TRUTH is better than error, and the doctrine of conditional immortality possesses many advantages over that of inherent immortality.
1. It is in consonance with the object of God in giving his Son to die for our race. This object is thus stated by Christ: “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15. But if men are already in possession of an immortal soul, the man proper, as it is termed, they certainly have eternal life, and there was no necessity of God’s sending his Son to secure it to them.
2. It shows the urgent necessity of seeking for immortality and escaping the second death, by complying with certain conditions, (Rom. 2:6, 7; Matt. 19:16, 17; John 5:39, 40; Rev. 2:11); while the opposition doctrine neutralizes the strongest Bible incentive to seek for immortality, by teaching the idea that we already possess this inestimable attribute.
3. It exalts Jesus in granting him the prerogative of bestowing the gift of immortality upon those who form characters worthy of being immortalized; while the opposite doctrine represents that man has immortality irrespective of the character he may form.
4. It attaches great importance to the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead, showing that if Christ does not come to raise the dead, then “they which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished” (1 Cor. 15:16–18); while the opposite doctrine depreciates these prominent events on which hinges the hope of the church; for what necessity can there be for the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead, if at their decease, the righteous go to Heaven where there is perfect bliss?
5. It is a safeguard against the doctrine of purgatory and that of indulgences, against praying to and for the dead; while the doctrine of inherent immortality in maintaining that the dead know more than the living, are capable of suffering and may be relieved from suffering, prepares the way for the dogma of purgatory and all the pernicious practices that result therefrom.
6. It is a safeguard against the doctrine of modern spiritualism, while the doctrine we oppose lies at the very foundation of this false doctrine; for how can we resist spirits who come to us claiming to be the spirits of our dead friends, imitating those friends and appealing to our sympathies, if we believe that the dead are conscious, hover over and guard us, may speak to us, etc.? But with the Bible declaration that “the dead know not anything” (Eccl. 9:5), and knowing that there are fallen angels who were cast out of Heaven, we say: “They are the spirits of devils, working miracles.” Rev. 16:14.
7. It shows that God is just, while the doctrine we combat makes him appear unjust. God cannot save the sinner in his sins, but he does for him the best thing that a just and merciful God can do: he punishes him according to his deeds and leaves him where he found him—in the dust of the ground. The doctrine of eternal torment is in antagonism with every principle of justice, and leads to infidelity; while the Bible doctrine of man’s nature and future punishment has led hundreds of infidels to embrace the Bible and to love the God of the Bible. It cannot be made to appear consistent in a reasoning mind that what is unjust on earth will be just in the future world; that finite guilt, guilt committed in a few years, should be punished with everlasting burnings to be increased in intensity as eternal ages roll, and that God, holy angels, and all the redeemed are to be made happy by witnessing, or being conscious of, such scenes throughout eternity! Horrible! Can we wonder that so many have turned away from the Bible, believing that it teaches such a doctrine?
A Siamese priest asked an American missionary, “How long does your God punish the wicked?” The latter replied: “Forever;” whereupon the Siamese priest said: “Our gods torment the worst of men only one thousand years; therefore we will have nothing to do with your American god in Siam.” A mother told her little son: “If you are naughty, God will make you burn forever in a big fire, such as you see on the hearth.” He replied, “If he does that, he is a bad man,” and remained an infidel until he understood the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked.
8. The doctrine that we teach shows that the death of Christ is sufficient, while the opposite doctrine would lead men to believe that it is not sufficient. Christ died in our stead, and his sufferings have had an end. But if the wicked must suffer eternally, the death of Christ cannot save us from the wrath that threatens us.
9. It demolishes universalism, while the contrary doctrine is the corner stone of that theory. Universalism, starting with the premise that the soul is immortal, maintains that as God is just and merciful, the wicked will not suffer eternally, but having been punished according to their deeds, they will be restored to the favor of God to enjoy an eternity of bliss. But this theory falls before the mortality of man and the destruction of the wicked.
10. It represents that the ways of God are equal, in teaching that the wicked dead all rest in the slumber of death, and that they will all be punished together after their resurrection. This doctrine is consoling in regard to our friends who have died in their sins. But the doctrine we oppose, in maintaining that the wicked commence to suffer in Gehenna at death, and that consequently millions of sinners will suffer much longer than others equally guilty, creates anxieties concerning the condition of those who have died without hope, which have driven many to despair and to the loss of their reason.
11. In showing that men are not judged nor rewarded at death, the doctrine that we defend completely refutes the anti-scriptural theory of two judgments, which has led many to ask the sarcastic and impious question: “Has God made a mistake in judging men at death, seeing he judges them again in the last day?”
12. The doctrine we teach agrees with science; but the one we oppose is contrary to science. If we consider man in the light of anatomy and physiology, we will fail to see in him a being that thinks and acts independently of the body and its organs. What are the manifestations of life in man, whether mental or physical, which are not attributable to one or more of his organs whose functions are known to science?
13. In harmony with the idea of a restoration, and to encourage men to prepare for a better world, it represents the redeemed and their reward, God, Christ, and angels, just as the Bible represents them,—as real, tangible, appreciable and glorious; but the opposite doctrine describes the redeemed and their reward, and celestial beings, in a manner to make one think that they are vague and purely imaginary, and poorly calculated to give a lively hope to fallen man. It describes Heaven as being located “beyond the bounds of time and space.” Who can conceive of such a place? What better definition could be given to nothing? Again it places in that imaginary Heaven souls, “a million of whom could be put on the point of the finest cambric needle,” as said a professor at a mission school in which I once studied.
14. The doctrine that we attack teaches that the soul is a part of God, and that consequently millions of parts of God will suffer eternally, cursing other millions of parts of God. This doctrine divides God against himself, and suggests to the profane the question: “How, then, shall his kingdom stand?”—the very question Christ put concerning the kingdom of Satan. Matt. 12. The Biblical doctrine teaches that the soul was created by the Eternal, and avoids such absurdities. Jer. 38:16.
15. The doctrine that we combat immortalizes the devil, the wicked, and sin, and in this respect makes the devil triumph after all. But the Bible doctrine shows that the devil and sinners, having suffered during the forevers or ages (Greek and French version) adequate to their guilt and measured by their mortal nature, “shall be as though they had not been” (Obad. 16), and that thus sin will be blotted out of the earth, and Christ will triumph over Satan in presenting to the universe a province cleansed from the last stains and traces of sin, and in which every creature shall eternally enjoy the pleasures of holiness, rendering praise and homage to God and the Lamb. Rev. 5:13.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Camp-Meeting at Parsons, Kansas.
By George I. Butler
This meeting, held according to appointment Oct. 23-27, 1879, was fully twice as large as the one held a week before at El Dorado. Probably there were one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers present some of the time, though many came late and left early. There was very little outside interest shown, though considerable advertising had been done. Elds. Sharp, Cook and Santee were present, and all participated in the preaching. I gave twelve discourses, trying hard to help our people to realize the importance of the work in its different branches, and to forward the spiritual interests of the meeting.
On the Sabbath many came forward for prayers, and the power of the Lord came down in answer to the earnest cries of his servants, for we felt in great need of special help. Many wept aloud and made good confessions, and the spiritual atmosphere was considerably cleared. On Monday also we made a special effort to reach the backslidden and the unconverted. A number came forward, and good confessions were made. Eld. Sharp baptized eight.
The temperance work was pressed strongly, and there was great need of it. We expect a good many coffee pots and some tobacco pipes will be laid up in consequence of it. A large number signed the teetotal pledge.
Several times during the meeting we paid especial attention to the tract work. Nearly $150 was subscribed on the reserve fund. The people living in this vicinity are mostly poor. Some of them live in the section known as the Joy lands, over which so much trouble has been made, and they have not yet paid for their farms.
In our closing morning meeting a large number strongly expressed their gratitude for the benefits of the meeting, feeling most thankful for the instruction they had received, and saying they saw the importance of the work in a new light, and should go home and live out the truth as never before. May the Lord grant them strength so to do. GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE SUNDAY LAWS.
By J. Clarke
For about thirty years the leaders in the proclamation of the third angel’s message have been proclaiming to the world that the Sunday question would yet be introduced into the politics of our nation. At first, this position was considered purely imaginative; and the world said that in this land of freedom it could never be; but the matter is gradually taking shape, and the following, clipped from the New York Times of Sept. 26, 1879, shows which way the wind is blowing:—
“THE SUNDAY LAW IN NEWARK. TO BE MADE AN ISSUE AT THE COMING ELECTION.
“The law and order question bids fair to be made an issue in the coming charter election at Newark. At a meeting of the Eleventh Ward Republicans, on Wednesday night, they determined to repudiate the resolutions prepared by the Central Liberal Committee, and declared in favor of the enforcement of the Sunday laws. The following resolution was unanimously adopted:—
“‘Resolved, That the Republicans of this ward, in mass-meeting assembled, hereby declare that it is the duty of the Republican Convention to be held on Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 1879, to adopt resolutions pledging the party to the enforcement of all laws relating to Sunday observance now on the statute book.’”
“The Law and Order Organization of the Fourteenth Ward met the same evening, and received a report to the effect that the Republican candidates for aldermen had pledged themselves to do all that lay in their power to secure the enforcement of the Sunday laws. Meetings were also held by Liberal Clubs in several wards, at which speeches were made by Gen. Sigel, Dr. Mack, and others, and it is evident that the election will be the most exciting local contest ever known in the city.” J. CLARKE.
MICHIGAN
Fremont, Oct. 30.—In our present field of labor four miles west of Fremont, about twenty have embraced the Sabbath. These, with those keeping it when we went there, will form a church of about thirty. Several opposition discourses have been given by an Eld. Bowers, first-day Adventist. We are glad of the success of the truth in this field, and feel to give God all the praise.
E. B. AND E. S. LANE.
Mason, Oct. 23.—We took down our tent last Monday. It had been up in this place ten weeks. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. About thirty have embraced the Sabbath. Nineteen have signed the covenant, and others propose to do so. I think there will be a company of twenty-five here. A Sabbath-school has been organized. We have a comfortable place for meetings free, and the people are still interested to hear. The tent expenses have been mostly met by donations. Families have commenced family prayers that never prayed before. We feel that the Lord has done a glorious work; to him be all the praise.
T. M. STEWART.
St. Charles, Saginaw Co.—From Oct. 13 to 26 I labored with the church at St. Charles. There are few churches in the State better located with reference to a field of labor than is the church in that place. There seems to be but very little, if any, prejudice in the public mind. Night after night the church was quite well filled with attentive hearers. Eight or ten adults, some of whom were starting for the first time and others re-entering the fold after long wandering therefrom, encouraged our hearts by moving out in obedience to the truth. In addition to these, there were several children who also expressed a desire to become Christians.
Another interesting feature of the meetings was found in the readiness manifested on the part of the church to contribute toward the liquidation of the indebtedness of the T. and M. Dist. No. 8, to which they belong. On the last day of our meetings they cheerfully subscribed for that purpose $115. Such a subscription, under the circumstances, was remarkably liberal, and exceeded by one-half the amount that we had expected to raise in that place. Twenty-eight signers were obtained to the teetotal pledge. These, in addition to those who had already signed at the Vassar and Lyons camp-meetings, will form the basis for a temperance club.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Dist. No. 4.—We held the quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 4 with the church at Douglas. Bro. E. B. Lane and wife were present. On Sunday Bro. Lane spoke on the necessity of getting ready for the coming of the Lord. Afterward I tried to set the needs of Dist. No. 4 before the brethren and sisters, and I never saw such a willingness on the part of old and young to give of their means as at this meeting.
Oct. 18, 19, I was at Monterey. Bro. E. B. Lane and wife and Bro. H. M. Kenyon and wife were present to help in the meetings. On first-day Bro. Lane preached from the text: “We shall be charged.” He spoke of the necessity of temperance and sacrifice. I tried to show the necessity and duty of giving of our means to carry on the T. and M. work, and Bro. Kenyon followed with some very excellent remarks. Then those present made liberal pledges and donations.
Sr. Lane spoke on temperance Sunday evening to a crowded house, advising the church to come up to a higher standard on temperance, and to be united in the temperance movement that has been organized among us.
ALEX. CARPENTER, Director.
Parkville.—Sabbath, Oct. 25, we had an interesting meeting with the church in Parkville. Brethren were with us from Colon, Vicksburg, and Three Rivers. I spoke to them on the subject of not being weary in well doing; then we had a free social meeting. I believe all felt that the Spirit of the Lord was with us. I left, feeling confident that their house would not be left desolate. This is a central place for the scattered Sabbath-keepers in the vicinity. Brethren, repair your house and make it comfortable for the winter, and have a general meeting once a month. Why cannot Bro. Owen and Goodrich take charge of such meetings? May these young men go to work for the Lord.
This church has been in peril by false brethren. A man by the name of Adams, who has been disfellowshipped, has greatly injured and abused a family of our brethren. Of late he has been seen again in the house of prayer. Why does he not see that his very presence must be offensive to all, until he removes the wrong he has done to the much-injured family? May he repent before it is too late. I have no ill will to this man, but wish to befriend the injured. What a satisfaction to have a clear conscience, though we may be shamefully abused.
J. BYINGTON.
COLORADO
By M. E. Cornell; A. O. Burrill
St. Vrain and Ft. Collins.— Our meetings at St. Vrain closed Oct. 22, and a church of thirteen was formed and a leader appointed. Seven were baptized. All were pleased with the tithing system, which was adopted. Books were sold to the value of $29.20, and something was done for our periodicals. They have begun to give a synopsis of the lesson in the Sabbath-school, and are much pleased with it.
We commenced meetings in Ft. Collins the 24th, in the Grangers' hall, of which we have the free use. There is a good prospect of some success. This town has about one thousand inhabitants, and is a grand center for a large farming community. Everybody is anxious to get rich, and therefore we find it more difficult to get a hearing here than in the East.
M. E. CORNELL.
Oct. 25. A. O. BURRILL.
REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
During the past six months I have labored more in other States than in this. I generally find some who are interested and willing to hear.
We had a general meeting the third Sabbath in October. Brn. Wimbish and Killin were here from other counties. Three persons were baptized, one of whom was Bro. W. In receiving the faith held by S. D. Adventists, he feels that he has found a better way, more truth and light. It is remarkable how confident some who hold that there is no law and no Sabbath, and yet keep Sunday, are that they have all the truth. Those who receive the third message are much surprised, and greatly rejoice in the increase of light and truth.
After the baptism we celebrated the ordinances for the first time in this part of the South. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. There is but little opposition to the ordinance of humility in the South, not nearly as much as in the North. The Primitive Baptists have kept the custom alive here, and before the people.
The friends in Darlington Co., S. C., received the light on the life and death question, and so much of the Advent faith as the first-day Adventists have, and then commenced sending it to friends in Reynolds, Ga. At one time two ministers came here, and some heartily indorsed their views on the nature of man, etc. When the brethren here received further light, they began to send it there. The result is that some have commenced keeping the Sabbath, one of whom is a minister. The brethren here have made him a present of a set of charts. I quote from a letter from him in answer to the question, “Do you want them?” “When I was ordained to preach the gospel of Christ to a lost world, I determined, by the grace of God, to preach the truth. As I wrote you before, I am convinced we are under the sound of the third angel’s message; therefore I need all the help I can get to enable me to warn the people of coming danger. Your charts will be highly appreciated, and I shall endeavor to use them to the glory of God.” In the same letter he speaks of receiving great help from God at different times, while speaking to the people.
The few here are moving in the direction of temperance. All have signed the teetotal pledge. This is a great field for labor. The South has not given much attention to temperance of any kind; ministers and people are very intemperate. Very many have yet to learn that there is any moral wrong in the use of opium, tea, coffee, tobacco, or even alcohol. I know a minister who uses them all, and his people think him a good minister of Jesus Christ.
I am in hopes to visit Alabama soon, I shall do my best to meet the wishes of those that have written me. My health is good, but my wife’s is not. I ask the prayers of the faithful, that we be not hindered in our work.
C. O. TAYLOR.
MISSOURI
By J. G. Wood
Windsor.—We closed our tent-meeting at this place Oct. 26, having continued it a little more than seven weeks. This includes the time of our annual camp-meeting, which was held here, and left a very favorable impression.
The attendance was good to the close. We had much opposition, which helped to keep up the interest of the meetings, and bring the people to a decision in favor of the truth.
Eld. Hallam (Disciple), who claims to have held a discussion with Eld. J. N. Loughborough in Napa, Cal., ten years ago, preached three opposition discourses. We replied each time with telling effect.
Eld. Bailey (Congregationalist) evidently saw that he must do something, as some of the prominent members of his church were commencing to keep the Sabbath; so he read a lengthy article written by Dr. Stone, of Philadelphia, in which he admitted that the Sabbath was given to man in Eden, and that the Sabbath institution is binding on all men in all ages of the world, but said that the day had been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week. We replied that it is not the institution we are to remember, but the Sabbath day. He acknowledged that neither Christ nor the apostles ever gave any command for keeping the first day of the week, but said that Sunday observance was brought in gradually and silently; and that as many of the Jews were exceedingly bitter against Christ, an express command from him giving them another day of rest in place of their long-cherished Sabbath, would have so imbittered the whole nation that the progress of the gospel would have been impeded.
We admitted that the change came in silently, so silently that we had for it nowhere in the Bible either precept or example; that its introduction was as gradual as was the apostasy of the church and the advancement of the papacy; but we claimed that it was an insult to the Majesty of Heaven to say that Christ dare not tell the people that the seventh day was to be abrogated and the first day of the week was to take its place. Christ could drive them out of the temple with a whip. John 2:15. He could say, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not.” Luke 11:44. He could tell them, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 15:7-9. But he dare not tell them that they ought from henceforth to observe the first day of the week. O consistency!
He thought he could see the hand of God in this mild form of silently and gradually bringing about this change. We thought we could see in this the hand of him who should speak great words against the Most High, and should wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws. Dan. 7:25.
At the close of our review, several came forward and called for the covenant to sign, pledging themselves to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Twenty-five have taken their stand with us. Many others are fully convinced that we have the truth.159
We obtained fourteen subscribers for our periodicals. Bro. N. W. Allen was with me till the close of the camp-meeting, and rendered valuable assistance. I return Nov. 8.
Oct. 30. J. G. WOOD.
SOW THE SEED.
Sow ye beside all waters,
Where the dew of heaven may fall;
Ye shall reap if ye be not weary,
For the Spirit breatheth o'er all.
Sow; though the thorns may bruise thee,
One wore the thorns for thee;
And though the cold world scorn thee,
Patient and hopeful be.
Sow ye beside all waters,
With a blessing and a prayer;
Name Him whose hand upholdeth thee,
And sow thou everywhere.
Sow when the morning breaketh
In beauty o'er the land;
And when the evening falleth,
Withhold not thou thine hand.
Sow, though the rock repel thee
In its cold and sterile pride;
Some cleft there may be riven,
Where the little seed may hide.
Fear not, for some will flourish,
And, though the tares abound,
Like the willows by the waters
Will the scattered grain be found.
Work in the wild waste places,
Though none thy love may own;
God guides the down of the thistle
The wand'ring wind hath sown.
Sow by the wayside gladly,
In the damp, dark caverns low,
Where sunlight seldom reacheth,
Nor healthful streamlets flow.
Watch not the clouds above thee;
Let the whirlwind round thee sweep;
God may the seed-time give thee,
But another's hand may reap.
Have faith, though ne'er beholding
The seed burst from its tomb;
Thou knowest not which may perish,
Or what be spared to bloom.
Room on the narrowest ridges
The ripened grain will find,
That the Lord of the harvest, coming,
In the harvest sheaves may bind.
Work while the daylight lasteth,
Ere the shades of night come on—
Ere the Lord of the vineyard cometh,
And the laborer's work is done.
—Selected.
OHIO
By O. F. Guilford; A. A. Bigelow
Delta and Liberty Center.—We have closed our meetings at Delta. Nineteen signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are convinced, and we hope they will yet obey.
We have now commenced work on the meeting-house at Liberty Center, which will occupy our time for some weeks.
O. F. GUILFORD.
A. A. BIGELOW.
KANSAS
By G. W. Colcord
Richland and Perryville.—After the Osawkee camp-meeting I went to Richland, and spoke nine times in two neighborhoods. Our social meeting was good. The Sabbath-school may maintain a forward rank—only labor! Four sisters promised to put off their finger-rings, and several others pledged themselves never to wear jewelry. I have sold one of these “adornments” (?) and given the proceeds to God’s cause. “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet,” my brother in the ministry, and show the people that the putting on of such articles is sin; hence cannot be tolerated among those who would be regarded as members of the “remnant” church of the lowly Saviour. Five were voted into the church. Twenty-three pledged to pay the tithe. This list now numbers forty. Here I met several from Illinois. Shall I meet all these dear friends on Mount Zion? By request I delivered a temperance lecture at the Masters school-house.
In a country place, a few miles from Perryville, I spoke five times; but in the meantime Bro. Dick went with me on the Sabbath to Osawkee, where I spoke once and attended an ordinance meeting, which had necessarily been postponed. One was received into the church. Bro. Dick earnestly requests Eld. Sharp to arrange for other meetings in his vicinity, and I believe it proper he should do so if practicable; because, evidently, there is “an ear to hear” and a good prospect. May God bless Kansas.
G. W. COLCORD.
NEW YORK.
By T. M. Lane
Van Ettenville, Chemung Co., Oct. 28.—We began meetings in a country school-house about five miles from this place, Sept. 30. Have held five meetings a week, and preached twice a week in an adjoining neighborhood. We have met considerable opposition. Strong efforts have been made to break up our meetings, even tar and feathers having been proposed; but we have held on, trusting in God. We have held one Sabbath meeting. Eight have signed the covenant, and we expect that others will do so. The truth is comparatively new in this section, and considerable prejudice exists, but it is giving way and the truth is gaining ground.
Brethren, remember us in prayer, as we need the special help of the Lord.
T. M. LANE.
WISCONSIN
By G. C. Tenney
New Lisbon, Stevens Point, etc.—We learn that five or six embraced the Sabbath truth at New Lisbon as the result of our tent-meeting there. It was then thought best that I should go to the assistance of the church in Stevens Point. They had a meeting-house commenced, but with no one to take charge of the work they could not proceed with it. I took hold to help them by raising means and laboring with my hands. Providence favored us, and the work is now nearly completed.
Oct. 11 and 12 I had the privilege of attending the Sabbath-school convention at Loyal. Brn. Decker and S. S. Smith were there. The meeting was highly successful, and at once proved the propriety of such gatherings. A large number of the youth and children came forward for prayers on the Sabbath. Four were baptized. We improved the favorable opportunity to organize a health and temperance club. It starts off with fair prospects, having a membership of over forty.
Oct. 16 to 20 the annual meeting of the State tract society was held at Hundred Mile Grove. This meeting, though not largely attended, was, we trust, a very profitable one. Humiliation by fasting and prayer was appointed for the Sabbath, and the blessing of God came to us in response to our efforts. The State was divided into districts, and divisions were assigned to the several ministers. The temperance work was well organized, and an active campaign inaugurated in its behalf.
Bro. Decker had arranged to attend a Sabbath-school convention at Poy Sippi, Oct. 25 and 26; but failing health prevented his going. In company with Bro. A. D. Olsen I attended this meeting, which was a large and interesting one. The schools at New London, Fremont, and Berlin were represented. Sabbath afternoon over fifty came forward for prayers. Ten were baptized by Bro. Olsen. We formed a health and temperance club with over fifty members. We find a willingness to engage in this work which is encouraging.
After spending a Sabbath in Excelsior, I shall return to Stevens Point, where we expect to hold a series of meetings during November. To the churches in division No. 2 I would say, I may not be able to reach you before the middle of December. G. C. TENNEY.
PENNSYLVANIA
By J. G. Saunders
Ulysses, Potter Co., Oct. 28.—I attended the quarterly meeting of the Port Allegheny church, Oct. 4, 5. It was a profitable occasion. Four were baptized, and three united with the church. A general revival spirit prevailed. I then spent ten days in the vicinity of Potter Brook, and found the brethren there still interested.
I next joined Bro. D. B. Oviat in a two-days' meeting at Port Allegheny. Our object was to awaken a new interest in the Sabbath-school, tract society, and temperance work, and a general interest in the cause in our new Conference. All signed the teetotal pledge; they also took 750 Annuals. Advance steps were taken in all of the reforms. Two more united with them at this meeting. May the blessing of God rest upon this church.
In company with Bro. Oviat I held a three-days' meeting with the Ulysses church. We found discouragements here, but by the blessing of God peace and harmony now prevail. We shall look for great help from this church in our new Conference, as it is one of our oldest churches.
Brethren, remember us in your prayers.
J. G. SAUNDERS.
Rules of News.
—Cashmere is suffering from a severe famine.
—The Apache Indians have been committing violence in parts of New Mexico.
—The Russian advance on Merv continues without interruption, but very slowly.
—It is said that 200 persons in Injumpoint, in Eastern Siberia, have perished by famine.
—An energetic movement to establish colored teachers in the colored public schools has begun in Baltimore.
—The yellow-fever epidemic in Memphis has abated; business has been resumed, and large numbers of refugees have returned.
—The interests of 28,000 men are involved in a strike which the nail-makers of South Staffordshire, England, have resolved to make.
—Sixteen veterans of the war of 1812 lately met in Boston, and voted to disband their Association. The youngest was 79 years old, and the oldest 92.
—Russia has a new revolutionary party. The first number of their paper, The Will of the People, declares war on the government, and its tone is very violent.
—Louis Kossuth, now 77 years of age, is living in voluntary exile near Turin, Italy, where he has mainly occupied himself with scientific studies since 1862.
—It is a good illustration of “the power of the littles” that the receipts of the British government last year from its penny stamps was £825,559, 11s., 1d., or over $4,127,000.
—Since last April there have been 150,000 cases of cholera in Japan, and 85,000 deaths. The epidemic is now rapidly subsiding under the sanitary enforcements of the government.
—During the first nine months of this year the revenue receipts of France have exceeded the estimates by 108,000,000 francs. If it continues as favorably the next quarter, the treasury will have a surplus of between $20,000,000 and $30,000,000.
—The Inter-Ocean says: “Since specie resumption, the total importation of the precious metals into the United States amounts to over $56,000,000; and still the golden tide pours in upon us, as, with our enormous stock of grain and provisions for export, it must continue to do.”
—At a conference of delegates representing 140,000 miners, which was recently held in Leeds, England, the subject of American emigration was discussed; and it was suggested that emigration be directed only to localities where a demand for labor had been previously known to exist.
—The congress held at Naples on the 26th of October to promote a general disarmament throughout the world, terminated in a scene of indescribable confusion. A bitter feeling toward Austria was manifested by the Italians, a feeling in which General Garibaldi fully sympathizes.
—Alfonso, the young Spanish king, has not only subscribed 50,000 francs for the relief of the sufferers by the recent flood, but has also requested those who propose to give him or his bride wedding gifts on the occasion of their coming marriage, to devote the amount instead to the same purpose.
—Miss Florence Lincoln, daughter of a leading attorney of Cincinnati, has taken the white veil as a novice of the Ursuline religious order of the Congregation of Paris, at the Ursuline Convent at St. Martins, Brown Co., Ohio. Miss L. is 22 years of age, is beautiful, and has a fine European education.
—The interference of Austria in Egyptian affairs, noted in the cablegrams of Oct. 30, is significant. France and England have large interests there. The Austrian interposition is prejudicial to these. It denotes with what assurance Austria reckons upon her alliance with Germany, without which the balking of the Anglo-French policy would hardly have been ventured upon.
—Charles Tomlinson, of the firm Tomlinson & Co., English cotton brokers who have recently failed with liabilities estimated at from £60,000 to £100,000, has been arrested on a charge of intent to defraud. His frauds are said to amount to £40,000 against Liverpool and London banks, but these figures must be accepted with caution. There is no evidence that his partners knew of his dishonesty.
—The dimensions which the conflict in Central Asia is likely to assume are indicated by the cable dispatches this morning, Oct. 29, which announces that Russia has ordered a division of 40,000 troops to the seat of war, and that they will be followed by a number of officers of the general staff at St. Petersburg. An army division of that size, with picked officers to lead it, signifies a very much more considerable movement than would be projected against the natives. It indicates that one at least of the actual combatants in the struggle for supremacy in the East is making ready to drop the mask, and carry on hostilities direct, instead of under the guise of a campaign against the natives.—Inter-Ocean.
—China and Japan are getting ready to fight. China is at the same time pushing her conquests westward and rousing the hostility of Persia, which, offended by the new friendship of Russia for China, gravitates to the side of Great Britain. Germany having got all she wants toward the west, having made her Rhenish frontier invulnerable against France, having protected her southern border by an Austrian alliance, having strengthened her Baltic shore by tremendous port fortresses, and having made up her mind that some time or other she must fight Russia, seems to have resolved to do it now while Russia is weak. She has therefore raised her available forces to two and a quarter millions and is waiting for an excuse to hurl them across the Vistula. England, satisfied with the Austro-German alliance, is content to see her big Asiatic enemy threshed by Germany, or would be glad to see both of them wear themselves out in a gigantic struggle, which would furnish abundance of work for her shipyards, foundries, and factories, and leave her an opportunity to pick up any unconsidered territorial trifles that may be lying around loose. Meanwhile she will hang on to Afghanistan, and cultivate amicable relations with Persia.—Detroit Evening News.
MISSOURI S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By N. W. Allee; D. C. Hunter
THE second annual session of the Missouri Sabbath-school Association was held at Windsor, Henry Co., Mo., Oct. 13, 1879. Opened with prayer by Eld. J. G. Wood.
Officers present: Eld. J. G. Wood, president; D. C. Hunter, secretary; N. W. Allee, member of executive committee.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The secretary presented the annual report, showing a gain of 138 scholars during the year: also his financial account, with $5.45 in the treasury. The report was approved.
On motion, a committee on nominations was appointed, consisting of John W. Watt, A. E. Flowers, and Wm. T. Millman. This committee reported as follows: For president, N. W. Allee; secretary, D. C. Hunter; executive committee, N. W. Allee, D. T. Jones, and Eld. C. H. Chaffee. Report of committee received and adopted.
On motion, the Association adjourned.
N. W. ALLEE, Pres.
D. C. HUNTER, Sec.
MAINE S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By W. H. Blaisdell; Isadore A. Baker
The Teachers’ Institute held at Norridgewock, Maine, in connection with the T. and M. meeting, Oct. 18, 19, was attended by representatives from quite a large number of schools.
Three meetings of the Institute were held. During the first, the time was occupied by an instructive and interesting address from the president, in which he showed what great results could and should be accomplished in the Sabbath-schools, and explained the means and plans by which these ends could best be reached.
The other meetings were devoted to discussions of plans, an examination of the manner of keeping record books, and to listening to the various suggestions of the officers and teachers in regard to many subjects that were interesting to those connected in any way with Sabbath-school work.
The following resolution was adopted:—
Whereas, There has been, especially in some parts of our State, a lack of interest in the Sabbath-school work, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend all our people to heartily co-operate in this work, in accordance with the effort made at our late camp-meeting; and that we all take hold of this work with renewed diligence.