—There are twenty-one Protestant churches in the city of Rome.
—Lutheran services are conducted in the United States, in thirteen different languages.
—Two colored missionaries have been sent to the Congo by the colored Baptists of the Northwest.
—The Bishop of Rochester does not approve of the popular clamor for short sermons, and advises his ecclesiastics not to be swayed by the “worldly cry.”
—The Sunday School Times very happily characterizes the Buddhist fancy of Heaven, as “a place of utter unconsciousness—an infinite puddle of glorified oblivion.”
—The Indiana Methodist Conference has condemned the use of tobacco as uncleanly and unhealthful, and the delegates promised to preach against it once each year.
—The profaning of the Mohammedan mosque at Delhi, by the tying of a squealing pig within the sacred edifice led to an assault upon the Hindoos, in which several persons were killed.
—The Chinese Government has very promptly paid $10,000 to the Canada Presbyterian Mission in Formosa for property destroyed in the Franco-Chinese War. The mission now has 38 stations with 1,273 converts, all the result of fourteen years’ labor.
—At the recent meeting of the West Jersey Presbytery a resolution was unanimously passed, giving it as the opinion of the Presbytery that church members who required applications for licenses to sell liquor were proper subjects for church discipline, and church sessions were enjoined to deal with such persons by censure or suspension from church ordinance.
—The real estate belonging to Trinity Church, New York, is worth about $6,000,000, and the annual increase of the parish is about $555,000. This is used to support seven churches under the rector, three or four of which are free, with eighteen clergymen and a musical staff of over 100; and its grants to twenty other churches and to charitable institutions exceed over $100,000 a year.
—There are about 1,000 Chinese in the city of Chicago. There are five Sabbath-schools of Chinese pupils, with an average attendance of 125. One of these schools holds sessions five evenings in each week. Eighteen Chinese are members of “The Chinese Christian Association,” and eight of these are preparing for missionary work. Several of them are preparing to return to their Chinese homes to engage in labor there.
—The Christian at Work says: “A correspondent says that he witnessed the smoking of tobacco in the principal Lutheran Church in Rotterdam. In this instance the smoker was one of the officials of the church; he lighted his cigar near the organ and walked up the aisle enjoying it immensely after service.” And in this country we have actually seen men walk up the aisle in a church, with their hats on and their hands in their pockets.
—The receipts of the British and Foreign Bible Society for the past year were £238,391, or in our currency, $1,156,196.35; those of the American Bible Society were $523,910.59, a total of $1,680,106.94; their total receipts for their entire history have been $71,639,682.48. The total issues of the British and Foreign Bible Society last year were 4,123,904, and of the American 1,437,440, a total of 5,561,344, and for the last two years of 11,270,351, being a fraction over 18,000 for each working day of those years. The total issues of these Societies amount to 155,198,215 copies.
—When men begin to drift away from the plain word of God, dropping out a doctrine here and a whole book there, their theories of truth soon become limited only by their desires. For instance, the Christian Leader (Congregationalist), in advocating the “new theology,” says: “If it is not true that Jesus Christ not only may but will be preached in another life to every one who did not hear of him in this life, it certainly ought to be true.” It is hardly safe to rely on the probability that the Lord will accept this suggested amendment to his word. Until we have direct evidence that he has done so, it will be the part of wisdom to heed the admonition: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Prov. 30:6.
—The Independent says: “The people of the island of St. Kilda are great Sabbatarians. A correspondent of a Glasgow paper writes that he was refused more than a cupful of water for his Sunday morning ablutions, on the ground that the Free Church minister declared it to be a violation of the fourth commandment to draw water on Sunday.” When a “free church” means an enslaved people, especially as to the conscience, we might expect such a perversion of the fourth commandment; but so well informed a paper as the Independent, ought not to apply the term Sabbatarians to Sunday observers of whatever degree of strictness. Sabbatarians are those who keep the Sabbath,—the seventh day of the week. Sunday-keepers have no more claim to be called Sabbatarians than Sunday has to be called Sabbath.
SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY,
By Chas. C. Ramsey
SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.
AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF INCREASING POPULARITY.
This school is located at South Lancaster, Worcester County, Mass., thirty-five miles from Boston, and was founded in 1882.
It is prosperous because operated on correct educational principles. Thorough instruction is given in all the common branches, and those of the usual high-school and academic courses. There are also well-sustained Biblical and Normal Departments.
ITS SPECIAL FEATURES ARE
1. A judicious discipline for the development of moral character. It is a safe place for the young.
2. Methods of teaching that aim at mental culture of a high type.
3. Instruction and practice in various kinds of manual labor and the use of tools.
4. Astonishingly low expenses. Fifteen dollars per school month pays all expense of tuition, board, lodging, washing, lights, fuel, etc. For catalogue or further information address,
CHAS. C. RAMSEY, A. M., Principal.
THE COMING CONFLICT;
By William H. Littlejohn
—OR—
THE GREAT ISSUE NOW PENDING IN THIS COUNTRY.
By W. H. Littlejohn.
This book contains a complete history of the rise and progress of the National Reform Party, together with an exegesis of the last portion of the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, assigning to the United States its proper place in prophecy.
EMPHATICALLY A BOOK FOR THE TIMES.
434 pages, in muslin covers, and will be mailed to any address post-paid, for $1.00.
Address, ——— SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Appointments.
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Seats free.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 914 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching at 11 A. M.; also preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Classes in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
EAST PORTLAND (Or.)—House of worship on G Street, between Tenth and Eleventh. Sabbath-school every Sabbath (Saturday), followed by services. Preaching or Bible-reading Sunday evening. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The public is cordially invited. Free public reading-room, corner of L and Fifth Streets.
Publishers' Department.
Our Books in Foreign Countries.
Any book, pamphlet, tract, or periodical advertised in the SIGNS or American Sentinel can be obtained by addressing either of the following:—Bible Echo, North Fitzroy, Victoria; Edward Hare, Auckland, N. Z.; N. F. Burgess, Honolulu, H. I.; B. Robb, Victoria, B. C.; M. L. Cushing, South Stukely, P. Q.; The Present Truth, Great Grimsby, Eng.; John I. Tay, Papeiti, Tahiti; Thomas E. Amsterdam, New Amsterdam, S. A.
PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL
AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.
A THIRTY-TWO PAGE BI-MONTHLY, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically
A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE.
Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is specially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and house-keepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by every member.
Price, 50 Cents per Year.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
AN EIGHT-PAGE MONTHLY JOURNAL, devoted to the defense of American Institutions, the preservation of the United States Constitution as it is, so far as regards religion or religious tests, and the
Maintenance of Human Rights,
Both civil and religious. It will ever be uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact.
TERMS.
Single Copy. 50 cents.
To foreign countries, single subscription, post-paid, 2s.
Address, American Sentinel, 1059 Castro St., 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.
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH.
NUMBERS ONE TO THIRTY.
BOUND IN FOUR VOLUMES OF ABOUT 700 PAGES EACH.
EACH VOLUME CONTAINS
A COMPLETE INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Volume One.—This volume contains a brief sketch of the early life and Christian experience of the writer of the Testimonies, Mrs. E. G. White, together with Testimonies numbers 1 to 14. 724 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Two.—Contains Testimonies numbers 15 to 20. 712 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Three.—Contains Testimonies numbers 21 to 25. About 600 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Volume Four.—Contains Testimonies numbers 26 to 30. About 675 pages. Bound in Muslin, $1.50; Sheep, $2.00; Half Morocco, $2.25.
Price of the Complete Set of Four Volumes, bound in Cloth, $6.00; Sheep, $8.00; Half Morocco, $9.00.
Testimonies for the Church Nos. 31 and 32
Testimony for the Church No. 31.—Contains 244 pages of most interesting and important matter. Neatly bound in Muslin. Price, 50 cents.
Testimony for the Church No. 32.—Contains 240 pages, and is full of warnings, counsels, and reproofs, very important to all Seventh-day Adventists. Bound in Muslin (uniform with No. 31). Price, 50 cents.
Sent post-paid to any address, at the above prices.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal., REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich., Or any State T. and M. Society.
BIBLE-READINGS.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
IN TWO NUMBERS.
EMBRACING A PORTION OF THEBIBLE COURSE AT HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.
(Including also the reading given at the State Meeting in Oakland.)
By Eld. E. J. Waggoner.
Bible Readings for Colporters
These Readings differ in two respects from other series of readings that have been published. They were prepared especially for the use of colporters and those who intend to conduct Bible-readings in missionary fields, and they present a connected chain of argument upon the fundamental doctrines of Present Truth.
NUMBER ONE contains 57 pages, embracing sixteen readings, as follows:—
PRICE FOR THE TWO, 50 CENTS
By Editor
Daniel 2 ................................ 93
Daniel 7 ................................ 93
Daniel 8 ................................ 69
Daniel 9 ................................ 64
The Sanctuary ............................ 9
The Law of God, No. 1 ................... 30
“ ” ” No. 2 ........................... 31
“ ” ” No. 3 ........................... 28
The Law of God No. 4 ................... 32
“ ” ” No. 5 ........................... 31
Ephesians 2:15 .......................... 26
Romans 6:14 .............................. 23
Romans 10:4 .............................. 17
Galatians 3:18 .......................... 10
Romans 3:20 .............................. 16
Tithing .................................. 99
NUMBER TWO contains 46 pages, embracing twenty-two readings, as follows:—
No. Ques.
2 Corinthians 5:8 ....................... 18
Luke 23:39–43 ........................... 16
1 Peter 3:18–20 ........................ 10
Luke 10:19–31 ........................... 37
Living Souls ............................. 14
Nature of Man ............................ 18
Punishment of the Wicked ................. 70
Work of the Spirit, No. 1 ................ 47
“ ” ” 2 ............................... 51
Church Membership ........................ 61
Missionary Labor ........................ 52
PRICE FOR THE TWO, 50 CENTS
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE TRUTH FOUND.
By John Harvey Waggoner
THE NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
The Sabbath
The title of this little book sufficiently explains its character. It contains more Scriptural information in regard to the Sabbath than any other book of twice the size, and yet it is so simplified as to be easily comprehended. The author quotes the opinions of many learned men concerning the Sabbath, and their conflicting theories are strongly contrasted with the clear, straightforward teaching of the Bible. 64 pp. Price, 10 cents.
Sketches of Jewish Social Life. .................................... 1 25
The Temple and its Services. ....................................... 1 25
From Exile to Overthrow. ........................................... 1 25
Life of Apostle Paul (C. and H.). .................................. 1 00
Sketches from the Life of Paul (Mrs. White). ........................ 90
Giant Cities of Bashan .............................................. 1 00
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.
Facts About the Sabbath
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 Gillfillan 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.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
By Eld. J. N. Andrews.
The Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made, and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbath are fully shown. A copious index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian.
Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.