Review and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 10.
CHRISTIANS, CHRIST'S REPRESENTATIVESPage 1
Earlier text: THE SECOND ADVENTTRACT OFFICERS.
By S. N. Haskell
NOTWITHSTANDING the duties of tract officers are fully explained in the Constitution, which should be read by every S. D. Adventist, it may be proper to make some general statements which will be of interest to all the societies. An active president who fully comprehends the wants of the cause in all its branches, exercises a molding influence upon the society. But to have a society that can carry out every plan of the General Conference and respond to every call, in short, to be prepared for any advance move the providence of God may indicate, will require a full quota of officers properly educated, who understand their business. There are no officers upon whom the success of a society so much depends as upon the secretaries, and of these the State secretary is first in importance. A tract society will be more efficient with a poor president than with a poor State secretary. It is the same with the districts. An active district secretary will accomplish much in giving life to the work and keeping it up, even if the director is not as active as he should be. The director in some cases has largely done the work of the secretary in the district, and in such cases he should be able to devote his entire time to it, especially if there are several churches in his district. The brethren and sisters will have to be continually reminded of their duty, and encouraged to move forward. A healthy tract society is not one that acts upon impulse, but one that is ever ready to move at a moment's call, so that every branch of the work can be built up together. This will require constant effort on the part of the officers. The director sustains the same relation to the district that the president does to the State. Librarians are also secretaries, filling the office of secretary, librarian, and treasurer, in the churches. The secretaries should not feel that their duties are performed when the regular routine of business which comes before them is done. If the missionary work prospers, there must be devotion to the cause on the part of the officers. They must reach out and anticipate the wants of the society, and incite the members to activity. It is in this manner that the plans and suggestions of the general tract society, under the supervision of the General Conference, will be carried forward. Simply keeping the record of meetings, ordering books, and recording the business which is done, is the least part (although important) of his duties. They should see that every man and woman is laboring to the best advantage in the cause. Much of this can be done by correspondence under the direction of the president in the State, and directors in the districts. It will readily be seen that the State secretary should therefore be thoroughly acquainted with the work in each district. He should have the names of all the members of the society on his book, that he may become acquainted with each worker, and also know who are losing their interest in the work. He can then tell how many are not members, and be able to make such suggestions as will bring up the work in all its parts. I have frequently visited Conferences where the tract society was not prospering as we desired to see it. I have inquired of the State secretary, “How many members have you?” “I don't know.” “How many have you that are active and reliable?” “I don't know.” In short, they know nothing about the practical workings of the society, only that it is running down, and not many books are called for. Now if these secretaries had kept a list of the members, and when the reports began to show a lack of interest, if they had written a line to some active member to visit them, with the co-operation of the district officers and librarian, the interest would have increased, instead of the reverse. The duties of the district secretary are much the same with each church as the State secretaries are with each district. In some Conferences there are districts which do as much business as is done in some States. Where such is the case there is almost invariably an active director and district secretary. The question is often asked if it is always necessary to do all business through the district secretary. We answer, No; but there should always be an understanding to this effect between the officers, and the business should be reported to the district secretary. For particulars on this point, see Constitution. The librarian should ever be active in looking after the interests of each member in his church society. See that all become members, have blank reports on hand at the right time, distribute and collect them, encourage all to do something to report. This will require much visiting and, if the members are scattered, much writing. If each officer does his duty there cannot be other than a prosperous society. To be successful in the cause of Christ requires care-taking, and an unselfish interest for the souls of our fellow-men. This will beget in others the same spirit, and bring the blessing of God upon us. REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT SABBATH-SCHOOL.
By W. E. Dawson
This is of the greatest importance. Organization, classification, the maintenance of a steady interest, and regular progress, all depend very much upon all the members being in their places at each session of the school. In many schools, teachers and scholars seem to feel at perfect liberty to attend the Sabbath-school or remain at home, as convenience or inclination direct. In such schools you may to-day see a teacher full of life and animation, thoroughly prepared to conduct the exercises of his class, seeming to engage with all his heart in his duties as teacher, and by his enthusiasm awakening a corresponding interest in the minds of his pupils. He calls attention to the importance of the next lesson, urges each scholar to be thoroughly prepared, and to surely be in attendance the next Sabbath. A week passes, and with thorough preparation for the recitation, and glowing with a newly awakened zeal in the study of the word of God, each member of the class comes to the Sabbath-school, anticipating a smiling welcome from the teacher, and another happy hour spent in the exercises of the school. But the teacher’s ardor has suddenly cooled. Some trivial excuse detains him at home. His class is disappointed. They miss the expected words of commendation for their faithfulness, and the teacher’s example tells them, as plainly as it would be possible to tell in words, that the lesson was not a very important one after all, and that a cloudy day, or a slight attack of “Sabbath sickness,” is a sufficient excuse for neglecting the duties of the Sabbath-school. A teacher, who perhaps has not glanced at the lesson to be recited, is picked up from among the older scholars, the printed questions are asked, the resources of the teacher exhausted, and the class sits through the greater part of the session, listless and discouraged. An injury has been inflicted upon that class from which it will be slow to recover, and if such injuries are often repeated, all possibility of having an interested, wide-awake school is at an end, until a different order of things prevails. Nor is the failure of pupils to attend regularly much less disastrous to the interests of the school. A thoroughly organized, carefully classified school is as much better qualified to enter upon a course of Bible study with interest and success than a school without such organization, as a well-drilled and disciplined army is better prepared than an unorganized and undisciplined mob to enter upon an effective campaign. What superintendent is equal to the task of organizing and keeping properly classified a school whose membership is constantly shifting, and which on no two successive Sabbaths presents the same assemblage of faces? Every system of Sabbath-school lessons which is of any value is “progressive” in its arrangement—leading the young Bible student on step by step. While pursuing a course of study thus arranged, the thorough mastery of the lessons intended for one division is necessary to awaken a lively interest, and to give that strength and vigor of mind which are essential to enable the scholar to enter successfully upon the study of the lessons of a higher and more difficult grade. It will also frequently be found that the connection between the lessons for the same division is so close that the lesson for this week is an indispensable introduction to those for several successive Sabbaths; and if some of the members of the class are absent, and fail to obtain a complete understanding of it, they meet with such difficulties in their future progress that they are almost sure to become discouraged. “It often happens that one scholar after another is absent, until at the end of three months’ instruction half the members of the class have so little knowledge of what they have passed over as to be totally unqualified for further progress.” That a single scholar should be out of his allotted place is a great misfortune to himself and the school. That a teacher should ever under ordinary circumstances fail to meet his class, is inexcusable. THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
[I send you the following verses for publication, hoping they may do the reader as much good as they have me many times. They have been in our family from my earliest recollections, and are to us household words. D. S. JAMES.] I love the holy Son of God,
Who once this vale of sorrows trod,
And bore my sins, a heavy load,
Up Calvary’s gloomy mountain.
There on the cross he mournful hung,
The sport of many an impious tongue,
While pain extreme his nature wrung,
And flowed life’s crimson fountain. The sun would not behold the scene,
But ’round him threw night’s sable screen;
Nature was robed in mourning mien,
And sighed while Jesus suffered.
But oh! his persecutors stood,
That cruel, murderous, hellish brood,
Unmoved, to see his gushing blood,
And scoffing insults offered. Why did he not in anger spurn,
And floods of vengeance on them turn?
Amazing see his bosom burn
With soft compassion o’er them.
No fury kindles in his eyes;
They beam with love, and when he dies,
“Father, forgive,” the sufferer cries,
And makes excuses for them. Oh! was there ever such distress,
Or such amazing proof as this
Of mercy, love, and tenderness
Which our Redeemer’s given?
Not one of all the hosts above
Can comprehend his matchless love
That did within his bosom move,
And brought him down from Heaven. How ardent ought my love to be
To One who’s done so much for me!
My constant service faithful, free,
And all my powers employing,
I ought his cross with pleasure bear,
And place my all of glorying there,
In his reproach most gladly share,
In tribulation joying. And never shall it be concealed
He hath in me his love revealed,
Of all my sins a pardon sealed,—
I feel his precious favor.
In him I do and will rejoice,
And praise him with a cheerful voice,
Until the theme my tongue employs
In Heaven above forever. ITEMS FROM THE INDIANA C. M.
By J. P. Henderson
The Spirit of the Lord was present, and those who came and sought the Lord early obtained the richest portion of the feast. We are sorry that some of our brethren allow circumstances to control them, and permit the less weighty matters of farm business, etc., to prevent their attending in full these annual gatherings. Many who come in at the eleventh hour can scarcely wait until the Sabbath is past before they must take their departure; and by so doing they not only lose the spirit of the meeting themselves, but cast a wrong influence. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. On the Sabbath our meeting began in earnest, and many souls sought the Lord, some for the first time. Elders Cartwright and Lane did effectual preaching. On Sunday the crowd came. Our book stand was one center of attraction. Sales amounting to $72.00 testify that some seed was scattered, at least. Canvassers were appointed, who did nobly in obtaining seventy-four subscribers for our periodicals. Our provision stand was well conducted, and netted a profit of over thirty dollars,—nearly enough to pay camp-meeting expenses. The most beautiful as well as the most impressive scene connected with the meeting was the baptism. The place selected was a bend in the White River, just above the railroad bridge. The left bank, sloping back from the water’s edge, and the bridge, were lined with people, estimated at from three to four thousand, who silently witnessed the burial of thirty-four precious souls with Christ in baptism. Elders Covert and Rees officiated. The presence of two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers, with their twenty-four tents, was, considering all things, much beyond our expectations. The timely arrival of W. C. White with an additional supply of books, and his efficient assistance in the T. and M. and Sabbath-school work, added much to the interest of the meeting. Perfect order was kept on the campground, and a good impression made on all who attended. We anxiously look forward to our second meeting, where we hope to meet again many of our dear brethren and sisters. Shall we not begin in time to make our arrangements to attend? Come the first day and remain until the close, if you would reap the full benefit of the meeting. IOWA
By Ira J. Hankins; Ellet Joseph Waggoner
Farmington, Aug. 22.—The interest here far exceeds our expectations. The attendance has ranged from two hundred to four hundred. Excellent order is maintained. The people are very friendly, and seem hungry for the truth. Pray for us, that we may have God’s Spirit with us, and that his blessing may rest upon the work here. IRA J. HANKINS.
E. J. WAGGONER. OHIO
By R. A. Underwood; J. C. Bartlett
Appleton, Aug. 18.—We closed our effort here last evening. Only eight have decided to obey. From the first we have had a good hearing, notwithstanding we have seen so little fruits of our labors. The book sales have been small, and we have obtained but few subscribers for our periodicals. We are reminded of the following from the prophet: “And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but do them not.” A. O. BURRILL. Solon, Aug. 20.—We closed our meetings here to-day. Sold $11.00 worth of books, and obtained nine subscribers for the REVIEW and Signs. A bitter spirit of prejudice has been overcome, and a few have decided to obey, while many are investigating. A goodly number of these are from the world. Infidelity gives way before the connected truths of the third angel’s message. I will give an extract from a private letter from Bedford, which is to the point. The writer is one who may be of service to the cause. He says:— “Ever since you were here, I have been diligently searching the Scriptures. I can say that the Bible is an entirely new book to me. The doctrine of eternal punishment, with the gross inconsistencies and worldliness of the orthodox churches, had made me a skeptic and scoffer, as I know it has scores of others. In your tent I heard a gospel of love preached in all its native simplicity and truth; a consistent gospel, one that harmonizes the Bible with itself, with reason, and with man’s innate sense of justice. I have sat in the scorner’s seat, but it was not religion that I ridiculed so much as the hollow, canting hypocrisy which men called religion. I pray that God may give me faith to lay hold of the promises, that I may secure eternal life. Pray for me.” We shall return to Bedford and Solon to follow up the interest, which is growing. R. A. UNDERWOOD.
J. C. BARTLETT. Sturgeon Bay, Tent No. 1, Aug. 19.— Since our last report, two weeks since, the interest has been on the increase. Last Sabbath we had a good meeting. Brethren were present from Fish Creek and Clay Banks. Three took a stand for the truth, and some others kept the Sabbath for the first time. We still continue here, and labor in hope. O. A. Olsen. E. G. Olsen. Warner Creek, Tent No. 4, Aug. 20.— We have already held eleven meetings since coming to this place. Last Sunday the tent was full of attentive listeners. The interest to hear seems to increase. We are now canvassing the law and Sabbath questions. Some are already convinced. May God help them to obey. Our address until further notice will be Genoa, Vernon Co., Wis. O. A. Johnson. Andrew Christiansen. Richland Center, Tent No. 6. Aug. 15.— The Sabbath question, with its kindred truths, is awakening some interest here. Many are investigating, having supplied themselves with tracts treating on this subject. We have loaned our copy of “The Soul and the Resurrection” to some of our spirited infidel hearers, who confess that it is a solid shot into their ranks. The congregation has fallen off some this week, on account of stormy weather. S. S. Smith. Eli Osborn. De Soto, Vernon Co., Aug. 18.— I came to Cally Valley, four miles from here, about four weeks ago, and have labored among the Scandinavians. Have had strong opposition from four Lutheran ministers. Three or four have commenced to keep the Sabbath here, and one Norwegian family has embraced the truth five miles from here, near Victory. One of these with others was baptized by Bro. Olsen a week ago last Sabbath. We hope for others of our Scandinavian friends. I am now with Bro. A. D. Olsen, with the tent at De Soto. We have had four meetings, with good attendance. We have some warm friends already, who remember us kindly. We are of good cheer, and still trust in God. P. L. Hoen. Monticello, Tent No. 5, Aug. 19.— We closed our meetings here last Sunday evening. Seven have signed the covenant, and some others are interested. We intend to go to Attica tomorrow, where some are waiting to hear the message. We have met with some opposition from a Methodist minister who lives in this place, also from one of the members of the same church; but the Lord gave us the victory, for which we feel very thankful. We have taken up in collections $7.18, and our expenses have been very light. We have obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW, two for the Instructor, and one for the Signs. We have not sold many books. Pray for us, that we may meet with success as we go to a new place. N. M. Jordon. A. W. Fuller. Elkhorn, Tent No. 3.— We closed our labors in this place Aug. 17, having held in all forty-five meetings. Prejudice was strong from first to last. A few persons have taken a stand for the truth. They will hold Sabbath meetings, and are learning lessons from the Lesson Sheets. Bro. Hanson, from Racine, who has been staying in Elkhorn for some time past, will meet with them and help them in their meetings. May the Lord be with them, and may they grow in the further knowledge of the truth. The 19th we came to Rochester, Racine Co. Last evening we held our first meeting. Good attention was given to the word spoken. About 150 were present. The people here are very kind in supplying our wants. C. W. Olds. E. M. Crandall. Pleasant Ridge, Tent No. 8, Aug. 18.— We commenced meetings in this place Sunday, Aug. 10. At our first meeting about forty were present. We held three meetings yesterday (Sunday), and the tent was filled each time. Many came a number of miles over rough roads. We have commenced on the Sabbath question, and the interest to hear is on the increase. One who had attended our meetings said to us, “I understand you are going away in two or three days. You ought not to do so. You will have to get a larger tent. The majority of the people are well pleased with what they have heard.” We told him we should stay for several weeks. Last Sabbath we met with the brethren where we held meetings previous to coming here. We assisted Bro. Rice in organizing a Sabbath-school of over twenty-five scholars. They take a club of ten copies of the weekly Instructor. We also obtained five subscribers for the REVIEW, and one for the Signs. T. B. Snow. C. Holmes. Kingston, Aug. 17, 1879.—We closed our effort at this place last evening, with a good congregation. Close attention was paid to the closing discourse. A few good souls have taken their stand on the Sabbath, and we hope for others. Our tent will be pitched within a few miles from here, so that further attention can be paid to the work here. J. H. ROGERS. N. W. ALLEE. Kirksville, Aug. 18.—I was at Greentop yesterday, where I held a meeting two years ago last winter. At the close of that meeting eight persons were keeping the Sabbath, five of whom are still faithful to this great memorial of Deity. These Sabbath-keepers are among the excellent of the earth. I hope Eld. Butler can stop off and visit them sometime when passing. I preached twice yesterday, and my old congregation were mostly out to hear. Shall preach there once a month hereafter. H. WREN. NORTH CAROLINA.
By C. O. Taylor
Boone, Watauga Co., July 10.—While I have been in this part of the State, I have labored some in Wilkes, Caldwell, and Watauga counties. Through the courtesy of a first-day Adventist minister, I have spoken to several congregations of that order. I think some of them see that they have not the whole truth. I have hopes that some of them will come to a better knowledge of God’s word. Several more have commenced keeping the Sabbath since I came to this county. I remain here one week more, then return to Reynolds, Ga., which will be my address for a short time. I shall visit Alabama the last of October. If those of our brethren who have tracts that are not in use will send them to Bro. L. P. Hodge, Boone, Watauga Co., N. C., they will be put to a good use. Bro. Hodge and Greggs are giving themselves wholly to the work of the Lord. They are publicly presenting the truth as they have opportunity. They are cautious, teachable men, such as God can use if they will remain so. Bro. H. has received several packages of papers. Brethren sending such packages should wrap them firmly with twine, if the paper is not firm. It may surprise some to learn that I am so soon again in New Jersey. When I left I received a faithful promise that I should be informed how the cause prospered among them; but hearing nothing, I was satisfied after much prayer that I must return to Camden. On arriving, I found that I was just in time to save the cause from much perplexity that the enemy was preparing to bring in. We showed with clearness, by the aid of the Spirit of God, that those who are in love with the third angel’s message, are in perfect harmony with God and his word, and are perfectly joined together, of the same mind and of the same judgment, so that there are no divisions among them, but that they all speak the same things. This labor seemed to bring about a great change in the feelings and actions of all. On Sabbath afternoon, Aug. 9, we had an ordinance meeting, and it was good to be there. Eld. Orcutt, of South Vineland, N. J., was with79us. I made some remarks in regard to Bro. W. Macomber going out as a missionary worker, whereupon he offered his resignation as leader, and Bro. Robert Thompson was appointed to lead their meeting, and teach the large class in the Sabbath-school. A superintendent was also appointed. Nearly all have pledged to pay their tithes, and they now have a good fund in the Sabbath-school treasury. I also spent one week in South Vineland, N. J. There I found a small church of faithful brethren and sisters, with a good Sabbath-school, supplied with weekly Instructors. They were taking a club of the Signs, and faithfully paying their tithes. They are under the watch-care of Eld. Orcutt, whose health is not sufficient much of the time to enable him to go out from home to preach. He will attend the quarterly meeting in Camden the second Sabbath in October. If Eld. J. W. Morton, S. D. Baptist, should be at liberty, I would be much pleased to have him attend also, and assist in the ministration of the word. There are several to be baptized then. We hope the brethren will secure the use of Eagle hall for the occasion. I leave things in Camden feeling that the hand of the Lord is in the work there, and that he will prosper it. Some commenced keeping the Sabbath while I was there this time, and others are interested. I am now three miles west of Baltimore, with the little company of Sabbath-keepers that I met in Calverton when I was here before. They are all firm, and others are expected to unite with them soon. I will remain here until next Thursday, and then, if the Lord will, I will go to Harper’s Ferry and commence a protracted meeting at Bolivar Heights one mile west of the ferry, in West Virginia. Harper’s Ferry will be my address until the first of October. I earnestly request the prayers of the faithful in behalf of this mission. I. SANBORN. Sulphur Springs, Aug. 18.—We have now given three discourses at this place, and held one social meeting. This is a neighborhood where a few Sabbath-keepers are living, and the interest now being manifested to hear tells very much in their favor, for the truth. We shall remain here until our Conference. Pray for us. Edmore, Aug. 22.—I have been here about a week, and one has promised to keep the Sabbath. Nearly all of the people have before heard lectures upon our faith, and a number have once kept the Sabbath, and have given it up. This seems sad. The interest is not as good as I could wish, but there are honest souls investigating for truth. O. Soule. Sioux Falls and Canton, Aug. 18.—Our meetings at Sioux Falls closed up very well. We left about a dozen new Sabbath-keepers, with a good Sabbath-school. They take ten copies of the weekly Instructor. Was with them last Sabbath, and found three more decided to keep the Sabbath. There were twenty adults present, besides two large classes of children. We pitched our tent at Canton, Aug. 12, and commenced meetings the 13th. The attendance averages about one hundred and fifty, and the interest seems to be good. We are already receiving donations, and numerous invitations to visit. S. B. WHITNEY. MAINE
By J. B. Goodrich; C. Stratton
Burnham.—As the result of our meetings in this place, some twenty or twenty-five have commenced to keep the Sabbath; four have been baptized, and still others are interested. We stay here over another Sunday. The opposition has been strong, and every effort made to keep people from embracing the truth, which has held us here beyond our expectation. Some living twenty miles from here have come to visit friends, and on hearing a few discourses have decided to keep the Sabbath, and have taken tracts home with them to scatter the light in their own neighborhood. Some who believed in spiritualism have renounced it, and have accepted the truth. We think we have the clearest evidence that God has been at work among the people in this place. J. B. GOODRICH.
C. STRATTON.
Aug. 18. Belleville, Aug. 13.—Since coming to Belleville I have obtained one hundred and ten subscribers for our periodicals; and in subscriptions, and for book sales, I have received $240. Have sent about five hundred names of persons in Belleville and vicinity to the V. M. societies, and the Signs is being sent to them; have also circulated several thousand pages of tracts on health and other subjects. Sr. Collie has circulated some 12,000 pages of tract matter in West Belleville, calling around each week to get the tracts she had left the week before, and leaving others in their places. Many speak in favor of the truth, and say that they would like to hear preaching. The Signs and Good Health appear to be well liked. Some are already keeping the Sabbath, and others are almost persuaded. Belleville is a city of 10,000 inhabitants. I think it will be a good field for tent labor. I leave for Chatham to assist Eld. Moore, at his request. GEO. A. KING. Grand Meadow, Aug. 14.—Met with the Grand Meadow church Sabbath, Aug. 9. This church have had but little ministerial help for some time; but I found them doing well, sustaining Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school. They need to make some improvements in their Sabbath-school in the way of procuring maps, record books, and the Song Anchor, which they promise soon to do. All have pledged one-tenth of their increase to the Lord. I found a number of young people here who were unconverted, and I labored principally for their conversion. The Lord abundantly blessed the effort, and I had the privilege of baptizing nine of these dear young people, all of whom are children of Sabbath-keepers. During my visit here I circulated the temperance pledges among all, and obtained twenty-six signers to the teetotal pledge, three of whom were young men addicted to the use of tobacco. I thank God for the good work done here, and take courage to labor on in the gospel harvest. Norway.—About eight weeks ago, Brn. Lewis Johnson and A. A. John pitched their new fifty-foot tent in the little village of Norway. The people of this village and surrounding neighborhood are mostly Scandinavians, the majority of whom understand the English language. These brethren have accordingly spoken alternately in the Danish and English, to those who came out to hear. There has been much prejudice here, especially among the Lutherans, of whom there are two churches within a mile of the tent; as also among the Methodists, who have a church in the village. Though they are apparently friendly and respectful to our brethren, yet by arranging their meetings so as to prevent their members from attending the tent-meetings, they have detracted from the interest of the latter. The attendance was small until Bro. A. A. John was challenged for a discussion, by Eld. W. W. Blair. It was thought by Eld. B. and his friends that he would easily crush Bro. John, inasmuch as he (Eld. Blair) was one of the twelve apostles of the Latter-day Saints or Mormons, a man of experience, having preached twenty-one years, and published several works in defense of his views. The subjects discussed were the Sabbath, the Sunday, and immortality. Knowing the power of the truth, and that God would stand by his servant in its defense, we felt confident of victory; but our most sanguine expectations have more than been realized. That the masses should be carried so completely on these unpopular truths, was more than we dared to hope. The attendance was good during the entire discussion of seven sessions of two hours each. Many have seen the beauty and harmony of the truth. We wait to see the result, hoping that some will decide to “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Nebraska Church Meetings and Baptisms in Arapahoe and Halifax
Arapahoe, Furnas Co., Aug. 20.—Our meetings here are being well attended. At our suggestion all the stores in town, with one exception, close at 7:45 P. M. The children's meetings Wednesday and Sabbath afternoons are also well attended. GEO. B. STARR. A. J. CUDNEY. Halifax, Aug. 19.—The meetings at this place have resulted in the organization of a church of eleven members. A number of friends from Albion and El Dorado added to the interest of the meetings. Thirteen were baptized, five of whom were from El Dorado. May the hand of the Lord lead this company till we meet on the other shore. CHAS. L. BOYD. —Liverpool, Aug. 22.—The injury done to the growing crops in many districts the past few days, is to a great extent irreparable. —The loss of property in Russia by fires in July alone is stated at 8,300,336 roubles. An enormous fire occurred at Batoum on the 6th inst. —Denmark has been visited recently by a storm which killed 50 persons, destroyed over 100 farmhouses, and extensively damaged the crops. —Three of the five male Nihilists, sentenced by the military tribunal at Odessa to be hanged, were to be executed at 10 this morning. The woman sentenced to exile in Siberia is only 15 years old. —Nellie Grant Sartoris, the only daughter of General Grant, did not die Aug. 13, as reported last week. The papers have discovered that it was another Sartoris, a relative of the former’s husband. —London, Aug. 22.—A Vienna correspondent reports that disquieting rumors are in circulation there regarding unfriendly intentions of Russia toward Germany and Austria. Weighty influences are said to be at work in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg, Aug. 22.—Very serious signs of disturbance are observed among the peasantry. The recent proclamation affirming the permanence of the present disposition of the land was designed to meet a grave and increasing danger. —A Berlin correspondent reports that owing to additions to the fortifications of Russia on its western frontier, the construction of those of Germany at Thorn, which it had been expected would be finished within four years, will be so hastened that it is now thought they will be finished within a year and a half. —Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 20.—News of the sinking of the Angolo mountain in North Georgia is fully confirmed. It is a large mountain, being over two miles around its base, and has broken loose and has fallen into what appears to be a chasm beneath. It first fell about two-thirds under ground, but has since sunk further. —Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 22.—To-night is dreary and gloomy. A steady rain began falling at dark, and at this writing (9 P. M.) continues falling. The streets are deserted, and none, save perhaps a belated Howard visitor, can be found abroad. The day’s record shows a decrease in the number of new fever cases, but an increase in the death roll. —Scandalous doings are not confined to this country. A gross series of frauds has just been discovered to have been committed on the government at Portsmouth, England, and will form the subject of a Treasury prosecution. The frauds were in connection with supplies of milk to invalids in the Military Hospital, and have occasioned considerable excitement in the garrison. —The United States Consul at Manchester, England, writes to the Department of State at Washington that the British demand for American grain and meat will be enormous this year. Business in England is greatly depressed, and it is estimated that in the city of Manchester alone, 80,000 persons are supported by the public. The bad harvest is likely to make this state of things much worse. —Washington, Aug. 22.—The United States Consul at Quebec says that $5,500,000 capital has been wholly wiped out by the failure of the Consolidated Exchange and Ville Marie Banks, besides a loss to the depositors and bill-holders of about half a million more; but worse than all is the condition of the working classes. During the past winter there was scarcely any employment, and it is estimated that there are not less than 7,000 workingmen at present out of employment in Quebec and its suburbs. Controversies about the distribution of the small amount of work to be done culminated in the riot of the 15th. It is entirely a question of bread, and, as a repression does not feed the hungry, the situation is anything but agreeable. TEXAS SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
By A. H. King
Grand Prairie.—Sabbath, June 14, I spent with the friends at Grand Prairie. I found them very much discouraged, having given up their Sabbath-school and social meetings. They all felt the need of them and all seemed determined to commence anew and make a success of their Sabbath-school. This being a dull season of the year, but little could be raised to buy books, Instructors, maps, etc., which are needed in every Sabbath-school. But enough was raised to make a start in this direction. A club of five Instructors was subscribed for. The S. S. Record and class books, and question books for Bible class and infant class, were adopted. Several French brethren who are just learning to speak English, and who have not before taken part, have taken hold with them. All promised to attend regularly. I left them feeling much encouraged. Twenty-one joined the Sabbath-school with promise of more joining soon. A superintendent and secretary were chosen. Terrell.—Here I found the brethren and sisters very much scattered, and several about giving up their faith. Through the aid of Mr. Bivins, who is a kind friend to the cause, we secured the Terrell Institute building, free of rent. It is large and roomy, and is centrally situated. Here about twenty met on the 3d Sabbath of June and organized a Sabbath-school, with a superintendent, assistant superintendent and secretary. Here, as at Grand Prairie, the brethren were short of means; but they started with S. S. records, class books, question books, and five copies of the Instructor, intending to invest more as they get more means. The penny contribution will be a means of help to these Sabbath-schools. There is much opposition here against the truth, and the few faithful ones have to meet persecution; but if they hold out faithful, what a crown of rejoicing will soon be theirs. There is a good prospect of a strong Sabbath-school being established at Terrell. Several will attend who were not present at the organization. Rockwall.—From Terrell, went to Rockwall, having an appointment to organize a Sabbath-school at this place in company with Bro. James, of Terrell. While we were stopping over night at Bro. Carter's, who is living on a stock ranch belonging to another man, the enemy stirred up several wicked men, who loudly cursed Adventists, pounded against the house, and threatened to break in upon us during the night, and at family prayers. How precious the blessing of the Lord seemed at this time, as we remembered his promises. At Rockwall some were hindered from attending the meetings by sickness in their families. We met several here at their homes, and talked and prayed with them. When we saw the interest manifested by these lonely ones as we spoke of the blessed hope, and how glad they seemed to be to see any one of the same faith, our hearts warmed within us with love and sympathy toward these scattered brethren and sisters. May we as brethren here in Texas, gird on the armor and fight manfully in the cause of truth, and not sit down in discouragement while these poor lambs of the flock are dying for want of our help and encouragement. Have we not as older brethren and sisters in the truth a great responsibility resting upon us in this respect; and shall we not arise and go to work while the day lasts, and thereby gain strength for ourselves? Our dear brethren in the field have their hands full in preaching the message; and as our Conference is weak, and lacks means for more laborers, shall we not all help by doing what we can in the vineyard? The Lord will bless us and make us strong in him. I believe a strong Sabbath-school can be raised up in Rockwall.