Earlier text: The Work in AustraliaAN industrious young shoe-maker fell into the habit of spending much time at a saloon near by. One by one his customers began to desert him. When his wife remonstrated with him for so neglecting his work for the saloon, he would carelessly reply: "Oh, I've just been down a little while playing pool." His little two-year-old caught the refrain, and would often ask: "Is you goin' down to play fool, papa?" Smith tried in vain to correct this word. The child persisted in his own pronunciation, and day by day he accosted his father with, "Has you been playin' fool?" This made a deep impression on the shoe-maker, as he realized that the question was being answered in the falling off of his customers and the growing wants of the household. He resolved again and again to quit the pool table, but weakly allowed the passion of play to hold him a long time. Finally he found himself out of work, out of money, and out of flour. Sitting on his bench one afternoon, idle and despondent, he was heard to exclaim: "No work again to-day; what I'm to do I don't know." "Why, papa," prattled the baby, "can't you run down and play fool some more?" "Oh, hush! you poor child," groaned his father, shame-stricken. "That's just the trouble, papa has played fool too much already." But he never played it again, and to-day his home is comfortable and happy once more.—Temperance Review. It has long been known that among the evil results of the excessive use of tobacco is the tendency to what is known as amblyopia, which is an impairment of the usual sight. It is substantially an atrophy of the optic nerve. Tobacco injuriously affects every organ of the human body. It irritates the nerves, impairs the eyesight, as well as befouls the person who uses it.—Sel. —A San Francisco minister is credited with saying in a recent sermon that that is the most wicked city on the face of the earth. —Boston Baptists have decided to have nothing to do with the meetings of Sam Jones and Sam Small, to begin in that city in January. —John Morley, in a letter to the London Times, puts himself on record as being in favor of the disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales. —Says the Catholic Mirror: "The American is rejoicing over the fact that many Baptist ministers do not believe the Bible inspired. It is a singular thing to be pleased at. Most skeptics even regret the loss of faith." —The Congregationalist remarks that "the increasing spirit of unity between the different denominations had a novel illustration the other day in an Iowa town, where the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, led by their respective pastors played a match game of ball with each other." That this indicates a spirit of unity is evident, but is it not a union of "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"? —Professor Woodrow, who was recently removed from his professorship in Columbia (S. C.) Theological Seminary, has appealed to the General Assembly, "before which body," says the Christian at Work, "it is to be hoped this much vexed question will be settled like a pot of good coffee." That, we suppose, is but another way of wishing that it may appear well on the surface while the bottom is full of useless dregs. —In speaking of some of the natural features of the Holy Land and of certain meteorological conditions common there, the Christian at Work says: "The Jordan Valley is peculiarly the amphitheater of whirlwinds, some of them mighty, one of which was the natural agent by which Elijah went up into heaven?" Now will some one please account for the natural agency of the "chariot of fire, and horses of fire"? —Forest fires are doing immense damage in South Carolina. —Light earthquake shocks still continue in the vicinity of Charleston, S. C. —Rich and extensive gold fields have recently been discovered in South Australia. —Seventy-eight tramps in a single group were seen near San Bernardino, Cal., recently. —A powder explosion in a store near Pittsburg, Pa., a few days since fatally injured three persons. —Of the 40,000 persons who died of cholera in Japan during the past summer, only six were foreigners. —A scheme is on foot to convert the Seine into a canal in order to make Paris a seaport. The work is to cost $200,000,000. —The prosecution of polygamous Mormons still continues in Utah. Arrests are made almost daily, and convictions are frequent. —Henry George, late labor candidate for mayor of New York, is about to start a weekly paper in that city. George is a Socialist. —The cave-in of a mine near Pittston, Pa., the other day wrecked three dwelling-houses. The inmates barely escaped with their lives. —Advices from Hano, the capital of Tonquin, state that pirates at Hankai have recently massacred two interpreters and twelve soldiers. —A schooner with a crew of five men was wrecked the other day on Lake Ontario. The captain was drowned and two of the men were frozen to death. —Public Opinion, San Francisco, is authority for the statement that the street-car lines of that city take in $60,000 every Sunday, one-half of which is profit. —A strike at Seattle, W. T., a few days since was the occasion of calling out the militia. It is asserted that there was no reason to apprehend any serious difficulty. —An attempt to assassinate one of the witnesses in the Chicago Anarchist cases was made one night last week. This witness’s testimony implicated Spies and Schwab. —Dr. Blair, of Yale College, New Haven, was knocked insensible and nearly killed one day last week, by the explosion of an ostrich egg which he was handling. —The official report of the directors of the Knox County, Ohio, Infirmary, shows that the average cost per day for each of 450 paupers for the year was seven and one-half cents. —Lieutenant Pearcy, who has been on an expedition to Greenland, has satisfied himself that that country can be crossed from west to east by future expeditions to the North Pole. —November 27, a huge wave fell upon the deck of the steamship Western Land, seven days out from Antwerp, crushing in the deck, killing six men, and seriously injuring thirteen others. The disaster was not met with in a storm. Merely a good, strong breeze was blowing from the southwest with a chopping sea, the vessel was speeding sixteen knots an hour, and the day was clear. —In manufactures the United States stands at the head of all nations. In 1880 they exceeded those of Great Britain by a value of $650,000,000. From 1870 to 1880 the increase was $1,050,000,000. —Coal of a superior quality has been found at a depth of 501 feet at Omaha, and the vein is thought to underlie the whole county. This is the first discovery of coal in paying quantities in Nebraska. —The wages paid coal miners in the Mahoning Valley, Pa., are only fifty-five cents per ton, and a strike is threatened. The operators admit that the price is low but claim that they cannot afford to pay more. —A few days ago, while a Radical meeting was being held at Paris, the platform was stormed by a party of Anarchists and a fierce conflict ensued, in which many were injured. The police finally succeeded in clearing the hall. —It is stated that though in New South Wales, Australia, the rabbit pest has been greatly diminished by vigorous Government action, large tracts of land yet remain closed to settlement on account of the depredations of the animals. —The Spanish Cortez has unanimously voted an extra credit of $45,000,000, to improve the navy, the principal part to be devoted to the purchase of torpedo boats and cruisers. The money is to be raised by the sale of State or other Government lands. —The New York World of December 5, printed a six-column article on "Cannibalism in Hayti." It is asserted that while the Government is anxious to suppress the terrible practice, it is almost helpless in the face of the very general Voodoo worship. —It is now positively stated that Archbishop Walsh of England has decided to support Parnell in his movement for the settlement of the rent question in Ireland, and all the priests there, from this time forth, will be agents and advocates of the National League. —Not long since a young man, while hunting in North Park, Col., attempted to set a bear trap and both his hands were caught and held fast. After a week of indescribable agony he thought to release himself by gnawing through his wrists. He bled to death after he had gnawed off one hand. —The Dutch, who for several years have been carrying on a war for conquest against the kingdom of Acheen, in Sumatra, have recently met with severe reverses and are now obliged to act strictly on the defensive. The population of Acheen, which was once a powerful State, is only about 450,000. —A man who died recently in Berlin left, by will, a reward of $1.00 for every policeman reporting a case of cruelty to animals. "As men have no hearts," he wrote in his will, "I leave my money to the brutes." And he did, enriching the Berlin Society for the Protection of Animals by nearly $100,000. —It is said that General Buller, who went to Ireland to see that the laws were rigidly enforced in behalf of landlords, has been converted to a belief in the justness of the Irish peasants’ demand to be relieved from oppression, and, what is more, that he has frankly told his convictions to Lord Salisbury’s royal commissioners. —The British Resident at Aden, in behalf of the Bombay Government, has annexed the important island of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean, and hoisted the British flag thereon. The area of the island is estimated at 1,000 square miles and the population is from 4,000 to 5,000, mostly Arabs, negroes, and descendants of Portuguese. —A recent London dispatch says: "The Tories are alarmed at the critical state of affairs in Ireland and the extraordinary growth of popular organization against unfair rents. Their press with one voice is calling on the ministry to avoid coercion and drop further prosecutions and other repressive measures for the sake of keeping the country quiet." Obituary.
By Andrew Brorsen
NICOLSEN.—Died in San Francisco, November 24, 1886, of diphtheria, only and adopted son of Christian and Lise Nicolsen, aged 1 year, 6 months, and 17 days. They had taken him while an infant with the intention of bringing him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, but it seems that Providence had decided it to be otherwise; however, they are comforted with the blessed hope that he will have a part in the first resurrection. Funeral took place on November 26; prayer was offered at the grave by the writer. ANDREW BRORSEN. To Tract and Missionary Workers.
By Editor
WITH the December issue of the Sentinel many thousand subscriptions expire and we desire the hearty co-operation of the Tract Societies, colporters, and canvassers in securing the renewal of these subscriptions. Terms: single copy, per year, post-paid, 50 cents; or with "Marvel of Nations," to either old or new subscribers, one year, $1.25. Write to the Secretary of your Tract Society or to the State Agent for American Sentinel circulars, terms to agents, etc. In order to increase the circulation of the Sentinel, the Publishers make the following liberal offer for 1887, when taken in clubs:— 5 to 9 copies, 1 year, each 40c.; 6 months, 20c.; 3 months, 15c.
10 or more, " " 30c.; " " 15c.; " " 10c.
100 or more, " " 25c.; " " 15c.; " " 10c.
All papers in a club should go to one name and address. The work is important. The end is fast approaching, and to us is committed the work of warning the world. The more actively we work, the sooner will the end come; but if we fail to work, that will not greatly delay the work, for others will fill our places, and the loss will be ours. We do not ask you to do less for any other paper than you are doing; nothing would please us more than to hear that you are doubling your efforts for our other periodicals. But we do ask you to assist in giving the Sentinel the widest possible circulation, convinced that in so doing you will be sharing a part in the loud cry of the Third Angel's Message. Do not think that "the time is not come," and that by and by we will throw ourselves and our means into this work. Now is the time to press the work. Let us take hold for strong, united action, and soon the victory will be gained. Hoping that our work upon the paper may meet with your approval in the future even more than in the past, and that both our and your efforts may meet the approval of God, we remain, Yours for the truth, PUBLISHERS AMERICAN SENTINEL.
1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal. Publishers' Department.
By Editor
Notice.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below. California Conference Fund.—Mrs M Richey $1, Mrs Sheckler $7.25, A C Walden $5, Norwalk $17, Petaluma $65.30, Healdsburg $9.80. Stock in Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association.—Mrs M C McElhaney $50. South African Mission.—Mrs J C Wysong $5. Australian Mission.—Mrs J M Aldrich $5. European Mission.—Mrs J M Aldrich $5. Received on Account.—Vermont T & M Soc'y $100. California T. and M. Society.—Mrs Mary E Young $5, Mrs Eliza Hamilton $10, Mrs E Bryant $5. California City Missions.—R A Morton $10, Alvie Burgess $3. "Great Controversy," Volume 4.
By Editor
NEW SUBSCRIPTION EDITION.
THE Pacific Press has just issued a new edition of this popular book, printed on larger and finer paper, and bound in four styles of binding, as follows:—
Fine English Cloth, Red Edges......$2 00
Library, Marble Edges...........2 75
One-half Morocco, Gilt Edges.......3 50
Full Morocco, Gilt Edges...........4 50 This style will be called the subscription edition, to distinguish it from the popular edition of which so many copies have been sold. It is not intended that this shall take the place of the popular edition, but is gotten out in response to a call from some of our agents for a book that will command a little higher price. New designs have been made for the cover, the illustrations have all been printed separate from the text, on very fine paper, so as to secure the best results, and no pains has been spared to make a nice looking, substantial book. We are pleased with the result. Sample copies will be sent post-paid, on receipt of retail price. The usual discounts in quantities. This is the thirty-fifth thousand that has been issued, and another edition of five thousand must be printed as soon as the paper can reach us. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. Our Books in Foreign Countries.
By Editor
ANY book, pamphlet, tract, or periodical advertised in the SIGNS or American Sentinel can be obtained by addressing either of the following:—Bible Echo, North Fitzroy, Victoria; Edward Hare, Auckland, N. Z.; N. F. Burgess, Honolulu, H. I.; B. Robb, Victoria, B. C.; M. L. Cushing, South Stukely, P. Q.; The Present Truth, Great Grimsby, Eng.; John I. Tay, Papeete, Tahiti; Thomas E. Amsterdam, New Amsterdam, S. A. ACTIVE AGENTS WANTED
By Editor
—IN—
Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Washington,
Oregon, Nevada, California, and the
Islands of the Pacific, —FOR—
# FAST-SELLING SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS, —SUCH AS—
## THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
Between Christ and Satan During the Christian Dispensation,
ILLUSTRATED BY 21 FULL-PAGE CUTS,
Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation
Man's Nature and Destiny,
The Marvel of Nations,
Plain Facts for Old and Young,
Man, the Masterpiece,
Home Hand Book,
In the Heart of the Sierras,
The Yo Semite Valley, the Big Tree Groves, Etc., Illustrated,
Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper,
Parsons' Hand Book,
Sunshine at Home,
AND OTHER FAST-SELLING BOOKS. Liberal Commissions Paid. Exclusive Territory Given.
SEND STAMP FOR DESCRIPTIVE CIRCULARS,
TERMS TO AGENTS, ETC.
Address PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE,
TWELFTH AND CASTRO STS., OAKLAND, CAL. OUR COUNTRY:
By Uriah Smith
ITS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE,
AND WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY OF IT. BY URIAH SMITH,
Author of "Smith's Parliamentary Rules" and Other Popular Works. THIS is a new and popular work on a subject of the deepest interest to all American Citizens. It takes a brief but comprehensive view of our Government from a Historical, Political, and Religious Standpoint.
It also shows that the United States is a subject of prophecy, that an outline of its history was written nearly two thousand years ago. It calls the attention of the reader to Of which our Government is an important link, and shows that the location, the time of its rise, the nature of its constitution, and its wonderful growth and subsequent influence, as well as its future attitude, were all clearly foreseen and pointed out by the Prophet of God, hundreds of years ago. Other great nations of the world are subjects of prophecy, and Why not our own? MODERN SPIRITUALISM, AND NATIONAL REFORM, Are prominent among the topics ably discussed in this work. "THE MARVEL OF NATIONS" is a work of 289 pages. It contains a steel plate of the author, and It is printed in clear type, and elegantly bound. Price, $1.00.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal. TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH.
NUMBERS ONE TO THIRTY.
BOUND IN FOUR VOLUMES OF ABOUT 700 PAGES EACH. A COMPLETE INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Volume One.—This volume contains a brief sketch of the early life and Christian experience of the writer of the Testimonies, Mrs. E. G. White, together with Testimonies numbers 1 to 14. 724 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25. Volume Two.—Contains Testimonies numbers 15 to 20. 712 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25. Volume Three.—Contains Testimonies numbers 21 to 25. About 600 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25. Volume Four.—Contains Testimonies numbers 26 to 30. About 675 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25. Price of the Complete Set of Four Volumes, bound in Cloth, $6.00; Sheep, $8.00; Half Morocco, $9.00. Testimony for the Church No. 31.—Contains 244 pages of most interesting and important matter. Neatly bound in Muslin. Price, 50 cents. Testimony for the Church No. 32.—Contains 240 pages, and is full of warnings, counsels, and reproofs, very important to all Seventh-day Adventists. Bound in Muslin (uniform with No. 31). Price, 50 cents. Sent post-paid to any address, at the above prices.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.,
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.,
Or any State T. and M. Society. Assorted Package No. 5. Price, 10c. Is Man Immortal—Thoughts for the Candid—End of the Wicked—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Departing and Being with Christ—Milton on the State of the Dead. OTHER WORKS ON MAN'S NATURE. The Hope of the Gospel.—What is it, and when will it be consummated? 80 pp....................10c Matter and Spirit.—An argument on the relation of matter and spirit, and the dependence of thought upon organization. 66 pp..... ....................10c History of the Doctrine of the Soul.—The belief in its immortality traced among all races and peoples to the present time. 186 pp., cloth....................75c Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Assorted Package No. 6. Price, 25c. The Plan of Redemption—The Sufferings of Christ—The Sanctuary of the Bible—Scripture References—The Spirit of Prophecy—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The End of the Wicked—The Two Thrones. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
By Editor
AN EIGHT-PAGE MONTHLY JOURNAL,
DEVOTED TO
The defense of American Institutions, the preservation of the United States Constitution as it is, so far as regards religion or religious tests, and the maintenance of human rights, both civil and religious. It will ever be uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact. SINGLE Copy, per year, - - - - - - 50 cents.
To foreign countries, single subscriptions, post-paid - - - - - - - - - - - - 2s. Address,
AMERICAN SENTINEL,
1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal. THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. From Our Missionaries.
By Editor
THE last steamer from Australia, which arrived in San Francisco a few days ago, brought letters from Elder Corliss, Brother Scott, and Sister E. J. Burnham, in which they all speak very encouragingly of the work there. Elder Corliss has been holding meetings in the town hall in Norwood, where thirty-five signed the covenant. Several others are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet identified themselves with the company. He now has the tent pitched and is following up the work in the same place. He states that this is the seventh series of meetings that he has held inside of a year. The work in the Bible Echo office is increasing, and Brother Scott and Sister Burnham, with several other workers, are kept busy most of the time. They all feel of good courage. In a letter just received from Elder A. G. Daniells, mailed at Honolulu, on his way to New Zealand, he writes as follows:— "The water was very smooth for about thirteen hours after we left San Francisco. We could stand on deck without any trouble. The officers of the ship told us that it was about as nice and smooth as they had ever seen it. After this it was quite rough for about two days, but now the sea is again smooth, the air balmy, the sun shines brightly, and we are enjoying the trip very much. God is good to us in sparing our lives, and permitting us to take any part in his work. We are of good courage and feel the presence of God's Spirit with us. We have no doubt but what we are in the path of duty. We feel it more and more as we journey on. We do not feel lonely, as we thought we should, for God is with us." These few lines we know will be cheering to the many friends whom Brother and Sister Daniells left behind. Rural Health Retreat and Pacific Health Journal.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE Rural Health Retreat at Crystal Springs, St. Helena, Cal., was re-opened about the first of June, 1885, with the Pacific Health Journal as an advocate of the principles taught, illustrated, and exemplified at the Retreat. Since that time more than four hundred patients have enjoyed, more or less, the benefits of the institution. The journal has not only gone forth on its mission instructing thousands how to live and how to avoid disease, but it has been calling the attention of the people to the Retreat, with its skillful, attentive physicians, and genial helpers, in fact to a “home” whose praises its visitors delight to extol. As a sample of what “they say” we will quote from the words of Hon. W. W. McKaig, of San Francisco. This gentleman went to the Retreat, suffering from many physical difficulties. After a few months' stay he returned to his home, declaring that he was cured of all his maladies. In the Pacific Rural Press of May 8, he said of the Retreat:— “One of the first things a visitor notices on coming here is the air of sociability that pervades the place. In an hour's time he feels perfectly at home. He finds no one afflicted with homesickness. The affable superintendent, the ever watchful and sympathetic matron, the vigilant doctors, and, indeed, all the officials and helpers seem to vie with each other in making the sojourn of the invalid pleasant and comfortable. And this is not the studied and artificial politeness of hotel officials and waiters, but is something akin to the spontaneity of humanity. But what is still better, the Retreat is in the hands of men who revere God and devoutly praise the principles of morality and religion. One cannot help feeling that he is in a pure, moral atmosphere, that is spiritually healthful, and that he can recommend to his friends to send wife or daughter here without fear that their sensibilities will be shocked by ribald jokes, bad manners, and exhibitions of intemperance and profanity.” We long to see hundreds more coming to the Retreat to enjoy its physical, social, and moral benefits. Just such hundreds are waiting to hear of such a place. The physicians at the Retreat tell me that the Health Journal is the best medium we have on this coast to advertise the institution. We would be pleased to see the journal going to thousands of afflicted in the Pacific Coast States and Territories. The journal is a 32-page, issued each alternate month. The subscription price is only fifty cents a year. The information contained in the number just issued for December and January is worth more than a year's subscription. We would request all readers of the SIGNS who have been taking the Pacific Health Journal, and whose subscriptions have expired, to favor us with an immediate renewal. We hope also to be favored with many new subscribers, and thus a knowledge of a source of relief to the afflicted will be greatly extended. Recollect the price of the Journal is fifty cents for a volume of six numbers, issued each alternate month. Send your names, with remittance, to Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. California Conference and Sunday Work
By Editor
THE following telegram dated December 5, was received just at the last moment, as we were closing up this paper:— "Voted, to-day, that next General Conference be held in California." Signed, "E. J. WAGGONER." We are sure that the matter will be fully appreciated by all our people on this coast. THE Supreme Court of Massachusetts has decided that the keeping open of a barber shop on Sunday is a criminal offense. The case was prosecuted by the Knights of Labor, who, says the Congregationalist, "desire to put an end to Sunday work." It will not take long to swing the whole so-called labor movement into the zealous support of the Sunday institution. To those who understand the times, all these things are of the most striking interest. Christmas for the Little Freedmen.
By Editor
FROM a missionary teacher among the freedmen in the South we have received the following notice, which we gladly insert:— "Boys and girls can help the freedmen by sending their old toys, dolls, picture books, etc., etc. Second-hand clothing can be used. Help the freedmen to a Merry Christmas. Address, "Mrs. N. A. Rutherford, Missionary Teacher, Box 20. "Lumberton, Robeson Co., North Carolina." The writer of the above says: "We wish to have a Christmas tree, or something of the kind, December 24, for the little freedmen. I am satisfied that the boys and girls North and South would help us if they knew our wants." We are sure they will. Thousands of families that are reached by the SIGNS can easily and we think will willingly make up a little package and send to help make glad the hearts of the little ones who have been freed from the dread of a cruel bondage. Four pounds can be sent by mail for thirty-two cents.