—The largest Baptist church in the world is that of Ongole, in the Telugu mission. It has now 14,632 members.
—Says the Methodist Recorder: "The world needs nothing to-day so much as the plain, pointed, practical preaching of the gospel." True.
—On the evening of the 20th, about twenty missionaries sailed on the Inman steamer, City of Chester, to join Bishop Taylor of the M. E. Church in Africa.
—The receipts of the American Bible Society for February were $35,464.33. The total issues from the Bible House during the same month were 60,446 volumes.
—Two ways of looking at the same thing: "The Presbyterian Church gave over $100,000 to missions during January." A grand sum, indeed. But there are over 600,000 members of the Presbyterian Church in the United States alone; so that allowing that the item is limited to the United States, the average donation per member was about seventeen cents. Not a very heavy gift, after all. Yet there were doubtless some who, out of their poverty, gave abundantly.
—Another sensational revivalist is on the coast. So funny are his sermons, that although he modestly makes an earnest request that there be no applause, he is reported as frequently "bringing down the house." Fancy Peter on the day of Pentecost, or Paul at Ephesus, making a bid for applause by requesting the people not to cheer at their jokes! The work of saving sinners is getting to be quite an amusing affair. Revivals are becoming so popular that other places of amusement may soon begin to pull on the public taste.
—A graphic description of a wedding supper at the house of a Protestant prelate, which recently took place, forms very suggestive reading. "The menu," we are told, "included rare wines;" and the day, which began with "early communion in the beautiful little chapel of Tulford Hall," ended with "a carpet dance, for which the long drawing-room was cleared." Well, this is certainly very liberal, but beginning with the holy communion and ending with a carpet dance does look like a mixing of things somewhat incongruous.—Christian at Work.
—An Oakland pastor who is nothing if not sensational, has announced a series of Sunday evening sermons on "The Heavenly Railway," as follows: The Narrow Gauge; The Broad Gauge; Passenger Rates; Heavy Grade; Head Lights; Signals; Side Tracks; Train Dispatches; On Time; Short Curves; A Sad Wreck; The Wrecking Train. Strange that a "Heavenly Railway" should terminate in "a sad wreck;" but we suppose that it is with the subject of a sensational sermon as with the text; neither need have any logical connection with what follows.
—To the following from the Herald of Truth (Baptist) we give a hearty assent: "This half believing is undermining all the foundations of religion. Firm belief and taking God at his word is our only safety. It is not the infidels who are doing so much mischief at the present time, but it is the half-believing professors of Christianity, and those who wear two faces,—one in the church, and the other in their dealings with the world. If Christianity does not make people better, it is evident that they have not enough of it. If we would teach others the way to Heaven, let us walk in that way ourselves. We need more 'weeks of practice' as well as prayer."
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. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Seats free.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 914 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Classes in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
Marvel of Nations.
"Our Country, the Marvel of Nations; Its Past, Present, and Future, and What the Scriptures Say of It," is the title of a new and popular work, on a subject of the deepest interest to all American citizens, by U. Smith, author of "Smith's Parliamentary Rules," and other popular works. It takes a brief but comprehensive view of our Government from a historical, political, and religious standpoint.
It also shows that the United States is a subject of prophecy; that an outline of its history was written nearly two thousand years ago. It calls the attention of the reader to a chain of prophecy of which our Government is an important link, and shows that the location, the time of its rise, the nature of its Constitution, and its wonderful growth and subsequent influence, as well as its future attitude, were all clearly foreseen and pointed out by the prophet of God, hundreds of years ago.
The "Marvel of Nations" is a work of 282 pages. It contains a steel plate of the author, and over forty illustrations. Price, postpaid, $1.00.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
Combination Offer.
By Editor
THE "MARVEL OF NATIONS" WITH THE AMERICAN SENTINEL, ONE YEAR, POST-PAID, FOR $1.25.
The publishers of the AMERICAN SENTINEL, being desirous of securing a large subscription list at once, have made arrangements with the publishers of the "Marvel of Nations," whereby they are enabled to furnish this interesting and popular book, together with the American Sentinel, for one year, for $1.25. We trust that many of our readers will avail themselves of this privilege of securing both the book and the paper for so small a sum. Order at once, so as to secure all the numbers of the SENTINEL.
Address,
AMERICAN SENTINEL,
1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal.
THE AGE TO COME:
By J. H. 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.
Second edition revised. 168 pages; price, post-paid, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.; Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
AGENTS AND BOOK DEPOSITORIES.
Australia—International Tract Society, Bible Echo Office, Rae and Scotchmer Sts., North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
British Guiana.—Joseph R. Brathwaite, 152 Church St., Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana, S. A.
California Tract Society—1067 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
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New York Tract Society—Rome, N. Y.
New Zealand—Edward Hare, Upper Queen Street (Turner Street), Auckland, N. Z.
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Ohio Tract Society—Toledo, Ohio.
Pennsylvania Tract Society—No. 5 Madison St., Wellsville, N. Y.
Switzerland—Elder W. C. White, 48 Weiherweg, Basel, Switzerland.
Tennessee Tract Society—Springville, Henry Co., Tenn.
Texas Tract Society—Denton, Tex.
Upper Columbia—U. C. Tract Society, Walla Walla, W. T.
Vancouver Island—Bernard Robp, Victoria, B. C.
Vermont—Lizzie A. Stone, South Lancaster, Mass.
Virginia Tract Society—New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va.
Wisconsin Tract Society—901 E. Gorham St., Madison, Wis.
Wyoming—J. T. Trees, Tie Siding, Albany Co., Wyo.
ALL OF THE ABOVE AGENCIES are authorized to receive subscriptions to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, American Sentinel, and Pacific Health Journal & Temperance Advocate. Catalogues of our books, pamphlets, and tracts, in English and the various foreign languages, can be obtained from them. Write to the agency nearest you.
Testimonials
FOR "THOUGHTS ON DANIEL AND THE REVELATION."
FROM Kendall Brooks, D. D., president Baptist College, Kalamazoo, Mich.:—
"I am free to express my conviction that the study of books designed to expound the Bible, and verify its prophecies, and show God's hand alike in the sacred writings and in human history, is of the greatest advantage to every thoughtful man; and such a book, I think, is 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,' by Prof. U. Smith."
From Rev. R. S. Belleville, pastor of Presbyterian Church, Princeville, Ill.:—
"I have never before seen so readable a book as 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.' I certainly recommend it to all Bible readers."
From D. Webster Coxe, D. D., rector of St. Paul Church, Fremont, Ohio:—
"I have read through with care and study Prof. U. Smith's 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,' and am not only highly pleased with but very much instructed by it. I think, take it all in all, it is the best commentary on the prophecies I ever read. I most heartily commend it to the thoughtful consideration of every one. I consider it the most valuable in my library."
From H. R. Hancock, attorney-at-law, West Union, Iowa:—
"I can cheerfully recommend this work to the general reader. To the student of profane history, chapter eleven of the first book is alone worth the price."
This work can also be had in the German language.
For full particulars write to PACIFIC PRESS, General Agents for the Pacific Coast, Oakland, Cal.
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.—W N King $1.75.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—John Hubbard $5, A Rogers $8.
CALIFORNIA PUBLICATION FUND.—A Friend $10.
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RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Ill T and M Society $100, Iowa T and M Society $100, Vermont T and M Society $75.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
By Eld. D. M. Canright.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Geikie's Life of Christ,
The Life and Words of Christ, by Cunningham Geikie, Acme Edition, extra cloth, 800 pages, 50 cents; postage, 10 cents.
The best of all the lives of Christ—a marvel of cheapness.—Portland Christian Mirror.
A great and noble work, rich in information, elegant and scholarly in style, earnestly devout in feeling.—London Literary World.
It is a work of profound learning.—Archbishop of York.
Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
The Great Controversy.
By Editor
The new (1886) illustrated edition of "The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan during the Christian Dispensation," by Mrs. E. G. White, contains over 500 pages, a portrait of the author, and is illustrated by twenty-one full-page cuts. The book is printed and bound in the very best style; olive green muslin with jet and gold stamp. Over ten thousand have been sold in six months.
This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other.
The closing chapters give a vivid picture of the warfare of the church, her final redemption, and vividly describe the triumph of the people of God, the destruction of Satan and all his followers, and the renewing of the earth, which ends the awful controversy between the Son of God and the powers of darkness.
Earnest Christians of all classes and creeds will find in it encouragement and instruction. The style of the author is clear, forcible, and often sublime, and, although simple enough in its statements to be understood and appreciated by a child, its eloquence calls forth the admiration of all.
Sent post-paid to any address in America for $1.50, or to foreign countries 8s., post free.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal., U. S. A.
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.
TERMS.
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TEMPERANCE PACKAGES.
By Editor
We have put up in packages three different assortments of our health and temperance works which we will furnish, post-paid, at the prices named.
Ten Cent Package.
The smallest package contains 100 pages in thirteen tracts, as follows:—
True Temperance—Alcohol, What is it?—Our Nation's Curse—Cause and Cure of Intemperance—Effects of Intemperance—The Drunkard's Arguments Answered—Alcoholic Medication—Alcoholic Poison—Tobacco Poisoning—Tobacco-Using a Cause of Disease—Tobacco-Using a Relic of Barbarism—Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee—Ten Arguments on Tea and Coffee.
Forty Cent Package.
The second package, costing forty cents, post-paid, contains the above list and the following in addition:—
Pork, the Dangers of its Use—Diphtheria, its Causes, Prevention, and Proper Treatment, By J. H. Kellogg, M. D. This book should be in every household. Its instructions, if faithfully carried out, will save many a precious life.
One Dollar Package.
The third package, costing $1.00, post-paid, contains in addition to the above:—
Proper Diet for Man, price 15c—The Uses of Water, price 25c—Dyspepsia, Its Cause and Cure, price 25c.
The object in arranging these packages is to get them in a convenient form for sale and for selection.
Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION,
By Uriah Smith
CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Eld. U. Smith.
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study.
416 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Payment in Advance for Papers
By Editor
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 copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
News from Elder Haskell and Australia
By Editor
A PRIVATE letter just received from Elder Haskell states that he expects to arrive in California in time to attend the general meeting in Oakland, April 22 to 29.
THE second number of the Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, published for the Australian branch of the International Tract and Missionary Society, at Melbourne, Australia, was received by the last steamer. It is, as was to be expected, very much of an improvement over the first number. It is well printed, on a good quality of paper, and is withal filled brim full of good reading matter. It has a large field, in which we believe it is destined to do a great amount of good. We most heartily wish it God speed.
Renew Your Subscription
By Editor
WITH this number of the SIGNS five or six hundred subscriptions expire. Shall we not have an immediate renewal of all these? You have been satisfied with the paper in the past, and we design to make the paper such that you will be more than satisfied in the future. You need the paper, and would feel lost without it; and we should like to have it continue its weekly visits to you. Less than four cents a week will bring it to you. For your own satisfaction we beg you not to delay in this matter.
Sabbath Observance and the Fourth Commandment
By Editor
The "Sabbath Observance" department of the W. C. T. U., has issued a request that ministers preach, on April 4, about the duty of keeping the Sabbath. It is also specially desired that the fourth commandment be impressed upon the children in every Sunday-school. A good idea; and as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES preaches to a large congregation every week, we will cheerfully do what we can to impress the fourth commandment upon both children and adults. That every one may know exactly how it reads, we print it below in full.
The Fourth Commandment
"REMEMBER the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:8-11.
The Lord’s Day, Not Man’s Day
SAYS one, "Whether we keep my day or your day, makes no difference." Very true. It does not make a particle of difference whether we keep my day or your day. God does not require us to keep any man's day, and therefore whether we keep yours or mine will not be taken into the account. No credit will be given in either case. But there is a day which the Lord claims as his own; it is his own property, and no man has any claim on it. See Ex. 20:8-10; Isa. 58:13. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." This day the Lord calls "my holy day," and says, "In it thou shalt not do any work." Now whether we keep our day or the Lord's day makes a great deal of difference. Is not the point clear? Are you doing your own will or the will of God? This is a question worth considering.
A Good Example.
By Editor
A LADY in Kentucky who began to keep the Sabbath last July under the labors of Elder G. G. Rupert, writes to the SIGNS that, having lately moved to a small village, she is doing what she can in home missionary work. She has canvassed a little in the neighborhood, with good success. She says that she has organized a Bible-reading Society among the ladies; they meet every Thursday afternoon to study the Bible, using the printed Bible-readings. Are there not scores of sisters who could do a similar work in their own neighborhoods?
Prophecy Fulfilled.
"MEN's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21:26. The following will serve to illustrate this text: The mills of Ferd. Schumacher, at Akron, O., were recently destroyed by fire. Although a man of abundant means, he does not intend to rebuild, not caring to hazard his fortune in the present unsettled condition of labor. When there is a stable Government, property is safe; but when mobs rule, as they do to a great extent at present, nothing is safe. The increasing strength of so-called "labor leagues," which recognize no law but their own wills, the popularity of the boycott, and other nihilistic schemes, make men afraid to invest their means anywhere, and they do not know what to do. There is a general feeling of unrest and insecurity; and there is no prospect of any improvement. On the contrary, things are fast working toward the bringing in of such a time of trouble as the world has never yet seen. Who is preparing for it?
No Shadow.
"LET no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come." Col. 2 : 16, 17. No; we haven't time to chase shadows. The shadows ceased when the body (Christ) appeared. The shadowy dispensation is in the past. But what of the things which are not shadows? They must be substantial realities, and therefore enduring. The seventh day, the Sabbath of the Lord, is one of the substantial things. God's holy day, the memorial of creation, it stands in the bosom of that law of which Christ said: "It is easier for Heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Luke 16 : 17. It is one of those things of which David says: "They stand fast forever and ever." Ps. 111 : 8. Consequently it will be kept in the immortal state. Isa. 66 : 22, 23. For a list of the sabbaths which were shadows, see Lev. 23, and note especially the distinction which is made in verses 37, 38 between these shadowy sabbaths and the Sabbath of the Lord.
The "Jewish" Sabbath.
By Editor
SAYS a correspondent: "There is not a single text which plainly says that Christ or the apostles ever kept the Jewish Sabbath." So we say. We go even farther, and say that there is no text that intimates that they ever kept the Jewish Sabbath. Do you wish to know the reason of this silence? It is because in all the Bible there is no mention of such a thing as "the Jewish Sabbath." Of course Christ and his apostles could not keep a thing that had no existence. But there was a day which Christ kept in common with most of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. That day was the seventh day, "the Sabbath of the Lord," "the Lord's day." How do we know that he kept it? Because the observance of the seventh day is commanded in the law of God (Ex. 20:8-11), and Jesus said, "I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10.