News and Notes by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

News and Notes.

By Editor

RELIGIOUS.

—Chili has discarded the Roman Catholic religion as the religion of the State, and has announced perfect liberty to all forms of the Christian faith. The oath of the President, at his accession to office, no longer binds him to the support of the "Roman Apostolic Catholic religion."

—An English colporter rides a tricycle as he moves about at his work. The vehicle is constructed so as to carry a supply of Testaments and other religious reading. He is so elated with the success of this, his first venture, that he now contemplates starting out others in the same way.

—The Religious Tract Society of London has for some time been making vigorous endeavors to circulate its publications in Russia, but with much hindrance on the part of the Government. Lately the opposition has been more pronounced than ever. The circulation of tracts and books has at last been prohibited.

—The Hebrew population of New York City is estimated at 60,000, yet the synagogues there are nearly deserted. A move has been started to have Sunday services for those whose business deprives them of attending synagogue on the Sabbath. This movement will probably become so popular as to result in the final cessation of synagogue services on the seventh day.

—Evangelical congregations are multiplying in Mexico. Late accounts say there are now 30,000 adherents to the Protestant faith in that country. Men and women who never saw a Bible till they had spent half a life-time in the Catholic Church, are leaving that faith to unite with a Protestant church. Some of them are severely persecuted, but are, nevertheless, firm in the stand they have taken.