The object of the organization of T. and M. Societies was to secure union of effort, and to give strength, success, and permanency to the work. In this, as in all other important enterprises, there must be system and order, to secure favorable results. The constitution presents a simple, yet effectual, form of organization. It gives to every member a work to do with the needful instructions how to do it, that organization may be maintained, and all may work to the point.
That there is an increasing interest in T. and M. work generally in our State, we are happy to record; but some points should be more closely guarded or we may expect confusion in the work, which will weaken and retard our efforts for good. I refer to the practice of individuals in doing T. and M. business directly with the Offices of publication instead of through the secretary. This greatly confuses both the clerks with whom the business is done and our secretary, needlessly consuming their precious time and strength. In some cases it renders it impossible to keep books correctly.
Before me is a card from the REVIEW Office addressed to our State secretary, stating that a certain amount has been charged to our Society, the business being sent by different persons; and then follows this explanation: “This business was sent at different times without a word of explanation, so we decided it should be charged to your Society.”
Now who can correctly guess what district or districts to charge this business to? The secretary knows the director who sent part of the business, and naturally presumes he was acting for his district; and he is of the opinion that part of the balance of the business should be charged to one district and part to another, but there is nothing certain about it.
If I am right in my conclusion as to one of these persons who sent the business to the REVIEW Office, she lives but a few steps from a business agent for the church, and he not far from a prompt district secretary. Had the business gone through their hands to the State secretary, and so on to the Office, all would have been right. The above-mentioned perplexities would have been unknown.
But this, you may say, “is a small item.” So it would be comparatively if my finger were out of joint, and yet it might be very painful. Again, the workers sometimes get a subscriber for the REFORMER with premium. They take the one dollar and send directly to the REVIEW Office, and order the REFORMER for one year. Who should pay for the premium in this case?
There is really but one reason for doing business otherwise than through the proper officers of the Society, and that is to secure more ready returns from the Offices. It is not unfrequently the case that brethren live on a line of slow mail, or quite a distance from the post-office. In this case some have expressed a wish to do their business directly with the Offices, and acting in harmony with the advice of Bro. Haskell, we have asked our publishers to grant this favor in two or three cases, the sender reporting the business done, to the secretary promptly, and thus far, we know of no difficulty arising therefrom with these brethren.
But as but little more time would be required in securing returns from our Offices when the business is done through the State secretary, T. H. Purdon, New Haven Mills, Vt., than when sent directly, it would be better to do it through him. And where much time must be consumed in sending through the different Officers, you can communicate the business directly to the secretary, booking all names sent to him with the date when sent and the amount of the same. Every item of this business should be reported regularly each quarter to the secretary of your district also, otherwise his books will not be in harmony with the books of the State secretary.
Dear reader, let us be faithful in the cause of the Lord. Let us act with promptitude, and maintain order, humbly asking Heaven’s blessing upon our efforts to save souls.
A. S. HUTCHINS, Pres.
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
NOTHING has occurred, or at least nothing has been reported from either Asia Minor or the banks of the Danube, to change the opinions formed of the probable results of the war between Turkey and Russia since hostilities were actually commenced. The progress of the war has been retarded by floods in the Danube, which have prevented the Russians from crossing that stream and have delayed movements in Asia Minor. The forces of the opposing powers are well known, and the ultimate aims of the Czar are perfectly well understood, in spite of the diplomatic communications between St. Petersburg and London to disguise them. There have been some hard-fought battles, a good deal of strategy has been displayed, and the fighting qualities of both contestants have been tested; but no positive advantage has been gained on either side, and the engagements, though leading to a great destruction of life and property, are merely skirmishes when viewed in relation to the great battles which must take place and decide the contest when the two forces find themselves in positions of attack and defense.
The Turks labor under the disadvantage of having their resources and position completely exposed. They have no secrets; while the Russians have discreetly managed to keep their intentions, as well as their resources, so carefully guarded that the outside world can only conjecture what they mean and where they intend to strike their hardest blows. The reply of Prince Gortschakoff, therefore, which he sent last week to the letter of Lord Derby stating the exceptions taken by the British Government to the course of Russia, is really of greater significance than any of the military movements that have been made on the Danube or in Asia Minor. From Prince Gortschakoff’s reply, which is extremely guarded, and moderated in its tone, no doubt, by the indecisive character of the military movements, we learn nothing positive in relation to Russian intentions, but that the Czar reserves to himself the right to carry the war into Egypt, and that Russia will not consent that any other Christian power shall take possession of Constantinople. But this objection does not apply to Alexandria or Cairo, and there is an increasing possibility that England may feel herself under the necessity of taking possession of Egypt, to secure the navigation of the Suez Canal. In the present condition of affairs, it would be impossible for Russia to make a landing in the territory of the Khedive, and the only result of an attempt to do so would be the certain occupancy of the country by Great Britain, as a protector and eventually as a ruler.
Whatever Russia might consent to as relates to Egypt, it is very clear, from the tenor of the Gortschakoff letter, that England will not be permitted to take possession of Constantinople, which, if not held in the control of the Turk, must be governed by international laws, on account of its importance to the maritime interests of the rest of the world.
There are chances in war that may give temporary advantages to one side or the other; but in such a contest as that between Russia and Turkey the possibilities of success are so greatly on one side that no turn of luck can prevent the triumph of the stronger party. Looking at the advantages possessed by the Russians, they do not seem to have achieved so many successes as might have been expected; and the Turks have done better than they could have been thought capable of doing at the outset. But the Turks have gained nothing. They have experienced some very severe losses, and all that can be scored for them is that they have retarded the movements of their enemy, who has not been in any manner weakened. The moment that the Turks retire from the field and shelter themselves in their fortresses they are doomed; for, though they may keep the Russians out of Kars, and Erzeroum, and Adrianople for a while, they must surrender sooner or later. The advantage which the Turks have is that, when they discover that to prolong the war would be certain defeat and the loss of Constantinople, they can consent to peace on the conditions of the resolutions at the Constantinople Conference. The Turk is not so fanatical as to consent to annihilation, any more than France was when the emperor surrendered himself a prisoner to Germany. There is small probability of the Porte surrendering Constantinople to Christian rule, and permitting the Cross to supplant the Crescent on the dome of St. Sophia.
The latest intelligence from Montenegro makes it seem tolerably sure that the Turks were repulsed from the Duga Pass, after five days of severe fighting, and a loss of near four thousand men, while the Montenegrins lost but seven hundred. If this news should be confirmed, it will prove one of the most important incidents of the war thus far, and give a serious blow to the hopes of the Turks. As the waters of the Danube are now subsiding, the attempt of the Russians to effect a passage of the river must within a few days lead to some decisive action, which it would be needless to anticipate.—Independent.
President Seelye Avows Premillennial Advent Belief
PRESIDENT SEELYE, upon his examination as college pastor of Amherst, avowed his adherence to the second advent, or premillennial theory of our Lord’s reign upon the earth. The council received the announcement with much surprise, but declined to go into the merits of the case.
Russian Army Eyes Constantinople Amid War News
LONDON, June 15.—A Bucharest correspondent telegraphs: On the Russian army any foreshadowing of peace would fall with a thrill of passionate disgust that would strain the bonds of discipline to their utmost. There can be no question that the army regards Constantinople as the only goal that can content it.
Though the Mills of God Grind Slowly
Though the mills of God grind slowly,
Yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience he stands waiting,
With exactness grinds he all.
Appointments and Business Matters This Week
See Appointments and Business Matters inside, this week.
Glensdale, Lewis Co.
By Jacob Wilbur; A. P. Bump
THE attendance and interest in our tent-meeting here seem to be increasing. We find the people friendly and mindful of our temporal wants, and we feel much encouraged to hope for good results. We truly desire help and wisdom from God to win as many as possible to the love of the truth. To this end, brethren, pray for us.
JACOB WILBUR.
A. P. BUMP.
NOT IGNORANT OF HIS WILES.
By V. J. C.
Our adversary has grown old in the war against the human family, and knows well the weak points of our fallen nature. It is not wisdom for us, therefore, to let him have the victory, and sit quietly down in discouragement or carelessness. In every way possible will he try to out-general us, or take our peace of mind.
God’s people, at this time, are special objects of hatred, and if it were not that there is One able to help, we might well despair.
The camp-meeting season has come, and Satan is specially busy at this time, trying to bring division and discouragement, and pressing his darkness on the minds of the people. Then how closely should we watch! how fervently should we pray! It ought to be a time of humbling ourselves, of confession of sins, and of crying mightily to God for victory. We should not wait to do this work at the meeting; but all over the land, our churches, and also the scattered ones, should, with one accord, seek God with all the heart. Let us begin now. Let us search carefully to see if we are walking in the light. Instead of adding to the burdens of God’s tried, chosen servants, we should learn to bear burdens ourselves, learn to work for the salvation of souls. If all will take hold of this work, we shall see more of God’s presence among us than we have ever seen; we shall feel more of his presence than we have ever felt. He is willing, and waiting to bless his people; but our sins have separated us from him.
If we ever have eternal life, it will not be obtained by a life of ease or pleasure. Only the self-sacrificing ones, those who follow in the steps of our Saviour, will ever gain admittance through the pearly gates, or eat of the fruit of the never-fading tree of life. The way is very strait, and we must have help or we shall fall. We must carefully guard against pride and the love of the world, and leave these things for the enjoyment of those not looking for the soon-appearing of our Lord.
We need the rich blessing of Heaven. We may have it by seeking earnestly. “Seek and ye shall find,” is the promise given us, and no one ever sought the blessing earnestly, and with the whole heart, and was disappointed. V. J. C.
THE UNSEEN SENTINEL.
“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Ps. 34:7.
Though heroes on a camping-ground
Be strong with body-guards beset;
And fearless warriors stand around,
With gleaming sword and bayonet;
Yet slumber may the eye beguile,
Or treachery her art employ:
And fancy fear no peril, while
The foe is rushing to destroy.
But all along my humble way,
My every step is guarded well.
For following close, by night and day,
There walks an unseen sentinel.
Sent from the armies of the sky,
My life from danger to defend,
No motion can escape his eye
Of lurking foe, or treacherous friend.
When on the mountain heights I climb,
Or wander in the valley lone,
He watcheth, lest at any time
I dash my foot against a stone.
In burning heat and noon-day light,
His hovering wing is o’er me bent;
And on my pathway every night
I see the shadow of his tent.
When sorrows throng with pointed sting
And all my fears within me stir,
I hear the rustling of his wing,
And see his flashing scimetar.
And then I cease my plaintive cries,
For then I know my fears are vain;
And that to-morrow’s sun shall rise,
And look upon an army slain.
—Presbyterian Weekly.
THORNTOWN, IND.
By S. H. Lane; A. W. Bartlett
We have delivered thirteen discourses here, and feel greatly encouraged by the interest and attendance, which have steadily increased from the beginning. When the weather is pleasant, our large tent is well filled by an intelligent and orderly audience. We are now introducing the Sabbath question. The interest does not seem to abate. Bro. Caldwell is assisting much in the way of advertising. The people are very kind. Beautiful bouquets in the form of pyramids grace our stand, and the people are mindful of our wants. S. H. LANE. A. W. BARTLETT.
NEW YORK.
By S. B. Whitney
Pulaski.
We erected the tent at Pulaski on Tuesday last, and commenced meetings Wednesday evening. The opening seems very favorable. The attendance and interest are good. June 10, although it rained hard all the forenoon and was very cool, there were about three hundred out, and the very best of attention was given. The town contains about sixteen hundred inhabitants, with four churches, in all of which services were held at the same time
I spoke on spiritualism last evening, June 11. The tent was about full. The interest is manifestly increasing. We are having invitations out. A Baptist elder made a public appeal in our behalf last evening, calling upon the people to furnish us with board and lodging. S. B. WHITNEY.
VIRGINIA TENT.
By J. O. Corliss
Middletown.
The interest continues good. We have canvassed the Sabbath question, and held one Sabbath meeting. Twenty were in attendance, one-half of whom observed the day. I expect the number will be doubled in another week. Some of the church members have commenced an underhanded warfare by browbeating those who are interested. May the interested ones have wisdom to make right decisions. J. O. CORLISS.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By D. A. Robinson; F. A. Buzzell
We pitched our tent at So. Westmoreland, and commenced meetings the evening after the Sabbath, June 9. We have have had a congregation of one hundred, and the people appear friendly. We earnestly desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters, and believe we have them.
Our address, for the present, is South Westmoreland, N. H.
D. A. ROBINSON. F. A. BUZZELL.
MICHIGAN
By D. H. Lamson; M. S. Burnham
Tent at Port Huron.
Six services have been held, and since the first evening the best of order has been maintained. The average attendance is above one hundred and fifty. Last evening, at least two hundred apparently interested hearers were present, more than half of whom were ladies, and many of them persons of the best minds in the city. Some came in from the country. More are coming, and we hope, with God's blessing, for a great and general interest. The HEALTH REFORMER has opened the way for many to come to this meeting, its subscribers having no fear of us. Bro. G. A. King, who makes his home here, has obtained in this vicinity about one hundred and fifty names. Sarnia is just across the river in Canada, Point Edward a little above, and there are not less than fifteen thousand people within easy access. We pray constantly that God will honor his truth. D. H. LAMSON. M. S. BURNHAM.
Summit and Dansville.
By H. M. Kenyon
I WAS called to Summit, Jackson Co., June 10, to listen to a discourse on the Sabbath question by Eld. Nichols (Methodist) of Napoleon. He followed the old beaten track of assuming much, and proving little. I replied in the evening to a full house. The result of Eld. N's. discourse will be to strengthen those who have committed themselves to obey the truth.
I found the church here firm and united in the work. I labored here several weeks in February and March. Nine at that time took their stand to obey the truth. They have regular Sabbath meetings in which they realize the blessing of the Lord. The truth has a strong hold on the hearts of many at this place.
I am now engaged in tent labor with Bro. M. B. Miller at Dansville, Ingham Co. We have our sixty-foot tent pitched in a pleasant part of the village. Thus far the attendance has been good, and the best of attention has been paid to the word spoken. We are at present introducing the Sabbath question.
The people are kind and respectful; several ministers have thus far attended our meetings.
H. M. KENYON.
Dansville, June 12, 1877.
CANADA
By A. C. Bourdeau
The present truth is evidently spreading in this Province. The brethren and sisters are becoming settled and established, and more engaged in the service of God. Last Sabbath, in our meeting at Stukely, a respectable man and his companion, who had never made any open profession of religion, took their stand with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Next Sabbath and first-day I shall hold meetings at West Bolton, and then I shall arrange to pitch the tent in a new place. I feel encouraged to labor on. Pray for us. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Waterloo, P. Q., June 11.
THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
San Francisco and Oakland.
Bro. Loughborough reports two additions to the church at San Francisco. There are also several awaiting baptism and admission to the church.
The first Sabbath and first-day in June were good days for the church in Oakland. The list of members was examined, and four members received by letter, and two by vote of the church. Some are embracing the truth who will unite with the church soon. At the missionary meeting Sunday, measures were taken to secure a greater interest in the circulation of the SIGNS. Good results are anticipated.
Oregon and Washington.
MEETINGS were commenced in the tent at Dallas, Polk Co., Oregon, May 18. Bro. Van Horn says that the attendance is about seventy-five, though there are only about one hundred families in the town. Many of the people are much interested.
The reports from Walla Walla, Washington Territory, are good. The cause of truth is gaining strength in this valley.
MISSOURI
By H. W. Woodruff
THE church at Half Rock enjoy harmony. Their meetings are regular and well attended. Our last meeting was a very interesting one. Four decided to keep the Sabbath, and two of them united with the church. There are others keeping the Sabbath who will unite with us soon.
The church at Winegan, Sullivan Co., is in good working order. Sabbath meetings are held regularly, although some have to go five or six miles to attend them. Two were added to the church. The interest is growing, and several wish to hear a course of lectures. They have only heard a part, and are undecided. This is surely a good field for labor. May the Lord help us to do our whole duty. Pray for us.
H. W. Woodruff.
A VISIT TO BATTLE CREEK.
By S. Osborn
It became necessary to take my daughter to Battle Creek, to the Health Institute, where ten years ago I took treatment with good results. I was happy to see some of those who had been my fellow-patients able to do hard labor, among them Bro. G. H. Bell, teacher in the College. God bless him and his family. All the present patients at the Institute are strangers to me, but I could see in their looks faith in that system of treatment. The physicians and helpers are Christian gentlemen and ladies. I was fully satisfied to leave my daughter in their care. I would advise all the afflicted who can do so, to visit the Institute, in order to satisfy themselves of its utility.
I was much rejoiced to meet those tried and faithful servants of God, Bro. and Sr. White, also Brn. Canright and Haskell. But few have any idea of the burdens resting upon them. May God bless and sustain them. I had the pleasure of seeing many old acquaintances (some from Iowa), and of forming many new ones,—some whose names, through the papers, were quite familiar to me.
All the institutions, as far as I could see, are in a prosperous condition. The Institute is curing the sick, and teaching them the laws of health; the publishing houses are sending out tons of reading matter; while the College is educating its hundreds (young and middle-aged) to labor in the great harvest field.
I would say a few things respecting this College. I believe it is the best conducted institution of the kind in the land. So far as order and thoroughness of instruction are concerned, it is unsurpassed. Tuition, board and room (at club rates) will not exceed one hundred dollars annually. It gives those of limited means an opportunity to get a good education. Everything there shows that the work is moving forward.
We have now resumed labor and pitched the tent at Edmonton, Metcalfe Co., Ky.
S. OSBORN.
PRAY ON.
By Dr. Guthrie
It is easy to know the knock of a beggar at one's door. Low, timid, hesitating, it seems to say, “I have no claim on the kindness of this house; I may be told I come too often; I may be treated as a troublesome and unworthy mendicant; the door may be flung in my face by some surly servant.” How different, on his return from school, the loud knocking, the bounding step, the joyous rush of the child to his father's presence, and as he climbs on his knee, and flings his arms around his neck, the bold face and ready tongue with which he reminds his father of some promised favor! Now, why are God's people bold? To a father in God, to an elder brother in Christ, faith conducts our steps in prayer; therefore, in an hour of need, faith, bold of spirit, raises her suppliant hands and cries to God, “Oh, that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down!”—Dr. Guthrie.
Reflections on a Careless Life at Its End
WHEN thy last hour is come, thou wilt begin to have a far different opinion of thy whole life that is past, and be exceeding sorry that thou hast been so careless and remiss.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
FELL asleep in Jesus, June 5, 1877, at State Centre, Marshall Co., Iowa, Sr. Laura M. Sawyer, aged 48 years. She embraced the third angel’s message under the labors of Eld. E. R. Patterson, in southern Iowa, about five years ago, and became a member of the State Centre church of S. D. Adventists. She leaves a companion and eleven children to mourn their great loss. She is greatly missed by the church, as she was an able worker in the cause of God. Words of comfort by the writer, from 1 Cor. 15: 42–44.
CHAS. BROWN.
GENTLY fell asleep, at Bloomington, Grant Co., Wis., May 6, 1877, our mother, Sarah A. Bassett, in the sixty-seventh year of her age. Her disease was congestion of the lungs. She had been an observer of the Lord’s Sabbath for the past eight years, and was a believer in the truths of the third angel’s message. She was much loved by all who knew her. Funeral services were held at the Waterloo meeting-house by Eld. J. Ganiard. We hope to meet our mother in the resurrection morn.
WILLIAM AND SARAH HAVERLAND.
DIED, in Geneva, Ill., March 29, 1877, of consumption, our dear sister, Sarah H. Burlingham, aged 81 years and 4 months. She was among the first of the Adventists to embrace the Bible Sabbath. By faith she looked forward to the time when the trumpet shall sound, and she shall awake from the tomb, clothed with immortality; and when she can say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Her last words, when asked if the Saviour was precious, were, “Yes; oh, how precious!”
E. B. H.
OHIO
By H. A. St. John
The quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 4 was held at Clyde, June 9, 10. Several brethren from distant parts of the district were present. These meetings were held in the new meeting-house which the Clyde church are now engaged in erecting, and which they are pushing rapidly forward toward completion. It was about ready for the season, and was a very desirable place for our meetings. We expect this house of worship will be ready for dedication at the time of our State quarterly meeting, Oct. 20, 21.
The T. and M. work is still progressing in this district, and some good fruit has already appeared. In Sandusky City a few are deeply interested in the truth, and we feel quite confident that the way is opening for a good work to be done there.
Our meetings were interesting throughout, and I hope will prove a blessing to the cause in this place. H. A. St. John.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
General Meetings.
At Richland, Iowa, June 23 and 24. In Sr. McReynold’s neighborhood, June 30 and July 1. There will be opportunity for baptism at each place. H. Nicola.
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings.
At Ligonier, Ind., Sabbath and first-day, July 7 and 8. The ordinances will be celebrated. Members are requested to report, if they cannot attend. The friends from Wolf Lake are invited. Can Bro. S. H. Lane be with us? E. D. Stutzman, Clerk.
Monthly meeting for Windham Co., Conn., at the house of Sr. E. J. Potter, Williamsville, Sabbath, July 7.
Centreville, Kan., July 6 to 8. Shall we make a special effort to draw nigh to God? J. H. Cook.
At East Richford, Vt., Sabbath, July 7. It is expected that baptism will be administered. At Bordoville, Sabbath, Aug. 4. It is expected that the ordinances will be celebrated at these meetings. Let all the members report. A cordial invitation to others also. L. Bean.
Quarterly meeting at Tompkins, Mich., July 7. The ordinances will be celebrated. Can some minister meet with us? E. P. Giles.
For the Ithaca and Alma churches, at Alma, Mich., July 7 and 8. T. Z. Andrews, Clerk.
At Brookfield, N. Y., July 1 and 2. The ordinances will be celebrated. Let every one be present or report by letter. Henry Main.
At Serena, La Salle Co., Ill., July 7. Reports are expected from all. Can some minister meet with us? Alfred Nettlingham.
T. and M. Quarterly Meetings.
Send reports and donations in season.
Dist. No. 3, Ill. T. and M. Society, with the Keenville church, at Bro. J. J. Shreve’s house, June 30 and July 1. L. A. Logan.
State quarterly meeting at Battle Creek, Mich., July 1, 1877. District secretaries will send reports to Mrs. S. H. Lane, Battle Creek, Mich., a week or more in advance. A large attendance is desired. S. N. Haskell. J. Fargo.
Dist. No. 2, Ill. T. and M. Society, in connection with the church quarterly meeting, at Roscoe, June 30 and July 1. R. Vickery.
T. and M. quarterly meeting at Ligonier, Ind., July 8. We hope to have a good attendance of brethren from other churches. Send liberal donations. D. Minier, Dir.
Dist. No. 3, at Battle Creek, in connection with the State quarterly meeting, July 1, 1877. L. A. Olmstead, Dir.
What Will Ohio Do?
By H. A. St. John
We heartily indorse the rules and regulations for quarterly meetings, as presented in a recent issue of the REVIEW by the General Conference Committee. And so far as practicable we recommend their adoption and practice at once.
We therefore appoint July 7, 8, for church quarterly meetings in all our churches in Ohio.
Order of meetings:—
1. Sabbath morning, when the church has assembled, let the clerk read each name upon the church record, and proceed in each case as recommended by the General Conference Committee.
2. Let every church which has an ordained elder present celebrate the ordinances.
3. On the next day, or evening after the Sabbath, let all come together and pay their S. B. pledges so far as due. If any fail to do this, let the treasurer, with a spirit of love, stir himself to duty.
4. Elect your delegate or delegates to the State Conference, to be held in connection with the camp-meeting, at Newark, Aug. 10-20.
5. Let the church treasurer state the amount of S. B. pledges by the church for 1877, and with that for a basis let the church vote their pledge to the State Conference.
6. Let the church make out credentials for delegates, also fill out the “Church Report,” and “Financial Report and Pledge,” and put them into the hands of one of the delegates, to be presented to the Conference secretary (Bro. E. H. Gates), at, or before, the first session of the Conference.
7. Talk about the camp-meeting and encourage one another to go.
8. Let the quarterly meeting, as soon as past, be fully reported by the clerk to the president of the Ohio Conference. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Notice to T. and M. Societies.
THE Tract Society of Virginia has now on hand the names of some 150 good, substantial men residing in Virginia and North Carolina, to whom we cannot furnish SIGNS and REFORMER. If some of the brethren wish to send these papers to help on the cause in the South, we will send names to those who will give their address, and say how many names they want.
Address, R. Sawyer, Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va.; or R. T. Fultz, Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va.
Terrible Earthquake and Tidal Wave.
THE terrible earthquake and tidal wave on the Peruvian and Bolivian coasts proves to have been one of the severest calamities of the kind ever known. Six hundred lives and twenty millions' worth of property were destroyed. At Mollendo a violent hurricane unroofed houses, while the sea tore up the railway. At Arica people were building defenses to repel the expected attack of the rebel ram Huascar. The shocks were numerous; the wave rose from ten to fifteen feet, houses, cars, locomotives, boats, etc., were tossed about like shuttlecocks. The shock continued all night. The volcano of Ilaga is charged with the authorship of the phenomena.
At Iquiqui, at the same hour, 8:30 P. M., May 9, the shaking began. Amid the horrors of falling buildings and quaking earth, a fire broke out, and while trying to stay the flames the sea rushed in and swept everything away. At Charavaya the earth opened in crevices of fifteen metres deep. Two hundred persons were killed; dead bodies floated about the bay. The wave at Guanillos was sixty feet high, and that at Mexillones was sixty-five feet. A mine at Tacapilla caved in, smothering two hundred workmen. Cabija, in Bolivia, was swept of three-fourths of its houses. The wave was thirty-five feet high. In Chanural the shock at 8:30 P. M. lasted three minutes. A fire broke out, followed by a swamping by a rush of the sea. At 11 P. M. the storeship Huanullos, with Capt. Garvin's wife and family, was engulfed. At Pabellon de Pica and Chauaya some sixty workmen were buried under the fallen masses of guano. The damage to shipping was very great, some vessels being sunk with all on board, while the crews of others were saved on spars and planks.—Mirror and Farmer.
Ohio T. and M. Society.
By H. A. St. John
IN our announcement for quarterly meetings in all the churches in Ohio, we said nothing about tract and missionary reports, or meetings. It has not seemed to us practicable, or for the best, to close up our T. and M. year in July this year for several reasons, two or three of which I will here subjoin.
First, we have but just closed a quarter, indeed, the secretary’s report is not yet out, and to have our district T. and M. quarterly meetings the second Sabbath and Sunday in July would give us but about one month in the present quarter.
Second, to appoint a State T. and M. quarterly meeting the third Sabbath and Sunday in July would be to call our brethren together from the several districts, only about three weeks before the sitting of our camp-meeting, and we doubt very much if any would feel like responding to the call.
Third, every district in the State, but one, is in debt, and we greatly desire to see our T. and M. Society out of debt at least by the time of our next annual meeting; but if the quarter and year close up before our brethren get any returns from harvested grain, which would be the case if held in July, we are very certain that the camp-meeting will find our T. and M. Society in debt.
We therefore take the liberty to say that our next district quarterly meeting, State quarterly meeting, and annual meeting, of the Ohio Tract Society will all be held on the camp-ground. But before the camp-meeting let all the members send their reports to the director, with as large and liberal donations as they can make. Let each director make diligent effort to free his district from debt at that time, for, as before stated, only one district (No. 3) is now free from debt. If each director comes to the camp-meeting with reports, facts, figures, etc., all in readiness, an interesting district meeting may be held in the presence of all the rest, and consume but little time. Ohio T. and M. Society, shall we cancel our indebtedness by Aug. 10?
H. A. St. John.
Iowa and Nebraska.
By L. McCoy
TO CHURCH CLERKS AND S. B. TREASURERS.
You will see from resolution passed by the late Conference that the Conference year will from henceforth begin and close Jan. 1, of each year, at which time the S. B. pledge will be renewed, and reported promptly to the secretary of the Conference.
Those churches that have not already reported pledge for 1877 will please do so at once; and be careful to report all sums paid by the S. B. treasurer as follows: Jan. 1, Apr. 1, July 1, and Oct. 1, of each year. I want the name and address of each church clerk and S. B. treasurer, and blanks will be furnished.
L. McCoy, Sec.
Librarian Reports Due June 25 for District No. 3
By I. A. Olmstead
Notice.
REPORTS from the librarians in Dist. No. 3, Mich. T. and M. Society, are to be sent in, according to the secretary’s request, by June 25. Address Miss L. M. Smith, Box 1296, Battle Creek, Mich. I. A. OLMSTEAD, Dir.