At the present hour the most urgent need of foreign missions is not so much of men and money, altho these are indispensable, but of those instant prayers, without the aid of which the most favorable external circumstances remain sterile. O, could we be impelled to pray more!—not to repeat incessantly the phrase, more or less empty, “O God! bless the heathen and the missionaries,” but to pray like those “violent,” who, so to speak, wrestle with God, and to whom it pleases him to give the victory. Let us humble ourselves, let us confess our failures in this respect, and ask of God to pour upon us the spirit of intercession.
One day, returning from an evangelizing tour, I had the feeling that I had failed completely, and I said so with tears to an old friend who was a praying woman. “It is a little my fault,” she instantly replied; “I ought to have prayed much for you.” At the beginning of my missionary life, I received into my house six little orphans, bereaved in a famine. Some months after their arrival, I experienced a great spiritual refreshing, and five of these children were converted. A month later I had a letter from a blacksmith in Ohio, who said that he had been irresistibly impelled to ask God to restore my soul and to convert those children.
What could not our missionaries accomplish if our people labored in concert with them by fervent prayers? When you pray thus for us, dear friends, what shall you ask? O, ask above all that God would himself inspire our plan of work, and that we may have no will but his! Ask also that we may live in the unity of the Spirit; for the lack of union among the Lord’s workers is often the secret cause of their want of success. It is by our union in Christ, as members of his body, that the world will believe that he was sent of God.
Pray for the health of our missionaries; ask strength of body and refreshment of spirit for those who have been long at the breach. Ask for the young, that they may face with courage, and at the same time with prudence, the difficulties of a life absolutely new to them. Ask facility in learning the languages and in adapting themselves to the climate and the food. Ask especially that Christ may reign over their whole being; for God can not serve himself mightily for the conversion of souls except with instruments consecrated to him without reserve. Ask God to prepare native laborers; ask him that our publications in European or in native languages may advance his kingdom.
Could you not, in some sort, adopt a missionary as your own representative in pagan lands, and pray for him and his work as if they were really your own? Could you not take possession of a country, of a district, of a missionary station, and give yourself no rest until God has shed his Spirit upon this object of your best prayers?
An old lady said to me one day, “When you speak at your meetings could you not indicate to us also, old people who love missions but who, alas! have almost nothing to give, some way of being useful?” Very well, we address ourselves in a special manner to these aged friends who sigh because they have no power to do anything for our work, and we say to them: “To you above all belongs the great and beautiful task of supporting us by your prayers. We will count upon them henceforth, and we thank you in advance.”—Mrs. J. Fuller, missionary in India.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
Elder L. R. Conradi appeals to the Foreign Mission Board to begin the publication of a monthly periodical in the Hungarian language.
The Iowa canvassers’ school closed on the 8th inst., and it is expected that an efficient corps of canvassers will labor in that state this season.
The address of Elder D. A. Robinson and his collaborers in Calcutta, India, is 154 Bow Bazaar Street. He reports a favorable opening of their school.
Elder R. M. Kilgore reports a recent addition of seven members to the company at Spring City, Tenn., the place where so many of our brethren were imprisoned last year for Sunday labor in that county.
General camp meetings for May are appointed as follows: Atlantic Conference, May 20 to June 1; North Pacific Conference, May 21–31; Iowa, Des Moines, May 21–31; California (Oakland or vicinity), May 28 to June 7.
Brother S. W. Pelter reports that five persons have accepted the Sabbath of the Lord as a result of a short discussion of the subject in which he was urged to engage with a Disciple minister at Peakesville, Mo.
Beginning on the date of this paper, the Central California camp meeting, at Fresno, will continue till May 3. It is expected that Elders A. J. Breed, N. C. McClure, R. S. Owen, J. A. Burden, and Wm. Ings will be present during the meeting.
We mentioned last week that the Pitcairn would sail from this city on the 30th inst., but a despatch from Battle Creek, Mich., requests a delay of one week in order to accommodate the missionaries coming from that place, who find it difficult to meet the appointment as announced.
A good report comes from Great Falls, Mont., where Elder W. J. Stone is laboring. Among the recent accessions to the faith are four business men, who now hang out their signs informing customers that no business is done on the Sabbath (Saturday), but that their places will be open on Sunday.
Our denominational school building at Newark, W. Va., was burned on the 8th inst. This is a great loss to the brethren of that conference, as they depended much upon the educational facilities afforded by the institution. However, it is a test of faith in the word of the Lord, which says that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Of the origin of the fire Elder Babcock states that the person having charge of the building of fires put ashes in a pine box and left it near the wall of the house. The box took fire in the night and the flames communicated with the building, which was entirely destroyed, together with nearly all the contents. There was no insurance, and the loss is estimated as high as $4,000.
Something over a year ago, the academy at Graysville, Tenn., was closed for a time because its principal and assistant were made the subjects of Sunday-law persecution. The report for the past year, however, is very encouraging, the enrollment having been over one hundred, with an average attendance of seventy-five. The recent closing exercises were attended by a large and appreciative audience. Several companies of canvassers, composed of students of the academy, go out to different fields to labor during the summer. Elder Colcord, principal, will take a short rest. Prof. I. C. Colcord will engage in tent labor during the summer with Elder J. W. Collie, at Louisville, Ky. The academy now passes into the hands of the General Conference, under whose auspices it will hereafter be conducted.
The General Conference Committee have set apart May 16 and 17 as a time of fasting and prayer.
International Sabbath School Lesson
“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson VI.—Sabbath, May 9, 1896.
ETERNAL LIFE.
Topics for review:—
(a) Give a brief review of the topics of the last lesson. (b) Show how the sinner receives righteousness and life.
Divisions of the lesson: (1) Various Grades of Life. (2) The Divine Life in Man. (3) Eternal Life and Immortality.
“The things which are seen are temporal.” 2 Cor. 4:18.
3. What is said of all flesh?
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.” 1 Peter 1:24.
4. What is the nature of the word of the Lord?
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” “But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.” Verses 23, 25.
5. What similarities can we note between the human and brute creations? See note .
6. What position does man occupy in the animal creation? See note .
THE DIVINE LIFE IN MAN.
7. What does God’s divine power give us through knowledge of God?
“All things that pertain unto life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3.
8. Of what may we be partakers through the promises of God’s word?
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.
9. What effect does the word of God have upon the one who receives it from God?
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.
10. Into what is he changed?
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18.
13. Whose presence accompanies the word of Christ?
“If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.
14. How does Christ dwell with those that receive his word?
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” Eph. 3:17.
15. What does every believer possess?
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 3:36; 5:24. See note .
16. How does he have eternal life?
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:11, 12.
17. What is the nature of the change from mortality to immortality? See note .
18. What promises are made to those that continue in well-doing?
“To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, [God will render] eternal life.” Rom. 2:7.
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By a middle-aged woman, a position as cook, or to do light work. No washing. Adventist family preferred. Best of references given from former places. Address, J. Cook, Box 54, Fruitvale, Cal.
CHURCH SERVICES.
This column of church services, especially in our larger towns and cities, will be printed from time to time as we have room, for the benefit of strangers who may read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or brethren passing through. We have found it necessary to condense in the smallest possible space. The word “Sabbath” always refers to the seventh day of the week. These services consist of Sabbath school, preaching, Bible study, missionary, and prayer meetings. The first Sabbath service is, with one exception (Detroit), Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of the pastor or clerk.
Oakland.—Cor. 12th and Brush Sts. Public services: Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
San Francisco.—914 Laguna St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Thursday 7:30 P.M.
Los Angeles.—145 Carr St., bet. Main and Hill Sts. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Tuesday 7:30 P.M., Thursday 7:30 P.M. Belle P. Baker, Clerk, 926 Hill St.
Sacramento.—G. St. bet. 18th and 19th Sts. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Pasadena.—Cor. of Summit Ave. and Mountain St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M. O. A. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261.
San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7 P.M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136.
Stockton.—Cor. Miner Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 2:30 P.M. H. S. Guilford, Elder.
Alameda.—Foresters’ Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. and 2:45 P.M. H. F. Courter, Elder.
East Portland, Or.—Cor. 11th and East Everett Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M. and 7 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M.
Tacoma, Wash.—2917 S. K St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 6 and 7:30 P.M. Arthur Lister, Clerk.
Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F and G Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Sunday 6 P.M. Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Brooklyn, N. Y.—Wurzler’s Hall, 315 Washington St. near city post office. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M.
Boston, Mass.—United Fellow-ship Hall, 1371 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor, 45 Waverley St., Everett, Mass.
Worcester, Mass.—118 Austin St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. F. C. Bee, Clerk, No. 6 Furnace St.
Providence, R. I.—Library Hall, room 6 Olneyville Square. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 3 P.M., Friday 7:30 P.M. Wm. H. Warfield, Clerk, 86 Bush St., Providence.
Hartford, Conn.—Prohibition Hall, 91 Asylum St. Sabbath 2 and 3 P.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk.
Philadelphia, Penn.—Hall, 1722 N. Broad St. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11:30 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. E. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1787 Edgely St., north of Diamond.
Baltimore, Md.—Bowen’s Hall, 1718 Frederick Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Sunday and Friday 7:45 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. John H. Hunt, Clerk.
Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. (sun time); Sunday 7:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Willard H. Saxby, Pastor.
Louisville, Ky.—Markers’ Hall, cor. 17th and Main Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. J. W. Collie, a stor, 2481 West Broadway.
Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagg Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. H. M. Kenyon, Pastor.
Chicago, Ill.—On 46th St. bet. Michigan and Wabash Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., Tuesday and Wednesday 7 P.M.
St. Paul, Minn.—On Waconta bet. 8th and 9th. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. H. F. Phelps, Pastor, 470 Martin St.
St. Louis, Mo.—2955 Sheridan Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M., Wednesday 7:45 P.M. Mary S. Vener, Clerk.
Kansas City, Mo.—Cor. 12th and Woodland Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Tuesday 7:45 P.M.
St. Joseph, Mo.—Cor. 15th and Locust Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Mrs. Harriet W. Talbert, Clerk.
Kansas City, Kan.—Hall, Park Junction, cor. 5th St. and Virginia Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 2:30 and 7 P.M., Bible study at Mission, 721 Troop Ave., Mondays 7 P.M. L. Neal, Pastor.
Omaha, Neb.—Cor. 18th and Cumming Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10:15 and 11 A.M., Sunday 3 P.M. J. H. Rogers, Pastor, cor. 27th and Steward Sts.
Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:45 P.M., Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:45 P.M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, Water St., Waterloo, Salt Lake City.
New Orleans, La.—Pythian Hall, cor. 7th and Magazine Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M. J. E. Evans, Pastor.
Jersey City, N. J.—Public services at church, 27 Oak St., Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M.; at hall, 242 Hancock Ave., Sabbath 2:30 and 3:30; Sunday, 7:45 P.M. both places. Amos Mitchell, Elder.
Illustrated Tract.
One of the late issues of the Bible Students' Library, entitled “The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast.” Contains 4 original illustrations. The subject is one of vital interest to all, and now is an opportune time to circulate this tract widely. Order B. S. L. No. 130. Address your State Tract Society, or PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; New York City, N. Y.
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International Sunday School Lesson
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others;
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them; but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
(Memorize verses 15-17.)
Golden Text: “The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.
NOTE.—In the first part of Luke 18 is given an example of persevering prayer, in the case of the widow and unjust judge. The purpose of the illustration is not to compare the Lord and the judge, but to contrast the motives of the two. The judge granted the request out of purely selfish motives,—he did not wish to be continually disturbed. Now if a request to an earthly judge be granted, no matter how ungraciously, how much more—infinitely more—will our requests and prayers be heard and granted when addressed to God, who delights in mercy and in giving good gifts to his children! Read in connection with this chapter, Matt. 19:13-20; Mark 10:13-31. Jesus is now on his way to Jerusalem for the last time. Further in the chapter he outlines the future to his disciples, who fail to grasp the meaning of his words.
Suggestive Questions.
(1) To whom did Jesus speak a certain parable? Verse 9. (2) What classes are brought to view? Verse 10. (3) How did the Pharisee begin his prayer? Verse 11. Note 1. (4) What good points did he mention? Verse 12. Note 2. (5) What is said of the publican? Verse 13. Note 3. (6) Which one did the Lord say was justified, or forgiven? Verse 14. (7) What general principle was thus exemplified? Same verse, and verse 9. Note 4. (8) Who were brought to Jesus as he taught? Verse 15. (9) How did the disciples regard this? Same verse. (10) What did Jesus say concerning the children? Verse 16. Note 5. (11) How may a man enter the kingdom of God? Verse 17, and note 5.
Notes.
1. The Pharisee stood.—Not merely that he assumed the usual attitude in prayer, but he placed himself, as the original indicates, ostentatiously. He “struck an attitude” purposely to be noticed by others in his vicinity. His rank would allow of much show in dress, and “he would have on his blue-fringed talith, and his phylacteries, conspicuous on his brow and his arm.” Prayed thus with himself.—This is precisely what he did. He did not pray to God, but his prayer was a sort of self-congratulatory effort, quite probably loud enough to be overheard. But the only difference between him and “other men,” to whom he referred, was that they were openly known to be such characters as he portrayed, while he, an outward observer of all points of the law, was inwardly as great a sinner as they were, in the sight of God perhaps greater, because of his profession and opportunities. His was a first-class example of self-righteousness.
2. I fast twice in the week.—The law appointed only one fast day in the year, but the rabbis by their interpretations made a burden of what was ordained by the Lord for a good purpose. They multiplied the law, rather than magnified it.
3. The publican.—It is also stated that the publican stood, but the word used shows that the attitude was nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, the sense of his sins so pressed upon him that he “would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven.” He did not try to hide the fact that he was a sinner, but smote his hands upon his breast in token of his sorrow. He was truly penitent, altho probably guilty of the sins enumerated by the Pharisee; for his public office as customs and tax gatherer afforded him opportunity to do those things. Of self-righteousness he had none, and so will it be with every one who finds the Lord and his forgiveness.
“One nearer to the altar trod,
The other to the altar’s God.”
4. Shall be exalted.—Abasement often comes to the haughty in the sight of their fellow-men. “Pride goeth before a fall” is a proverb frequently fulfilled in worldly matters. Also, the opposite is often true in matters of this life. The honest and truthful individual, who reveals his character by his unostentatious bearing, is given responsibilities and worthy positions. But preeminently is the principle true in spiritual things. Shame and destruction await the proud in heart, while the Lord himself will raise the humble to the honors of heaven. “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Ps. 37:11. With him also of a humble spirit dwells the high and lofty One, whose name is Holy. Isa. 57:15.
5. Of such is the kingdom of God.—In the midst of his teaching, infants and little children were brought to Jesus that he might touch them. The disciples, deeply interested in his discourse, regarded this as an inopportune interruption. But the Lord did not regard it so, and immediately drew from the incident an important lesson. Here were innocent, teachable, obedient hearts. Here was no taint of suspicion or doubt or unbelief; perfect confidence and faith were manifested. Such must be the attitude of him who would receive the kingdom of God, that is, accept the testimony concerning that kingdom, and live the life of a Christian. Of such, in the hearts of such, is the kingdom of God now, and of such characters will the earthly kingdom restored consist. This to the world seems foolishness, but it is the profound simplicity and wisdom of God. The reasonableness of it appears when we consider that the worldly-wise man is wise in his own conceit,—some of his ways are very good, better than the Lord’s perhaps, he thinks,—but the child of God relies completely on his Father’s advice and guidance. There is perfect harmony in the kingdom of God.
The Testimony of History to the Truth of Scripture.
By Editor
By Rev. George Rawlinson, M.A., author of “Seven Great Monarchies.” This is a pamphlet of 249 pages, takes up the most recent archaeological discoveries, and shows how thoroughly they agree with the Bible record. “The religion of the Bible, unlike almost all other religions, has its roots in the region of facts,” are his opening words in this valuable work, and the whole book is just as forcible and to the point as this opening sentence. We say again, it is a valuable aid to those who wish to briefly study the subject. Price, paper covers, 35 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION: A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
NEWS AND NOTES
FOREIGN
—It is stated that a congress of leading Mohammedans will be assembled some time during the present year, to discuss means for reuniting Islam, and how to guard against the encroachments of Christianity and the advance of Christian nations on the lands of Islam.
—Information says that the Japanese are going to commemorate their victory in the late Chinese war by erecting a statue to Buddha 120 feet high. The metal is to be supplied from ordnance captured in battle, and the whole monument will cost about 1,000,000 yen. It will be erected at Kioto.
—England’s advance on the Soudan has not developed materially in reliable information during the week. The determination seems to be unaltered to push the Dervishes as rapidly as possible. It is announced that troops have been ordered from India to assist in the campaign, which progresses slowly, owing to difficulties to be overcome in transportation.
—The uprising of the Matabeles in South Africa is a live topic for Great Britain, coupled with the hostile attitude of the Boers. The whites in the vicinity of Bulawayo, the capital city of Matabeleland, have rushed to that place for protection, and from all accounts the situation is critical, as the garrison is less than a thousand strong, while the place is surrounded by Matabeles numbering, according to estimate, from 15,000 to 18,000, and all well armed. The natives are said to be led by a son of the noted Lobengula, who was killed about two years ago.
—Another great victory has been won by the Cubans under Maceo. Just how many were killed on either side is not known definitely, but the fact that dispatches announcing a Spanish defeat were permitted to pass the censor, is evidence of a serious loss. The battle occurred near L’eh uza, in northwestern Cuba, between the Alfonso XIII. battalion, under Colonel Debos, and the Cubans under Maceo, as stated, and was of about nine hours’ duration, during which time the Spaniards were driven to the coast, where they received assistance from the Spanish gunboat Alerta. The interested are now waiting to see how effective General Weyler’s latest move will be, which consists of a “trocha,” or continuous fortified line across the island. This “dead line” is defended by over 20,000 men, and is designed to keep separate Gomez’ and Maceo’s forces. From past events, no one outside the island looks for any check to the insurgents in this direction.
DOMESTIC
—A third mine accident in Montana within ten days occurred near Anaconda, April 18. A powder explosion in the Broadwater mine killed six men and wounded sixteen.
—The Bering Sea arbitration treaty has been approved by the Senate. It remains now for England to consent to a few amendments, when commissioners will be appointed to settle the fisheries disputes.
—Two professors of Bennett College, Chicago, claim to have made the discovery, by actual tests, that the Roentgen rays kill the bacilli of cholera, diphtheria, typhoid fever, and one or two other diseases. If this proves to be substantiated by further tests, a revolution in the practice of medicine is certainly in sight.
—Rev. W. N. Cleveland, pastor of the Chaumont Presbyterian Church, at Watertown, N. Y., and brother of President Cleveland, has been removed from his charge. The charges brought against him are that his political tendencies show unpleasantly in his discourses. He is the same gentleman whose accusations against certain public officials brought him into trouble some months ago.
—The government has let a contract for carrying mail from Juneau to Circle City, Alaska. The distance between the two places is 900 miles, and six round trips a year will be made, for which the contractor receives $500 a trip. As it is estimated that only about five hundred letters will be carried, and only two cents postage will be charged, the Postal Department will lose ninety-eight cents on each letter. This will be the northernmost post office on the continent.
—Skepticism grows apace, and shows itself in high places. The congregation of Plymouth Church, New York, is somewhat amazed at the words of its pastor, Dr. Lyman Abbott, who openly disavowed his belief in the miracles of the Bible, on April 12. Even that central point, the death and resurrection of Christ, is treated as a case of suspended animation. In that event, according to the doctor’s theology, or philosophy, he is yet in his sins,—mankind has had no Redeemer. What is to become of the flock, led into such byways and wastes as this!
—Reports from Alaska state that already there is much suffering among those who have rushed into the country expecting to make quick fortunes in the gold regions. This was to be expected by any one who has noted the makeup of various expeditions that have hurriedly fitted out for the gold fields. Gold fields and routes look entirely different when studied in a pleasant home than do barren stretches of mountain and week after week of tramping in cold and heat when seen in the bleak reality. Then, with funds gone, homesickness has a golden harvest. It seems to be the old story that accompanies the gold fever over again.
—A peculiar experiment was recently made with the phonograph by the manager of a western pumping works. The pumps were out of order, and it was believed that it would be necessary to call an expert from the east, at great expense, to locate the difficulty. But an idea came to the manager, and a phonograph was procured, and what seemed to be the trouble with the pump was talked into it, then the receiver was placed near the machinery, and all the sounds of its working recorded. The roll was forwarded, the experts heard the description, listened to the action of the diseased pump, and were readily enabled to suggest the proper remedy.
—An important decision has just been rendered by Judge Payne, of Harvey, Ill. It seems that a proviso accompanies all title deeds in the place that no liquor shall be sold forever on the property. But a saloon was opened, only to be closed by an injunction gotten out by the lady editor of the Harvey Citizen. The suit that followed lasted over a year, resulting in the granting of a permanent injunction in the city. The saloon men will carry the case to the Supreme Court, and, in the meantime, it is stated their plans include the defeat of any temperance men who may be nominated for judges of that body, a scheme that has been successfully worked in the past.
