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Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 29.

General Articles
Earlier text: THE SEVENTH DAY OR A SEVENTH DAY

"FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT."

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23.
HARVEY JONES was an old man, very old and very feeble; his face was furrowed by lines of trouble and time; his locks whitened by age and care; his step halting and slow. A weary burden he had carried, weary because he had carried it alone—the burden of life.
It was a lonely room in which he sat, only a few half-burnt-out embers smouldered on the hearth. The chill wind of the ending day moaned amid the tossing branches of the leafless trees, as though it were sighing some sad dirge—and perhaps it was.
Gradually the shadows in the room deepened, till it grew quite dark, except for an occasional flash from the flickering, dying fire, a stray moonbeam or glint of starlight, that stole in through the uncurtained window, as the tree branches swayed to and fro. But Harvey Jones noticed not the growing darkness, neither did he heed the wind, the starlight, nor the moonbeams, for as he sat amid the gathering nightshades, he was living again in the days of his youth. And as memories of the bygone crept over him, something else came too,—sleep, sleep, that is sometimes voiceful, for
"Dreams are true while they last; And do we not live in dreams?"
In his dream, that lonely old man thought he heard a quick, lightsome step, while the silence in the dreary room seemed broken by the voice of a child, a golden-haired, rosy-cheeked, blue-eyed child, who clasped warm arms of love about him. A child who placed on the empty table by his side a worn basket, laden with fruits—mixed fruits—some stunted and green, some dry and withered, and some, alas, defaced by marks of decay. And then, in his sleep, old Harvey Jones thought the child nestled her curly head down upon his shoulder, while softly she seemed to ask,
"Tell me the story of the basket of fruits; why are they so mixed? Tell me, why are there no beautiful ripe fruits among them?" And Harvey's sleep grew heavier, his dream more life-like, as he seemed lifting the fruits from the laden basket one by one, till the table was strewn; and looking on them as they lay outspread before him, wearily he sighed, while in the room another voice seemed to sound, a stern voice saying, "Yes, tell the story of the fruits, the fruits so mixed!"
As the voice ceased, the fire flashed and flickered like some angry thing, and then it went out. But the moonbeams and the light from the stars, they still shone in and lingered like caresses about the laden table. And, with the star-glints and the moonbeams falling on them, the fruits seemed suddenly in some mystical way transformed into symbol-forms, forms that seemed to assume the significance of spiritual fruits, undeveloped during the years of that old man's life, and the years that stretched so far backward, and with the symbol-forms, voices too seemed to come to the fruits.
"For see," said one, "in your youth-time, O old man, down from my heavenly home I came to blossom and ripen in the garden of your heart. I, Love, Love that renders sweet charities, tender ministries to the needy and the suffering, but,—and the voice of Love was like a groan,—"you did not tend me, and now I am withered and dry, all unfit to be garnered by the Lord of the heavenly home."
"And I," sighed another, "I, Joy, came, but troubles came too, and you never looked to the One who alone can keep joy alive in heart-gardens, the One who all the time, if you had but listened, has been whispering, 'In me, you may know how to be sorrowful yet rejoicing,' and now I am all unfit to be gathered by the Master's hand."
"And I," called still another, "I, Peace, gentle Peace, came, but there sounded a noise of strife and you forgot, you to whose care the ripening and tending of the 'fruits of the Spirit' were intrusted, forgot the promise, 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' and now it is too late, too late for me to ripen."
"Too late for us to ripen too," sighed Long-suffering and Gentleness (that sweet fruit that falls with refreshment on weary hearts, as dew falls on midsummer flowers); we are all withered in your unwatered garden."
Again, in his sleep, old Harvey sighed a sigh, bitter as a groan, as aloud he murmured, "Is there not one ripe fruit for the Lord's harvest, not one—"
And, like a chorus of many voices, his words seemed to mingle with the utterances of the symbol-forms, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance, as together they wept, calling, "Too late, too late, we cannot ripen now; and we were such fair, young, hopeful blossoms, when first we came to you."
And as their murmur ceased, once again the old man moaned, "I meant, oh I meant, to tend them so carefully, my heart-fruits—but—but—"
And then in the lonely room, the harsh voice sounded, saying, "O man, there is no time for buts, in the tending of life's fruits. Are these all you have to offer the Lord of heart-gardens, these half-ripened, stunted, withered fruits, are they your only record?"
And a hand seemed to sweep away the fruits from the table, seemed to lift the basket, now so light, so empty, "for not one fruit," the harsh voice continued, "is fit to offer up there."
And the sleep of the old man became more restless and broken, as he murmured, "Why, ah why, are they thus, the fruit-blossoms that came with my youth, why, ah why, have I neglected them so?"
Then another voice seemed to sound, gentle and tender, tender as a mother's, saying, "Why? because you forgot, old Harvey, the secret that comes with every blossom the Spirit sends into human hearts, telling how, and only how, men may bring the blossoms to perfected fruit;" and softly the voice whispered, "'Watch and pray'—for Christ said, 'As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.'"
Then all was still in the room, very still. It was midnight; the moon had set; it was dark, except for the star-glints; and Harvey Jones slept on, slept till the stars grew dim before the rising sun. But with the first sunbeams he stirred, while a smile played across his face where tears had been in the night; for he seemed to hear once again the child's voice; seemed to feel once more the warm pressure of her arms about him, while in his slumber he seemed to see the child's hand pointing towards the table where no longer the battered, ill-used basket stood, but where he beheld a basket, new and fresh, laden with buds and blossoms, and old Harvey thought those blossoms sang, "Tend us, tend us prayerfully, remembering the secret of our growth is that you 'watch and pray,' and though you are an old man, almost done with life here, we will ripen for you; yes, ripen for you, we the 'fruits of the Spirit.'"
Looking on the opening buds, old Harvey felt as though he were a youth again; a youth glad that in the night-time there had come for him, white-winged and silently, a time in which, spite the sad record of his past, he might hope to behold again flowers, foliage and ripened fruits; for "I herald," whispered the child's voice, "though I came in the darkness, mid wind and cold, the coming of another summer." And then the sunbeams, they were so bright, old Harvey Jones awoke, awoke to a new life, just as we, if we will look up to Christ, and will remember to "watch and pray," may know, whether we be old or young, and whatever the record of our past be, a new life—a life in which we may have flowers and summer, sunshine and fruits; have them through Christ's love, even though the fallen leaves, the withered flowers of the past thickly strew our heart's garden, that place where ripen the "fruits of the Spirit."—Christian Weekly.

The Home Circle.

TOO MUCH OF A LADY.

WHEN Eve in the garden was plucking the rose And enjoying the Eden walks shady, I wonder if ever she turned up her nose, And sighed: I'm too much of a lady! Too much of a lady, dear Adam, to work— A helpmeet was made to be petted; You keep things in order—I really must shirk, Though the fact, dear, is deeply regretted.
To-day she has daughters whose delicate hands Are wholly unfitted for labor; It almost fatigues them to flutter their fans When they languidly call on a neighbor; Their mission on earth is to gossip and dress, And live upon life's sweetest honey, And they haven't a bother or trouble unless Their masculine bank fails in money.
It isn't the loveliest, to be sure, To dabble in cooking and dishes, But never a home was kept tidy or pure By dainty æsthetical wishes. I'm free to confess there is something in life More attractive than putting a stitch in, And many a weary industrious wife Isn't deeply in love with the kitchen.
But duty is duty, and dirt always dirt, And only the lazy deny it; Crocheting is nicer than making a shirt, But man never yet was clothed by it. To sit in a parlor in indolent ease, Till one grows all fragile and fady, Or flounce through the street silly gazers to please Is being too much of a lady.
Too much of a lady to darn up her hose, Or govern her house with acumen; Too much of a lady wherever she goes To ever be much of a woman! The muscles that God made are useless to her, Except to be wrapped up in satin, And as for an intellect—she would prefer A bonnet to mastering Latin.
Too much of a lady to own a grand heart And be a true daughter or mother; Too much of a lady to bear the brave part That ne'er can be borne by another. By fashion of birth, quite too fine for this earth, When it comes to the Judgment's great pay-day, Though the Lord may delight in the lilies in white, Will he smile on "too much of a lady"?

SHORT RULES FOR HOME USE.

PUT self last.
When others are suffering, drop a word of sympathy.
Tell of your own faults rather than those of others.
A place for everything and everything in its place.
Hide your own little troubles, but watch to help others in theirs.
Take hold of the knob and shut every door behind you without slamming it.
Never interrupt any conversation, but wait patiently your turn to speak.
Look for a beauty in everything and take a cheerful view of every event.
Carefully keep the mud and snow from your boots before entering the house.
If from any cause you feel irritable, try the harder to do little pleasant things.
Do not keep your good manners for company, but be equally polite at home and abroad.
When pained by an unkind word or act, ask ourselves, "Have I not done as badly and desired forgiveness?"

VALUE OF A KISS.

IN prison at New Bedford, Mass., there now is a man whom we shall call Jim, and who is a prisoner on a life-sentence. Up to last spring he was regarded as a desperate, dangerous man, ready for rebellion at any hour. He planned a general outbreak, and was "given away" by one of the conspirators. He plotted a general mutiny or rebellion, and was again betrayed. He then kept his own counsel, and, while never refusing to obey orders, he obeyed them like a man who only needed backing to make him refuse to. One day in June a party of strangers came to the institution. One was an old gentleman, the others ladies, and two of the ladies had small children. The guide took one of the children on his arm, and the other walked until the party began climbing up the stairs. Jim was working near by, sulky and morose as ever, when the guide said to him:—
"Jim, won't you help this little girl up the stairs?"
The convict hesitated, a scowl on his face, and the little girl held out her hands to him and said:—
"If you will I guess I'll kiss you."
His scowl vanished in an instant, and he lifted the child as tenderly as a father. Half way up the stairs she kissed him. At the head of the stairs she said:—
"Now you've got to kiss me, too."
He blushed like a woman, looked at her innocent face, and then kissed her on the cheek, and before the man reached the foot of the stairs he had tears in his eyes. Ever since that day he has been a changed man, and no one in the place gives less trouble. Maybe, in his far away Western home he has a little Katie of his own. None know, for he never reveals his inner life; but the change so quickly wrought by a child shows that he may forsake his evil way.

ITEMS OF NEWS.

  • The heat has been intense at Rome.
  • There have been disastrous storms in New England of late.
  • The political condition of Mexico is reported to be serious.
  • A fatal case of yellow fever is reported from New Orleans.
  • Negotiations between Rome and Berlin are virtually broken off.
  • The Egyptian obelisk has arrived in New York, and will soon be erected in Central Park.
  • Oakland, Cal., has notably fine streets, on which the city has spent over $1,000,000 for macadamizing.
  • An explosion of powder in the artillery works at Kooisk, South Russia, killed eighteen and wounded twelve.
  • More war in South Africa. The Basutos are in open rebellion. Loyal natives are attacked in all directions.
  • The City Hotel, in Flint, Mich., was burned July 19. Some of the inmates barely escaped. Loss nearly $100,000.
  • The Chinese Ambassador, whose arrival at St. Petersburg has been long delayed, has been refused a reception by the Czar.
  • A fire in New York, July 19, on First avenue, between 29th and 30th streets, destroyed property valued at from $300,000 to $400,000.
  • An earthquake of considerable violence was felt on the morning of the 20th inst. at Manchester, and other places in New Hampshire.
  • Surveyors of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad were driven back to Fort Hall by the Sioux, who object to the track crossing their Reservation.
  • According to present indications the census will show that the Chinese population of California is considerably less than has been generally estimated.
  • Novikoff, Russian Ambassador, has called the serious attention of the Porte to the Albanian attack on Montenegro, and warned the Turks against its repetition.
  • The Czar has the unusual step of writing a letter to Admiral Lessorski, expressing the hope that he will have occasion to distinguish himself at the head of the Pacific fleet.
  • A very severe storm of hail and rain fell Sunday, July 18, destroying the crops to a great extent in the western part of Franklin township, Ontario. Hail fell to a depth of seven inches.
  • Cardinal Nina, Papal Secretary of State, has resigned. It is thought negotiations for the renewal of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Belgium will shortly be opened.
  • Arica, Peru, was taken by the Chilians, and the city was ruthlessly sacked. It is said that there is not a single house left in a complete condition. The excuse of the officers is that they could not control their men.
  • A granite monument, 40 tons in weight, was shipped from Hallowell, Maine, for Oakland, via Cape Horn. It cost more to bring it from San Francisco and set it up, than it did to bring it from Hallowell to San Francisco.
  • A Madrid report says a recent earthquake in Manila was very disastrous, as well as in the island of Lazoa. The inhabitants of Manila were panic-stricken. The authorities are doing all in their power to alleviate the distress.
  • A storm July 20 was very severe in Nescopeck township, on the lower edge of Luzerne county, Pa. A brick church was demolished, two barns blown down, crops destroyed, roads blocked, and railroad trains stopped for hours.
  • The mineral lands of Santa Eulalia, State of Chihuahua, has been invaded by American capitalists, who intend to spend $1,000,000 in developing some of the rich mines of that district. Employment will be given to from 1500 to 2000 persons.
  • Barnas Sears, D. D., LL.D., died at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., July 6, aged 78 years. Dr. Sears was an eminent Baptist minister, author, and college president. He succeeded Horace Mann as Secretary and Executive Agent of Massachusetts Board of Education, and filled other important positions.
  • An excursion train from Toledo to Indianapolis, on the Wabash railroad, jumped the track near Knox's Siding, Ohio, July 19. Five coaches were thrown from the track by a broken rail. Edward Stuart, of Noblesville, Ind., was killed. The private secretary of Gov. English and others were seriously or fatally injured.
  • A serious disaster occurred in the Hudson River Tunnel which is being constructed from Jersey City to New York. On the morning of the 21st the caisson leading to the entrance caved in, carrying with it an immense quantity of earth. Twenty-eight men were inside, seven of whom were rescued; twenty-one were lost.
  • A violent wind, hail, and thunder storm swept through Monroe county, Mich., on Sunday afternoon, July 18, cutting a swath seven miles long and half a mile to a mile wide, taking trees, buildings, crops, etc., clean. Vineyards are very plentiful in this section, and they were most severely injured, many being completely ruined.
  • Last week's crop reports contain the following: "Great Britain was visited by disastrous storms of destructive lightning and torrents of rain during the past week. There was some loss of life, and whole towns and districts are reported submerged. The damage to the agricultural interests is very serious, and the running of trains on some railroads was suspended by the floods."
  • A Berlin correspondent, discussing the Emperor William's sanction of the Church bill, says: "It may be said that already the Catholics are beginning to recognize the sincere desire of the Government for peace. All reports from Silesia, the Rhine provinces and Westphalia, announce that the people are very well satisfied with the measures of the Government, for they hope soon again to have Divine service in the churches. The leaders of the Center party have therefore been obliged to cease their attempts to agitate the party and suspend their attacks."
  • The accumulation of coined silver in the Treasury and sub-Treasuries of the United States is so great that it is already very hard to find proper storage room for it. The vaults of the Government now contain $70,000,000 in silver coin, of which $45,500,000 are in dollars, and the remainder in smaller pieces. The Government also has on hand $5,000,000 worth of silver bullion. This amount of coin takes up a great deal of room. The bulk of the load is carried in San Francisco and New York. Notice has been received from San Francisco that the over-crowded vaults will hold no more.

DEAF TO AN ALARM.

Not many years ago, a student in Princeton Seminary, desiring to arise early in the morning, bought an alarm clock. For a few days it worked well. But one morning, after being aroused by its alarm, he turned over and went to sleep again. On subsequent mornings the clock failed to awake him. He placed it under the head of his bed in close proximity to his ear. There it awoke him till the next time he disobeyed its summons; ever afterwards it was a failure. He slept through its call with perfect regularity.
Yet, on the other hand, many a mother wakes on the faintest voice of her child, and many a watcher on the slightest movement of the patient. They have trained themselves to heed such calls.
In like manner the conscience may be deadened or trained. Let the Christian disregard its voice, and soon it will become unable to arouse him at all. Let him carefully heed its faintest remonstrance, and it will become to him a most valuable mentor. Take good care of your conscience; it is a most delicate apparatus.—Christian Observer

TWO GOOD HANDS.

WHEN I was a boy, I once became especially interested in the subject of inheritances. I was particularly anxious to know what my father's inheritance was, so one day, after thinking about the matter a good while very seriously, I ventured to ask him, and this was his reply: "My inheritance? I will tell you what it was: two good hands and an honest purpose to make the best use in my power of my hands and of the time God gave me." Though it is now many years since, I can remember distinctly the tones of my father's voice as he spoke, with both of his hands uplifted to give emphasis to his words.
Many a boy does not receive a large inheritance of money or lands; but every one has a pair of good hands, which are better than thousands of money. And the good purpose to make the best use of them is in every boy's power. Remember the wise injunction, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."—Life and Light.

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STANDARD WORKS,

Published and for sale at this Office, and by "Review and Herald," Battle Creek, Mich.
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week for the period of 6,000 years. By Eld. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.00
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Dan. 8:14. By Elder U. Smith. This work explains the past Advent movement, and makes plain the present position of those who wait for the Lord. 352 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Elder U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 384 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Revelation. By Elder U. Smith. This book presents every verse in the book of Revelation with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. 352 pp. $1.00
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. This book gives interesting sketches of the Christian life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. $1.00
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, relating his experience of twenty-five years on ship-board, with incidents of his rise from cabin-boy to master and owner. The closing chapters relate to his labors in the ministry and in the cause of temperance and other moral reforms. Fine tint paper, 352 pp. $1.00
Life Sketches of Elder James and Mrs. E. G. White. The early lives and Christian experiences of both are given in this volume. Their subsequent history is so connected with the cause, that this book gives an outline of the rise and progress of our people and our cause. $1.00 With fine steel portraits of both. $1.25
Thrilling Incidents in the political Life of Francesco Urgos, while a soldier with Garibaldi, including his perilous escape from the tyrants of Rome, and his subsequent travels in Africa and Syria. 328 pp. $1.00
The Biblical Institute. This work contains a synopsis of the lectures given at the Battle Creek College by Elder U. Smith, and at Biblical Institutes. 352 pp. $1.00
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the great questions of the condition of man in death, and his destiny beyond the resurrection. 356 pp. $1.00
The Spirit of Prophecy: or, the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. Each, 400 pp. $1.00 Vol. I. Old Testament Facts to Christ. $1.00 Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ. $1.00 Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of his Apostles. $1.00 Vol. IV. (In preparation.) $1.00
The Constitutional Amendment: A discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 384 pp. $1.00
Spiritual Songs. A book of hymns and tunes. 537 hymns, 147 tunes, 416 pp. $1.00 Morocco, gilt. $1.50
The Song Anchor. A popular collection of songs for the Sabbath-school and praise service. 164 pp. 35 cts. Bound in muslin. 50 cts.
The Bible from Heaven. By Elder D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but in deed and in truth the work of God. 300 pp. 80 cts.
The Soul and the Resurrection, showing the Harmony of Science and the Bible on the Nature of the Soul and the Doctrine of the Resurrection. By J. H. Kellogg, M. D. 75 cts.
The United States in the Light of Prophecy: or, an exposition of Rev. 13 : 11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Dealing with our own land and applying to our time. Of surpassing interest to every American reader. 200 pp. 40 cts.
Thoughts on Baptism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. The subject viewed in the light of the Bible and History. 186 pp. Bound in flexible cloth. 35 cts. Paper covers. 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath ; or false theories exposed. A poem, by Elder U. Smith. 60 pp. 30 cts. Glazed paper covers. 15 cts.
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DAY OF FASTING IN OAKLAND.

SABBATH, July 24, was generally observed by our brethren and sisters according to suggestions in the SIGNS of July 15.
Those who attended meeting in Oakland found it a profitable season. The writer spoke in the forenoon, and Sr. White in the afternoon. The house was well filled, and the Spirit of God accompanied the word spoken to the hearts of his people in an unusual manner.
At the close of the afternoon meeting, an opportunity was given for those realizing that they had no real connection with God to make it manifest by separating themselves from the congregation and coming forward. A large part of the congregation arose to their feet and came forward. Opportunity being given, many expressed themselves convinced that they needed a new conversion, and some said they were satisfied that they never were fully converted. Earnest prayer was offered, and tears flowed freely. Some who had felt that there was no hope for them testified to the blessing of God.
On first-day morning, when the office hands met for prayer before entering upon the labor of the week, a spirit of confession rested on some, and resolutions were expressed to live different lives then in the past. We hope the good work commenced will be carried forward until a permanent reform is manifest in the office and church, so that God's servants can say, as did the apostle of the Phillippians, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of thee." S. N. HASKELL.

CHICO, CAL.

CLOSED our meetings in this place July 19. Ten more have covenanted to join themselves unto the Lord to keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus. Seven were baptized on the 14th. Organized a V. M. society of sixteen members, with Bro. Geo. De Forest, president, and Sr. Cornelia Powers, secretary. A club of 40 SIGNS is taken for weekly distribution. The T. and M. society has now a membership of twenty-five. They have adopted the plan of acting as agents for the State society in the sale of our bound books and pamphlets; and nearly all have pledged the "one-third" for a tract fund for the society.
We have spent much time while here in laboring for the older members, to build them up, strengthen and establish them in the faith and work of the Lord. Our labor has not been in vain, and although it has not met with that general response which it should, those who have improved their opportunity express themselves much strengthened, and manifest a disposition to connect with God, consecrate themselves to his service, and by his grace bring precious sheaves with them into the kingdom of God. There are those in Chico who are, I believe, honestly investigating to know the truth. These will be furnished reading matter and labored with by the missionary workers, and if they labor carefully, with gentleness, long-suffering, and patience, imitating in their lives and labors the divine Pattern, some will doubtless be brought into the truth.
Sister White was with us near the closing up of our meetings, during the district quarterly meeting, and spoke three evenings to good audiences besides bearing plain testimonies for our people at the business sessions. Her help was timely, and I believe much good will come from it. A good impression has been left upon the minds of the people who came out to hear, and the influence of the truth is extending.
We will now pitch the tent in Brooklyn, or East Oakland, and begin a series of meetings. Pray that God may be with us to accomplish his will.
Oakland, Cal., July 27, 1880. J. D. RICE.

EASTWARD BOUND.

ON Monday last, Mrs. E. G. White and Mrs. L. M. Hall left Oakland for the East. Sister White, in response to very urgent requests, goes to attend the Eastern camp-meetings. Sister Hall, who has for four years been a faithful and untiring assistant in the editorial work of the SIGNS, now takes a few months' vacation to visit her parents in New York State.

CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.

LAST year at Healdsburg it was voted to hold the next camp-meeting at that place. But the propriety of this under the present circumstances has been discussed. Some have thought it better to hold the meeting near a larger place, where thousands instead of hundreds would come within the sound of the third angel's message, if such a place could be found.
Again, the exact time when it should be held has been considered. We are anxious that the coming camp-meeting in California be as successful as any ever held in this State. We think it should be held over two Sabbaths, as the brethren have expressed a strong desire for instructions to be given in missionary and Sabbath-school work, also the temperance work will be taken up. This cannot be successfully done in so short a time as is usually devoted to a camp-meeting.
We hope to hear from our brethren immediately as to what exact time would suit them best. Direct your communications to the SIGNS Office. We expect the largest gathering of our brethren that has ever been in the State. Come at the commencement to remain until the close. Let all our friends of the cause commence now to make preparations to attend, also to get out your friends and neighbors.

A WORD IN SEASON.

THE remarks of Eld. Haskell in this number of the SIGNS on the cause in California I would commend to the careful attention of the friends of the cause in this State. No particular mention has been made of the prosperity of the work on this coast this season. We have greatly lacked in ministerial labor, and this lack has been seriously felt in our churches, and, indeed, in all parts of the field. But, notwithstanding this, there has been a steady increase in the Conference funds over last year, as well as a number embracing the truth. This commends the management of the present year, and it also gives assurance for the future, when, it is hoped, more labor may be bestowed. It shows that the cause has good, trusting friends in this State. The article on Temperance also the report of the missionary work of last quarter contain much encouragement.
There has been a large increase of denominational printing done in the Oakland office this year, and calculations are made to increase it still more largely. Some much-needed improvements have been made which greatly increase the facilities, and which will prepare the way, it is hoped, for a school, which will doubtless be called for by our people.
This is the cause and work of God, and there is an unselfish devotion to its interests on the part of those in whose hands the providence of God has placed it on this coast, which I have great confidence, will bring the blessing of God on their efforts. "Our Father's at the helm."
J. H. WAGGONER.
Woodland, July 25.

EXACT SCIENCE.

THE reader cannot fail to be interested in reading the article in this paper entitled, "Is Evolution Science?" It is not too long for its kind, for it is an article of no small value. It is quite well known that the New York Independent has espoused the cause of the evolutionists. Expressions in that paper called out this article from President Gregory. His view of authorities is worthy of careful consideration. It is too frequently the case that a tyro or mere stripling in science is looked up to as authority. It is owing to the assurance of this class, and the unfortunate habit of regarding science as the basis of true theology, that the Bible is placed so low in modern schools. Such papers as this of Dr. Gregory will do much to enlighten the popular mind on this important subject. J. H. W.

MEETINGS IN WOODLAND.

SABBATH and first-day, July 24, 25, I was in Woodland. I was in feeble health, and the change to the intense heat of that place was trying to me. I was told that the thermometer stood at 107, and I believed it.
I preached five times, and enjoyed much freedom in speaking, except the last time, when my strength failed. All seemed encouraged by the meetings. After an absence of over four years it was a real pleasure to me to meet with that church again, and it would have added to my pleasure to have accepted their invitation to remain some days and visit with them. But in my state of prostration, and the high temperature there, that was impossible.
I am confirmed in my conviction that I cannot succeed in trying to preach in this climate. I have taken no time to rest and recuperate since my sickness of last winter, and I find myself at this time again broken down. J. H. WAGGONER.

REVIEW OF DR. BENSON'S SUNDAY BOOK.

WE are in receipt of requests for this review in pamphlet form. Anticipating this want we published an extra quantity of the seven papers containing the review. These we have stitched together and can furnish by mail or otherwise as desired. Price 20 cents.
W. C. WHITE.
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