The Signs of the Times, vol. 13

November 24, 1887

“General Conference Proceedings” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

The General Conference has now (Thursday evening, November 17) been five days in session, and the interest has been steadily increasing. There have been six meetings of the conference, one of the International Sabbath-school Association, one of the Health and Temperance Association, one of the Health Reform Institute Association, and one of the Educational Society. An outline of the work transacted and the measures proposed is here given. After the organization of the Conference, the Norway Conference made a request through Elder O. A. Olsen to be received into the General Conference. There are four churches in Norway, containing 205 members in all, with 40 Sabbath-keepers who are not yet connected with any church. Elder Olson gave an interesting account of the work in Norway. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.1

On recommendation of Elder Underwood, the West Virginia Conference, with five churches and upwards of 150 members, was received into the Conference. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.2

The President then made an extended address, outlining the progress of the work during the past year, and suggesting matters for action at this session of the Conference. He stated that the paper in the Dutch language was started in February, in accordance with the vote taken at the last session of the Conference, and has met with remarkable success, having already upwards of 2,000 paying subscribers. Calls for reading matter are coming in from the Dutch in various parts of the world. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.3

Following the address, the President named the standing committees as follows:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.4

Nominations-J. Fargo, J. B. Goodrich, J. Fulton. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.5

Resolutions-U. Smith, w. C. White, O. A. Olsen. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.6

Auditing-A. R. Henry, D. T. Jones, H. W. Decker, J. P. Morrison, H. W. Miller, J. W. Raymond. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.7

Credentials and Licenses-R. A. Underwood, R. M. Kilgore, S. H. Lane. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.8

Religious Services-J. N. Loughborough, L. McCoy, William Ostrander. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.9

On motion of Elder Underwood, it was voted that a committee of nine be appointed to consider the week of prayer and holiday gifts, the President to be chairman of the committee. The committee was named as follows: G. I. Butler, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, R. A. Underwood, C. H. Jones, W. C. Sisley, J. H. Cook, J. O. Corliss, A. J. Cudney. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.10

It was voted that a committee of five be appointed by the chair, to act with the members of the General Conference Committee, as a committee on distribution of labor. The following persons were appointed: G. C. Tenney, E. S. Griggs, J. M. Rees, A. D. Olsen, Samuel Fulton. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.11

Meeting then adjourned to the call of the chair. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.12

At 2:30 P.M. the Conference assembled at the call of the chair. Prayer by Elder R. M. Kilgore. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.13

The minutes of the preceding meeting were read, and after some minor corrections, were accepted. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.14

The President then named the following persons as members of a committee to consider the training of canvassers and Bible-workers: G. I. Butler, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, R. A. Underwood, A. T. Robinson, Clement Eldridge, F. E. Belden, H. W. Miller, H. P. Holser. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.15

On behalf of the California delegation, Elder A. T. Jones introduced to the Conference the following preamble and resolution, which was passed by the California Conference at its late session:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.16

WHEREAS, We believe that the third Angel’s message must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.17

WHEREAS, The Islands of the Pacific, as well as other parts, demand attention from our people; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.18

WHEREAS, It is difficult to reach them at all by present means of transportation, therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.19

Resolved, That the brethren of this Conference favor the purchase of a missionary ship adapted to the wants of the work among these islands, and that we request the General Conference to take the matter under consideration in its coming session. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.20

He then read the following resolution, and moved that it be referred to a committee of five, who should consider it and make recommendation to the Conference:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.21

An Act to Provide for the More Efficient Transportation of Missionaries to the Islands of the Pacific Ocean- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.22

WHEREAS, The professed faith of Seventh-day Adventists requires them to carry the message of truth for this generation to all kindreds, tongues, and people; and as the islands of the Pacific Ocean are people with many thousands who have never heard the tidings of this soon-coming King; and there are no regular means of transportation whereby missionaries may be sent to these islands; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.23

WHEREAS, It is thought by many that the time has fully come in the history of this work when these Islanders should receive that consideration which shall result in an organized effort to carry them the truth for these days; and believing that our people everywhere stand ready to give substantial assistance to every legitimate project for the spread of truth; therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.24

1. It is recommended by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists assembled, that a vessel of suitable size and construction for missionary purposes be purchased, or built, and equipped for missionary work among the islands of the Pacific Ocean. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.25

2. That the cost of building and equipping said vessel for a two years’ cruise shall not exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.26

3. That such a vessel be made ready for service early in the year 1888. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.27

4. That the duly elected officers of this body for the coming year constitute a committee who shall be empowered to put in execution the provisions of this bill, and also to appoint other persons, as their judgment may dictate, to act with them in carrying out the project. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.28

The motion was carried, and C. H. Jones suggested that as Elder Corliss had given the matter considerable thought, and was well acquainted with the situation, he be asked to address the meeting at length upon the subject. This suggestion was favorably received, and Brother Corliss was requested to occupy the time, when Brother C. Eldridge stated that it is an important matter, and one in which all the people are interested, and suggested that he be asked to speak on it Monday evening, provided it would not interfere with the plans of the Committee on Religious Exercises. This suggestion was carried out, and on Monday evening Elder Corliss spoke to a large congregation, concerning the Pacific islands as a missionary field. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.29

SECOND DAY

At 9 o’clock A.M. the first meeting of the tenth annual session of the International Sabbath-school Association was held, President C. H. Jones in the chair. The president gave the following interesting statistics of the work of the association:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.30

The first session of this association was held in Battle Creek, Mich., October 11, 1878, Elder S. N. Haskell being president. The number of schools at that time was 177. The number of schools June 30, 1887, was 977, being a gain of 800 schools in less than nine years. The Sabbath-school contributions for 1878 were $25; the contributions for the year ending June 30, 1887, were $13,440.61. The number of schools that reported for the quarter ending June 30, 1887, was 915, having 61 unreported. The total membership of the schools reported was 25,294, and the average attendance for the quarter was 17,978, a little over 71 percent of the membership. The number of Instructors taken by the schools reported is 11,330. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.31

The amount of contributions received during the quarter ending September 30, 1886, was $2,222.22; the amount for the quarter ending December 31, 1886, was $2,830.61; for the quarter ending March 31, 1887, it was $3,710.55; and for the quarter ending June 30, 1887, it was $4,577.25. Thus there has been a steady increase in this respect. The total contributions for the year ending June 30, 1887, were $13,440.61. The total amount donated to the African Mission for the first six months of the present year was $4,708.16. This does not include the large donations taken up at the camp-meetings. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.32

The following standing committees were appointed by the chair:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.33

Nominations-R. A. Underwood, M. H. Brown, A. T. Jones. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.34

Resolutions-E. J. Waggoner, G. C. Tenney, H. P. Holser. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.35

Lessons-W. C. White, E. W. Farnsworth, A. T. Robinson. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.36

Auditing-A. R. Henry, W. C. Sisley, C. Eldridge. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.37

Reports from the various fields were then called for. Elder W. C. White spoke for Central Europe, J. O. Corliss for Australia, S. H. Lane for England, G. C. Tenney for Minnesota, L. C. Chadwick for Pennsylvania, A. T. Robinson for New England, M. H. Brown for New York, A. J. Culney for Nebraska, W. C. Sisley for Michigan, A. J. Breed for Wisconsin, R. A. Underwood for Ohio, J. B. Goodrich for Maine, J. D. Pegg for Colorado, H. W. Decker for Upper Columbia; and all gave encouraging reports of the work of the Sabbath-schools in these places. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.38

The third meeting of the General Conference was held at 3 o’clock. Additional delegates were received from Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, and California. The following report of the Committee on the Week of Prayer was the presented by J. O. Corliss, the secretary of the committee:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.39

Your committee recommend that this Conference indorse the action of its Executive Committee in appointing a week of prayer to be held December 17-25, and offer the following suggestions:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.40

First, That an address be sent to the officers of the churches, Sabbath-schools, and Missionary Societies, setting forth the importance of the week of prayer, and urging them to work for a large attendance at the meeting appointed on fast-day, when they will also have plans to unfold before the brethren, that will secure the co-operation of all the members, so that the following meetings of the week may be a success, and that the Christmas offerings may be liberal. In order to accomplish this, we recommend that the address mentioned shall urge that a special meeting of the officers of the church, Sabbath-school, and Missionary Society be held on Sabbath, December 10, in which they may pray together and consult as to the best method of procedure. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.41

Second, We also recommend that a circular letter be published in the Advent Review, and be read in the churches on December 10, setting forth the objects and importance of the week of prayer. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.42

Third, We further recommend that articles on the following subjects be prepared to be read in the churches during the week of prayer:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.43

1. Reading for fast-day, Sabbath, December 17, setting forth the importance of devoting the week of prayer to the special work of seeking God. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.44

2. Sunday, December 18. The steps by which we place ourselves in a condition where God can accept us. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.45

3. Monday, December 19. The blessing of God brought to us through faith. the value of such an experience. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.46

4. Tuesday, December 20. The object of God’s blessing and how it can be retained. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.47

5. Wednesday, December 21. Missionary work in the home, church, and neighborhood-Mrs. E. G. White. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.48

6. Thursday, December 22. Foreign Mission work, Great Britain, Scandinavia-Elders Olsen and Lane. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.49

7. Friday, December 23. Foreign Mission work, Central Europe, Russia, etc.-Elder W. C. White, SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.50

8. Sabbath, December 24. The obligation, privilege, and blessing of giving, and also setting forth the branches of the work most in need. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.51

Fourth, We still further recommend that the delegates of this Conference do all in their power to enlist the interest, and secure the co-operation, of the ministers, in their several fields of labor, to help forward this work. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.52

Moved by S. H. Lane to adopt the resolution by considering each item separately. Carried. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.53

THIRD DAY

At 9 o’clock A.M. a meeting of the American Health and Temperance Association was held, the president, Dr. J. H. Kellogg, in the chair. Reports were called for from various parts of the field. Elder S. H. Lane reported for England, and gave a nost interesting account of the temperance cause there. He said that in order to break down the influences of the public houses, the temperance people have started vegetarian restaurants, which had sprung at once into popular favor. In these lemonade is the strongest drink that can be had, and no meat at all. The Good Health has been placed in these restaurants, and has met with the greatest favor. Health literature has been sold in large quantities, and the influence of our health publications is most favorable in opening the way for the reception of the other parts of present truth. SITI November 24, 1887, page 710.54

Elder O. A. Olsen reported the same influence being exerted by the health literature in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. There are seventeen colporteurs in Sweden, who are so successful as to be able to support themselves on the commission which they receive from the sale of health publications alone, and the commissions are not so large as in America. One young man, not of our faith, read the Swedish health journal and liked it so well that he subscribed for 400 copies to circulate among the public schools in that country. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.1

Sister E. G. White, who had just arrived from St. Helena, then spoke for a few minutes on the importance of improving every opportunity to set ourselves before the people as a temperance people. The temperance work must go with the Bible doctrine. As our first parents lost Eden through indulgence of appetites, a way has been opened by the sacrifice of Christ whereby we may gain it by denial of appetite. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.2

Our people do not take the extensive view of this work that they ought to. She then drew a parallel between Paul’s time and ours. He would labor for a long time, drawing arguments from the types and shadows, showing an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, and would thus gain the favor of the people. Then he would teach them that this Christ prefigured by the types had already come. So we should begin to work with the people from a standpoint where we can gain the favor of the people. How shall we leaven the world, unless we have something with which to lift them up? We must labor unselfishly for humanity. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.3

Conference assembled at 3 o’clock. Reports from foreign fields were called for. Elder W. C. White spoke for Central Europe, and said that the workers were all of good courage, and the work prospering. Germany is really a more promising field than England. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.4

Elder O. A. Olsen spoke for the Scandinavian work. The Denmark Conference has 9 churches with 230 members. The Swedish Conference has 10 churches and 288 members, besides 97 Sabbath-keepers who are not joined to any organization, making 365 in all in that country. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.5

Elder Matteson held a four months’ mission school in Stockholm, Sweden, and although the material upon which he had to work was most unpromising, some of the young people being ignorant to the very extreme, the result was excellent. They soon began to take subscribers for health journals, besides selling books. In nine months they took 2,335 subscribers for the Danish-Norwegian health journal, and received $3,500 on subscriptions and book sales. There are some difficulties but none which cannot be overcome by the grace of God. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.6

Elder Lane said that there had never been a time when he was discouraged over the work in England. In one city he began meetings, speaking to eight people, but the congregation soon increased so much that another place had to be secured. There are four churches in England, and their donations and tithes have reached $625. Erelong a church will be organized in London. A room for a book depository has been secured in Paternoster Row, and the foundation is being laid for an extensive work in that city. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.7

Elder Corliss spoke of the work in Australia. There are now 3 churches there and 150 members. The church at Melbourne numbers 90, and the one at Ballarat about 50. There is a church in Adelaide, and a few Sabbath-keepers in Sydney, and some in other places. Between 300 hundred and 400 people have embraced the truth in Australia, but some have given it up. It is impossible for a man to get work after he begins to keep the Sabbath, and so some of them, after holding on for a while, give up. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.8

It costs very much to carry on tent work there. Lumber comes from California and Oregon, and lumber suitable for seating costs $100 per thousand. To avoid the expense, chair were bought. It cost $200 to seat a fifty-foot tent, but the advantage is that chairs can be shipped at moderate cost. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.9

W. C. White, A. R. Henry, and C. H. Jones were appointed a Committee on Year Book. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.10

W. C. White then requested to be released from the Committee on Resolutions. His request was granted, and the President appointed E. J. Waggoner in his stead. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.11

FOURTH DAY

At 9 A. M. the annual meeting of the Sanitarium Association was held. Dr. Kellogg gave an interesting sketch of the growth of the institution, from its organization in 1866 until the present. The net profits last year were $40,000, and this year nearly as much. The net worth of the institution is now over $200,000, and the amount of charity work done is more than twice as much as the amount of the original capital. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.12

Sister White followed with remarks touching the necessity of broader plans for a judicious charity work. She also spoke of the Rural Health Retreat, as did also Elder Loughborough. There is now represented in the Health Retreat an investment of $60,000. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.13

Conference assembled at 3 o’clock. Elder S. Fulton spoke of the work in Florida. The cities and towns are largely inhabited by Northern people. Some people from New York City who were visiting in Florida attended the meetings and began keeping the Sabbath. One of the ladies told him that she never would have attended the meetings if the tent had been pitched in New York City, and would never have heard and accepted the truth if it had had to find her in that city. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.14

The president stated that Brother C. W. Olds, of Wisconsin, who went south to canvas, had sold $1,500 worth of books in Birmingham and vicinity, in Alabama. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.15

The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.16

WHEREAS, There has been during the past year steady and tangible progress in all departments of our work, notwithstanding increased obstacles thrown in its way, and more active opposition than heretofore, on the part of those who desire to hinder its progress; therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.17

1. Resolved, that we recognize in this prosperity and evident token of God’s willingness to respond to the prayers and efforts of his people, and a prophecy that his counsel will guide and his hand defend and sustain this his work in the future; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.18

WHEREAS, The increasing demands of our publications have rendered it necessary that both the Central and Pacific Publishing Associations should increase their facilities by enlarging the offices of publication at Battle Creek and Oakland, to nearly double their former capacity, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.19

2. Resolved, That we commend the prompt action of the managers of both these associations in making their provision to meet the demand for our books and periodicals; and we regard this great increase in the circulation of our literature as a cheering evidence that this message is soon to arrest the attention of this generation. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.20

3. Resolved, That we hail with pleasure the addition to our other periodicals, of a paper in the Holland language, and we are peculiarly grateful to God for the success which has so far attended its publication, and for the marked progress of his work among the people. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.21

WHEREAS, the great religio-political crisis, in which will be involved last conflict between truth and error, is even now overshadowing our land; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.22

WHEREAS, In these troublous times the Lord by the prophet (Daniel 12:1) Has assured protection to those only whose names are written in the book of life, and whose robes are washed and made White in the blood of the lamb; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.23

WHEREAS, the success of the cause of truth depends not upon human efforts, but solely upon the power of God, which power can be secured only by bringing ourselves into such harmony with his will that we may become partakers of the divine nature, therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.24

4. Resolved, that we will, by the help of God, strive as never before to heed the injunction of the Scriptures, “Be ye holy, for I am holy,” and so separate ourselves from all sin and impurity of heart and life, that the divine counsel may guide, and the divine power attend, all our efforts. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.25

WHEREAS, The General Conference Association is a legally incorporated organization, capable of holding property and transacting business in any part of the world, and is therefore the proper body to look after the financial interest of our missions and other pioneer enterprises; and, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.26

WHEREAS, This association, in order to do the important work it is designated to accomplish, and must have funds; therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.27

5. Resolved, That we recommend to those who have means to donate for the general advancement of the cause, or money which they can loan temporarily without interest, to deposit such means with this association, rather than with any institution which is more local in its operations. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.28

Whereas, The opening of missions in foreign lands involves much expense, and is attended with many difficulties, therefore, SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.29

6. Resolved, That we hail with much gratitude the progress of the work in the different countries of Europe, as seen in the organization of four Conferences, the establishment of three offices of publication, and a large interest that has been awakened all over Europe. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.30

7. Resolved, That we approve of the efforts made in England, Central Europe and Scandinavia, in holding mission schools for the purpose of educating canvassers and colporteurs; and we hereby express our gratitude at the success of the canvassing work in those countries as a potent means of bringing the truth before the masses. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.31

8. Resolved, That we approve of the removal of the office of publication in England from Great Grimsby to London, and the opening of a depot for our publications in Paternoster Row; and we bid the mission workers there Godspeed in their efforts to establish the cause on a firm basis in the very heart of the English-speaking world. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.32

9. Resolved, That a standing committee of five be appointed by the Chairman, to confer with other committees which should be appointed in the various Conferences, in reference to the defense of those who may suffer persecution under repressive Sunday laws, and also to direct in efforts that may be needed in various States to oppose the passage of such Sunday laws. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.33

These resolutions were all carefully considered, and with the exception of resolutions four and nine, were adopted. The two resolutions excepted were referred to a special committee of nine, who should consider the whole subject broached by them, and should frame a resolution defining our relation to the work of National Reform and the Sunday laws. The committee were also to plan for a daily class for instruction in National Reform principles and how to oppose them. U. Smith, A. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, L. McCoy, D. T. Jones, J. M. Rees, J. N. Loughborough, E. W. Farnsworth, and A. R. Henry were named as said committee. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.34

Later items of interest will be found on the last page. SITI November 24, 1887, page 711.35

“‘Dreary Times’” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

The following from the Jewish Times (San Francisco) will apply to any city:- xxx SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.1

“The community is treated to a series of scandals, rotten enough for ancient Babylon and Rome. The growth of vice in a young city, not yet forty years of age, is a strong argument against a pious belief that we are better than our fathers, and that the millennium is nearer than it has been. The catalogue of sins that infest the city of San Francisco is so appalling that one turns with disgust from the daily accounts in the newspapers. Whether the publication of these accounts will tend to diminish crime is an open question. It will surely, if nothing else, pervert the morals of the innocent, for it is unwholesome food, and excites a morbid appetite for literature that is none the less obscene because it is a presumably truthful account of the happenings in society. We live in dreary times. The churches of San Francisco are to-day mute witnesses of the fact that religion has to battle harder than ever, and our schools are on the witness stand to prove that knowledge has not barred the progress of vice. It is enough to cause hypochondria. Will humanity ever remain the same? Will Satan ever retain the upper hand?” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.2

Yes, vice is rampant, and on the increase; but Satan will not always triumph. Evil will soon be rooted out, and the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9. It will not be, however, by the increase of education, or by the conversion of the world, but by the coming of Christ in his kingdom, who shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall slay the wicked. It will be by the destruction of Satan and all his works-the burning up, root and branch, of all that do wickedly-and the renovation of the earth, so that in it righteousness may dwell. Until that time “wicked men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived;” but when that time comes there will be such a revolution as the universe has never yet be held. Happy will it then be for those who resist the tide of evil that is carrying so many willing victims to ruin. Yes, these are drear times, but better times are coming for those to whom these times are indeed dreary. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.3

“‘The Ministers Aroused’” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

The religious papers of New York are very much agitated over the matter of Sunday observance. About three weeks ago a large meeting of leading clergymen of New York and vicinity was held to consider the propriety of taking concerted action against the opening of the liquor saloons on Sunday. The Rev. Dr. John Hall was chairman of the meeting, and at his suggestion a committee was appointed to draw up resolutions expressing the sense of the meeting. They recommended that all the pastors be urgently requested to present to their people their duty regarding the maintenance and the enforcement of the laws regarding the sale of liquors on Sunday; that a public meeting be called for the purpose of calling attention to the advantages to be derived by the whole community from the preservation of Sunday as a day of periodic rest; that the position of every candidate for election to the Senate or Assembly be definitely ascertained, and that they take steps to secure the defeat of any candidate who declines to pledge himself to defend Sunday laws; and that a committee be appointed to secure the dissemination of English and German reading matter upon the subject. All the denominations were represented on the committee that was called for in the last resolution, and it was stated that an effort would be made to get either Archbishop Corrigan or Mgr. Preston to represent the Roman Catholic Church in the committee. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.4

The above facts are abridged from a report in the New York Observer, under the heading, “The Ministers Aroused.” The concluding paragraph of the article is as follows:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.5

“Several of the ministers present made brief remarks, Dr. Hall suggesting that there should be special preaching on the matter in all the churches on the following Sunday. The tone of the meeting was one of intense earnestness. It is evident that the action of the liquor men in endeavoring to secure a repeal of the Sabbath laws has awakened a sentiment among the Christian people of the State that will make itself felt at the coming election.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.6

If anything more were needed to show that the Sunday movement is simply a movement in favor of an establishment of religion, we find it in an expression in the Christian Union’s account of the same meeting. It says of the effort to have saloons open on Sunday: “The clergy can halt this movement for the destruction of the most sacred and imminent symbol of their holy religion, if they will.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.7

This is a fair sample of all the movements to make Sunday laws. They take the guise of shutting up the saloons, and then those who do not believe in enforced Sunday observance, and do not join the movement, are denounced as enemies of temperance. We say emphatically that there is not the shadow of temperance principle in the effort to close saloons on Sunday. It is simply an entering wedge by the clergy to preserve “the most sacred and eminent symbol of their holy religion.” It is an effort to secure by civil law that which “their holy religion” has not vitality enough to do. Now we are staunch friends of temperance; we are foes to the saloons, and would gladly and enthusiastically unite in any movement to close them altogether, seven days a week. But no lover of religious liberty can join a pseudo-temperance movement, whose sole object is to force a religious custom (an unwarranted one at that) upon the people, leaving the saloons as much power as before. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.8

While we place ourselves on record as uncompromisingly opposed to saloons, we wish to emphasize the statement that the Sunday movements are in the interest of the liquor traffic rather than against it. For (1) if there is power among the clergy to close the saloons one day in the week, there is power to close them every day in the week; and the fact that, having that power, they do not use it, shows that they are not really concerned over the ravages of the liquor traffic, provided it does not encroach upon the symbol of “their [not God’s] holy religion;” and (2) the formal action of the clergy in taking steps to close the saloons only on Sunday, when they have the power to close them every day, gives the saloons standing in society; it is a sort of indorsement by the highest profession of the saloons for the last six days of the week. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.9

Let it not be forgotten that in this effort to secure the preservation of “the most sacred and imminent symbol of their holy religion,” the clergy are anxious to secure the co-operation of the Roman Catholic Church. They need not fear, for the Sunday institution is the most imminent, and indeed the only real symbol of the power of the Catholic Church, and she will guard her own. How complacently she must look upon the Protestants who are making themselves her willing servants. W. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.10

“The Spirit of Antichrist. No. 1” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

In 1 John 4:1-3 we find the following inspired warning and declaration:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.11

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.12

Again to 2 John 7 we find a similar statement: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.13

“Antichrist” means “opposed to Christ.” The great antichrist, therefore, is Satan himself, for he is the instigator and abettor of everything that has ever come up in opposition to God and Christ. In Revelation 12:7-9 we find the following description of the first opposition to the Son of God, and its result:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.14

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.15

Michael is the archangel (Jude 9), that is, the chief or prince of the angels; and the archangel is Christ, for it is the voice of the archangel that will be heard at the last great day, when the dead shall be raised (1 Thessalonians 4:16); and Christ declared (John 5:26-29) that his own voice would be the one that should penetrate the graves, and called forth the dead. Therefore this war in heaven was between Christ and his angels on one side, and Satan and his angels on the other side. It was the beginning of the great controversy which has been going on till the present time. When Christ was on earth he again met the devil in person, and again vanquished him; but still the warfare is kept up; Satan still opposes Christ by seeking to blind the minds of men so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ may not shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4); and the contest will cease only with the utter destruction of Satan and all his works. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.16

The apostle, however, in the text first quoted, does not speak of antichrist himself, but of the “spirit of antichrist;” that is, not of Satan in person, but of the doctrines which he disseminates in order to blind the minds of them that believe not. This spirit of antichrist is declared to be a denial that Jesus is come in the flesh. It is commonly supposed that this refers to Roman Catholicism. This is probably because in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Papacy is spoken of as the one, “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worship.” There is no question but that Roman Catholicism is antichrist; but we propose to demonstrate that what is known as modern Spiritualism is essentially the spirit of antichrist, being the direct mouth-piece of Satan himself, and that Roman Catholicism and other forms of error, whether of greater or lesser degree, are only outgrowths of the principle which is the very heart of Spiritualism. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.17

Our first business is to inquire what it is to deny that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. Of course the most direct method of denying that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is to deny the entire narrative contained in the gospels, to say that the whole thing is a fabrication, and that there never was such a person as Jesus Christ. But there are comparatively few in enlightened lands who deny that such a person as Jesus Christ ever lived on this earth. Many who will admit that such a person lived, and that he was a very good man, possibly the best man that ever lived, will still deny his divinity; they will not admit that he was the Son of God. Such persons do most emphatically deny that Jesus Christ is come the flesh, and are therefore deceived by the spirit of antichrist. But there is still another way in which the spirit of antichrist may be manifested, and that is by denying some essential part of the work of Christ, while still professing, to believe on him. Representatives of this class are brought to view in Matthew 7:21-23. This working of the spirit of antichrist is the most insidious of all, and is that which will wreck the greater part of those who will be lost. Let us examine it. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.18

In the first chapter of John we have undoubted reference to Christ, under the title of “the Word.” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In the fourteenth verses we read of him: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” Grace means favor. Therefore the statement is that the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of favor. That is the same as saying that Christ came in the flesh as an exhibition of the favor of God to man. And in harmony with this are the words of Paul, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:13); he was “full of grace;” and so the apostle declares that the grace of God brings salvation. Titus 2:11. Now go back again to the statement that when Christ was made flesh and dwelt among us, he was full of favor. This favor was the favor of God, for his fullness was the fullness of God (Colossians 1:19; 2:9), and God was manifest in him, reconciling the world to himself. Now we read in Psalm 30:5 that “in his favor is life.” Therefore we conclude that Jesus Christ was made flesh and dwelt among us full of favor, in order to give life to men doomed to death; and this conclusion is strengthened by the statement, “In him was life; and the life was the light of man.” John 1:4. SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.19

The following texts show plainly that Christ’s sole object in coming to this earth was to give life to those who otherwise would not have had it: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The obvious conclusion is that if he had not come, all men would have perished, and that although he has come, and none will have life except those who believe in him. And this conclusion is stated in so many words, in John 3:36: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 712.20

1 John 5:10-12: “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.1

John 10:9, 10: “I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.2

These texts abundantly prove that to give life was the sole object of the manifestation of Christ in the flesh. Therefore we say that to deny that he alone gives life,-to claim that without Christ man may have life-even under the most distressing conditions-is virtually to deny that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, and is consequently the spirit of antichrist. For to deny the essential part of Christ’s work,-to deny the very thing and the only thing for which he was manifested in the flesh, full of grace and truth,-is the same as denying that he ever was manifest in the flesh at all. If men may have life without Christ, then his words, “Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life,” they might have responded, “We don’t need to, for we can have life, without coming to you.” And this they did say in effect. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.3

The spirit of antichrist which is in the world is, therefore, when traced to its very simplest form, merely a denial that man is dependent upon Christ for life; it is the claim that all men will have life, whether they believe in Christ or not. This spirit is pre-eminently exemplified in modern Spiritualism. The fundamental principle of Spiritualism, and, indeed, the whole sum and substance of it, is the doctrine of the natural immortality of man. We will let Spiritualists define it in their own words. N. F. Ravlin, formerly a Baptist minister, and now one of the leading Spiritualist lecturers in California says:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.4

“The very central truth of Spiritualism is the power and possibility of spirit return, under certain conditions, to communicate with those in the material form.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.5

Mrs. E. L. Watson, a noted “inspirational” lecturer, in an address in San Francisco, in the Golden Gate of February 6, 1886, said:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.6

“Spiritualism per se is a science; it is the demonstration of certain facts relative to the nature of man; it explains the psychical phenomena which have transpired in the past, and the mysteries which have surrounded us as spiritual beings. It demonstrates the fact of man’s continued existence after death, and enlightens us in regard to the manner of that existence.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.7

The standing motto of the Spiritual Magazine, for many years the leading Spiritualist publication in England, was this:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.8

“Spiritualism is based on the cardinal fact of spirit communion and influx; it is the effort to discover all truth relating to man’s spiritual nature, capacities, relations, duties, welfare, and destiny, and its application to a regenerative life. It recognizes a continuous divine inspiration in man. It aims, through a careful, reverent study of facts, at a knowledge of the laws and principles which govern the occult forces of the universe; of the relations of spirit to matter, and of man to God and the spiritual world. It is thus catholic and progressive, leading to true religion as at one with the highest philosophy.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.9

In an article entitled, “Spiritualism and Religion,” in the Golden Gate of July 9, 1887, John Weatherlee said:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.10

“The central idea of modern Spiritualism is the key-stone of the religious arch. That is, a continued existence.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.11

But the central idea of Spiritualism is diametrically opposed to the Bible, for that declares that there is no such thing as continued existence for man unless he is one of the righteous ones who shall be alive when the Lord comes, and who will be translated. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.12

The patriarch Job said: “But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up; so man lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.” Job 14:10-12. And he adds: “His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.” Verse 21. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.13

The psalmist says: “For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” Psalm 6:5. Again: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither in the that go down into silence.” Psalm 115:17. Again, still more positively: “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Psalm 146:3, 4. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.14

Solomon wrote: “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.15

No matter how poor or how ignorant a man may be, he is infinitely richer and knows infinitely more than a dead man. The man who has barely conscience enough to know that he is going to die, and who knows not another thing, knows far more than a dead man; for the dead know not anything,-their thoughts have perished. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.16

The dead are represented as dwelling in the dust, asleep. Thus Isaiah 26:19: “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” And Daniel 12:2: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.17

All the Scripture declarations, and many more of like import-for the Bible teaches nothing different on this point-are contradicted by Spiritualism, which declares that man has a continued existence, and that there is no death. But this contradiction of the plain declaration of the Bible shows Spiritualism to be inspired by the spirit of antichrist; for the prophets spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21), and the Spirit of Christ was in them dictating all that they wrote. 1 Peter 1:10, 11. W. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.18

“The Sunday and the Saloon” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

The action of the “Personal Liberty League” of New York and Pennsylvania in demanding open saloons on Sunday from 2 P.M. till midnight, has given to the Sunday cause such an impetus as it probably has not had since the days of Constantine; and the reason of it is that the impetus is wholly political. The religious papers with one voice advocate decided and positive political action, and so do many of the secular papers. Principles have no place. All consideration of principle is given to the winds, and everything is rallied to the political protection of Sunday. This demand of the liquor interests does not seem at all to have enlarged the genuine prohibition sentiments of the public; it is only Sunday prohibition that is demanded. The following from the New York Observer is a sample of the general discussion of the subject:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.19

“It may be thought by some that the personal liberty movement will not materially affect the business portion of our communities, or, in other words, that it will not touch the pockets of our reputable business men, and therefore can hardly be expected to interest them as much as if that were the case. Of course this is a very important point,-the pocket,-and a very tender one. But the movement.. Sabbath, a saloon day, may affect that particular spot quite seriously. If the Legislature should pass a law opening the grog-shops on Sunday it may be followed by a considerable exodus from the State of respectable, law-abiding, Sabbath-loving people. In this city, for example, which lies within easy distance of two other States, the question of choosing a suburban residence might be determined for many by this Sunday-saloon business.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.20

Oh, yes! the saloon, with all its abominable evils, can run day and night six days in the week, and the “respectable, law-abiding, Sabbath-loving people” can stand it all without a murmur, and can choose their suburban or other residences without any special thoughts of an exodus. But, oh! oh! oh! the Sunday saloon is an awful evil. At the mere suggestion of the Sunday saloon, there is danger of an exodus of these exemplary people. So the evil is not in the saloon itself, it is only in the Sunday saloon. We verily believe that if the Sunday elements throughout the country would with one consent agree and faithfully stand to the agreement to shut all the saloons during the whole of Sunday, they could go on unquestioned during the other days and nights of the week, and there would not be enough prohibition element in the nation to cause a ripple on the surface of public affairs. The force that can abolish the Sunday saloon can abolish the saloon altogether. Then why is it not done? SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.21

The truth is that it is not the prohibited liquor traffic, but the enforced Sunday, that they want. SITI November 24, 1887, page 713.22

“Back Page” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

When we talk against sympathizing with a criminal, some people will accuse us of a lack of charity. Such persons do not know the meaning either of sympathy or charity. We pity a criminal condemned to death; we may pity him because of his fate, and because of his lawless disposition. But we may not sympathize with him, for that implies a fellow-feeling; it indicates that we are at heart partakers of his crimes. Any feeling which leads one to try to save a criminal from just punishment, does not arise from charity. Such a feeling argues disregard for the law, but charity rejoices not in iniquity, but exalts law. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.1

It is customary for the Methodist ministers of San Francisco to meet together every Monday morning, to compare notes, discuss questions of varying degrees of importance, etc. From the report of the last one held we extract the following:- SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.2

“Rev. Dr. Wythe, of Oakland, then read a very interesting paper to prove that the brain is not, as is generally supposed, the special seat of the mind. He maintained that the mind is an independent organization which may operate at any part of the body, and preside at any given time where its action is required. There are, he said, three grades of organization-physical, psychical, and spiritual. The first is the lowest, embracing the sensuous, then the psychical, embracing all mathematical and purely intellectual forms, while the highest grade is the spiritual, embracing all religious conceptions and moral ideas, and being in fact itself the basis of morality. The practical effect of this view, Dr. Wythe remarked, would be to do away with materialism by showing that the mind can act independently of the brain.” SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.3

We would like to know the arguments by which these remarkable propositions were “maintained.” How did the Doctor find out that the brain is not the seat of the mind? If the brain does not do the thinking, what does? Is thought itself an entity? and if so, of what is it made? Is it gathered from the air? These are a few of the many questions we would like to ask. And one more: If it is all as Dr. Wythe says, will he tell us what the brain is good for anyway?-his own, for instance. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.4

The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation. Romans 1:16. Salvation has reference to sin, for Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and that is why he was called Jesus, which means Saviour. Matthew 1:21. If it were not for sin there would be no need of the gospel; therefore wherever and whenever God authorizes the preaching of the gospel, it must be that there is sin. What is sin? “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. What law? The law which says, “thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7. And what law is that? The ten commandments, which God spoke with his own voice from mount Sinai, and wrote onto tables of stone. See Exodus 20:3-17; Deuteronomy 10:4. Then since the gospel is preached only where there is sin, and sin is the transgression of the ten commandments, it must be that wherever and whenever the gospel is preached, the ten commandments must be in existence as the rule of life. And how extensively and how long is the gospel to be preached? “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness under all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14. What is the “end” here spoken of? The end of the world. See Matthew 24:3. Then just so surely as the Bible is the word of God, the ten commandments must be of binding obligation at least until the coming of Christ, and the end of the world. Whoever denies this, denies the gospel. Let anyone gainsay this reasoning and conclusion who can. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.5

Last week we promised that we would speak further concerning the Chicago anarchists, and the sympathy that was shown them. It is well known by all who have given the daily papers even a cursory examination, that sympathy almost without stint was lavished upon the anarchists while they were under sentence of death. Now many people see in this nothing alarming, but we say that it indicates a moral condition that will eventually be disastrous to this country. Now many people see in this nothing alarming, but we say that it indicates a moral condition that will eventually be disastrous to this country. These men were red-handed murderers; they had caused the death of seven men, and the severe injury of many more. It was not their fault that they did not kill hundreds for the bombs were thrown into a crowd. These men, who were actually guilty of killing seven men, and constructively guilty of killing hundreds received attention from thousands, while their victims and their families were passed by with scarcely a thought. Why? Because there is a widespread sympathy with lawlessness. Let the most commonplace man commit a heinous offense, and straightway he becomes a hero; and the worse his offense, the more attention he will receive. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.6

It is claimed that this country is in no danger whatever from anarchists. The newspapers are congratulating themselves and the people that anarchy is now stamped out of this country. Not by any means. Anarchy is simply a lack of law; the spirit of anarchy is the spirit of lawlessness; sympathy with lawlessness is sympathy with anarchy; and sympathy for a lawless person in his lawless acts is sympathy with lawlessness. We say that the widespread sympathy that was aroused for those men who were willing to slay hundreds in order to overturn law and order, shows that in “free America” there is a disregard for the sacredness of the law, and that is the spirit of anarchy. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.7

A good many people imagine that they love law and order, when they do not. It is a fact that many, indeed the great majority of men, are perfectly indifferent as to whether or not the laws are enforced, so long as they themselves do not suffer by their violation. Laws are enforced in this country principally from selfish motives, and not from a love of justice. There is a not an abhorrence of evil because it is evil. Men will make an outcry against a crime which involves their interests, and will excuse the same if they are in no way concerned. This is evidence that the law is not considered sacred and it is a necessary consequence of the teaching that the law of God does not now have any claims upon men. When men have become accustomed to seeing God’s law trampled underfoot with impunity, it is the most natural thing in the world that they should esteem human laws lightly. The greater portion of the inhabitants of the earth, including many professed Christians, are anarchists so far as the law of God is concerned, and if they are not open anarchists in relation to human laws, it is not through any virtue of their own. There is no nation on earth that is to-day more in danger from the assaults of anarchists than the United States. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.8

The spirit of anarchy is just what the students of prophecy would expect to see rife at the present day, and the fact that it is so prevalent as shown by the sympathy for crime and criminals, even among what are called the “best classes,” is an evidence that we are in the last days. Hear the words of the apostle Paul: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves.” There you have a clear sign of the last days. The ground both of the Decalogue,-the one which... SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.9

“Laborers for the Harvest-field” The Signs of the Times, 13, 45.

E. J. Waggoner

At the seventh meeting of the Conference session the Committee on the Distribution of Labor made a partial report, of which the following are the chief items: It was recommended that Elder S. H. Lane take charge of the work in Georgia and Florida, and that those two States be organized into a Conference as soon as consistent; that Elder O. C. Godsmark, of Indiana, go with Elder Lane to the South; that Elder J. P. Henderson, of Indiana, go to Arkansas to labor; that Elder Victory Thompson make Indiana his field of labor; that Elder G. G. Rupert, who has been laboring in South America, go to Michigan; that Elder G. C. Tenney, of Minnesota, after spending a few months at the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, proceed to Australia, to work upon the Bible Echo; that Elder A. D. Olsen take the presidency of the Minnesota Conference, and W. B. White of the Dakota Conference; that Elder E. H. Gates go to Colorado and take the presidency of that Conference, and that C. P. Haskell, of Colorado, take the place on the Ohio Conference Committee made vacant by Elder Gates; that J. M. Erickson make Sweden his field of labor; and that H. R. Johnson take the oversight of the Scandinavian work in Iowa and South Dakota. All these recommendations were adopted. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.10

The officers of both the General Conference and the International Sabbath-school Association have been elected for the ensuing year, and are as follows-Conference officers: President, Elder Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, Elder U. Smith, Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. H. Chapman; Treasurer, A. R. Henry; Committee: Elders Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, O. A. Olsen, W. C. White, R. A. Underwood, U. Smith, R. M. Kilgore. The General Conference constitution was so amended as to provide for three more secretaries: One for Foreign Missions, one for Home Missions, and one for the educational work. These have not yet been elected. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.11

The officers of the International Sabbath-school Association, as elected, are: President, C. H. Jones; Vice-President, W. C. White; Secretary, Winnie Loughborough; Executive Committee, C. H. Jones, W. C. White, E. W. Farnsworth, E. J. Waggoner, F. E. Belden, Winnie Loughborough, and R. S. Owen of California. A motion to so amend the constitution as to provide for a corresponding secretary has been referred to a committee. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.12

From the publishers of the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., we have received a copy of the well-known book, “Thoughts on Daniel,” in the Dutch language. It is unnecessary for us to say anything concerning the contents of this book, for it has been before our readers for a long time; but we can recommend the style of the book in the (to us) unknown tongue. There are a great many Hollanders in different portions of this country who would gladly read this book if it were presented to them; and while there is no doubt but that a canvasser would succeed better if he could talk with them in their own tongue, yet experience has shown that a canvasser who speaks only English may have good success in canvassing among the Dutch. We confidently expect that this work will have the circulation both in this country and in Holland, which its merits demand. Order from Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., or from Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Price, $1.50. SITI November 24, 1887, page 720.13