A GENTLEMAN, a merchant of large fortune, had built for himself a beautiful and costly residence. The grounds were extensive and tastefully laid out, and adorned with arbors and statuary. The building was furnished throughout in a style corresponding with its own elegance, and the fortunate proprietor was duly settled in it with his happy and much envied family.
It was not long before he was visited by an old friend, recently from California, who had there acquired great wealth, and had returned to the more eastern States to enjoy it. He was shown through the elegant establishment and beautiful grounds, and was so much pleased with the whole that he immediately proposed to purchase the entire property, offering a liberal price.
"No," said the merchant, "nothing would induce me to sell it. I expended upon its plan much thought, and gave to its execution much careful attention, in order to adapt it, as far as possible, to the convenience and comfort of my family; and here I expect to spend with them the remainder of my days." His friend retired, convinced that it was useless to urge the matter.
That evening as the merchant, surrounded by his family, sat in his sumptuous apartment, engaged in family worship, he read the chapter containing that touching declaration of our dear Redeemer respecting his own extreme poverty. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
As he read, his attention was arrested as never before by the latter clause, "the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." He paused and gazed around upon the splendid walls and furniture, and his heart smote him. "All this for me," he said to himself, "and yet the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." He was greatly troubled. He felt sorely rebuked by his own selfish prodigality. He saw, as never before, that in his case the servant was indeed not as the Master; that he had not only utterly failed to imitate his blessed Lord in the denial of self, but, on the contrary, in all his expenditures was chiefly intent upon his own selfish gratification. As well as his state of mind would permit, he closed the evening service, and retired to his private apartment.
Here again, as he looked around upon the luxurious couches and various arrangements for comfort, the thought occurred to him, "All this for me, and yet the Son of man had not where to lay his head." He passed a sleepless night, this one idea constantly revolving in his mind, and rose feverish and unrefreshed.
Descending to his dining-room, as he surveyed the elaborate table furniture and expensive food, his heart again smote him, and he mentally exclaimed, "All this for me, and the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
He walked forth into his garden. There the rare exotics, the beautiful statuary, the arbored walks rebuked him as he thought, "All this for me, and yet my divine Lord and Redeemer had not where to lay his head." He went to his office, but found himself incapable of attending to business, this one thought ever being present to his mind, "The Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
As the day wore on, he became more vividly impressed with the thought of his own unfaithfulness as a steward of God, and his extreme selfishness in expending so much for himself, and comparatively so little for that dear Saviour who had sacrificed so much for him. He saw that this same selfishness and extravagant expenditure must prove a snare to his soul, estranging him still more from Christ, and greatly increasing that love of the world which already had much too strong a hold upon him.
Toward the close of the day he sent for his friend of the previous evening, and said to him, "Sir, were you in earnest in offering me the sum you did for my residence?" "Yes," said his friend, "I should be too happy to purchase it." "Then," said the merchant, "the place is yours. I dare not keep it, for the Son of man had not where to lay his head."
The property was soon transferred, and a comfortable but far more humble residence secured, into which the merchant and his family cheerfully removed.
The large sum received for the splendid mansion was as cheerfully given to that Redeemer, "who had not where to lay his head," now ten thousand times more precious from a new and wonderful manifestation of his love, filling his soul with a peace and joy before unknown.—American Messenger.
The Home Circle.
GATHER THE GRAINS.
"God's angels drop, like grains of gold,
Our duties midst life's shifting sands,
And from them, one by one, we mold
Our own bright crown with patient hands,
From dust and dross we gather them;
We toil and stoop for love's sweet sake,
To find each worthy act a gem
In glory's kingly diadem,
Which may daily richer make."
A STRIKE AGAINST POVERTY.
IN a Prussian roadside inn one hot summer's day several men were smoking and drinking. The room was dirty and uncared for, and the men, who looked quite in keeping with it, were railing at the anomalies of the world, and contrasting the luxury and idleness of the rich with the misery and hardships of the poor.
During the conversation a stranger, a young man, came in to eat his bread and cheese while his team rested in the shade before the inn. For a time he listened silently to the talk, and then joined in, saying, "You must strike!"
"Strike against what?" asked the peasants.
"Against poverty?" answered the young man, "and the weapon with which to strike is work."
"Well said! Sensibly spoken!" laughed the peasants.
"It would have been well for me had I always been as sensible," continued the stranger, "but I used to be an idle rogue. I was strong and healthy, but I wouldn't work, and if now and then I was obliged to do anything, I was off at once to the alehouse, and like lightning the money was out and the brandy was in. I went from place to place—that means, that everywhere I was turned away, for no master wants a loafer about. I soon had enough of farm service, and then I went about to fairs and public houses as a fiddler. Wherever any one would hear me, I scraped my violin, but with all my scraping I was never able to get a whole shirt to my back.
"Soon I grew tired of music, and then tried begging. I went up and down the country, but most doors were shut in my face. People said a healthy young fellow, like I was, ought to work. That enraged me. I grumbled that God had not made me a rich man, and I was envious of all who were better off than myself. I would have liked to turn the world upside down that I might have been able to lord it over the rich. One day I went into an inn, sat down in a corner, and began muttering my begging speeches. At a table not far from me sat a gentleman (he is, as I afterward heard, a writer of books): he kept glancing at me and I kept glancing at him, for I thought he would be sure to give me a good alms, and so he did. I'm spending it still."
"What was it?" asked the men, who had listened attentively.
"He came up to me and asked me about my early life. I told him I had been a farm-servant, and sent from place to place—in short, I told him everything. He listened quietly, shook his head, and at last said, 'Show me your hands!' Astonished I held out my hands; he examined them all over, pushed my shirt sleeves, and again shook his head.
" 'What powerful hands! What strength there must be in those arms!' he said. 'My lad, you must join in the war.'"
" 'In what war?' I asked.
" 'In a war against your misery!' he exclaimed in a loud voice. 'You fool, you imagine you are poor—poor with such hands! What a mad idea! He only is poor who is sick in body or in mind. You are healthy in body and in mind. With such hands poor! Set your wits to work and reflect upon the treasure God has given you in your strong healthy limbs. Recover your senses and march forward in the war.'"
"Bravo! That was very good," laughed the peasants.
"And so I joined in the war," continued the young man. "I looked for a place, and now I am a farm-servant as before—nothing better and no richer; but I am content and industrious, and I have served the same master these five years and shall stay with him until one of us dies."
DEATH-BED OF PRINCE ALBERT.
Most of our readers are probably familiar with the remarkable saying of Prince Albert, when upon his dying bed,
"I have had wealth, rank, and power. But if this were all I had, how wretched should I be now.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee."
It is not easy to conceive of a more brilliant and happy life than was that of Prince Albert. He was a child of illustrious birth, and the heir of what would generally be considered large wealth. The home of his childhood was one of the most imposing of those baronial castles, which feudal pride and opulence had reared upon the hights of Germany. In his early youth he enjoyed every privilege of education earth could give. The best teachers of Europe guided his mind in all the branches of knowledge. Obsequious attendants anticipated his wants, as he freely moved midst the luxurious surroundings of the castle. Familiarity with the most cultivated society gave him the highest polish of manners, and made him familiar with all the etiquette of courts. He was by nature endowed with a fine mind, much amiability of character and remarkable beauty of person.
Prince Albert thus early became, in personal attractions, in mental culture, in princely bearing, one of the most accomplished gentlemen in Europe. When about eighteen years of age, he visited the royal family in England, to which he was nearly related. In the gorgeous saloons of Windsor Castle and of Buckingham Palace, he was an honored guest. Here he was introduced to a circle of society as brilliant and refined as has ever been known upon earth. And here he won the love of his cousin, the Princess Victoria, the heir to the throne of England.
Their marriage was an event in which not only all Christendom, but every government on earth was interested. Ambassadors flocked to London, in honor of the occasion, from all the principal dynasties of Africa and Asia. Westminster's grand cathedral was never before crowded with such an assemblage.
All his earthly ambition could desire was now attained by Prince Albert. He was in the enjoyment of wealth unsurpassed in the visions of romance. He had rank which placed him on an equality with the most illustrious kings. He had power such as few mortals ever possessed, and yet without pressure of toil and responsibility. An attractive family of sons and daughters grew up around him. He had no parental anxiety as to provision for their future. As each child was born, the British parliament voted that child, for the support of the dignity of the royal family, an annual income of about one hundred thousand dollars.
One daughter married the heir apparent of the crown of Prussia. Thus there was opened to her perhaps the highest position which a lady could occupy upon this globe—that of Empress of Germany. The oldest son, heir to the throne of Great Britain, married into the royal family of Denmark.
In the midst of all this prosperity, in the meridian of his days, being but forty-two years of age, sudden disease strikes Prince Albert down, and he lies upon a dying bed. The regal couch is draped with an imperial canopy. The highest dignitaries of Church and State are present with their sympathy and homage.
But death is the equalizer of prince and peasant. The queen is but a woman weeping, broken-hearted, over her dying husband. The royal children are but sons and daughters sobbing in uncontrollable grief over their dying father. Prince Albert is but a man gasping, fainting, sinking in death—passing from the shadow of an earthly crown to the tribunal of God, where, like the humblest subject in his realms, he must answer for every thought, word, and deed done in the body. In a moment of cessation from pain, he looked up to the weeping ones around him and uttered the memorable words:—
"I have had wealth, rank, and power. But if this were all I had, how wretched should I be now.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee."
He had, we believe, something more. Faith in an atoning Saviour sustained him. He had a professed faith in Jesus; and all who knew him believed him to be a sincere disciple.
Reader! you may soon be placed on this dying bed. Have you this faith to sustain you in that dread hour?—Advance.
ITEMS OF NEWS AND NOTES.
By Editor
-The shipment of specie from Europe to this country continues.
-Ninety-seven thousand miles of submarine telegraph cable are now in working order.
-Hopeful efforts are being made by means of the audiphone to teach deaf mutes to speak.
-The revision of the census by Special Agent Sawyer makes the population of St. Louis 333,577.
-The Irish Wesleyan church has experienced a diminution in twelve months of 1023 members.
-The supposed Benders had a preliminary examination at Oswego, Kansas, and were discharged.
-Aug. 12 a mass of earth in a landslide at Vieux-port, near Poitiers, France, buried twenty persons.
-Three or four thousand workmen in the Tyne shipyards have struck for an advance of ten per cent in wages.
-Heavy rains have fallen at Wilmington, N. C. Some persons estimate that the cotton crop is damaged 50 per cent.
-The Banker's Convention adopted a resolution, asking Congress to stop the coinage of silver dollars, and one in favor of a bankrupt law.
-A report from Whitehall, N. Y., Aug. 12, says: "A fire at Sherlock's mill burned his steam mill, and store, and twenty dwellings. The loss is heavy."
-China has officially informed the Government of the removal of foreign trade restrictions upon her own subjects, and of her intention to push her enterprise to America.
-An accident occurred Aug. 10, on the Midland Railway, between Leeds and Lancaster, England, where a passenger train left the rails. Seven persons were killed and twenty injured.
-The steamboat Connie Lee, from New Orleans for the Red river with 250 tons of assorted merchandise, has been blown up and sunk at Lone Wall Landing. The boat is a total loss. Seven persons were drowned.
-Aug. 12, the telegraph operator at Quitman, Texas, says: "Indians are all around us. It is impossible to get word to General Grierson. The Indians are driving off the stock and murdering everything along the route."
-Burglars blew open a safe at Clarksville, Bergen county, N. J., Aug. 10, and obtained securities of the St. Joseph and Pacific Railroad Company, and of the Kansas and Nebraska Railroad Company, valued at $250,000.
-Advices from Candahar to the 9th instant, through native sources, report that Ayoob Khan intends to attack Candahar as soon as his preparations are completed. Large numbers of tribes continue to flock to his standard.
-The Aurora, the Pope's paper at Rome, announces the formation of a new association for collecting money for the necessities of the Pope, the amount of daily tribute demanded from all Catholics being one centum, or six sous per month.
-The officers of the burned steamer Seawanhaka have been indicted for manslaughter, because proper provision was not made for the safety of passengers. Also the local steamboat inspectors whose certificate she carried, have been indicted.
-A Baptist paper says there are 22,000 Baptists in Burmah, and 70,000 in Virginia, not including the colored churches. That the Baptists of Burmah last year gave more for missionary and educational purposes than the Baptists in Virginia.
-Considerable excitement has been occasioned by the presence of small-pox among the Chinese at the jute mills near Oakland, Cal. In a recent case the doctors decided that it was contracted by smoking cigars made in an infected shop!
-A telegram from Aden reports that the steamer Jeddah, from Singapore, foundered off Guardiana on the 8th inst., with 953 pilgrims for Jeddah. All on board perished, except the captain, his wife, the chief engineer, chief officer, and an engineer, and sixteen natives.
-Detroit was startled by an unexpected business failure Aug. 14—that of Thomas McGraw, the firm of Walker, McGraw, & Co., who is President of the Michigan Savings Bank, and a prominent tobacco-nist and wool buyer of that city. Liabilities, heavy; assets, $260,000.
-Some of the Japanese think that Christians are too narrow. They will admit that Christ is divine, and Christianity is true, but want the missionaries in turn to admit that Japanese gods are divine, and their religion also true. This is much after the fashion of "liberal Christianity" in this country.
-Advices from Pottsville, Pa., say that night and day forces have been working at the Keely Run Colliery, trying to subdue the fire raging inside, but cannot approach any nearer than about a hundred yards of the fire, on account of the gas. A great many men were prostrated from the effects of the gases.
-A sensation has been created at Santa Fe by the announcement of a rich mining strike in the Mexican village of Los Placitas, about thirty miles distant. The foundations of the town are of rock. The prospector who discovered the gold "located" the street of the village, from which ore has been taken assaying from $4,000 to $6,000 per ton.
-A freight train on the St. Paul and Duluth Railway was wrecked near Pine City, Aug. 12, by a broken rail. Nine cars were thrown from the track. Three boys who were "stealing a ride," were killed.
-Letters received at Winnipeg, Manitoba, state that a tribe of Indians in North-western Territory, 1500 strong, which refused to enter into treaty relations with the Canadian Government, have seized the store at Duck Lake, and committed other depredations of a character unusual in that country. The savages are said to be starving.
-The Shah of Persia has notified the Rev. J. L. Potter, missionary of the Presbyterian church, through the British Minister at Teheran, that he objects to his giving religious instruction to Mussulmen, and that if he continues to do this he will not be permitted to reside there, and Mussulmen attending meetings held by him will be arrested.
-A dispatch from Quettah says: Candahar is surrounded by a large number of tribesmen, who do their utmost to intercept letters, rendering communication with the garrison very difficult. It is possible an attack is meditated on Chaman Choki, as Ayoob Khan is reported to have detatched troops who are going in that direction.
-Aug. 13, an explosion occurred at the Red Hill station, Col., the cause of which seems to be yet a mystery. The ground on which the depot, freight-house, eating-house, saloon, and forwarding house stood, is now bare. The buildings were blown into splinters. Not one stick on another remained of five buildings. All who were about the place were severely injured.
-News from Indianola and Castroville, Texas, report a heavy wind-storm; the water of the gulf rose to a depth of three feet in Indianola on the 12th. On the morning of the 13th the water rose very rapidly, and the wind reached the rate of 75 miles an hour. The track and ties of the Morgan Railroad were literally lifted from the bed and carried half a mile by the wind.
-A serious collision occurred on the Southern Pacific Railroad, Aug. 10. The freight train from Arizona was lying at Cucamonga station on time, when the freight train going east became uncontrollable and dashed down the grade at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour, plunging into the stationary engine and train, destroying both engines and thirteen cars, and the mammoth water tank at the station. Strange to say, nobody was seriously injured.
-According to reports from Bucharest, 45,000 Russians are concentrating near the border, so as to be ready in the event of the action of Bulgaria. Transportation of munitions, horses, commissary stores, and troops, is continually going on near the Roumanian frontier. A steamer arrived at Gantz recently with Russian artillery and ambulances destined for Bulgaria. It is also stated that the Russians are concentrating at Radzcuiloff, on the Austrian frontier.
-An excursion train from Philadelphia left Atlantic City, N. J., Aug. 11, in two sections. At May's Landing the first section of 16 cars took the side track, and the second section of 8 cars came up on speed, the locomotive telescoping the rear car. As the locomotive forced its way into the car, the cylinder heads were forced open and a dense cloud of steam poured through the car, scalding nearly every passenger in it. Seventeen deaths are reported, and many more injured.
OBITUARY.
By S. H. Lane
PERET.—Fell asleep in Jesus, at La Fayette, Ind., July 10, 1880, Dr. J. J. Peret, aged 55 years and 6 months. Bro. Peret was born in Pittsburg, Pa. At an early age he accompanied his parents to Indiana, which State was his subsequent home. His parents were Catholics, but at the age of fifteen he was converted and became a member of the United Brethren church.
In 1846 he entered the ministry. He was ordained four years afterward, and for nearly twenty years traveled and preached quite extensively through Central Indiana. During his ministry and subsequent lifetime, he strenuously opposed intemperance, secret societies, and slavery. About fifteen years ago, his attention was called to the writings of Drs. Trall, Jackson, and Hall, on the subject of health; and being a great reader and thorough student, he became fully conversant with the science of hygiene. Twelve years ago he established at La Fayette, Ind., a health institution, known as the "Invalid's Home," in which he successfully treated several hundred patients from different parts of Indiana and adjoining States. This institution he continued until failing health compelled him to close it. Soon after he opened his health institution, he became acquainted with Good Health, and through it first learned of Seventh-day Adventists. Ten years ago his attention was called to our periodicals and books, and since that time he has been a constant reader of the Review. He commenced the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, and fully embraced the truth, and from that time until his death tried to live a consistent Christian in the S. D. A. church. He fell asleep with the bright assurance of having a part in the first resurrection. A wife, four brothers and four sisters, and a large circle of friends, mourn their loss. The funeral was largely attended by sympathizing friends and neighbors.
S. H. LANE.
BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS.
Constitutional Amendment. Condensed, 336 pp. 40 cts.
Sanctuary and 2300 Days. Condensed, 224 pp. 30 cts.
Facts for the Times. A collection of valuable extracts from eminent authors. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Eleven Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 226 pp. 25 cts.
United States in Prophecy. 200 pp. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 184 pp. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of Nature and Revelation. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the coming and kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 20 cts.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 168pp. 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 Two Laws, as set forth in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. 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 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.
The Sunday Seventh-Day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject, as set forth in Revelation, Chaps. 8 and 9. 96 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.
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 48 pp. 10 cts.
Hope of the Gospel. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. 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 Restitution 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 Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four objections considered. 88 pp. 10 cts.
Life of Christ, in six pamphlets. By Mrs. Ellen G. White:-
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry. 104 pp. 10 cts.
" 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness. 96 pp. 10 cts.
" 3. His Teachings and Parables. 126 pp. 15 cts.
" 4. His Mighty Miracles. 128 pp. 15 cts.
" 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion. 96 pp. 10 cts.
" 6. His Resurrection and Ascension. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Life of the Apostles, in two pamphlets:—
No. 1. The Ministry of Peter. 80 pp. 10 cts.
" 2. The Teachings of Paul. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Bible Lessons on Prophecy. The Lessons for Bible Classes as issued with the Youth's Instructor for 1879. 10 cts.
TRACTS.—16 pages, 2 cents each. Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Spirit of Prophecy—The Old Moral Code not Revised—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Judgment—Much in Little—The Millennium—The Two Laws—Seven Reasons—The Definite Seventh Day—Departing and Being with Christ—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Elihu on the Sabbath—First Message of Rev. 14—The Law and the Gospel.
HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE TRACTS.
Startling Facts about Tobacco. A description of the evil effects of tobacco-using. 32 pp. 4 cts.
Tea and Coffee. A careful statement of the objections to the use of these popular beverages. 32 pp. 4 cts.
Wine and the Bible. A demonstration that the Bible in no degree sustains the habitual use of alcoholic drinks of any sort. 24 pp. 3 cts.
Alcoholic Medication. A protest against the wholesale employment of alcoholic compounds in the form of bitters, tonics, blood purifiers, etc. 16 pp. 2 cts.
Pork. This tract exposes the filthy scavenger in all his uncleanness. 16 pp. 2 cts.
The Drunkard's Arguments Answered. Leaves no excuse for tipplers. 16 pp. 2 cts.
Cause and Cure of Intemperance. 8 pp. 1 ct.
Moral and Social Effects of Intemperance. A forcible statement of facts and statistics. 8 pp. 1 ct.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California.
Lax Doctrine and Morals
By Editor
Judge Black, of Pennsylvania, is an old-fashioned orthodox Presbyterian. He believes in the Bible and the morality which it inculcates. Some one remarked to him recently that the lines which formerly divided people in regard to religious matters were fading out.
"Yes," said the judge, "and I notice that the nice distinction between right and wrong are going out with them." This is too true. One of the commonest crimes in society to-day is perjury—so common, indeed, that except in very gross cases the courts do not take cognizance of it. And as for ordinary lying, men will practice it to save a postage stamp or car fare. Is there not a marked relation between laxity in doctrine and in morals?
CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By California Conference Committee
IT is now decided to hold the camp-meeting in Alameda, commencing Sept. 16, and continuing over two Sabbaths and first-days, until Sept. 27. The ground is near the Encinal Station on the railroad running through Oakland. Those coming over the Central Pacific will change cars at the end of Oakland wharf, and then take the Alameda train instead of going to San Francisco.
A car which will carry fifty passengers can be chartered from Fresno for $425.00, to come and return, making the round trip $8.50, providing that number attend. From Woodland the cost for a car will be $174.50; from St. Helena, $133.50; from Chico, $381.50.
Should a car be chartered, all would have to come and return at the same time in the same car. They should start from Fresno on the 15th, the other mentioned places the 16th, and return the day after the meeting closes.
At the above mentioned places immediate steps should be taken to ascertain how many will come. Correspondence can be held with Bro. Israel, and all arrangements will be made.
Arrangements have also been made with the Benicia and Martinez ferry for those coming with teams; namely, each double team and two persons $3.00; return free. Each additional person fifty cents extra. The boat leaves Benicia at 8 A. M., 1:50 and 5:30 P. M.
Provision will be made for horses on the ground. Tents 12 by 15 can be rented for $4.00. Those wishing to rent tents should immediately correspond with Eld. M. C. Israel, Oakland, Cal. Care Pacific Press.
CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.
HOME HAND-BOOK OF DOMESTIC HYGIENE.
By S. N. Haskell
WE wish to call the attention of the readers of the SIGNS, and our brethren in particular, to this work. It is now in press, and will be ready for delivery about the first of November. It is a book of over one thousand pages, illustrated by three hundred cuts, and twenty full-page plates, printed in colors. These illustrate the anatomy and physiology of the human system, showing its healthy condition, and also the deformities occasioned by the evils of improper dress. The various parasites found in the human system are shown, and the cause of the numerous diseases arising from foul odors; the proper methods of ventilation are also illustrated.
We have never seen a work which would equal it in the variety of useful matter contained. The easy style in which it is written, and the entire absence of difficult medical terms so often found in such works, which common people cannot understand; and the manner of treating diseases with Nature's own remedies, is so simple that it makes it a book for every family desiring to learn how to get well and keep well. In short, it is a work for every one.
Having taken an interest in these subjects, more or less for the last twenty-five years, and having examined the printed portions of this book, we do not hesitate to recommend it to any who have a desire for information on the subject of health. It should be in every family in the country. You cannot afford to be without it, especially when you consider that it is a duty we owe to God and to ourselves to "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God." This we cannot understandingly do without a degree of knowledge upon this important subject. Had we no other recommendation for the work than our personal acquaintance with its author, J. H. Kellogg, M. D., we should believe it to be a work of merit. But the work speaks for itself.
Arrangements have been made by the Pacific Press at Oakland for a general agency of the Pacific Coast. It will be sold exclusively by agents.
S. N. HASKELL.
Mixing Religion and Politics
The Wesleyan Advocate expresses itself in favor of mixing religion and politics, and expresses the belief that if this had been done more in this city and State "San Francisco might have been delivered from the shame of the Kallochs, and California the horror of Denis Kearney." To this the Pacific Christian Advocate responds that "Kalloch is a zealous advocate of mixing religion in politics," and that such preachers are generally a "discredit to both religion and politics. . . . There can be no greater curse to a land than a crop of political preachers,"
Pettiness in Modern Religion
The Hartford Religious Herald observes that "pettiness is coming to characterize the religion of our times quite too much to leave in it the power of conviction and the energy of a diffusive force. Little matters of taste and etiquette; new methods of pleasing and attracting the thoughtless and gay; style and manner and attitude; a thousand and one petty incidents are made so much of . . . piety is so smothered by the ornaments of religion, that it is difficult to hold even Christians by the force of conscience. Indeed, many are claiming that there is no such thing as conscience, and too often verify their claim by their life if not by their logic."
France and the Jesuit Establishments
By Editor
The New York Independent maintains that while, from an American stand-point, France has not done right or wisely in suppressing the Jesuit establishments, yet, situated as France is, the step was just and fitting: "The act of the Government is consistent with the principle of State supervision in religious matters. . . . If it has the right to supervise the schools of the country and protect itself against such teaching as tends to the subversion of the Republic by the poisoning of the minds of the youth, in whose hands the future of the country must fall, it has acted consistently in suppressing the Jesuit establishments. . . . France, it seems to us, could release herself from a world of troubles by simply leaving all religions to their own support and control. There is no question but that the churches would be better off. Those which could not support themselves would deserve to die. State subventions never make live, aggressive churches."
CORRECTION.
By Editor
THE report of meetings at Vacaville in last week's paper should have stated that it was unanimously voted that Bro. Swayze be appointed by the director, Bro. Saunders, as librarian in the place of Bro. Barr, who was away with his threshing machine, and not able to attend meeting. By some inadvertence a mistake occurred in the report last week.