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News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—A Gutenberg Bible was recently sold in London for $19,500.
—A church congress will be held in 1885 at Portsmouth, England.
—It is said that the singing of hymns is becoming quite common in the meetings of the Friends. This causes the older and stricter members of the society to mourn.
—The recently published minutes of the Maine Baptist State Convention shows a slight loss in membership, and a steady decrease of ministers. In six years there has been a loss of twenty per cent.
—The Independent has caught it, too. In its last issue it refers to the fact that a hotel that was in process of erection near the Exposition grounds, in New Orleans, "fell to the ground with an awful crash," and significantly adds that "it was on the Sabbath day," and that forty men were at work. We suppose it means that the accident happened on Sunday, but what that has to do with it is more than we can imagine.
—We fully agree with the Congregationalist that the following remark made by a pastor at the funeral of a distinguished parishioner, has an "odd sound." Said the pastor:
"I have been pleasantly intimate with him, and I can bear the warmest testimony to his goodness of heart and many social graces. What his theological predilections may have been—whether, for example, he believed in a personal God, in a divine revelation, or in a life after the present—I never knew—had no means of knowing!"
—Recent events go to show that the spirit of the Turkish Government has in no wise changed in its attitude towards Christians. A band of eight men, headed by their chief, recently attacked three Bulgarian shepherds. The Pall Mall Gazette says: "They bound them, cut off their ears and noses, and then, by order of Feyzo, tore the skin off their legs, arms, and necks, calling out to them as they lay the veins bare to 'bear witness before the prophet that we know how to shed Slav blood.' After this their eyes were put out, and they were cut to pieces."
—Hon. A. C. Barstow, of Providence, R. I., a prominent member of the Congregationalist Church, in a letter written a few months ago, concerning the practice of examining a minister every time he changes his field of labor, said:
"What some candidates lack in system in their theology, they more than make up in their vain philosophy. Expecting to be catechized, and fearing to be cornered in their philosophies, they make more preparation to defend what they only half believe, than they do to state clearly that of which they have no doubt."
If this be true, it does not indicate a revival of primitive Christianity. On the contrary, we may look for a philosophical religion, since ministers will very naturally preach that upon which they bestow the most preparation.
Callahan's, Cal.
By J. D. Rice, F. T. Lamb, L. H. Church
MEETINGS continue at this place. Thirty have signed the covenant to keep all of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. Several others will do so, who are now keeping the Lord's Sabbath day. Still others are investigating. We have hopes for them. We are endeavoring to so connect with Heaven that the work may be wrought in God. There are many here who can be very useful in the Master's cause if they but consecrate themselves fully to him. A call for labor has been made from a neighborhood about three miles from here. We hold two or three meetings a week there for the present. There is a full house and close attention. Pray for the success of the work and for us.
J. D. RICE,
F. T. LAMB,
L. H. CHURCH.
Dec. 24, 1884.
Turlock and Modesto, California.
By W. M. Healey
Since my last report I spent a few days with the company near Turlock, and organized a Tract and Missionary Society of ten members; also a Sabbath-school.
At Modesto a Sabbath-school was organized, and arrangements made for the company there to meet in the Baptist church. I baptized four persons there. God has blessed our labors with some good fruit. I am feeling the need of rest, having worked harder for the past few weeks than my health would bear.
W. M. HEALEY.
Healdsburg, Dec. 28.
The Real Object of Education
By Sydney Smith
The real object of education is to give children resources that will endure as long as life endures.
Obituary.
By John Orr Corliss
LUSSIER.—Died of typhoid pneumonia, in Oakland, Cal., Dec. 27, 1884, Louis O. Lussier, aged 52 years 2 months, and 5 days.
Brother Lussier was born in Montreal, Canada, but came to the United States when quite young. Having learned the art of portrait painting, he came to the Pacific Coast, like many others, to do better financially than it was possible in his business in the East. Having no decided religious convictions, he was swayed much in his early years by the opinions of those with whom he was brought in contact. Last summer, while the tent-meetings were being held in Oakland, he became a regular attendant, and when the seventh-day Sabbath was made plain from the Scriptures, he, with others, accepted it as a part of his religious faith. He, with his companion, was baptized at the Oakland camp-meeting, and both united with the church.
Brother Lussier had become endeared to the hearts of his brethren, as few men could in so short a time. He was earnest, devoted, and faithful. He was always cheerful, and generous to a fault. In his death the church mourns the loss of a worthy member, and his family the loss of a devoted husband and loving father.
Words of exhortation were spoken by the writer at the funeral, from Num. 23:10.
J. O. CORLISS.
A FRIEND
By A Friend
RHODES.—Sister F. R. Rhodes, wife of Isaac Rhodes, died of pneumonia, at her home, near Albertson, Shasta County, Cal., Dec. 15, 1884, aged 58 years, 10 months, and 5 days.
Sister Rhodes was born near Danville, Northumberland County, Pa., but spent the greater part of her life in this State. She was converted at the age of 20, and united with the Baptist Church. In the summer of 1877, under the preaching of Elder Healey, she embraced the faith of the Seventh-day Adventists, of which church she remained a worthy member till her death. During the last weeks of her life her heart was filled with peace and Christian love toward all, and in her last hours she gave evidence that she was ready to depart. She leaves a husband and two children to mourn her departure.
A funeral discourse was delivered by Rev. G. W. Burtner, from John 11:25.
A FRIEND
THE SABBATH QUESTION.
Assorted Package No. 1. Price, 10c.
Which Day Do You Keep, and Why—Who Changed the Sabbath—The Sabbath in the New Testament—Elihu on the Sabbath—God's Memorial—Sunday Not the Sabbath—Why Not Found Out Before—One Hundred Bible Facts about the Sabbath.
Assorted Package No. 2. Price, 25c.
This package contains all the tracts in package No. 1, and the following in addition:—
Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—The Ten Commandments Not Abolished—The Seventh Part of Time—The Definite Seventh Day—Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Address to the Baptists—The Sunday Law.
OTHER WORKS ON THE SABBATH.
The Truth Found.—A comprehensive exposition of the nature and obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. 64 pp.......................10c
Sunday Seventh-day Examined.—A critical examination of the claim that Sunday is the true seventh day of the fourth commandment. 88 pp...................10c
Brown's Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath Question. 64 pp..........................10c
Appeal to the Baptists.—An address from the Seventh-day Baptists to their first-day Baptist brethren, urging a restoration of the Bible Sabbath from the stand-point of Baptist principles of argument and interpretation. 48 pp......................10c
Vindication of the True Sabbath.—By a former missionary of the Presbyterian Church. ....................10c
Morality of the Sabbath.—Showing that the Sabbath commandment, being found in the midst of the nine acknowledged moral precepts, is, like the others, moral in its nature. 96 pp....................15c
Testimony of the Fathers of the first three centuries concerning the Sabbath and First-day. A candid examination of both sides of the question. 112 pp................................15c
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SECOND ADVENT.
By Editor
Assorted Package No. 3. Price, 10c.
The Coming of the Lord—Is the End Near—Can We Know—The Signs of the Times—The Judgment—The Second Advent.
Assorted Package No. 4. Price, 25c.
Containing package No. 3, and the following in addition:—
The Millennium—The Present Truth—The Third Angel's Message—Exposition of Matthew Twenty-four.
OTHER WORKS ON THE SECOND ADVENT.
Our Faith and Hope.—A series of ten sermons on the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 198 pp........................................25c
Second Coming of Christ.—An exposition of Matthew 24th chapter. 64 pp.....................................10c
Three Messages of Rev. 14.—Showing the nature and character of the warning messages designed to prepare the world for the last great Judgment. 96 pp.........................................10c
The Saints' Inheritance, or the Earth Made New. 82 pp........................................................10c
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the symbols of Rev. 8 and 9. 96 pp................................10c
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
MAN'S NATURE AND DESTINY
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.
MISCELLANEOUS TRACTS.
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 Extinction of News."
By Congregationalist
THIS is what we plead for,—that a large half of what is now called "news" be extinguished, instead of being disseminated. Hush it up. Let us go back to the good old ante-telegraph days, when one could usually unfold a damp newspaper without expecting to have his blood run cold with a recital of all the wretched and horrible things which have lately happened. Instead of "dumping" the "news" of the "Associated Press" into their columns unread, simply because it is out—only fitting it with the glaring sub-titles, let editors edit the same, condensing whatever is dreadful that deserves mention into the briefest and quietest and least sensational form, and throwing the rest bodily into the gutter. By and by such treatment would reform the whole news administration, and a better day dawn.—Congregationalist.
International Tract and Missionary Society.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THE International Tract and Missionary Society was organized Aug. 13, 1874. It has furnished health and religious publications to co-operative missions and individuals in every State and Territory in the United States, and to every civilized nation on the globe. During 1883-84 it placed in free public libraries in this country over 10,000 volumes of standard religious books, at a cost of over $10,000, two-thirds of which was donated by other funds and the publishers. It has also placed valuable books in many libraries in England, Australia, the United States, and supplied reading-rooms with health and religious periodicals.
Free reading and lecture-room, 914 Laguna Street, San Francisco, Cal., from which place all ships are visited which enter that harbor. Andrew Brorsen and H. C. Palmer, city missionaries. C. R. Robbins, ship missionary.
Book and tract depository at 1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal., where will be kept constantly on hand Health and Temperance publications to furnish co-operative missions and branch offices on the Pacific Coast, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Address, Anna L. Ingels, care of Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Free reading-room on L Street, near corner of Fifth, East Portland, Oregon. H. W. Reed, ship missionary.
Free reading-room, 113 Pearl Street, Portland, Maine. Elder S. J. Hersum, superintendent.
It has a free reading and lecture-room, 744 Broadway, New York City, where it will keep constantly on hand Health and Temperance publications to furnish co-operating missions and branch offices on the Atlantic Coast and in Europe. Ships visiting this harbor are supplied with reading matter. William J. Boynton, manager and city missionary.
Free reading and lecture-room, 21 Boylston Place, Boston, Mass. J. R. Israel and A. T. Robinson, city missionaries. Ship missionary, C. W. Priest, 101 Atlantic Avenue.
Parlor reading and lecture-rooms at 13 West Huron Street, Buffalo, N. Y., open from 2:30 to 9 P. M. Alex. Gleason, superintendent.
Parlor reading and lecture-rooms, 52 Crouse Building, Warren Street, Syracuse, N. Y. N. J. Walsworth, resident manager.
Free reading-room at 219 West Madison Street, Chicago; Room 2, second floor. Eld. Geo. B. Starr and James Sawyer, managers.
Mission and free reading-room at 2339 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, Mo., N. W. Allen, superintendent.
Free reading-room and book depository, 23 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Ind. A. W. Bartlett, superintendent.
The ship work at Liverpool, England, is under the charge of Geo. R. Drew, 32 Grange Road, Birkenhead, Cheshire; J. H. Durland, Southampton. Tract and book depository, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng., in charge of Miss Jennie Thayer.
Free reading-room, tract and book depository, at 189 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, H. I. L. A. Scott, city missionary; A. LaRue, ship missionary.
Branch societies are being organized in all parts of the United States and Europe. The New York State branch has its offices and depository at Rome, N. Y. E. W. Whitney, President; Miss May Taylor, Secretary.
At the above-mentioned places the public are cordially invited.
The society is sustained by the liberalities of friends of missions. Donations by draft or otherwise will be thankfully received and gratefully acknowledged by any of the above-mentioned agents, or Miss M. L. Huntley, Secretary, South Lancaster, Mass., U. S. A.
S. N. HASKELL, President
Appointments.
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:00. Seats free. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 912 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
Oakland Sabbath-School Reunion.
THURSDAY evening, Jan. 1, was the occasion of the annual reunion of the Oakland church and Sabbath-school. The church was well represented, and neighboring friends coming in filled our church building to its utmost seating capacity. It would be impossible to do justice to the exercises, for it was the universal verdict that no better ones have ever been held in Oakland; indeed, all seemed to think that they had never anywhere attended any more pleasing entertainment.
Aside from the singing, it was a Bible exercise throughout. An interesting feature was an outline of Biblical history, beginning with creation, and ending with redemption, and a description of the glories of the new earth. Questions were asked by various ones in the congregation, and the answers, given in exact Bible language, formed the outline. This exercise served as a review for all the divisions.
Another impressive exercise was the formation of a cross, the different sections bearing the names of the graces enumerated by Peter in the first chapter of his second epistle. On the broad foundation of Repentance, which was laid by the assistant superintendent, eight young men laid in succession Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Charity. As each section was laid, an appropriate selection of Scripture was recited, and the exercise was closed with the apostle's words found in 2 Pet. 1: 8-11.
Next came the bringing in of the sheaves, while the choir sang "Bringing in the Sheaves," the words having been written for the occasion, twenty-four little boys and girls, representing the classes of the Senior Division, and the Primary Divisions, came in, each bearing a sheaf. To each sheaf was attached an envelope containing the contribution of the class or division which was represented by the bearer. As the children handed in their offerings, each one recited an appropriate verse. The total amount of offerings was $259.40.
We can truly say that we have seldom listened to a sermon which contained so much instruction as did the evening's entertainment. Indeed, it contained several sermons. It was a happy occasion for every one present, and we believe that angels must have rejoiced at the sight. Impressions were made that will, we believe, bear fruit in eternity.
The report of the secretary showed that the Sabbath-school is in a prosperous condition. We give a few items from her report. One year ago the school numbered 174; the membership is now 276, showing an increase of 102 during the year. The class contributions during the year amounted to $374.83; total receipts for 1884, $657.58. The expenditures were $585.16, leaving $72.42 now in the treasury. There are 200 volumes in the library, and the school uses 300 Instructors.
The school has been a means of bringing many into the church, and a missionary spirit is manifested quite generally by teachers and pupils. There seems to be a greater interest in the work than ever before, and we believe that during the present year God will abundantly bless the Oakland church through its school.
Recruits for the "Army."
By Editor
A FEW weeks ago we made a note of the fact that one of the oldest and most influential Congregationalist ministers on the Pacific Coast had stated, in the Pacific, that he had attended some meetings of the "Salvation Army," and that he was "tempted" to yield to a "strong inclination" to join them. Since the publication of that letter, another has written expressing his regret that his elder brother did not join them, and give the rest the benefit of his experience after closer acquaintance. Said the later writer: "I feel certain that many of his brethren are similarly 'tempted,' . . . and his experience would have been of incalculable benefit to his brethren, who, like him, are 'halting between two opinions' regarding the Salvation Army, its methods and work, and their own duty with reference to it."
Still further he says:—
"I cannot avoid a conviction that, if our brother had yielded to the yearning desire to become one of the searchers along the highways and among the hedges, he would only have been the first among a multitude of earnest preachers, whose hearts are crying out to the Lord for wisdom that they may know how 'to seek and to save.'"
This is only one of the many indications that there is a strong current setting toward the "Salvation Army," or some similar organization. As the writer above quoted says, many ministers are not satisfied with the present influence and work of the church, and thus are all ready to adopt anything which promises the success they so much desire, namely, "many converts." There is no question but that the "Salvation Army" is rapidly gaining recruits, and, as a natural consequence, influence. Those who to-day make it a subject of ridicule may next month be in its ranks. It is high time that all honest, candid persons should be warned against its insidious advances, lest they become infatuated with it, and, ere they discover their mistake, become hopelessly entangled in the net of Spiritualism.
"Man's Nature and Destiny."
By Editor
THERE are no subjects that are of more absorbing interest to the human race than those indicated in the above heading. It is natural and proper for man to inquire into the origin of things. Only by so doing can he properly appreciate the power and wisdom of the Creator. It is for this purpose that God has given him a mind that is capable of conducting profound research and grasping great truths. It is just as natural and proper for him to seek to know for what God has created all things. But when this investigation has to do with man himself, it becomes far more than a matter of mere curiosity; for since man has been endowed with so high an order of intellect, that he can choose his own course, and is responsible for his acts, it is a matter of vital importance that he should know for what purpose God created him, how he must act in order to attain that end, and what will be his fate should he deviate from the proper course.
These questions can be answered only in the light of divine revelation. The Bible affords the only solution of the mysteries concerning the origin and destiny of the human race; and conjecture, speculation, or philosophy should not enter into the investigation. The book whose name heads this article is an attempt to give a comprehensive view of the subject, from a Bible standpoint alone. In this effort the author has met with better success than any other one of whom we have any knowledge. Elder Uriah Smith, editor of the Review and Herald has made the Bible his chief study for two score years, and his long experience as a teacher, both by voice and pen, gives him great facility in stating points of doctrine so that they may be comprehended by the dullest minds. This book has already met with a large sale, the present being the third edition. The following partial schedule of the thirty-seven chapters of the book will give an idea of its comprehensiveness:—
Primary Questions—Immortal and Immortality—Image of God—Breath of Life—The Living Soul—What Is Soul?—What Is Spirit?—The Spirit Returns to God—The Formation of the Spirit—"Who Knoweth?"—Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect—Spirits in Prison—Departure and Return of the Soul—Can the Soul Be Killed?—The Souls under the Altar—Gathered to His People—Samuel and the Woman of Endor—The Transfiguration—The Rich Man and Lazarus—"With Me in Paradise"—Absent from the Body—In the Body and Out—Departing and Being with Christ—The Resurrection—The Judgment—The Life Everlasting—The Wages of Sin—Everlasting Punishment—The Undying Worm and Quenchless Fire—Tormented Forever and Ever—End of Them That Obey Not the Gospel—God's Dealings with His Creatures—The Claims of Philosophy—Historical View—Influence of the Doctrine.
The book has a copious index, by which the reader may readily find the comment on any text bearing on the nature and destiny of man. Bound in cloth, 443 pp., price, $1.50. Address Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., or SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Frelinghuysen Accepts Bible Society Presidency
SECRETARY FRELINGHUYSEN has accepted the presidency of the American Bible Society.
Holiness Shown by Good Works
By Editor
The California Christian Advocate says:—
"We know of a man who made a very distinct and constant profession of holiness all last year, but did not pay one cent for missions, church extension, nor any other benevolent work adopted and fostered by the church. His account is thus: Profession of holiness, one hundred or more times; for benevolence, not even a mite."
The Advocate evidently does not take much stock in such "holiness;" neither do we. We know persons, however, who made much genuine advancement in holiness last year, but they didn't keep talking about it. They have an idea that men are to be led to glorify God by seeing their "good works" rather than by hearing their "good words." We believe that their method is the correct one, inasmuch as it is the Bible method.
Growth of the Oakland Church
LAST Sabbath, the first in the new year, was a good day for the church in Oakland. Sister White spoke in the forenoon, giving excellent instruction from the words of Peter found in his second epistle, first chapter. The theme more particularly dwelt upon was the necessity of adding the Christian graces. No doubt all that were present will profit by the lesson that was so forcibly presented.
In the afternoon 175 took part in the celebration of the ordinances. It was a precious season. It was also gratifying to note the healthy growth of this church during the past year. At the commencement of 1884, the church had 187 members. Its present membership is 247.
The Testing of Character
By Editor
The Sunday School Times contains the best editorials of any of our religious exchanges, and one of the best that we have ever seen in that paper is one entitled "The Testing of Character," which will be found on page 20 of this number of the SIGNS. It is worthy of careful and repeated reading.
The Signs Subscription List Growing
By Editor
WE are happy to be able to announce that our subscription list is growing rapidly. Names of subscribers for the SIGNS are coming in literally by the hundreds every day.
Workers and Grumblers
By Editor
A CHICAGO minister says: "Church members are divided into two classes, workers and grumblers. Workers never grumble, and grumblers never work." Let every church member and officer consider this matter.