—A special carload of Mormon converts left Chattanooga, Tenn., for Utah and Colorado on the 15th inst.
—A Boston Chinaman has left his business and gone to Chicago as a Christian Missionary amongst his countrymen in that city.
—There are nearly one thousand Romanist converts in the Protestant churches of Rome, as the result of ten years' mission work.
—The City Missionary Society of Boston announces that 295 Chinamen have been gathered into the Sunday-school, where they are taught English.
—It is confidently asserted that the visit of French bishops to Rome is in the interest of a better understanding between the church and the Government.
—The Jewish Times says: "The Jews know but too well that Church and State is a most dangerous combination; they will never forget the Inquisition."
—The French Bishop of Tonquin calls for help. It is said that 108 mission houses have been destroyed, and more than 200 priests and converts put to death.
—The Jewish Progress says "there is a popular feeling expressing itself among the Hebrews in favor of doing away with whipping in the Sabbath-school."
—A row in a church at Ada, O., on the 10th inst., was commenced in the Sunday-school and continued at the evening meeting. The police had to quell the disturbance.
—The news comes from China that the American Presbyterian and Roman Catholic mission establishments in Canton have been wrecked by a mob, but no persons injured.
—A mission has been established in Hong Kong to watch over the Chinese returning from this country, and use them for Christian and educational work among their countrymen.
—The Moravians of Bethlehem, Pa., are sending more missionaries to Alaska. The cold regions of the extreme northern climate seem to be the special fields of operation of this people.
—At Astorga, Spain, two weeks ago, a party of students, under the leadership of priests, assaulted an Englishman and Spaniard who were peddling Bibles. The police refuse to interfere.
—The pope has written an encyclical letter deploring the moral and intellectual condition of various European nations, including France. He exhorts the bishops to do their best to remedy the evil.
—The Methodists in Cincinnati have raised $6,500 for the erection in Salt Lake City, Utah, of a Woman's Home to shelter needy women, especially those seeking refuge from the bondage and disgrace of polygamy.
—The Governor-General of India, as also the London Times, favors the disendowment of the Church of England in that empire. It is thought, therefore, that Government support will soon be withdrawn, and the hitherto favored institution will have to take its chances with other denominations.
—Emma Malloy, of the Society of Friends, and one of Indiana's best temperance workers, has recently held a series of gospel temperance meetings among the Cherokee Indians. The meetings were very large. Three hundred and sixty Indians took the pledge, and afterward, when she had preached Christ to them, fifty-two arose to give themselves to the Saviour.
—The Kankakee, Ill., Gazette has the following: "The village of Chebanse, Iroquois County, passed a Sunday ordinance, and one James McPherson violated it by keeping open his barber shop. The village brought suit in the County Court at Watska and Judge Bovie decided against the village, on the ground that the barber did not disturb the peace and good order of the village. The case will probably be appealed to the supreme Court."
—The little meeting-house where the bodies of the unfortunate victims of the recent City of Columbus disaster off Gay Head, Mass., were laid, is a Baptist Church. It numbers twenty-nine members, all of them poor. The bravery and tender humanity of the members has led to a proposition to make them a gift of a neat and substantial edifice, built of the stone that abounds in that locality, to be at once a reminder of their heroic actions, and a memorial of the dead.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
Agents Please Note.
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 $1.60, and with premium for $2.25.
We will accept subscriptions or renewals for Y. M. C. associations, public reading rooms, and benevolent institutions, at $1.60 per year. When furnished to the poor by tract societies, or paid for by friends, first year, $1.60, 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.—Healdsburg Church (tithe) $250, W T Eddy $5.00.
ACCOUNT.—Maine T. and M. Society $25, W T Eddy $5.75, Mrs A C Bainbridge $5.00, Henry Scott 40c.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Chas L Boyd.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Eld M C Israel, W T Ross.
BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—W J Gregory, I M Ogden, Wm Banta, Mrs A J Hutchins, W T Eddy, Mrs A C Bainbridge, A L Mead, James Kennedy, Mrs M A Johnson, Henry Scott, Mrs A Boggy, W W Smith, C C Ramsey, Wm L Raymoud, James A Dye, W A Gibson, Erastus Banta, Dr Wm Banta, P D Fisher, Wm Ings, W T Ross, Mrs S D Howard, George Vickery, Mrs F J Skelton, A Brorsen.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
California—Miss Anna L. Ingels, care Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Colorado—J. W. Horner, Boulder, Colo.
Dakota—Alice H. Beaumont, Howard, Miner Co., Dak.
Illinois—Lizzie S. Campbell, Belvidere, Boon Co., Ill.
Indiana—W. A. Young, Union City, Ind.
Iowa—Mrs. Lizzie H. Farnsworth, State Center, Iowa.
Kansas—Clara A. L. Gibbs, Ottawa, Kan.
Kentucky—Bettie Coombs, Nolin, Hardin Co., Ky.
Maine—Mrs. R. Robbins, South Norridgewock, Me.
Michigan—Miss Hattie House, Battle Creek, Mich.
Minnesota—Miss Mary Heileson, Mankato, Minn.
Mississippi—Peter H. Clark, Moss Point, Miss.
Missouri—Miss Clara E. Dow, Sedalia, Mo.
Nebraska—Nebraska Tract Society, Fremont, Neb.
New England—Mrs. Eliza T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Depository, South Lancaster, Mass.
New York—Miss Addie S. Bowen, box 113, Rome, N. Y.
North Pacific—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon.
Ohio—Mrs. Ida Gates, Battle Creek, Mich.
Pennsylvania—Mrs. D. C. Phillips, Wellsville, N. Y.
Tennessee—Mrs. M. C. Fulton, Leach, Carroll Co., Tenn.
Texas—Kittie M. Stevenson, Peoria, Hill Co., Tex.
Upper Columbia—Mrs. G. W. Colcord, Goldendale, Klickitat Co., W. T.
Vermont—Lizzie A. Stone, South Lancaster, Mass.
Virginia—Eld. R. T. Fultz, Quicksburg, Shenandoah Co., Va.
Wisconsin—Miss Phemie Lindsay, 901 East Gorham Street, Madison, Wis.
OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.
THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.
By ELD. U. SMITH.
THIS is a full exposition of a portion of prophecy which applies to our own Government, showing the position the United States holds in prophecy, and the part it has to act in the closing scenes of time.
THE SUNDAY MOVEMENT,
Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed, and abundant testimony is given to prove that it is fast coming to be the ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION in this country. Dealing with our own land and applying to our own time. Of surpassing interest to every American reader. New edition; revised and enlarged. Cloth, 225 pp., 75cts. Paper covers, new edition, condensed, 186 pp., 25cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
By ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
THE Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made, and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD: ITS OFFICES 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.
THOUGHTS ON DANIEL, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By ELD. U. SMITH.
EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL, VERSE BY VERSE.
WE are now living in times plainly pointed out in this prophecy, and it is important to understand it; for Daniel himself says that in the time of the end, the wise shall understand; while, if we fail, we are equally guilty with the Jews, who knew not the time of their visitation (Luke 19: 42-44), and shall meet a similar fate.
416 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By ELD. U. SMITH.
THIS work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study.
416 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
COMPRISING "Experience and Views" and "Spiritual Gifts, Volume One," bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Obituary.
By Editor
PALMER.—Died, in San Francisco, Feb. 8, Mary Rosamond Palmer, aged 9 months and 14 days. Brother and Sister Palmer took the little orphan as an act of Christian duty. She was more than ordinarily intelligent, and always a great sufferer. By her lovely and affectionate disposition she won the deepest sympathy and affection of those who had her in charge. It was a great affliction to them to lose her; but they believe the Lord gave her to them, and that she will soon be restored to them in the resurrection. Funeral services at the house of worship in San Francisco, Sunday, Feb. 10, largely attended by the church. EDITOR.
POWERS.—Died, at Chico, Cal., Dec. 19, 1883, Sister Sarah J. Powers, aged 50 years. She leaves a husband and five step-children, besides many friends, to mourn her decease. Her testimony was, “I die in the triumph of a living faith, knowing that Jesus will soon come to take his suffering children home.”
The Lord Takes Pleasure in Them
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”
Responding to Every Good Impulse
EVERY good impulse is from God, and to refuse to respond is to do injustice to all that is Christ-like within us.
Rev. Nolley Leads the Charge
The Rev. George Washington Nolley, who died recently at Ashland, Virginia, had been fifty years in active service in the Methodist ministry. He led a charge of the Confederate troops at Brook Creek, near Richmond, Va. The story is told that just before the battle a voice was heard crying out, "Where is my boy? I am looking for my boy." When the owner of the voice appeared in sight it was the Rev. Mr. Nolley. The troops called out, "Go back, old gentleman! go back; you will get hurt." The answer was, "I can go wherever my boy has to go, and the Lord is here." When the order, "Forward!" was given, and the men made one more charge, Mr. Nolley is reported to have rushed ahead with a big stick in one hand and his hat in the other, crying, "Come on, boys, come on!"
The Number Seven.
This number is frequently used in the Bible. On the 7th day God ended his work; the 7th month Noah’s ark touched the ground, and in 7 days a dove was sent out.
Abraham pleaded 7 times for Sodom, Jacob served 7 years for Rachel, mourned 7 days for Joseph, and was pursued a 7 days’ journey by Laban.
A plenty of 7 years, and a famine of 7 years were foretold in Pharaoh’s dream, by 7 fat and 7 lean beasts, and 7 ears of full and 7 ears of blasted corn.
On the 7th day of the 7th month the children of Israel fasted 7 days, and remained 7 days in tents. Every 7 years the land rested; every 7th year all bondmen were free, and the law was read to the people.
In the destruction of Jericho, 7 priests bore 7 trumpets 7 days; on the 7th day they surrounded the walls 7 times; and at the end of the 7th round the walls fell.
Solomon was 7 years building the temple, and feasted 7 days at its dedication. In the tabernacle were 7 lamps, and the golden candle-stick had 7 branches. Naaman washed 7 times in Jordan.
Job’s friends sat with him 7 days and 7 nights, and offered 7 bullocks and 7 rams as an atonement.
Our Saviour spoke 7 times from the cross, on which he hung 7 hours, and after his resurrection appeared 7 times. In the Lord’s prayer are 7 petitions, containing 7 times 7 words.
In Revelation we read of 7 churches, 7 candlesticks, 7 stars, 7 trumpets, 7 plagues, 7 thunders, 7 seals, 7 angels, and a 7-headed monster.
Books—Interesting and Valuable.
By Editor
SUNSHINE AT HOME.
AFTER a dry spell which threatened to be disastrous to farming and other interests, California is having an abundance of rain. And, as Mr. Lincoln used to say, "that reminds us of a story." A couple of children had planned for a day of pleasure in the woods, but the day proved to be cloudy and wet. In no pleasant frame of mind they indulged in many complaints at the absence of the sunshine. But they had a considerate grandfather, who asked them why they did not make their own sunshine. This was a strange idea to the boys, but grandfather undertook to instruct them, and they afterward acknowledged that they had enjoyed an exceedingly pleasant day. The clouds and rain had not been able to interfere with their enjoyment.
Anybody can make sunshine if they have a suitable disposition and the necessary means. We can recommend something for this purpose. It might be named a "sunshine machine," for it has visited many, many houses, and has carried sunshine wherever it went. It is called "Sunshine at Home." It is a large "picture book for children of all ages," and not a picture book alone, for every page has interesting and instructive reading. It has 112 pages, large as large maps, and is one of the cheapest books published for $1.50. It is having a very rapid sale. It may be had at this office.
HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES.
ALMOST unequaled for interest and useful information is the History of the Waldenses, by Dr. J. A. Wylie. In Eld. Haskell's articles on the Waldenses, recently published in the SIGNS, mention was made of this book and quotations given from it. Those who love the truth of the gospel, and have partaken of its spirit, will never tire of reading the history of the trials and persecutions of this faithful people. They furnish an illustrated commentary on the eleventh chapter of Paul's letter to the Hebrews.
This book is got up in good style, with map and numerous cuts; 212 pages. It has usually sold for $1.25, but is now offered at our office for 90 cents. It is good reading for old and young. We can supply all orders, and expect that it will be ordered largely.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEAR BOOK FOR 1884.
OUR Year Book for 1884 is even more valuable than that for 1883. It contains everything of general interest to our people concerning the denomination; 80 pages; heavy cover, on which is given a "Map of the International Date Line," commonly called the "Day Line." Price 25 cents. Every one should have it.
MANUAL OF HYGIENE AND TEMPERANCE.
THIS practical Manual has been revised and enlarged. The twenty-fifth thousand is in the market, which shows the favor with which it has been received. The present edition is still more valuable than its predecessors. The first part is devoted to temperance; not dry remarks on this standing subject, but valuable facts with practical suggestions, useful in every family.
With this book, and Good Health, the best health monthly that is published, the household is prepared for almost every emergency, and the cost is trifling compared to the great benefit to be derived. Price of Manual, alone, 244 pages, 75 cts. Good Health, $1.00 a year. Both together, to new subscribers, $1.25.
Office Payment and Money Order Notice
By Editor
Notice.—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 them are not indebted to the Office.
Money orders, drafts, etc., should be made to "Pacific Press," NEVER to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed.
A Good Answer
By Editor
By a card from Bro. James Sawyer we learn that a Free Reading Room has been opened at the mission in Chicago, 215 West Madison Street, room 2, second floor.
A Good Answer.
WE commend to the careful reading of every one, the article in this paper by our corresponding Editor, entitled "That Sunday Blessing," which we copy from the Review and Herald. It contains important truths, well and clearly stated. The supposed argument of those who claim a warrant for keeping Sunday on the fact that God has blessed them while they kept it, will apply with equal force to any practice professedly pious. The Romanist may use it to justify every practice of the Church. To show how far people, religious people, do sometimes carry this excuse, we relate the following, which occurred in one of the Eastern States. A local preacher or exhorter told us that he knew it was right and pleasing to God to use tobacco. Upon our inquiring how he knew it, he answered, "Because God sanctified me while I was using it, and he would not have done so if it was displeasing to him!" When a man has gone as far as that in deception there is no use to quote the Bible to him. He is his own standard, and the word of God has ceased to be a rule of life to him. And every one who urges God's blessing as a warrant for an unscriptural practice is in danger of falling into deception as great as that.
Questions.
By Editor
An aged pilgrim sends the following queries: 1. What are we to understand from the book of Job? 2. How or in what light are we to regard the Psalms?
1. The book of Job is full of instruction, of a very valuable nature. The references to Job in other scriptures show that he was held in very high esteem by the Lord. See Eze. 14:12-21. The book is a remarkable vindication of the providence of God in the afflictions of his people, and as such has been a source of consolation to thousands of sorrowing hearts. James uses it as an evidence of the faithfulness of God to his patient, waiting ones. It is a book of great value to the church.
2. The Psalms are both devotional and prophetic. In the latter character they have the indorsement of the Saviour himself; Luke 24:44, and other texts. Also of the apostles in their preaching; see Acts 2:25-31; 13:33-35. As devotional reading they are unequaled; they are the devotional part of the Bible. We repeat what we have often said: we pity the Christian who does not love his daily reading in the Psalms. It always seems that there must be some defect in his religious experience. For the benefit of such readers as our querist we will republish in our next an article which we wrote some years ago on the book of Psalms.
Ferndale Church.
THE house of worship recently erected by the Seventh-day Adventists in Ferndale, Humboldt Co., Cal., is 30x50 feet in size; posts, 20 feet. Ante-rooms in front, with gallery. Rigid economy was practiced in building, yet everything is substantial and convenient. The building is paid for. Cost, inside of $2,000. They expect to have a bell in by April 1.
Church Membership and Dedication Report
By Editor
Number of those in full membership in the church, 23. Candidates for baptism and others who signed the covenant, but have not become full members, 10. Members of the T. and M. Society, 17. Members of the Sabbath-school, 46.
A letter from Bro. Ballou informs us that the dedicatory services and the appearance of the house, made a very favorable impression on those who attended. He is encouraged to labor on in that county. And we pray that his labors may be abundantly blessed. We believe that the church there will cheerfully second his efforts, for the missionary spirit—the real spirit of the Third Angel's Message—has taken possession of their hearts.
Meetings at Woodland.
By William Clarence White
IT was my privilege to attend the meeting at Woodland from Tuesday till Friday morning. Most of the time was devoted to Bible-readings. The attendance of brethren and sisters from other churches was very good. Some who attended the first of the meeting felt that they must return home before its close, while a number were coming in to attend the closing meetings.
Although those who enjoyed the full course can best appreciate the benefits of these readings, I am sure that all who attended were much encouraged and strengthened, and return home with increased faith and determination to be more faithful to study the Bible, and to honor the Lord in word and in deed. I have not attended a meeting for years which I enjoyed so much as this. Many interesting subjects were presented, but that of the Sanctuary and the Judgment seemed especially solemn and appropriate for our consideration at this time.
Several attended this meeting who had never enjoyed such privileges since accepting the Sabbath truth.
W. C. WHITE.
Temperance Papers.
By Editor
"LAST week we noticed the publication, in Sacramento, of the weekly State Prohibitionist. Since then the publishers have begun the issue of a daily edition, smaller in size. This we believe is the only daily temperance journal in the world.' This is from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, of Oakland. We must remind that paper of the City Item, of San Jose, though it does advertise the saloon business. We are sorry to see that it has such a poor idea of the fitness of things. Immediately under an advertisement of the W. C. T. U. appears also a notice of the Tivoli variety beer garden."—Prohibitionist.
We have no desire to change our notice, because we are not prepared to admit that a paper which advertises saloons and beer gardens is a temperance paper. We have heard of those who pray, "Good Lord, good devil," but we do not call them Christians. Of the City Item we have no knowledge except what we gather from the above.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
$25,000 Wanted!
WE, the undersigned, hereby give the sums set to our names, to raise the sum of $25,000 to be placed under the control of trustees chosen at the annual session of the California Conference. Said sum to be loaned to some of our Institutions at 5 per cent, the proceeds of which shall be used to assist those who are seeking an education at the Healdsburg College, to fill positions in the cause of God. Said individuals must be recommended by the Conference Committee and the College Faculty.
William Butcher........................................$5,000
Joseph Leininger.......................................5,000
John Morrison..........................................1,000
F. H. Adams..............................................500
Mrs. Mary Scott..........................................500
A Friend to the Cause....................................800
"Who'll be the next?"
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
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 Temperance, The Home Circle, the Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school.
Price Per Year, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00
In Clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used in Missionary Work, . . . . . . . . 1.50
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.