—It is reported that Russia is taking steps to assist the Afghanistans.
—A special dispatch says that a malignant type of smallpox is raging at Grand Forks, Dakota Territory.
—It would seem that the days of “gas monopoly” are numbered. The electric light is proving a success.
—Intelligence has been received from New Caledonia, the French penal colony, of a fresh massacre of colonists by the natives.
—An effort has been made to assassinate Count Andrassy, the Austrian minister, Tisza, the prime minister of Hungary, and other notables.
—The marquis of Lorne, son-in-law to Queen Victoria, is now Governor-General of Canada. He is considered a man of great ability.
—Failures are reported in London amounting to over $15,000,000. Trade and commerce in Europe are in a more critical condition than in the United States.
—A Times special states that Red Cloud's six thousand Indians are in danger of starving, as their supplies cannot be transported by themselves under ten months.
—A United States Marshal arrived at Maysville, Ky., November 27, with a party of nine illicit distillers that he had captured in the country back of Catlettsburg.
—In Lancashire, Eng., there is a strike of 12,000 workmen, affecting 120 mills. There is fear of serious difficulty. This destroys the hope of a speedy return of better times in that country.
—There is prospect of a war between Chili and the Argentine Republic, about the possession of some islands on the coast of Patagonia. An American vessel has been seized by the Chilian authorities, which may complicate the difficulty.
—The sequestration of the estate of Henry Taylor & Son, Glasgow, grain and flour merchants, is announced. The liabilities are $6,000,000. William Taylor, the imprisoned director of the city of Glasgow Bank, is the senior partner of the firm.
—Socialist difficulties increase in Europe. It is reported that Berlin will soon be declared in “a state of siege,” to better deal with the question. The Pope is urging upon the governments the duty of repressing socialism, and of restoring the privileges of the church! This may be a hope to them in their trouble.
—The six columns that remain of the great Temple of the Sun, at Baalbec, are in danger of falling. The Turks have undermined them and the frosts may complete their destruction with the coming winter. These columns, the largest and most beautiful in the world, measure with pedestal, capital and entablature, about 89 feet in height.
—The English are pursuing the Afghanistans, having obtained a decided victory in the first combat. We have noticed that in all the recent wars, the party getting the first victory has been badly beaten. Only by speedy assistance from the Russians can the Afghans hope to succeed against the power of Great Britain.
—The attempt by certain members of the California Constitutional Convention, now in session at Sacramento, to restrict the liberty of the press, by placing defendants in libel suits solely at the mercy of county judges, is being roughly handled by the press. So far sixty-three journals have denounced the measure, and only two are found to favor it.
—Another steamer has gone down in the English channel, with a loss of 57 lives. There was a very dense fog. The captain was at his post, and is reported to have gone down with his vessel. He was a faithful officer, and it was his one hundred and fifty-fifth passage across the Atlantic. His vessel, the Pomerania, left New York November 14.
—While so many are left in absolute want by the recent break in the stock market, it is announced that J. C. Flood and James G. Fair, two heavy stock speculators, are preparing to erect private palaces on California street hill, on opposite sides of Mason street. The grading will be done at a cost of $100,000, and the cost of the houses is only estimated by comparison with other like palaces, as the effort will be to excel all others.
—The office of the London Times was recently lighted by the electric light, the invention adopted being that of Mr. Rapieff. Six lights were kept burning in one circuit, and in the presence of a large party of gentlemen they were blown out and instantly reignited automatically. The lights were lowered just the same as in the case of ordinary gas. They were put out all together, and each one separately. Milton S. Latham of San Francisco has procured in Europe the exclusive right in the United States to certain patents on “electric candles,” and a machine for generating electricity. His privileges cover all the systems now in use in Europe.
ANOTHER EVIL OF TOBACCO-SMOKING.
The Scientific American says that "vulcanized red rubber dental plates are turned black by tobacco smoke. The plates regularly color by degrees, after the fashion of meerschaum pipes. This will account for numerous cases of deteriorated plates, the owners of which have asked us to explain, and at the same time exhibits a new evil of the deleterious habit of tobacco-smoking."
If the poison of tobacco will produce such a chemical effect on vulcanized rubber, what must be its damaging effect upon such delicate tissues as the minute fibers of the nerves, the cells of the brain and spinal cord, and the corpuscles of the blood?
RELIGIOUS NEWS AND NOTES
—Dr. McCabe, Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Dublin, succeeds Archbishop Cullen.
—Mrs. Tilton wickedly persisted in confessing her guilt with her pastor, and was expelled from Plymouth church on the 26th ult.
—Upwards of 1,200 churches in Great Britain now use the unfermented wine, the true "fruit of the vine," and free from alcohol, for communion purposes.
—The Presbyterian at Work says: "Near Arcot, South India, there is a village where every heathen family has become Christian. The stone gods have been pulled down and serve as steps to the church."
—Rev. W. F. Stevenson, of the Irish Presbyterian Church, states that about 400,000 persons are connected with the Christian churches, in India, China and Japan, besides 200,000 children receiving a Christian education.
—A letter from a lady missionary to the official magazine of the Southern Presbyterian Church, states that the Bible is now scattered all over Brazil, and that many who do not attend worship are friendly to the gospel as a means of elevating their country.
—The Bible work among the Turks is very interesting. The Scriptures are sold all over the empire. The Bible house at Constantinople is quite as prominent a building as the Bible houses of New York or London are for those localities, and the Scriptures are publicly exposed for sale in more than twenty languages.
—The Iowa Eldership of the Church of God, sometimes spoken of as "Winebrennarians," which met at Moneka in that State, recently, took cognizance of the fact that as there is great deficiency in education among their ministers, that this deficiency is the occasion of their practical exclusion from many avenues of usefulness, and that it is prepetuated by an irrational opposition to an educated ministry on the part of many good people.
—The Presbyterian church in Ireland raised last year for all religious purposes by far the largest sum total ever reached and more than $60,000 more than the previous year. The average given per family was nearly $10. In the Canada Presbyterian church it was $17. In some of the Presbyterian churches of the United States it is more than that for each communicant. State endowment does not cultivate Christian liberality.
—It is said that one of the disciples of Rousseau had invented a religion which he was quite anxious to see adopted in France as a substitute for the Christian religion, but not making much progress with his substitute he complained to Talleyrand of his want of success. Talleyrand suggested that it would doubtless help his cause very much if he would allow himself to be crucified and to be buried, and to rise from the dead on the third day, and then to show the people the print of the nails in his hands and his feet.
—Mr. George Muller's work at Ashley-down, Bristol, England, is in a flourishing condition. The annual report just issued states, that, after meeting the year's expenses, amounting to $210,000, the accounts have been closed with a small balance in hand. Since the founding of the institution $3,920,000 have been received without any one having been appealed to personally, 66,600 children and adults have been taught in the various schools, and tens of thousands of Bibles have been circulated. The present attendance at the schools exceeds 10,000 and 2193 orphans have been sheltered during the year. Mr. Muller is an outspoken second Adventist.
OBITUARY.
By John Judson
DIED, at San Pasqual, San Diego County, November 4, Susie Bandy, daughter of J. D. Bandy, aged fifteen years, seven months, and nine days. Susie died with faith in a Saviour's love, and in hope of immortality.
Discourse by the writer, from 1 Cor. 15. JOHN JUDSON.
North Pacific Conference.
By I. D. Van Horn
I LEFT my home in Salem, Oregon, on the 30th day of July to commence work in the eastern part of this Conference. On arriving at Walla Walla, Brother W. L. Raymond joined me and we soon began meetings with the tent. After the weather became too stormy and cold to use the tent, we continued our work in the churches of Walla Walla, Milton, and Dayton. Up to date, we have held one hundred and twenty meetings.
Our effort with the Dayton church resulted favorably. The church previous to this time had not been fully organized. We completed the organization, withdrew fellowship from three disorderly members, and received two into the church by baptism. This church now numbers nineteen, and they never were in a better condition.
We moved the tent about thirty miles from Dayton to a new place, and after three weeks labor, ten began to keep the Sabbath. These all remain firm.
In the Walla Walla church we labored at a great disadvantage on account of the members being so scattered; but few of them could attend. We had to withdraw from six, but still the church numbers forty-eight. The good Elder of this church, Brother Maxson, being away on a visit East, made it even more difficult to do all for this church which they so much needed. If this church would adopt the plan of concentrating their strength by settling near enough to Walla Walla, that they might maintain meetings, instead of doing as they have done, scattered away, it would be far better for the cause. But sometimes when our brethren move they do not consider so much the welfare of the cause, as they do their own selfish interests. Let the members of this church all make an effort to situate themselves in this life so they can concentrate their strength to carry on the cause in Walla Walla, and the condition of things would be far different than what we now see. But let no one think that the cause is dead in this church. Far from it.
The church in Milton is still strong. Five united while we were there; three by letter and two by baptism. The members of this church have so far kept their strength united, and the result is, a growing interest continually. The church now numbers thirty-four. The prospect before them is favorable.
On the whole the cause is moving onward in this part of the Conference. All the friends of the cause seem to be wide awake and anxious for a camp-meeting next spring. Such a meeting will be of great benefit to the cause here. We want at that meeting a thorough stirring up on the T. and M. work. We shall solicit the aid of some one of the ministering brethren who is thoroughly posted in this work to help us on that occasion. There is a large field for work in that direction in this Conference. We all need to wake up and to show more diligence in this branch of the cause.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Dayton, W. T., November 15, 1878.
Health Annuals.
By E. R. Gillett
The Pacific Coast edition of the Family Health Annual is ready for delivery, and the quotas for the several tract and missionary districts have been forwarded, so far as ordered. Districts desiring to increase their orders, or individuals wishing to procure on their own account, are reminded that the State secretary has on hand an extra supply from which they can draw, at the rate of $4.50 per hundred. As the new year is at hand, there is no time to lose in the distribution of these valuable documents.
E. R. GILLETT,
Vice-President Cal. T. and M. Society.
Vigilant Missionary Societies
By Editor
WE publish in this paper the address of the officers of the General Tract and Missionary Society of S. D. Adventists on the subject of “Vigilant Missionary Societies,” with the Constitution of such societies and rules for their organization. We call the especial attention of churches on the Pacific coast to this address The churches in California will very soon be visited, and this subject will come up for consideration and action.
An Important Decision.
By Editor
A WILL was recently contested in San Francisco, one provision of which was as follows: "I give and bequeath to the Colored Episcopal Church of the city and county of San Francisco, the sum of $400." The Court held that
"By the law of this State, no religious corporation, body, or society can take, under a will. [Civil Code, Sec. 1275.] Therefore the clauses of the will attempting to give property to the Church, are void."
Let this be noted. All gifts to religious corporations of any kind must be conferred within the life-time of the giver. We cheerfully "accept the situation." We think it is much the best plan, if not too long neglected.
Stocks Hopeful.
It is reported that there is a better showing in the Nevada mines, and there is a prospect of the stocks being firmer. Why not? The mass of stock holders, under heavy assessments were compelled to sell at ruinous prices; the managers have everything in their own hands; and now it is time for them to raise the stocks, and put them on the market again. A Philadelphia paper said that, compared to stock brokerage, gambling is a regular and legitimate business. Dr. Guard, in his thanksgiving sermon at the union service in Oakland, speaking of the recent transactions in the stock market, said it was "an extreme manifestation of the gambling spirit." But men and women, greedy of sudden gain, will not be warned. They will soon be as eager as ever to risk their all in the hands of stock brokers. It is no wonder that so many go insane in California, under the influence of such strong sordid passions, and such constant unhealthy excitement.
San Jose and Gilroy.
By M. C. Israel
I MET with the churches at San Jose and Gilroy according to appointment. Found the companies very much reduced by removals. At San Jose they were quite discouraged, their leader having removed to Woodland last spring. We held three meetings with them, and organized a vigilant missionary society, which subscribed for sixteen copies of the SIGNS. We felt encouraged to see them enlist so heartily in the work. If the rest of the churches in the State do as well our missionary work will be doubled during the coming year. At Gilroy we held one meeting. All but four members have removed to different parts of the State. These are doing what they can in the missionary work.
M. C. ISRAEL.
Pacheco and Lafayette.
By E. R. Gillett
According to appointment, I met with these churches last Sabbath and Sunday. The object in visiting them at this time was to more fully enlist them in the tract and missionary work, and to organize vigilant missionary societies, if practicable, in both places. After setting the matter before them, a society of this kind was formed in each place. And, though there are but eleven members in these two churches, a club of thirty-three for the SIGNS was raised. This exceeded my most sanguine expectations, and should all the churches in California come up to the work as fully as these have done, the circulation of our good paper would be increased more than twenty-two hundred in this conference alone. And should all the churches on this coast do correspondingly well, three thousand would be added to its circulation!
It was a source of great pleasure to me to see how heartily these dear brethren entered into this good work. Even the children caught the spirit, and brought their offerings and cast them into the treasury of the Lord. May God bless them, and encourage their hearts to continue faithful unto the end.
E. R. GILLETT.
Dec. 2, 1878.
Sabbath-Schools.
By M. C. Israel
WE request the superintendents of the Sabbath-schools to send their names and addresses to the secretary, Mrs. Alice Papworth, SIGNS OF THE TIMES Office, Oakland, Cal., so that blanks can be sent to each. A full report is wanted by the commencement of the year. Let all our schools be in time in sending for a full supply of the weekly Instructor.
Schools having libraries or parts of libraries on hand which they would like to exchange should make it known to the executive committee. Books which have been read and laid aside will be gladly received by those having no libraries. Those wishing new books can find a choice selection, that will be found unobjectionable in point of doctrine, and at very reasonable rates, at the Office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
M. C. ISRAEL,
President Cal. S. S. Association.
Appointments.
By E. R. Gillett
The Lord willing, I will meet with the church in Vacaville on Sabbath, December 7, 1878, at the usual hour of holding meetings. I shall be pleased to meet all the brethren and sisters at this meeting. Will Brother Saunders meet me there?
E. R. GILLETT.
Meetings at Napa
By M. C. Israel
No preventing providence, I will meet with the church at Napa Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 7, and 8, 1878. Meeting on Sabbath at the usual hour, and on Sunday a business meeting will be held at 10:30, A. M. I should be glad to see all the brothers and sisters at these meetings. Will Brother Mavity meet with us there?
M. C. Israel
Health Publications.
By Editor
The Uses of Water in Health and Disease. Bound, 160 pp., 50c. Paper covers, pp. 136, 25c.
The Household Manual. Brief, plain directions for treatment of common sicknesses, etc. Bound, 176 pp., 75c.
Plain Facts about Sexual Life. (The Boston Journal, and many other papers, highly recommend this work). Bound, tinted paper, 360 pp., $1.50. Flexible covers, 260 pp., 75c.
The Physical, Moral, and Social Effects of Alcoholic Poison as a Beverage and a Medicine. Paper, 128 pp., 25c.
Healthful Cookery. Indispensable to every household. 128 pp., 25c.
Proper Diet for Man. Paper, 48 pp., 15c.
Evils of Fashionable Dress, and How to Dress Healthfully. 40 pp., 10c.
Tracts. Dyspepsia, its Cause and Cure. 32 pp., 4c.
Healthful Clothing. 32 pp., 4c.
Startling Facts about Tobacco. 32 pp., 4c.
Tea and Coffee. 32 pp., 4c.
Wine and the Bible, (showing that the Bible affords no support to the use of intoxicating beverages). 24 pp., 3c.
Principles of Health Reform. 16 pp., 2c.
Twenty-five Arguments for Tobacco-using Answered. 24 pp., 3c.
Pork, (with an engraving of the terrible trichina worm). 16 pp., 2c.
The Drunkard's Arguments Answered. 16 pp., 2c.
Alcoholic Medication. 16 pp., 2c.
Moral and Social Effects of Alcohol. 8 pp., 1c.
Causes and Cure of Intemperance. 8 pp., 1c.
Alcohol; What is it? 4 pp., 1/2c.
Alcoholic Poison. 4 pp., 1/2c.
True Temperance. 4 pp., 1/2c.
The whole series of Tracts put up in a neat package, 30c. Discount made to Tract and Temperance societies.
Address—
Signs of the Times,
Oakland, Cal.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
$2.00 EACH. O W Hartnes 4-40, Alvis Smith 5-38, Sally Dunton 5-46, Eld L McCoy 5-33, Mrs Eugene Beuchanen 3-45, Mrs M E Blackerby 5-45, Benten R Rowell 5-46, M D Malony 5-19, G P Sanford 5-22, Mrs M J Wilkins 5-1, Mrs F Richardson 5-40, Isaac Rhodes 5-46.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs L L Taylor 5-46, Thos McGrath 5-46, C R Fletcher 5-46, Mrs Hiram Williams 5-46, Mrs Eliza Harden 5-46, Amos Johnson 5-46, L A Scott 5-46, B Mattern 5-27, Emma L Hill 5-46, J Stillwell 5-46, Joel Densmore 5-46.
$1.20 EACH. Josephene Loury 5-46, F W Chandler 5-46, Matilda Nearing 5-46, Martin Ordway 5-46, Horace Alexander 5-46, Lucy Hindman 5-46, J B Gregory 5-46, Lizzie Clarke 5-46, Samuel Rose 5-46, Louisa Nye 5-46, Gilbert Meeker 5-46, Jane West 5-46, John Perry 5-46, Joseph Klopfenstein 5-46, H H Hill 5-46, Margaret Wanser 5-46, Anne Stephens 5-46, Anne Smith 5-46, John Chandler 5-46, Joseph Philes 5-46, J B Huddle 5-46, Marcia McIntire 5-46, Martha Harding 5-46, Martin Harding 5-46, Hiram Allen 5-46 Jessie Stoddard 5-46, Mrs P P Smith 5-46, Mrs Electa Dickersen 5-46, Joseph Burget 5-46, Geo Biggs 5-46, Edward Clarke 5-46, E Incho 5-46, Mr Dustman 5-46, Mrs Julia Joyner 5-46, Mrs Lottie Beach 5-46, Miss Lucy Smith 5-46, Harrietta Jyde 5-46, Nehemiah Gregory 5-46 Niles House 5-46, Allen Canfield 5-46, Mrs Frank Taloot 5-46, John Sheltzer 5-46, Henry Dorin 5-46, J V Smith 5-46, Geo Wallace 5-46, Fred Lyon 5-46, James Driscoll 5-46, Vining Baldwin 5-46, H A Boardman 5-46, Taylor Barton 5-46, Mrs A L Wilsen 5-46, Lucy Rosanburger 5-46, Mrs Amanda Cornelus 5-46.
$1.00 EACH. Mrs B F Winkler 5-32, A W Blackburn 5-25, Mary A Dunlap 5-24, Horace A Sweet 5-21, Francis C Watson 5-26, Mrs Jennie Gleason 5-22, Mrs E Carter 5-24, Levi Rowlings 5-24.
75 CTS. EACH. Lelia Ballowe 5-22, Charles Blood 5-13, Joseph L Hebner 5-22, D C Wiest 5-22, Miss Mary Coyle 22.
50 CTS EACH. Wm Erwin 5-14, Joseph Mc Mulken 5-14, Herbert S Armer 5-14, Charlie L Armer 5-14, G B Miller 5-14, O Francis 5-14.
MISCELLANEOUS. Martha Brown (3 copies) 3.60 5-46, Ida Boardman (2 copies) 2.40 5, 46, H Wren (10 copies) 12.00 5-46, Hattie Hall (13 copies) 15.60 5-46 Mrs L H Weaver 1 25 5-46, Sallie A Heysen (5 copies) 3.00 5-24, Mrs M E C Parker (5 copies) 1.80 5-22, Maria Newell (10 copies) 12.00 5-46, Joseph Miller (4 copies) 4.80 5-46, T H Wakeman (4 copies) 4.80 5-46, A W Bunyan (5 copies) 6 00 5-46, F H Chapman (8 copies) 12.00 5-46, A E Marvin (6 copies) 9.00 5-46, Niels Hansen (10 copies) 12.00 5-46, James Hackett (2 copies) 2.40 5-46, Mrs Warren Brown (24 copies) 36 00 5-46, G P Sanford (9 copies) 13.50 5-46, Mrs P F Phinsey (3 copies) 3.60 5-46, Harmon Gregory (3 copies) 3.60 5-46, Lee (5 copies) 6.00 5-46, Geo Klopfstein (5 copies) 6.00 6,00 5-46, Peter Klopfstein (2 copies) 2 40 5-46, Tillie J Avery (29 copies) 34.80 5.46, Geo Elsworth (2 copies) 2.40 5-46.
Received on Account.
W M Smith $10.00, Cal T and M Society 15.50.
Donations to the Signs.
J L Voris $5.00.
California Conference Fund.
J C Phipps $3.00 Eugene Briggs 26.00, Barry Patterson 4.00.