—Thousands of iron-workers at Troy, N. Y., are returning to work.
—An explosion occurred at the Vale Colliery, in New Glasgow, N. S., Feb. 11, killing thirteen men.
—The fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the first German railway is about to be celebrated in that country.
—Ex-Mayor Edson, of New York, was recently sentenced to be confined in jail fifteen days and pay, in addition, a fine of $250, for contempt of court.
—Last Thursday evening, Feb. 12, the insane department of the Blockley Almshouse, at Philadelphia was burned. Eighteen of the sixty patients in the building were burned to death.
—A Law and Order League was formed in Philadelphia, Feb. 10, to enforce the existing laws against selling liquor to minors, and habitual drunkards, and for the closing of saloons on Sunday.
—Queen Victoria has been confined to her bed for some days, with sickness caused, it is said, by overanxiety in regard to affairs of Government, and especially as to the outcome of the Soudan expedition.
—The town of Alta, U. T., was nearly destroyed Feb. 13, by a snow-slide. Only two buildings entirely escaped. Twenty-eight persons were buried under the snow, twelve of whom have been taken out alive.
—A fire the evening of Feb. 7, in the annex to the Signal Service Department at Washington, destroyed and damaged a number of valuable meteorological records and almost ruined some of the finest instruments in the office.
—Two coaches and a sleeper occupied by twenty or more passengers went through a bridge on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, near Creston, Iowa, Feb. 8. Three of the passengers were killed and seven wounded.
—The Samoan group of islands in the Pacific has been annexed by Germany. These islands lie directly in the path of steamers plying between San Francisco and Australia. The United States Government has a naval station on the islands.
—Late reports from New York say that nearly 200 vessels bound for that port are overdue. Great anxiety is manifested there on the part of those who were expecting friends on these vessels. Five of the overdue crafts have been given up as lost by their agents in New York and by their owners on the other side of the Atlantic.
—News from Khartoum on the 10th were to the effect that the city had been taken by the Mahdi's troops, and the garrison, including General Gordon, had been massacred. The reports however are of so unreliable a nature that all the details cannot be relied upon.
—At the rolling mill in Brazil, Ind., Feb. 10, the boiler exploded, burying four men under the puddling furnaces, and killing two others outright. The four men buried under the furnace were all taken out dead. Fifteen were seriously injured, some of whom will die.
—The State University of Texas has a permanent fund of over half a million dollars, and also two million acres of land. Its total resources are estimated by the Regents to amount to $5,000,000. The State has also set apart 30,000,000 acres of land to provide for general education.
—Round-trip passage between New York and Hamburg can now be made in the steerage for $20. It is said that many foreigners are taking advantage of the cheap fare, to visit their friends in the old country and remain till spring. In this way many expect to bridge over the hard times.
—Five men engaged in cleaning a sewer on Kinsey Street, Chicago, were asphyxiated by foul gas Feb. 12. When their dangerous situation was learned, help was immediately rendered, but four were already dead when taken out, and one died shortly after. Four others who were with them escaped.
—While the Salvation Army was parading the streets of Fall River, Mass., Sunday, Feb. 8, it was attacked by a crowd of roughs. Many in the procession beat a hasty retreat, but were followed and severely pelted with stones. A number were seriously injured, and one it is thought fatally. No arrests followed.
—Last week's United Irishman, Rossa's paper, contains the following from Dublin: "It has been decreed to offer a reward of $10,000 for the body, dead or alive, of Albert Edward Guelph, nicknamed the Prince of Wales. England has offered a reward for the assassination of Osman Digna, and we may profit by the example."
—Nearly all the leading officials of the Mormon Church have scattered from Salt Lake to evade the Government officers. On the 8th not a single prominent official was to be seen in the Tabernacle, and the services were tamely conducted by two of the common bishops. Ten indictments against polygamists were reported by the Grand Jury for the preceding week.
—Probably as curious an article of export as is often carried in an ocean steamer was lately taken out to New Zealand. It consisted of a consignment of "bumble-bees." At present, though it grows readily, clover does not "seed" in that country, because there are no bumble-bees to fertilize the flowers. The importer hopes that the bumble-bees will save him $5,000 a year in clover seed.
—The House of Representatives is gaining a reputation in the way of theatricals. Another sensational scene occurred there Feb. 9, the central figure of which was White, of Kentucky. He engaged in a wordy war with the temporary speaker, Blackburn,—who it appears is as untamable as himself—about a question of personal privilege. The contest finally became so heated that the sergeant-at-arms was obliged to restore order, which he succeeded in doing with considerable difficulty.
—Dispatches from the East last week reported one of the heaviest storms of the winter, which extended throughout the entire country. In some places snow-drifts were reported from fifteen to eighteen feet deep. Immediately following the storm, the mercury dropped as low as 22 degrees below zero in Chicago, while at some points in the Northwest it was much lower. Later reports from Alabama and Mississippi say the storm has been the most severe ever known in those regions, the snow reaching a depth of nine inches.
—One of the latest feats in telegraphy is to communicate with a railroad train while in motion. This has lately been successfully accomplished on a New York railroad. It was done by having covered wires laid between the rails and fastened to the ties. Another bunch of insulated wires passes under the car, inclosed in a hollow iron tube. This tube passes over the first-named wires about one foot above them. The communication is kept up between these by the use of a "double pointed" Morse instrument in the car, which is connected with the wires under the car.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
To Our Old Subscribers.
We earnestly solicit your renewal for the ensuing year, and make you the following liberal offers:—
No. 1. To our old friends and patrons who will send us $1.50, we will send the Signs of the Times one year, and will mail either one of the following books: "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White; "The Life and Words of Christ," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D., or "The Early Writings of Mrs. White."
No. 2. To any old subscriber who will send us $3.00, we will furnish the Signs one year, and mail from New York a copy of "D'Aubigne's History of the Great Reformation," five volumes complete in one.
The above books are so well known that no words of commendation are needed.
Agents Please Note.
By Editor
PLEASE number and date all order sheets. Any inquiries, book orders, or missionary items should be written on separate sheets. Always sign your name and full post-office address.
In order to get the advantage of the $1.50 rate in clubs of five, the package must go to one name and address. Some have been sending in clubs of five single subscriptions to one post-office, and sending only $1.50 each. We cannot accept these orders in future, as it is an additional expense to print the single-name wrappers.
Clubs of three to one name and address, for missionary use, at $2.50 for six months, or $4.80 for one year. Clubs of five, three months for $2.00, six months, $3.75. On all clubs of ten and upwards we will receive subscriptions and renewals for three and six months at proportion of yearly club rates.
The subscriptions of persons who have not taken the paper before will be received at $1.75, and with premium for $2.25.
We will accept subscriptions or renewals for Y. M. C. Associations, public reading-rooms, and benevolent institutions, at $1.00 per year. When furnished to the poor by tract societies, or paid for by friends, first year, $1.50, renewals, $2.00.
The above notations and terms apply to all points in the United States and Canada.
On account of the extra rate of postage to foreign countries, we have to charge $2.00 on all single subscriptions, and $1.75 each copy in clubs of five or more to one name and address.
RECEIPTS.
By Editor
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.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—M A Buck (tithe) $2.30, C Maynard $53, Healdsburg $6, W N King 70c, H Bunyard $3.50, P Penfold $10.
CHURCH DEBT FUND.—John I Tay $5.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Kansas T and M Society $150, Tennessee T and M Society $14.30, Indiana T and M Society $100, Pennsylvania T and M Society $214.27.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—W N King $5.
CALIFORNIA CITY MISSIONS.—Peter Penfold $5.
CALIFORNIA T AND M SOCIETY.—Louisa Loubecker $1, Mrs A J Anthony $2, C R Robbins $1.20, Maria Ashley $2, W N King $1, Wm Ings $30, Mrs E D Bundy 50c, R S Owen 25c, S E Caine $1.25, Mrs A C Walden $5, Alice Bartlett $1, Peter Penfold $1.50, Geo A Driver $2.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Mary Heileson.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Mary Thurston, Lizzie H Farnsworth, Mary Heileson, Mrs E T Palmer, L C Chadwick, Eliza Young, R S Tripp, O W Burnell, Seaman's Mission, S F.
BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—Mrs Hattie Trincaro, H A Whittaker, Irving E Baker, S T Page, Arthur S Hickox, M E Abbott, Charlotte Bain, Leander Gobel, Anna Dewey, Lyman Austin, Nettie F Craig, H B Houghton, Mrs E M Hoxsey, James Cauvins, John E Graham, J D Rice, J L Prescott, T G Scott, A A Gregory, Mrs Susan Smith, Miss Mabel Saunders, C F Eaton, Miss Minnie Lowrey, Erastus Banta, S A Francis, Eliza Young, Minnie M Brown, M H Brown, Geo H Rogers, Sylvanes Keller, Mrs C L Boyd, A Weber Jr, J LaMont, James S Barnes, O W Burnell, J J Bolton.
THE HOME OF THE SAVED.
By John Norton Loughborough
By Eld. J. N. Loughborough.
Gives the Bible evidence upon the interesting topic of the earth made new, as the inheritance of the saints. 82 pp. Price, 10 cents. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—Chili has discarded the Roman Catholic religion as the religion of the State, and has announced perfect liberty to all forms of the Christian faith. The oath of the President, at his accession to office, no longer binds him to the support of the "Roman Apostolic Catholic religion."
—An English colporter rides a tricycle as he moves about at his work. The vehicle is constructed so as to carry a supply of Testaments and other religious reading. He is so elated with the success of this, his first venture, that he now contemplates starting out others in the same way.
—The Religious Tract Society of London has for some time been making vigorous endeavors to circulate its publications in Russia, but with much hindrance on the part of the Government. Lately the opposition has been more pronounced than ever. The circulation of tracts and books has at last been prohibited.
—The Hebrew population of New York City is estimated at 60,000, yet the synagogues there are nearly deserted. A move has been started to have Sunday services for those whose business deprives them of attending synagogue on the Sabbath. This movement will probably become so popular as to result in the final cessation of synagogue services on the seventh day.
—Evangelical congregations are multiplying in Mexico. Late accounts say there are now 30,000 adherents to the Protestant faith in that country. Men and women who never saw a Bible till they had spent half a life-time in the Catholic Church, are leaving that faith to unite with a Protestant church. Some of them are severely persecuted, but are, nevertheless, firm in the stand they have taken.
Switzerland, and the Piedmont Valleys, Italy.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SINCE my last report I have labored for the churches of Bienne, Tramelan, and Neuchâtel, Switzerland. I found much to be done in helping young believers, and some who have been longer in the truth; in assisting in the work of renewing subscriptions, and getting up clubs for our French and German papers; and in raising more means for our publishing house at Bâle. In this branch of our work the Swiss brethren have done nobly.
There have been encouraging additions to the churches of Neuchâtel and Bienne; especially is this true of the church of Neuchâtel. This is largely owing to the effort made near that place last spring, the faithfulness of young converts, and the labors of Brother Albert Vuilleumier in following up the interest raised by said effort. Our French paper has also done a good work in preparing hearts to receive the truth.
Neuchâtel and vicinity was considered by some a hard field, when I commenced a course of lectures there nine months since; but God greatly encouraged me by his Spirit, to make an effort, even when things looked very forbidding from more than one standpoint. Since then, about sixteen persons have been added to the church there, and more are expected to follow their example. Why may we not regard this as a good indication that we should still push on the work even in large cities? Nothing tends to unite and encourage old brethren like seeing the work progress in their midst and in 'regions beyond,' through their co-operation. The church of Neuchâtel is now in a thriving condition and bids fair to be one of the largest and strongest churches in Switzerland.
Being overburdened by the work I had undertaken in France and Italy, I was greatly relieved by my brother's taking charge of the work in France while I spend a season in Italy. The Spirit of God indorsed this decision, and great peace has followed it. I believe God wants us to so labor as to retain the victories we have gained, and economize our strength, that we may still have the privilege of laboring on in this blessed cause.
I have now been in the valleys of Piedmont since the 14th inst. I found Brother Vuilleumier engaged in distributing tracts and papers, but he was in great need of having his faithful efforts followed at once by a course of meetings. He had hired and prepared a hall, and a longer delay to occupy it would have worked against us. We at once advertised our meetings; and, although we have since had a three days' snow-storm (the greatest storm of the kind that has been witnessed here for forty years), followed by steady rain for twenty-four hours, yet we have been enabled to hold five meetings. The two leading ministers of the place, and the publisher who edits an Italian paper for the valleys, have been among my hearers.
Though we suffer from the errors of one who badly represented the cause here twenty years ago, yet we find many warm hearts, and hope, yes, expect that with the blessing of God and perseverance, we will yet see many of the descendants of ancient Sabbath-keepers led to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have also hired a hall at St. John, a village three miles distant, where I purpose giving my first discourse to-morrow night.
On my way to this place, I spent five days in Geneva, in doing some missionary work, securing rooms for my family, and preparing the way for colporter work, which must necessarily precede a public effort at so important a point. During this period I enjoyed peace of mind in reflecting much, in seeking for knowledge of the mind of God, and for the proper methods to adopt in starting a mission in that city, where so much is to be met, and where there is so much at stake. Shut up to finite strength and wisdom, this seems like a great undertaking, from which one would naturally shrink; but as we look to the power of present truth, and at the mighty Spirit we have to help us; as we look at the shortness of time and at the importance of enlarging our borders, and bringing our reading matter before so many who have no knowledge of our work, to help our publishing houses and prepare the way for the living preacher, faith, hope, and courage revive. We expect to yet see a church raised up in the city of Calvin, the seat of the French Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, and the renowned seat of learning for Central Europe.
As the work enlarges before us, bringing increased responsibilities, we feel like dedicating ourselves anew to God, and seeking for a fresh unction from on high. We beg the prayers of God's remnant people, that we may have every needed grace, and that our hopes may be realized, to the glory of God and the Lamb.
Two new ones kept last Sabbath with us in this place. This will be a source of encouragement to Sister Revel, who has stood alone, like a rock amid dashing billows, for twenty years.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Torre Pellice, Italy, Jan. 19.
Appointments.
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:00. Seats free. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 912 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
Too Good to Keep
Too Good to Keep.—A New Zealand girl was brought over to England to be educated. She became a true Christian. When she was about to return, some of her playmates endeavored to dissuade her. They said: "Why do you go back to New Zealand? You are accustomed to England now. You love its shady lanes and clover fields. It suits your health. Besides you may be shipwrecked on the ocean. You may be killed and eaten by your own people. Every body will have forgotten you."
"What!" she said, "do you think I could keep the good news to myself? Do you think that I could be content with having got pardon and peace and eternal life for myself and not go and tell my dear father and mother how they can get it too? I would go if I had to swim there! Do not try to hinder me, for I must go and tell my people the good news."
A FRIEND of ours was passing a large public school for girls in this city [Boston] just as the pupils were coming out. Near by stood a man distributing copies of a certain story paper, which most of the girls readily accepted. Our friend secured a copy, and found the sheet to contain parts of six serial stories by one author, all of a highly objectionable character. They were not openly and grossly immoral, but dealt with such themes as the revenge of a beautiful woman for real or fancied wrongs, and by their vulgar sensationalism and blood-thirstiness were almost as dangerous as if they had been.
The paper was far from being what careful parents permit their children to read, and such parents need to maintain a careful oversight upon their boys and girls lest the work of corrupting them be advanced before the fact becomes known of its having been attempted.—Congregationalist.
Principles and Prejudices
MANY men claim to be firm in their principles when really they are only obstinate in their prejudices.
BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS.
By Editor
Our Country's Future; The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Rev. 13: 11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Dealing with our own land, and applying to our own time. Of surpassing interest to every American reader. New edition. 186 pp. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the coming and kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 25 cts.
Facts for the Times. A volume of valuable historical extracts. 25 cts.
Testimonies. Nos. 20-30, each 25 cts.
S. D. A. Year Book for the years 1883 and 1884, each 25 cts.
Thoughts on Baptism; Its Action, Subjects, and Relations. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 190 pp. 25 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A thorough expose of this fascinating delusion. Should be widely circulated. 184 pp. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. A work of great interest upon a subject seldom written upon. 144 pp. 20 cts.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. This little treatise completely demolishes the vagaries of the future-age theorists. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Visions. Objections answered. By U. Smith. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God, its Gifts and Manifestations to the end of the Christian Age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14: 6-12. Particularly the Third Angel's Message and the two-horned beast. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. An argument showing that the Sabbath commandment, like the other nine, is in its nature moral. 96 pp. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts. 128 pp. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers of the first Three Centuries concerning the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 112 pp. 15 cts.
Matthew Twenty-Four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Matter and Spirit. A philosophical argument on an interesting theme. 10 cts.
Bible Sanctification. By Mrs. E. G. White. A contrast of the true and false theories. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject, as set forth in the book of Revelation, chaps. 8 and 9. 98 pp. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts.
Hope of the Gospel. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. What it is, and when it will be consummated. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Christ and the Sabbath; or, Christ in the Old Testament, and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White. 56 pp. 10 cts.
Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of Redemption in its three stages. 40 pp. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan; or, Thoughts Suggested by the Perusal of Gilfillan and Other Authors on the Sabbath. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Appeal to the Baptists for the Restoration of the Bible Sabbath. 46 pp. 10 cts.
Review of Baird. A review of two sermons against the Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventists. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts.
The Rejected Ordinance. A carefully prepared paper on our Saviour's Act of Humility in John 13. By Elder W. H. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel's Message. By Elder W. H. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
Life of Christ and His Apostles. 8 books. 90 cts.
The Home of the Saved; or, The Saints' Inheritance to be in the Earth Made New. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four objections considered. By Elder D. T. Bourdeau. 88 pp. 10 cts.
Honor Due to God. By Elder E. J. Waggoner. An extended argument on the Tithing Question. Second edition. 64 pp. 10 cts.
California Year Book. It contains a brief history of the rise and progress of the S. D. Adventist work in California, and of each of the institutions connected therewith. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Any book in this list sent post-paid on receipt of price. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.; Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
THIS work shows the nature of the mistake made in expecting the Lord to come in 1844, which was not an error of time computation, but in the nature of the event to take place, namely, the cleansing of the Sanctuary. The work sheds a flood of light on the Scriptures, especially on the subject of the Atonement.
352 pp. Price, cloth, $1.00. Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich
"Signs" and Vol. IV.
By Editor
SOME of the missionary workers in the East write to us that in certain localities where the canvass for the SIGNS and "Sunshine at Home" had been quite thorough, they are going over the same ground with the SIGNS and Vol. IV of the "Great Controversy;" and they say they are meeting with good success. And one thing that encourages them is this: It is all for the benefit of present truth; the canvasser is not spending his time with that which is not present truth.
We highly approve of the arrangement made at the General Conference, to canvass for the "Sunshine" with the SIGNS. In Oakland our workers have taken to canvassing for Vol. IV alone, without the SIGNS, and are having fair success. We cannot see any objection to the course pursued by the workers in the East; we are glad by all means to have the truth of God brought to the attention of the people.
We have printed at this office, in the form of a 16-page tract, selections from Vol. IV, to be used by those who wish to canvass for the book. It consists of pages 31 to 36, and 316 to 323, the latter being the entire chapter on the "Origin of Evil." These selections are complete in themselves, so that this makes an excellent tract for general circulation. The last two pages are a notice of the book. Wherever this tract is read there is created a strong desire to read the book. They will be furnished by this office at $1.00 per hundred, post-paid.
Healdsburg and St. Helena.
By Editor
WE enjoyed a visit, too brief to satisfy our feelings, to the College in Healdsburg. Everything is prosperous and encouraging. The Professors are all doing their work with cheerful courage; the classes (for there are more than one) in Bible studies are deeply interested in their work. At the “Students’ Home,” as the North College Hall is sometimes called, everything is pleasant as usual. The manual labor done is enjoyed. Young men are learning tent-making, shoemaking, and printing. All who expect to labor with tents in any capacity are learning tent-making; this knowledge cannot fail to be of use to them in their future work.
With one feature of the biblical work we are specially pleased. We found there elders of churches attending the school to receive the benefit of the Bible course. This is right. An elder of a church occupies an important position, and it is right that he should improve every opportunity and use every means to qualify himself to fill it acceptably. We expect to see the time when instruction of this kind will be given in every camp-meeting. This will prove a great blessing to the several Conferences. Cannot the North Pacific and Upper Columbia Conferences arrange to have a course of systematic Bible instruction at their coming camp-meetings? We will speak of this again.
From Healdsburg we went to St. Helena, where we staid over one day. We have hope for the future of our beautiful Health Retreat. Though so often frustrated in our plans in the past, we believe the plans now laid will insure success. A present scarcity of means is a present serious obstacle, but we are quite confident that the help now secured and in prospect will be abundantly able to conduct it to the satisfaction of the stockholders and of patients and visitors. We hope that the friends of this institution will not forget it. Pray and work for its success.
Notes and Correspondence
By Editor
WE have received a paper from the city of Berlin with a request to exchange, which we will cheerfully do.
SISTER WHITE has kindly handed to us a letter from Brother B. L. Whitney, from which we shall give some extracts next week. He presents some interesting and important ideas concerning the work in the Old World, especially in Germany. Our people are not half awake about the work in Germany. "Where are the reapers?"
AN "independent church" is to be established in San Francisco, with Dr. J. P. Newman as pastor. It is to be under the special patronage of Governor Stanford's family and other residents of "Nob Hill." It is claimed that this movement will give a great impetus to the cause of Spiritualism, as all the parties are either Spiritualists or strongly leaning in that direction.
WE compliment some of our Eastern religious exchanges for their discrimination in copying our news columns, sometimes almost entire; they are well made up, and are valuable. True, the news appears somewhat old by the time they republish the items, but that is their lookout. But we ask the secular papers to be fair with us; when they republish our editorial articles to give us credit, and not publish them as their own.
A COPY of a petition has been forwarded to us, asking the Legislature to pass a law for the suppression of horse-racing, and all kinds of gambling, and liquor-selling, at the Agricultural Fairs which are held under State patronage. We highly approve the object of this petition, and are doing what we can to have it signed and forwarded. It is an injury to the cause which these fairs represent, and an insult to true agriculturists, to have the largest premiums given to horse-racing, as is generally the case. At New Orleans we saw a splendid display of good, heavy working-horses. In these and in no others have agriculturists an interest. As for liquor-selling, what right has it among agricultural exhibits?
IT has long been considered beyond question that H. W. Beecher's erratic course has been a bid for popularity. His ambition led him to act as an "independent" in everything, even in religion. There is always a large class who will shout the praise of him who denies the faith which he professes to preach under the garb of "liberality." But, as is usual in such cases, Beecher has gone far beyond the bounds of prudence and is reaping his reward. At a recent appointment for a lecture by him in Chickering Hall, New York, less than one hundred came, and he dismissed them to have their money refunded at the door. Much comment is made upon this, which must be anything but gratifying to one who is as ambitious of popular favor as he.
Oakland, Cal.
SUNDAY morning, Feb. 15, just four months from the day of our departure for the East, it was our privilege to meet with nearly sixty employes of the "Pacific Press," in the folding-room, for morning prayers. Nothing makes us feel more at home than to meet with so many with whom we have been so long associated in this work.
The church is prosperous. Since Jan. 1 nine have been admitted by baptism and three by letter. We greatly enjoyed speaking to them about the evidences and progress of the present truth.
The Sabbath-school is flourishing, and bringing its members into the church. Its membership is now 286; the attendance averages from ninety to ninety-five per cent. When we consider that the membership of the church is scattered all over the city, we think the per cent. of attendance indicates an excellent interest.
When our house of worship was built in Oakland, some careful brethren found considerable fault because we built so large. Now our house is too small. The Sabbath-school fills every part, basement, main room, and gallery. Our Sabbath congregation fills the auditorium, and more are coming.
Brother White informs us that, according to last general reports, California has the second, third, and fourth schools in size among our people. A good and growing and spiritual interest in the Sabbath-school is a good indication in any church.
Fine Weather.
By Editor
NEVER did we appreciate the difference between the climate of the Eastern States and that of the Pacific Coast as we do at present. We suffered through extremely cold weather in several States, and the day we left Chicago it was almost too much for us to go into the street. In Oakland there are multitudes of calla lilies in full bloom in the open air; red and tea roses are not very scarce; daisies and pansies, and various other flowers are out; the acacias are putting on their gorgeous array; the grass is everywhere in full green. By the papers we learn that a terrific storm was raging over a large section of the Eastern country the ninth of this month. On that day we rode in a wagon from Healdsburg to St. Helena, and at noon we sat down beside the road to eat our lunch, and Brother White threw off his coat, and thus, coatless, enjoyed his dinner in the open air!
But it is not always thus. Ten years ago the winter throughout the United States was very much like the present. It was warm in California; the flowers were in bloom all winter in Oakland. The thermometer fell low in the Eastern States. There was heavy snow and severe cold in Walla Walla, W. T., which has not since been the case until this winter. But since that time we have seen the flowers all killed in Oakland, and snow has fallen and ice been gathered in Napa Valley. We have no assurance that next winter will be as warm as this, on this coast.
But of one thing we feel confident: we shall not suffer here with the piercing, biting cold as we suffered in the East. People in California have very much for which to be thankful. But are they? It is one thing to boast that "we have the best climate in the world," and quite another to be truly thankful to divine Providence for the many blessings we enjoy.
THOUGHTS ON BAPTISM.
By John Harvey Waggoner
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE ACTION, SUBJECTS, AND RELATIONS OF THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM.
Also, a Brief Refutation of the
HISTORICAL CLAIMS FOR TRINE IMMERSION.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.
Prices, post-paid,—In flexible cloth, 35 cents; paper covers, 25 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
WHO CHANGED THE SABBATH?
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 cts.