Earlier text: Morality of the Ten CommandmentsI'VE been fourteen years a sailor, and I've found in all parts of the world I could get along just as well without alcoholic liquors, as with them, and better too. Some years ago, when we lay in Jamaica, several of us were sick with the fever, and among the rest, the second mate. The doctor had given him brandy to keep him up, but I thought it was a queer kind of "keeping up." Why, you see, it stands to reason, that if you heap fuel on the fire, it will burn the faster, and putting the brandy to a fever is just the same kind of a thing. Brandy is more than half alcohol, you know. Well, the doctor gave him up, and I was set to watch with him. No medicine was left, for it was of no use. Nothing would help him, and I had my directions what to do with the body when he was dead. Towards midnight he asked for water. I got him the coolest I could find, and gave him all he wanted, and if you'll believe me, in less than three hours he drank three gallons. The sweat rolled off from him like rain. Then he sank off and I thought sure he was gone; but he was sleeping, and as quietly as a child. In the morning, when the doctor came, he asked what time the mate died. "Won't you go in and look at him?" said I. He went in and took the mate's hand. "Why," said he, "the man is not dead! He's alive and doing well! What have you been giving him?" "Water, simply water, and all he wanted of it!" said I. I don't know that the doctor learned anything from that, but I did, and now no doctor puts alcoholics down me, or any of my folks for a fever, I can tell you! I am a plain, unlettered man, but I know too much to let any doctor burn me up with alcohol.—Sel. The Vatican and Beer in Lent
The Vatican's opinion of beer was asked several years ago under the following circumstances, as told by a priest: “While parish priest of a Bavarian country village the Burgomaster came to him one day and asked whether it was proper to drink beer in Lent. The pastor replied that he thought a moderate enjoyment of beer was quite lawful. The President of the Commune, however, was not satisfied. A few days later he again went to his reverence and solemnly ask him whether he could not make an inquiry in Rome as to the legality of the wholesale drinking of ‘Baierisch’ during Lent. The clergyman gladly assented. ‘I received a notification from the highest authorities,’ he said, ‘that no judgment could be given on the beer question until the beer had been seen and tasted.’ A small barrel of the very best Bavarian was sent from the village to the Eternal City; it was probably the very first Bavarian beer which crossed ‘the threshold of the apostles.’ The decision came back from Rome without delay. The wine-drinking authorities in the Vatican ruled that as much of this singular liquid might be drunk during Lent as a man could bring himself to drink. Not only so, but it was even added that it might be regarded as a sort of penance when a man drunk a large quantity of so bitter and nauseous a concoction.” Keep Away from the Saloons
As you value your honor and happiness in this life—as you prize the peace and prosperity of your families—as you desire to avoid the wickedness which has disgraced, and the crimes which have destroyed so many of our fellow-creatures—as you wish for comfort on the bed of death, and hope for happiness in the world to come,—keep away from the saloons. My Old Mother; or Conscience in Trade.
A young man, who at that time was almost an entire stranger to me, called upon me at a late hour in the evening, and after some general conversation, said that he wished to talk with me in reference to a matter which had troubled him for some time. He came to me, as he said, because a few days before he had heard a member of a neighboring church railing against me, and, among other things, saying that I was stern and severe enough for a slave-driver. "So," said he, "I thought you would tell me the truth right out." He was a junior clerk in a dry good's store—a salesman. He had been in that situation for some months. He went into it a raw hand. His employer had taken some pains to instruct him in his duties, and had otherwise treated him in a very kind manner. But he was expected, and, indeed, required to do some things which he "did not know to be quite right." He stated these things to me with minuteness and entire simplicity. He had been taught by his employer to do them as a part of the "necessary skill to be exercised in selling goods." Without which, "no man could be a good salesman or be fit for a merchant." For example, he must learn to judge by the appearance of any woman who entered the shop—by her dress, her manner, her look, the tone of her voice—whether she had much knowledge of the commodity she wished to purchase; and if she had not, he must put the price higher—as high as he thought she could be induced to pay. If there was any objection to the price of an article, he must say, "We have never sold it any cheaper;" or, "We paid that for it, madam, at wholesale;" or, "You cannot buy that quality of goods any lower in the city." With one class of customers, he must always begin by asking a half or third more than the regular price, because, probably, through the ignorance of the customer, he could get it; and if he could not, then he must put it at a lower price, but still above its value, at the same time saying, "That is just what we gave for it;" or, "That is the very lowest at which we can put it to you;" or, "We would not offer it to anybody else so low as that, but we wish to get your custom." In short, a very large portion of the service expected of him was just this sort; and, as I soon told him, it was just a lie for the purpose of cheating. Whenever he hesitated to practice in this manner behind the counter, his employer, ordinarily present, was sure to notice it, and to be dissatisfied with him. He had repeatedly mentioned to his employer his "doubts" whether "this was just right," and "got laughed at." He was told, "Everybody does it,"—"You can't be a merchant without it,"—"All is fair in trade,"—"You are too green." "I know I am green," said the young man to me in a melancholy tone. "I was brought up in an obscure place in the country, and don't know much about the ways of the world. My mother is a poor woman, a widow, who was not able to give me much education; but I don't believe she would think it right for me to do such things." "And do you think it right?" I said. "No,—I don't know—perhaps it may be. Mr. H— [this employer] says there is no sin in it, and he is a member of the church; but I believe it would make my old mother feel very bad if she knew I was doing such things every day." "I venture to say that your mother has got not only more religion, but more common sense, than a thousand like him. He may be a member of the church. The church always has some unworthy members in it, I suppose. But he is not a man fit to direct you. Take your mother's way, and refuse his." "I shall lose my place," said he. "Then lose your place. Don't hesitate a moment." "I engaged for a year, and my year is not out." "No matter. You are ready to fulfil your engagement. But what was your engagement? Did you engage to deceive, to cheat, and lie?" "Then certainly, you need have no hesitation through fear of forfeiting your place. If he sends you away because you will not do such things for him, then you will know him to be a very bad man, from whom you may well be glad to be separated." "He says he will have his business done in the manner he chooses." "Very well. You have no objections to that. Let him do his business in the way he chooses, but he has no right to make you use your tongue in the way he chooses; and if he complains of you because you do not choose to lie for him every hour in the day, just tell him that you have not hired out your conscience to him, and you will not be guilty of committing any crimes for him. Ask him if he expects you to steal for him, if he should happen to want you to do it." "When I told him I thought such things wrong, he said, 'That is my lookout.'" Tell him it is your lookout whether you please God or offend him;—whether you do right or wrong—serve the God of truth or the father of lies." "If I should say that, he would tell me to be off." "Very well, be off, then." "I have no place to go to, and he knows it." "No matter. Go anywhere—do anything—dig potatoes—black boots—sweep the streets for a living, sooner than yield one hour to such temptation." "He says, 'Everybody does so,' and 'No man can ever get along in the way of trade without it.'" "About everybody doing so, I know better. That is not true. Some men are honest and truthful in trade. A man may be honest behind the counter as easily as in the pulpit. But if a man can't be a merchant without these things, then he can't be a merchant, and get to Heaven; and the sooner you quit that business the better. And in respect to his declaration, that 'no man can get along in the way of trade without such practices,' it is false—utterly false! And I wish you to take notice of men now when you are young, as extensively as you can, and see how they come out. You will not have to notice long before you will be convinced of the truth of that homely old maxim, 'Honesty is the best policy.' You will soon see that such men as he are the very men not to 'get along.' He will not 'get along' well a great while, if he does not alter his course." "Oh, he is a keen fellow," said the young man, smiling. "Your employer may indeed prosper here. Such men sometimes do. But the Bible has described him: 'They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.' He 'will be rich.' That is what he wants. His will is all that way. And he has fallen into the 'temptation' to lie in order to get rich. And this is a 'snare' to him. It is a trap, and he is caught in it; and if he does not repent and get out of it, he will be 'drowned in destruction and perdition.' But I was going to speak of worldly prosperity. I am no prophet, nor the son of a prophet. I do not believe that God will work any miracles in the case, but I do believe that man will fail. Mark him well, and remember what I say, if you live to notice him ten or twenty years hence. In my opinion you will see him a poor man, and probably a despised man." "What makes you think so?" said he with great astonishment. "Because he is not honest—does not regard the truth. His lying will soon defeat his own purpose. His customers one after another, and especially the best of them, will find him out; and they will forsake him because they cannot trust his word. He will lose more than he will gain by all the falsehoods he utters. I know a dozen men in this city—some merchants, some grocers, some tailors—whom I always avoid, and always will. If I know a man has lied to me once in the way of his business, that ends all my dealings with him. I never go near him afterwards. Such is my practice, and I tell my wife so and my children so. And sometimes—yea, often—I tell them the names of the men. If any of my friends ask me about these men, I tell them the truth, and put them upon their guard. And thus their custom is diminished, because their character becomes known. This is one reason why I think Mr. H— will not prosper. But, whatever the mode may be, his reverses will come. God will make them come." With great depression he replied, "I don't know what I could do if I should lose my place. I don't get but a little more than enough to pay my board (my mother gives me my clothes), and if I lose my situation, I could not pay my board for a month." "Then," said I, "if you get so little you will not lose much by quitting. I do not pretend to know much about it, but in my opinion Mr. H— wrongs you, does you a positive injustice, and a cruel one, by giving you so little. And if you quit, and cannot pay your board till you get something to do, tell me: I will see to that." He never had occasion to tell me. "If I quit my place so soon," said the young man, "it will make my old mother feel very bad. She will think I am getting very unsteady, or that something else is the matter with me. She will be afraid that I am going to ruin." "Not a bit of it," said I. "Tell her just the truth, and you will fill her old heart with joy. She will thank God that she has got such a son, and she will send up to Heaven another prayer for you, which I would rather have than all the gold of Ophir." The young man's eyes filled with tears, and I let him sit in silence for some time. At length he said to me: "I don't think I can stay there; but I don't know what to do; or where to look." "Look to God first, and trust him. Do you think he will let you suffer because, out of regard to his commandments, you have lost your place? Never! Such is not his way. Ask him to guide you." "I am pretty much a stranger here," said he, with a very dejected look. "I know but few people, and I don't know where I could get anything to do." "For that very reason ask God to guide you. Are you accustomed to pray?" "Yes, I have been at times lately. Some months ago I began to try to seek the Lord, after I heard a sermon on that subject, and ever since that time, off and on, I have been trying. But I didn't know what to do in my situation." "Will you answer me one question as truly and fully as you are able?" "Yes, sir, if I think it is right for me to answer it." "The question is, Has not your seriousness, and has not your trying to seek God, sometimes been diminished just when you have had the most temptation to stop, leading you to do what was wrong, even if you did it for another?" He sat in silence, apparently pondering the question for a few moments, and then replied:— "Yes, I believe it has." "'Quench not the Spirit,' then," said I. I then entered into particular conversation with him about his religious feelings, and found that his convictions of sin and his desires for salvation had rendered him for some weeks particularly reluctant to continue in an employment where he felt obliged to practice so much deception. And I thought I could discover no little evidence, in the history he gave me of his religious impressions, that the way of his daily business had been hostile to his attempts to come to repentance. And after I had plainly pointed out to him the demand of the gospel, and explained, as well as I could, the free offers of its grace and salvation, to all which he listened with intense attention and solemnity, he asked:— "What would you advise me to do about my business?" "Just this: go back to your shop, and do all your duties most faithfully and punctually, without lying. If your employer finds fault with you, explain to him, mildly and respectfully, that you are willing to do all that is right according to the347 law of God, but that you cannot consent to lie for anybody. If he is not a fool, he will like you the better for it, and prize you the more; for he will at once see that he has got one clerk on whose veracity he can depend. But if the man is as silly as he is unconscientious, he will probably dismiss you before long. After that, you can look about and see what you can do. And, rely upon it, God will open a way for you somewhere. But first, and most of all, repent and believe in Jesus Christ." The young man left me, promising soon to see me again. He did see me. He was led to seek the Lord. He became a decided Christian. He united with the church. But he did not remain long in his situation. His mode did not please his employer. However, he soon found another place. He soon established a character for integrity and promptness, and entered afterwards into business for himself. He prospered; he prospers still. It is now thirteen years since he came to me at that late hour in the evening; and he is now a man of extensive property, of high respectability, has a family, and is contented and happy. I often hear of him as an active and useful member of a church not far distant. I sometimes meet with him. He is still accustomed to open all his heart to me when we are together; and it is very pleasant for me to notice his deep interest in religion, his respectability and happiness. His employer became bankrupt about seven years after he left him, and almost as much bankrupt in character as in fortune. He still lives, I believe, but in poverty, scarcely sustaining himself by his daily toil.—The Word of Life. It matters little where I was born,
If my parents were rich or poor;
Whether they shrank at the cold world’s scorn,
Or walked in the pride of wealth secure.
But whether I live an honest man,
And hold my integrity firm in my clutch,
I tell you, my brother, plain as I am,
It matters much! It matters little how long I stay
In a world of sorrow, sin, and care;
Whether in youth I am called away,
Or live till my bones and pate are bare.
But whether I do the best that I can,
To soften the weight of adversity’s touch
On the faded cheek of my fellow-man,
It matters much! It matters little where be my grave,
On the land or in the sea;
By purling brook or 'neath stormy wave,
It matters little or naught to me.
But whether the angel Death comes down,
And marks my brow with his loving touch,
As one that shall wear the victor’s crown,
It matters much! Education at the Mother’s Knee
Education commences at the mother's knee; and every word spoken within the hearing of little children tends towards the formation of character. -A Concordance of the New Testament in Chinese has been prepared by Rev. Mr. Noyes, of the Presbyterian Mission, Canton. -The German Baptists, or Dunkards, at their recent annual Conference, which was very largely attended, decided not to permit any theological schools to be started in their brotherhood, or the calling of Sunday-school Conventions. -An important legal decision affecting religious liberty has just been rendered in Austria. It is to the effect that parents have not only the responsibility, but the privilege also of determining the religious status of their children. Heretofore instruction and even baptism in the Roman Catholic Church was compulsory on all who had descended from Catholic stock, or who had left that church. -As the result of his five years' work in China, Dr. Nevins counts one hundred villages which have become centers of Christian work, and in these are thirty churches. His parish extends over three hundred miles of country. Although the number of conversions has increased 20 per cent. in the last few years, there are still whole provinces, containing an average of 20,000,000 inhabitants, unentered by missionaries. -Father Gavazzi, the well-known Italian patriot and orator, although seventy-four years of age, is once more in London pleading the cause of the Free Church of Italy. Speaking recently in Dr. Donald Frasier's church, Father Gavazzi stated that when a student, more than half a century ago, there was but one foreign theological college in Rome. Now there are English, Scotch, French, and American colleges representative of different religious denominations. -A convention of women ministers was recently held at Hollis-street Church, Boston, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe presiding. Addresses in earnest advocacy of women's work in the ministry were made by Rev. Mrs. S. M. Perkins, of Keene, Mrs. C. M. Bisbee, of Dorchester, Mrs. A. C. Bowles, of Abington, Mrs. E. M. Bruce, of Maplewood, Miss A. H. Shaw, of East Dennis, Lorenza Haynes, of Fairfield. Miss Louisa Baker, of Nantucket, and Mrs. James, of Franklin. Before adjourning, steps were taken for forming a permanent organization. -A new "Catholic League" for members of the Church of England is being formed with enthusiasm. It is proposed "to restore the ancient and catholic devotion to the blessed mother of God." One of the most urgent needs for the formation of the League is said to be the neglect of confession and the sacrament of penance. One of the promoters says: "Our idea is to strive to restore all Catholic customs and doctrines that were lost or hidden by the Reformers; and no one who is not prepared to do this in every point is, in my opinion, eligible for membership of the League"; and again, "I trust it may be clearly understood that it is requisite for membership that applicants be prepared to make no compromise with Protestantism. Men who do not invoke the saints, who do not go to confession, who communicate having broken their fast, and the like, will never, I hope, be allowed to join the League."—Christian at Work. —Nebraska has a woman suffrage amendment to be voted on in November. —Yellow fever of a most virulent type has broken out in Mexico and several Texas towns. —General Ulysses Heureaux has been elected President of Santo Domingo, by a large majority. —It is stated that the manufacture of glass shingles is about to begin on a large scale at Pittsburg, Pa. —It is reported that the Russian steamer Moskow has been sunk by a boiler explosion, and 200 men lost. —John Church Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, died at Long Branch, July 25, in his ninetieth year. —More reapers have been sold in Georgia this year than were sold in the entire cotton States a year ago. —A series of Sunday-evening lectures has been started in San Francisco, in support of the Sunday Law and temperance. —It is reported in London that one of the assassins of Lord Cavendish and Secretary Burke has been arrested in Venezuela. —A careful computation of the sugar crop of Cuba fixes it at 601,500 tons, being an excess of 22 1/4 per cent. over the last crop. —Fierce forest fires have been burning in Northern Michigan. Fields of fires, houses, fences, and orchards have been destroyed. —Three hundred houses and some large warehouses have been destroyed by fire at Radziwillow, Russia, and 3,000 people are homeless. —The sawed lumber received at Chicago in 1881, it is said, was sufficient to lay an inch flooring fourteen feet wide around the globe at the equator. —Fifty thousand bushels of wheat were sent direct from Cleburne, Tex., to Florence, Italy, and the same amount to Liverpool, one day last week. —Herr Meiling, arrested for selling plans of the coast defenses of Germany to the Russian Government, has been sentenced to six years' imprisonment at hard labor. —On the 20th ult., a gale of wind passed over Guaymas Harbor, Mexico, resulting in considerable destruction. Ships at anchor were dragged over three-quarters of a mile. —Several districts on the frontier of the provinces of Kwangtung and Kuangsi, China, have been inundated by heavy rains, and the inhabitants have suffered much in consequence. —The oldest presiding Judge in the world is said to be James Garland, of Lynchburgh, Va., who, though ninety years old, still administers justice in the Corporation Court. —Bob Ingersoll's loss of his entire fortune, in mining speculations, will be felt as a calamity by the whole country, for he intends to retrieve his fortunes by returning to the lecture field. —July 24 was the thirty-fifth anniversary of the gathering of the Mormons in Salt Lake Valley, and was observed in Salt Lake City by the closing of business houses and a general celebration. —The number of deaths in New York City for the week ending July 29, was 1217, the largest number in ten years. A large proportion of this mortality, especially among children, is due to the intense heat. —George P. Marsh, American Minister to Italy, died at Vallambrosa, July 24. He had held the position of Minister to Italy for twenty years, and was widely known and respected, both as a scholar and a diplomat. —All the cases against the gamblers, lottery men, and other frauds, in St. Louis, have been either nolle prosequied or deferred till the September term, when they will be dropped. This ends the fight against that species of crime in St. Louis. —There is very great mortality among the Russians and Creoles in Sitka, Alaska, from the plague, a combination of scarlet fever and measles. They are very destitute of the necessaries of life, and there is nothing to stay the plague except a lack of victims. —A large number of persons have been poisoned at Moncton, N. B., by using canned corned beef. One physician has over twenty patients. Several persons who did not believe the beef was injurious partook a second time, and are in a dangerous condition. —Another massacre is reported from the South Sea Islands. While the recruiting brig Janet Stewart was at Malayta, Solomon Island, the crew, with the exception of one man, who escaped, were murdered during the absence of the captain and second mate. The vessel was afterwards burned. —The Lever (Detroit, Mich.) notes the fact that the Modoc Indians have entirely prohibited the sale of liquors on their reservation, and that the name of every one of them is on the temperance pledge, and expresses the hope that in due time the people of Michigan will become as well civilised as the Modocs. —The Fresno County Democratic Convention assembled July 28, and nominated officers. Resolutions were adopted endorsing the platform of the State Convention, save the plank pertaining to the Sunday Law. On this point the Convention resolved that it was wrong to mingle Church and State. The Convention was full and enthusiastic. Ancestry, Early Life, Christian Experience, and Extensive Labors of AND HIS WIFE, MRS. ELLEN G. WHITE. Nearly the last literary labor of the late Elder James White was the production of the above-named work. It comprises a sketch of his life, and his public labors in connection with those of his wife, Mrs. E. G. White, and presents a comprehensive history of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination which he, more than any other man, was instrumental in founding. Almost the entire period of his active public labors having been occupied in the promulgation of the Advent doctrine and kindred subjects, and much of that labor having been devoted to spreading the knowledge of what is now known as the "Third Angel's Message," the work is necessarily to quite an extent a history of that message from its earliest inception to the present time. The life of a public man is always of interest, even to the general reader, but when that life is closely interwoven with the details of a conspicuous religious movement, it becomes doubly interesting, and especially so to those who have an interest in the movement itself. The book abounds in interesting incidents, personal sketches, and religious experiences, some of which are quite remarkable, and altogether it forms a volume at once instructive and entertaining. Printed on tinted paper, 416 pp., with portrait of Mr. and Mrs White. Muslin bound, price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL. I have read “Life Sketches” with much interest, and do not hesitate to pronounce it a valuable book. It presents before the reader a review of the life work of two individuals whose untiring energy and faithful devotion to the cause of truth have, through the blessing of God, contributed more to the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination than any others ever connected with it. Engaged in the great Advent movement of 1843 and 1844, and after the disappointment, among the first to proclaim the Third Angel's Message, their experience is at once interesting and instructive.
This volume cannot fail to be of value as a promoter of spiritual growth, for certainly no one can read of the sacrifices, labors, and keen trials endured by these persons in the cause and not feel his own desires quickened for a larger sphere of usefulness. If one wishes to trace the guiding hand of God in the upbuilding of his cause, as connected with the fulfillment of the prophecy, I know no work better calculated to give the desired information than the book entitled “Life Sketches.”
Elder J. O. Corliss. When we see a people, in so short a space of time, coming into the position occupied by Seventh-day Adventists, we at once inquire “Under whose leadership, and by what means have such speedy results been accomplished?” To this question we obtain an answer in the “Life Sketches” of Elder James and Mrs. Ellen G. White. Their life history is interwoven with the rise of this cause, and is an interesting record of victories gained over obstacles met in establishing the institutions of this people upon a permanent basis. These pages are replete with interest, and contain facts concerning the gradual development, present facilities, and standing of this people, that can be found in no other book.
Elder J. N. Loughborough.
Southampton, Eng. We have a copy of “Life Sketches,” and have examined it with pleasure. It will interest all classes of readers, and will well repay perusal. It gives a good idea of the toils, trials and sacrifices of those whose lives it relates. It also gives many facts in the history of the denomination of Seventh-day Adventists—a denomination which has arisen during the period of the active labors of Elder and Mrs. White, and largely through their instrumentality. This volume will have a wide circulation, and will do much good.
Elder J. N. Andrews.
Basle, Switzerland. A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week
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. 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 the comments on 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 PICTORIAL CHILD'S BIBLE.
Consecutive Arrangement of the Narrative and other portions of the Old and New Testaments,
In the words of the Authorized Version, embellished with
NEARLY 300 FINE ENGRAVINGS AND MAPS THIS is a most beautiful book for children of all ages, and a very
VALUABLE HELP TO PRIMARY TEACHERS
Of Sabbath-School Classes. The text is in Great Primer type, and is printed on heavy, calendared paper, making a large and elegant volume, royal octavo size, of 838 pages. While the Bible is a book for all, there are some parts of it which are as milk for babes, and some as strong meat for men. The publishers of the “Child’s Bible” have endeavored to put in consecutive form such portions of the Holy Scripture as seem best adapted to the wants and capacities of childhood, in the words of the Bible text. And where the sense requires it, words and clauses have been inserted in brackets, sometimes as summaries of what has been omitted, and sometimes as connecting links. Believing that the youth should know at what cost the English Bible was won and preserved for them, there has been prefixed to this edition an account of the Sacred Scriptures from the time of their origin to the present day, prominence being given to the struggle of the English Reformers for its translation into the English language. The numerous engravings were executed by the best artists of this country and of England and France. They will assist in interesting children in the text, and will aid in the instruction of those too young to read. Price, in Muslin, marbled edge, $5.00 | In Morocco, gilt edge,.......$8.00 The Eastern Question.
By Editor
It is becoming evident to all that the present trouble in Egypt opens up this question, and that the final result will be the expulsion of the Turks from Europe. Those papers that, a short time ago, made light of the trouble, as only a local matter, now think that the prospect is favorable for a general European war. Nothing decisive has been done since our last report. There is less harmony among the powers than before, and the delay has served to embolden Arabi Bey. The commander of an American vessel at Alexandria, states that fully nine-tenths of the native population of Alexandria and Cairo are in sympathy with Arabi. He has assumed the turban and robes of the descendant of the prophet, thus to take advantage of the fanaticism of his followers. It is thought also that he has received secret encouragement from the French, who have abandoned co-operation with England. One of Arabi's confidential agents was arrested, having important documents which showed that the Sultan has been for months carrying on secret communication with him. This explains why the Sultan has delayed to send troops to Egypt, as he virtually promised to do. The fact is that no one of the powers has any confidence in any other. None of them can tell just what will be for their own interests, and they make promises tentatively, intending to break them at a moment's notice. The latest news from the interior is to the effect that the chiefs of the Bedouin tribes, who previously have favored the Khedive, have submitted to the rebels, and a perfect understanding exists between them. It is said that the Bedouins are to furnish 60,000 men, the chiefs remaining as hostages in Arabi's hands. It is a question who will assume control of Egypt, in the event of a settlement. Turkey cannot, as she is ruled out, by her own action, rather, inaction. England protests, rather feebly, that she does not want to, neither does she want any other power to do so. It is impossible even to get definite accounts of what has been done, because dispatches are suppressed or garbled by interested parties. Those who have read carefully the comments on the eleventh chapter of Daniel, as given in the SIGNS, recently, will understand what the driving of the Turk from Europe immediately precedes:—the standing up of Michael, and the beginning of the time of trouble. See Dan. 12:1. Of course the Sultan will delay matters as long as possible, but the end cannot be far distant. On this point we may speak with confidence, for the "sure word of prophecy" has spoken. It remains for us to watch lest that day come upon us unawares. A Pleasing Incident.
By Editor
It was Dr. John Hall's Church, if our memory is not at fault, which needed a new building, but the brethren were not decided as to their ability to erect such a house as they desired. While the question was pending one morning the doctor heard a feeble rap at the door, which he answered himself, and there found a small boy with a child's wheelbarrow upon which were two bricks. The boy told the doctor that he had heard they were going to build a church, and he had brought the bricks to help them. It made a strong impression on the doctor's mind, and at the next meeting he told his church that they need consult on the subject no longer, for the house was going to be built, as he had already received the first load of bricks! And the house was built. We were forcibly reminded of this on the Oregon Camp-ground. While Bro. Boyd was raising some money in the congregation, coming down to three dollars, he requested all who would give that sum to raise their hands. With the others a little boy, seven years old, sitting near the center-pole, raised his hand. We supposed he raised his hand because others did, without understanding the object, but his father, speaking from another part of the tent, said that if the boy offered to give his money he meant it. We then thought the amount too large, but on speaking to him on that point he said he raised his hand to give three dollars, and would not fall below that! His father then said that the boy had money of his own, which he had earned, and he would as willingly have him use it that way as any other. We certainly felt encouraged for the cause in Oregon when it has such supporters. This example of the little boy ought to stimulate all within the bounds of that Conference to put forth most energetic efforts to support the cause. It was a sacrifice on the part of the lad. Every one can realize this. Let the older ones manifest the same spirit, and success is assured. Another "improvement" we would make of this incident is this: Funds which are raised by the self-denying sacrifices of the poor and of children are very sacred in the eyes of the Lord, and ought to be used with the greatest carefulness. Only imagine a person taking the widow's "two mites" and squandering them. If it were so, and his history should go down with that of the poor widow, what would the record be? Such as none of us would care to acknowledge. Tent Meeting in San Francisco.
By Editor
THE condition of our work in the office since our return from Oregon has been such as to make it impossible for us to attend the meetings in "the city," which are now in progress. But we are pleased to hear a good report of the attendance and the interest. The tent is in a good location, among a good class of people, many of whom appear to listen without prejudice to the truths of the Bible there proclaimed. It is on Eddy Street, near Jones. It is expected the meetings there will continue until the tent will be needed for the camp-meeting. "The harvest is plenteous, and the laborers are few." California needs laborers to engage in proclaiming the Third Angel's Message. Those who are zealous to oppose the present truth, to uphold the traditions of men against the commandments of God, are numbered by scores and hundreds. There are young men who ought to devote their lives to this work, whose opportunities for acquiring knowledge have been very limited. They need the privileges of our College in Healdsburgh. Our educators recognize that the Bible is the first book of history, as it is confessedly the foundation of all morality; and that without a foundation laid in correct morals, an education is an uncertain benefit. Therefore Bible instruction will be given at all times to those who wish to avail themselves of its advantages. This offers a rare opportunity, especially to those who need also instruction in the English language. In addition to this it is intended to open a special course of Biblical instruction in the fall after the camp-meeting, lasting about ten weeks. Every young man who expects to take any part in this work ought to attend this. How large a class can be worked up between this time and the first of October? How many of the officers of our churches will canvass their neighborhoods to ascertain if any can be induced to embrace this first opportunity this coming fall? Brethren, the times are ominous of coming trouble in the earth. We have no time to spare. Let us be up and doing, while the privilege is yet extended to us.