“PLEASE tell me,” said Mary Miller, “why so many of the human race wait to be instructed how to do a thing they have never done before. Why do they not at least try to do such things, think how to do them, discover how to do them?”
“I should say,” continued the woman, “that about three-fifths of the people I meet, in my peregrinations as a deaconess, live in a state of mental half-lights. At best their ideas are hazy. Often they seem to slip out of mind when but half formed. ‘How to do’ is a perennial enigma to them. They appear to be waiting always for some shining soul to illuminate their way.”
“Well,” answered the friend addressed, “what a privilege, to furnish light for such as can not see!”
“Yes,” retorted Mary, “that is a privilege. But I am speaking of a class who might see, as I believe, would they but make the necessary effort. I read not long ago of a man who was cured of physical blindness by the sheer force of his will. Could a will of that sort be inserted into a large fraction of those to whom we minister, the board of deaconesses could take a day off twice a year. I should heartily advocate daily hypodermic injections of the efficacious force—until recovery.”
“They call us—in a pretty way—‘light-bearers,’ and we are expected to leave a sort of immaterial lamp, of many-candle power, blazing in every home we visit. A deaconess needs to be connected with an inexhaustible oil well. I confess that when the demand for lamps is brisk, my supply of oil sometimes runs very low. I believe many men and women easily fall into the habit of taking most of their light from other people. It seems easier to them than to get it from the original source.”
“My dear,” interrupted Mary’s friend, “stop a moment. Let me suggest that a lamp unused requires no oil, and, moreover, emits no light. And let me suggest, further, that an exhaustless oil well is exactly what is provided for those who carry lamps ungrudgingly.”
“O, I perceive to what end you are coming!” said Mary. “I am familiar with the scripture you have in mind. It can be true in two ways. ‘Good measure’ of something will indeed be dealt to us. Not unlikely it will be cold ingratitude, ‘pressed down, shaken together, and running over.’ Nay, frequently it is that even after one has done her utmost to shine for those who supinely live in twilight.”
“The sixth chapter of Luke was far from my thought,” replied the friend, “but even if your way of putting the case be true—and I’m convinced it sometimes is—you fare not worse than does our great Exemplar, Christ. He lights freely every man who comes into the world, and the tremendous majority never realize it, nor ever thank him therefor. Instead, they spurn his beneficent light, and surge on in the darkness. In no experience can any member of the body of Christ expect to fare better than the Head.”
“No, this was the thought in my mind: God is able to make all grace abound toward his lamp-bearers, ‘that they, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work.’ God himself is the oil well. Slight, indeed, is the danger of one’s lamp flickering to the death point, if she will but allow the great Oil-maker to keep it full. The most productive of oil wells may ‘flow dry,’ but every lamp carried in his service is guaranteed a sufficiency of the invaluable fluid.”
“Well,” answered Mary, “we may talk all day about lamps, oil, and light, but that will not instruct simple Susan Sage how to produce a satisfactory dinner for three hungry children out of material scant in quantity.”
“Nor will it teach Lizzie Lyons how to extinguish a fever without calling a doctor; nor how to correct her wayward son without beating his person inhumanly. Nor will it furnish Grandma Castinet eyes with which to write her only son, in far-off Van Diemen’s Land, and whom she has not seen these fifteen years.”
“Nor will it induct Sylvia Slattern into the fine art of putting her lowly home in good order, and of keeping it so. Nor will it enlighten Theron Thinklittle on the subject of making a little coal last a long time, these bracing days.”
“This, you see, means oil and light for five, and they are but half the number in my district needing illuminators to-day. O, if some of these persons would but remove the charred edge from their own wicks and put a match to them—in other words, would but think for themselves! Lamps and oil at wholesale are what this work demands. In fact, in this service, one should be hung from head to foot with lamps—Rochester burners vastly in the majority.”
Having thus eased mind and heart, Mary stepped into the street and sped toward a gentle home, into which, more than once, she had borne a lamp burning brightly. As she hastened, her thoughts grew convalescent. “It is a kindness in the divine Master,” she said, “to suffer me to be a light-bearer to human beings, living in want or under shadows. Perhaps it is his plan that some mortals shall possess but feeble lamps, in order that his children—those needing such discipline—may contribute the light such persons seek.”
“Into the minds and hearts of his true children the Master puts the lamps of his word and of his Spirit, and then says to them: ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ Arise, and shine amid the darkness. So, scattered throughout the earth are his light-bearers, with their lamps—some of the lamps glowing like the soft stars in the Pleiades, and others flashing like the brilliant orbs in Orion—according as He purposes.”
“Among them one may discern lamps of example, sympathy lamps, mercy lamps, lamps of tenderness, and here and there a conspicuous light-giver with the word ‘ORDER’ inscribed thereon. But the lamps which emit the loveliest rays are a class of little gold vessels, beautifully formed, and labeled OBEDIENCE. From their flames a sweet perfume proceeds—the incense of true worship. These lamps, worn upon the forehead instead of carried in the hand, have the peculiar power to ward off some of the adversary’s most dangerous weapons.”
Thus thinking, before Mary was aware, she stood before the home of Carrie Curtiss; her complaining mood vanished utterly. Rapping lightly upon the door, it was opened by Carrie herself.
“O Miss Mary!” cried the young woman, “I’m most thankful you have come. Step in, please. I’m under dark shadows to-day. My work will not get on. I shall not be able to finish it in time.”
“How much remains to be done?” asked Mary, beginning to remove her gloves, “and when must it be delivered?”
Taking up the garment she was making, Carrie pointed out the unfinished portions, and added: “Then will follow the many finishing touches. I have promised the garment at seven this evening.”
“Well, little friend,” said Mary cheerfully, “I have over an hour at my disposal, and will spend the time here. I am skilled at this sort of work, as you know; but I can get on best if alone. So please put your wraps on at once, and spend the time out-of-doors. But first run into the refreshment parlors on James Street, and get a nice luncheon for yourself. This bit of money will settle the bill. Do not protest. Please go.”
Having thus driven the frail girl out into the delightfully invigorating air, Mary plied her needle to such purpose that, upon Carrie’s return, brightened and refreshed, there remained but the “finishing touches” to be given by her own hand.
Noting instantly the amount of work accomplished in her absence, the young girl said gratefully: “Miss Mary, I should think the sun had come out did I not know the sky is heavily overcast with clouds. It will now be mere play to complete this garment. But for you, I must have failed. Then I could have looked for no more work from Mrs. Chapin. You have made the cloudy day very bright. I thank you.”
“Excuse me, Betty, for not knocking,” pleaded Mary, as she opened the door of a time-worn cottage on the outskirts of town. “I was quite sure you were in bed, and therefore walked in.”
“Come in, Honey,” answered the woman addressed. “You needn’ make no ’pology to Betty Black, for not bein’ ceremonious at that doah. The sunlight doan make no ’pology for walkin’ in. The moon doan stan’ on ceremony ’bout shinin’ in that winder. Both them orbs knows their light is more’n welcome. You doan scatter ’broad quite so much glory’s them high-sailin’ luminaries, but plenty for this small room, an’ for these ole eyes, an’ for some reasons you’re more welcome than light of sun or moon.”
“In some respects, the sunlight ’minds me of Satan. It reveals all your warts an’ scars, an’ wrinkles clear as day, keeps you lookin’ at ’em till you forget you have any pleasin’ flesh. Just so does that adversary. He holds you gazin’, gazin’ at your sins an’ your failin’s, an’ prevents your seein’ the blessed10One who takes away sin, stan’in’ near, sorry you’re in such torment. You’re more like them ’bligin’ stars that doan make mortal imp’fections so plain, but kindly even up one’s ’pearance, an’ doan distress one with her filthy rags o’ character.”
“Betty, I’ve come to see what I can do for you,” said Mary, waiting for an opportunity to speak. “Are you in need of anything?”
“Yes, Honey, in need o’ grace to bear ’thout complainin’ the pain in that hip; in need o’ grace to be willin’ these ole han’s should close up this way, ’stead o’ straightenin’ out, as once they could; in need o’ grace to be willin’ others should do for me the things I’d like to do for myself.”
“But, Honey, ’pears like there’s a world o’ people holdin’ out cups for grace, an’ I doan like to call the Lord’s ’tention to me more’n I can help. ’Spect, tho, he sees my empty cup ’thout my sayin’ a single word.”
“Betty,” answered the visitor, “God, having given us Jesus Christ, with him freely gives us all things, an’ ‘abundance of grace’ included. We need not hesitate to present our cups. God’s throne is a throne of grace. Coming to it boldly, we find grace to help in every time of need.”
“Didn’t I tell you you’re like one of them soft shinin’ stars that shed down just the light that Betty Black can bear? By speakin’ them words you’ve set a little lamp a glowin’ in my dim mind. I see, Honey, the path to the throne’s always open ’cept I put up the bars. Perhaps I’m too timid, knowin’ God is so great. That adversary’s always tantalizin’ me with God’s greatness, and says I’m smaller’n a sparrow.”
“Betty,” replied Miss Miller seriously, “Christ the Lord has opened for us the way to the throne of grace, and no power in the universe, except ourselves, can close it. Now let me inquire if you are in need of food?” Mary was thinking of other calls yet to be made.
“Well, now, Honey, it’s a little curious, I haven’t a cent in the world, but the blessed Lord never lets me go hungry. From some one of his overflowin’ kitchens he sends me ’bundance every day. I lie here helpless, and ’magin’ his own hand packs the baskets, for they always contain everything I want. No, Miss Mary, you brought me light for my mind. That is why he sent you. ’Fore night, ’long will come another angel with nice food.”
Adding a few cheering words, and assuring the invalid she would come again, Mary left the house, and retraced her way toward the center of town, making two brief calls before reaching Main Street. Thence she passed on to an unattractive district, crowded with mills, foundries, and tenements for day laborers. A row of cheap one-story dwellings lined one of the numerous short streets of the neighborhood. Opening the front door of one of them, Mary stepped into the vestibule and knocked lightly at the entrance to the first apartment.
The summons brought to the door a woman of middle age, and evidently very sad. Taking her extended hand, Mary asked in a low tone, “How is he to-day?”
“Failing rapidly,” was the brief answer. The two then stepped to the bedside of a man, very ill of pneumonia, and of whose recovery there was no hope. He lay with eyes closed, and, apparently, was unconscious of their presence.
Mary studied his pallid features for a moment, and then, turning to the wife—his sole watcher and nurse—she was impressed by her wan appearance, and by the great effort she was evidently making to be heroic under her trial. Drawing her aside, Mary opened her reticule, took therefrom a small sum, and placed it in the woman’s unresisting hand, saying:—
“You may be in need of articles for his comfort or for your own. Please prepare yourself quickly, and go out for a long, brisk walk. Spend a half hour at least. I will take your place at the bedside, and do the best I can. If possible, do not think of the scene in this room. Look off at the distant hills, and believe that as are those hills around us, so is the Lord around all his children. Do not object. You need the change.”
Thus kindly did the self-appointed nurse drive Annie Allen out into the light and fresh air.
Alone, then, with the patient, Mary seated herself by the bedside, and waited silently for any movement on his part. Unmistakably, the man was approaching the end of life. For some minutes he gave no intimation that he was aware of the change in attendants. But, finally, opening his eyes, he said feebly, but distinctly:—
“Miss Miller.”
At the instant Mary’s attention was diverted. She was therefore startled upon hearing her name. But rising, she asked gently:—
“What can I do for you?”
“That was a kind service you rendered Annie,” he said. “She needed just that thrusting out into the crisp air, and needed still more the charge to look away to the Almighty One, who built the enduring hills. Soon all her need in this life must be supplied by him.” The man had not strength to say more.
Mary thought a moment, and then said encouragingly:—
“Do not worry about Annie. Through Paul the Spirit tells us: ‘All things are for your sakes.’ ‘All things are yours, . . . and ye are Christ’s.’ Faith will make these statements true. No member of Christ’s body will be suffered to want. ‘My God shall supply all your need,’ is a promise which will be verified absolutely.”
“Miss Miller, can anything sever the Christian from Christ?” asked the man earnestly, as tho the dark doubt were troubling him.
“It must be the Christian’s own act which severs him from his Lord,” replied Mary. “Every true Christian is a part of Christ until he himself destroys the union by unbelief. Of all such Christ declares, ‘They shall never perish, neither shall any man [being] pluck them out of my hand.’ Were it possible to sunder one member from the body of Christ, ‘the Christ of God’ would be incomplete. The total Christ requires both head and body.”
“Those are blessed statements, Miss Miller. I wonder greatly that I never before had that view of my relation to the dear Head,” said the sufferer.
Both persons now lapsed into silence. The invalid closed his eyes, and appeared to be thinking of what he had heard, while Mary, taking a book from the table, read quietly. The half hour and more had passed, when Mrs. Allen came in laden with little purchases, and showing happy results from her walk.
Going directly to the bedside, she stood for a moment scanning the face of her husband attentively, when suddenly her parcels dropped upon the floor, she uttered a low cry of agony, called his name, and laid her head down upon his immobile face. There came no answer. Her husband had entered upon his final sleep.
Midnight had passed when Mary left the bereaved woman in the company of friends, and alone hurried along the deserted streets toward home, feeling inexpressibly weary, and questioning if she had really passed a lighted lamp that day to any of the multitude traveling earth’s shadowed pathways.
WILD FLOWERS.
By E. Matheson
BY E. MATHESON.
O, BEAUTIFUL blossoms, pure and sweet,
Agleam with dew from the country ways,
To me, at work in a city street,
You bring fair visions of bygone days—
Glad days, when I hid in a mist of green
To watch spring’s delicate buds unfold,
And all the riches I cared to glean
Were daisy silver and buttercup gold!
'Tis true you come of a lowly race,
Nursed by the sunshine, fed by the showers,
And yet you are heirs to a nameless grace
Which I fail to find in my hothouse flowers,
And you breathe on me with your honeyed lips,
Till in thought I stand on the wind-swept fells,
Where the brown bees hum o’er the ferny dips,
Or ring faint peals on the heather bells.
I close my eyes on the crowded street,
I shut my ears to the city’s roar,
And am out in the open with flying feet—
Off, off to your emerald haunts once more!
But the harsh wheels grate on the stones below,
And a sparrow chirps at the murky lane,
And my bright dreams fade in an overflow
Of passionate longing and tender pain.
—Chambers’ Journal.
“SAVES TO THE UTTERMOST.”
A city missionary was called from his bed at midnight to meet a half-clothed little girl, who said as she saw him:—
“Be you the man that preached last night, and said that Christ could save to the uttermost?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I was there, and I want you to come right down to our house and try to save my father.”
“What’s the matter with your father?”
“He’s a good father when he don’t drink, but he’s out of work now, and he drinks awfully. He’s most killed my mother; but if Jesus can save to the uttermost, he can save him.”
In a miserable underground room the drunken father was found brandishing a knife over his wife. The missionary began to talk kindly to him, and he became subdued. The little girl went up to the missionary, saying:—
“Don’t talk to father, it won’t do any good. Ask Jesus, who saves to the uttermost, to save my poor father.”
He knelt and prayed with unwonted power. The drunkard was melted to repentance. A new era dawned on the family.—The Colporter.
TOBACCO, CHOLERA, AND THEIR CONTAGIONS.
By Geo. M. Powell
THE eminent John Lizars says: “During the prevalence of cholera, I have had repeated opportunities of observing that individuals addicted to the use of tobacco are more disposed to attacks of that disease, and generally in its most malignant and fatal form.”
Dr. Willard Parker, long at the head of the medical profession in New York City, said: “All who smoke or chew are more apt to die in epidemics than other people.”
Dr. O. M. Stone, of Boston, said: “The idea that tobacco prevents disease is an error. A tobacco user's chances of recovery from any malignant disease are lessened fifty per cent.”
Capt. G. B. Pettingill, who for many years commanded vessels trading between Boston and Cuba, Mexico and South America, said: “Very few tobacco users recover from yellow fever. I once lost half my crew with it in Havana. Every man who died used tobacco, and every one who lived did not use it.”
Dr. Harris, of New York City Dispensary, where more diseases are treated than in any other place in America, said: “It is scarcely possible to cure a syphilitic sore, or unite a fractured bone in a devoted smoker.”
The London Lancet says: “No smoker can be a well man.”—Geo. M. Powell, in National Temperance Advocate.
A BOY'S COMPOSITION.
BREATH is made of air. We breathe always with our lungs, and sometimes with our livers, except at night, when our breath keeps life going through our noses while we are asleep. If it wasn't for our breath, we should die whenever we slept. Boys that stay in a room all day should not breathe—they should wait till they get outdoors. For a lot of boys staying in a room make carbonicide; and carbonicide is more poisonous than mad dogs, tho not just the same way. It does not bite, but that's no matter as long as it kills you.—Selected.
VALUE OF MUSIC.
It is soberly stated that in Switzerland, according to the Musical Messenger, a milkmaid or milkman gets better wages if he has a good voice, because the shrewd Swiss know that a cow will yield much more milk if soothed with a pleasant song during the process of milking. In fact, it is true that we get more out of everything in this world if we approach it with a song in our heart and on our lips.
FAITH
By Melissa Barton
BY MRS. MELISSA BARTON.
O, how sweet to know, dear Saviour,
Sweet to know I'm thine alone!
With thy guiding Spirit lead me,
Never do thy child disown.
Closely, O so closely, keep me
Near thy wounded, bleeding heart!
Never from thy side, O Father,
Let thy trusting child depart!
Make me to be thine forever,
Serving thee with willing mind,
Thy word searching as for treasures,
Searching, I shall surely find.
Meek and lowly, ever keep me
Full of faith, charity;
Faith unwavering, unshrinking,
Casting all my care on thee.
Fearlessly walk, ever onward;
In Christ's Spirit I am free,
O, the rapture, O, the glory,
Sweetly trusting all to thee!
Denver, Colo.
THE BIBLE IN JAPAN.
By H. Loomis
BY REV. H. LOOMIS.
ONE of the encouraging and suggestive things at the present time is the possession of the Bible on the part of so many of the Japanese in high places, and with many of them it has evidently been a treasured book.
When on my way to Korea last fall, I was on the same steamer that carried the Japanese consul to Chemulpo. He had spent several years in the United States, and spoke English very fluently.
I asked him about Christianity, and he told me that he had never made a profession of religion, but he used to attend church in New York, and he had a prayer-book that he read every day and enjoyed very much. He accepted with evident pleasure a copy of the New Testament, and asked for another copy for one of his servants.
When I called upon the chief of police in Yokohama, he told me that he had a Bible that he had studied secretly. He said that its teachings were good, and if they were followed it would lessen his work very much.
The governor of Yokohama told me that he had a Bible, and spoke in favorable terms of our work. Count Inouye also said to me a few days ago that he had both an English and a Japanese copy.
Having found the authorities in Tokyo favorable to the distribution of Scriptures among the policemen, I ventured to call upon the head of the police department in Yokohama in order to ascertain if the same opportunity would be given here. He listened to my request with evident satisfaction, and said that he would not only grant the privilege, but fully approved of the project.
Then he added that the prostitutes of this city and the region round about were under his supervision, and he would have distributed among them any copies of the Scriptures or other religious books that I might be able to supply. He said that such reading matter would be especially useful to those who were in the hospital that were devoted especially to that class. He reported that in Yokohama there were upward of two thousand prostitutes, and the average number in the hospital was about one hundred and thirty.
When asked if Christian workers would be allowed to visit the hospitals, he replied that as the diseases were considered contagious no one except the physicians and attendants was permitted to go among them. This, he said, was the standing regulation, but he was evidently dissatisfied that such was the case.
When I called to deliver the books, he said, with evident pleasure and satisfaction, that he had consulted with the governor in regard to the matter, and that the governor had given his cordial approval.
The question was then asked if the regulation regarding the visitation of the hospital by Christian workers could not be changed. He replied that a new building was now in process of erection, and in it would be a special apartment where the patients could be gathered for religious instruction.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE.
After this experience in Yokohama, it seemed advisable to try what could be done among the fallen class in Tokyo.
The chief of police there was equally ready to grant my request, and instructed one of the subordinates to make out a letter to each one of the local heads of the police, giving instructions that freedom to distribute the Scriptures and other books was to be given, as well as the privilege of visiting the hospitals for the purpose of Christian teaching.
Two sections of the city have been visited, and the authorities have shown entire willingness to give all liberty that is desired. The only lack now is the number of persons who are qualified to undertake such a work, and who have the time to devote to it. It is thus far only an experiment, and in this connection it is an important fact that the fallen women in Japan are never found to occupy so low a position as in other and Christian countries. This class of people “are not despised but pitied by the better classes of society, and indeed it is known that they are pursuing their degraded avocation from no fault of their own, but at the will of their parents or nearest relatives, who have for the most part sold them in early years to the proprietors of houses of public resort” (Dr. Rein), where they are trained up for this purpose.
What may come of this effort we can not tell, but as the Lord has apparently opened this door, it seems an indication that here is a new and needy field, where the Gospel should be proclaimed, and if no souls are saved, the responsibility will not rest upon those who make the effort.
When we remember that it was one of the same class who washed our Saviour’s feet, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and to one brought before him, that he might add to her grief and shame, he said, more in pity than in condemnation, “Go, and sin no more;” and that harlots are the class who shall go into heaven before the self-righteous, we have abundant examples to show that we are to regard no class as too depraved and hopeless for the power of Christ to save.
Some of the officers of the police department in Yokohama have begun the study of the Bible, and there is a regular class which meets every evening for the purpose of learning English and Bible study.
On visiting the cavalry barracks in Tokyo it was found that there was a change in the officer in command since I had been there before. The colonel now in charge had been in China and there made the acquaintance of one of the chaplains, and he spoke in high praise of the sermons which he had heard. He received the Scriptures very willingly to distribute among the men, and said that they were at liberty to attend services on the Sabbath if they so desired.
A lieutenant of this command had been wounded while in China, and was sent to the hospital at Hiroshima. While there he received a copy of one of the Gospels, and also saw and heard Miss Talcott. He spoke in high praise of her work, and asked for a complete New Testament, that he might learn more of the teachings of Christ.
Permission has been granted to visit the Red Cross and other hospitals in Tokyo regularly, and to distribute Gospels and other books as may be desired. And there is also full liberty to speak to the patients about Christ.
For several months past some of the Christians in Sendai have been trying to get permission to give Scriptures and other Christian books to the soldiers in the military hospital at that place. But while the officials would allow visitation, everything of a Christian character was strictly forbidden.
As the surgeon general had been so friendly to the work in Hiroshima, he was asked if the restrictions in Sendai could not be removed. He replied that he would send a letter to that effect. The result has been that perfect freedom has been given to distribute books and teach the men to any extent.
So here and there doors are opening wider and wider to the spread of the Gospel. It is our duty to enter and give to the perishing multitude the word of life.
Gospel in All Lands.
Temperance Cannot Be Compelled
By Horatio Seymour
MEN may be persuaded, they can not be compelled, to adopt habits of temperance.—Horatio Seymour.
The Conflict Within Every Man
By J. A. Garfield
For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict.—J. A. Garfield.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
At the camp-meeting at Jamestown, N. Dakota, last month, nineteen persons were baptized.
Elder Allen Moon reports the baptism of five persons in Washington City, June 13 and 20.
At the close of the recent camp-meeting in Santa Rosa, Cal., fifteen persons followed their Lord in baptism.
Seventeen students of Union College have joined the canvassing force in Iowa during the summer vacation.
At Alden, N. Y., nine persons were baptized on the 13th ult., by Elder George M. Ellis. At that time, as a result of meetings in progress, fifteen members had been added to the church.
Elder J. F. Hansen, who has been laboring at Christiania, Norway, for some months, reports the baptism of twenty-nine converts on the 31st of May, and on June 3 seven more were baptized.
Two tents are now pitched in New York City, one at 94th Street and Boulevard, under direction of Elder E. E. Franke, and one at 137th Street and Lenox Avenue, with Elder O. O. Farnsworth in charge.
The commissioner of docks of Brooklyn, N. Y., has given Captain Christiansen, of the missionary boat, The Sentinel, written permission to make fast and lay at any pier or dock without paying wharfage.
Three new churches were added to the list in Maritime Provinces during the past year. Elder R. C. Porter, superintendent of General Conference District No. 1, and Elder J. B. Goodrich, of Quebec, were present at the annual meeting held at St. John, N. B., May 27–31.
Elder C. L. Taylor, who has been laboring with the church in Oakland since camp-meeting, has begun tent meetings at Redwood City, in company with Brother J. G. Smith. Elder E. E. Andross is continuing the work in Oakland for a couple of weeks, until the camp-meeting in Humboldt County.
A good work is reported at Midland, Mich. Elder A. O. Burrill baptized four candidates May 24, and Elder S. M. Butler baptized nine more on the 30th. There are now about forty adherents in the vicinity, and a church organization is soon to be effected, and plans are being laid for erecting a house of worship.
After the meeting held in the church at Oakland, Cal., Wednesday evening, July 1, twenty-four persons were baptized. Twenty-three united with the church, and one with the church at Alameda. Others were prevented, on account of sickness, from going forward in the ordinance of baptism. This revival began with the days of fasting and prayer some weeks ago, and has progressed steadily and profitably to the present.
The Review of June 30 contains an interesting picture of the teachers, pupils, and other attaches of the new school for girls in Calcutta. It presents forty-five persons, including Elder D. A. Robinson. We all say this is good, and so it is, but it is only a beginning. What is this among so many? Only two things are lacking—laborers and means. There are thousands of pupils to be had for the gathering—souls for whom Jesus died.
We have interesting reports from meetings held at Portadown, Clonrute, and Richhill, Ireland, where Elder Wm. Hutchinson has been holding meetings, two a week in each place. At Portadown a grocery merchant and his wife commenced to keep the Sabbath, and the people were much excited over the matter. There was an attempt to boycott his business. When first he closed his store on the Sabbath, the rabble collected and threw burning peat against his shutters. But such things always call attention to the truth, and while some mock, others will obey.
A general meeting was held in Helsingfors, the capital of Finland, May 29 to June 7. Brethren O. Johnson, who is in charge of the work there, L. Johnson, from Scandinavia, E. J. Ahren, from Stockholm, and H. P. Holser, in charge of the European field, were present. Although a Russian province, the state church is Lutheran. Books printed in other countries can not be sold by colporters in Finland, hence it is necessary to print all our publications in that country that are to be sold there. There are now ninety Sabbath-keepers there. There is much more liberty than in Russia, and over fourteen thousand bound books have been sold, besides a large number of pamphlets.
At Ford’s store, Md., there have been three more arrests for Sunday labor. Brethren Wm. Mansfield, Alexander Dodd, and Isaac Baker being the victims of religious bigotry. Elder J. E. Jayne thus describes the official manifestation of zeal for the enforcement of Sunday observance in that community: “The same spirit that caused persecution a few years ago again appears to be dominant. A new magistrate and constable have been appointed. They are very active in what they conceive to be their duty with reference to the enforcement of the Sunday statute. In one instance the constable looked across a field and a strip of water a distance of about two miles, and saw some one at work. Being so far distant that he could not be sure who it was, but knowing that the work was being done on the farm of an Adventist, he walked across the country, procured a boat and rowed nearly a mile in order to identify the laborer.”
Under date of April 6, Dr. A. S. Carmichael writes from Bulawayo, Matabeleland, to his mother, who resides in Des Moines, Iowa, concerning the troubles in that country. Owing to the uprising of natives our missionaries were obliged to leave their mission farm and take refuge in the town. The writer thus describes the situation: “We are still in camp at this place, but we have the monotony of camp life broken every day or two by the sending out of troops to fight the natives, who come in large armies variously estimated at from 1,500 to 5,000. The forces sent out to meet them number from 150 to 300 whites. In each fight one or two white men are killed, and from one to five hundred natives. The white soldiers never leave a wounded native on the field. They are always killed. It is a war of extermination on both sides. Some of the white soldiers are as savage as the native black. The prospects are that we will be detained here for some time yet. There are about 1,500 people here, and provisions are getting scarce and expensive. This morning I paid one shilling and six pence for a loaf of bread that I could buy in San Francisco at the rate of three for ten cents. But fortunately for us we have a small amount of flour and a couple of sacks of corn meal, besides some other provisions. Meat is plenty and cheap yet; but a pest is thinning out the cattle very rapidly. At the present rate it will not be long before no cattle will be found here. The same disease kills the sheep and the goats. It will be two or three weeks before we can get reinforcements, and then I expect there will be a war of extermination that will make the Matabele an extinct race of people. Our camp is just outside the fort, but I sleep in the fort each night. We all keep well, and are thankful for the blessings we enjoy.”
PUBLICATIONS ON THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
MATTHEW 24, OR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. An exposition of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief résumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the Sanctuary in Heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the “time of the end,” just previous to Christ’s second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
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