THE editor of the St. Louis Advocate, in answer to a correspondent, concludes that fermented wine was used in the supper, and its use sanctioned by the Saviour. To this the San Francisco Christian Advocate thus wisely replies:—
Our contemporary must know that several terms are used in the Hebrew indicating different kinds of beverages made from the grape—all are called wine in our English Bible. There were wines the effects of which were fearful, and woes were pronounced on those who indulged in their use. The apostle speaks of "the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils."
Every Bible student must have observed that wine is never mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the communion of the Lord's Supper. Jesus and the apostles speak of the "cup" and the "fruit of the vine," but of wine never! The presumption is strong that there was a design in omitting to use the term wine, which is generic, including all kinds of beverages made from grapes. To employ the word would seem to sanction the use of the intoxicating fluid in the communion.
Dr. McAnally is certainly not warranted in the statement that the wine in the cup of thanksgiving "was the ordinary wine of the country" and that the "Master sanctioned the use of such wine."
We have before us a volume written by a Jewish Rabbi, Rev. E. M. Myers, and published in 1879 in New York, entitled, "The Jews, their customs and ceremonies, with a full account of their Religious Observances," etc., etc. From the 27th page of that book we quote:—
"The wine used for sanctification and for all other religious purposes, and made from the raisin itself, was always and is now mostly of domestic manufacture. Of later years, since its manufacture in Germany and Australia the wines from those countries are frequently used, and the old style of boiling down the raisins is retained only from religious scruples, or motives of economy!" The same writer (page 29) says: "The day on which the Passover commences is called Asav-Pasach, the eve of the Passover, and at an early hour in the forenoon, the house must be cleared from all leaven. . . . During the entire feast, no leavened food nor fermented liquors are permitted to be used, in accordance with scriptural injunction. [Ex. 12:15, 19 20; Deut. 16:3 4.]" Other eminent Hebrew divines have given the same testimony.
Then, if Rabbi Myers is to be accepted as a worthy witness, "the wine in the cup of thanksgiving" was made by "boiling down raisins" and doing this from "religious scruples!" The law which excluded leaven from the sanctuary, would also exclude fermented liquors. The blood is the life—fermentation is death and rottenness! The blood of the grape in its pure and living state may very appropriately symbolize the precious blood which was shed for the remission of sins.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING — THE TIME.
By M. C. Israel, John Morrison
WE are very anxious to have Eld. Haskell attend this meeting, and we know that all our brethren and sisters unite with us in this feeling. And, if he does not attend it, there will not, probably, be any representative of the General Conference present, nor any one to suitably present the interest of the missionary work and other enterprises which the camp-meeting affords such an excellent opportunity to advance.
But Eld. Haskell, as one of the Executive Committee of the General Conference, and President of the New England Conference, has many other duties beside those which he is endeavoring to discharge on the Pacific Coast. He feels that the cause in New England demands his presence there as soon as circumstances will permit him to go. If our meeting is held in August, beginning as early as the eleventh, he will be able to attend it.
Now we want information, as soon as we can get it, from every church in California, as to their feelings and desires on the subject; we shall appoint it at such time as the majority of our people request. If they think August 11 too early, let them say so. But we hope all will see the urgent necessity of having Bro. Haskell at the meeting, and having it earlier than usual for that reason. We shall wait to hear before announcing the time.
M. C. ISRAEL,
JOHN MORRISON,
Conference Committee.
TROUBLES IN TULARE CO., CAL.
By Editor
IT has been generally known that for some time past trouble has existed between the Southern Pacific Railroad, and the dwellers upon certain lands in Tulare county, claimed by the railroad; but to which, the settlers claimed, the railroad had no right in equity. These troubles resulted in an open difficulty last week, in which four of the settlers, and two men in company of the marshal, were killed. It is impossible to tell, until further investigation, with which party the wrong originated. All is quiet now, and no fears are entertained of any further warlike demonstrations.
CAUTION.
By Editor
WE some time since received a line from Bro. A. T. Jones, of Oregon, to be published in the SIGNS, warning the brethren in California against one W. E. Pearson, who goes round among our people professing to be a Seventh-day Adventist, but who does great injury to the cause wherever he goes. We refused to publish it because no particulars were stated. In answer to our refusal Bro. Jones has sent us a statement of facts, and references to reliable brethren, some of whom we know, which fully justify his caution. We do not wish to publish such unpleasant facts, and shall not unless compelled by duty, but feel it our duty now to state this much, that our brethren in California may not be imposed upon, as the individual intends to come to this State.
And we wish to say here, to all our brethren: If any one comes along professing to be a Seventh-day Adventist, ask to see his church recommendation. Our churches furnish letters to all their members who wish to travel, and if they neglect to obtain them they cannot complain if they are not heartily received as full members. Our people have so often been imposed upon by unworthy persons that it is the duty of all to observe order, and save the cause and the brethren from reproach and trouble.
RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.
By Editor
The Medical and Surgical Sanitarium, (formerly the Health Institute,) of Battle Creek, Michigan, has been a great blessing to many in both soul and body. Many have there found relief from severe physical ailments, and the Christian influence of the institution has not only made it a pleasant home for the spiritually minded, but brought many to confess the power of the truth of the word of God which was so well represented in the lives of the workers there.
There is as great need of such a sanitarium on this coast as there is east of the mountains. Many come to California for their health who might find speedy relief by being placed under favorable conditions, as to air, water, and medical treatment. And these conditions are supplied in a remarkable degree at the Rural Health Retreat at Crystal Springs, St. Helena. The water is soft, clear, and pure; except the springs, the mountain side is dry; and the elevation such as to insure the best air. This part of Napa Valley has always been considered one of the healthiest parts of the State, and the beautiful scenery at this retreat enhances all the other benefits. It is exhilarating to the beholder. We took a deep interest in the "Health Institute" from the first hour of its being instituted. We take no less interest in the "Retreat" at St. Helena, Cal.
We cannot too highly commend the devotion of those who have labored so hard and untiringly to bring the Retreat up to its present position. The stock is owned by only a few individuals, who have exhausted their resources to establish it. The buildings are good, but not fully available at this time. A few improvements would greatly enlarge its capacity for usefulness. If a few persons having a little spare means to invest in a worthy enterprise, would take stock in the Retreat, it might very soon be placed in a position to accommodate quite a number more than it now can. The prospect is that it will soon be filled, and that more room will be needed.
All its resources for the present will be needed to make improvements. But such an institution as this can hardly be called an experiment. The history of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek proves that it may be made to yield a good return on all the outlay. We invite the attention of our friends to this subject, and hope in their prayers and their efforts it may be remembered.
Appointments.
CAMP-MEETINGS.
EASTERN OREGON—At Milton, Umatilla county, May 20-31.
WESTERN OREGON—At Salem, on Marion Square, June 9-15.
IOWA, Des Moines, June 3-8.
WISCONSIN, Portage, June 9-15.
MINNESOTA, June 17-21.
Business Department.
By Editor
RECEIVED FOR THE SIGNS.
$2.00 EACH. Mrs Semple 7-1, J W Cronkrite 7-17, Joseph Mayhen 7-18, Isaac N Kraushar 7-6, Mrs S H Russell 7-19, Merrilla R Hartley 7-18, Geo W Hayne 7-19, C E Hathaway 7-19, John M Mountain 7-19, Miss Mary Yates 7-19, Capt J H Yates 7-19, C F Eaton 7-1.
$1.50 EACH. Taylor A Peck 7-19, Mrs Sarah Greenour 7-19, Mrs S Prather 7-19, B T Shafford 7-19, Margaret Bowker 7-19, Anthony Snyder 7-18, W Mainord 7-19, Peter Hewitt 7-19, Joseph Devine 7-19, Phebe Case 7-19, Peter Jay 7-19, D C Hirgel 7-19, Jacob Roger 7-19, W J Kirk 7-19, M Parker 7-19.
$1.00 EACH. Albert Saddler 7-19, Edward McNamara 7-19, Martilla M Skidgel 7-19, Aaron Newman 7-19, Wm Whitehead 7-19, Wm H Witman 7-19, Mrs F J Downs 7-3, Ira Gardner 7-18, Frank Austin 7-19, Wm Spath 7-19.
MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs M Fryer 1-33, 6-31, Stephen Reese 50c 6-30, Oakland church 10.00, 5-24, Amos Fristoe 25c 6-27, John W Gilstrap 50c 6-31, Arbuckle V M S 15.30, 7-2, Mrs E B Owens 15.00, 7-18, John Ely 5.00, 7-29, Josiah Nottingham 5.00, 7-29, John H Wyatt 75c 6-43, Wm Simmonds 9.00, 7-19, Miss Annie Hardcastle 15.00, 7-19, Mrs M E Marshall 25c 6-28, Eld James Sawyer 4.00, 7-29, Mrs K V Austin 50c 6-35, Miss Caroline Edwards 1-25, 7-16, Lewis C Henderson 50c 6-34, Mrs Mary A Maxey 25c 6-28, Leanna Mowell 4.95, 7-1, Zeroviah B Chipman 7.50, 7-19, John Campbell 1-25, 7-19, Rancie Bliss 4.50, 7-19, Eld E B Lane 16.50, 7-19, Ann Taylor 30.00, 7-20, Eld E H Root 25.50, 7-19, J S Wicks 18.00, 7-19, J P Heckert 1.10, 7-19, M P Stiles 5.00, 7-18, M A Hollenbeck 1.25, 7-19, Mary Briggs 1.25, 7-19, Wm Swarthout 1.25, 7-19, Jabez C Tucker 21.00, 7-19, Mrs A C Green 15.00, 7-19, Robt Morrow 63c 6.42.
EUROPEAN MISSION. B C Stickney 15.00.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
Twelve-Page Edition.—A live Religious Family Paper, containing, in addition to the great variety of original articles, which make it a desirable prophetic journal, Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, News, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school. Price per Year, - - - $2.00
In clubs of ten or more copies to one address, to be used for Missionary work, each - - - - - 1.50
Eight-Page Edition.—Condensed from the above. Per Year, 1.25
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Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—OR—
Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
Miss Eliza Thayer, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So. Lancaster, Mass.
Elder J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
Wm. Leavitt, Salem, Oregon.