THE eighth annual session of this society was held on the camp-ground, at East Portland, Or. The first meeting was called June 22, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. Loughborough.
The financial report for the year ending June 1, 1884, was read and accepted; also the report of labor, which, on being compared with that of last year, showed an increase of labor performed in several branches of the work.
The chairman appointed the following committees: On Nominations, Eld. W. L. Raymond, G. W. Davis, and John Burden; on Resolutions, Eld. W. C. White, John Burden, and J. C. Hall; Auditor, R. D. Benham. The remainder of the time devoted to the meeting was occupied by Elder Loughborough in giving interesting and instructive remarks concerning the work—what is being done, and what still remains to be accomplished.
SECOND MEETING.—The Committee on Resolutions being called on, submitted the following:—
WHEREAS, Portland is an important commercial center, from which steamer and railroad lines radiate to all parts of the great Northwest, and is also visited by ships from foreign lands, thus making it a point from which the present truth can be sent to all parts of the world; therefore,
Resolved, That we proceed at once to establish in East Portland a ship and city mission, to be conducted on the plan which is adopted by our people in San Francisco, Boston, and other places.
WHEREAS, The public reading-rooms, and the parlors and reading-rooms of our best hotels offer most favorable opportunities to place our papers before the public, and,
WHEREAS, These papers if placed in a binder will be more readily accepted, and will also be preserved so as to be read by many persons, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that our local societies furnish these and similar places with the Good Health and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, also that a binder be furnished for the SIGNS, and that wherever practicable the paper be placed in the binder by some member of the society.
Resolved, That this society will accept the general agency of our subscription works, and that we will encourage workers to engage in the canvassing enterprise.
Resolved, That for two weeks after this meeting we hold a class for the instruction of canvassers and colporters, and that we invite Eld. Wm. Ings to remain here and assist in conducting the same.
WHEREAS, The necessary enlargement of our work calls for commodious rooms in which to keep our publications and do the work of the State Society, therefore,
Resolved, That we heartily approve of the action of our president in building the rooms now occupied as State depository and reading-room, that we now assume the expenses of the enterprise, and that we make it the headquarters of our ship and city mission.
The resolutions were taken up separately, and after interesting and profitable remarks by Elders Waggoner, Loughborough, White, Ings, and others, they were unanimously adopted.
THIRD MEETING.—The following additional resolutions were presented by the committee:—
WHEREAS, There are great responsibilities resting upon us in the opportunities we have to give the present truth to the people in this large Conference, and,
WHEREAS, we have but few ministers and colporters, therefore,
Resolved, That it is our duty to engage more vigorously in the work of mailing the SIGNS to persons who may become interested readers, and circulating our publications in our own neighborhood.
WHEREAS, Experience has shown the good results of systematic and continued labor put forth in one locality by the vigilant missionary workers, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that each local society select some special territory to which to mail the SIGNS and to give it a thorough canvass before leaving it for some other field.
Resolved, That we put forth our earnest efforts to secure subscribers for the Sabbath Sentinel, and that we give it a wide circulation in all parts of our Conference.
In response to questions raised, remarks were made by Elders Loughborough, Waggoner, and White concerning some of the leaders at Oakland and Battle Creek, following which the resolutions were adopted.
The Auditing Committee presented the following:—
"Your committee appointed to audit the accounts of the State Secretary has done so, and found them correct. R. D. BENHAM, Auditor."
FOURTH MEETING.—The Committee on Nominations presented the following report: For president, Eld. Chas. L. Boyd; vice-president, John Burden; secretary, Mrs. C. L. Boyd; Directors—District No. 1, J. C. Bunch; No. 2, T. H. Starbuck; No. 3, John Burden; No. 4, G. W. Davis. The names were acted upon separately, and the nominees unanimously elected.
The appointment of an assistant secretary was referred to the president.
The financial report for the year ending June 1, 1884, is as follows:—
ASSETS.
Due from Societies on Tract Society Fund.......... $ 12 88
" " Periodical " .......... 140 98
" Individuals on Tract Society " .......... 36 75
" " " Periodicals " .......... 32 75
" Colporters .......... 187 79
" General Expenses .......... 106 20
" N. P. Conference .......... 18 67
" " " .......... 75
" Tent and Camp-meeting Fund.......... 50 78
Books, tracts, etc. on hand .......... 591 40
Cash on hand .......... 384 33—$1558 18
LIABILITIES.
Due SIGNS Office .......... $553 71
" "Review" .......... 316 73— 870 44
Present standing of the Society .......... $687 74
CASH STATEMENT.
Cash on hand, June 1, 1883 .......... $201 44
Received on Periodical Fund .......... 633 06
" Tract Society " .......... 361 57
" Reserve " .......... 325 34
" Tent and Camp-meeting Fund .......... 219 29—$1740 70
Cash paid SIGNS Office .......... $913 00
" " Review " .......... 106 00
" " on general expenses .......... 70 63
" " on Tent and Camp-meeting expenses.... 266 74— 1356 37
Cash on hand .......... 384 33
Report of labor for the year ending June 1, 1884:—
No. of members .......... 136
" reports returned .......... 235
" members added .......... 37
" " dismissed .......... 14
" visits made .......... 2,454
" letters written .......... 1,374
" new subscribers obtained .......... 735
" SIGNS taken in clubs .......... 175 14 476
" pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned .......... 163 857
" " " " given away .......... 129,035
" " " " sold .......... 45,105
" periodicals distributed .......... 9,152
Received on Tract Society Fund .......... $381 57
" " Periodical .......... 633 06
" " Reserve .......... 325 34
" " Tent and Camp-meeting Fund .......... 219 29—$1,559 26
CHAS. L. BOYD, Pres.
Mrs. C. L. BOYD, Sec.
REPORTS in Present Truth, indicate a prosperous work in England. At Grimsby, where the paper is published, several persons are devoting their time to the missionary work, and the results are very satisfactory. Workers in other localities are also of good courage.
IN DUE SEASON.
YE who sow with anxious yearning,
And your tireless vigil keep,
Waiting, watching, patience learning,
"If ye faint not, ye shall reap."
Though the harvest long delaying
Cause you, sorrowing, to weep,
Still believe this faithful saying—
"If ye faint not, ye shall reap."
Ground now dead and barren seeming,
Blooming shall awake from sleep;
For the promise rises beaming—
"If ye faint not, ye shall reap."
Seeds of truth around you flinging,
On fair mead and rugged steep,
In your ears one truth be ringing—
"If ye faint not, ye shall reap."
Fearless tread the path of duty,
Joy shall cause your hearts to leap,
When, from fields of golden beauty,
"If ye faint not, ye shall reap."
The Vastness of Christ’s Love
The love of Christ is like the blue sky into which we see but dimly, and the real vastness of which we cannot measure. But in the near future all true servants will see "face to face."
On the Wrong Side.
ON a beautiful July evening, as the railway train approached the station, a pleasant-looking group appeared on the platform,—a tall, dark gentleman, with a fair-haired lady on his arm, and several bright, lovely children at their side, all evidently on the outlook for some friend's arrival. The engine hurried past, the carriages followed; the lady held back her youngest child, while her husband and the others hastened forwards.
"There is Aunt May, all right!" said a little boy, clapping his hands, as he looked up into one of the carriages.
Aunt May soon emerged, a short, slight figure, her fair hair and blue eyes showing her relationship to the mother rather than the father of the merry little band who were so eager to welcome her. She was not young, but her bright smile and fair complexion made her appear much younger than her real age; and the children considered her almost one of themselves. She had been only absent at this time on a day's excursion; and, to judge by her welcome back, that had been thought quite long enough.
Her reticule, parasol, etc., having been disposed of among the children, all wishing some share in the good work of "helping Aunt May," the whole party walked homewards to a small but comfortable dwelling, beautifully situated in a Highland valley about a mile from the railway station at L—.
"And you must tell us all your adventures, Aunt May," said the eldest girl.
"I am thankful to say, my dear, I have had no adventures to-day. I found my friends well, and spent a very pleasant day with them, and had a safe journey there and back again."
"Oh, but you must have something to tell us about—something to make a story of," said little Charlie.
"Well, we shall see, after tea; but I must have that in the first place."
Aunt May was believed to possess an unlimited stock of stories, or of the power of "making" them; and her little hearers were insatiable in their demands.
So, when tea was over, she was settled in the large easy-chair, with Charlie on her lap, and the others gathered round her, while the calls for "her adventures" were loudly repeated.
"You can make a story out of anything, Aunt May," said her brother-in-law, as he left the room; "I only wish I had leisure to stay and listen to it."
"Thank you for the compliment; but I am very glad you are to be better employed. Now, children, I really have had no adventures; nothing wonderful happened to me to-day."
"Oh, that was a pity."
"What! would you like me to have been chased by a bull on the road, or my watch taken from me by a robber, or my leg or arm broken in a railway accident?"
"Oh, no, Aunt May. But do tell us about something."
"Well, I shall tell you something which made me think a good deal on my way home; and perhaps it will make you all think a little, and that will be useful. After dinner, when it was time to go, my friend, Miss B—, walked with me to the station. It was a long walk from her lodgings, and the day so hot that we were very tired, and obliged to hurry. We were in time, but not much more; for just as we got on the platform, the engine came puffing along; and Miss B— said to me suddenly, with such a frightened look:—
"Are you sure we are not on the wrong side?"
"Oh, no," I replied; "I took care to inquire and make sure as to that when I first arrived in the morning."
"So she kissed me and said good-bye, and I stepped quietly into the carriage. But when we were on the point of starting, I heard a cry of distress on the other side of the line. I looked out, and saw a woman, whom a railway porter was keeping fast hold of.
"Oh," she cried, "let me go! let me cross! I shall be in time yet! I am on the wrong side!"
"No," said the porter; "you should have crossed at first; it would be too dangerous now."
"And then we started, and I only saw her look of despair, and heard her cry, 'Oh, my baby! what shall I do!'"
"Poor woman! I suppose," said Mary, "she had been visiting friends, like you, and had left a baby at home. What would she do?"
"This is Saturday night; so, if she was too far from home to walk, she would probably be kept till Monday at B—, and her family left in distress all that time. I felt very sorry for her; and then I began to think of my friend's question to myself, 'Are you sure you are not on the wrong side?' I thought if I had made a mistake, how distressed I should have been, and how anxious your papa and mamma would have felt all to-morrow; for it was the last train, and you know there is no telegraph yet to L—. And then I thought, if a mistake in a short day's excursion would have made myself and others so unhappy, oh, what would it be, at the end of life's journey, to find one's self on the wrong side! Do you understand what I mean, Mary?"
Mary was the eldest of the little group. She looked grave as she replied, "Yes, auntie; you mean, when the righteous are separated from the wicked, to find ourselves on the wrong side."
"How dreadful that would be! And always remember, there are just two roads through this life on earth,—one which will end in the place of darkness and despair, and the other leading to that blessed home above, which Jesus calls his Father's house, where those who love and serve him are to be happy forever. And there is a broad line of separation between the two ways. The travelers on the one side, whether they are old or young, are careless about God and heavenly things; they indulge proud, angry, selfish tempers, and speak unkind and untrue words. The travelers on the opposite road are humble, gentle, and holy, with hearts full of love to God and to one another. We all begin life on the wrong side; we are all born into this world sinful creatures, who begin to sin as soon as we can speak or understand. Now, the great question for every one to consider, who is old enough to understand what it means, should be like that of my kind friend to myself, 'Are you sure you are not on the wrong side?' I felt so thankful this evening that I could answer in my heart, Yes; by the goodness and grace of God I do feel sure that I am loving and trusting in Jesus, and seeking to obey his commands, and that he is leading me in the way to Heaven. O my dear children, how happy those are who cross the line early, who have no need to be frightened and hurried at the last, who give their young hearts to the Saviour, and ask him to keep them all their lives walking in the way of his commandments. They will be happy all through the journey; for his ways are ways of pleasantness and peace; and happiest of all at the end, when he shall say to each of them, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'"—Family Treasury.
The Home Circle.
MAKE THE BEST OF IT.
WHAT'S the use of always fretting
Over ills that can't be cured?
What's the use of finding fault with
What we know must be endured?
Does it make our burdens lighter
If we grumble 'neath their load?
Does it make life's pathway smoother
If we fret about the road?
Better use our time than fill it
Full of sighs and vain regrets
Over some imagined blunder—
As does he who always frets.
We cannot expect life's pathway
To be always strewn with flowers,
Nor the time that God has given
To be all made of happy hours.
Storms will follow every sunshine,
Grief be mixed with every joy;
And 'tis best that it should be so—
Gold's too soft without alloy.
"Half our trouble's our invention;"
We're to blame for half our strife;
Then, if life is what we make it,
Why not make the best of life? —Sel.
High Up
HIGH UP.—The crown of the hat of the statue of William Penn, which is to surmount the tower of the new public building of Philadelphia, will be just 525 feet above the pavement. This is ten feet and one inch higher than the highest towers of the Cologne cathedral.
An Oneida Indian preacher said, in a recent sermon, he was thankful that "the Creator did not give the Indian enough language to allow him to be profane without first learning English." There is a good deal of keen, quiet sarcasm in the remark.
Unnecessary Words.
THE habit of using more words than are needed in the expression of thought is almost universal. Sometimes it takes the form of employing unmeaning exclamations; sometimes that of putting into a sentence words or phrases which do not add to its force or make it clearer; sometimes that of constructing long phrases when short ones would be better. As an example of the first, let any one make a record of the number of times he will hear sentences begun with a "Well!" or an "Oh!" or a "Say!" or some other idle word, during the next hour after reading this article.
To say "Well, I don't think so," means exactly the same as "I don't think so." "Say, will you come with me?" The person addressed will be likely to "say," whether he is commanded to do so or not.
Perhaps there are no more common faults of speech than the unnecessary use of the word "got," and of the phrases "you know," and "says he," or "said I." A story is told of a Frenchman who had been talking with a lady much given to the use of "says he," and its sister phrases. "Do you understand me?" she asked.
"Oui, oui," he replied; "but vat ees dat sezai, sezee? Ees it vat you call to swear?"
The same Frenchman, or another, became much irritated with a gentleman's "you knows," and at last interrupted him.
"Pardon, monsieur, but you say to me, 'You know, you know.' But I do not know. If, zen, I do not know, why say you to me, 'You know?'"
How many of us say "I have got it," when we mean "I have it?" The inveterate use of "got" is illustrated by the manner in which a man once aroused his wife in the morning: "Get up, Jane! Breakfast has got to be got, and you have got to get up and get it."
Bad habits of speech are much easier to acquire than to abandon. One hears "well," "got," and "says he" from a hundred mouths, and unconsciously drops into the habit of using them. As proof of this we suggest that families make an agreement to keep a record for one day, or for one week, of the number of times each member uses either one or all of the needless words we have mentioned. We venture the prediction that if the account be faithfully kept, few of our readers will have an average of less than ten black marks a day, however hard they may try to avoid welling and you-knowing.—Youths' Companion.
The Mormon Temple.
At the founding of Salt Lake City, one square was set apart as the "Temple Block" for holy use. This was intended to be not only the spiritual but the geographical center of the city. On this ten-acre lot the Mormons held their first worship; here were built the structures now known as the Endowment House and the Assembly Hall; here, later on, the combined voluntary labor of the members of the church erected the first tabernacle, and here were laid the foundations of the temple, which is still incomplete.
This temple is to be a tall, many-turreted building of white granite, which is almost as white and crystalline as marble, and unexcelled as material for an imposing structure. The granite is brought from Little Cotton-wood Cañon, where it is split from enormous detached fragments that have fallen from the cliffs. It was formerly hauled into the city by ox teams, but is now brought by rail. The temple was planned by Brigham Young. The style is one unknown to architectural schools, but is said to more nearly resemble the Gothic than any other.
The structure is of Cyclopean strength; its base, far below the surface, is sixteen feet in thickness, decreasing to nine feet in thickness at the surface. One course of the basement stones stands in the shape of a series of solid reversed arches. Above, the walls rise nearly seven feet in thickness to the present height of eighty feet, which is nearly to where the roof begins. There is no hollowness or "filling" or brick-work—nothing but solid chiseled granite through and through, not only the outer walls, but in the partitions, the ceilings, and the stairways. The window openings are like the embrasures of a fort, and the heavily-walled compartments of the basement suggest the direst dungeons. All the externals of the building have a religious significance. It is said that Brigham Young's intention was that the building should last a thousand years. This enormous temple is not intended as a place of worship, but as a sacred edifice in which various ceremonies of consecration, marriage, etc., shall be performed that are now celebrated in the Endowment House. For this purpose the whole building is cut up into little cloister-like rooms. The cost of the temple, which during thirty years has been building, is said to be, in round numbers, about $2,000,000. It is supposed that three years more time and another million dollars will complete it. It is doubtful whether there is in the United States another building so massive and genuine.—Harper's Monthly.
The Crater of Vesuvius.
DR. C. L. GOODELL, at the First Congregational Church, describes his visit to Vesuvius last month as follows:—
"Leaving your carriage at the mountain railway, you enter the car. The ascent is very steep and at one place almost perpendicular. The road makes no curve. The car moves rapidly, and in ten minutes you are within less than a half-hour's walk of the crater. You mount a chair, and four stalwart mountaineers bear you through smoke and steam, midst the rumbling of the volcano and the melted lava, to the very edge of the bowl, in which, as in a mighty cauldron, the fiery mass seethes and rocks and thunders and foams.
It is terrifically grand. The mountain seems filled with surging fire that rises up every half minute in awful explosion, throwing up columns of smoke dark as midnight and streaked with lurid fire. This melted matter falls back with crashing, fearful sound, lodging in part on the edge of the crater. Before you are recovered from one stunning sensation, another explosion breaks on you, more overpowering than before, the steam coming up through every crevice at your feet, and the whole summit is enveloped in cloud. The red lava, as it is thrown high in air in massive form, seems heated in the furnace of Vulcan, and as it falls back down into the boiling sea of fire, the sight is no more terrible than the noise is astounding. The crater seems like a mighty pit of liquid fire thrown up in burning waves from side to side, scorching, blistering, and tearing all before it. How can the mountain endure such a strain? How can the eye bear such blinding brilliance of vast masses of fire? The crater is two miles in circumference, and you must make the circuit. The terror of the upheaving fire, and shower of ashes, and smoke, and stones, does not abate. The trembling of the mountain strikes terror into strong nerves. You remember the tragical death of the elder Pliny nearly 2,000 years ago, and the thousands that have been destroyed since. The explosions continue to deafen you. You remember the lone city of Pompeii, where you have spent the morning, and you decide not to spend the summer there.
It is the most sublime scene I ever witnessed. Nothing before ever made so deep and tremendous an impression. It is the most active volcano in the world. Smoke never ceases to float off from it as a long pennant from the head, and the crater never fails to show fire to those who visit it, and it may be seen almost every night from Naples. But on this bright day in March it spoke with a tongue of fire and a blackness of darkness never to be forgotten. Its words were red-hot bowlders, and its periods were ribbons of crimson.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
By MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THESE volumes describe the great conflict between Christ and Satan, as illustrated in the history of man, his temptations, conflicts, victories and defeats, and the final triumph of right and truth with a crowning immortality.
Volume one treats of the rebellion of Satan, the fall of man, and the lives of the patriarchs to the time of Solomon.
Volumes two and three are devoted to the Life of Christ and the Ministry of his Apostles.
Volume four contains sketches of the history of the Church from the destruction of Jerusalem to the close of time.
These books are not argumentative, yet they throw much light on the sacred page. They afford especial encouragement to the Christian, and are excellent to place in the hands of skeptics to convince them of Bible truth.
The four volumes contain over 1,500 pages, and are furnished to the subscriber for $4.00 per set.
Either volume may be furnished separately for $1.00, post-paid. See "State Agents' Directory," on page 430 of this paper, for names and address of our State Agents. They will furnish you descriptive circulars, etc., upon application. Write to them.
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
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.
THOUGHTS ON DANIEL,
By Uriah Smith
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 Uriah Smith
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.
THE NATURE AND TENDENCY OF MODERN SPIRITUALISM.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
This is a thorough expose of the system of Spiritualism. The author has carefully studied the subject, and has given such copious extracts from a large library of Spiritualist publications, as to fully condemn them in their teachings and in their practices, by their own testimony.
It is also shown from the prophetic scriptures that Spiritualism is one of the most impressive signs of the times.
184 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
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.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
The World’s Largest School
The largest school in the world, probably, is the Jews' free school in London. It has a daily attendance of over 2,800 pupils.
Some Curious Facts.
GOLD-BEATERS, by hammering, can reduce gold leaves so thin that 282,000 must be laid upon each other to produce the thickness of an inch, yet each leaf is so perfect and free from holes that one of them laid upon any surface, as in gilding, gives the appearance of solid gold. They are so thin that if formed into a book, 1,500 would only occupy the space of a single leaf of common paper; and an octavo volume of an inch thick, would have as many pages as the books of a well-stocked library of 1,500 volumes, with 400 pages in each. Still thinner than this is the coating of gold upon the silver wire of what is called gold lace, and we are not sure that such coating is not of only one atom thick. Platinum and silver can be drawn into wire much finer than human hair. A grain of blue vitriol of carmine will tinge a gallon of water, so that in every drop the color may be perceived. A grain of musk will scent a room for twenty years, and will, at the end of that period, have lost little of its weight. The carrion crow smells its food many miles off. A burning taper, uncovered for a single instant, during which it does not lose one-thousandth of a grain, would fill with light a sphere four miles in diameter, so as to be visible in every part of it. The thread of the silk-worm is so small that many of them are twisted together to form the finest sewing thread; but that of the spider is smaller still, for two drams of it by weight would reach from London to Edinburgh, or 400 miles. In the milt of a codfish, or in water in which vegetables have been infused, the microscope discovers animalculæ of which many thousands together do not equal in bulk a grain of sand; and yet nature with a singular prodigality, has supplied many of these with organs as complete as those of the whale or the elephant, and their bodies consist of the same substance, or ultimate atoms, as that of man himself. In a single pound of such matter there are more living creatures than of human beings on the face of the globe. What a scene has the microscope opened to the admiration of the philosophic inquirer.—Cassell's Saturday Journal.