p. 10 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 9, No. 1. (1/4/1883)

Temperance.

By Rusticus

Two Robberies.

Two young men in our neighborhood had been out with a threshing machine for two months. They were paid off and started home with about $100 each in their pockets. They came to a village five miles distant just as it was getting dark. One of them said: "John, let's stop in town one night, I want to see some of the boys." "No," said John, "I'm going home; and you had better go, too. If you stop, you may fall into bad company and spend your money foolishly. Come on."

Jim laughed, said he guessed he knew how to take care of his money, and refused to go on. So John left him and started to go home alone. It was now dark, and the road was a lonely one; but the young man went along whistling and planning what he would do with his money. Suddenly a great, burly fellow stepped out from the shadow of a tree, and, pointing a pistol at his head, said in a gruff voice, "Stand and deliver."

Poor John was startled. He did not know what to do. He hated to give up his money, but he did'nt want to be shot. So he tried to parley with the robber. It was of no use, however. The fellow was resolute. His only terms were: "Your money or your life;" and the money had to be surrendered.

John reached home terribly disappointed. He wished that he had stayed in town. He went in early next morning and reported to the officers of justice. They promised, of course, to try to arrest the robber and get his money back. But of that there was little hope, as he could not have identified the man if he had seen him.

Passing down the street, he met Jim stumbling along with his hat over his eyes. "Hello," he said, "is that you?"

Jim looked up like a man half awake, and replied: "Yes, it's me; but how are you here? I thought you went home last night."

"I did; but I had better have stayed with you; for I was robbed on the way and lost all my money."

"Lost all your money, did you? Well, I am in the same fix."

"How so?"

"I don't know exactly how. It seems like a dream. You see, I went into Mike's saloon after supper. Some of the boys came in. They were all very glad to see me, and I treated all around. Then some of them treated. They asked me where I had been all these two months, and I told them. 'Got paid off?' asked Mike, with a knowing wink."

"Of course I did," I answered, and feeling pretty rich I took out the double eagles and showed them to the boys. Well, we had a right jolly time. I remember their asking me to play a game of cards, and we kept on drinking while we played. And the next thing that I remember was I woke in a shed near Mike's saloon. It was broad daylight. I felt as weak and mean as if I had been sick a month. I felt in my pockets for money, and it was all gone. I went into the saloon and asked Mike about it. He laughed, and said all he knew was that I played cards with the boys and paid off my losses like a man until I fell on the floor; and then, as it was late and he wanted to shut up, he told them that they must take me away, and they did. I have been around to see some of the boys, but they all say they are not the ones who won my money, and seem to feel pretty bad about it; and I don't know what to do. I suppose I shall have to stand it. But I wish that I had gone home with you; for I would rather have been robbed as you were than to be fooled as I was, and feel as sick and mean as I do to-day." And John thought so, too. Hard as his case was, Jim's was a good deal harder.

When the papers came out next day, there was a paragraph in them about the bold robbery of a young man on the highway, and how cruel it was for the robber to take from him his hard earnings. But not a word about the robbery of Jim in Mike's saloon. Mike advertises in all the papers. When the people read about the robbery of John, they were very indignant. They said the officers ought to find that villain, and that if caught he would be severely punished. But when they heard about the robbery of Jim they laughed. They said if boys will play with a tiger they must expect to get scratched. Some said Mike's saloon was a nuisance and ought to be abated. But how could they abate it? for he was duly licensed. He paid for the privilege of robbing his fellow-men. The other fellow robbed without a license. Which is the meaner and guiltier of the two?—Rusticus, in the Occident.

A Noble Stand.

MR. C. C. STUDEBAKER, of South Bend, Ind., was nominated for presiding officer by the Carriage Builders' National Association, lately convened in Philadelphia, but after thanking the members for confidence in him, declined the honor. He afterwards stated that the reason for his refusal was that he could not in good conscience preside at a table where wines were served, and it was the custom of the Association to serve wine to the guests at the annual banquet. Subsequently the convention resolved "that this association shall hereafter decline all invitations extended to it as a body, by the local trade of any city chosen for the place of meeting." Concerning this resolution, Mr. Studebaker said:—

"I heartily coincide with the resolution which has been offered by Mr. Britton, of New York, because these entertainments, and the accessories to them, have been leading this association into bad habits. In many cities and towns they would be glad to entertain this association if it was not for this extra entertainment. There is always something connected with this entertainment that is quite expensive. The eating may not be very expensive, but the matter of drinking is. I am very much opposed to that part of them, anyhow, and there are many men connected with this association who are also opposed to it. But they get into it, and if their place is fixed upon to hold the convention, it compels them to contribute to a thing they utterly abhor. It is laying a temptation before our fellow-men. I for one cannot do it, and I will not do it. I cannot go into anything that lays a temptation before my brother. I am not willing to do it, and I will not do it. Therefore I am in favor of the resolution."

The Cigarette-Smoking Young Man

By Editor

The Cleveland Leader calls the cigarette-smoking young man "third-class male matter," Isn't there a class lower than that?

A Happy New Year.

By O. I. E.

SOME DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING IT SO.

"Happy New Year!" How many voices have uttered these words within the past week. From parents, children, and friends we have heard this joyful greeting spoken with a heartiness that of itself would drive away a great amount of sorrow. What a power there is in these few words! What new life and energy they bring! The custom of exchanging this New Year's greeting is not to be despised. We are all better for it. No matter how selfish we may be, or how much absorbed in our own affairs, on one day in the year we give expression to our good-will to our neighbor. No one can receive this greeting, given in a hearty tone, without a feeling of pleasure; and no one can repeat it without experiencing a more kindly feeling in his breast. He is to be pitied, who has no one to give him this cheerful salutation; but he is far more an object of pity, whose interest in the welfare of others is so slight that he would withhold this simple tribute of good-will.

I said there is a power in these words, but I recall the statement. They contain no magic charm. It is simply the hearty good-will of which they are the expression that makes them productive of good. Other words spoken in the same manner would have the same effect. Then since we wish our friends a happy New Year, why should we not do our part toward making it so, by giving words of cheer throughout the whole year? It is often said in disparagement of kindly words, that they cost nothing, that talk is cheap; if this be true, then certainly we have no excuse for withholding them.

But in spite of all the wishes for a happy New Year, many will sadly fail to find it. Indeed there are very few who have any just idea of how happiness may be obtained. It is that for which all the world are seeking, yet but few can conscientiously say, "I am perfectly happy;" and even when found, it is often of short duration. It is my purpose to give some very plain and simple rules by which all may be truly happy. And if all would follow them, they would be doubly happy, for no individual can be happy without contributing to the happiness of others. Happiness is contagious; a wise man has said, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." These rules have all been tested, and have proved to be valuable; so none need hesitate to try them. Here is the first:—

"Happy is the people whose God is the Lord." This does not have reference to nations that are called Christian because a large portion of the inhabitants profess faith in the Christian religion; neither does it mean that any people or nation should have a clause in their constitution declaring that God is the ruler of the universe. England and the United States are called Christian nations, but this fact does not confer happiness upon the individuals composing those nations. A god is something that is worshiped; and if men choose the Lord for their God, they must worship him. Worship means reverence and submission; therefore if we worship the Lord, we will do his will; not from constraint, or for outward show, but "in spirit and in truth." So then, if we would be happy, we must have the Lord for our God; that is, we must do his will. But the will of God is contained in his commandments; and this brings us to another point.

"He that keepeth the law, happy is he." To many persons, especially the young, doing the will of God and being a Christian seem the farthest removed from happiness. They think that if they do so, they must give up all pleasure, and be gloomy. But this is not so. If they will stop and think, they will acknowledge that it is as the Bible says. Who does not find that a service rendered to another brings more real pleasure than any amount of selfish enjoyment? Even children realize that when they yield willing obedience to their parents, the time passes more swiftly, and they feel more light-hearted than when intent on having their own way. And if occasionally doing a kind act for our fellow-men has so much power to bring happiness, how much more will service to God bring it. The fact is that just as a loving parent desires only the welfare of his child, so God calls on us to give up nothing that is not injurious. He does not take certain things from us in an arbitrary manner, but simply those things which will mar our happiness.

And when we have given up those things which we do not need, and which are inconvenient for us to carry, God will give us in return rest and peace. One who had tried this method of obtaining happiness, once exclaimed, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." And another, who, although eloquent, could find no words to describe this peace, called it "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." And this is why so few people enjoy this peace. It has to be tested in order to be appreciated; and most people want the happiness first. They are not willing to do a thing contrary to their natures, in hope that happiness will follow.

And this leads to another thought, and that is that present enjoyment, no matter how keen it may be, is not necessarily happiness, but is quite often the reverse. It may not be generally known that the words "happy" and "blessed" in our Bible are translated from the same original word, but that is the case. So when we read, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake," we might with propriety read, "Happy are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake." And we might also substitute "happy" in the verse which reads, "Blessed are ye, when men shall persecute you, and revile you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." Indeed, the Bible itself makes this substitution. The apostle Peter says, "If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye;" and Job, who certainly had experience enough to enable him to speak understandingly, said, "Happy is the man whom God correcteth."

According to these statements, a person may be happy even in misery. This sounds like a contradiction, but it is true. Here is the explanation: The Bible considers matters in the light of eternity, and not as compared with the short life of a man. If a man should live to the age of seventy years, and should in all that time have not the slightest feeling of pain, except for a single minute, he would say that he had always had good health. In looking over his life, that minute of pain would sink into insignificance. He would not be able to remember it. Well the Bible takes into account the fact that man, if he makes a proper use of this life, will live through all eternity. But eternity cannot be measured. Three thousand million years is a long time, but it would be only the beginning of eternity; but by the side of that long period of time, seventy years would appear more insignificant than one minute would compared with seventy years. So then, if a man should live to old age, and should suffer during every moment of his life, and should finally gain Heaven, his sufferings on this earth would not even come into his mind, so short would the period seem.

This thought should ever be with us. It will help us to endure many things that otherwise would be very severe. This is the surest way to obtain happiness; in fact, the only way. The person who depends on passing events for happiness, will sometimes be happy and sometimes miserable; and when the event that gives pleasure passes away, he cannot look forward, but must look backward; and the thought of what he has enjoyed will only increase his misery. But the man who finds happiness according to the Bible plan, cannot only enjoy the good things that he may have in this life, but when sorrows come he can look forward to an eternity of happiness; and in contemplation of that, can find joy in sorrow. And right here we have the testimony of inspiration: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."

Here is another point, which is really included in that already mentioned. It is this: "He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he." If you have never tried this, you have lost one of the greatest pleasures of life. Our Saviour said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," which means that it makes a person really happier to give gifts than to receive them. Those of you who have made presents to your friends and relatives, can appreciate this to some extent. I say, "to some extent," for if we give merely to our friends, who are not absolutely in need, we lose the most of the pleasure. The text says, "He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he." Perhaps one reason why giving to the poor brings so much more happiness than giving to others, is because they are less accustomed to receive gifts, and the thought of their joy, even if we do not witness it, adds to our happiness. Perhaps it is because, "He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." The Lord always pays back more than we lend him; and although the principal part will be paid in the next life, he gives us a portion of our reward immediately. I think this is the chief reason. Shall we not, then, improve this method of making ourselves happy during the whole year? Jesus said, "the poor ye have always with you;" so if we follow the Bible plan, we need never be unhappy.

And finally, "He that trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." A state of perfect trust is one of happiness. The word itself means confidence, repose, contentment. Then if we have perfect trust in God, we shall have learned in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content. But this condition cannot be obtained without humility, for God assists only the humble. "For thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." We read also that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

One passage in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" comes to my mind very often. It is the song which the pilgrims heard the little shepherd boy sing, as he watched his flock in the Valley of Humiliation. These are the words:—

"He that is down needs fear no fall;] He that is low, no pride. He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his guide.] "I am content with what I have, Little be it, or much; And, Lord, contentment still I crave, Because thou savest such."

Mr. Great Heart, the guide, said that this boy had in his bosom a plant called Heart's Ease, which prompted his song of contentment. If we are careful to obey God, and to love his law, we may always carry this plant with us.

And now, dear friends, in whatever part of the world you may be, I commend these rules to you. They are not affected by any climate, but are of universal application. There are many more directions of the same nature, contained in the Bible, and I trust that you will make them your daily study. Let these incite you to know more of them. Let parents teach them to their children, and let all practice them constantly, and you will certainly have, what I most cordially wish for every reader of the Signs, a happy New Year.

The Home Circle.

By Frances Ridley Havergal

"A HAPPY NEW YEAR."

New mercies, new blessings, new light on thy way; New courage, new hope, and new strength for each day; New notes of thanksgiving, new chords of delight; New songs in the morning, new songs in the night; New wine in thy chalice, new altars to raise; New fruit for thy Master, new garments of praise; New gifts from his treasures, new smiles from his face; New streams from the fountain of infinite grace; New stars for thy crown, and new tokens of love; New gleams of the glory that waits thee above; New light of his countenance, radiant and clear,— All this be the joy of thy happy New Year!

—Frances Ridley Havergal, in Christian Weekly.

Good Company.

One evening a lady of New York, while on her way home at a late hour, without an escort, was approached by a lewd fellow, as the boat on which they rode neared its landing, who asked—

“Are you alone?” “No, sir,” was the reply, and, without further interruption, when the boat touched, she jumped off.

“I thought you were alone,” said the fellow, stepping to her side again.

“I am not,” replied the lady.

“Why, I don’t see any one; who is with you?”

“God and the angels, sir; I am never alone!”

This arrow pierced the villain’s heart, and with these parting words, “You keep too good company for me, madam,” he shot out of sight, leaving the heroic lady to enjoy her good company.

News and Notes.

By Editor

--There are twenty-five deaths daily from cholera in Tehuantepec.

--The English army of occupation in Egypt is to be reduced one-half.

--In New York City the births last year exceeded the deaths by 10,500.

--Seventy-six deaths from small-pox occurred in Baltimore the last week in the year.

--The Mayor of New York City has refused to grant a license for the performance of the Passion Play.

--Efforts are being made to get Congress to require the street railroads of Washington, D. C., to adopt the cable system.

--The Mormon Smith, who killed his son near Los Angeles, claiming to be inspired, has been found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for life.

--There have been 5,636 buildings erected in Chicago during the past year, at a cost of $25,000,000. The frontage of the new structures is about fourteen miles.

--Gambetta, the famous French Statesman, died early in the morning of Jan. 1. His death produced a profound sensation throughout Europe, and is a great loss to France.

--By order of the education department, the school-books in French Government schools are to be printed in large type, on account of the recent great increase in short-sightedness.

--Mr. Gladstone has just completed his fiftieth year of public service, and on account of his age and want of strength has withdrawn from the duties of Chancellor of the Exchequer.

--The San Francisco courts granted 366 divorces during the past year. This is two more than in 1881, and 14 per cent. of the whole number of marriages contracted during the same time.

--During the recent transit of Venus, Professor Young, of Princeton College, discovered with the spectroscope unmistakable evidences of vapor of water in the atmosphere of that planet.

--The floods in Germany have revived, and the rivers are higher than ever. There has been great loss of life. In one place twenty persons were drowned by the falling of a bridge. Five villages have been destroyed.

--Citizens of California have presented a memorial to Congress, for the abolition of labor on Sunday, in the post-offices throughout the country. There is no probability that it will have any effect on Sunday work.

--During the four months before the bill restricting Chinese immigration went into effect, there were 18,400 arrivals in San Francisco, from China; but in the four months following, there were only 236 arrivals from China, and nearly all of these were Europeans.

--By the falling of a chimney at Bradford, Eng., thirty persons were killed, and fifty others injured. Three thousand persons were thrown out of employment, as eight mills that had flue connection with the chimney, were obliged to stop. The damage to property was over £60,000.

--During the President's reception, Jan. 1, the Hawaiian Minister, Hon. Elisha H. Allen, dropped dead in the White House. Mr. Allen was a native of Massachusetts; he was appointed Consul to the Hawaiian Islands in 1851, and soon after connected himself with that Government.

--The Ford brothers, who were the companions of the James brothers, one of whom they killed, were advertized to appear in Hartford, Conn., and give an illustration of their murderous methods. When the time came, however, only two dollars had been received, and the exhibition was not given. It is gratifying to know that there is one city that will not pay a premium on crime, or make heroes of cut-throats.

--Eastern cities are alarmed over the increase of crime. The state of affairs in Chicago, and Des Moines, Iowa, is such that the citizens have contemplated forming a Vigilance Committee. In Cleveland, ladies have been attacked early in the evening, on the principal streets. Eleven persons were robbed within a week. In Keokuk, Iowa, there were thirty-eight burglaries in four nights, without a single arrest.

--A remarkable statement was made recently before a scientific body in London—the statement given as on the authority of Mr. Veitch, the well-known author of Coniferae—that the cones of many of the species on the Pacific Coast never open and permit the seed to escape unless opened by a forest fire, they then fall out and replenish the burned waste. "They hang on the trees for many generations—even for thirty years."

--Chicago has become so infested with thieves and cut-throats, and the police force is so small and incompetent, that the business men are talking of forming a vigilance committee. The police records show that in three weeks of December seventeen persons were assaulted and robbed in the streets, and some of them dangerously injured; and it is not probable that more than one-third of the cases are reported to the police. Our paper says that life and property were safer in San Francisco prior to the organization of the famous vigilance committee, than they are to-day in Chicago.

--Herr Most, the Socialist, is in Chicago. In a speech he said that the only thing to be done is to kill. "The trouble in the French Revolution was that when the people got the upper hand they stopped killing, when they should have kept on. The people here must kill, must open banks and stores and help themselves to anything they wanted. The bankers and capitalists must be set to work on the streets." His remarks are of no consequence, except that they show the feeling which actuates a certain class which is increasing in this country as well as in Europe. The speech was uproariously applauded.

Obituary.

COON.—Died in Burrough Valley, Cal., December 2 1882, of heart disease, Jacob Coon, in the eighty-first year of his age. He retired feeling about as usual, but in the morning we found him peacefully sleeping to awaken no more till the last trumpet shall sound. He has made his home with his daughter, Sister J. Hutchings, who moved to Healdsburg about two months ago, where she expected her father to join her. He has kept the Sabbath for some time though not a member of the S. D. A. Church. His Christian character was such as to command the love and respect of all who know him.

As Sister Hutchings has been bereft of a kind and loving father and her hopes of meeting him here have been blasted, may it be theirs to meet in the earth made new. He leaves a large circle of friends who hope to meet him when the Master comes to make up his jewels. His remains were taken to Fairview where they were placed beside his grandchildren. Remarks and prayer at the grave by Eld. W. R. Smith.

N. H.

KLINE.—Died in Etna, Siskiyou Co., Cal., Dec. 11, 1882, Mrs. Clara Belle Kline, aged 19 years, 8 months, and 29 days. A little less than three months ago she was married to Mr. C. W. Kline of Arbuckle, Colusa County, her maiden name being Miss Clara B. Francis. Immediately after their marriage she left with her husband for his home, where she remained until about two weeks ago. Her health being very poor her physicians advised a visit to this place, in hopes that the mountain air would be beneficial to her health. Previous to Monday she was able to be around, but Monday morning she was taken unusually ill, and died at half-past 9 o'clock the same evening. The funeral took place Thursday afternoon, and was largely attended—all the stores closing out of respect to her memory. She leaves a husband, brothers, and sister, on this coast, who mourn not as those who have no hope, for we believe she will live again, and we hope to be prepared to meet her in the first resurrection. We would like the prayers of our people in this time of sorrow.

MRS. FLORENCE I. SKELTON

SMITH'S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE.

NEW EDITION, octavo size, 1,200 pages, with many important additions and improvements from the works of the most eminent scholars, commentators and travelers. It is designed to be

A COMPLETE GUIDE

In regard to the pronunciation and definition of Scriptural names; the solution of difficulties respecting the interpretation, authority, and harmony of the Old and New Testaments; the history and description of Biblical customs, events, places, persons, and animals, etc.

In this book it is designed to make everything intelligible to those who understand only the English language, and to place them as nearly as possible on a level with the scholars who are familiar with the original languages of the Scriptures.

All the words in the vocabulary are pronounced and divided into syllables, and words or parts of words are respelled whenever this is necessary to indicate the pronunciation.

The book contains numerous maps, and is abundantly supplied with superior engravings, which are of great value to the student.

No one who desires to study the Scriptures intelligently will be without a copy of this most excellent book.

Price, in cloth, $4.00; in leather binding, $6.00.

Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

LIFE OF ELDER JOSEPH BATES,

By Editor

WITH PORTRAIT.

This is a reprint of his autobiography, with an introduction, and closing chapters on his public ministry, later life, and death, by his fellow-laborer,

ELDER JAMES WHITE.

This is a book that will be read with the deepest interest by both old and young. The first portion of the book is his seafaring life of over twenty years. Here will be found a record of his adventures in his passage from cabin-boy to commander. Then follows the account of his conversion, his work in the temperance cause, and the reforms with which he was connected as a leader of the first temperance society in New Bedford, and was identified with the advent message from its start. Every family should have a copy.

352 pages. On fine tinted paper, $1.25; Plain white paper, 85 cents. Address, Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.

SABBATH READINGS FOR THE HOME CIRCLE.

COMPILED BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

THESE are some of the few really good books. For twenty years Mrs. White has been selecting choice, interesting, and instructive articles, the best of which are presented in these four volumes, about 400 pages each. It would be difficult to find a better collection. The selections have been carefully made, and none need fear to place them in the hands of the young. They are not, however, designed for children only, but are adapted for general home reading. A family or home circle will find something in these volumes to instruct and interest. They are just the thing for holiday or birthday gifts. Bound in cloth, in box, $2.25. Address, Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.

LIFE OF WILLIAM MILLER,

WITH PORTRAIT.

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 in more general disrepute. These sketches were prepared by those who were best qualified to give a true presentation of the leading events of his life and labors. In addition to the life and character of the man, the great advent movement, in which he acted so prominent a part, is fully set forth. It is shown that Mr. Miller was no fanatic, but a man of calm judgment, and his interpretation of the prophecies mainly correct, his only mistake being in regard to 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 pages. Price, $1.00

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Religious Notes

By Editor

--The native Christians of Madagascar have given a million dollars during the last ten years for the spread of the gospel.

--The Catholic Telegraph suggests a lottery to pay the debts of Archbishop Purcell. This would be making one swindle pay for another.

--Mr. Beecher says: "I think one reason why religion does not spread more, is, that ministers have so little religion." No one should know so well as he.

--A colporter in Spain has been sent to prison and condemned to pay a fine, because he would not uncover his head when a priest passed with the viaticum.

--Every number of the Christian Statesman contains from one to three calls for National Reform Conventions in the Western States. That cause is rapidly gaining ground.

--The Church of England is the largest land owner in the kingdom. Canon Wilberforce says that it is also the largest owner of public houses, a fact which he very properly calls "a great scandal."

--The Jewish Messenger regrets that Mr. Morse cannot be induced to abandon his proposed Passion Play. It thinks the best form of rebuke will be for all people to refrain from patronizing him.

--A few years ago a country book-seller sent to Chicago an order for, "Six Primitive Christianity." An answer was sent back in solid seriousness, "No Primitive Christianity to be found in Chicago."

--The Christian Guardian says that the sexton is responsible for about one-half the sleeping done in church, and the minister for very nearly the other half. We put in a plea for the Sabbath breakfast or dinner; let it have its share of the credit.

--The New York Penal Code permits only works of necessity to be performed on Sunday, and some of the people are wondering whether a strict enforcement of the law would not cause the number of discourses delivered on that day to be greatly diminished.

--The Quakers have been quite successful in their mission in Mexico. They have established their headquarters at Matamoras, where they have a $4,000 meeting-house. It is said that the Mexicans receive the friends with much confidence, being attracted by their peace principles.

--Mr. Frank James, the cut-throat, is posing as a Christian now. From his luxuriant cell he has denounced Ingersoll, declaring him to be a blasphemer and a hypocrite, who, in ridiculing the Bible, "is sowing the seeds of iniquity in the minds of our youth." Let Ingersoll now subside.

--The "New York Sunday-closing League" has just been incorporated. The members, now numbering 1,500, will use every effort to enforce the Sunday Law. Detachments of the League will patrol the streets, and call the attention of the police to any infringement of the law which they discover.

--The Examiner, in noticing a book on the "Harmony of the Bible with Science," says that there is in it "an old-fashioned sort of faith in the Bible," and almost immediately quotes from it that "the days of creation are long periods of indefinite length." We would like to know how "old-fashioned" that belief is. We believe it is considerably newer than the Bible.

--We learn that the Salvation Army in England has introduced a service of dancing as a means of drawing crowds and winning converts. Well, dancing will draw a larger crowd than almost anything else, and since a crowd is what they are after, why not dance. The same thing is done by many churches in this country. They do not exactly call it a religious service, but they dance to obtain means to help along the religious services. It's all the same thing.

Notes on the Work and Passing Year

By Editor

The change of the name of the General Tract and Missionary Society to "The International Tract and Missionary Society," is an indication of the rapid spread of the work. It is a very appropriate name, for a message that is world-wide.

THE National Liberator, of Chicago, and the Lever, of Detroit, have been consolidated. Both papers have done good work in the temperance cause, and have done much to mould public sentiment. We trust that the change will be for the better, and that the Lever will now have more than a double portion of influence for good.

WE hear on all sides the exclamations, "How quickly the year has passed away!" "It seems only a few months since the last year began." Time does fly swiftly. The psalmist described the case exactly when he said, "We spend our years as a tale that is told." And the most solemn thought of all is that we have only a very few more to spend on this earth. How will we improve them? Whoever intends to do anything must do it now.

WE notice with pleasure that several churches in the East have reversed the usual order of Christmas exercises. Instead of receiving presents, the members make donations to the church. The children, it is stated, not only volunteered to go without their usual presents, but freely gave of their own savings. We know from experience that this plan is much superior to the old way. The children are better pleased, as there is no chance for envious feelings, and they learn the truth of the words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Extraordinary Weather.

By Editor

The year 1882 signalized itself in California by closing with a snow-storm. For several days the weather had been unusually cold, and on the morning of the 31st, ice an eighth of an inch thick was found on water standing out-of-doors. About eleven o'clock the snow-flakes began to fall thick and fast, and by two o'clock Oakland was covered with snow to the depth of two inches.

Little children, and many of a larger growth, unmindful of the Sunday Law, found "rest and recreation" in the unusual pastime of snow-balling. To the children of California birth the storm was a novelty, few of them having ever seen snow before. To those who hailed from the East, the sight of green leaves and grass, geraniums, fuchsias, and calla lilies in a background of snow, made the storm still more of a novelty. That veracious individual, "the oldest inhabitant," was for once nonplussed. Twice before has snow fallen in San Francisco, 1856 and 1868, but not to compare with this occasion.

Toward evening the weather moderated, and rain began to fall; and to-day, Jan. 1, everything is as fresh as after an April shower. Only the snow on the distant hill-tops remains to remind us that we have had a touch of "Eastern weather."

Sickness of Bro. Rogers.

The many friends of Bro. Sanford Rogers, who have heard of the accident that lately befell him, are doubtless anxious to learn as to his welfare. He was hurt on Tuesday, Dec. 12, by the upsetting of a wagon on the mountain-side, at the Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, he being underneath the box, and dragged some six rods in that position. The following extract from a letter dated Dec. 29, from Dr. Chase, who is attending him, gives in few words the extent of his injuries, and his present condition:—

"His injuries were of a general character. Three bones of the right wrist, and the lower extremity of the ulna, were broken up, with severe fleshy lacerations. Several severe cuts and bruises on face and scalp—all healing. A great number of sprains, strains, and bruises on left arm, chest, abdomen, back, and both lower extremities; from these he is recovering. He sustained injuries within the cavities of the chest and abdomen, that are slowly disappearing. He is slowly, but I think surely, convalescing; is now able to sit up in bed, propped by pillows, long enough to eat his meals."

An Explanation.

By Editor

AT the General Conference we learned that the question had been raised, why the California Conference failed to give credentials to Eld. Loughborough, also that, by this failure on the part of that Conference, he had been left without credentials. An explanation is due, and we give it as follows:—

1. When his name was presented by the Committee on Credentials, we were informed that he received credentials from the General Conference.

2. We knew that he should have received credentials from the General Conference; it did not appear to us fitting that he should have to look to California for permission to labor in a foreign land under the direction of the General Conference.

3. Since our connection with the California Conference, we have tried to have the same order carried out which we carry out in the church. In the church of Oakland we have frequent examinations of the roll of membership; if any are delinquent or in trial, we have them visited; if any are so far fallen away that we cannot benefit them, we cut them off; if any have moved away, we promptly invite them to transfer their membership to some church nearer to their residence, if any such there be. Our object is to make our church roll represent, as nearly as possible, our actual working force.

And so in the Conference. We have opposed the practice, too prevalent in many places, of granting licenses where there was little or no prospect of their being used. And we have been working toward the point of granting credentials only to actual laborers within the bounds of the Conference. We have not been able yet to carry this out fully, but we are approaching to it. If this were carried out in all the Conferences, it could more easily be told what the working force of the Seventh-day Adventists is. In many cases the list of credentials and licenses badly misrepresents the standing of the Conference by which they are given. We invite the officers of all the Conferences to join us in the effort to work a reform in this respect. And if the California Conference hereafter declines to give credentials to ministers of other Conferences, they may understand that it is not b cause of want of respect to them.

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