He is a genial and cultured gentleman. There is not a sunnier face in the village, and I have never seen him ruffled in temper. One of New England's best colleges graduated him. Since his graduation, he has been engaged in a business that has kept him familiar with current literature and with questions of public interest.
At the railway station he has often passed me, and I noticed that he always carried his lighted cigar in his left hand, and as much out of view as conveniently he could, as, going to the smoking-car, he made his way through the throng on the narrow platform. I judge that his cigars are of the very best, for, in passing, the fragrance was very pleasant. I hold common strong tobacco in great abomination, but many persons, who, like myself, never use tobacco, have no dislike for the choicest kinds when burned in the open air.
One day I met my friend at the station without a cigar. I have no recollection of doing so before. We entered the car together, and I gladly made a place for him by my side. We talked of current events, and of matters personal to himself, but I am glad he did not know how offensive was the smell of old tobacco in his clothing and in his breath. I believe that I can successfully disguise the disgust I feel at such annoyances. Had he suspected the aversion I felt, he would have been troubled. He has the instincts of a gentleman. He knows that no man has a right to be, in such ways, an offense. I have reason to think that a great many persons who smoke choice brands of tobacco, and who are honestly told by ladies that the fragrance is agreeable to them, fail to know that old tobacco smoke is everywhere and always a nuisance.
A young gentleman made, not long ago, a business call on me in the evening. We concluded the matter in hand in a very few minutes, and he went away. The housekeeper came in soon afterward, and instantly threw open the windows to rid the house of the odor of old tobacco smoke. Would the young man have felt proud of having made such a purification necessary? He, probably, has never surmised that his presence in the drawing-room is offensive.
I had business at the money-order office. I waited my turn in line. There were some ladies waiting with the rest. The man in front of me continued smoking. A lady was before him. I ventured, at length, to suggest, in as mild a way as I could, that it was hard that ladies must be exposed to tobacco fumes or abandon the money-order office. His answer came, "This is a free country." As I made some additional remark, he courteously (?) replied that "if I did not like tobacco smoke I might stick my head the other way." Of course this character was of the coarser sort, but I fear there is something in the habit of tobacco-using that makes men forgetful of others and selfish in practice.—Nelson, in Congregationalist.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—The Church of England has an income and real estate which if realized would yield $1,000,000,000, says an advocate of disestablishment.
—The Shah of Persia has contributed $800 towards the erection of a new Presbyterian mission church in Hamadan, Persia.
—Bishop Coxe, of western New York, announces that the Diocesan Council has fixed $1,000 as the lowest salary which should be offered a minister.
—The constantly increasing Jewish population at Jerusalem is now said to be about 18,000, which is, perhaps, the largest number that has lived there since the city was destroyed by Titus in 70 A. D.
—One of our exchanges says 110 negroes were baptized in the Tennessee River at Knoxville in forty-seven minutes. We think that the sacredness of the rite must be sadly overlooked when an attempt at speed is made.
—A grocer at Keokuk, Iowa, who has a keen eye to business, in subscribing $1.00 to a church entertainment added after his signature, "the only place in Keokuk where you can get sixteen pounds of sugar for $1.00."
—There really seems to be a prospect of the union of the Greek and Roman Churches. The Roman Apostolic Delegate to Constantinople, and the Greek Bishop of Dakovar, both have lately written strongly in favor of it. And as, in behalf of the movement, the one calls for prayers to the Virgin Mary, and the other for prayers to St. Methodius, they will probably fetch it.
—There is to be a grand pilgrimage to the Grotto of Lourdes again this year. The pope has deigned "to open again the treasury of indulgences" in favor of it. But it is expected that each of the pilgrims will give "at least one penny for the construction of the Church of the Rosary, dedicated to our Lady of Lourdes," and a portion of these alms will be given "for the tomb of Pope Pius IX." What with Catholic pilgrimages, and Protestant fairs, festivals, mum socials, etc., the millennium will probably be brought about soon!
—Rev. E. O. Tade, of the Congregational Club of San Francisco, was to discuss this theme at the Club meeting last Monday: "The Source of Our Greatest Power Is the Source of Our Greatest Weakness." We should like to have heard it. We have a lurking curiosity to know how it could be made to appear that God is "the source of greatest weakness," or of any weakness at all; for he is undoubtedly the source of greatest power. Or does Mr. Tade propose to maintain that some other than God is the source of their greatest power? If so, then his proposition needs no argument.
Liquor-Selling at State Fairs
The extremely severe criticisms of the press, upon the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, have resulted in a very decided expression of opposition to liquor-selling at the State fairs. At the recent annual agricultural convention, held in Columbus, fifty-eight of the sixty-one counties represented voted that the time has arrived when the public sentiment of the State demands that the State and County Boards of Agriculture should exclude from their grounds all spirituous and malt liquors.
Tea and Coffee for Children
Don't allow children to drink tea or coffee; no, not even when it is two-thirds milk and water. If they crave something warm to drink, give them a cup of hot milk.
Pennyroyal for Destroying Vermin
PENNYROYAL, strewn under carpets and in the drawers of furniture infested with cockroaches and fleas, will destroy the vermin.
Obituary.
By Editor
YOUNG.—Sister Deborah Young was a native of New York, but lived in Washington Territory and California many years. She accepted the present truth and united with the Oakland church over a year ago. She resided in the city of Alameda. She died May 19, 1885, aged 67 years, 8 months, and 17 days.
The circumstances of her death were very painful. On Sunday, May 17, she was crossing the railroad tracks at the corner of Broadway and Seventh Streets, in this city. While watching one train a locomotive on the other track approached unperceived; she did not see it until it was within a few feet of her. She attempted to escape, but the engine struck her, throwing her onto the cow-catcher, which in turn threw her clear from the track. Her injuries were mostly internal; after lingering in much pain she died the second day after the accident.
It was a singular coincidence that the week before her death, while in her usual health, she gave minute directions concerning her funeral and all matters pertaining to her decease, no one conceiving that so very soon these directions would have to be carried out. Death had no terrors for her, for her faith was fixed upon the Life-giver, who will “come again” to receive his followers unto himself. She leaves four children—two sons and two daughters, who greatly mourn her loss. A large circle of brethren and sisters in the faith, and of other friends, mourn with them her sad departure. But we do not sorrow without hope. The funeral services took place in the S. D. A. meeting house in Oakland, where we presented the blessed hope to the mourning friends. EDITOR.
Appointments.
By John Norton Loughborough, William I. Goodwin,; T. L. Ragsdale
Upper Columbia Camp-Meeting.
THIS camp-meeting is to be held at Milton, Umatilla County, Oregon, commencing the evening of June 3, and ending on the morning of the 10th. All are invited to attend. Those wishing to do so, can rent tents at the same rate as last year. Let all such write to Wm. Goodwin, Milton, Oregon, so that the tents may be secured and pitched in good season. There will be no restaurant upon the camp-ground this year, but there will be a provision stand, from which fresh bread and other supplies can be obtained at the lowest possible rates. Ample provision will also be made for horses. Brethren and sisters, all come to the meeting, and bring your friends with you.
THE CONFERENCE.
The annual session of the U. C. Conference for the year 1885 will be held on the camp-ground at Milton, in connection with the camp-meeting, June 3-10. Let each church in this Conference immediately elect their delegates, furnishing them with credentials, and also with a report of its standing, losses, and additions during the Conference year. Let all the churches be reported, either by delegates or by letter. Let all letters, from churches or individuals, be directed to J. N. Loughborough, Milton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL.
The Sabbath-school Association of the U. C. Conference will hold its annual session for the year 1885 in connection with the camp-meeting at Milton, June 3-10.
THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The annual session of the U. C. Tract and Missionary Society for the year 1885 will be held in connection with the Milton camp-meeting, June 3-10.
REDUCTION OF RAILROAD FARE.
All parties coming by the Northern Pacific Railroad to the camp-meeting at Milton, Oregon, June 3-10, will pay full fare to Wallula Junction, and obtain, on the camp-ground, a certificate by which they will be entitled to return tickets from Wallula for one-fifth the regular fare.
NOTE.—We hope to get reduced return rates over O. R. and N. lines. The company has the matter under consideration, promising a report soon.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
WM. I. GOODWIN,
T. L. RAGSDALE,
Conference Committee.
Nebraska Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
For full particulars of the Nebraska camp-meeting see page 331. Nebraska is an important field, and this will be an important meeting. Favorable rates have been obtained of the railroads. Let the brethren all attend, bringing children and friends. Co-operation in the work insures success.
North Pacific Conference.
By Editor
BIBLICAL INSTITUTE.
A BIBLICAL institute, to be conducted by Elder E. J. Waggoner, will be held on the camp-ground, Portland, Or., commencing Sunday, June 14, and continuing till the 24th. Ministers, tract society officers, colporters, canvassers, and lay members, you cannot afford to lose this opportunity. Come as early as Friday, and have your tents pitched before the Sabbath. Come and learn how to work for the Master.
CAMP-MEETING.
Just west of Twenty-first Street, Portland, Or. This is in close connection with the terminus of the Washington and Third Street car lines, which with their branches, reach nearly all parts of the city.
Brethren, bring your neighbors and your children. Get ready now, and come in season.
CONFERENCE.
The next annual session of the North Pacific Conference will be held at Portland, Or., in connection with the camp-meeting June 24 to July 1.
Let each church elect delegates and furnish them with credentials, and a full report of the church. Will the elders assist the clerk in this matter. Appropriate blanks will be sent to each church clerk.
SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
The annual session of this association will be held on the camp-ground at Portland, Or., June 24 to July 1. Special instruction will be given to Sabbath-school officers. Appropriate essays will be expected.
TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The ninth annual session of the North Pacific T. and M. Society will be held on the camp-ground at Portland, Or., June 24 to July 1. Matters of vital interest will come before this society. We would be glad to see every lover of present truth at these meetings.
We hope to have all business connected with these societies finished up at an early date, that the last of our meetings may be devoted wholly to religious exercises. This will necessitate the presence of every delegate. Every one who loves, and is willing to assist in, the holy work committed to our trust, is particularly urged to be present at the very beginning of this annual convocation.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
The following brethren are appointed to act as a camp-meeting committee: Wm. Potter, John Cole, H. A. Baxter, Chas. Kline, and Z. T. Warren.
CHAS. L. BOYD,
J. E. GRAHAM,
J. C. HALL,
Conference Committee.
North Pacific Camp-Meeting.
By Charles L. Boyd
REDUCTION OF FARE, TENTS, ETC.
THE Oregon and California Railroad Co. on both East-side and West-side divisions, and the North Pacific Co., from Seattle to Portland, have kindly offered to return at one-fifth fare all those who pay full fare over their respective lines in coming to this meeting. N. B. Pay regular fare in coming; and receive certificate on camp-ground, which will secure ticket to return at one-fifth fare.
There will be a well furnished provision stand on the grounds, also a restaurant where a limited number can obtain meals.
Tents can be rented at $2.50 to $3.50, according to size. Those desiring to purchase can get an extra quality, 8 oz., Stark Duck, 10x12, four-feet wall, with factory-made poles and pins, at $18.50; the same in drilling at $15.25. These will be well made with a window in each end and pockets in each side. Smaller and larger sizes at prices to correspond.
Send your orders as soon as possible, to Elder Wm. Potter, East Portland, Or., Box 18, and you will find your tent pitched and ready to receive you on arrival.
C. L. BOYD, President.
Publishers' Department.
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.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
Michigan—Miss Hattie House, care Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
New England—Mrs. E. T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Repository, South Lancaster, Mass.
North Pacific—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon.
England—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng.
Norway—Eld. J. G. Matteson, Akersveren No. 2, Christiania, Norway.
Switzerland—Addie S. Bowen, Belchenstrasse 20, Bale, Suisse.
Hawaiian Islands—L. A. Scott, Honolulu, H. I.
Vol. IV.—Second Edition.
By Editor
WE have less than 500 of Vol. IV. of “The Great Controversy” now on hand. The first and second editions of this valuable work make a total of 10,000 copies sold in the past six months. We shall not republish this book again in its present size and style of binding. Retail price, $1.25. State tract societies and general agents who desire more of the present edition, for SIGNS premium or otherwise, will please send in their orders immediately. Address, Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., or Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Notice to Agents.
By Editor
ALL orders for the SIGNS should be written on the printed blanks provided for that purpose and called “order sheets.” These blanks will be furnished free upon application. Write only on one side of the paper.
All book orders, etc., should be sent on a separate slip of paper, as they go to different departments at the office. If the papers are not received regularly, or anything is wrong in the address, write to the State agent about it and not to the SIGNS Office, as the State secretary fills all short-term orders from the State club.
All order sheets should be numbered consecutively, commencing with the first of the year or quarter.
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.—Los Angeles church $15.50, Mrs Ruoff $9.05, Oakland church $50.95, W N King $7.25.
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—Mrs E R Kelsey $25, Mrs Ruoff $10.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.—Mrs Ruoff $10.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—L Good $1.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Kansas T and M Society $11, Tennessee T and M Society $45, Mrs C Ruoff $83.
SABBATH READINGS
By Editor
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 stories, the best of which are presented in these four volumes of 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 exclusively for the young, but are adapted for general home reading. All the members of the family circle will find something in them to entertain and instruct. They are just the thing for holiday or birthday gifts. Price per set, neatly put up in box, with premium, illustrated Lord's Prayer, or the “Bird's Eye View of the Holy Land, $2.50.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
By Editor
Comprising “Experience and Views” and “Spiritual Gifts, Volume One,” bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Religious Ranting.
By Editor
AMONG the papers deposited in our "distributers" in Oakland is one having a long article on the coming of Christ and the resurrection. Well, those are glorious themes, but how are they treated? They say that Christ is come. But Jesus himself said, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not." We shall not believe it, because we believe all that the Scriptures say, that when he comes the archangel's voice will be heard, the trump of God will sound, every eye shall see Christ, the tribes of the earth will mourn, the wicked will flee in dismay, the graves will be opened, the dead will arise, and the living saints will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. These things cannot be counterfeited. But they who believe not these things are under a terrible deception.
Now let us hear them on the resurrection. The first paragraph perverts the words of Christ as follows:—
"He that believeth in me is resurrected, and he that believeth in me is changed in the twinkling of an eye."
And the next paragraph opens thus:—
"But you say, Shall not the dead who died in their sins be raised also? Certainly. But not till by faith they lay hold of Christ at the resurrection."
Such perversions of Scriptures as this are shameful. But let us hear once more:—
"When God shall have prepared us, and when 'we know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death' (Phil. 3:10), then shall we attain the resurrection of the dead (v. 2), that is, we shall have power to call forth the dead, and by virtue of the God power in us, assist them to put on incorruption."
It is only because deplorable ignorance of the Bible prevails, that such abuses of the sacred word are tolerated. It is strange that in this land of Bibles and Bible light, people will believe that they are led by the Spirit of God, who so fearfully pervert the word of God. These writers profess to be superlatively holy,—led wholly by the Spirit. But Jesus prayed the Father that his people might be sanctified through the truth; and he said: "Thy word is truth." And he also said that the Spirit would guide them into the truth; into an understanding of the word of God. How, then, can people be guided by the Spirit of truth who continually pervert and abuse the plainest declarations of the word? It is because, in proclaiming their own holiness they have become "vainly puffed up by their fleshly mind." As the Methodist minister in Ohio said, theirs is a remarkable case of "humility on stilts."
Special Classes in Language.
By Editor
A CARD from Prof. G. H. Bell informs us that he is about to start two classes,—one in practical and theoretical grammar, and the other in composition and rhetoric,—to be taught by correspondence. This is becoming an acceptable method of teaching, because it is available to so large a number who cannot spare the time or have not the means to go to school. Professor Bell is known as one of the best and most accurate teachers of language in the land. His address is Battle Creek, Mich. We recommend our friends to avail themselves of this opportunity.
An Apology.
By Editor
It is not often that we have to make an apology, as we intend to be careful in our statements. Several weeks ago we wrote a short article—"Alcohol is King"—on the reported order refusing the W. C. T. U. the privilege of giving away water in the buildings of the New Orleans Exposition. We got our information from a paper considered always reliable, and which, we knew, had quite sufficient means of knowing whereof it spoke. Our article was put in type; yet fearing there might be some mistake we gave orders that it should not be used until we had opportunity to verify its statements. In our absence, at the meetings in Healdsburg and St. Helena, it was used contrary to our last order. We regretted it then, as we had not verified it; and much more now that the journal from which we took the statement comes out with a correction, saying it was misinformed. We have spoken only in high terms of the Exposition, and by no means would do it injustice.
Spiritualism—Inquiries.
By Editor
THE following letter comes to us, dated at a public office in Springfield, Ill.:—
"DEAR SIR: I inclose 20 cents, for which please send me a copy of 'Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism.' I wish the book for friends who have embraced the so-called philosophy. As for me, I have not yet thrown the Bible overboard; I cannot, therefore, say that I am a Spiritualist. I cannot, however, ignore the fact of some wonderful manifestations I have seen through mediums. During this time three questions have repeatedly presented themselves to my mind, namely: Cannot Spiritualism be consistent with the teachings of the Bible? If not, will not all this phenomena sooner or later be explained, with the aid of science, by the laws of nature? Or, if neither, whether there is not a veritable devil, and that it is he who is exercising this (deceiving) power on earth?
"Yours most truly, ————."
1. Spiritualism cannot be harmonized with the teachings of the Bible. It is not without reason that Spiritualists have tried to destroy the force of the truths of the Bible. They well know that there is an "irrepressible conflict" between it and their teachings.
2. The phenomena cannot be explained by science or on natural principles. Dr. Hare undertook to expose or to explain it, and it defeated him. Dr. Crooke, of England, was compelled to acknowledge his defeat. That there is a great deal of fraud practiced by professed mediums we have not a doubt; and this aids the deception by putting people off their guard. Many, like yourself, have witnessed "wonderful manifestations;" and we know there is a power in it which is not according to natural law, and which is beyond the ken of science.
3. The only possible explanation which will cover it in all its phases, is that given in the Bible: "They are the spirits of devils working miracles;" or properly, demons, for the term devil is only in the singular in the Scriptures. Satan, or the devil, is the leader of the fallen angels or demons. It is written that in the last days Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders." They who read the evidences presented in the pamphlet, "Modern Spiritualism," must deny the teachings and the practices of Spiritualists themselves, as well as the Bible, or confess that what we say is correct.
The Chicago University Sold
The Chicago University, a Baptist institution, of which the grounds were given by Stephen A. Douglas, was recently sold at auction to satisfy a mortgage of $321,000, to an insurance company.
Items of Interest
By Editor
THANKS to brethren LaRue and Scott for Honolulu papers.
SEE notice of appointment of Nebraska camp-meeting in this paper.
ARE you reading carefully the articles on Geology which are now being published in the SIGNS? If not, you are losing something worth having.
WE are making preparations to issue the Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate, early in June. Remember the notice in last week's SIGNS.
THE "Rural Health Retreat," at St. Helena, Cal., is now open—we trust to stay. Steps are being taken to give it a thorough advertising throughout the country.
NEXT week we intend, providence permitting, to resume our articles on "The Church." The general meetings lately held broke in upon our work so we were obliged to suspend some things.
LAST Sabbath we spoke in San Francisco. We have not had the opportunity before of meeting with that church since our return from the East. We were much pleased to see the increase of their numbers both in the Sabbath-school and in the congregation.
THERE is not that attention paid to the subject of church schools among our people which its importance demands. Do the officers of the churches ever speak of this to their charges? If not, why not? There are hundreds of children who need their advantages.
THERE is prospect that negotiations for peace between England and Russia will not prove successful. Gladstone is wise in seeking to avert war if possible, for, to all appearance, a war between these nations would be a terrible one. But it will come, even if it is delayed for the present.
THE well-known California lawyer, "Zack Montgomery," has been nominated by Attorney-General Garland for Assistant Attorney-General. But there is strong opposition, principally because of Montgomery's having published papers strongly opposed to the American system of common schools.
IT has been arranged to publish at this office, beginning in July, an 8-page monthly entitled "THE AMERICAN SENTINEL." This is in accordance with a resolution passed at our last General Conference, and with the action of the Stockholders of the Publishing Association at the recent meeting in Oakland. Particulars will be given next week.
Republication of the "Testimonies."
By Editor
THE work of preparing the "Testimonies for the Church" for republication in bound volumes, is fast progressing. There will be four volumes, leaded long primer, well bound, and soon issued from this Office in Oakland. It was decided to publish them here in order that the writer, who has spent months past in California, might be near for consultation in the work. Each volume will contain between 600 and 700 pages; price, each, $1.50, or $6.00 the set. Send in orders now; they will soon be filled.
Preparation for Camp-Meeting
By Ellen G. White
While preparing for the meeting, each individual should closely and critically examine his own heart before God. If there have been unpleasant feelings, discord, or strife in families, it should be one of the first acts of preparation to confess these faults one to another and pray with and for one another. Humble yourselves before God, and make an earnest effort to empty the soul-temple of all rubbish,—all envyings, all jealousies, all suspicions, all fault-findings. "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
The Lord speaks; enter into your closet, and in silence commune with your own heart; listen to the voice of truth and conscience. Nothing will give such clear views of self as secret prayer. He who seeth in secret and knoweth all things, will enlighten your understanding and answer your petitions. Plain, simple duties that must not be neglected will open before you. Make a covenant with God to yield yourselves and all your powers to his service. Do not carry this undone work to the camp-meeting. If it is not done at home your own soul will suffer, and others will be greatly injured by your coldness, your stupor, your spiritual lethargy.
Here is a work for families to engage in before coming up to our holy convocations. Let the preparation for eating and dressing be a secondary matter, but let deep heart-searching commence at home. Pray three times a day, and, like Jacob, be importunate. At home is the place to find Jesus; then take him with you to the meeting, and how precious will be the hours you spend there. But how can you expect to feel the presence of the Lord and see his power displayed, when the individual work of preparation for that time is neglected?
The same work of humiliation and heart-searching should also go on in the church, so that all differences and alienations among brethren may be laid aside before appearing before the Lord at these annual gatherings. Set about this work in earnest, and rest not until it is accomplished; for if you come up to the meeting with your doubts, your murmurings, your disputings, you bring evil angels into the camp, and carry darkness wherever you go. I have been shown that for want of this preparation these yearly meetings have accomplished but little.—
Attendance at Camp-Meetings
By Editor
Our camp-meetings are holy convocations, and the people should be willing to make some sacrifice to attend them. They should not consider attendance on these meetings in the light of pleasure or inclination merely. If through love of ease or love of the world they neglect this opportunity of gaining spiritual knowledge, they displease God; for they show that their hearts are attracted more by the things of this life than by those of the future, immortal life. What can be expected of those who profess the truth, and yet will not assemble with the people of God in their important gatherings, because they think their worldly interests require their attention? Is it not of greater importance to secure eternal riches and a life that measures with the life of God, than to gain a little more of this world's wealth?
Many of our brethren are becoming wedded to the world, and in their eyes the things of earth eclipse those that are spiritual and eternal. Suppose that in the place of these camp-meetings there should be held a general meeting to tell people where there was a mine of gold, where all who would endure many privations and hardships might become rich; how many would be held at home by their farms or their merchandise? Every one would find a way to attend the meeting. These yearly meetings are held at great expense. God sends his servants with a message to you, brethren and sisters, to tell you how you may obtain durable riches, the most glorious mansions, the most healthful climate, perfect peace, and immortal life. You may learn of the dangers that beset your path, and of the enemies you will have to meet, and how to overcome them.
Brethren, come at the commencement of the meeting, and bring your families with you. Lay your plans weeks beforehand, and even months if necessary. Leave every worldly interest and care at home as far as possible, that all may be free to enter heartily into the service of the Lord.—Signs Supplement, 1884.
The “Signs Supplement” and Its Mission.
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE question has naturally arisen in the minds of some, What is the object of the Signs Supplement, which is now regularly published? It is very proper that a word of explanation should be given upon this point, as well as to the reason why its publication commenced on the Pacific Coast.
The utility of the tract distributors has been seen this side of the Rocky Mountains more than in any other part of the country. Over one-half of the number used in the country are on the Pacific Coast, and two-thirds of these are used by the California Conference. More than sixty of these distributors are supplied daily. A careful estimate shows that if all the papers used were purchased at the club rates the cost for one year of those filled daily would be $4,320. On the remaining 100 distributors which are filled on an average of twice a week, the cost would be $2,400, making an aggregate cost yearly of $6,720. In view of this cost, the question naturally arose whether it could not in some way be lessened. The Signs Supplement, which costs less than one-half as much as the Signs, was designed to meet this demand. Its mission therefore is more particularly to those Conferences which are taking a special interest in placing the truth before the masses of people by the distributors in hotels, depots, public thoroughfares, and in such places where the people, while traveling, can get but a few moments to read. A very fitting place is found in post-offices, where the people can read while waiting for their mail. This distribution brings back no financial returns, and the question of cost is quite an item.
The Signs Supplement can never take the place of the Signs as a missionary paper, for it simply directs the reader to some one point of truth. It is designed to sow some seed by a brief argument, while people are traveling, or have a moment to wait in these places. For our general missionary work where there is a correspondence connected with it, there should be a variety of reading matter, both doctrinal and practical. The Signs is a family religious paper. We are not a one-idea people, and the impression we give the people should be the truth as it is. Nothing can take the place of such a periodical. The Signs Supplement should be used by our tract societies all over the country, for the work designed for it. It would accomplish as good a work in many instances as a sixteen-page paper filled with a variety of the choicest religious reading matter. The daily reports from the distributors in the cities where they are used, confirm their utility, and those engaged in the work feel that they cannot be abandoned. The importance of having a sixteen-page paper for general missionary work must be self-evident to all. But for public places where people take a paper and expect to read it through within half an hour, while waiting for the trains, steamboats, etc., there is nothing more fitting than a four-page sheet. The first page contains short notices which could not fail to interest the reader. The second and third will usually treat upon one subject, perhaps the matter contained in some tract; while upon the fourth page there will be a Bible reading upon the same subject; thus in different ways calling the attention of the reader to one point of truth. This also serves as an advertisement where they can procure more reading upon the same subject.
It was published in California because, first, our missionary paper was published here; and, secondly, there was a much larger number of distributors used here, and consequently the demand was greater. It started more as an experiment2for the purpose herein mentioned than to establish a permanent paper. It would therefore be expected that at the next General Conference the utility of such a sheet would be discussed. Those who use it for the purpose mentioned will be prepared to discuss its feasibility.
In those parts of the country where tract distributors are used largely, as in a few of the Western States and on the Pacific Coast, it is impossible to procure a sufficient number of old papers to keep them supplied. It is here where the necessity is felt for something of this kind. Tracts will not answer the purpose; they are too common. The public prefer a paper. When an interest in the truth has been awakened then a tract or book will be read with equal readiness; but to arouse the attention of the reader, a paper is much better than a tract. It is for this reason that the paper has been started here in California this present season. We do not urge it upon any of our societies, but for the purpose above mentioned it will fully meet the demand.
S. N. H.
The Importance of Business Meetings
By Editor
The business meetings held in connection with our annual gatherings do not receive the attention which their importance demands. We are sorry this is so; for through them our brethren and sisters might learn of the present standing of the cause, and of the plans laid for its advancement. Every one who loves the truth ought to be interested in these meetings, and to attend them when it is possible.
Our brethren and sisters should feel that these meetings are a school to them; to many, they are of greater importance than any other meetings held among us. Here persons of experience bear testimony in regard to the workings of the different institutions, and the manifestations of the providence of God in the various branches of the cause; and the Spirit of God bears witness to these statements that they are indeed true.
Our Camp-Meetings.
By Ellen G. White
[Short selections from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White, on the duties and privileges of those who attend these meetings.]
Our camp meetings are arranged and held at great expense. God's ministers who advocate unpopular truth labor excessively at these large gatherings to bear the message of mercy from a crucified Redeemer to poor fallen sinners. To neglect or treat these messages with indifference, is to slight the mercy of God and his voice of warning and entreaty.—Testimony No. 26.
Order on the Camp-Ground
On every camp-ground there should be well-matured plans for pitching the tents. Have them in order. The work of preparation should not be allowed to drag, so that it will take two or three days of the meeting to get the tents all pitched. The ministers, who labor in word and doctrine, are not the ones to drive the stakes, while young men stand looking on. They should be left free to give themselves to the study of the word and to prayer, that they may do noble work for God. The special directions which God gave to the Israelites when they lived in tents, should be often read. There was order in the arrangement of the tents, and most careful order in pitching the tabernacle. Men were assigned to particular duties, and any unfaithfulness caused confusion, and was severely punished. Each man was to do the duty assigned him promptly and without murmuring. By this the Lord designed to show that he is a God of order, and that he does not sanction any confusion in his work. He had what might be called a training-school in the wilderness, and his people need training now just as much as they did then; for the Lord is no less particular now than he was in the days of ancient Israel.—Review, 1884.