EARLY in the last century vague reports were received by the Jesuits, who had reached Lake Superior, of a great river that rose near the western end of the lake, and flowed west into the Pacific. In 1775 Captain Bruno Heceta, commander of the Spanish exploring ship Santiago, sailed past what he believed to be the mouth of a river on the western coast of North America, near latitude 46°. He named it Rio de San Roque, but deemed it too insignificant to be worth exploring, and so did not enter it. Three years later the great navigator, Captain Cook, sailed along the same coast in the Resolution, but failed to note any traces of the great river. In July of the same year Captain Meares visited the coast on purpose to discover whether such a river as had been mentioned by Heceta existed or not. He discovered and named Cape Disappointment, called the insignificant inlet at its base Deception Bay, and sailed away, afterward reporting that the alleged river was merely a small inlet blocked by a sand-spit.
In 1789 Captain Gray, of Boston, who was the first to bear the flag of the young republic around the world, while cruising up this coast, fancied that, when in about latitude 46°, he saw signs of being off the mouth of an immense fresh-water river, but did not have time to stop and verify his supposition. Three years later, in the spring of 1792, he again found himself on this coast, in command of the ship Columbia, with time enough on his hands to carry out his cherished scheme of searching for the river of whose existence he felt so certain. He sailed south from the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and on his way down the coast fell in with Captain George Vancouver, on his famous exploring expedition that ended in the discovery of Puget Sound. The two captains exchanged courtesies and compared notes. Captain Gray mentioned the river that he hoped to find, and Vancouver laughed at him. The latter said that he had carefully examined the entire coast for two hundred miles under the most favorable circumstances, that the line of breakers was unbroken, and that he had only noted signs of river water near an opening that appeared so insignificant that he did not deem it worthy of attention.
On the following day, May 11, Captain Gray sailed the Columbia into this insignificant inlet, and discovered one of the grandest rivers in the world, which he named "Columbia," in honor of his ship. He named the extreme point of Cape Disappointment, Point Hancock, and the headland on the south side of the river, Point Adams, after the two most distinguished men of his native State. Behind Cape Disappointment he found a beautiful bay, which he named Baker's, and to the point bounding it on the east he gave the name of Chinook. Fifty years later the testimony of Captain Gray's log-book gave the noble river that he thus discovered to the United States, and moved the international boundary line three degrees north, to the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
On November 7, 1805, the intrepid explorers, Lewis and Clarke, coming from the interior, reached the mouth of the Columbia, which they called by its Indian name, Oregon.
In March, 1811, a company of fur-traders, sent out from New York by John Jacob Astor, founded the settlement of Astoria, near the mouth of the river, which thus became the first American settlement on the Pacific Coast. Astoria struggled for existence for three years, and then fell into the hands of the British, who changed its name to Fort George. It is comparatively but a short time ago that it again came under the American flag, and was rechristened Astoria. To-day it is a flourishing city containing several thousand inhabitants, who are very proud of their handsome Masonic Hall, their custom-house, and above all, of the immense salmon-canning business conducted by their merchants. The canning establishments are huge, unsightly structures of wood, built out over the river on piles, and in them the entire process of preparing and canning the salmon is conducted by Chinese workmen. But if these establishments are blemishes on the landscape, the fishing fleet which sails out from Astoria every evening during the season presents a most picturesque sight. The boats are small, sharp at both ends, cat-rigged, and each carries the two men necessary to manage the gill-net with which its cargo is to be secured. A favorite resort for the fishermen is in the vicinity of Pillar Rock, which rises abruptly from near the middle of the river a few miles above Astoria. From here they pursue their prey down to the mouth of the river, where it sometimes happens that they cast their nets so near the bar that the outgoing tide, rushing like a mill-race, sweeps them into the remorseless breakers. The products of their toil have found their way into every market in the world, and to-day Columbia River canned salmon commands a higher price than any other.
The most notable object near the mouth of the Columbia is the Tillamook Light-house. It is built on a rock so precipitous, and rising from the midst of a tideway so terrible, that no boat may approach it closely without being dashed in pieces. To overcome these difficulties a huge derrick with a far-reaching arm raises and lowers an iron cage in which are contained the visitors or supplies that reach the light-house from the mainland. In this peculiar feature of inaccessibility this light-house stands alone in the world.
A Cure for Tobacco.
By Editor
To ALL who are enslaved by the despotic power of the weed, we prescribe the following infallible cure:—
1. Do not trifle with the habit.
2. Do not imagine that you can drop this drug by degrees. Use little as you please, and you nourish an appetite which never dies, so long as fed with one morsel of aliment.
3. Use no substitutes.
4. Do not merely try to abandon tobacco. Trying and doing are two different things.
5. Abandon it now—now and forever.
6. Go to God in prayer; cry mightily to him for the appetite to be destroyed, as well as for grace to enable you to carry out your resolution. Fully trust him to do this for you, and it shall be done; yes, effectually done. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. Hallelujah!
We have seen the effectual working of this remedy; in our pastoral labors we have been privileged to witness a great many cases of salvation from the tobacco appetite. Their united testimony is, that they have a cleaner body, purer breath, improved health, a quicker conscience, more money, a better appetite, steadier nerves, a clearer intellect, and, best of all, great peace with God. One old man in particular, testifies that he had used it for seventy years, but God has completely taken from him all desire for the weed! Thank God for a clean salvation. If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Tobacco-using, though a dreadful evil, is only one of the many popular "works of the flesh," and though a man give up his weed, unless he renounces all other sins, he is in danger of hell. Reform, then, that is not based on a surer foundation than the mere cutting down of one of the branches of the tree of depravity, is not, and cannot be effectual. Something more radical than this must be done before the victim of the pipe or the cup can be a truly reformed man. The ax must be laid to the root of the tree. See Matt. 3:10. There must be a mighty change wrought in his soul by the power of the Holy Ghost saving him from the bondage of all depraved appetites and habits, and making him "a new creature." When this work of salvation has been wrought, the emancipated soul will neither want tobacco, strong drink, opium, snuff, cards, billiards, nor any other sensual indulgence; most assuredly he will not need to join a temperance society to keep him from drink and tobacco. Every chain is broken and he has victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil.—Earnest Christian.
HOME HAND-BOOK
By John Harvey Kellogg
-OF-
DOMESTIC HYGIENE AND RATIONAL MEDICINE.
BY J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.,
Superintendent Medical and Surgical Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich.; Member State Board of Health, and of the American Public Health Association, the American Society of Microscopists, the State Medical Association, the Association for the Advancement of Science, etc., etc.
1568 PAGES, 22 COLORED PLATES.
An unrivaled work. A vast Cyclopædia of Hygiene, Physiology, and the Treatment of all Diseases.
The Home Hand-Book is selling far more rapidly than our most sanguine expectations led us to believe it would do. There have been
10,000 COPIES SOLD SINCE JULY 1, 1880,
And the sale is increasing continually. Agents who want to canvass should send for an outfit and circulars, the cost of which, including a book of special instructions, "How to Canvass," is $2.50. Agents who desire to canvass for the work in any of the Pacific Coast States or Territories, should address,
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
LIFE OF WILLIAM MILLER, WITH PORTRAIT.
By Editor
THIS book contains sketches of the Christian experience and public labors of this remarkable man. No other man in this century has been more widely spoken of, and more generally misunderstood. These sketches were prepared by those who were his co-laborers, and are a true presentation of the leading events of his life and labors. In addition to the life and character of the man, the character of the Great Advent Movement, in which he acted so prominent a part, is clearly set forth. It is shown that Mr. Miller was no mere enthusiast, but a man of calm judgment, and his interpretation of the prophecies was mainly correct, his only mistake being in regard to the nature of the event to take place at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844. No one can consider himself well versed in the history of the advent movement in this country who has not read this book.
408 pp. Price, $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS VOLUME ONE.
By Editor
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THE readers of the Signs need no introduction to the writings of Mrs. White. The article on the first page of each paper, from her pen, is always eagerly read; and those who read it need no guarantee that her writings are elevating in their nature and marked by a high moral tone. This book has long been out of print, and is now republished, as much that it contains has never appeared in any other work. It is a brief but vivid sketch of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, from the rebellion in Heaven to the establishment of Christ's Kingdom. The book is well adapted for extensive circulation, as it contains a great amount of important matter in a small space. Much of the matter is of special interest to the church at the present time. In paper covers. 154 pp. Price, 25 cents.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY.
This school is located in the village of South Lancaster, Mass., on the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, about sixteen miles from Worcester and thirty from Boston.
It is conducted upon the most approved method of teaching, the aim of the managers being to combine the practical with the theoretical in such a manner that each student in going to the school shall be prepared for some position of usefulness.
Successful preachers, colporters, teachers, and canvassers have already entered the field from this school and, at the present time, are laboring in at least eight of the Eastern States.
Students are instructed in four useful trades, and preparation are making to connect still other industries with the school.
Those wishing to attend this school or to place their children here, can depend upon their physical, mental, and spiritual interests being well cared for.
A specialty is made of the Bible, Language, and missionary work; the instruction in these branches being adapted to men and women of mature years.
ELD. S. N. HASKELL, President,
ELD. D. A. ROBINSON, Secretary.
Persons desiring to attend the school will please address,
PROF. G. H. BELL.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—It is stated that the Book of Mormon has been translated into Spanish.
—It is reported that Spiritualism is making great advance in New Zealand.
—The Salvation Army in Rochester, ten men and eight women, were arrested on a recent Sunday for singing in the streets.
—The amount of the Hanson Place Brooklyn M. E. Sunday-school missionary collection for the past year is $2,275.41.
—An agent of the Massachusetts Bible Society, who recently canvassed Brockton, found thirty-six families who did not possess a Bible.
—The Salvation Army has been voted a public nuisance at Salem, Mass., drawing about it in its parades the worst element of the community. The authorities will put a stop to it.
—A Zulu church in South Africa has the following regulation: “No member of this church shall be permitted to drink the white man’s grog, or native beer, nor to touch it with his lips.” They are ahead of many churches in our own land.
—The Roman Catholics of Ireland have spent $30,000,000 for the support of the Church of Rome during the past eighteen years. The servitude which they willingly undergo is worse and more expensive than that about which there is so much agitation.
—An exchange says that Canon Wilberforce has had a baptistry put into his new church at Southampton, England. The reason which the Canon gives is guileless enough. He does it, he says, because the prayer book recognizes immersion as a proper mode of baptism! It is a very generous thing on the part of the prayer book for it to “recognize” immersion. It is to be presumed that it also “recognizes” the Bible as a book of considerable worth.
—The Christian at Work says: “A prayer hospital is to be opened in Erie, Pa., with great religious ceremony. A large building has been secured by a number of ladies who prefer prayer to physic, and it is fitted up for the reception of citizens given up to death by physicians.” We believe in prayer, and in prayer for the healing of disease, but we don’t find any Scriptural warrant for setting up a prayer shop, where people may be prayed for at so much a head.
—And now even the Spiritualists are posing as martyrs. Hon. Thomas R. Hazard, in a letter to the Pioneer of Light, says: “All great truths have ever been established only through the persecution of their instruments. The Quakers, who were the Spiritualists of the seventeenth century, died by scores in prisons and on the gallows; and it now looks as if the Spiritualism of the nineteenth century was destined to gain a permanent footing after the same manner.” Bah!
—At the North Carolina Baptist Sunday-school convention, last month, Dr. Chaplin, of Texas, gave the following advice and incident, which may be read by teachers: “Have variety. Go over and over the same truth, if need be, but not usually in the same words. Emphasize a certain set of principles, but not by a certain unvarying set of stories. I had a teacher in my school, of whom his scholars complained for having told the story of Joseph one hundred and thirty times. They said they enjoyed it very well the first thirty times; it was the extra hundred that made it tiresome.” The teacher that could tell a story one hundred and thirty times without varying the style must be a wonder.
—It is quite likely that there will be a reaction from the habit of giving nearly every man who preaches, especially if he has a city congregation, the title of D. D. At any rate it is to be hoped that there will be a reaction, and the way the papers are handling the subject gives reason for cherishing the hope. The Christian at Work says: “Too often a degree represents not the fact of desert, but the amount of influence one can control among the trustees of the college. The world understands that the degree has cost only a little trouble in securing a vote in the college Board and afterwards enough dabs of printer’s ink to make D. D. and LL.D. As in the civil service—which is to be—merit should decide the bestowing of a degree. What wonder if the community smiles when somebody is doctored? It is sometimes like putting a big brass door-plate on a nail keg.”
SECULAR.
—Encouraging reports are given of the cotton crop in Lincoln County, Nevada.
—The telegraph reports that several villages in Hungary have been swept away by floods.
—The Fort Cameron military reservation, U. T., is to be sold in a body to the highest bidder.
—A married lady died in Sacramento, Cal., last week from the effects of arsenic taken to beautify her complexion.
—Battalions of British Indian troops under relief orders for England are to go to Egypt, and the Indian Government opposes the depletion of the army in India.
—People on the Atlantic Coast, from Maryland to Maine, were considerably excited on the 10th inst. by an earthquake shock, more or less severe in different localities. No serious damage resulted.
—The business portion of the town of Anoka, Minn., was destroyed by fire on the 16th inst. The loss is estimated at $1,000,000. This is the second time the town has passed such a fiery ordeal.
—The railroad which the British are building for Suakin across the Soudan Desert to Berber, is to be only eighteen inches gauge, but the cars will be six feet wide and will carry twelve passengers each.
—The Minneapolis, Minn., Common Council has established prohibition in spots. In certain sections of the city where the people are almost unanimously against saloons, it is ordered that no saloons be licensed.
—An analysis of the water of St. Henri, a suburb of Marseilles, in which the cholera has appeared in great force, shows the presence of microbes from the contamination of sewage. Whole families have been swept away.
—The German Admiralty has authorized German fishermen in the North Sea to use firearms should English fishermen molest them; and the coast guard have been instructed to arrest the crews of invading English fishing vessels.
—The British Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has announced that diplomatic relations have been resumed with Mexico, and that an agreement has been signed with that country placing England upon the most favored footing.
—The appearance of a curious species of grasshopper is reported on a ranch near Stockton. They rise in a cloud twenty or thirty feet ahead of the header and settle down again into the grain. The wings of these curious insects are white and their bodies are light brown.
—The town and vicinity of Lower Lake, Lake Co., Cal., were visited by a succession of earthquake shocks during the afternoon and night of the 11th inst. Brick chimneys were thrown down, and windows broken, and type in the Bulletin office was pied. The people are reported to have been much frightened.
—Frank James, the ex-bandit, emerged from obscurity in Missouri, the other day, to head a movement against the renomination of W. H. Wallace, the courageous prosecuting attorney of Jackson County, for whom James and other outlaws have a natural dislike. Wallace was overwhelmingly indorsed in the primaries, and James has again sunk out of sight.
—On the 10th inst., masked men attacked a meeting of Mormons in Lewis County, Tenn., and there and in the vicinity shot and killed four elders. Two young men who opposed the marauders, a woman behind whom one of the elders took refuge, and one of the assailants, were also killed. The affair caused great excitement in the neighborhood, and detectives are on the track of the criminals.
—LONDON, August 13.—The thunder-storms which swept over the north of England and Scotland yesterday were of almost unexampled severity. Many buildings in Edinburgh, Leith, and other cities were nearly demolished by lightning. Dundee was enveloped in dense darkness, and for an hour traffic was suspended. Several persons were killed by lightning, among the number Earl Lauderdale, who was overtaken by the storm while out riding.
—Considerable excitement was created in Iowa City, Ia., on the night of the 13th inst., by an attempted mob defense of some brewers who were being tried for violation of the prohibitory law. They imprisoned and tarred the prosecuting attorney, and evidently designed to take his life, and also the life of the prosecuting witness, but were finally foiled by the officers of the law. It was a most disgraceful affair, but a characteristic argument of the liquor defenders.
Publishers' Department.
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.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
Michigan—Miss Hattie House, care Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
New England—Mrs. E. T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Repository, South Lancaster, Mass.
North Pacific—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon.
England—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng.
Norway—Eld. J. G. Matteson, Akersveren No. 2, Christiania, Norway.
Switzerland—B. L. Whitney, care Les Signes des Temps, Bale, Suisse.
Chicago Office.
By Editor
Eld. Geo. B. Starr and James Sawyer, at the mission, 219 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Ill., are authorized agents for the Signs in that city. They have for sale a large assortment of books, pamphlets, and tracts treating upon Bible subjects, such as “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “History of the Sabbath,” writings of Mrs. E. G. White, etc.
Testimonials for the “Way of Life.”
REV. T. A. ATKINSON, pastor of M. E. Church South, Santa Rosa, Cal., says: “After examining the picture, ‘Christ the Way,’ I have no hesitancy in recommending it to any who may desire a picture combining art and truth.”
Rev. T. H. Woodward, A. M., pastor of M. E. Church, Santa Rosa, Cal., says: “I have carefully examined the picture called ‘Christ;’ I think it excellent, and a true representation of the plan of salvation.”
W. B. Foster, pastor Christian Church, Santa Rosa, Cal. says: “I have carefully examined the picture, ‘Christ the Way of Life,’ and from the best of my judgment pronounce it a work of art of high merit, and suitable and worthy to adorn any home.”
Robert L. McHatton, State Evangelist, Christian Church, Santa Rosa, Cal., says: “‘Christ the Way’ of eternal life is true to God’s word, and preaches a forcible sermon to poor humanity. My brethren will admire and indorse the picture.”
Rev. S. A. Taft, D. D., pastor of the First Baptist Church, Santa Rosa, Cal. says: “Having read the references hereinbefore made to the picture entitled, ‘Christ the Way of Life,’ and having seen and examined said picture, I have no hesitation in endorsing all that has been said by my worthy peers concerning the picture as a work of art, and as suggestive of a great and glorious truth. The Christ, or which is the same thing, the gospel, and of which the cross stands as a glorious symbol, is in fact the Way of Life. Nor is there life in any other.”
Reliable agents wanted for the “Way of Life,” “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Sunshine at Home,” “Sabbath Readings,” “Home Hand-Book,” etc. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal., General Agents for the Pacific Coast States and Territories.
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.—Los Angeles, per M C Israel $76, San Jose, per M C Israel $2.50, Gilroy, per M C Israel $5, San Francisco, per M J Scott $1.
CHURCH DEBT FUND.—James A Dye $5, Oscar Fitch $5, O J Brackett $25.
FOREIGN MISSION.—O J Brackett $25.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Missouri T and M Society $125.
CALIFORNIA T AND M SOCIETY.—District No 9 $23.30, S F Philbrick $2.70, John Custer 25c, T J Frost $5.87, Herman Lutgen 50c, Mrs L Rodeck $2, Winnie B Elliott 25c, Mrs Ford 25c, W A Pratt 50c, Minnie Richardson $1.50.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Eld C L Boyd, Eld G W Colcord.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Mrs C C Ramsey.
BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—Mrs A L Pearson, Dr Wm Banta, Amelia Gowdy, I H Lowrely, J N Bunch, Gilbert C Jenkins, Mrs C E Willman, D S Tyler, Mrs E M Crandall, Eld C L Boyd, J C Bunch, Mrs L N Whisby, Mrs R H Blackwood, Mrs E A Turner, Mrs H M Church.
North Pacific and Upper Columbia Conferences.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE my last report I have closed my labors for the present in the North Pacific Conference, by holding, in company with Brother Boyd, a two days' meeting at Beaverton. Notwithstanding it was rainy at the time, we had a good attendance at this meeting. The church seemed encouraged. Another elder was chosen to act with the present elder. The present elder's other duties have for the past few months occasioned his almost constant absence from Beaverton. It seems very important that every church should have, if possible, a resident elder. How else can he care for the church as a shepherd.
Some resolutions were passed at Beaverton and Salem, which, as the church reduces them to practice, will create a better understanding between the church and its members concerning the mutual obligations that exist between them. In due time there will be a better showing relative to some of their non-resident members. If such members esteem their membership of any value, it is surely no great task to write at least once in three months, either to the clerk, or to some of the members, giving some idea of their standing, hopes, desires, etc. Again, as our cause is one, members everywhere should be mutually interested for the advancement of the truth. Those away from the church should not consider themselves thereby released from their obligation to pay tithes, and to assist in pushing forward the work. When members do not report for month after month, and even year after year, it puts both the church and its officers in an embarrassing position relative to such names. The churches in the N. P. Conference seem to realize that the time has come to get a clear understanding of the position and condition of each name on their lists.
July 21 I left Portland to commence my labors in the Upper Columbia Conference. My first halt was at Goldendale, W. T., where a small company was raised up under the labors of Brother Colcord and others the last year. I had not time to send an appointment for meeting after deciding to visit Goldendale. I found the few there living far apart, but spent the two days visiting at the homes of some of those who have come out. Lack of time prevented getting to all. We trust the time will soon come when others may be gathered into the fold at Goldendale.
From Goldendale I came to Milton, Oregon, where we had our general meeting July 25-27. All our T. and M. directors were together, and we thus had opportunity to consult about, and lay some plans for, the prosecution of the work in this Conference. Our cause is an aggressive one. As we push out, making sacrifices for the advancement of the truth, we may expect the special blessing of the Lord on our efforts. If we simply content ourselves with doing what we can do without any sacrifice or any special effort on our part, how can we expect any special blessing? The Lord helps those who try to help themselves. He gives "help in every time of need."
Sabbath and first-day, Aug. 2 and 3, I was with the company at Echo, Oregon. I found there some like those in Goldendale, living quite a distance apart, yet I was enabled to visit them all and to hold three meetings. This company are mostly new in the faith, but we trust they will become burden-bearers in the cause and grow up more and more in the work of the Lord. The sooner those accepting the truth commence to pay tithes and sacrifice to sustain the truth, the quicker they become rooted and grounded in the work, feeling as though it was their cause, and that they were deeply in earnest that it might prosper.
I will take occasion here to say a few words to the brethren and sisters of the U. C. Conference. You have asked me to preside over your Conference, and I am trying, as fast as I can, to learn the exact situation, not only of every church, but of every member of your Conference. You wish the work to advance, and so do I. In order that it may advance we must be mutually helpers to the truth. I am willing to plan to push on the truth if our churches and every individual member will do all they can to sustain the work. You would like to see more laborers in the field, and more efforts made to preach the truth to the people. Certainly we cannot expect ministers to go out almost penniless and sustain themselves; they must be sustained. But in order to do this it is the duty of each member to do all in his power to raise means to replenish the Conference treasury. I do not doubt but you will all do what you can when you see what needs to be done. So I will state a few facts:—
1. When the Conference closed its last session, all the money was paid out of the treasury in settling the accounts of last year, and there was yet due to one of our ministers for past services nearly four hundred dollars.
2. As the result of this it has become necessary for those running the tent to borrow means for tent expenses.
I learn from the Conference treasurer that the payments into the treasury for the quarter ending July first, are only about $200. Now I do not believe you mean to leave these things so, or that you will leave them so; but that you will, to a member, pay in your tithes at once, and that every one in the Conference who can, will accompany his tithe with a donation to apply on the past debt.
We will enter into this compact with you, that, as fast as you increase the funds, we will increase the amount of labor in the Conference. This is certainly fair. You have not asked me to take charge of the Conference to run it in debt without making some provision for the canceling of such debts.
You look to other Conferences where the work is advancing in a rapid manner. Perhaps you ask why this is so, and why the cause does not move on more rapidly here. Well, I have labored in some of those Conferences and can positively state that the cause has gradually come into such a prosperous state by the church doing its part, in point of means, to its ability, and sometimes, seemingly, beyond its ability. Yet the more they have sacrificed the more they have been blessed. The more they have sacrificed the more they have with which to work. We are in the time when the Lord is to look with favor on and save those that make "a covenant with him by sacrifice." Ps. 50:5, 6. May we each do our part, and the Lord will not fail on his part to bless. None of us surely wish to be of the class mentioned by Malachi who have robbed God in tithes and offerings, but rather would we be those whose hearts and souls are imbued with the spirit of the message, and who are making the kingdom of God of more consequence than anything else. So may it be.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Camp-Meeting in Colorado.
By E. R. Jones
WE are anxious that this meeting shall be a success, both in its numbers and results. If all will seek the Lord and a preparation of heart, it certainly will be a profitable occasion. The most of our people in this State have had but a brief experience in the cause, and this opportunity will be very valuable to them in instructing more fully in the work of God. Not one of our brethren should lose this blessing. The Conference will transact its business at this time, and the T. and M. work will receive due attention. The mission is doing good work in this city, and all will be interested in the way the work is being done. Elder Butler, President of the General Conference, will be present and give counsel and instruction that will do us good. The time is Sept. 10-16. The place is Twenty-third, between California and Welton Streets, Denver. We request that Sabbath, Sept. 6, be regarded by all our people in this State as a day of fasting and prayer, that God will graciously pour out his Spirit upon us at this meeting and advance his work among us.
E. R. JONES.
Preparing for Church.
Probably in many households the hours before church are hurried, tumultuous, and undevout. The family rise late, and breakfast is tardy. The children are harassed about shoes, gloves, and lost or mislaid articles of dress. The first bell peals out its summons before anybody feels ready to hear it, and the progress to the place of prayer is a scramble to arrive before the opening anthem shall have been concluded. Dr. Arnot, of Scotland, used to beg his people to spend the hour before coming to church in reading, meditation, and prayer. If it were the habit of our congregations thus prepared in heart to go to the sanctuary, how different might be the impressions made on them by the sermons and public prayers.—Sel.
To Be Continued.
By E. R. Jones
THE lectures, Bible-readings, question meetings, etc., held in the tent at the corner of California and Twenty-third Streets since June, will be continued until September 10, the time of the camp-meeting. A part of the city has been thoroughly canvassed; over 500 subscriptions for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES have been taken and books and tracts treating on the Sabbath, Man's Nature and Destiny, Second Coming of Christ, etc., are being read by interested parties. The people are deeply stirred and are willing to investigate. A large stock of books and tracts has been received at the mission tent, which will be sold, lent, or given to the people as the case demands. The missionary workers are now visiting and furnishing many of the interested with reading matter, and it is hoped much good will be accomplished.
E. R. JONES.
Appointments.
By Editor
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:45. Seats free. Invitations to all.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Mission Reading-rooms at 316 Fremont Street.
California Conference.
By S. N. Haskell, M. C. Israel, W. C. White
THE thirteenth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the State Camp-meeting at Oakland, Sept. 18-30, 1884. Every company of Seventh-day Adventists in the Conference should be well represented. The delegates should be elected according to the following ratio: Each church to the number of twenty members or under, shall be entitled to one delegate, and one delegate for every additional fifteen members.
S. N. HASKELL, M. C. ISRAEL, W. C. WHITE, California Conference Committee.
California Tract and Missionary Society.
By M. C. Israel
THE fourteenth annual meeting of the California T. and M. Society will be held during the session of the camp-meeting, to be held at Oakland Sept. 18-30, 1884.
This will be the most important meeting of the kind ever held in the State, as the work is nearer its close and the field is opening up more fully before us. Arrangements should be made at this meeting to provide for many places that are calling for labor in our own State and Nevada; also to extend efforts already being made for the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
M. C. ISRAEL, Vice-Pres.
Mechanics’ Institute, San Francisco.
By Editor
SINCE the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, industrial fairs have received quite an impetus. Several cities have one every year, lasting for a month or more, at which are displayed specimens of the various industries. The Mechanics’ Fair in San Francisco is such an institution, and we hazard nothing in saying that in no other way could one become so well acquainted with the resources of California in a short time, as by a visit to it. There may be seen the various kinds of machinery used in mining, all in active operation; in fact, all the industries of the Pacific Coast are represented. The individual exhibits and the general arrangement are far superior to those of any previous year. Concerning the display of art we cannot speak as a connoisseur, but we can say that it pleased us; the managers have wisely ruled out subjects that could offend the eye of the modest. The display of fruits and flowers is peculiarly Californian, and one that it would be difficult to equal anywhere else. We noticed only one blot in the whole exposition, and that was the sight of young boys and girls engaged in making cigars. That is an industry in whose success we take no pleasure.