ALL who are now canvassing on any of our subscription books, and all who intend to engage in this work, will please correspond with us in regard to the territory in which they wish to work. There are now so many canvassers in the field that it is necessary that all should have clearly defined territory assigned to them by this office, so that no one will infringe on the territory of another.
In order that there may be no misunderstanding in regard to this matter, will all our canvassers in California and Nevada who have not a salesman's contract signed by this office, please report at once the territory which they will promise to work thoroughly and systematically so that it may be assigned to them, and a record of it put on our books? This will prevent trouble in the future from someone's working in their field. Some have commenced work without any territory being assigned to them. Will such please report to us at once? And all who intend to canvass must apply to this office for territory before commencing work, so as not to infringe on the rights of others. There has been some misunderstanding, and so we will say that all who have not a contract for their territory must get one, or else their right to the territory will not be regarded.
Canvassers in other States must report to the general agent appointed for that State and have territory assigned to them before commencing work. We all wish to see the most good possible accomplished, and in order that this may be so, all territory should be worked carefully and not burnt over,—the best part worked and that difficult of access left, as has been done by some.
Let all who wish contracts for their territory, report to this office at once, giving the towns, county, or section of country which they wish to work, and the name of the book for which they wish to canvass, so that contracts may be sent to them, and a record of their territory made in our record books. When work has been commenced, then we want all to report to us each week the number of sales made. We furnish blanks for this purpose. This is also important in order that all our records may be correctly kept. Address, Pacific Press Publishing House, Subscription Book Department, Oakland, Cal.
THE SENTINEL TRACTS.
By John Norton Loughborough
I HAVE just completed a careful reading of the set of twelve Sentinel tracts, which were placed in my hands on the 2d inst. In my judgment they are just the kind of reading matter which should have a wide circulation at this time, especially throughout the United States and Territories. I wish a full set might be placed in the hands of every lawyer and legislator of the nation.
The tracts set forth in a concise manner, the true animus of the so-called National Reform movement. And the series, consisting of six eight-page, five sixteen-page, and one twenty-four-page, is just that size to permit a quick perusal, while the sentiments contained in them are tersely stated and contain food for long, continued, and careful thought. May these bearers of light soon find their way to the homes of thousands of people. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
THE BOUND TESTIMONIES.
By Editor
We have completed the second edition of the four bound volumes of the "Testimonies to the Church" (Nos. 1 to 30) and can now supply complete sets or single volumes in any style of binding. See advertisement on this page of the SIGNS. Every S. D. A. family should possess a set of these bound volumes.
STILL COMING!
By Editor
OVER ten hundred new subscribers for the American Sentinel have been received at this office during the past four weeks, and hundreds of yearly subscriptions still continue to come in every week. The price is only 50 cents per year, and we allow the agent 20 cents cash commission on each name. Reader, can you send us five or more new subscribers and thus help along the good work?
SENTINEL TRACTS.
By Editor
THE Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., has just issued some new tracts treating upon the subjects discussed in the American Sentinel, which they will send, post-paid, at the rate of one cent for each eight pages.
Religious Liberty, 8 pages; National Reform is Church and State, 16 pp.; The Republic of Israel, 8 pp.; Purity of National Religion, 8 pp.; What Think Ye of Christ? 8 pp.; Religious Legislation, 8 pp.; The American Papacy, 8 pp.; National Reform and the Rights of Conscience, 16 pp.; Bold and Base Avowal, 16 pp.; National Reform Movement an Absurdity, 16 pp.; The Salem Witchcraft, 8 pp.; National Reform Constitution and the American Hierarchy, 24 pages.
One copy of each of the above excellent tracts will be put up in a neat package and sent post-paid to any address for 15 cents. Or eight packages for $1.00. They can be obtained from any S. D. A. City Mission, State T. and M. Secretary, or Pacific Press Publishers, Oakland, Cal.
THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
By Editor
An Eight-page Monthly Journal.
Devoted to the defense of American Institutions, the preservation of the United States Constitution as it is, so far as regards religion or religious tests, and the
Maintenance of Human Rights,
Both civil and religious. It will ever be uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact.
Single Copy, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50 cents.
To foreign countries, single subscription, post-paid, 2s.
Address, AMERICAN SENTINEL,
1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
THE AGE TO COME:
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
A REFUTATION OF THE DOCTRINE.
By ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.
EMBRACING a critical examination of the Temporal Millennium—The Return of the Jews—Time and Manner of the Establishment of the Kingdom of God—The Day of the Lord, and the Promises to Israel.
Six Departments of Instruction: namely, Collegiate, Theological, English, Preparatory, Manual Training, and Primary and Intermediate. A large faculty of competent teachers. Thorough instruction. A reading-room, and a well-selected library. Good school appliances, apparatus, and chemical laboratory. Healthful and desirable location. High standard of scholarship and morals, and good religious influences.
SPECIAL FEATURES.
Thorough and judicious discipline. Industrial training. Biblical instruction. A Missionary Department. Physical and moral training.
EXPENSES.
In price of board, room-rent, and tuition, this College presents as great inducements as any institution of learning in the land.
Persons coming to the school can obtain reduced fare on most of the railroads by applying to the College at an early date.
For catalogues or further information, address,
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, Battle Creek, Mich.
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH.
By Editor
NUMBERS ONE TO THIRTY.
BOUND IN FOUR VOLUMES OF ABOUT 700 PAGES EACH.EACH VOLUME CONTAINS A COMPLETE INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Volume One.—This volume contains a brief sketch of the early life and Christian experience of the writer of the Testimonies, Mrs. E. G. White, together with Testimonies numbers 1 to 14. 724 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Two.—Contains Testimonies numbers 15 to 20. 712 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Three.—Contains Testimonies numbers 21 to 25. About 600 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Four.—Contains Testimonies numbers 26 to 30. About 675 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Price of the Complete Set of Four Volumes, bound in Cloth, $6.00; Sheep, $8.00; Half Morocco, $9.00.
Testimony for the Church No. 31.—Contains 244 pages of most interesting and important matter. Neatly bound in Muslin. Price, 50 cents.
Testimony for the Church No. 32.—Contains 240 pages, and is full of warnings, counsels, and reproofs, very important to all Seventh-day Adventists. Bound in Muslin (uniform with No. 31). Price, 50 cents.
Sent post-paid to any address, at the above prices.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.,
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.,
Or any State T. and M. Society.
THE SABBATH QUESTION
By Editor
IS THE
LEADING SUBJECT OF THE DAY.
THE GREAT DEMAND OF THE HOUR, FROM THE PULPIT AND THE PRESS, IN SOCIAL CIRCLES AND IN LEGISLATIVE HALLS, IS
That the Sabbath be more strictly observed. To assist the intelligent-minded of our land to have correct views of this important question, a book has been prepared which thoroughly discusses the Sabbatic institution in every conceivable phase. Such is the valuable work entitled
"History of the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week."
By Eld. J. N. Andrews.
This great and exhaustive work is the result of ten years' hard labor and historical research. The book contains 548 12mo pages, and is printed in clear type, on good paper, and is well bound. Price, post-paid, $2.00.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
MAN'S NATURE AND DESTINY.
By Uriah Smith
— OR —
## THE STATE OF THE DEAD,
## THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS,
## AND THE END OF THE WICKED.
BY ELDER URIAH SMITH.
This work is a thorough canvass of the great question of a future life, the nature of man in the present life, and the condition of immortality from a logical and scriptural standpoint.
Every text in the Bible which has any possible bearing upon these points, is taken up and carefully explained, thus giving the most comprehensive view of the subject that has yet been presented.
"Man's Nature and Destiny" contains 444 pages, and is printed from clear, new plates, on heavy paper, and is attractively bound in green muslin, with gilt side and back titles. All orders will be promptly filled by mail or express. Price, $1.50.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
The Law and the Gospel
By Editor
ONE of the chief characteristics of the denomination known as Disciples, is its teaching that the moral law is abolished. It is therefore with equal surprise and pleasure that we find the following in the Christian Standard, the leading journal of that denomination:—
"All of the commands of the stone tables are 'thou shalt nots' and warnings. But there is the same love in the law as in the gospel. The difference is only one of expression, as when I warn one against venturing into a roaring flood, and when, on his leaping madly in, I follow to save him. In the law love warns; in the gospel it plunges in and saves."
The truth on that point could not be more clearly and tersely put. It expresses the exact relation of the law and the gospel. The law warns the man of the danger; when its warning has been unheeded, the gospel pulls the man out; then the law still warns him to keep out.
SAYS Prof. W. H. Green, D. D., in the Sunday School Times of May 28:—
"The obligation of the Sabbath is based upon the Lord's example in the work of creation, and his blessing the Sabbath-day (Gen. 2:3), which, like every other blessing connected with creation, was pronounced at the time, and not deferred until the promulgation of the fourth commandment from Mount Sinai. The Sabbath was made for man (Mark 2:27), not for the Jews alone. This command is of universal obligation, as truly as any other in the decalogue."
These statements do not derive their truth from the fact that they are made by Professor Green; they are true whether anyone believes them or not. They are a part of the Bible truths concerning the Sabbath, which the SIGNS is constantly teaching. Perhaps some who do not dare to trust their own judgment as to the truth of any statement, may accept what Professor Green says as a foundation upon which to build positive knowledge for themselves on the Sabbath question.
The Apostles Were Not Law-Givers
It is a fixed principle that a law must always carry with it a penalty; and of course the law-making power must prescribe the penalty. It is also true that the one who makes a law has the right and the power to pardon the transgressor. Now let us apply these principles to the idea that the apostles made laws for the guidance of Christians. If it is claimed that the apostles did enact the moral laws which people are now to follow, then it must also be claimed that they had power to execute the penalty of the law upon the transgressor, or to forgive him. But they are dead, and therefore if they were law-givers, and their laws are to be enforced, they must either be somewhere administering the government of the earth, or else they must have committed their power to someone else on earth. This savors considerably of Catholic doctrine, and of Popery; but it is not the worst error into which they fall, who claim that the apostles made laws to take the place of the law of God. If they made laws which superseded the Sinaitic law, then of course the sacrifice of Christ, who was offered for the transgressions of that law, can be of no avail under the new law. Therefore it follows that if the law of God be done away, and a new law made by the apostles be in force, one of three things must exist: either there is no pardon for transgressors, or another sacrifice has been made, or else every sinner atones for his own sins. But neither of these can be the case; for besides the name of Christ, "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. There is no salvation in any other. It seems strange that people with reasoning faculties should say that the apostles made the laws which we are now to obey. Even a child must see that so long as God is king and judge of the universe, so long must the entire universe, not excepting the inhabitants of this little earth, be subject to his law. And he has but one law, and that is the perfect, holy, just, and good law which was spoken from Mount Sinai.
CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1887.
MICHIGAN, Alma, June 22-28
DAKOTA, Mitchell, " 22-28
TEXAS, Fort Worth, July 27 to Aug. 2
Vote for Prohibition
By Editor
J. T. C. writes: "As Oregon is about to vote on an amendment to the constitution, to prohibit the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors, what should Seventh-day Adventists do,—vote for it, or sit still?" We answer unhesitatingly, Vote for it, by all means. When prohibition is joined to a political party, there are many temperance people who cannot conscientiously vote for it, and this is especially true, when, as is usually the case, the party favors Sunday laws. But when the question of prohibition comes before the people on its own merits, as a simple amendment to the constitution, and not as a political issue, every good citizen should use all his influence in favor of it.
The Legislature and the Sabbath
By Editor
The New York Observer remarks that there are at least two classes in that community who can "look upon the record of the last Legislature with feelings of profound satisfaction. They are the liquor dealers and the pool-sellers." There is yet another class who, along with these two, ought to look upon that Legislature with profound satisfaction. To satisfy a capricious demand of the churches, that same Legislature made the Sabbath of the Lord a half-holiday. Perhaps, however, the satisfaction on their part will not be so profound as is desired until the Sabbath is made wholly a holiday, and the Sunday rigorously enforced upon all people. But with politics as it is, and with the start that they have, it is probable that their supreme satisfaction will not be long delayed.
Cardinal Gibbons’s Reception
JUNE 4, Cardinal Gibbons arrived in Baltimore from Rome, whither he went to receive the red hat from the Pope. His return was in such state as befitted "a prince of the church." It is true that the Government did not send a revenue cutter to meet him, as was done for the Papal ablegate last fall, but the railroad company provided a special car for him, and all the officials of the city of Baltimore headed the immense procession which turned out to do him honor. After parading the streets to the music of no less than eleven bands, the procession halted at the cathedral; "his eminence" entered, and sat down upon his throne, when the clergy were graciously allowed to approach him and kiss his great ring. And all this was an "informal reception" tendered to a "prince" who "reigns" in Republican America.
"THE EIGHTH DAY."
By Editor
THERE is no greater cause for wonder in this age of wonders, than the inventions which men devise to bolster up Sunday keeping. We know of no so-called argument that has ever been invented that is more wonderful than that which makes Eze. 43:26, 27 a basis for Sunday observance. The wonder is that people with the ability to read and reason for themselves should seriously entertain it. The verses read as follows:—
"Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves. And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt-offerings upon the altar."
This reference to "the eighth day" is said to be a prophetic statement that Sunday should be kept. We wonder (1) how people who cannot locate the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, can so readily tell on what day the seven days of purification were to begin, so as to make the eighth day come on Sunday; (2) how, after they have so begun their count as to make the eighth day fall on Sunday, they would manage to have the next eighth day come on Sunday also; (3) how they make "upon the eighth day, and so forward" refer to every eighth day; and (4) how they can find in a Jewish sacrificial ordinance the slightest reference to a rest-day of any kind.
The argument from this text is so flimsy, so far fetched, and so absurd, that it seems like folly to notice it, yet honest people who were groping for light, have stumbled over it. One text will show the absurdity of the argument. In Lev. 22:27 we read: "When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the Lord." Now according to the Sunday argument from Eze. 43:27, this means that the young sheep or goat should remain with its mother seven days, and that on every eighth day afterward it should be offered for a burnt-offering! This is absurd, it is true, but no more so than it is to talk about keeping Sunday on every eighth day.
Advanced Thought and the Law
When we speak slightingly of the "advanced thought" of this generation, we must not be understood as deprecating new ideas. There are two kinds of advanced thought. One is the kind which does not begin to advance till it has turned aside from the truth. When a man turns his face from the word of God, every step of his advance must be into deeper darkness. The farther he goes with his face from the word, the deeper is his darkness, and consequently the more "advanced" ideas he has, the greater is his exhibition of human folly. But the man who clings to the law may advance as much as he pleases. He will find in it enough for constant meditation. To such, knowledge is promised: "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7:17. "For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." Prov. 2:6, 7. And "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18. The man who clings close to the law, may welcome new ideas; yea, he may earnestly pray, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Ps. 119:18.
Students Offering for Foreign Missions
In the May Missionary Review Dr. McCosh tells the story of two young men, graduates of Princeton, both of whom were sons of missionaries, and were born in India, who started out last fall to visit the various colleges and theological seminaries, and invite students to declare themselves to be "willing and desirous, God permitting, to be foreign missionaries." As the result of their work, 1,800 students, out of about 100 educational institutions, have signified their desire to become missionaries. Dr. McCosh thinks that the majority, at least, of those who have offered themselves are sincere and thoroughly in earnest, and says that if the movement is genuine it lays a great responsibility on the church. The point is that the church expects to convert the world, and can with difficulty secure the funds to support those who are already in foreign fields.