p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 5, No. 2. (1/9/1879)

Earlier text: The Question of Population

Alcohol—What Is It?

The chemist describes alcohol as a liquid technically known as hydrated oxide of ethyl, containing two atoms of carbon, six of hydrogen, and one of oxygen. It is colorless when pure, and very inflammable, burning with a pale blue flame. It belongs to the same class of chemical compounds with naptha, turpentine, benzine, fusel oil, kerosene, and burning fluid. It is seldom found pure, usually containing from five to fifty per cent of water, besides various impurities, chief among which is fusel oil, another variety of alcohol.

ORIGIN OF ALCOHOL.

The Creator never made alcohol. No plant upon the face of the earth produces it. No bubbling spring affords it. It is one of the products of vegetable decomposition and decay. The process of making it is termed fermentation. Thus, the fermentation of wine and beer, the working of cider, and the "raising" of bread are familiar illustrations of the production of alcohol.

Wine is made by fermenting the juice of grapes or raisins. By means of distillation the alcohol may be separated from the wine, and is then known as brandy.

Beer is made from barley and hops. The barley is first steeped for some hours at a moderate heat, and is then allowed to germinate. After germination has been in progress for a few days, the starch contained in the grain is converted into sugar, which is then fermented with hops and yeast, by which the sugar is converted into alcohol. The dark colored liquor resulting from the process is made up of water, alcohol, and various impurities, together with a poisonous substance called lupulin, derived from the hops.

Whisky is made by the fermentation of any kind of grain, potatoes, turnips, or any other vegetable containing starch.

Rum is made by fermenting cheap molasses.

Cider is the fermented juice of the apple. It contains alcohol as soon as it has become in any degree "hard."

In Tartary, an alcoholic drink called koumiss is made by fermenting milk.

A kind of wine is made in many tropical countries from the fermented juice of the palm tree.

Honey wine, a fermented solution of honey, is used in Abyssinia.

Each country has its peculiar intoxicating beverages, which are all alike in the one particular of containing alcohol.

WHAT IS FERMENTATION?

Fermentation is one of the stages of vegetable decomposition. It is the putrification or death of the vegetable product undergoing the change. Alcohol is produced as a result of decay. The process is excited and maintained by certain microscopic plants or animals, the germs of which are always present in the air ready to develop into active life when favorable conditions of warmth and moisture are supplied. Through the action of these minute bodies, sugar or starch is decomposed into alcohol, carbonic acid, and water.

The following table shows the proportion of alcohol found in various drinks:—

Per cent.	Per cent.
Small beer...1 to 3	Whisky,...........40
Cider,.............5	Brandy,...........50
Wine,...........7 to 20	Proof spirits,......50
Ale,............10 to 20	Rum,..............58

Nearly all liquors contain other poisons, to which some of their deleterious properties are attributable. Thus, beer and ale often contain tobacco, coculus indicus, and green vitriol. Immense quantities of wine are made artificially, by diluting alcohol, and flavoring and coloring it in such a way as to deceive the most expert.

COMPOSITION OF BITTERS.

Besides the large class of alcoholic liquors which are distinctly recognized as such, there is another class of compounds of which alcohol is the chief constituent, but which are commonly sold under the alluring titles of bitters, tonics, restoratives, etc. Some of them even claim to be free from alcohol while containing it in notable quantities. The following table shows the amount of alcohol in some of these filthy mixtures:—

Per cent. Richardson's Bitters,...........................59 Hostetter's Stomach Bitters......................43 Plantation Bitters,.............................30 Puritan Bitters,................................25 Quaker Bitters,.................................23 Temperance Bitters(!)............................17 Vinegar Bitters,................................7½ Pierce's Bitters,...............................6⅛

The foregoing table was prepared from the official report of the State assayer of Rhode Island. The chief point of difference between these various alcoholic compounds is in the different proportions of alcohol which they contain.

It will be observed that one of the "bitters" noticed above, Richardson's, contains more alcohol than the strongest rum. "Temperance Bitters" is more than one-sixth alcohol; and "Vinegar Bitters," the manufacturers of which publish a temperance almanac to advertise, and claim that it is absolutely free from alcohol, contains more alcohol than small beer, hard cider, or light wine. These bitters, with scores of others, have an immense sale, thousands making habitual use of them who profess to be total abstainers. Several of them are kept on the counters of the bar-keeper as regularly as "Holland Gin," "Jamaica Rum," or "Old Rye."

"Isn't it Worse for a Man?"

By Youth's Temperance Banner

A gentleman who had recently given up the use of tobacco, says it is through the influence of his little son; and we give his history as he gave it to us:—

"I never chewed very much, but did enjoy my cigar. I prided myself on my fine Havanas, and might have been seen most any morning with a cigar in my mouth, walking down Broadway in a most comfortable frame of mind. My little son, about six years of age, was always glad to walk down with me as far as his school, and I liked to have his company. His bright face and extended hand were always welcome; and he bounded along beside me, chatting as such dear little fellows only can. The city has in it many dirty, uncared for boys, whose chief delight seems to be to pick up pieces of discarded cigars and broken pipes, and, with their hands in their pockets, puff away in a very inelegant manner. One morning it seemed as if little Edgar and I met a great many of the juvenile smokers. I became disgusted and pointed them out to Edgar as awful warnings of youthful delinquency, talked quite largely, and said the city authorities ought to interfere and break it up. A little voice, soft and musical, came up to me as I gave an extra puff to my superb Havana. A bright little face was upturned and the words, 'Isn't it worse for a man, father?' came to my ears. I looked down on the little fellow at my side. His eyes filled and the color mounted on his boyish cheek as if he had said something bold and unfitting. 'Do you think it worse for a man, Edgar?' I asked. 'Please, father, boys would not want to chew and smoke if they did not see men do it!' Here was the answer. I threw away my cigar, and have never used tobacco in any form since.—Youth's Temperance Banner."

Religious News and Notes.

By Editor

—Sankey has been lately singing in Switzerland.

—Bishop Gilbert Haven advocates “The Union of all America.”

—“A ministerial tramp” is the title lately applied to a “traveling evangelist.”

—The First Presbyterian Church in Quincy, Ill., just completed at a cost of $60,000 was burned on the second instant.

—It is reported that Dr. Cumming of London now preaches to small congregations instead of crowded houses as formerly.

—If people go to sleep in church it has become a question whether the sexton should wake up the sleepers or the preacher.

—Bishop Simpson is giving this winter’s course of lectures on the work of the ministry before the theological class in Yale college.

—Much interest is manifested in Bishop Simpson’s Yale lectures on the ministry. They are considered the ablest which have been delivered in the “Lyman Beecher course.”

—Joshua V. Himes, now of Nebraska, is 73 years of age. It is reported that he has lately been “confirmed” by the Episcopal bishop of Nebraska, and is a candidate for the ministry.

—The Pacific Churchman says the English church did not come out of the Romish, but “the church of Rome in England left the church of England A. D. 1570.” This settles the question of the “primacy” and “succession.”

—Dr. Leonard Bacon recommends Appleton’s Cyclopedia because it gives a view of Catholicism as presented by Catholics themselves. We should much prefer to see it as presented by the most reliable history.

—An English correspondent says that Mr. Spurgeon is a great beer drinker, and is in the habit of taking something stronger. His expression that he “smoked cigars to the glory of God,” makes us fear the above report is true.

—A correspondent of the London Tablet, who is a priest, says the published list of converts to Rome would lead to the belief that only the upper classes are going over, which is not true. The common people are going to the Romish church in great numbers.

—The Episcopal Register thinks that a large part of the clergy who have united with the Reformed Episcopal church are dissatisfied with their new relation. Rev. Mr. Newman and Rev. J. D. Cowan have withdrawn from it. But they will never be satisfied with the old body with its “ritualism.”

—The pastor of the First Congregational church in Berkely, in his New Year’s sermon, said, “He would not attempt any proof of immortality, because there was none. He could not see any in the volume of nature. The transitions of the chrysalis to the butterfly did not teach it. Outside of the testimony of Jesus Christ, there was hardly a hint of eternal life.”

—“Rev. Frederick Bell,” who delighted New York and Brooklyn audiences as a “singing evangelist,” tried it at Nottingham, England, where he prosecuted certain parties for damaging his character. On hearing the case, and partly on Mr. Bell’s sworn statement, the judges decided that he had no character which could be damaged.

—A Mr. Taylor has written a book, which is receiving some commendation, in which he tries to show that there is some mistake in the common view of the flood, either in time or the event, as he thinks the present barbarism must date farther back than four or five thousand years. Mr. Taylor, and his admirers, might profitably consider the present condition of those places which were seats of learning in the days of our Saviour.

—The committee on Fellowship, Ordination, and Discipline of the Universalist Convention, reprimanded “Rev. Charles P. McCarthy,” who was subsequently expelled by the Convention. Judge Barrett, of the Supreme Court of New York issued a mandamus commanding its restoration. This must be gratifying to the Christian Statesman, as it comes so nearly to its idea of “the good time coming.”

—Dr. Friedrich Delitzsch, in an article on some Babylonian terms, speaks of some Assyrian official titles, and has “an ingenious explanation of a passage in which Sargon says that the number of his name was 4 sar, 3 ner, 1 soss, and 20 cubits,” or 17,200. An indication that in that land and in ages past it was not unusual to identify a man by “the number of his name.”

—An article in the Independent affirms that “Missionaries find that, except Mohamedans, the Jews are the hardest people to convert to Christianity.” This is attributed to their knowledge of the fact that their religion was demonstrated to be true, and every religion having any just claim to be true is founded upon it; therefore it is not strange that they cling to it tenaciously. And yet they are actually losing faith in it. No people can always retain an active faith in a religion the facts and experiences of which are all of ages long past.

—The California Christian Advocate touches the Young Men’s Christian Association in this manner: “In some instances the Young Men’s Christian Association arrogates to itself all the rights and authority of a church, holding regular services, administering the ordinances, and conducting revival meetings. There are always evangelists of a certain kind who are eager to engage in such meetings, relishing them all the more that there is no pastor or officer of the church to exercise any supervision over them.”

Secular News.

By Editor

—The finding of rich gold deposits in East Tennessee is attracting much attention.

—Caleb Cushing of Massachusetts, died Jan. 3, aged 78 years. He has held many important public positions.

—The Supreme Court of the United States has affirmed the constitutionality of the anti-polygamy laws.

—A man on his way to Rawlins, Wyoming, to be tried for murder, was lynched at Carbon, January 5.

—The men who burned two men in Nebraska have been arrested, are in Kearney awaiting trial.

—The thermometer showed 6° at Mobile the morning of January 6. A snow storm on the 4th lasted all day.

—Ex-Chief-Justice McKean of Utah died the 5th at Salt Lake city, aged 57. He was the Judge who imprisoned Brigham Young.

—A colored justice in Virginia has sentenced a wealthy white man to be whipped for larceny. The machine does not seem to work as it was intended.

—In four days from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, six inches of rain fell in San Buenaventura, Cal. Both mail and telegraphic communication were suspended by the storm.

—The oil well of the Los Angeles Company, in the Sespe district, from a depth of 1500 feet is spouting oil to a hight of fifteen feet, and in such quantities as to be uncontrolled.

—A 38-ton gun burst Jan. 2, during practice on the British man-of-war Thunderer. The vessel's turret was destroyed, seven men were killed, and forty wounded.

—Several parties in Calistoga who employ Chinamen have been warned that the Mongolians must go. If they are suffered to remain the torch is threatened.

—Gen. Kauffman of the Russian army says England has gained but little in territory in the Afghan war, and has met with reverses which have been concealed by the papers.

—Distress is on the increase in England. Many thousands are supported by relief funds, and thousands more are in danger of starvation; 6,500 in Manchester alone.

—Up to the 2d ult., there had been suppressed under the Anti-Socialist law in the larger German States 153 clubs, and forty periodicals and 135 other publications had been blacklisted.

—The immense establishment of Wanamaker in Philadelphia is lighted with the electric light. The Times says his gas bill has amounted to $200 each Saturday night; electric light bill, $10,60. No wonder gas stock is depreciating.

—A heavy locomotive exploded Jan. 2, about two miles from Summit, on the Central Pacific railroad. The engineer was killed instantly; others fatally or seriously injured. The explosion was terrific, spreading ruin all around.

—Upwards of 150 failures in Glasgow and the west of Scotland are directly or indirectly traceable to the stoppage of the City of Glasgow Bank. The total liabilities of the Scotch firms who have been dragged down are $125,000,000.

—On the day of resumption the treasurer in New York city paid out $125,000 in gold, and took in $500,000. The gold brokers closed their shops in disappointment. The people did not want to carry specie when notes were just as good as specie.

—Denis Kearney recently said in a meeting in San Francisco, "When a man is elected to office in the Workingmen's party, his independence ceased." A pitiable condition for American citizens. Denis, however, remains supremely independent.

—The following letter has been received by School Director Sullivan, one of the special committe in San Francisco, to investigate the frauds in teachers' certificates: "So far I have not been molested, but if I am I shall certainly inform on your sisters, who passed a fraudulent examination, and I can prove it."

—Captain Howard, of the Pacific Mail Steamship Georgia, which was wrecked September 29, 1878, on her way from Panama to San Francisco, has been suspended for two years; the United States Inspectors deciding from testimony, that he did not navigate the vessel with proper care.

—Kentucky legalizes lotteries, and has one conducted by her own State officials, for the benefit of her State Library. Five drawings have taken place, from which $6,250,000 have realized, of which sum the library received $424,396 32. Five and three quarter millions gobbled by the managers. Shame for Kentucky.

—We are credibly informed that a gentleman whose ranch extends into a canyon on the west side of Napa Valley, four miles south of St. Helena, put up fifteen tons of ice on the last day of December. Had he commenced a day earlier, or had the rain held off a day, he might have secured fifty tons. This is probably the first ice crop of Napa Valley.

—The New Year's of 1879 was a cold one. Reports Jan. 2 give the thermometer below zero, as follows:—Omaha, nineteen; Yankton, D. T., twenty-five; St. Paul, Minn., thirty; Springfield, Ill., twenty; Chicago, twenty-three; Cleveland seven. At New York it fell twenty-five degrees from five o'clock to twelve; Louisville, navigation suspended. Reports from Watertown, Oswego, and Buffalo, say that roads were blocked and trains suspended, and in some places abandoned.

The Two Glasses.

THERE sat two glasses filled to the brim, On a rich man's table, rim to rim, One was ruddy and red as blood, And one was clear as the crystal flood.

Said the glass of wine to the paler brother : "Let us tell the tales of the past to each other; I can tell of banquet and revel and mirth, And the proudest and grandest souls on earth Fell under my touch as though struck by blight, Where I was king, for I ruled in might. From the heads of kings I have torn the crown, From the hight of fame I have hurled men down, I have blasted many an honored name, I have taken virtue and given shame; I have tempted the youth with a sip, a taste, That has made his future a barren waste. Far greater than any king am I, Or than any arm beneath the sky. I have made the arm of the driver fail, And sent the train from the iron rail; I have made good ships go down at sea, And the shrieks of the lost were sweet to me; For they said, 'Behold how great you be! Fame, strength, wealth, genius before you fall, And your might and power are over all.' Ho! ho! pale brother," laughed the wine, "Can you boast of deeds as great as mine?"

Said the glass of water, "I cannot boast Of a king dethroned or a murdered host; But I can tell of a heart once sad, By my crystal drops made light and glad; Of thirsts I've quenched and brows I've laved; Of hands I've cooled, of souls I've saved; I have leaped through the valleys, dashed down the mountain, Flowed in the river, and played in the fountain, Slept in the sunshine and dropped from the sky, And everywhere gladdened the landscape and eye, I have eased the hot forehead of fever and pain; I have made the parched meadows grow fertile with grain; I can tell of the powerful wheel of the mill, That ground out the flour and turned at my will; I can tell of manhood debased by you, That I have lifted and crowned anew. I cheer, I help, I strengthen and aid; I gladden the heart of man and maid; I set the chained wine-captive free, And all are better for knowing me."

These are the tales they told each other, The glass of wine and its paler brother, As they sat together filled to the brim, On the rich man's table, rim to rim.

Defective Religion.

By Editor

A Baptist paper says,—"I know not what is the cause. It may be the teaching of the past. But I do know that there is a pretty general conviction that our highest object here is to have a good time, and hurry on to heaven to meet our kinsfolk." To which a Methodist paper says,—"Who will deny this when he remembers the 'ditties' so common and so dear to our revival singing?"

The truth is apparent to all thoughtful and reverent people that the popular "revival" system, composed of "ditties" and anecdotes and appeals to the feelings, while "the weightier matters of the law" are neglected, is radically defective. We wish that all who see this, would labor for a reform. The most popular revivalist is the one who can work the people up to the highest state of excitement in the shortest time. If people would wait a year and judge by the fruit, they would soon reject this style of revivalism as unscriptural and unprofitable.

The Prophetic Conference.

By R. F. Cottrell

The conference recently held in New York on the second coming of Christ was attended by ministers of various denominations, and from various parts of the United States, more than a hundred being present; and the resolutions embodying their views on the subject were passed unanimously. Holding to the supreme authority of the scriptures, and believing that the prophecies concerning the second coming will be fulfilled in the same literal manner as were those concerning the first advent, they were agreed that the Bible does not teach that the world will be converted and the millennium ensue before the coming of Christ; but that his coming is imminent, and may be looked for at any moment, though the day and the hour are reserved to God alone, and therefore unknown. It was held that this view of the subject was consistent with the most intense missionary efforts, so that believers will not be induced to wait in idleness, but to work with zeal till the end come.

It is cheering to see that some of the religious press indorse the sentiments of the conference, though some oppose. The New York Weekly Witness indorsed fully the doctrine of the pre-millennial advent as held by the conference, saying of the conference that it “was the event of the season, and one that will leave a permanent impression.”

We are glad that this subject is being agitated. It will tend to remove prejudice from many minds, and prepare them to hear what the Scriptures do teach on this all-important subject; but we do not flatter ourselves with the idea that all that acknowledge that which was set forth by the conference will embrace all the truth which God has revealed concerning the coming of this glorious event and the neccessary preparation for it. But the way is opening for the last message to be proclaimed, as set forth in prophecy, “with a loud voice.” See Rev 14:9.

Though we, Seventh-day Adventists, are in harmony with the conference, or rather, they are in harmony with us, in almost all which they set forth, yet there is one point which they have yet to learn. They speak of the coming of Christ as an impending event which may occur at any moment. Now “that day cannot come,” till every prophetic event which is to precede his coming shall be fulfilled. This is self-evident. Paul did not believe that the day of Christ might come at any moment. He told his brethren not to be deceived into the expectation that the day of Christ was at hand; that it would not come “except there come a falling away first.” See 2 Thess, 2:1-4. There were prophecies in the book of Daniel which must be fulfilled in this dispensation, before the second advent could take place. So now there is a preparatory work to be done before the coming of that day. The world will be faithfully warned concerning the “great day of his wrath,” before it actually comes. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7. God has promised a solemn warning to be given when that day “is nigh at hand.” Joel 2:1. He warned the people in the days of Noah of the coming flood, and he has promised always to do in like manner. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah,” and, “as it was in the days of Lot,” “Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Those had a special warning, so will these have.

This special warning is described in Rev 14:6-12. Have the warning messages been announced to the world? If not, we may expect them first, before that day shall come. If they have been announced and are now doing their work of warning and testing the people, where are they, if not with those who believe they are proclaiming the third and last of these warning all over the world? R. F. COTTRELL.

Business Department.

By Editor

"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently). Jer. 48:10.

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Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Throes—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists—Milton on the State of the Dead—The Rejected Ordinance. Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Argument on Sabbaton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The Second Message of Rev. 14. Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being With Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day—First Message of Rev. 14. One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day Do You Keep, and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We Know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—The Christian Sabbath—Why Not Found Out Before?—100 Bible Facts upon the Sabbath. Address THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND CAL.

Retrenchment.

By Editor

SINCE the time of our arrival in Oakland there has been a cutting down of wages in the office of the SIGNS, as far as seemed possible, considering the number employed who have no special interest in our cause. There have been heavy outlays in this establishment during the past year, and debts of considerable sums are yet standing against it. We desire to take such steps, and practice such economy, that all will have confidence in the management of this important publishing house. The foundry has lately received an order for type, which is assurance that it will soon be on a paying footing.

Christmas Trees.

By Editor

THE amount raised in San Francisco on Christmas eve was one hundred dollars. In Oakland it was a splendid success. Amount raised, in money, $800. Other property, valued at about $250. Over $1,000 in all.

Sixty-three dollars are reported from Woodland. Besides these we have heard of no considerable sums.

The exercises in San Francisco and Oakland were of the most unexceptionable character. Prayer, singing, and brief addresses. All conducted with agreeable cheerfulness, without lightness. The church of Oakland are very grateful, and much encouraged.

New Year's Fast Day.

By Editor

THE season of fasting and prayer was quite generally observed in Oakland by the church. We regretted that any were absent. After the usual devotional exercises, we spoke briefly on Scripture examples, Scripture injunctions, and the use and object of fasting. After this there was a season of prayer.

In the afternoon business meeting all present, with only one exception, signed the tithing pledge. Twelve dollars were received on donations to the Dime Tabernacle. Some remarks of interest were made by different persons on the subject of tithing. It is calculated that this scriptural plan, faithfully carried out, will be a great help to the cause of truth.

Napa Quarterly Meeting.

The Napa church having no elder, it was thought best that we attend their quarterly meeting. It was a most excellent season. The word took effect as spoken. Difficulties under which they have long time labored had been removed by previous action, so we found the church well united.

An election was held, and Brother John Custer was unanimously elected Elder, and ordained to the office. Brother Wm. G. Myers was elected Clerk.

Brother M. G. Kellogg remained there to fill an appointment for Sunday evening, as business would not permit our remaining. The church is very much encouraged, and we hope its labors and graces and blessings may all be increased.

Oakland

A good quarterly meeting is reported in this church. Five united with the church. On Sabbath afternoon Elder Israel came over from San Francisco, and baptized three. The church is united on the tithing system.

Sensible China.

THE Chinese are generally supposed to be so conservative and attached to existing customs that a reform is out of the question with them. The recent famine has caused an examination into the resources of the country, and having decided that the use of opium is an unnecessary waste, and detrimental to the health and prosperity of the people, the Empire has prohibited the cultivation of the poppy. Now, if the United States would take a lesson in wisdom from this heathen nation, and prohibit the cultivation of tobacco and the distillation of whiskey, the great questions of finance and hard times would regulate themselves without any quarrels of Congress or “sand lot” vagaries concerning “capital and labor.”

Appointments.

By Editor

ELD. WAGGONER will meet with the church in San Francisco next Sabbath, the 11th, and in Oakland Sunday evening, the 12th.

Providence permitting, I will meet with the company of Adventists at Vacaville, Solano Co., Sabbath, January 11th, 1879, and will probably hold several meetings with them. We hope to see a good attendance of our brethren. W. M. HEALEY.

State Quarterly Meeting.

The California State Quarterly Meeting will be held in Oakland, January 18 and 19, 1879. The business meeting will be held in the evening after the Sabbath. All the directors are requested to be present, and as many of the members as can do so. E. R. GILLETT, Vice Pres. of T. and M. S.

OAKLAND—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 10:30 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:15 o'clock Sabbath morning.

SAN FRANCISCO—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A.M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad cross Laguna street near the church.

District Quarterly Meetings.

The district quarterly meetings of the eight districts of California will be held simultaneously January 11 and 12, as follows:—

No. 1, at Santa Rosa. No. 2, at Fairview. No. 3, at St. Helena. No. 4, at San Pasqual. No. 5, at Woodland. No. 6, at Red Bluff. No. 7, at Oakland. No. 8, at San Francisco.

At these district meetings there should be a full report from every church in each district.