It is estimated that some one dies every second, and that a funeral train is ever marching to the grave. When one burden is lowered into the ground and covered with turf, another follows. When one heart forgets its grief, another is plunged in woe. When one eye is dried, another is blinded with tears. There are few dwellings that have not been visited by the black carriage with nodding plumes. There are few families that have not opened their doors to receive the casket with silver handles. There are few hearts that have not swelled almost to bursting at the sound of clods on coffin-lids. To many the tramp, tramp of the dead march is but the driving of iron hoofs into the soul.
March on, ye funeral processions, march on! The day is coming when your horses will refuse to go, your carriages will remain empty, and the voice of weeping be hushed. The leader of your train will be vanquished. A mightier than he will take the command, and at his word the tramp, tramp of the dead march will be exchanged for the tramp, tramp of the resurrected host. Songs of joy will burst from lips that were once white and cold. Crowns of life will adorn brows that were once wet with the dews of death. Harps of gold will glitter in hands that had long been mingled with churchyard dust. All hail, glad morn of eternal day! The gleams of thy glory even now gild the darkness of the tomb.
The broken beauty of earth speaks of victory over death. The clay-cold corpses of our friends will be re-animated with life. The same eyes will sparkle as of old. The same hands will grasp ours as of yore, and the same voices will greet ours as in the past. The same, yet glorified and made beautiful. The same, yet redeemed and made immortal. March on, O years! Tramp on, ye funeral trains! Your heavy tread will soon be silenced by the tramp, tramp of the armies of Heaven.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Me.
TO THE BRETHREN IN ILLINOIS.
By R. F. Andrews
Very Dear Brethren: I wish to call your attention to some matters in connection with the cause of God in our Conference.
1. Our spiritual condition is not what it should be. We have not that true sense of the solemnity of the times we are living in that we should have. Christ “stands at the door and knocks,” and how few of us realize it. We need to give our hearts anew to God, to lay ourselves, with all that we have and are, a living sacrifice upon his altar.
2. Our devotion to the cause of truth is very deficient. As we grow in experience and knowledge, and become better acquainted with the evidences of our faith, our devotion should proportionately increase. But this is not the case, at least with the majority of us. Some have departed from their first love; their devotion to the cause is not as great as when they first embraced the truth.
“Oh! wake thy slumbering people.”
3. The financial condition of our Conference is very bad. With the small compensation given our ministers, we are left $400.00 in debt, and our treasury is entirely empty. This certainly is not as it should be. Besides, we owe nearly $100.00 on tents. A part of this, however, is due from responsible brethren.
4. Against my wishes, you have put upon me the responsibilities of president of the Conference. With your hearty co-operation, it will be comparatively easy to discharge the duties of this office; but if you are indifferent and careless, these duties will be arduous and almost unendurable. Which way shall it be, brethren? Your actions will answer this question. You have said by vote that you will stand by your officers; but words and votes are cheap. Actions speak. We shall confidently expect your hearty co-operation. Do not disappoint us.
The districting of the State is a step in the right direction. Brethren, hold up the hands of the ministers laboring in your respective sections. Work with them for the up-building of the precious cause of truth. Be faithful in attending meetings, doing missionary work, reporting, paying your tithes, and maintaining your consecration to God. Labor earnestly for your own salvation, and that of your fellow-men. If you do these things, God will let his rich blessing rest upon you, you will be strong, and the cause in our Conference will prosper.
6. Remember that time is rapidly passing; therefore do not procrastinate. The Judgment is before you. The eye of the Judge is upon you. Let us marshal our forces, gird ourselves for the battle, and take hold of this work like men who expect soon to give account for our deeds.
7. Much depends upon the ministers and church officers. Brethren, be faithful. Remember, “every man shall be rewarded as his work shall be.” May the Lord help us each to do his perfect will.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Bloomington, Ill., Sept. 25, 1879.
A PECULIAR PEOPLE.
By E. H. Gates
God’s remnant church should be a peculiar people; not peculiar as the word sometimes signifies, that is, not noted for oddities and eccentricities, but a “peculiar people zealous of good works.” If God’s people live out the truth to the best of their ability, they will be peculiar enough without indulging in notions that are disgusting to the world, and that have their root in selfishness. They should be distinguished from the world by an upright life, by honest deal with those without, by holy conversation, by unassuming dress, and by much prayer. The constant tendency of the church is to a conformity to the world. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2.
Some Sabbath-keepers think to gain influence with worldlings by aping the fashions of the world, and indulging in its frivolities. But says James, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Chap. 4:4. As a person is called an adulterer who proves unfaithful to a chosen companion, so those who have espoused Christ by their solemn church vows are called adulterers if they have unlawful connection with the world, and thus prove unfaithful to their chosen Lord. This is spiritual adultery.
The apostle James also tells us that pure religion and undefiled is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Of course we are only to refrain from conformity to the world where the world is in opposition to the Scriptures. Vain and frivolous conversation is not in accordance with Christ’s teachings; therefore it should not be indulged in. Dressing like the devotees of fashion is also condemned by the Scriptures. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.” 1 Pet. 3:3. By indulging in these things we show that we have more desire for the esteem of the world than for the favor of God.
We must be a peculiar people if we would be members of the “church of the First-born which are written in Heaven.” Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it; . . . that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:25, 27.
E. H. GATES.
Leesburg, Ohio.
BEGINNING AT ONCE.
There is great gain in beginning at once to be a Christian. Besides the time lost that might have been given to God and men, there is the matter of personal development. Just as, in this life, two persons may not get the same amount of pleasure from one of Beethoven’s symphonies, so, in Heaven, one person may find a thousand times more than another, because of developed capacity and fitness to receive. He who stands on the border land the truest in service, and the most highly developed, will be the best fitted to enter in and possess the glory and happiness and beauty.
Since, then, Christianity is the law of human perfection, any lack of allegiance to it is high treason against man. The life of one is inextricably intertwined with the other. Not a selfish thought is entertained, or a selfish wish harbored, but is a wrong against man. Not a selfish pleasure is tasted, or a selfish scheme pursued, but is just so much obstruction placed across the path of human progress. Suppose that during the fearful conflagration in Boston there had been one engine house in the city that contained machinery and appliances capable of immediately stopping the flames; and suppose that some person had possessed and retained the key. While granite walls are crumbling, and fortunes are shriveling in the heat, while men and women and children are struggling to save themselves or their goods, while homes are being ruined, while strong men strive, and women weep, the possessor of the key, the knowledge of which might end it all, goes lounging about, whistling or humming a tune, with hands in his pockets. Is there any plummet of language capable of sinking so low as to measure the depth of his guilt? Not a heart pang, nor a falling tear; not a broken home, nor a ruined fortune; not a lost dollar, nor a lost life, but would equally and justly be chargeable on him. And if the number of persons holding keys were a hundred, or a thousand instead of one, the principle would be the same.
This is but a fair illustration of the case we have in hand. Each man holds in his hand the key to the deliverance from all evil of the sphere which he occupies and controls. Only let each one accept and live out the Christ ideal, and evil would disappear as the mist flees the valleys and hillsides when the sun is up.
The first and pressing duty, then, of every man is to become a practical Christian. You have no right to delay it an hour, for nothing else can be so important. As an individual, for the sake of your own development and highest self-interest, you are bound to the duty of being a Christian. For the sake of the disordered and broken family life of the world, and by the importance of perfected households, you are bound to be a Christian. For the sake of society, and that its infinite wrongs and wounds may be healed, you are bound to be a Christian. Your first political duty, that national and international relations may be perfected, and that the dawn of the world’s future morning may hasten the rising of its star, is to become a Christian. No reason is valid against, and every voice of Heaven and earth combines in, the one ceaseless and urgent utterance, It is your first great duty to become a Christian.
—Savage’s “Christianity the Science of Manhood.”
The Danger of Distrusting Human Reason
By Channing
THE worst error in religion, after all, is that of the skeptic, who records triumphantly the weaknesses and wanderings of the human intellect, and maintains that no trust is due to the decisions of this erring reason. We by no means conceive that man's greatest danger springs from pride of understanding, though we think as badly of this vice as other Christians. The history of the church proves that men may trust their faculties too little as well as too much, and that the timidity, which shrinks from investigation, has injured the mind, and betrayed the interests of Christianity, as much as an irreverent boldness of thought.—Channing.
Perceiving Good in Others
The man who cannot perceive good in others, is not perfectly good himself.
MINNESOTA
Mankato, Sept. 23.—Our meetings are now closed at Mankato and Eagle Lake, after a continuance of about twelve weeks. As the result of our labors, thirty have joined the Mankato church. Two members who had through discouragement given up the Sabbath, have taken a new start to serve God and keep his commandments. Several of those who joined the church were children of Sabbath-keeping parents; two or three were before keeping the Sabbath; the others came from the different sects and from the world. Seven adults that have begun to keep the Sabbath have not as yet fully connected themselves with us. We have had peculiar difficulties to contend with in these meetings, yet the Lord has blessed the word spoken. The brethren at Mankato helped us much in our labors. We are of good courage.
W. B. HILL. L. H. ELLIS.
Mapleton.—We came to this meeting Friday evening. Found the 60-ft. tent pitched in a beautiful grove. About one hundred Sabbath-keepers were in attendance. The ministers present were Elds. Hill and Ellis, and Eld. A. C. Spicer from Nebraska. As this meeting was appointed for the benefit of the brethren, the preaching was mostly of a practical nature. Sabbath morning a very interesting Sabbath-school was held, conducted by Bro. Hill, president of the State Sabbath-school Association. The afternoon was principally occupied in talking up the Sabbath-school work.
Sunday morning the temperance work was considered. The pledges being circulated, eighty names were received, with those present who had previously signed. A society was formed of twenty-four members, others waiting until clubs were started in their respective churches. We were pleased to see the interest manifested in this part of the work. At 3 P. M. Eld. Hill spoke to the young from John 10:11. The Spirit of the Lord rested down upon the congregation. An invitation being given, eleven, mostly young persons, rose for baptism. Bro. Hill and Ellis, who have been laboring with good success at Mankato the present season, did most of the preaching. We look for the cause to rise in that district this Conference year.
HARRISON GRANT. Sept. 25. J. FULTON.
OHIO
Vansville, Sept. 23.—Meetings still continue with good interest. Two families have lately resolved to keep God’s commandments. The Sabbath-school numbers twenty-four, mostly grown people. I have obtained a few more subscribers for the REVIEW. I hope for more good yet to be accomplished.
G. G. RUPERT.
Clarkesfield, Sept. 23.—The weather is more favorable. Some unruly fellows endeavored to break up our meeting, but they signally failed. They exploded a large knot within a few feet of the stand, in the midst of a sermon. Fortunately the pieces all went from the tent, or some would have been badly hurt, if not killed. All is quiet now. The interest is reviving some. About six have decided to obey. We do not expect many, but hope for a few others.
H. A. St. JOHN.
Leesburg, Sept. 22.—For about five weeks we have been holding meetings three miles from Leesburg. Although this is a country place, our audiences have generally been good until lately. A few are keeping the Sabbath, and others are investigating the matter with unprejudiced minds. Nearly all here are non-professors.
Last Sabbath we were with the brethren at Antioch, and found them generally doing well. The Sabbath-school was particularly interesting. The lessons were well learned, and all seemed to manifest a deep interest in the school. May the Lord bless the Antioch church.
E. H. GATES.
W. S. BOONE.
ILLINOIS
Lisbon, Sept. 25.—I have pitched the tent here at Lisbon, and have held five meetings. Some interest is manifested. I am alone, and for that reason cannot leave the tent. Will the people of God remember me in their prayers.
L. JOHNSON.
Greenup, Sept. 22.—We have just closed a series of meetings at this place. The Lord has greatly blessed our labors, for which we feel thankful. Six were added to the church, two by vote, and four were buried with their Lord in baptism. There are others here who are almost persuaded. May they seek wisdom from God, and decide aright.
DENNIS MORRISON.
Parkersburg and West Salem.—After camp-meeting I held a few meetings in the vicinity of Parkersburg. Sept. 9, we pitched the tent in West Salem. The tent will not hold the congregations. The people are friendly, and I have more invitations to visit than I can fill. I realize my insufficiency more and more, and the necessity of entire dependence upon God. Will those that love the truth remember Southern Illinois.
G. F. SHONK.
Hoopeston, Sept. 24.—The following, which appears in this week’s issue of the Hoopeston Chronicle, will inform our readers of the progress of the work here:—
“Eld. D. T. Bourdeau took down his tent Monday, having spoken in it twenty times (in two weeks and one day). He expresses his gratitude for having also had the privilege of speaking once in the Christian church, and twice in the Methodist, by special invitation, when it was too cool to speak in the tent. He speaks to-night in Clarke’s hall, on Satan, his origin, work, and final destiny; after which he will meet those who would like to hear him further at the parlor of the Hibbard house, Sundays at 3:30 and 7:30 P. M., Thursday and Saturday nights at 7:30 P. M., and Saturdays at 10:30 A. M.”
We might have held meetings longer in the tent, had it not been for the sickness of our dear French brother Gros, who has had a severe attack of intermittent fever. He is some better. He designs to spend one or two years at our College, to prepare for the ministry. One or two more of our French brethren will soon join him with the same intention.
I do not leave this place till I have given the people a fair chance, whatever may be the result. I also speak four times a week in the country. Bro. Gros, of St. Anne, will spend a season with me.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
INDIANA
Grant City, Tent No. 2, Sept. 25.—Have been in this place five weeks, and have spoken thirty-six times. The interest is still good. Among the interested ones are the best people of the community. Over fifty were present at our last Sabbath meeting. Nine have signed the covenant, and we have hopes of several more. Have sold $6.00 worth of books, and our donations amount to $4.40. Shall remain here this week, and then take down the tent and go to our Conference. J. M. Rees. J. S. Shrock. V. Thompson.
Tent No. 3, Sept. 25.—We have closed tent labor for the season. Six or eight are now keeping the Sabbath at Cicero, where we last labored. We have organized a church of thirteen members at Arcadia. The S. B. pledged to the Conference amounted to $42.00, and we are confident that this sum will be increased to $50.00 when all have been called upon. At this place twenty copies of our papers were subscribed for, besides a club of ten Instructors for the Sabbath-school. Have sold about $40.00 worth of books during the season.
Arcadia and Cicero are only three miles apart, so that the members constitute one church, now numbering twenty-four. We expect some will fall away; but we have hopes of others, so we trust the number may continue good. Three of these were keeping the Sabbath before we came here. Bro. Lane rendered some valuable assistance. Bro. Henderson, who has a license from the Kansas Conference, has labored in connection with me, manifesting commendable devotion and energy in the work. Wm. Covert.
Madison Co.—As an item of encouragement for T. and M. workers, I send in the following report of labor. Having learned last winter of a few individuals near Frankton, in Madison Co., whose interest was awakened upon the Sabbath question, I determined to visit them for the purpose of getting reading matter before them, and also to speak in their neighborhood if opportunity offered. I soon found it convenient to put my resolutions into operation, but the heavy rains and deep mud made it impracticable to continue meetings as was desired; so I turned colporteur, and prevailed on the interested ones to buy books and subscribe for the REVIEW, and Good Health (which I regard as the pastor and deacon of our churches), and left them to keep up the interest, assisted by a monthly visit from the writer during tent season. And I can heartily thank God that I am now enabled to report at least ten of them keeping the Sabbath. I would advise all missionary workers to engage in a special effort to obtain subscribers for our periodicals. They are weekly reminders of many things of great importance, and will materially aid in keeping up the interest awakened by preaching. Wm. Covert.
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
Brushy Knob, Dallas, and Turner's Point.
—Our second arbor meeting at Brushy Knob was successful beyond our expectations. A larger number of our own people were present, and a much larger crowd from without. Twelve tents were pitched. My brother and Bro. Daniels were present, and assisted in preaching. At our Sabbath morning prayer-meeting, one hundred Sabbath-keepers were counted. Denison, Plano, and Dallas were represented. Bro. Jenson came with three others from Bosque Co. Besides a few scattered brethren, the churches of Peoria and Cleburne were nearly all present. The preaching was both doctrinal and practical. The social meetings were spiritual and excellent. Many were convicted, several were converted, and nineteen were baptized. Such was the interest that it was thought best to continue another week, which we did. We sold some books, and obtained ten subscribers for the REVIEW. Closed the meeting Sunday night, Sept. 8.
On my way north I spoke to a full house near Cedar Hill, Monday night. Tuesday night and Wednesday, I held meetings with the church at Dallas. Baptized one.
Friday, Sept. 13, we met again with the friends at Turner's Point, under the arbor. About twenty are holding on, and growing strong in the truth, amid bitter opposition. Organized a Sabbath-school, and appointed a leader for the class. Elder Dorson, a Presbyterian, was sent for, and brought to meet us publicly, asking equal time. We gave up our regular Sunday night meeting, and engaged with him in ten-minute speeches on the change of the Sabbath. All the position he would take was that the evening begins at 12 o'clock M.; that therefore, according to the Bible, the Sabbath began at 12 o'clock Saturday, and ended at 12 o'clock Sunday, with a night between them which was not counted; and that consequently they are as near right as the “Advents.” We did the best we could to bring out all the truth on the negative. The people became disgusted with him, and called for another question. I refused to take up any other subject until they had brought a man who would honestly contend for, and intelligently bring out, what he thought was the truth. The brethren were confirmed in the truth. I go now to Savoy and Denison.
R. M. KILGORE.
VERMONT CONFERENCE.
By A. S. Hutchins; Chester E. Powell
As previously appointed, the seventeenth annual session of the Vermont Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held on the camp-ground at Essex Junction, Sept. 11-16, 1879.
The first meeting was held Thursday afternoon, Sept. 12, and was opened with prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. Eleven delegates bearing credentials and representing nine churches responded to the call, and delegates were chosen for the churches at Wolcott and Andover.
After the reading of the minutes of the last annual session, the Cabot and Marshfield church, which has been under the watchcare of the Conference, was taken into full connection. The brethren from abroad and all members present in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. The following committees were appointed by the Chair: On nominations, E. P. Farnsworth, H. W. Pierce, and C. N. Pike; on resolutions, C. W. Stone, R. S. Owen, and T. H. Purdon; on auditing, T. H. Purdon, Isaiah Stanhope, A. B. Gomoe, C. P. Whitford, E. P. Farnsworth, and H. W. Barrows; on credentials and licenses, R. S. Owen, G. W. Page, and T. H. Purdon.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING convened Sunday afternoon. H. W. Barrows was received as delegate from the Irasburgh church.
The nominating committee recommended the following as officers for the ensuing year, and they were unanimously elected: For president, A. S. Hutchins; secretary, C. E. Powell; treasurer, A. S. Hutchins; executive committee, A. S. Hutchins, Lewis Bean, and Hascall Peebles; camp-meeting committee, G. W. Page, E. P. Farnsworth, and B. F. Bicknell.
The following report was accepted at the hands of the committee on resolutions:—
Resolved, That we recommend to all the brethren and sisters of our Conference to adopt and carry out faithfully the tithing system.
Resolved, That our Conference pay a tithe of the s. b. it receives to the General Conference.
Resolved, That our churches should be punctual in making reports quarterly to the State secretary.
Resolved, That we recommend that as far as possible the laborers be evenly distributed in the State, and that they have an especial care of the Sabbath-school, temperance, s. b., and T. and M. interests in their respective sections.
Resolved, That we recognize the present temperance movement of the American Health and Temperance Association as an important branch of the third angel's message; and
Resolved, That we recommend a hearty co-operation by our brethren in the organization of local temperance societies, and in living out the principles of Christian temperance.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference are due to Mr. McGregor for the free use of his beautiful grove for our camp-meeting.
The following was submitted by Bro. C. W. Stone:—
Resolved, That we recognize the need of laborers, and the advantages presented by our College for our young people to prepare for the work, and that we therefore recommend that our youth be encouraged to attend the College for this purpose.
The resolutions were freely spoken to by Brn. G. I. Butler, C. W. Stone, A. S. Hutchins, W. C. White and others, and unanimously adopted.
The committee on credentials and licenses reported, recommending that credentials be renewed to Elds. A. S. Hutchins, A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau, Lewis Bean, Albert Stone, and R. S. Owen; and that C. W. Stone be ordained and receive credentials. It was also recommended that licenses be renewed to M. E. Kellogg, G. W. Page, Chester E. Powell, and T. H. Purdon; and that license be granted to Frank S. Porter. The report was accepted, and credentials and licenses granted as per report.
At their request, the churches at Barford, Stukely, and the Westbury and Eton church, in the Canada Mission, were dropped from the minutes of the Vermont Conference.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD MEETING, Monday, 6:30 p. m. The following resolution offered by Bro. Butler was adopted:— Whereas, By the action of the General Conference, the Province of Quebec was separated from the Vermont Conference in the autumn of 1878, and constituted a mission field under the charge of Bro. A.119C. Bourdeau, subject to the action of the General Conference, and
Whereas, the line between this Province and Vermont runs through the church at Richford with a portion of its members and scattered Sabbath-keepers on each side of the line, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference recommend that Sabbath-keepers living near the church, and meeting there, pay their s. b. into the treasury of that church as heretofore, and that the s. b. treasurer of that church keep an accurate account of the amount of money paid by those living in the Province and those living in Vermont, and these sums respectively be paid to the treasurer of the Vermont Conference or the Association according to the place in which it was raised. And should the church by vote use any of the s. b. thus raised, in the church, it shall be taken from each part according to the sum each division has paid.
The following was presented by Bro. H. Peebles, and adopted:—
Whereas, Bro. C. W. Stone has been called from his work in Vermont to fill a place in the Battle Creek College, thus depriving the Vermont Conference of an efficient laborer, therefore
Resolved, That we express our regret at losing the labors of Bro. Stone, and if he be taken from us, we request the General Conference to send us, as help, Bro. Geo. I. Butler, or some other efficient laborer.
H. Peebles and H. W. Jackman were appointed as auditors for the coming year.
Voted, That the Conference donate $75.00 for the completion of the church at Cabot.
Voted, That the proceedings of this meeting be sent to the REVIEW for publication.
A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
Chester E. Powell, Sec.
AWAKE
By Eliza H. Morton
Ye saints of God, awake, arise!
Soft glory tinges far-off skies!
“Creation’s day-break” is at hand,
The sunshine of a fairer land!
Your feet are on “enchanted ground.”
Beware, lest sleeping you be found,
When morning dawns, and splendor bright
Dispels the gloomy shades of night!
“At ease in Zion”! fatal rest!
Oh, know ye not the fearful test?
Oh, feel ye not the need of prayer,
When darkness deep is everywhere?
O church of Christ! the hour is near!
Your absent Lord will soon appear!
The time of labor will be o’er,
When glory dawns for evermore!
Oh, till ye now the fruitful soil,
And shrink not from the weary toil!
A blest reward soon yours will be,
E’en joy for aye—eternity!
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Me.
MICHIGAN
By Orlando Soule
Edmore, Sept. 23.—Closed services at this place yesterday, after continuing nearly six weeks. I have sold $4.80 worth of books, and received donations to the amount of $12.00. Three or four will keep the Sabbath as the result of the meetings. Last evening I held a meeting with the brethren at Cedar Lake, most of whom are going to the Lyons camp-meeting. ORLANDO SOULE.
KANSAS
By R. F. Barton
Coopersburg, Rice Co., Sept. 22.—I began meetings here the 11th inst. The interest has been increasing. The school-house was filled last evening, and many were unable to get in. The Lord has blessed in speaking his word. Four have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and we hope for others. Pray for the work here. R. F. BARTON.
WISCONSIN
By N. M. Jordon; A. W. Fuller
Attica, Tent No. 5, Sept. 15.—We closed meetings in this place yesterday. The attendance has been good when the weather was favorable. As the result of the meetings here, some have decided to keep all the commandments of God; some have been reclaimed, and others encouraged. We organized a church here, to embrace the Sabbath-keepers in Albany, Monticello, and others in this vicinity. As a church, they voted to adopt the plan of S. B. A leader was chosen.
N. M. JORDON.
A. W. FULLER.
PENNSYLVANIA
By Wm. B. Knapp
Corydon, Sept. 20.—We think it will be a matter of interest to the lovers of truth to learn of the labors of Sr. S. A. H. Lindsay at Corydon, Warren Co., Pa.
After laboring in the vicinity a few weeks and meeting with bitter and persistent opposition from the M. E. church, four of their number, all heads of families, took a decided stand for the truth. One brother, a Sunday-school superintendent, and a leading member of the church, has fully embraced the truth, and is now superintending a Sabbath-school of about twenty members. A sister began the observance of the Sabbath by reading, just previous to Sr. L.’s labors with us. And since her departure another person, a man of good morals, but a non-professor, has commenced to observe the Sabbath. The little company here are encouraged, and feel to give God all the praise.
Wm. B. Knapp.
CALIFORNIA
By B. A. Stephens
Lafayette, Vacaville, and Rocklin.—Aug. 14–17, I met with the friends in Lafayette, and spoke in Pacheco on the Sabbath, and baptized four in Galindo’s lake. Spoke upon temperance the last evening, and had the pleasure of hearing even some outside of our faith decide to leave their tobacco. The Lord gave freedom.
Aug. 22–24, in company with Bro. Haskell, met with the Vacaville church. Every one in the church signed the teetotal pledge and joined the Health and Temperance Association. The tithing system was adopted without a dissenting voice.
Aug. 25–31, labored with the friends in Rocklin; baptized four, and organized a church of eight. There are several others who will unite with the church, who were absent. Some outside the church signed the anti-rum and tobacco pledge here.
B. A. STEPHENS.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
MOORE.—Died of consumption, Sept. 9, 1879, at Rolla, Mo., our brother E. S. Moore, aged 27 years. Bro. Moore united with our church about nine months ago. He was convinced of the truth by reading, having never seen an S. D. A. minister. His life was that of a Christian, and he sleeps in hope of a part in the first resurrection. HENRY BEDDOE.
ALBERT.—Died of diphtheria, at Cream Hill, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1879, our little Benna, aged 4 years and 9 months. In the midst of his suffering he looked up and exclaimed, “Pa, when the Lord comes and takes us over there, then we won’t get sick any more.” We miss him sadly, but hope to meet him at the time to which he looked forward. Funeral discourse from Rev. 21:4, by Bro. R. H. Johnson. D. W. AND M. I. ALBERT.
URICH.—Died of hemorrhage of the lungs, in Noblesville, Ind., Sept. 16, 1879, David Urich, husband of sister Anna Urich, aged 48 years, 5 months, and 24 days. The deceased was a member of the Albright church, and was highly esteemed as a person of moral worth. Sister Urich, having buried the last of three children, and now her husband, is left alone in the world. But we believe she has a firm trust in God, and a true source of comfort in time of affliction. By request of sister Urich, the writer, assisted by the pastor of the Albright church, officiated on the occasion of the funeral, speaking from Amos 4:12. J. P. HENDERSON.
Notes of News.
—THE total number of yellow fever cases in Memphis up to Sept. 19 were 1,216. The cases the week before numbered 80.
—LONDON, Sept. 26.—The Russian official Messenger states that 2,987 fires occurred in Russia during August, causing damage to property to the amount of 20,000,000 rubles.
—AFFAIRS continue very unsettled in Eastern Roumelia, is the intelligence cabled from Constantinople concerning the cloud no larger than a man's hand that appears in the horizon, full of portent to Europe.
—THE influx of gold into this country is indicated by the figures showing that the aggregate receipts at New York since the 1st of August, in round numbers, amount to $27,000,000. The rate at which gold has begun to pour into the country since the crop movement began is shown by the fact that up to the first day of August the total gold receipts for the year were but little over four millions.—Inter-Ocean.
—LONDON, Sept. 22.—A dispatch from Calcutta says reports from Cashmere are still very gloomy. All European eye-witnesses agree that great corruption prevails among officials. The Maharajah and his ministers show want of energy in relieving the wants of the people. A ghastly story has been going the rounds of the papers, that two boat loads of famine-stricken people were taken out into the lake and drowned. The story has been contradicted, apparently on the authority of Durbar; but it obtained general credence among people and visitors in the valley.
—DISPATCHES received Sept. 24 indicate how the complications are thickening in European politics. While at Vienna Bismarck and Andrassy confer as to the late alterations in the map of the continent, Disraeli at London conveys a quiet assurance to the French ambassador that Great Britain will take no action in the present crisis in European affairs without first agreeing with France upon a definite policy to be conjointly pursued by the two nations. The little game at which Germany and Austria are engaged is evidently one which they will not be allowed to play out alone.
—BISMARCK, D. T., Sept. 26.—The burning of Deadwood this morning threw all Dakota into a fever of excitement. This was the richest and largest town in the Territory. No details can be received during the day. The military telegraph line was occupied all day with commercial messages, ordering stocks of goods, and preparing for the emergency that was threatening the homeless people. General Sturgis, commanding at Fort Meade, twenty miles away, early responded to the cry of the sufferers, and tendered them rations and shelter at the barracks. The estimated loss of property in the city is $2,000,000. In fact, the whole town is in ashes.
—THE most terrible incendiarism of modern times is briefly detailed in the dispatches received Sept. 23, resulting in the almost total destruction of the city of Kiev, in Russia. During a severe storm the city was fired simultaneously in a number of places, including the powder magazine, and the flames raged unchecked until the second day after breaking out. Besides the vast destruction of property, necessarily impoverishing the mass of the population, a number of lives were sacrificed, adding the crowning horror to one of the most hideous crimes of the century. If it be the work of the Nihilists, Nihilism can have no more terrible definition than that furnished by the charred ruins of Kiev.—Inter-Ocean.
VERMONT H. AND T. ASSOCIATION.
By M. E. Kellogg; Frank S. Porter
After having thoroughly canvassed the camp-ground at Essex Junction with pledge papers, obtaining 187 signers, 119 of whom became members of the H. and T. society, a meeting was called upon the grounds on Monday, Sept. 15, at 9 A. M., for the organization of a State Health and Temperance Association.
After some very appropriate remarks by Eld. G. I. Butler, it was voted to proceed to the organization of a State society. Eld. Butler was elected chairman, and W. C. White secretary of the meeting. The Constitution and By-laws were then read, and adopted by a unanimous vote.
Voted, That the Chair appoint a nominating committee of three.
Eld. A. S. Hutchins, C. W. Stone, and T. H. Purdon were appointed. They soon reported, for president, M. E. Kellogg, Berkshire, Vt.; secretary, Frank S. Porter, North Fayston, Vt. These were unanimously elected.
After a few brief remarks by W. C. White and others about the organization of local clubs, the meeting adjourned.
M. E. KELLOGG, Pres.
FRANK S. PORTER, Sec.
A SUGGESTION.
By J. F. Bahler
I KNOW of a brother who some four years ago handed a lady a few tracts, and as she was a stranger to him, he took her address and gave her his. As a result, she wrote for more tracts, which she loaned to her neighbors, and soon five persons began to keep the Sabbath, convinced of the truth by reading these tracts. A few months after this, a church of some thirty members was raised up in the neighborhood where these tracts were read. This was in consequence of the brother giving the stranger his address. Would it not be well for the T. and M. workers, when they give strangers reading matter, to do as this brother did in regard to addresses.