p. 479 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 40. (10/26/1882)

Earlier text: What Is True Personal Liberty?

The True Standard of Dress.

By Mrs. Stowe

WE are always excessive when we sacrifice the higher beauty to obtain the lower one. A woman who will sacrifice domestic affection, conscience, self-respect and honor, to love of dress, we all agree loves dress too much. She loses the true and higher beauty of womanhood for the lower beauty of gems, and flowers, and colors. A girl who sacrifices to dress all her time, all her strength, all her money, to the neglect of the cultivation of her mind and heart, and to the neglect of the claims of others on her helpfulness, is sacrificing the higher to the lower beauty; her fault is not the love of beauty, but in loving the wrong and inferior kind.

In fine, girls, you may try yourself by this standard. You love to dress too much, when you care more for your outward adornings than for your inward dispositions; when it afflicts you more to have torn your dress than to have lost your temper—when you are much more troubled by an ill-fitting gown than by a neglected duty—when you are less concerned at having made an unjust comment, or spread a scandalous report, than at having worn a passee bonnet; when you are less troubled at the thought of being found at the last great feast without the wedding garment, than at being found at the party to-night in the fashion of last year. No Christian woman, as I view it, ought to give such attention to her dress as to allow it to take up all of three important things; viz., all her time, all her strength, all her money. Whoever does this, lives not the Christian, but the Pagan life—worships not at the Christian's altar of our Lord Jesus, but at the shrine of the lower Venus of Corinth and Rome.—Mrs. Stowe.

Sorrow Ending in Joy

The joys of the world end in sorrow, but the sorrows of religion terminate in joy.

The Home Circle.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY.

In speaking of a person's faults, Pray don't forget your own; Remember those in house of glass Should never throw a stone. If you have nothing else to do But talk of those who sin, 'Tis better we commence at home, And from that point begin. We have no right to judge a man Until he's fairly tried; Should we not like his company, We know the world is wide. Some may have faults—and who has none, The old as well as young? We may perhaps, for aught we know, Have fifty to their one.

The Young Merchant's Ordeal.

"ARTHUR," said Mrs. Leeman, addressing her young husband, "it seems to me that Mr. Sharping is getting ahead of you in business." "Ah!" muttered the young man, looking up from his paper. "Yes," continued his wife. "He has just moved into a large house, and I expect we shall be invited to the opening party." "And you are not contented here, Sarah?" asked Mr. Leeman, with a slight tinge of disappointment in his tone. "Oh, yes, I am contented; but then I should like to have you look as well, that is, to appear as well—as William Sharping does. You are as well acquainted in the town, and you are as generally respected. Your store is as well situated, and you seem to possess all the advantages you could wish. I wish you could keep up with Sharping."

Arthur Leeman was a young merchant located in a large and flourishing village, where he had been in business nearly two years. He had been brought up by virtuous parents, and his ideas of justice and honesty were founded upon deep moral principles. Shortly before he entered into business for himself he married a beautiful girl, whom he had long and ardently loved, and who had, in turn, reciprocated that love. He had received from her two thousand dollars, which sum had gone a great way toward purchasing his stock in trade. He rented a small cottage—a neat, retired abode—and here he settled down, with every prospect of continued happiness; and this happiness he had a right to expect, for his wife was mild and gentle, loving and true, and ever regardful of his welfare. His expenses he carefully kept behind his income, and, as might be expected, had made but little domestic show. His comforts were all solid, based upon the single idea of "content." William Sharping also kept a store in the village. He had commenced about the same time that Arthur did, but he seemed to have made more money, for he spent more money in his living, and, as has already been intimated, he was on the point of making a still greater show of accumulating wealth. Sharping's wife was an intimate friend of Sarah Leeman, and hence the latter felt more sensibly the contrast between her own and her neighbor's outward circumstances. In a few evenings, William Sharping opened his house for the reception of visitors, and, of course, Arthur and Sarah were invited. Arthur Leeman was wonder-struck by the appearance of his friend's domestic equipment. The furniture was rich and costly, and the carpets were all the very finest material. Large mirrors hung upon the walls, golden lamps adorned the marble mantel, and sumptuous ottomans and sofas offered their temptations to the weary. "What a splendid house they've got, haven't they?" remarked one of the guests to Sarah Leeman. "Yes," replied Sarah. And as she spoke she thought her interlocutor was drawing a comparison between her own and Mrs. Sharping's domestic establishment. Sarah heard, on all hands, praises of the things on all sides of her, and she wondered why her own husband could not do all this as well as Mr. Sharping. She let the spirit of envy into her bosom before she was aware of it, and from that moment she became unhappy. She took no more pleasure in viewing the costly articles about her, and at an early hour she drew her husband away from the company and begged him to go home. When she reached her own snug little room, she forgot all the happiness she had enjoyed there. She only thought of the contrast between that and Mrs. Sharping's superb parlors. "I'm sure I don't see why we may not make as good an appearance as Sharping," she murmured, after she and her husband had become seated. "I can hardly afford it now, Sarah," returned Arthur. "But why not, as well as William Sharping?" "Because Sharping has more money. He makes more than I do."

"I can't see how he can do that. He must have one secret in trade that you do not possess. O, I wish that we could keep up with them! People will see that Sharping is more prosperous and they will think him more of a business man than you are; and if he once takes the lead in trade, he will not only be sure to keep it up, but also to gain on his competitors. You know how people like to trade at flourishing places!" Arthur Leeman began to think there was some force to his wife's argument. He too, began to lose sight of the sweet "content" he had for two years been enjoying, and in the stead thereof, he was looking for what the world calls "plenty." He might at first have argued more with his wife, but he remembered it was her money that had helped materially to set him up in business, and he feared to touch a cord that might vibrate upon that point. He did not know the full character of his wife—he did not know how holy and pure was the soil in her soul that had thus given life to a few noxious weeds. Had he fully known that her present envy was but an exotic, just sprung into life by thoughtless transplanting, he might have sought more earnestly to pluck it out; but he gave heed to her words, and his own soul became the abode of discontent. Before Arthur Leeman retired that night he told his wife he would exert himself to outstrip his neighbor. A few evenings after that as Arthur was returning home from his business, he had occasion to pass his neighbor's store, and as he saw a light gleaming through the chinks in the shutters, he thought he would enter. Sharping was there alone, and he had just closed his ledger. "Ha, Leeman, how are you? How's business?" cried Sharping with an air of a man who is well pleased with himself. "O, so, so," returned Arthur, reaching over the counter to shake hands. "I've done capitally, to-day," resumed Sharping. "A profit of fifty-eight dollars and thirty-three cents." "Not clear net profit?" said Arthur, opening his eyes. "Yes—clear profit. Ha, ha, ha!" And as the young merchant thus laughed to himself, he leaped over the counter and rubbed his hands exultingly. "But I don't see how you did it," uttered Arthur, in a tone of nervous wistfulness. "Ha, ha, ha! What fools there are in this world, Leeman. Just look here," rattled the successful merchant, as he leaped over his counter and pulled a piece of goods from one of the shelves. "There—what do you call that?" Leeman carefully examined the article with the air of one who understands his business. "It's made to look like the finest of silk," he said, "but the great body of the cloth is cotton. I never saw anything like it before, he continued, as he drew out a thread and ran it between the nails of his thumb and forefinger, thereby stripping off the flossy silky covering from a stout thread of cotton. "No; it's a new thing. I got it in New York. Sold a piece this afternoon—fifteen yards for nine shillings a yard. Ha, ha, ha!" "Nine shillings!" repeated Arthur, in renewed surprise. "Why, the stuff is not worth seventy-five cents." "Bless your body, I only paid forty-two cents for it. Got it at auction. It's a new thing. Only think—off fifteen yards I made a profit of sixteen dollars and twenty cents. "But the one to whom you sold it must have thought it all silk."

"Of course she did. You don't think she'd have paid that price if she did not? But mind, I tell you this in confidence. You are one of the trade, you know, and of course up to such things." Arthur Leeman was not "up to such things," but then he had not manly independence enough to say so. A new idea was working its way darkly through his mind. "You didn't, of course, tell her it was really silk—pure silk?" he said half carelessly. "O, no," said Sharping, with a knowing nod. "Let me alone for that. She wanted something rich for a dress—I took down that—'There,' said I, 'look at that—just what you want—splendid article—just examine it for yourself.' 'What do you ask?' said she. 'Two dollars,' said I. 'Too high,' she said. 'But my dear madam, look at it —I must make myself whole.' She begged, and I groaned about selling below cost. But at last she hit upon nine shillings. 'Ruinous,' said I; 'but if you won't mention it—if you'll promise not to tell of it—why, seeing it's you—you may take it.' She promised, and—took it. Ha, ha, ha!" "Sixteen dollars and twenty cents," muttered Arthur, aloud. "Ay, a good round profit," added Sharping. "But then we must do it. Must live, you know; and we might as well have their money as anybody. They've got it to spare, else they wouldn't spend it. When Leeman returned to his home he fancied he had learned something. He had, in fact, learned how William Sharping made his money, and half of that night he lay awake and thought of it. The next morning he walked very slowly towards his store. He was still thinking of what he had learned the night before, and he was trying hard to silence the "still small voice" that was whispering to his soul. "It's only business, after all," he said to himself. "I may as well get a living as other folks." It was with these words upon his lips that he entered his store. His clerk was there, and the place was clean and neat. He had been in the store half an hour, and at the end of that time his clerk asked him if he was unwell. "Unwell! What put that in your head, Henry?" "Oh—I thought you looked flushed—feverish. I didn't know but that you might have caught cold. "No, no, I am well." Arthur Leeman turned away, and wondered if he had been showing all his feelings. Somehow the store did not seem so cheerful to him as usual. The neatly arranged shelves and boxes, and the choice goods, did not look so inviting as was their wont. During the first part of the day he sold some common articles, such as calicoes, lawns, threads, etc., but it did not occur to him that even here he might have overreached a single customer. He did not think of getting twelve and a half cents for some of his six penny prints. Sharping did it, but Leeman was not yet initiated. At length an opportunity was afforded for Arthur to try his newly discovered plan of business. Toward night a middle-aged gentleman entered the store and expressed a wish to purchase some cloth for a pair of pants. He was a stranger, having but a few days before moved into the village. "I should like a piece that is good—all wool—thick and firm," he said, as Arthur led the way to the cloth counter. The gentleman looked over the goods, and at length his eye hit upon a piece of dark, mixed doeskin. It felt firm and thick, and was in truth a handsome piece. "How is that?" asked Arthur. "I think it will suit me. It seems to be firm and good. Not quite so soft as clear wool generally is." "It is an excellent cloth—a few days' wear will soften it," said the young merchant, trying to appear candid. "What is it a yard?" Now the cloth cost Arthur just thirty-seven and a half cents per yard, and he had intended to sell it for forty-two, and he placed his private mark upon it accordingly. It was just half cotton. "One dollar," said he.

And the words as he spoke them, struck startlingly upon his own ear. "You may cut me off three yards," said the man; and Arthur hid his face as he did the work. After the cloth was done up, the gentleman paid for it, three dollars—it was nearly two dollars more than it cost—a clear profit of almost two hundred per cent. Arthur Leeman had always made it a practice to be sociable with those with whom he traded. It was a five dollar bill the gentleman tendered in payment, and as he passed it over he remarked:— "I suppose that is the lowest you will take." "It is the lowest I ought to take," said Arthur, trying to hide his tremulousness, for he had done something he knew to be wrong. "Very well," said the stranger; "I always wish to pay a full living price to every one with whom I deal, always trusting," he added with a smile, "that I shall be treated honestly in return." He took his change and left the store. Arthur took down his blotter and thought to enter the sale he had just made; but he hesitated. Those pages were all fair and honest. He dared not place there the first record of the first dishonest act he had done! Oh, how he wished that his customer had not come! How he wished he could recall the thing he had done! But it was too late. He had tried the experiment. "Why what's the matter, Arthur?" asked Mrs. Leeman, as her husband drew back from the supper table that evening; you look unhappy." "And I am unhappy; Sarah," faintly replied Arthur, for he had determined to tell his wife his bitter experiences. "What is it?" anxiously uttered the half-frightened wife, moving to her husband's side, and placing her arm around his neck. "Sit down, sit down, Sarah, and I will tell you." The woman sat down, but still kept her arm around her husband's neck. "Sarah," he said, with a painful effort, "I have done that to-day which I never did before in my life. I have been dishonest! I have lied and cheated!" "Lied! You—my husband—cheated!" Oh, no, no, no, Arthur!" "Yes—a man came into my store—he was a stranger—a new-comer in town. He trusted to my honesty, and I—lied to him, and cheated him. Oh, Sarah I wish I had not done it." "But you did not do it—you could not." "Listen to me, my wife. I thought I would try to make money as fast as William Sharping does. Last evening I was in his store, and I discovered his secret. If I disclose it to you, you will not tell of it?" Sarah promised, and then Arthur related to her all that had passed. He told her of Sharping's mode of dealing, and described his own experience that afternoon. "I have been dishonest, and I am unhappy," he said in conclusion. "I do not feel the same man that I did before, for there is one man in the world toward whom I have done wrong, and I should not dare to look him in the face." For some time Sarah was silent. At length she raised her lips to her husband's face and kissed him. "Forgive me," she whispered, "for it was I who did this wrong. Oh, forgive me, Arthur, I was blind—foolish. I was envious. Oh, I would rather live in the meanest rags of penury and want than to live on the wages of my husband's dishonesty! I shall never be envious again. I shall never again think of bartering sweet content for my neighbor's plenty. It was I who wronged you. Forgive me!" It was a scene of mutual forgiveness that followed, and that night both husband and wife prayed that they might not heed the voice of the tempter again. On the next morning the first person who came into the store after Arthur arrived was the man to whom the cloth had been sold the day before. The young merchant felt a sudden trembling coming into his limbs, and the worst fears sprang into his mind. He feared that his wickedness had been detected, and that he should not have it in his power to make a free restitution. But he was mistaken. The gentleman had only come for some stuff for linings and facings to the pants he was going to have made. Arthur's heart leaped again, for he should have the opportunity he had hoped for.

"Ah, sir," he said after the article just called for had been rolled up, "I fear there was a small mistake made yesterday, and I am glad you called, for I wish it rectified." "I was not aware of any," returned the stranger wondering. "Step this way, sir." Arthur led the way to the counter where the sale of the day before had been made, and laying his hand upon the piece of cloth from which he had cut three yards he continued:— "You took a pattern from this piece?" "Yes, sir." "And paid me one dollar per yard?" "Yes, sir." "Well, sir,—I was very nervous—very uncomfortable at the time, and I made a sad mistake. I should have asked you but forty-two cents per yard for it; it is part cotton. You may return it and take another piece, or I will pay back the difference, just as you please." He chose to keep the cloth, and Arthur paid him back one dollar and seventy-four cents. He was very thankful for the restitution thus made, and he remained a long time and chatted with the merchant, often making a remark upon the charm which he always experienced when doing business with one in whom he could confide. He proved afterwards to be not only a good customer, but a valuable friend to the young merchant. That night Arthur Leeman was happy; and his sweet wife was never happier in her life, for she had learned the real value of the blessing she possessed, and she had gained once more the treasure she had well nigh thrown from her—the sweetest treasure of life—content. Time sped on. Arthur Leeman remained strict in his integrity. One by one, customers of William Sharping dropped into his store. They had learned the real character of the dishonest merchant, and they fled from his counter. In course of time Sharping was deeply in debt. His great house was put up for sale. Arthur Leeman bought it, and when he paid for it he had the sweet, holy satisfaction that every dollar of the purchase money had been honestly earned by fair and virtuous dealing.

Religious Notes.

—Rev. Robert Paine, senior bishop of the M. E. Church, South, died at Aberdeen, Miss., Oct. 20.

—Rev. John Hemphill, of the Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, has accepted a call to Philadelphia.

—There were 212 additions to the Methodist Church at St. Paul, Minn., at the close of the effort of Harrison the revivalist.

—An able article by an educated Hindoo, not a Christian, advocating the use of the English Bible in the government schools, has attracted much attention in India.

—The Salvation Army has commenced operations in San Francisco. It differs in no material respect from the "Holiness Association," the leaders of the latter acting as officers of the former.

—Statistics show, it is said, that the world spends $888 for tobacco for every dollar given for missions. And much of this tobacco money comes from church members who are "too poor" to give anything for the spread of the gospel. Which do they love more, God or their tobacco?

—Over a thousand churches were represented in the recent Universalist Conference at Philadelphia. A resolution was adopted condemning the death penalty, recommending more humane punishment, declaring strongly in favor of Constitutional prohibition, and asking for stringent laws to prevent cruelty to animals.

—We have received a copy of one our religious exchanges which contains a large double-sheet fashion-plate. This shocks one's sense of propriety, but we think after all that it is better than mixing up religious items with quack medicine advertisements. We are sorry to say, however, that the paper in question does the latter also.

—Quite an excitement has existed in Toronto among Catholics, because Scott's "Marmion" was used in the reading classes of the public schools. The Bishop objected to it, because it contains the tale of a nun who escaped and was afterwards imprisoned in a niche in the wall. The officials have decided to retain the book in the schools, in spite of the Catholic protests.

—A Methodist minister at Visalia, Cal., recently preached a discourse on the battle of Armageddon, Rev. 16:16; 19:17–21, and came to the conclusion that the battle so vividly portrayed, with its lake of fire, and carcasses of men and beasts, is only an allegorical representation of the peaceful conquests of Christianity. If he really believes thus, he is the personification of credulity and simplicity. And yet he would doubtless be one of the first to scoff at one who, after reading the 24th of Matthew, would say that the Lord's coming is near. Somehow we are not surprised to learn that this man is in favor of a union of church and State.

—Within the last few weeks we have seen many calls for National Reform Conventions. Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa are the States most active in the work. Those who are working for a Religious Amendment to the Constitution of the United States are more zealous than ever, and are gaining in strength. They report that in all their meetings held so far their audiences have been gained. In one of the resolutions at the recent Pittsburg meeting it was stated that we are being led "to the crisis of a great moral conflict in which all shall be compelled to take sides." There is a truth in this that they do not realize. Let us see to it that in this conflict we are on the side of God.

News and Notes.

—On the 17th inst., a mountain fire destroyed about $10,000 worth of property near Santa Barbara, Cal.

—The Prohibitionists of the Fifth District, Massachusetts, have nominated Wendell Phillips for Congress.

—The president of the California Viticultural Society estimates that 20,000,000 vines will be planted this year in this State.

—In the south and west of Yorkshire, England, 24,312 miners have given notice of a strike if wages are not increased.

—The Home Protection Society of Oakland have passed resolutions endorsing the Republican platform, and pledging themselves to support the party.

—The largest steel spring ever made has just been rolled at a Philadelphia factory. It is 310 feet long, six inches wide, and a quarter of an inch thick.

—The long contest in the Oregon Legislature over the election of a Senator, was ended on the 20th inst., by the election on the seventy-fifth ballot, of J. N. Dolph to that position.

—During the last nine months, the value of imports in France, as compared with the same season last year, has increased 99,000,000 francs. The value of exports has increased 246,000,000 francs.

—Hog cholera of a new and virulent type has broken out in Iowa. One farmer near Iowa City has lost about 400. The animals, before death, are covered with putrid, cancerous sores. Pork eaters will take special interest in this item.

—The Turkish Government has made a demand upon the Providence Tool Company for 48,617 rifles, with bayonets and scabards, manufactured by the Tool Company for the Turkish Government, and held, as alleged, in store by said company for the Turkish Government.

—After January 1, 1883, stamped envelopes will be sold to the public at a reduced rate of ten per cent. on present prices. General Hazen states that when stamped envelopes are spoiled through misdirection, or other causes, they can be exchanged for stamps of the same denomination at the nearest post-office.

—A letter from the Official Department of the Public Domain at Alexandria, has been published, declaring that the country is in a state of ferment which can only be cured by the execution of the leaders of the rebellion. It is also stated that the Arabs are only awaiting the withdrawal of the British troops to again massacre the Christians.

—Last April, Mrs. Mary F. Henderson, of St. Louis, offered a prize to the pupils of Kirkwood Seminary for the best essay on “Common Sense About Women.” The essays were sent in without names, and Mrs. Henderson was the judge. The girl who won the prize proved to be a Cherokee Indian, who has since graduated and gone home to the Territory to live.

BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:

A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.

By Mrs. E. G. White.

This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price 10 cts.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THOUGHTS ON DANIEL, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.

By Uriah Smith

By Eld. U. Smith.

AN EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL, VERSE BY VERSE.

WE are now living in times plainly pointed out in this prophecy, and it is important to understand it ; for Daniel himself says that in the time of the end, the wise shall understand ; while, if we fail, we are equally guilty with the Jews, who knew not the time of their visitation (Luke 19 : 42-44), and shall meet a similar fate. 416 pp. Price, $1.25.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Our Office in Oakland.

MUCH as there was done at the late camp-meeting, there was not time to attend to some things which we would have been pleased to see come before the Conference. The condition of our Publishing House in Oakland was only noticed incidentally in our remarks at the election of the officers. We are happy to be able to speak well of its management and of its prosperity. The type-casting material has been sold this year. When we saw a notice in the SIGNS in 1878, while we were in Ohio, that a type foundry was to be set up in this office, we feared for the consequences. We thought our people had neither the experience nor the means to justify the step. But as it was the decision to build up the business if possible, we labored diligently to make it successful. Since it was started our stock of experience has been largely increased; the means were not increased in proportion. It was brought, however, to a position where it ceased to be an expense, and became a convenience and a source of some profit. The material was sold on fair terms to those who have capital, and will make that their sole business. Printing, stereotyping, electrotyping, and book-binding are necessary in such a work as that in which we are engaged. And for these branches our office is well equipped.

The issuing of a “special edition” of the SIGNS became a necessity in this political campaign. At such a time people will read a paper when they will not look at a tract. Besides, the paper has a variety, and this constantly varying, which the tract cannot have. It was clearly our duty to make a special effort to get our faith before the people in reference to this politico-religious issue. It is not only placing the truth before thousands who had never before heard of it, but we expect it will greatly increase our permanent work. We need more laborers on this coast; more cultivated brain power. Our college comes none too soon. We regret that it was not in operation a year sooner. We need, and must soon have, assistance on the SIGNS and in the preparation of our denominational works in this office. We must not be satisfied to do in the future no more than we have done in the past. The work is fast growing; our efforts must increase and we must increase our facilities. May the Lord increase our faith and raise up laborers.

About two months ago opportunity was presented of procuring a new Cottrell & Babcock Cylinder Press. This was secured, and the step proved to be truly providential. Without this we could not possibly issue the special edition. The amount of labor which this extra puts upon the editors and presses is large. We are doing more work in this office now than ever before.

Apology for Delayed Publication

By Editor

In consequence of being detained at the Camp-meeting longer than we expected, and of an increased amount of business pressing upon us, we are unavoidably late in getting out our paper this week. We shall endeavor to be on time with the next number.

S. F. & N. P. Railroad.

By Editor

The vote of thanks to the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad, passed by the Conference, was well deserved.

This is the only road in the State which has ever shown us favors.

This always has on such occasions, but never to the same extent which it did this year.

Our people are pleased that the College is located on a road which has an accommodating spirit. It is appreciated.

Healdsburg vs. Healdsburgh.

By Editor

SOMETIME since, we announced that we were informed by the Post-Office officials in Oakland, that the Department recognized the office in Healdsburg only with a final h, and accordingly we changed to using the name in that form. At our camp-meeting, we received the following information:—

The village is incorporated by name, Healdsburg.
That matter is received there from the Post-Office Department directed in both ways—with and without the final h.
That the people of the place object to the addition of the h to the name.
A letter from the attorney to whom was intrusted the work of perfecting the incorporation of our College, informed us that the addition was not necessary.

Although the information first received seemed satisfactory, we are over-persuaded by the array of testimony given above. We shall stick to Healdsburg hereafter.

Are Sunday Sins Week-day Virtues?

One of Oakland's most prominent Doctors of Divinity recently preached a sermon in favor of the Sunday Law, in which he examined some of its terms, and endeavored to make the position of those who do not support the law, appear odious in the sight of his hearers. He read that part of it which prohibits the maintaining on Sunday of "any bull, bear, cock, or prize fight, horse-race, circus, gambling house, or saloon, or any barbarous or noisy amusement," and very facetiously asked if the opposers of the law saw anything wrong in this; if they were in favor of having such things conducted on Sunday.

For ourselves, we answer in the negative. And now, in return, we ask the Doctor. Why single out Sunday? Are we to understand that he is in favor of maintaining bull fights, gambling houses, saloons, and barbarous amusements, provided that they are not maintained on Sunday? This is the legitimate conclusion from his sermon. Herein we differ with him. He is opposed to these things on Sunday because it is Sunday. We are opposed to them every day because they are wrong.

Really, this law encourages iniquity by allowing the inference that these things are allowable except on Sunday. Such laws ought not to disgrace our statute books. Prohibit wrong on all days, because it is wrong. The Sunday-Law rule is, Prohibit wrong on Sunday because it is Sunday. Your standard needs raising.

A Happy Charity

A Happy Charity.

Eating and drinking and gambling are the strong passions of this age. If you wish to raise money to carry on some charitable or religious enterprise, you must get up a festival, a supper, or a raffle, and you will have no difficulty in securing an attendance. If your festival is not costly; if your oysters are lonesome in the soup; if the grab-bag is supplied with worthless and costless trinkets, or if the hilarious parson knows just where the ring lies in the cake, and can secure it for future service on other like occasions, there will be a handsome profit, and all will be satisfied, as the abundance of fun will cause the victims to forget that they have been cheated on a petty scale. It will not add to the spirituality of the church, nor cause the fun-loving crowd to respect the gospel of Christ. But it will help pay church debts, and give Deacon Hardcash the double satisfaction of seeing the church prosper and his bank account increase at the same time; and enable Sister McFlimsy to spend a little more for bonnets and ruffles, than she could if she had to give a reasonable proportion to the good cause in which she really thinks her heart is so deeply interested.

And this proceeding is as philosophical as it is religious. So all must have thought who heard the address recently delivered in this State, at a festival which was got up for the benefit of orphans. The speaker said:—

“Those present could devour a bowl full of oysters with the happy thought that every oyster was contributing to the comfort of some orphan.”

This happy thought will no doubt be seized upon and perpetuated. At a raffle or church game to raise funds for missionary purposes how it would inspire religious zeal to think that every throw of the dice might convert some little heathen! When charity can be dispensed and religion extended in this manner, there is hope that the millennium will soon come.

And all this passes for Christianity. We once held meetings several weeks in an eastern village, when a devoted lady deplored our coming to that place. She said we had done great injury to the cause of Christ, for the festivals were not half so well attended as before the people heard us! Her judgment was according to the popular standard. Such religion and such religious bodies are described in Isa. 1:4–6. Truly the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it.

OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.

By Uriah Smith

THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.

By Eld. U. Smith.

This is a full exposition of a portion of prophecy which applies to our own Government, showing the position the United States holds in prophecy, and the part it has to act in the closing scenes of time.

THE SUNDAY MOVEMENT,

Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed, and abundant testimony is given to prove that it is fast coming to be the ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION in this country. Facts and statistics are largely presented, showing in the most conclusive manner that this Government is the one pointed out in the prophecy quoted.

200 pp. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers, 20 cents.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

A MINE OF INFORMATION.

By John Nevins Andrews

HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.

By Eld. J. N. Andrews.

The Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made, and the work of restoration, are given in detail.

EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious Index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian.

Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE SUNDAY LAW!

By Editor

ENFORCEMENT OF THE "CHRISTIAN SABBATH."

A VINDICATION OF THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD, AND THE POSITION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

THIS tract was written with special reference to the Sunday Law agitation in California, but is of universal interest as showing the tendency of Sunday legislation, and the relation of Seventh-day Adventists thereto. The comparative claims of both the Sabbath and the Sunday are presented, also the position which both occupies in prophecy. The candid reader of this tract cannot fail to be convinced that every attempt to enforce by law the observance of Sunday as a Christian ordinance, is a step toward the union of Church and State.

Read it, and pass it to your neighbor. Price, 4 cts; $3.00 per hundred.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

WHO CHANGED THE SABBATH?

By Editor

This question very naturally arises when the evidence is presented that Sunday is not the original Sabbath of the Lord; and a complete and satisfactory answer to it is given in the tract with the above title. The following is the plan of the argument: 1. Scripture evidence is introduced to show that God regards his law as unchangeable. 2. The prophecy is quoted which clearly points out the Papacy as the power that should make the change. 3. Standard Catholic books are quoted from to show that the prophecy has been fulfilled. Every one who desires to know the truth in regard to the Sabbath should read this tract 16 pp. Price, postpaid, 3 cents; $2.25 per hundred.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THOUGHTS ON BAPTISM.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE ACTION, SUBJECTS, AND RELATIONS OF THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM.

Also, a Brief Refutation of the HISTORICAL CLAIMS FOR TRINE IMMERSION.

SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.

Prices, post-paid,—In flexible cloth, 35 cents ; paper covers, 25 cents.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,

By Editor

PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE

Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists.

A twelve-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel, with Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, 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 in Missionary Work, . . . . . . . . . 1.50

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

—OR—

REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Michigan.

ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.

MRS. ELIZA PALMER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass.

MRS. C. L. BOYD, Salem, 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 give prices in English money. He will also receive subscriptions for our periodicals.