p. 467 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 7, No. 39. (10/13/1881)

REVISED EDITION—JUST ISSUED

By J. H. Waggoner

Thoughts on Christian Baptism.

BY ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.

Being an examination of its ACTIONS, SUBJECTS AND RELATIONS. Also, a brief consideration of the Historical Evidences of Trine Immersion. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged.

Price, postpaid, Paper Covers, 25c.; Flexible Cloth, 35c. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR

By Editor

AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY PAPER FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND RELIGIOUS CULTURE.

This paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information.

As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study.

The Sabbath-school Department contains two series of lessons, one for children and one for youth.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 75 CENTS A YEAR.

All new subscribers paying the above price will receive the "Child's Poems" as a premium without extra charge.

TERMS TO CLUBS, PAID IN ADVANCE.

Price per Copy, Post-paid. 5 to 10 copies..............................60 cents a year. 10 copies and upward...................50 cents a year.

Subscription for 5 to 10 copies will be taken for six months. Larger clubs may be paid for quarterly.

Address YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, Battle Creek, Mich.

WHAT RITUALISM IS DOING.

IN the course of some plain words as to what the Ritualists are bringing to pass by the continuance of their controversy in England, Dr. Frazer, Bishop of Manchester, said recently that "it engendered strife and bitterness, and wasted energies which might be far better employed in downright earnest preaching and teaching about righteousness. While they were fighting and disputing about vestments, and ornaments, and chalices, and incense, the infidels and atheists at their doors were trying to destroy their people's faith in everything that spoke of God, of Judgment, and the life beyond the grave."—Examiner and Chronicle.

LEGAL DISCRIMINATION.

Any one who reads the daily papers, must be struck with the paternal care which the local government exercises over the Chinese. Gambling and drinking may be freely indulged in by all but the Chinese The heathen must be virtuous. The Oakland Times, refers to the distinction made between the two races, in the following ironical language:—

“The heathen in our midst must pay the penalty for their perversity in refusing to assimilate to the customs of civilized people. They might forego their love for their game of “tan” and substitute the great American game of draw poker, which they could play with impunity; but such is their love of custom, that they will gamble after their own methods, even if they have to pay the penalty of staying in jail twenty days, and living on fare that costs fifteen cents a day. If in place of opium, they would use bad whisky on their carousals, they could escape all special penalties, but they adhere to the use of the drowsy drug, and contentedly serve their terms in prison for doing so. If John Chinaman would assimilate even the vices of the white people, it would be very profitable for him.”

BEYOND HIS DEPTH.

WE have received a small tract with an article on “The Holy Spirit,” commencing thus:—

“What is it? The life element of Deity.”

If the author had given us an explanation of this last expression, or in some way given us a clue to his idea of its meaning, we should be better prepared to judge of his success in his investigation. But we will spare him the effort, as the question is one not to be lightly handled; and who but a presumptuous person will undertake to answer it? We would suggest as a previous question for him to consider that found in Job 11:7.

THE REVISED NEW TESTAMENT.

By Editor

This long-expected work is just published. It is the result of ten years of faithful labor by the most eminent Biblical scholars of England and America. It is published in four sizes, any of which can be obtained, post-paid, at the prices named below, from

PACIFIC PRESS,

1059 Castro Street, OAKLAND, Cal.

NONPAREIL, 32mo.—Paper Cover.................. $ .20 Cloth, Limp, red edges...... .25 French Morocco.............. .65 Venitian Morocco............ .80 BREVIER, 16mo....—Cloth........................ .60 Morocco, gilt edges......... 1.10 Turkey Morocco, Limp.... 2.25 LONG PRIMER, 8vo.—Cloth,...................... 1.00 Morocco .................... 1.80 Turkey Morocco.............. 3.25 PICA, DEMY 8vo.—Cloth, bevel boards.......... 2.75 Turkey Morocco.............. 7.00 PICA, ROYAL 8vo.—Cloth, bev. boards, red edges. 4.00 Turkey Morocco.............. 10.50

Over 200,000 have already been sold. Every Bible student should have one.

COMPANION TO THE REVISED NEW TESTAMENT.

Explaining the Reasons for the Changes made in the Revised Edition, with

Explanations to the Appendix of the Revised New Testament,

Which contains the Changes Suggested by the American Committee but were not assented to by the English Committee.

Paper covers, 8vo., 25 cents. Cloth, 16mo., 75 cents.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

JUVENILE BOOKS.

The Sunshine Series. Stories for little ones, in ten small books, adapted to children from the ages of four to ten years. In glazed paper covers, 320 pp. 50 cts.

Golden Grain Series. A choice collection of instructive stories suited to the wants of children from eight to sixteen years and older, illustrated and beautifully bound in three volumes. THE HARD WAY, 160 pp. 40 cts. THE SCHOOL-BOY'S DINNER, 160 pp. 40 cts. GRUMBLING TOMMY, 160 pp. 40 cts.

Golden Grains in Ten Pamphlets. The same reading as in the first two volumes, without pictures, in ten pamphlets of 32 pages each, 320 pp. 50 cts.

Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In four volumes, containing moral and religious reading for the household; carefully selected, and compiled for the use of Sabbath school and family libraries. Each, 75 cts.

The Child's Poems. Containing Little Will and other stories, teaching beautiful lessons of temperance and virtue. Bound in cloth and richly embossed in gold and black. 128 pp. 30 cts.

HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE TRACTS.

Tea and Coffee. A careful statement of the objections to the use of these popular beverages. 24 pp. 3 cts.

Pork. This tract exposes the filthy scavenger in all his uncleanness. 16 pp. 2 cts.

The Drunkard's Arguments Answered. Leaves no excuse for tipplers. 16 pp. 2 cts.

Principles of Health Reform. 16 pp. 2 cts.

Causes and Cure of Intemperance. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Moral and Social Effects of Intemperance. A forcible statement of facts and statistics. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Tobacco-Using a Cause of Disease. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Tobacco-Poisoning. Nicotiana Tabacum. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Ten Arguments on Tea and Coffee. 8 pp. 1 ct.

Tobacco Using a Relic of Barbarism. 4 pp. 1-2 ct.

Alcoholic Poison. 4 pp. 1-2 ct.

True Temperance. 4 pp. 1-2 ct.

Alcohol, What is It? 4 pp. 1-2 ct.

A large assortment of valuable publications on the fulfillment of prophecy, the doctrines of the Bible, practical religion, and standard works from other publishers on Biblical studies and Sabbath-school work. Catalogues furnished. Address PACIFIC PRESS, OAKLAND, CAL.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

By Editor

PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE # MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.

A live Religious Family Paper, containing, in addition to the great variety of original articles, which make it a desirable prophetic journal, Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, News, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school. Price per year, $2.00 In clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used for missionary work, each 1.50

Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal., — OR — REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich. MISS ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E Tract Society, So. Lancaster, Mass. ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England. W. L. RAYMOND, Gaston, Oregon.

Our Publications in England.

By Editor

ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.

THE ANNUAL STATE CAMP-MEETING!

Of the Seventh-Day Adventists

WILL BE HELD AT SACRAMENTO, CAL., OCTOBER 13-25.

OUR CAMP-MEETINGS

By S. N. Haskell

Thess. 5.

OUR CAMP-MEETINGS.

CAMP-MEETINGS are no novelty at the present day. When the Methodists commenced holding camp-meetings in this country, they did not meet with much approval in the hearts of the devoted Puritanic Christians. But the Baptists, the Presbyterians, and nearly all denominations have, during the past few years, sought the tented groves in which to worship the God of their fathers. "The groves were God's first temples," and ancient Israel held an annual gathering, in the autumn of each year, lasting three weeks; and in their booths, beholding Nature's grandeur, they worshiped their Creator.

Thousands of people flocked to hear John the Baptist preach in the wilderness, and it seems highly proper that the people of God should set apart at least a brief period of time each year, and seek the groves, where, free from the perplexing cares of life, they may worship God.

It is now fourteen years since the Seventh-day Adventists adopted the plan of holding camp-meetings. They commence in the early spring in southern Kansas, and hold these annual gatherings in each of the Eastern, Western, Middle, and Southern States, as far as Tennessee and Texas. Not less than twenty-five of these State meetings are being held this present season, and they have been marked with the most perfect order and quietness. Over one hundred thousand people have attended these meetings, many of whom have for the first time become acquainted with the views of the denomination.

This is a growing people; and while their denominational age is youthful, not having reached two-score years, the length of time Israel wandered in the wilderness, their members have rapidly increased, numbering, at the present time, about thirty thousand believers in this country, besides missions in England, Switzerland, Norway, and Prussia. These extend their operations throughout Europe, and into Asia and Africa. The isles of the Mediterranean, as well as those of the Pacific ocean, contain believers to this faith.

We believe in a progressive faith as well as in exploring new fields. That there has been a great departure from the pure doctrines of the Bible, all must admit; and, also, that a return to these principles and a restoration of the original gospel simplicity, is the work for these times.

Last year we held a successful camp-meeting in the city of Alameda; this year, we have selected the grounds adjacent to East Park, in Sacramento. We are a temperance people, advocating strongly that Christians should regard their body as the temple of the Holy Ghost; and that it is a religious duty to discard, not only alcoholic beverages, but articles in both food and drink, which disarrange the system, and destroy health. These views have led us to engage in the temperance work, in the organization of temperance clubs, and such other means as will advance the cause in which so many are at present interested. We are also a missionary people, as seen by the extension of our work to all parts of the world. All members of the denomination are invited to become members of our missionary organizations, and thus become active laborers in the cause of their Master. In the work of these members a prominent part is the distribution of their publications, far and near. Colporteurs go out visiting families from house to house, pointing suffering humanity to Him who has said, "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

A ship mission has been established, and reading matter is placed on nearly every vessel which passes through the Golden Gate. The Sabbath-school interest is made an important means of educating the youth, and instructing men and women in the truths of God's sacred word.

This gathering of those of this faith, in Sacramento, will be the time of the annual meetings of the California Conference, the State Sabbath-school Association, the Health and Temperance Society, and the Tract and Missionary Organizations. The religious meetings are all free, and the public everywhere are cordially invited.

S. N. HASKELL.

The Beginning of Wisdom

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments."

OUR PAPER.

By Editor

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is one of the very few religious papers in the world, which refuses to advertise. The circulation being large, fully ten thousand copies, and going to all parts of this country, and to every part of the world where the English language is spoken and read, makes it a desirable advertising medium, and offers have frequently been made which would be profitable to the office. But the managers have persevered in the determination to make it purely a religious paper, consulting the good of its readers, rather than its own pecuniary benefit. A limited space is occupied in each number, in noticing our own publication list. This is so limited that only a small part of our books, pamphlets, and tracts are enumerated in any one number. A Catalogue will be furnished on application.

This paper is not published to benefit those who conduct it. No individual or individuals have any special pecuniary interest in it. Those who work upon it receive moderate wages, the proceeds being strictly devoted to the circulation of the truth.

It is owned by Stockholders, who receive no dividends on their stock, all being donated to the cause. It is under the control of a Board of Directors, who are elected annually by the Stockholders. The Directors receive no salaries.

Our sole object is to extend the knowledge of the truth of God's word, to strengthen the faith of believers, and to convince the world of the truthfulness of the Bible, and the certainty of "the sure word of prophecy." 2 Peter 2.

Our faith is peculiar in a few points, chief of which are,

(1) That we accept the Ten Commandments as "the law of God"—"a synopsis of all religion and morality," as Alexander Campbell aptly styled it. We accept the Ten Commandments just as Jehovah declared them, without change or diminution. Consequently, we observe the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." The Bible recognizes no other weekly Sabbath.

(2) We believe the present dispensation is near its close; that "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh," James 5; that, in the providence of God and in fulfillment of his prophetic word, a warning is now going forth to the world, which is a harbinger of the advent of the Saviour. No truth is more important than this. Nothing more demands our candid, unprejudiced attention.

THE TIME of the advent of Christ we do not know; it is not revealed in the Scriptures. We only rest on the words of our Saviour—to watch the signs of the times in the fulfillment of prophecy, and to "know that it is near, even at the doors."

"Hear, then judge." Come to our meetings; read our papers, and other publications. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5.