in the Salvation Army, and the process of beginning were called enlisting, it might not be offensive, but the positive assumption that one has been saved during the five or ten minutes of special prayer, the scene having much that is outré and intensely exciting, is an exercise of knowledge that only Omniscience has the right to assume. I am not criticising the fact that God saves men instantly when they turn to him in penitence and love, but only the great danger there is in the positive declaration that this peculiar process, which seems to me to have large admixtures of the mechanical, transplants men into assured salvation. After listening to General Booth, I almost regretted that I remained to witness the closing scene. The army is always demonstrative whenever the preacher alludes to those who have just been saved. To parade new converts on a public platform with banners and march them through the streets as those who are 'saved' seems to me an arrogance that the Salvation Army should not encumber itself with. I recognize the power there is in their methods of appeal to the low and degraded, but the gospel inculcates modesty and humility, and converts ought not to be inflated by supercilious ideas concerning themselves, made boastful and left in danger of rushing headlong into spiritual pride, which is the most insidious foe to the Christian life." Enforced Sunday Hypocrisy
It is claimed by Sunday observers that Sunday should be kept in honor of Christ's resurrection. Then the same people will urge that laws ought to be made compelling all classes of people to rest on Sunday. This would, of course, include infidels and atheists. That is, they would have Christ's resurrection commemorated by those who do not believe in Christ. What else would that be but enforced hypocrisy? But some will say that by enforcing the memorial, as they claim, belief would eventually follow. That is to say, that if all the merchants in town should hang out signs advertising hardware for sale, their stores would in time fill themselves with hardware. In speaking of the main argument in favor of the "new theology," namely, that it is demanded by "the spirit of the age," the New York Christian Advocate, under the heading of "A Cause for Alarm," states the following fact, which is worth noting as a sign of the times:— "Nevertheless, the stubborn fact stands out too boldly to be denied—the church of Christ is so deeply infected by the peculiarity of the times as to be made weak thereby. Hence, instead of being able to authoritatively oppose, to successfully counteract, to effectually neutralize it, she is in danger of being shorn of her strength and robbed of her spiritual beauty by its subtle and continuous working." New Theology and Spiritualism
By Editor
As WAS to be expected, the Andover professors who have been teaching the "new theology," that the probation of man does not cease at death, have the sympathy of all Spiritualists. The "new theology" is, in fact, only one form of Spiritualism, and its advocates will shortly find in that ism ample scope for the exercise of their talents. It should be understood that the Andover professors are not being persecuted for their "advanced" ideas. The simple fact is that they have agreed, as a condition of having a position in the college, to teach in harmony with certain doctrines, and have violated their agreement. Probably some of the theories which they agreed to teach are as unscriptural as is their new departure, still that does not alter the fact that they have broken their pledge. But notwithstanding the strictness of Andover rules, we venture the prediction that both accusers and accused will erelong be standing together again in the fold of Spiritualism. Sunday or No Sunday?
By Editor
"SUNDAY or no Sunday?" is the way the advocates of a rigid Sunday law put the case. It is a very common thing to hear that "we have no Sabbath in California," since the Sunday law was repealed. Such expressions are simply admissions of the fact that the Sunday institution derives its support solely from human enactments, and that without such support there would be no Sunday sabbath. It is indeed a truth that those who ignore the Sabbath of the Lord, as enjoined in the fourth commandment, have now no sabbath in California, for the only thing which gave Sunday its religious character in this State has been withdrawn. But we have never heard any complaint from those who keep the seventh day of the week, "according to the commandment." Such ones find no difficulty in keeping the Sabbath, although there has been no civil law whatever enforcing the observance of that day; the law of God is found to be all-sufficient. If Sunday-keepers had so good a law in support of their institution, they would never clamor for an inferior one made by man. "REMEMBER the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work." 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 Health and Temperance, the Home Circle, the Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school. Price Per Year, post-paid, - - - - $2.00 In clubs of five or more copies to one name and address, to be used in Missionary work, each, - - - $1.50 To foreign countries, single subscriptions, post-paid, 10s. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Twelfth and Castro Sts., OAKLAND, CAL., U. S. A. Notice Regarding Unpaid Papers
By Editor
We send no papers from this office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the Signs are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.