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.
416 pp. $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
A CORRESPONDENT writes thus: “Hebrew scholars tell us that the word God in the first two chapters of Genesis is Elohim, plural in the original. If the Elohim were angels they acted under the authority of the living God,” etc.
It is true that the word is plural in form, but not in construction. The word “created” in Gen. 1:1, is singular; literally, he created; not they created. And so of the verbs in the several verses where the word Elohim occurs.
The plural form was used as an indication of majesty or power. This form of expression was largely adopted by governors or kings, who used the pronoun we instead of I. Thus in the decree of Artaxerxes, Ezra 7:24, “Also we certify you,” etc. The force of this method of expression is now weakened by the greater prevalence of the custom, as not only all editors but many public speakers use the plural pronoun first person for the singular.
The word Elohim does not refer to the angels, but to the one God, the Creator of all. We read in Deut. 6:4: “Hear, O Israel; Jehovah our Elohim is one Jehovah.” It is first coupled with the name Jehovah in Gen. 2:4, and rendered together, Lord God. It would be an exceedingly faulty rendering to say Jehovah angels. Every law of the language forbids that it should be construed in the plural.
Come at the Opening.
By S. Brownsberger
The beginning of a new college year is just at hand. Those who expect to attend at some time during the year should plan to come as early as possible. Those who are present at the opening, start with a great advantage over those who come in late. The former learn very much the first few days concerning the plan of their work for the term, the methods of instruction, how to study to the best advantage, and the true spirit of their school work, because the teachers give special instruction upon these topics at the opening, that all may start aright. We trust that all who have been undecided whether to come at the opening or later, will decide to come right away.
The new building is now ready to receive students. We have no doubt that it will prove to be a very pleasant home for the student family. Its management will be such as to secure to the students who occupy it, the very best returns for their time and expense.
During the coming year we expect a largely increased attendance over the past year. We are very desirous that our young men and women on this coast who are unacquainted with the merits of our school, should come and see for themselves the superior advantages for obtaining an education at Healdsburg College. All those who have attended the school are numbered among its best friends; and it is only necessary to inform the people concerning the nature and workings of the school, and the substantial good done those in attendance, to secure their friendship and sincere coöperation.
The entire expense to each student is reduced to the lowest figures, being but little more than half that in many other schools in California of the same grade, but with advantages far superior to theirs.
The College must do the work in connection with the cause that the Lord would have it do, and it must prove a success to that degree in which it meets the mind of the Spirit of God.
S. BROWNSBERGER.
Sabbath-School Lesson and Camp-Meeting
THE Sabbath-school lesson for this week is a review, consequently no comments appear in this paper.
WE expect to give the appointment for the California Camp-meeting in the next SIGNS. Quite a number of things are to be considered in making the appointment. Matters will be canvassed carefully, and the time and place selected to best meet the wants of the cause. Do not wait until the time is announced, before you begin to prepare for it; begin now.
A Good Point.
THE article on the second page of this paper entitled "The Jewish Day," contains a good testimony, though we do not assent to the statement that the Lord's supper was instituted on Wednesday evening. The World's Crisis is a most determined opposer of the Lord's Sabbath, and Eld. Sheldon is one of its ablest contributors, and strongly opposed to the seventh-day Sabbath. But he frankly concedes all that we could ask on Acts 20:7. Only those whose zeal (or bigotry) outstrips their candor will try to build up Sunday communion or Sunday observance of any kind on Acts 20. And when that is gone what have they left?
“The Eastern Question.”
THERE have just been received at this Office—but too late for extended notice in this paper—two maps embracing the territory of “the Old World,” for the use of ministers to illustrate certain portions of prophecy. One is a map of “the Four Kingdoms,” showing at a glance the territory of those kingdoms by means of colored lines. The other relates more particularly to Turkey, which is the point of interest and the bone of contention among the nations: It contains more points than we can now describe. They are published by Eld. Uriah Smith, at the Office of the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich. It will be remembered that the last General Conference passed a vote requesting their publication. Price, $3.00, single; $5.00 for the two.
Considerably Mixed.
THE Christian Herald, Disciple, copies our notice of its profession to speak only when the Bible speaks, and in its reply says:—
"The Bible does speak of 'the first day of the week' and 'the Lord's day.'"
Yes, both these expressions are in the Bible, and they are only fifty chapters apart! Now can the Herald show that one has any relation to the other? The answer of the Herald is very slightly ingenious, and not at all ingenious. Suppose we try that method of proof, as follows: The Bible does say "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and" "your children." Yet in the face of this plain Bible testimony the Herald denies that the sprinkling of water upon children is a Bible institution! Why will it be so inconsistent?
Healdsburg College.
THIS school opens Wednesday, July 25. We hear favorable reports of the prospect for scholars coming in from various parts of the State. We hope the attendance may be larger than ever before, and especially of those more advanced in years and studies; those who desire to fit themselves for service in the cause of God.
It is a matter of surprise to us that any have got the idea that the founding of such a school is not consistent with our faith in the near coming of the Lord. The shortness of time and the magnitude of our work make this school a necessity. Who that loves this precious cause has not lamented the lack of laborers? The majority of licenses given to young men have only been a disappointment. At our last Conference we should have been perplexed with some cases—whether or not to renew the licenses,—but the school gave us the relief we needed; we advised several young men to retire from the work for a season, and go to the school and fit themselves for better service. And the event has proved the wisdom of that course. To some this seems like a loss of time, but it is a gain of time; for it is only a waste of time for a person to try to do that for which he is not qualified. The mechanic does not think it a loss of time to sharpen his tools.
We look upon the school in Healdsburg as the hope of our cause in California. Parents, guardians, and churches, should make an effort to have the young attend. And let the older come also, if they wish to fit themselves for work. There is room for all. Canvassing and colporting are proving efficient means of spreading the truth. The fields are open in every direction, near and far. We would like to see a few score ready to enter upon the work now.
New Map of Boston.
NEVER in Boston? Going there? We have received just what you want. A splendid "New Map of Boston. With compliments of J. W. Wolcott, Hotel Vendome, Boston." Old Boston is a bewildering place to a stranger. When we first landed in one of her narrow streets we mentally queried, How do they turn round with teams in these streets? But we soon found out. Just take a street and follow it; and you will soon find yourself turned round. Such a map as this, however, will make you at home in "the hub."
EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
Comprising “Experience and Views” and “Spiritual Gifts Volume One,” bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal
THE SPIRIT OF GOD: ITS OFFICES AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE END OF THE CHRISTIAN AGE.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
By Elder J. H. Waggoner.
This is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the Heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all, and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord. 144 pp. Price, 15 cents.
Address, Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.
LIFE OF ELDER JOSEPH BATES, WITH PORTRAIT.
By Editor
This is a reprint of his autobiography, with lengthy introduction, and closing chapters on his public ministry, last sickness, and death, by his fellow-laborer, ELDER JAMES WHITE.
This is a book that will be read with the deepest interest by both old and young. The first portion of the book pertains to his sea-faring life of over twenty years. Here will be found the record of his adventures in his passage from cabin-boy to master and owner. Then follows the account of his conversion, which took place while on the ocean, and the reforms with which he was connected. He was the organizer of the first temperance society in New England, and was identified with the advent message from its start. Every family should have a copy.
352 pages. On fine tinted paper, $1.25; Plain white paper, 85 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
NEW MUSIC! THE LAST IS THE BEST!
JUST PUBLISHED,
By GEO. D. RUSSELL, 126 Tremont Street, Boston, a new book of Music, entitled,
PEARLY PORTALS.
By D. S. HAKES.
The music and words of this book are mostly entirely new, and well adapted to the Sabbath-school and social circle. It is receiving the most unqualified praise from all who have examined it. The music is of a high order throughout, and yet not at all difficult.
160 pp. Per copy, 35 cents; $3.60 per dozen. Bound, 50 cents; $5.00 per dozen.
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.
The Signs of the Times.
By Editor
OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, JULY 19, 1883.
Time of Camp-Meetings.
VIRGINIA, New Market, Aug. 9-14
KANSAS, Bull City, Osborne Co., " 9-20
OHIO, Galion, Crawford Co., " 14-21
MASSACHUSETTS, " 23-28
VERMONT, Montpelier, Aug. 30 to Sept. 4
MICHIGAN, Manton, Wexford Co., " "
MAINE, Waterville, Sept. 6-11
ILLINOIS, " 11-18
NEW YORK, " 19-25
NEBRASKA, " 19-25
INDIANA, Bunker Hill, Marion Co, Oct. 1-10
KENTUCKY, Glasgow, " 2-9
ALABAMA, Choctaw Co.