In my last article for the REVIEW, I stated that I expected soon to sail for Liverpool in the steamer “Minnesota,” of the Warren Line. On Dec. 13 I went to Boston, expecting to sail Wednesday, Dec. 18, at four P. M. Having made my arrangements, I returned to South Lancaster. Near the close of the Sabbath I received a telegram from Mr. O’Hara, the Boston agent of the Warren Line, stating that the Minnesota would take no passengers this trip, but the company would dispatch the Homer on Monday, Dec. 16, with excellent accommodations; and that if we would consent, they would transfer us to the Homer and give us a rebate of $10 on our fare. I replied that evening, accepting the transfer.
On Monday, Dec. 16, we went to Boston to set sail. Mr. O’Hara met us at the boat, and stated that the captain of the Homer had now refused to take any passengers this trip. Said he, “The only chance for you now is for us to transfer you to the Williams and Guion Line, New York. They dispatch the steamer Nevada, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at eleven o’clock. If you say so, we will transfer you to that boat, and meet all the expense of the transfer ourselves.” After a few moments of prayerful thought, we decided to go. They did as they agreed, although to do so was an expense to them of over $20, as they paid the whole $110 I had paid to them for our tickets on the Nevada. We reached New York at 8:30 A. M., and at 10:30 we were on board the steamer Nevada, which set sail at 11:30 A. M.
The steamer Nevada is one of nine ships of the Williams and Guion Line, U. S. mail-ships, sailing weekly from New York to Liverpool. The Nevada is a strong-built, iron-bound propeller, 450 feet in length and 50 feet in width. It has berths for 72 first cabin, and cabins for 1071 second-class passengers. The price of first-class rooms was $75 each person; but after our ship set sail, the steward transferred us to the very nicest room on the ship.
In the providence of God, we found ourselves sailing for our English mission from a point about forty yards from the pier from which I sailed June 24, 1868, to enter upon the California mission. For the first hour our course was the same as that on which we started for California. Our prayer went up to God that success might attend this mission in even greater measure than it had attended the California mission.
There is but little travel on the Atlantic at this season of the year. On our ship there was but one first-class passenger besides ourselves. He was a Mr. Ward from Miraflores, Mexico, on his way to his home near Liverpool, England. Our trip to Liverpool took a little over twelve days. It required more time than usual, not that we met severe storms, but some days the sea was very rough as the result of heavy storms which had passed over a few hours before us. We felt sometimes the force of the hymn, “Let the high-heaving billow and mountainous wave
Fearfully overhead break,” as great waves would strike the bow of the ship, going as high as the smoke-stacks and sending their waters to the stern of the ship. Although for the first five days our course was not more than one hundred miles from land, yet we were out of sight of land ten days, and it was a joy to all when we first saw the south coast of Ireland Sabbath morning, Dec. 28. We found our roughest seas in mid-ocean, where the water is supposed to be from two to four miles in depth, and as we entered St. George’s Channel the sea became more calm.
At three P. M., Sabbath, we touched at Queenstown, Ireland, and at two P. M., Sunday, we landed safely at Liverpool. We passed without trouble and without customs through the custom-house, and arrived at Euston station, London, at ten P. M. On Monday, Dec. 30, at nine A. M., we crossed the river Thames to Waterloo station, and at 1:30 P. M., we arrived at Southampton. We soon found our way to the house of Bro. Henry Cavill, Freemantle, Southampton. This godly family were greatly rejoiced to see us, and were ready to receive us to their home with open arms. In a few minutes Bro. Ings came in from his missionary work. Bro. Ings arrived from Switzerland four days before we came.
We have felt the presence of God with us at every step, and we realized that thousands of prayers were daily offered with ours at the throne of grace. The providence of God has been with us at every turn, and is still opening the way before us. Praise his name.
We have been here now only about twenty-four hours, yet we have succeeded in securing a house, and expect to be settled in house-keeping before next Sabbath, and to take hold of our work as rapidly as possible. We have now rented our house for the winter, and our address will be Stanley Cottage, near 13 Sussex Place, Freemantle, Southampton, England. As Bro. Ings is to stay with us during the winter, his address will be the same as ours.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
1879 IN SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.
By Eliza Thayer
The few days of the year 1879 that are already past bear the record of resolutions formed and promises made, but future days alone will show how faithfully these resolutions and promises are performed. Each day brings its burden of cares, its crosses and temptations, and if by a daily connection with Heaven we gain strength to bear these burdens with patience and to overcome these temptations, then the closing record will be such as angels will smile to look upon.
The church at South Lancaster commenced this new year in harmony with the suggestions of the General Conference Committee, and as they continue their efforts to draw near to God they are encouraged by some tokens of his love and favor. At our church meeting of the T. and M. society, the subject of paying S. B. upon the new plan was considered, and those present unanimously pledged themselves to adopt it. It is hoped that those members who did not attend this meeting, and also the scattered ones, will unite with us in carrying out this Bible plan. Sabbath, Jan. 11, while Bro. M. Wood seemed led out to speak on this subject, the blessing of God rested upon the meeting. Feeling and pointed testimonies were borne by others present. It is not the offerings which cost us nothing that will be regarded in Heaven. Such David would not offer to God. See 2 Sam. 24:24. It is not the tithes which are cast into the treasury after we have been served and can spare them without inconvenience, that will bring a blessing which there shall not be room enough to receive; but the cheerful rendering of the first-fruits, let the outward prospects be what they may.
The V. M. society of this place have started out this year with two hundred and seventy-five copies of the Signs,—more than twice the number taken in 1878. Though many of the members are feeble in health and in limited circumstances, yet their faith in God and his work prompts them to heed the voice of Inspiration which bids his people go forward. Not many years of toil remain, and they are anxious to improve these to the best advantage, encouraged by the hope that they may have some sheaves to present to the Master at his near return. Some advance steps have been taken in the Sabbath-school work, which will doubtless prove a help and a blessing. Twenty copies of the weekly Instructor are taken, and the smiling faces of the children as these are presented Sabbath morning manifest the interest they take in them. The new S. S. books are used here, also some maps of Bible lands which render the study of Bible history especially pleasant and profitable. May the blessing of God rest abundantly upon the children and youth; and may they have hearts to bear the yoke willingly, share in the toil and sacrifice of the present work, and thus be prepared to appreciate and enjoy the coming rest. ELIZA THAYER.
R. F. COTTERELL
By R. F. Cotterell
Self-Deception.
It is not natural for the human heart to confess its own faults without any effort at extenuation. We feel a disposition to palliate and excuse our wrongs, and to lay the blame on others. Adam's excuse was that the woman that God gave him, gave him of the fruit of the forbidden tree; she claimed that the serpent beguiled her; and from that day to this the race have been disposed to follow their example.
It is easier to confess other people's faults than our own; hence we often hear one undertake the work of confessing his faults, but before his work is half done, he begins to give extenuating reasons for his course, reasons that transfer his blame to others, and instead of frankly confessing his own sins, and lamenting over the deep depravity of his own corrupt and deceitful heart, he is found confessing the sins of others which made his own bare faced and enormous sins almost, if not quite, a matter of necessity. Of course, it was sin against a plain command of the decalogue, but then he was so beguiled and infatuated that he could hardly be said to be in his right mind.
That may be so. The apostle speaks of the “deceitfulness of sin;” and it is presumable that when one yields to temptation, it really seems to him that he will be the gainer. This is all deception; for the sinner is the loser every time. Therefore, in a sense, the sinner is not of a sound mind; and the plea of insanity, which is so often made, is not very far out of the way.
This being a known and established fact, it is not necessary to revert to it in our confessions. Better, like David in Ps. 51, confess frankly to the enormity and bloodguiltiness of our transgressions, and, with a realizing sense of our deep depravity, plead for undeserved pardon.
R. F. COTTERELL
VERMONT RESERVE TRACT FUND.
By A. S. Hutchins
By reference to REVIEW AND HERALD Supplement of Dec. 19, 1878, will be found a resolution passed at the recent meeting of the New England T. and M. Society,—a resolution recommending the six New England States to raise a reserve tract fund of $2,000. Only $500 of this sum was apportioned to Vermont.
With a moment’s reflection, all can see the utility of such a fund, that we may obtain tracts without embarrassment to the society or to the depository, while no one can, I think, say the sum called for is too large, certainly not our share.
Of the Vermont brethren and sisters we ask, Shall we have the fund? Shall we have it at once? Bro. R. M. Pierce, of Andover, sends an emphatic “yes,” in the form of $50. Who will have a share in this? We wait to hear from the willing and obedient.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
TRACT SOCIETY INSTITUTE AT WELLSVILLE, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
The prospect is that this meeting will be well attended, and we certainly hope this may be the case, as it will be a meeting of great importance to the work in the Pennsylvania Conference. I trust that none who ought to be there will let any small obstacle or trifling excuse keep them away. Make up your minds that you will come and the Lord will by some means open the way. It will be a sacrifice for some to come, but the Lord will be pleased with this.
As there are but few brethren living at Wellsville, let all come prepared to care for themselves as far as possible, by bringing bedding, etc. Comfortable homes will be provided for all who come, but it will be expected that the actual expense of board will be met by those who attend. Comfortable rooms will be provided for those who wish to board themselves. Let all come prepared to remain during the entire session, which commences Jan. 26.
B. L. WHITNEY.
MICHIGAN
Sidney Center, Jan. 7.—I commenced meetings at Sidney Center, Dec. 22, 1878. Have spoken fourteen times to small but attentive audiences. Three have rested one Sabbath, and others express their intention to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
My address is Sidney Center, Montcalm county, Mich. ORLANDO SOULE.
Isabella County.—In this county, three have identified themselves with us since camp-meeting, and others are investigating. Those who embraced the truth last spring are still firm. All are laying aside wrong habits, and adopting the tithing system as set forth in the REVIEW. Nearly all took hold of the tract work with a will. Bro. Van Deusen’s visit was highly appreciated, and the straight testimony was indorsed.
I have spent nearly three weeks in visiting the scattered brethren. When I see what has been done for those who have embraced the truth here within the past year, I can but exclaim, “This is the Lord’s doing.” I will try to live near the Lord, lest I should mar his work.
Jan. 9, I began meetings in an entirely new field, and have given five discourses to interested congregations. L. A. KELLOGG.
Seville, Gratiot Co., Mich., Jan. 13.
NEBRASKA
Raevalley.—I spent Jan. 1 with the Raevalley church. All observed the fast and we had meetings all day. Some good confessions were made. Seventeen testimonies were borne, and eleven arose for prayers. The sum of $4.87 was raised and offered as a New Year’s gift to the church at Oakland, Cal.; $11.00 was pledged to the Battle Creek Tabernacle, of which $2.30 was paid.
Meetings were continued on Sabbath and first-day, when some matters came up that threatened bad results. But God helped us to find the cause, and point out the wrongs of some, who heartily confessed; and brethren and sisters were more closely united than ever before. The spirit of love and union prevailed. Ten presented themselves for baptism and were received into the church. The ordinance of baptism was administered by the elder, James Garner. The Lord’s supper was celebrated in the evening. This church, now numbering twenty-seven, is in the best working condition it has ever been in. All felt that God had graciously surprised us with blessings.
GEORGE B. STARR.
DANIEL NETTLETON, JR.
Thayer, York County, Jan. 15.—Jan. 11, I commenced meetings in the Pleasant Hill school-house. The attendance and attention have been good. May the Spirit of God send conviction to hearts, and may truth prevail over error to the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
H. SHULTZ.
ILLINOIS
Gridley and Winslow.—Lately Bro. Ballenger and myself held a few meetings near Gridley, but, as there was need of a series of meetings, we closed, promising the friends that Bro. B. would try to return soon. This, I believe, is a promising field.
We closed our labor for the year 1878, at Winslow. We were made glad to meet Eld. H. W. Decker, and several of the brethren and sisters from Monroe, Wisconsin. Our friends quite readily adopted the tithing system, with no definite pledge. Pledges were made to the tent-fund. Two were added to the church. Thanks to Wisconsin for aid. This was a good meeting. G. W. COLCORD.
Morris, Grundy County, Jan. 14.—Since my last report, I have visited, and held meetings in private houses. The 10th and 11th I held a discussion with a Lutheran priest. He did not try to prove Sunday-keeping from the Bible.
Two—a Norwegian sister and the husband of a sister who has kept the Sabbath here alone—have decided to keep all the commandments, and I hope for others. Last night I was made glad by a visit from Bro. and Sr. Pottinger, who were on their way to Somonauk to attend the quarterly meeting. I have obtained three subscribers for the Tidende and one for the Signs.
I now go to Chicago, intending to go from there to Kankakee. LEWIS JOHNSON.
OHIO
Gilboa.—Over twenty years ago, Eld. Cornell had a great interest in Gilboa. Seventy-five embraced the Sabbath, scores more were convinced, and a church was built, the first one in the State. But soon some prominent ones turned against the truth, and brought a reproach upon the cause. This large church was scattered to the four winds, the meeting-house was sold, and scarcely a vestige was left of the cause here. Still a few held on, and many could not forget the impressions received. During the last few years, one after another has come out upon the Sabbath without any labor, until there are seventeen keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity. Some time ago they were organized into a church, but they have not done a great deal. They are much scattered, most of them living seven or eight miles in different directions from Gilboa, the center. However they have kept up meetings.
They obtained the Methodist church in Gilboa for our meetings, and I spoke eight times. Our brethren turned out well, and the outside interest was excellent, indeed the largest and best I have had in the State. The large house was full, and the best of attention was given. The people are anxious to hear the truth. More than this, I find that all around Gilboa there are loud calls for our preachers. Besides the church, there are about twenty young people and grown persons observing the Sabbath here, who are not professors. I believe that if the church can be in a good condition to help them, a few meetings, with the right effort, would bring all these persons into the truth. The seventeen Sabbath-keepers here have between forty and fifty children,—a good prospect for a Sabbath-school, certainly.
If the Lord will, I shall soon return to this place and make a strong effort to revive the work. At this meeting we paid our chief attention to getting things righted in business affairs, and to teaching the brethren their duty to support the cause financially. They heartily indorsed the tithing system. They also raised money to start a Sabbath-school, and quite an amount was paid in on the T. and M. work. Good reports were made for the last quarter, our books are now started, and other important steps have been taken to secure a further spread of the work.
We feel that our visit to Gilboa has been a success, though only a beginning has been made.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Belmore and Markley's Corners, Jan. 1.—My meetings at Belmore have closed. A large number here believe the truth, but as the people are generally poor and dependent on employment in the factories and mills, only three are keeping the Sabbath. These are firm; may God give them grace to overcome. I design to hold meetings with them once in two weeks.
I commenced meetings at Markley's Corners Tuesday, Jan. 7. The house is full every evening. The people are anxious to hear; even the aged attend the meetings. They furnish lights and wood, and offer to board me as long as I will stay.
A. A. BIGELOW.
RHODE ISLAND.
By S. S. Mooney
Niantic.—I went to Niantic by invitation of Bro. Chester, and commenced meetings in the S. D. Baptist meeting-house, Oct. 4. Three or four Adventists and about as many Baptists labored with me to make the meetings interesting. The Lord blessed the effort, and about a dozen commenced to serve him, nine of whom I baptized. Quite a number of others have expressed a great deal of interest. Seventeen have signed the covenant. Though there has been some opposition, yet they seem to stand firm in the truth. We think some others will be added to their numbers soon. They have chosen a leader and clerk, and have pledged $52.00 on s. b., hoping to do more. S. S. MOONEY.
Jan. 8.
Massachusetts Church Visits in Essex County
By D. A. Robinson
Massachusetts.
Last Sunday we closed our labors in Essex county. We have spent a little more than three weeks with the churches at Danvers, Haverhill, Newburyport and Ipswich. At Danvers a V. M. society was organized, and one hundred copies of the Signs were taken, also forty-five copies of the weekly Instructor; and in a few moments at the close of one meeting they made up the sum of $4.00 to pay for the “Circulating Library.” Found their s. B. here considerably behind, yet the most of them will square this up soon.
At Newburyport they have a club of twenty-five copies of the Signs. They also purchased Sr. White’s writings. Nearly all are anxious to learn how they can work the most successfully in the T. and M. society.
At Ipswich the brethren were feeling some31discouraged. They had taken twenty-five copies of the Signs last year, and nothing had been paid on them. We tried to set before them the obligation they were under to pay for them and also to have a club the present year. One brother suggested that they pay their indebtedness, and not take any more papers till that was done. They finally pledged nearly enough to pay their old debt and will also take twenty-one copies for the present year. They also subscribed for a small club of the weekly Instructor and purchased the “Circulating Library.” About half of this church solemnly pledged to lay aside one-tenth this year. We keep God’s holy Sabbath because it is his, and we should lay aside a tithe for the same reason.
Bro. Haines has been with me. After stopping two days at home, we came to-day, Jan. 16, to Athol, Mass., where we design giving a course of lectures. D. A. ROBINSON.
THE TEACHER.
By H. Bonar, D. D.
Thou must be true thyself,
If thou the truth wouldst teach;
Thy soul must overflow, if thou
Another's soul wouldst reach:
It needs the overflow of heart
To give the lips full speech.
Think truly, and thy thoughts
Shall the world's famine feed;
Speak truly, and each word of thine
Shall be a fruitful seed;
Give truly, and thy life shall be
A great and noble creed.
—Hymns of Faith and Hope, by H. Bonar, D. D.
MAINE
By James Sawyer
Canaan and Cornville.—Dec. 21. I met with the brethren at Canaan. I found S. D. Adventists here without the REVIEW and neglecting to pay S. B. It was voted to hold the next quarterly meeting at this place.
From Canaan I went to Cornville, where I found a Swedish family that were reading the Harold which was sent them by the tract society. The woman was keeping the Sabbath. I came thence by the way of Hartland to Portland. Obtained four subscribers for Good Health, and sold a few books. JAMES SAWYER.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Swan Lake, Jan. 13.—Our district quarterly meeting is just closed. There was a good representation of the entire Territory, and our house of worship was filled. Dakota having formerly comprised a district of the Iowa T. and M. Society, the question of organizing a separate society was favorably entertained, and such an organization was effected by electing S. B. Whitney, Swan Lake, Turner county, President; Bro. M. M. Olsen, Sunny Side, Clay county, Vice-president; Bro. D. T. Biggs, Howard, Turner county, Secretary; and Bro. Chris. Fredrickson, Swan Lake, Turner county, Director.
The Lord gave freedom in speaking the word, which was gladly received, and the brethren were encouraged, and all felt that their efforts to spread the truth will be blessed of God, and that large numbers will be added to the faith.
I would send greeting to all my brethren in New York and Pennsylvania, and ask them to especially remember me in my new field. Shall be glad to hear from them. My address, until further notice, is Swan Lake, Turner county, Dakota.
S. B. WHITNEY.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
Soliloquy.—The meetings here have continued over two Sabbaths. This is the only organized church of Seventh-day Adventists in the State. The meetings have been well attended, and the interest increases. Seven have taken their stand upon the whole truth, and others are almost persuaded to do so. The church here is much revived.
Yesterday this church of fifteen members ordered a club of thirteen copies of the weekly Instructor, and ten copies of the Signs. The Sabbath-school has four classes, numbering about twenty-seven. The interest is increasing.
We are very anxious that this church should become a model one; so that we can refer to it as Paul did to the Thessalonians. 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Thess. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 1:7. And the only way to do so is to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. We believe the brethren will do so. May the Lord lead us all for Jesus’ sake.
I. SANBORN.
MINNESOTA
By John W. Moore; W. B. Hill
Dassel, Meeker County, Jan. 15.—Sixteen are now keeping the Sabbath at Dassel. Many are interested, and the attendance is increasing. We have presented the strong points of our faith. Calls for help come in from all sides. We now have invitations to hold meetings in seven places within five miles of here.
Bro. M. H. Gregory and J. L. House are still with us, and are good help in singing and visiting.
JOHN W. MOORE.
W. B. HILL.
KANSAS
By L. D. Santee
Ward, Wilson County.—The interest in this place is excellent. Thirteen more have commenced to keep the Sabbath. The results of our labor are encouraging. The community is deeply stirred, and while the obedient are resting in the consciousness of truth, almost every opposer has an excuse of his own. Sunday night we read an extract from Bro. Summerbell on the Sabbath. Several of the New-light Christian brethren refused to accept it as authority; for they said that “Summerbell had joined the Seventh-day Adventists.”
LATER.—The interest in Ward continues. Twenty-two are now keeping the Sabbath. The opposition, thus far, has been very feeble. We have established Sabbath meetings, and they are well attended. The prospect is encouraging for a large church. L. D. SANTEE.
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA.
By C. O. Taylor
The few brethren in Brooks county, Ga., are steadfast, and are growing in the knowledge of the truth. Bro. Mitchell is in poor health. He is able to leave the house but little, and has nearly lost his voice, as his disease affects his throat. His faith in the truth is unshaken. He would gladly live for the sake of his family, and to help carry the truth to others, yet he is resigned to the will of God.
This winter I have traveled some in Florida with my team. I rode about two hundred miles, going as far as the Gulf of Mexico; and as I went I distributed tracts and talked the truth. Some were interested. I shall have some names for the Signs when I get back to Reynolds. Those who want them will please address me there. If any wish to send me Signs direct from the office, to be distributed in the South, they will please correspond with me.
I am more than ever convinced that the great majority of the Southern people will never have any better preparation for the Judgment than they now have, while a few will be ready to welcome the returning King. I feel much at home with this people. I find them kind and hospitable. My health is much better than it was in the North. This is a good field of labor, because there is so much to do. We leave for Reynolds, Taylor county, Ga., this week.
Jan. 12. C. O. TAYLOR.
CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By John G. Matteson
The truth is clearing away the mist from many minds. The Lord is helping us. It appears that we have come here just in time. No missionary work had been done before us; no tracts or papers had prepared the way. The greatest prejudice existed against our faith. And yet the Lord has been to work on many hearts, and the providence of God has kindly guided.
The policy of the prominent preachers in this place (outside of the State churches) is to hire every large place for meeting, and thus shut out others. So it is exceedingly difficult for any dissenter to get a large hall. I succeeded in hiring a hall that will accommodate eight hundred people or more, for three months, to be used by me every Sunday evening. One pastor Munk also preached there three times a week. He is very popular. He pronounced us heretics and warned his people against us. But many of them would come any way. He tried to get me out; but being unsuccessful, he suddenly left the hall entirely, and went and joined himself to another most popular man, pastor Stor-johan, who works for the State church, although they had before opposed each other.
There is only one more preacher here who can be called really popular outside of the established churches,—pastor Ring. Then he came and hired the same hall, and tried to get me out. The hall belongs to the Latin school. They figured to prolong their meetings and stop their members, and pay extra to get me out, but all in vain. Now he has become sick of it and threatens to leave town.
Some of the priests and a number of the students often come to our meetings. The State university is here, and the learning of the country is centered here. The past week has been occupied by the life and death question. On no question do the people in this country entertain more prejudice; yet the battle has been fought successfully, and many souls are rejoicing in the light.
A Baptist brother, who has embraced the truth, is editor of a semi-monthly religious paper, which has about one thousand subscribers in this city. He calls the attention of his readers to our work in this city, and tells them that his paper for the coming year will be principally devoted to the great doctrine of the coming of the Lord, and the prophecies.
The Sabbath question has only been spoken of occasionally as yet. Nevertheless, it has stirred up the zeal of leading men in the city, so that they held a mass meeting last night to form a society for the defense of their Sunday institution, and to take measures, by publishing tracts, writing articles, etc., to bring about a more sacred regard for Sunday.
It is now seven weeks since I commenced preaching here. Last Sabbath forty persons met with us to worship the Lord, most of whom are keeping the Sabbath. In the afternoon we commenced a Bible-class, which promises to be of much interest. To the Lord be all the praise.
JOHN G. MATTESON,
Osterhausgaden 12, Dec. 22, 1878.
Notes of News.
—2,245 Communists have been pardoned in Paris.
—Several Socialists have been expelled from Metz. Are they bound for America?
—In recent storms on the Atlantic several vessels have been lost.
—The Thames Embankment, London, is now lighted by electricity.
—The floors of Stewart’s up-town store cover an aggregate area of eighteen acres.
—The East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia railway have discontinued all Sunday trains.
—An ice bridge has been formed at Niagara Falls, said to be sixty feet through.
—Sunday morning performances have been introduced into all the theaters in Paris.
—It is believed that about 60 persons were killed in a recent coal-mine explosion in Wales.
—The prevalent impression at Fort Robinson, Neb., is that a bloody Indian war is imminent.
—It is rumored that the Russian General Kaufman has invited the Ameer of Afghanistan to come to Tashkend, Turkistan.
—With one exception, all the cardinals consulted by the pope favor Catholics participating in elections in Italy.
—Owing to its local prohibition law, Missouri has 16 counties in which there is not a single liquor saloon.
—The English New Testament revisers have announced the completion of their second and final revision. They commenced their work in June, 1870.
—The Prime Minister of Tunis, on behalf of the Bey, has tendered a full apology to the French Consulate. Probably war will be averted.
—There were 27,005 deaths in the city of New York last year, of which 53.15 per cent were in tenement houses.
—It is estimated that there are 49,525 sailing vessels afloat, with a tonnage of 14,218,072 tons, while there are but 5,462 steamers, with a tonnage of 5,955,175 tons.
—Bible-burning does not succeed even in Syria. Some Jesuits in Tyre, who showed their hatred of the word of God in this way, excited such dislike that they were obliged to leave.
—A fire in New York City, the past week, destroyed property to the value of between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000. One fireman was killed, and several others are injured and some are missing.
—Living creatures would hardly seem the thing to post by mail, but on an average a million of packages containing canary and other birds, and bees, are annually sent through the German post-office.
—During 1878 there were 917 business failures in New York City, with liabilities amounting to $64,000,000, and with but about $18,700,000 assets; a greater number of failures than in any previous year.
—The Bridgeport (Ct.) Sabbath Association failed to secure the conviction of several persons whom they had arrested, because the complaint charged them with selling their wares on the “Sabbath,” instead of on “Sunday.”
—While the annual increase of wealth of our country is about $700,000,000, the annual loss by fire is about $100,000,000. The “Mail” estimates that in the last 14 years the flames have devoured an amount almost sufficient to pay the national debt.
—The Austro-Turkish Convention will be signed shortly. It will leave Austria free to administer Bosnia and Herzegovina, continue the Turkish administration, and establish a mixed occupation of Novi-Bazar.
—The National Zeitung, a Prussian paper, says that European capitalists will loan money to Russia only on condition that Russia withdraws her troops from Turkey and forbears to engage in a fresh war in Asia.
—The Irish bishop of Galway furnishes a new illustration of the inhuman intolerance of ultra-Romanism in his refusal to consecrate a new cemetery unless its Roman Catholic trustees rescind their resolution to enlarge the plot assigned to Protestants.
—The miners along the railroads in Western Pennsylvania demand an increase of wages. It is not probable that their demand will be acceded to, and the result will be that several thousand men will be thrown out of employment.
—There is great excitement in France over the political situation. The present cabinet is threatened, and its overthrow would lead to MacMahon’s retirement and a government with a revolutionary programme, which would profoundly derange society throughout France.
—The fact that about ten per cent of the wills offered for probate in the city of New York last year were contested, should be considered by those who are leaving the execution of their benevolent plans to their survivors, instead of attending to them in their own lives.
—A correspondent of the Christian Union exposes the fact that slavery in its worst forms continues unchecked in Turkey, and that hundreds of youth from Christian families in the provinces overrun by the late war are held as slaves by their Mohammedan owners.
—To the close of the year 1878, 457 injunctions had been issued in Germany in accordance with the anti-socialist law. These were applied to 189 clubs and societies, 58 periodicals, and 210 non-periodical publications. 62 persons were expelled from the empire under the same law.
—The Giant Powder Works of Bandmann, Neilson & Co., about half a mile from Golden Gate, Cal., were recently destroyed by an explosion. 4 white men and an unknown number of Chinamen were killed, and many buildings in the neighborhood were completely destroyed.
—A recent official report states that in the battles fought by Austrian troops since 1495, the losses in killed and wounded have amounted to 1,085,931 men, including 261 generals, and 17,096 officers, while 56 of their generals, 4,174 other officers, and 289,041 men were taken prisoners.
—The Hebrew festival of Chamecka, in commemoration of the triumph of Israel over the Syrian oppressors under Antiochus Epiphanes, was celebrated Dec. 28, at the Terrace Garden Theater, New York, by the performance of “Judea Delivered,” under the direction of Dr. Gottheil.
—The Congregational ministers of Chicago in discussing popular amusements at their meeting last week, generally agreed that cards, billiards, theaters, dancing, etc., were not evils in themselves but had become evils, and that the line of true reform lay, not against amusements per se, but in overcoming evil with good.
—Governor Hartranft, in his message to the Pennsylvania Legislature, spoke of the conflict between labor and capital as “the great question of the day.” He says that besides the enormous losses occasioned to property, and to laborers by the interruption of wages, the labor troubles in Pennsylvania have cost $1,000,000 for their suppression during the last 8 years.
—Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 13.—A severe shock of an earthquake was felt last night about 11:45. It lasted about thirty seconds and had a southeast to northwest motion. Buildings were violently shaken, crockery rattled, and doors were thrown open. The shock was felt at St. Augustine and down the gulf coast, from Punta Rassa to St. Marks, as well as over the interior portion of the State. Nothing of the kind was ever experienced here before.
—A German correspondent says that the pope is an object of universal pity at Rome; that he weeps piteously and has aged much; that he frequently packs up to go to Perugia, but at the last moment changes his mind; that he is in deadly fear of poison, and only eats food brought to him by his brother, making his own coffee, and keeping his wine under lock and key. Two attempts, the correspondent says, have already been made to poison him. When he took ill after drinking a glass of wormwood, some of the cardinals tried to dissuade his brother from bringing any other than the Vatican doctors; but he called an outside physician, who administered a powerful antidote.
FRANCE—The Protestant Movement.—At a recent meeting of the National Club in London, some deeply interesting facts were developed as to the progress of vital religion in France. The population of that country, it was stated, is about 36,000,000, of which 1,000,000 are Protestants and 5,000,000 Ultramontanists; while the remainder, though nominally Catholics, are really destitute of all religious belief. Since the Republican victories of a year ago, when religious liberty became an established fact, a decided movement has prevailed all over the land toward Protestantism. That under the direction of M. Reveillaud at Bourg, in the Department of Ain, we have already mentioned. In the Central Department of Allier there are three towns; Commentry, Montluçon and Bézenet. Ten years ago there were about sixty Protestants in this district, now there are nearly a thousand, almost all of them proselytes. At Montargis, in the neighboring Department of Loiret (the birthplace of Admiral Coligny), one year ago there were between forty and fifty Protestants. Now there are one hundred and fifty, the largest portion being proselytes. At Chateauroux, in Indre, a Roman Catholic officer was buried with all the pomp due to a faithful and wealthy son of the church. In his will was a clause expressing a desire that his fellow-townsmen should possess a Protestant place of worship, for the building of which he left the necessary funds. At Pouilly-sur-Loire, near Sancerre, are now three congregations of eight hundred proselytes. The neighboring town of La Marche contains one hundred and fifty proselytes. The Reformed Church of France receives aid from the State wherever there are not less than two hundred Protestants possessing a place of worship of their own. When such aid is given it may therefore be concluded that the movement is of a permanent character. Thus, quite recently six hundred Protestants in Fresnoy, in the north, have been adopted by the State. At Valenciennes, where twenty years ago there were only forty Protestants, there is now a church of two hundred and fifty receiving a grant from the State. At Lyons, with its 350,000 inhabitants, the very metropolis of infidelity, reigning side by side with skepticism and atheism, three mission rooms were opened on the 17th of November. The meetings are described as crowded, and remarkable for order and attention. An ouvrière said, with tears, “Never in my life have I heard the truth thus explained. My conscience answers to it. This is what I want.” From the South and West the same encouraging reports come. In Paris the meetings of Mr. MacAll are conducted in twenty-two mission stations with an average weekly attendance of 8,000 adults. Already they have worked a surprising change in the order and morality of some of the worst districts of the city. The interest of the French people in religious truth is perhaps best witnessed by the fact that in the Trocadéro, during the Exhibition, 1,500,000 copies of the Gospels besides 20,000 Scripture cards and 3,000 Testaments and Bibles were distributed to grateful recipients.—Christian Union.