—The great Bible publishing house founded at Halle, Saxony, early in this century, is about to issue the thousandth edition of its octavo Bible, of which 2,112,790 copies have been printed.
—The “Basis of Union” prepared by a joint committee of the Associate Reformed and the United Presbyterian Churches over a year ago has been rejected by a majority of the Presbyteries of the latter body.
—At the late annual convention of the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held recently in Minneapolis, Minn., one missionary among the lumbermen said that nine-tenths of the money paid to them went to saloons.
—The most important change made in the Episcopal prayer-book at the late General Convention, is said to be the “liberty given the ministers to shorten the evening service materially by omitting the sentences and exhortations and most of the prayers.” This is a concession we suppose to the general demand for short services consisting mainly of operatic music.
—The New York Observer remarks that “it is somewhat unfortunate that the two great missionary schemes of the Episcopal Church have come before the General Convention as complete failures.” The Missionary Enrollment Fund, and the American Church Building Fund, each of which were to be one million dollars, have realized only $78,000 and $68,000 respectively.
—At a recent meeting of Congregational divines in Hartford, Conn., a resolution was introduced denouncing Sunday newspapers and advising ministers and members of churches not to buy them. But “Rev. Mr. Park, of Birmingham, threw a bombshell into the camp by advocating Sunday papers. He said it was a settled fact that they had come to stay.” The report says that “the resolution was recommitted to be reported in a modified form.”
—At the annual meeting of the British Evangelical Alliance at Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, September 23, 1886, Rev. J. A. Wylie, LL.D., speaking of what he terms the “scheme of the subjugation of Great Britain to the Vatican,” said: “There remains but one other statement, and it is, perhaps, the most distressing and humiliating of all. This vast propaganda is fed by our own money. The sum total of grants from Great Britain now given for Popish uses year by year, is £1,200,000 [$6,000,000]. That £1,200,000 we give for our own undoing.”
—Speaking of the new Andover theology the Nashville Christian Advocate says: “We do not know that there is a Methodist preacher in the church who has made any approaches to the adoption of such future probation heresies. But it is said, and with a color of truth, that a few have begun to indulge in what are called ‘broad views.’ All these things spring from the same cause, and tend to the same end. They arise from the absence of warm, evangelical piety. They are the glaciers of religious life, formed by the chill which falls upon men exercising themselves in matters too high for them.”
Obituary.
By E. A. Briggs
Cody.—Died at Orange, Cal., of diphtheria, Nov. 10, 1886, Renie, daughter of George W. and Mary Cody, age 6 years. Funeral remarks were made by the writer, on Isa. 65:23. Numerous friends sympathize with Brother and Sister Cody in their bereavement; but they sorrow not as others who have no hope. E. A. Briggs.
Appointments.
By Editor
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay 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.
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. Classes in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:15. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
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.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
RECEIPTS.
NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.
MONEY orders, drafts, etc., should be made to "Pacific Press;" never to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—Santa Ana $3.80, J W Brackett $6, Norwalk $30.40, Susie Brown $1, A Friend $40, Mrs S Butts $5, Los Angeles $6.25.
CHURCH DEBT FUND.—G W Cody $75.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.—O Wilson $50.
INTERNATIONAL FUND.—O Wilson $50.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Neb T & M Society $200.
Christ the Way of Life.
We have a select stock of this beautiful and instructive steel-plate engraving, with keys in the Danish, Swedish, German, French, and English languages.
The design of this engraving is to present at one view the leading events in the history of man as related to the divine plan of redemption, from the time of the first sin and the fall to the final restoration of the race to the Paradise of God.
Its central figure is that of Christ hanging upon the cruel cross. By taking our position at the foot of the cross, we look backward in the history of man, and trace the steps which have led to the scenes of Calvary. The scenes which suggest the provisions of the gospel are enacted in the shadow of the cross, which is cast far back over the history of the race, reaching even to the gates of Eden.
The "Way of Life," as a work of art, commends itself to all lovers of the beautiful. Unlike many religious allegorical pictures, this not only presents a sacred theme, but by its skillful grouping, and its harmonious combination of light and shade, it delights the cultivated taste, and suggests abundant food for thought.
THE KEY.
An elegant 12-mo. pamphlet of 48 pages, containing a description of every part of the picture, and an impressive article by Mrs. E. G. White, accompanies each engraving.
Price, printed in first-class style on heavy plate paper,
size 22x28 inches...................................... $1.50
Price, India Proofs, size 24x32 inches................ 2.50
100 AGENTS WANTED.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal., General Agents for Pacific Coast States and Territories.
"Joyful Greeting."
By Editor
THIS is the title of a new Sabbath-school song book lately issued by the J. E. White Publishing Co. It contains a good supply of new pieces, as well as many old favorites. Several features are introduced which never before appeared in any Sabbath-school song book.
Many of the best word and song writers in this country have contributed to the work, among whom we mention the names of L. O. Emerson, W. A. Ogden, J. H. Tenny, H. P. Danks, A. J. Showalter, F. E. Belden, and Frank M. Davis.
The material for this book has passed through the most rigid criticism, the great aim of which has been to accept useful pieces only. The pieces are pronounced by all easy and attractive.
The following is from the pen of Elder D. M. Canright, vice-president of the General Sabbath-school Association.
"I am much pleased with the new song book by J. E. White entitled 'Joyful Greeting.' I think it is just what we need in our Sabbath-schools, and that it will produce a great improvement in the singing among the children. They need songs adapted to them which are simple and easy, and still full of life and spirit, and this is what we find in 'Joyful Greeting.' Hope it may have a wide circulation."
"Joyful Greeting" contains 216 pages. For prices, etc., see advertisement on this page.
THE
By Editor
AMERICAN SENTINEL.
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,
Both civil and religious. It will ever be uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact.
TERMS.
Single Copy, : : : : : : : 50 cents.
To foreign countries, single subscription, post-paid, 2s.
Address, American Sentinel, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL
By Editor
AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.
A THIRTY-TWO PAGE BI-MONTHLY, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically
A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,
Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is specially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and house-keepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by every member.
Price, 50 Cents per Year.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
— A —
16-PAGE RELIGIOUS, FAMILY JOURNAL, PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
This journal is devoted to expositions of prophecy and the dissemination of general Biblical knowledge. Its contents are of the most varied kind, the departments embracing Editorial and General Articles, Temperance, Home Circle, Sabbath-school, Missionary, and Secular and Religious News.
IT CONTAINS NO PAID ADVERTISEMENTS,
And is full every week of fresh, new matter. Among expository journals it takes the lead, both in quality and quantity of matter. It has proved of unusual interest to its tens of thousands of readers, who everywhere pronounce it a live religious paper; a reliable expositor of Scripture; and a household journal the contents of which are pure and elevating. Each number contains a characteristic article from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White.
All who see it agree in pronouncing it first-class in every respect. Send for free sample copy, and circular. Terms, per year, $2.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California,
THE ADVENT REVIEW
By Editor
AND SABBATH HERALD,
A RELIGIOUS FAMILY JOURNAL,
PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH., BY THE
S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
Sixteen large, closely printed pages of choice reading matter, treating upon all the Prophetic themes of the Bible, the Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ at Hand, Closing Reforms in the Church, the Gospel of Christ, Conversion, Practical Godliness, etc. etc.
This is the organ of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, the oldest journal of this people. It is now in its sixty-third volume. Contains full reports from the ministers and the doings of the different organizations of this denomination. No one should fail to take the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Price, in advance, $2.00 per year. Address,
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
NEW SABBATH-SCHOOL SONG BOOK, JOYFUL GREETING,
Contains 216 pages, or over 40 pages more than the ordinary S. S. song book. It is
THE LARGEST BOOK EVER SOLD FOR THE MONEY.
The book is neatly gotten up, printed on good paper, and substantially bound.
Notwithstanding the fact that this book is so much larger than other popular S. S. song books, it will be furnished at the usual prices—35 cts. per copy post-paid; $3.60 per dozen, by freight or express. If to be sent by mail at dozen rates add five cents per copy for postage.
All orders west of the Rocky Mountains should be addressed to PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
General Agents for Pacific States and Territories.
SABBATH-SCHOOL HELPS.
By Editor
Bible Lessons for Little Ones, No. 1. Flexible cover.......15 cts.
Bible Lessons for Little Ones, No. 2. Flexible cloth.......20 cts.
Bible Lessons for Children, No. 3...........................................25 cts.
Bible Lessons, No. 4, with map...........................................25 cts.
Bible Lessons, No. 5...........................................................25 cts.
Bible Lessons, No. 6...........................................................25 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE,
BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.
AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.
FOUNDED IN 1874.
ADVANTAGES.—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.
SPECIAL FEATURES.—Thorough and judicious discipline. Industrial training. Biblical instruction. A Missionary Department. Physical and moral training.
EXPENSES.—In price of board, room-rent, and tuition, this College presents as great inducements as any other 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.
School opens September 15, 1886.
For catalogues or further information, address
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE,
Battle Creek, Mich.
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH.
By Editor
NUMBERS ONE TO THIRTY.
BOUND IN FOUR VOLUMES OF ABOUT 700 PAGES EACH.
EACH VOLUME CONTAINS
A COMPLETE INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Volume One.—This volume contains a brief sketch of the early life and Christian experience of the writer of the Testimonies, Mrs. E. G. White, together with Testimonies numbers 1 to 14. 724 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Two.—Contains Testimonies numbers 15 to 20. 712 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Three.—Contains Testimonies numbers 21 to 25. About 600 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Four.—Contains Testimonies numbers 26 to 30. About 675 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Price of the Complete Set of Four Volumes, bound in Cloth, $6.00; Sheep, $8.00; Half Morocco, $9.00.
Testimony for the Church No. 31.—Contains 244 pages of most interesting and important matter. Neatly bound in Muslin. Price, 50 cents.
Testimony for the Church No. 32.—Contains 240 pages, and is full of warnings, counsels, and reproofs, very important to all Seventh-day Adventists. Bound in Muslin (uniform with No. 31). Price, 50 cents.
Sent post-paid to any address, at the above prices.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.,
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.,
Or any State T. and M. Society.
THE TRUTH FOUND.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner
THE NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
BY ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.
The title of this little book sufficiently explains its character. It contains more Scriptural information in regard to the Sabbath than any other book of twice the size, and yet it is so simplified as to be easily comprehended. The author quotes the opinions of many learned men concerning the Sabbath, and their conflicting theories are strongly contrasted with the clear, straightforward teaching of the Bible. 64 pp. Price, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD: ITS OFFICES
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE
END OF THE CHRISTIAN AGE.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
This is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the Heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all, and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord.
144 pp. Price, 15 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Sister White’s European Tour
By Editor
IN a letter from Nimes, France, Elder Wm. Ings states that he and his wife are accompanying Mrs. E. G. White in a tour among the churches in France and Italy. They had spent two weeks in Nimes assisting Elder Bourdeau in establishing in the faith the company brought to the knowledge of the truth by tent labor there. They expected to leave there October 28 for Torre Pellice, Italy, to remain about two weeks, then visit the churches in Switzerland, and reach Basel about the last of November. Brother and Sister Ings have been much gratified in visiting their old friends in the truth both in these countries and in England. The letter states that there is a prospect of the opening of a training school in Southampton, England, about the first of January next.
Brother Ings says, "Sister White is feeling quite well and is working hard as ever." We are thankful that the brethren in Europe can have the benefit of so much of the labor and instruction of Sister White, and pray God to ever strengthen her, that the churches and the cause throughout the world may long be profited by her labors.
Presidential Courtesy and the Press
By Editor
President Cleveland has taken a good deal to heart the license in which the public press indulges. We confess that the press should be a great deal milder and more courteous than it is; but the President may congratulate himself that he is free from such thoroughgoing personalities as were inflicted upon his predecessor, James Madison. In Madison's day, "a lady famed for her beauty and the luxuriance of her hair, drove to the door of the President's house, and let down her long tresses, and, holding them up, exclaimed that she hoped to live to see the time when they should be wound into a rope to hang the President with." And when in 1814 the British took Washington and burned the President's house, and President Madison was compelled to flee, he wandered about in the night and in the storm seeking a place of refuge, and came to the house of a political opponent, and he and his party were actually turned away from the door into the woods. We are certain that President Cleveland need fear no repetition of the former of these instances, and we are perfectly sure that there is not a house in all the broad land whose door would not swing wide open to welcome him in sunshine, in the middle of the day, and in all the dignity of his noble office; much more would it be so in a storm, and in the night, and he seeking a place of refuge.
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 Streets, OAKLAND, CAL., U. S. A.
Papers Sent Only With Payment
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.
The Negro and the Romish Church
Rev. Dr. Millard, in the American Missionary Society at New Haven, lately, expressed volumes when he said: "As long as the negro had no power the Romish Church paid little heed to him, but as soon as he got the ballot, which means power, it began to work for him."
The New Theology on Trial
By Editor
The Andover Professors who have projected the "New Theology" are now on trial, and as we read the account of the proceedings, and see the arguments, logical, illogical, theological, and technical, and remember that the National Reform party proposes to turn this whole nation into just such an arena, we cannot help thinking to what a pretty pass the cause of the religion of Christ will be brought should the National Reformers succeed in their project.
The Old Testament Student
By Editor
The Old Testament Student for November comes to our table laden, as usual, with its tribute of good things. It says: "The Old Testament world of to-day is a busy one. Discoveries are being made before which men stand aghast. Investigation is being pushed in every direction." This we are most glad to see. For all discoveries and all legitimate investigation will only make clearer the truth that the Old Testament is the most wonderful production this world has ever seen.
Archbishop Elder and Purcell’s Debts
By Editor
"ARCHBISHOP ELDER, of Cincinnati, declares that he would be glad to lay down his life if he could obtain payment of the late Archbishop Purcell's debts." If the Archbishop retains his life until he lays it down for that cause, he will live more than a thousand times as long as Methuselah did. We have not the slightest idea that he will ever have either the pleasure or the opportunity of laying down his life because those debts are paid. Rome has the money—more than $4,000,000—and those to whom it belongs will never see a cent of it.
The Premillennial Advent of Christ
In discussing the question of the pre-millennial advent of Christ, Professor Harnack, of Geissen, Germany, says that the belief of it "can only exist along with the unsophisticated faith of the early Christians." This is a splendid testimony in favor of those who believe in the soon coming of the Saviour, because "the unsophisticated faith of the early Christians" is the genuine faith of Jesus Christ. And as the belief that the Saviour will come before the millennium can only exist along with this faith, it follows that this doctrine is part of the true faith of Christ. In this expression the professor is strictly and happily correct.
Massachusetts and Religious Persecution
MASSACHUSETTS has fallen into line with Arkansas and Tennessee, and some of our brethren in Worcester are to be tried for working on Sunday. Massachusetts has not a very enviable character in the matter of persecution. It was from Massachusetts that Roger Williams and others—women too—were banished; it was in Massachusetts that the Baptists were whipped; it was in Massachusetts that Quakers, and women at that, were hanged on Boston Common; it was in Massachusetts that women were burned at the stake as witches; it was in Massachusetts and only last year, that a man was fined and imprisoned for publicly reading the Scriptures. With such a record it would be a wonder indeed if Massachusetts were less willing than any other State to persecute people for keeping the commandments of God.
The Harm of Novel Reading
By Editor
MISS FRANCES E. WILLARD says she recalls with gratitude the fact that in girlhood she was "not allowed to read novels." Upon which the Independent justly remarks: "We fear that forty years hence the same opinion will get support on the other side, in the lamentations of women who read what they pleased as girls, and were transformed into dreamers before they were sixteen years old." We fear that it will be forty years, before these lamentations begin to support this sound opinion. Girls, or boys either, who are made dreamers before they are sixteen, or at any other time, are not fit for this world nor for this life. This world is a very matter-of-fact place, and is no place for dreamers. "Life is real, life is earnest," and is not made up of such unsubstantial things as dreams. But the only effect of novels and the multitude of "story papers" is to make dreamers of all who read them, and to totally unfit them for any real good in life. Parents, put all such reading in the fire. The children will, of course, think it a hardship at the time, but such action of yours will bear fruit in after years, not only in the gratitude, but in the real moral worth of your sons and daughters.
The Knights of Labor Salaries
By Editor
At the late general assembly of the Knights of Labor there was a great increase of the salaries of its officers. The salary of Grand Master Powderly was made $5,000. But one of the workingmen thoughtfully said: "It may be true enough that Mr. Powderly is worth $5,000 a year, but when you think that much of it comes from men who earn only a dollar a day, it seems much too large a sum." And a delegate writing of it says: "Could Mr. Powderly have been familiar with our missionary secretaries, and have taken their pay instead of that of a congressman, it would have been better for him and for the Order."
We cannot see exactly how it would be better for him to take $1,500 or $2,000 instead of $5,000. The whole system is one of selfishness, and Mr. Powderly, as Grand Master, seems simply to have magnified his office, and to have exemplified the fundamental principle of the Order. The Order of Knights of Labor is not a missionary society, and neither its officers nor its members are going to act as missionaries. It is, rather, a most promising field for the action of political schemers and men ambitious of power; and if in accepting a $5,000 salary, Mr. Powderly had a congressman in his mind as a model, he was certainly acting more in keeping with the nature of his Order than he would have been had he taken a missionary worker for his pattern.
Christian Unity and Sunday Laws
By Editor
THE following is from the New York Independent:—
"As a striking illustration of the growing unity and harmony among all Christian denominations, we give the following facts: At the State Convention of the 'Christian' or 'Disciples' Church, held lately at Marshall, Mo., the delegates were entertained, voluntarily, on the first day by the Presbyterians of the place, on the second day by the Baptists, on the third day the Methodists and Episcopalians joined as entertainers. This left but one day for the visitors to look to their own denomination for entertainment; and, as a climax to this show of brotherly love, the Catholics assisted as hosts on the final day, although they were few in numbers and comparatively poor in purse."
And when, by the work of the National Reform party, Sunday shall have been so lifted into politics as to demand the support of all, then we shall see perfected the "unity and harmony" of all denominations, in the establishment of Sunday by law and in the vigorous enforcement of the law. Such Christian unity is indeed a great and growing thing.
Justice Blind
By Editor
THE following, which we clip from an Eastern paper, presents the matter about as it generally stands nowadays:—
“Cashier Gould, of the First National Bank, Portland, Me., got seven years in prison for stealing $260,000, largely the property of widows and orphans. Two colored men in Baltimore got ten years for stealing a watch which they pawned for eight dollars. The judge shed tears in sentencing Gould, but there were no tears shed over the negroes. The world has well represented its justice as blind.”