The Wisconsin camp-meeting and Conference for this year were held at Madison, the State capital, opening Wednesday evening, June 11, and formally closing Tuesday morning, the 17th. The camp was located in a beautiful grove of elm and maple, on the bank of Fourth Lake, about a mile and a half from the center of the city. A more pleasant location for such a meeting we have never seen. The weather was fine throughout the meeting, except a slight rain Sabbath morning and a continued one on Sunday. Forty-six tents were upon the ground, and about four hundred Sabbath-keepers were in attendance.
Considerable interest to attend the meetings was manifested by the citizens of Madison and vicinity, though the rain on Sunday was a disappointment to many, as it was thought that otherwise we would have had the largest crowd ever in attendance at any of our meetings in this State. As it was, the attendance on that day was about fifteen hundred, and the best of attention was paid to the word spoken. Bro. White spoke in the forenoon of Sunday, on the “Reasons of our Faith and Hope,” and in the evening from Rom. 6:17. Sr. White spoke in the afternoon, choosing one of her favorite themes, Christian Temperance.
The meetings on the Sabbath were good. The model Sabbath-school at 9 o’clock, conducted by W. C. White, was an interesting feature of the day’s services. Bro. White preached at 10:30 A. M., and Sr. White delivered an effective discourse in the afternoon upon the Love of Christ, after which, an effort being made for sinners and for those who felt their need of the Saviour’s pardoning love, about seventy responded by coming forward for prayers. On Monday nineteen were baptized.
The preaching throughout was practical, and the social meetings were interesting; yet we must acknowledge there was evidently not that spirit and power in the meetings we should witness on such occasions. Many of the brethren did not arrive until Thursday, others not until Friday, while some came Sabbath morning. And early Monday morning, the hammer, which until Friday evening had been engaged in preparation, began to sound in the work of tearing down; and during the day many departed.
The meetings of the Conference were harmonious, and showed some advancement in this State. Thirteen brethren received credentials, three being ordained at this meeting, and eleven received licenses to preach.
A good degree of interest was shown in the Sabbath-school work. About forty schools were represented in the association meeting. Monday afternoon a State Health and Temperance society was formed, and though nearly one-half of our brethren had left the ground, one hundred and forty signed the teetotal pledge.
G. C. TENNEY.
RELATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT TO THE NEW.
The following, copied into the World’s Crisis of June 18, from Zion’s Herald of June 5, is good testimony from such a quarter for the inseparable connection which still subsists between the Old Testament and the New:—
“Some timid saints are disturbed because the enemies of revelation charge upon the Old Testament Scriptures the occasion, if not the cause, of the Pocasset murder. In the same manner the sweet grace of the gospel has been held responsible for the madness of certain unsound minds which have been disturbed by religious excitements. But the Bible has borne without injury much severer attacks than this, and Christ still lives. The best apology to offer is to preach more earnestly Christ and him crucified, and to stand up more firmly against all the idle and ignorant follies that creep into the churches. Neither doubt nor ridicule can overthrow the truth, as even fiery persecution has failed to do this. Wisdom is justified of her children, and Christ will take care of his church, if that church will only be true to him. This is no hour in which to lower the standard, to array the New Testament against the Old, to talk about the legendary parables of the Pentateuch, and the traditions of a barbarous and bloody age. It is an hour to stand firmly by the Bible as it is, inspired of God and profitable for instruction; its ancient covenant embodying the new, and presenting, in symbol and sign, the promised divine Son, whom God the Father spared not, for our salvation. The New Testament discloses simply the full significance of the Old.”
AGGRESSIVE SABBATH REFORM.
A BROTHER has sent us a copy of the Camden (N. J.) Daily Post of June 12, 1879, containing a notice of the S. D. Baptist Association just held in that place. Our readers will be interested in the following resolutions passed at the meeting:—
“Resolved, That the time has come for increased effort in behalf of Sabbath reform, and we should be both aggressive and conservative; and that we should teach Sabbath truth not only by precept, but also by a well ordered life and character. And while we urge upon our young people never to forsake principle for any earthly gain or advantage, we do also urge upon our Sabbath keeping capitalists and employers the duty of giving preference to those who observe the Sabbath of our Lord.
“Resolved, That the great success of the Temperance reform, which in so many States of the Union for the past few years denotes a sign of progress and token of the ultimate glorious victory, is an occasion of unbounded gratitude to God, and that it is the duty of every lover of humanity to identify himself with this labor to remove this greatest curse of the race.”
They also passed a resolution urging the duty of systematic giving to sustain missionary work, and resolutions condemning the use of tobacco, and the practice of dancing. In all of which we bid them God speed.
Nihilism, Communism, and Internationalism as Social Threats
THE most fearful commotion ever on the earth, in our judgment, is just beginning to come, in its destructive and infernal elements, to the surface of social life. It is Nihilism in Russia, Communism in France, and Internationalism in this country.—Presbyterian.
PENNSYLVANIA
By F. Peabody; D. Ball
North Warren, Tent No. 4, June 13.—
We held our first meeting last night. There is much prejudice to be removed. Brethren, pray for us. F. PEABODY. D. BALL.
VERMONT
West Jamaica, June 15.—Have just closed a short series of meetings here. Gave in all fifteen lectures. The interest increased from first to last. God blessed in our efforts to lead the unconverted to seek an interest in the Redeemer, and some enlisted for the first time in the cause of religion. Eight persons signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Many others acknowledge it to be their duty to keep the Sabbath. Brethren from the Jamaica church will meet with them weekly in a prayer-meeting. We are called away to labor with the tent.
R. S. OWEN.
Cabot.—I have recently spent two Sabbaths with the church here. A solid foundation is laid for a house of worship 30x40, and most of the lumber is ready. The brethren have labored hard to advance the work thus far. Those to be relied upon in carrying forward this enterprise are few in number, nearly all being in moderate circumstances, if we except those laboring under financial embarrassment; yet the motto of the workers is, “Onward with the work.”
It is questionable whether we could have found a place for the tent where greater success would have attended the labors, or where more opposition would have developed itself, than has been here since the close of the tent-meetings. And still the conflict between truth and error deepens.
One brother, whose circumstances demand his labor what time God has given him, has been prosecuted for Sunday labor, and the papers are made out for others. A decision of the prosecution is pending. An editor in giving this prosecution a passing notice, suggests that inasmuch as it is deemed advisable to lift the arm of the law in favor of “the obsolete Sunday,” it might also be well now, in the same vicinity, to use the same power to suppress the violation of the statute law of the State against profanity. Others do not understand why our no-law friends should object to labor on Sunday.
Last Sabbath a sermon was followed by an excellent social meeting. I seldom hear better testimonies. The meetings and Sabbath-school will be much better, we trust, when we have a more convenient place to assemble than a dwelling-house.
Will our brethren and sisters remember this people in their prayers? and will it not be a privilege to contribute somewhat of your means to help them on the house? Some have already done so without solicitation, for which we are all thankful. We ask no greater favors for them than others have shared in this direction. The cause is one, and we hope many of our brethren and sisters in Vermont may yet attend meetings here, if we are prospered in building, and that Eld. G. I. Butler may hold a general meeting here next fall.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
June 18, 1879.
INDIANA
Arcadia, Tent No. 3, June 17.—We began meetings here June 6. Congregations range from one hundred to two hundred or more. The interest is not deep, but is increasing. Have sold books to the amount of $4.00. We might have sold more, but our supply is limited. We shall introduce the Sabbath question this evening. Wm. COVERT. J. P. HENDERSON.
Warsaw, Tent No. 1.—During the past week our congregations have ranged from one hundred to three hundred and fifty. The best of attention is given to the truth spoken. Some are becoming deeply interested.
Our collection last night toward tent expenses was $3.00. The people are becoming friendly, and profusely decorate our stand with choice varieties of flowers. We are disposing of our publications, and some are reading them. We hope by the blessing of the Lord to accomplish good. S. H. LANE. W. W. SHARP.
COLORADO
By Miles E. Cornell
Longmont, June 11.—We began meetings in the tent at this place May 22, and up to the present time twenty-six discourses have been given. The number in attendance has increased from twenty-five to one hundred and fifty, with an average of about seventy-five regular interested hearers. Six or more have already decided to keep the Sabbath. A Methodist minister and his wife are of the number. Their testimony in our Sabbath meeting was truly rejoicing to our hearts.
The interest has greatly increased since the arrival of Eld. J. O. Corliss, June 1. His discourses have been well received by all classes. Our offer of the tent for the defense of Sunday-keeping has been accepted by a popular Dunkard preacher, and a new interest will no doubt be awakened. The liberality of the friends has fully met our running tent expenses thus far.
Judging from present appearances, we shall not leave here before the first of July. We now expect to pitch the tent in Denver City; and as our expenses will be considerable, we invite all the scattered friends in the State to help us, as they are able, by both their means and prayers.
M. E. CORNELL.
OHIO
Liberty Center, June 13.—Our meetings have continued for two weeks. The attendance has been large, and interest good from the first. Several have decided to keep the Sabbath. We desire the prayers of all, that a good work may be done here. O. F. Guilford. A. A. Bigelow.
Wakeman.—Our meetings continue, with some interest. We have much rain, yet our audiences seldom fall short of one hundred. There is much opposition by ministers in the vicinity. Investigation continues. Very good Sabbath-schools and meetings are held in the tent on the Sabbath. A few have taken their stand to obey the truth. Yesterday (Sabbath) we baptized six persons. The Sabbath-school numbers about thirty. Fourteen copies of the weekly Instructor are taken, and many study the lessons with deep interest. We remain here another week. H. A. St. John. A. M. Mann.
Leesburg, Highland Co., June 16.—We have been holding meetings in our tent for about two weeks. The outside interest is comparatively nothing; but the meetings have been a source of great encouragement to the brethren here. On Sabbath, June 14, we organized a church of fourteen members. Others will come in soon. Bro. Glascock was elected elder, and Bro. Wright, clerk. On Sunday we repaired to the water, where six willing souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. Others will follow soon. We spoke on the subject of S. B., after which the tithing covenant was signed by nearly all present. May God bless the Leesburg church. Wm. Cottrell. E. H. Gates.
Waterford, Newark, and Springfield.—Thursday, June 5, I came to Waterford, and remained two Sabbaths. There is quite a large church here, financially as able as any in Ohio, and in talent probably second to none in the Conference. They have a neat meeting-house. Altogether this church should exert a strong influence in favor of the cause; but Satan has tried hard to hinder this, and has succeeded too well. An independent, rash spirit in some has occasioned much trouble; while petty jealousies and evil surmisings in others have made more. We hoped to remedy these evils, and largely succeeded.
Bro. Burrell put up his new tent here, and from the first the interest has been good. On both Sundays there was an immense crowd, both sides of the road being lined with teams for more than half a mile. They came from fifteen miles each way. Through the week the attendance was good. Sabbath and Sunday, a large number of Sabbath-keepers came in from the adjoining churches. One-half or more of these were new converts to the truth. This was cheering. Quite a number of young people made a start on the Sabbath. The next Sabbath twelve united with the church, receiving the right hand of fellowship. Bro. E. C. Penn was elected and ordained leader. A clerk for the church, and also another for the legal society, was elected. Then we enjoyed an excellent social meeting, in which all took part. All seemed encouraged and strengthened. We closed by uniting in the communion.
During the week we tried to settle up a long-standing difficulty. With the exception of one family, all are fully satisfied and in perfect harmony. Some have learned to be more cautious, and they now have greater confidence in their brethren and the message than before. We feel hopeful that the church will hereafter get along much better. The amount pledged on T. and M. work in their own church, to be paid in 1879, amounted to $150. This will pay all their debts, and furnish a fair stock with which to work. For the Sabbath-school and Sr. White’s books, $25 was raised. The business here has been managed most miserably, or rather it has not been managed at all. We gave all the books a thorough going over. They are now in good shape. Sunday, in the presence of hundreds, Bro. Burrell baptized nine souls. About half a dozen have embraced the Sabbath, while we hope for others.
I am sorry to say that one J. W. Heath, of Alabama, who has been with us some, has proved a source of great annoyance and trial, so that we were obliged to turn him off. He now threatens to injure us all he can. He goes to New York and Baltimore. Look out for him.
Came to Newark June 16, and spent one day. Some poor material has drifted off; but there are about a dozen good, faithful souls here, and they are doing well. They have done nobly in meeting the debt on their new house. The tract society owed a small amount, which they raised and paid to me, so it is entirely clear from7debt, and has some money on hand. On the whole, I was much encouraged by my visit to this little church.
June 17 and 18, I was at Springfield. They now have their hall nicely carpeted and well furnished, the rent paid up, the Sabbath-school furnished, and quite a stock of tracts for the missionary work. All these are paid for, and they owe not a dollar. We advise them to keep out of debt in every branch of the work, and this they mean to do. They now need to raise a fund of about $50 or $75 during 1879, to furnish them a good capital for missionary work during next fall and winter. Every member of the church, in the city or out, will be invited to contribute to the necessary fund. We enjoyed a pleasant meeting in the hall Wednesday evening. D. M. Canright.
The Dance of Salome.
By Lilla D. A. Stuttle
There was feasting and joy in the palace of Herod,
And all the enchantments of music and song:
No thought of the future, no care for the morrow,
E’er hushed the gay mirth of that festival throng;
And the sparkling gems, and the jewels fine,
Were mirrored back from the purple wine.
But, hushed for a moment the din of the banquet,
In mute admiration they gaze on the scene,
As the radiant form of a beauteous fairy
Appears ’mong the guests, like an orient queen;
’Tis the lovely Salome, who appeareth to sing
And dance for the joy of the sensual king.
The heart of the monarch is snared by her beauty;
A subtle enchantment is over him cast;
His senses are held by a wild fascination,—
The charmer hath conquered proud Herod at last;
And he maketh a vow, and a solemn behest,
To grant the fair damsel whate’er she request.
With heart throbbing wildly, and spirit exultant,
She flies from the scenes of that festival bright,
And thus in the ear of Herodias speaketh,—
“What, what shall I ask of the monarch to-night?”
“Return to the banquet, and make no delay,
And thus to king Herod my daughter shall say:—
“Go, send ye your soldiers to yon dreary dungeon,
And bid them prepare, and make ready to bring,
And place in a charger the head of the prophet,—
Lo, this is the trophy I ask of the king.”
The horrible message is quickly said,
And the proud king’s visage pales with dread.
But his terrible promise can never be broken,—
The oath of the king must unaltered remain;
And soon the dark cell of the herald of Jesus
The soldiers have reached—and the prophet is slain.
The ghastly head on the charger lies,
And the maid departs with her gory prize.
But a terrible pall like a mantle of darkness
Is spread o’er the king, like a withering blight;
In vain from his fancy he striveth to banish
The face of the dead, on that horrible night,
The ghastly smile which the white lips wore,
The matted locks, and the dripping gore.
At last, in the midst of his triumph and splendor,
He feeleth the stroke of the chastening rod;
’Mid terrible anguish, the trembling monarch
Is smitten with death, by the angel of God.
No hope of the future dispelleth the gloom,—
’Mid silence and darkness, he lies in the tomb.
Mrs. Lilla D. A. Stuttle.
Vernon, Mich.
NEW YORK.
By R. F. Cottrell
Chautauqua Co.—Since the dedication at Blockville, I have visited and held meetings with the friends at Jamestown, Chautauqua Lake, Gerry, and Sinclairville. A good interest was manifest with those I met in these places. I feel much interest in behalf of some aged people in Jamestown, who were Adventists in 1844, some of whom I visited; and I intend to correspond with them, and send them reading matter. I return now to labor in my district, in the T. and M. work, and in behalf of the health and temperance reform. June 17. R. F. COTTRELL.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Hersum; Alice K. Hersum
Aroostook Co.—Came to Sherman, May 29, and held meetings Sabbath and first-day. Found the few that had taken hold of the truth in this place still firm, and having a desire to walk in all the light. June 1, two were baptized. After the baptism we met and organized a church of six substantial members, all heads of families. Pledges were made on S. B. amounting to $11.96. Obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW, one for Good Health, one for College Record, and two for the Instructor. The Lord has abundantly blessed the company of believers here, and if they are humble and faithful, and stand firm for the truth, others will yet be added to their number.
Samuel J. Hersum.
Alice K. Hersum.
MICHIGAN
Kuhn School-house, June 17.—The work moves slowly here, for prejudice is strong. Nine have signed the covenant, two of whom have since moved away. I remain here for some time, visiting, holding meetings, and giving instructions in singing. ORLANDO SOULE.
St. Johns, June 17.—We have a nice hall in which to hold meetings, with half the rent paid for the year. Mrs. Starbuck spoke every night for five weeks. One has decided to keep the commandments, and others are convinced. There are some to be baptized. We need the help of a minister. We design to continue the work until next spring. J. G. STARBUCK. C. M. STARBUCK.
Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Tent No. 4.—We have held four meetings in this place. It has rained most of the time, but still quite an interest is manifested. The people are beginning to examine the Bible, and questions are coming in thick and fast. We have more invitations to visit than we can accept at present. The people here kindly provide for our wants. We hope to see a little company in this place obeying the truth. Remember us in this part of the field. J. I. COLLINS.
June 16. B. F. RICHARDS.
Met with the church at Carson City, according to appointment in the REVIEW. All bore testimony in favor of the truth.
June 3d, I was at Bushnell. The Lord is adding to this church. Several will be baptized as soon as we can return to them.
The 4th, at Sheridan. Nearly all came to the meeting, and took part in it. This church is passing through some trials, but with their trials they have cause for encouragement. They are having additions to their number, as the result of Bro. Soule’s labors.
The 5th, at Six Lakes. Found six here who are trying to sustain Sabbath meetings. They are in need of help. Will endeavor to meet with them again soon.
The 6th, at Lakeview. Spent the Sabbath here, and tried to encourage those who are holding on to the truth. I think a visit from the president of our Michigan Conference would be a help to them.
Sunday, at three o’clock, found us at Morley. Brn. Wellman and Gilbert are holding tent meetings at this place. The weather has been rather cool, which has had a tendency to keep people in the community from attending; but we think there is a prospect of good being accomplished here. E. VAN DEUSEN.
ILLINOIS
St. Anne, June 16.—Since attending the special session of General Conference, I have spent five weeks at Serena and Sheridan, speaking to the people on the Sabbath, and during the week laboring with my hands, and translating and preparing a library of small tracts on the nature of man, the soul and spirit, the sleep of the dead, the sinner’s fate, brief answers to common objections, and advantages of the doctrine. I have taken solid comfort in testing the pillars of our faith on these subjects, in the light of the original and of different translations, and I find them very firm.
My health is improving. All those who embraced the truth in Martinton and Pittwood still adhere to the faith. I am making preparations for a tent campaign in Illinois.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Norway, La Salle Co., June 13.—Began meetings in the new fifty-foot tent, Wednesday evening. About sixty-five were present last night. We speak alternately in Danish and English. We ask the prayers of God’s people in our behalf.
LEWIS JOHNSON.
A. A. JOHN.
Mackinaw.—Sunday, June 15, a meeting was held by the church at this place in a grove near town. Short addresses were given by Brn. C. H. Bliss, B. F. Merritt, and others, on subjects pertaining to the interests of the cause, setting forth the duties connected with missionary work, the importance of the Sabbath-school, etc. A portion of the time was occupied with Scripture recitations, the reading of essays, and a social meeting. In the afternoon three were baptized. Altogether, the day was profitably spent, and we trust that some fruit will appear as the result of this day’s meeting.
S. STOUT.
TEXAS
Covington, Hill Co., June 10.—I was delayed here two weeks on my way to the Norwegian settlement in Bosque Co.
About a year ago seven persons here began to keep the Sabbath, from reading; since then four more have joined them. I gave ten discourses, mostly on the law and the Sabbath; and four more expressed a willingness to keep the Sabbath, and to suffer reproach with the people of God. Others are convinced, and we hope a few will yet join us.
I crave the prayers of all the faithful of the Lord.
A. W. JENSON.
Denison, Tent No. 1.—I remained here a week after tent labor closed, and spent the time in visiting; also met with the friends in Sabbath and Wednesday evening prayer-meetings. Here were gathered together those who had been numbered with worldlings, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Universalists, Baptists, Christians (Campbellites), and Roman Catholics. It was good to see them united, humbly testifying to the harmony of present truth, and stating that in receiving new light they had found Christ anew, and more precious. Obtained four more subscribers to our periodicals. Here are twenty-three who keep the Sabbath.
Savoy.—Have held four meetings here. The tent is filled. Some are coming seven, eight, and ten miles to attend the meetings. The Methodists are holding a protracted meeting next door to us; but we labor on. While I write, I am suffering severely from poison. Last Sabbath, while walking in the grove, I encountered an ivy vine. Monday my face was so swollen it was difficult for me to see, and now the poison has spread over my entire body; but I have not lost a meeting on account of it. God has blessed in speaking the word. I hope for good.
R. M. KILGORE.
June 11.
Notes of News.
—Secretary McCrary is said to be an ardent spiritualist.
—At Tamworth, England, 2,000 miners have struck against a reduction of wages.
—At Cherson, southern Russia, the receiver’s office was undermined June 17, and robbed of 1,500,000 roubles.
—In the recent Sicilian riots at Calabriano, 18 persons were killed and 60 wounded, and 70 arrests have been made.
—A freshet at North Adams, Mass., and vicinity, has damaged property to the extent of $100,000 or $150,000.
—The membership of Spurgeon’s church now amounts to 5,166. During the past year 394 new members were received, and 57 died.
—An exchange says that in Calcutta there are 199 Hindoo temples, 117 Mahometan mosques, 31 Christian churches, and 2 Jewish synagogues.
—A ministerial crisis is at hand in Turkey. In consequence of the circulation of threatening documents against the sultan, numerous arrests have been made.
—Negrete, commanding general of the Mexican army, has pronounced against Diaz, and has left the city of Mexico, followed by 3,000 adherents of Diaz. Chief Justice Vallarte is acting president, and congress has disbanded.
—Fresh inundations in Galicia, Silesia, and Hungary. Half the town of Troppau, in Austrian Silesia, is under water. The Danube is still rising, the hay crop is destroyed, and seven iron bridges have been demolished.
—Messina, June 17.—Continued shocks of earthquake, which are attributed to the action of Mount Ætna, have occurred near Santa Venere and Guardia. Several houses have fallen, others are in danger of falling, and there has been some loss of life.
—U. S. Marshal Shaughnessy and a banker named McCormick, at Salt Lake City, Utah, have been appointed receivers of the late Brigham Young’s estate, on application of Amelia A. Young, who claims that the executors have improperly made way with $1,000,000 of the $2,500,000 at which the estate was valued.
—A hailstorm six miles wide passed from east to west near Germantown, Columbia county, N. Y., about midnight of June 15. The hailstones were as large as hickory nuts, and broke panes of glass in every farm-house, killed poultry, destroyed fruit, uprooted trees, blew down fences, and near Clermont unroofed several houses.
—News was received in Paris, June 20, of the death of the Prince Imperial of France, at the hands of the Zulus. The sentiment of the Paris press is divided as to the probable effect on the political situation, some of them regarding the event as the virtual end of Imperialism, while others favor the idea of putting forward another claimant to the throne in the person of the Prince Jerome. The ex-empress Eugenie is said to be prostrated by the news.
—Four thousand nine hundred and fifty-three persons were killed during the last year in the north-west provinces of India and in Oude by wild beasts and snakes, and of these 3,871 owed their death to snake bites. No less than 10,513 head of cattle were also destroyed, mostly by leopards in the vast grazing plains of the Terai. Rewards to the extent of 10,000 rupees were paid by the government for the destruction of 3,910 wild animals.
—The New York Witness says: “Crime is increasing fearfully in Germany. In 1871 the number of offenses legally investigated was 82,000; in 1876 it swelled to 133,700. Perjuries increased from 491 to 800; offenses against morality rose from 1,072 to 2,000, and bodily injuries from 7,900 to 15,400. In six years the number of offenders, under eighteen years of age, increased nearly 2,000. This increase in crime has kept pace with the growth of infidelity.”
—Galveston, Texas, June 18.—The News’ Laredo special says: “Negrete’s pronunciamiento against Diaz has been confirmed. Governor Diaz Gutierres of San Luis Potosi has been killed by the revolutionists. All mails in the interior of Mexico are interrupted. All the newspapers of Monterey except the official journal have been forced to suspend. General Trevino is expected to pronounce soon. Naranjo is in Lampasos organizing against Diaz.” A Brownsville dispatch from Saltillo says that the governor of Nueva Liona was killed by the revolutionists at Saltillo yesterday.
—A letter from an English missionary in Mogadore, Morocco, gives a harrowing account of the miseries caused by the famine in that unhappy country. In Mogadore alone over 13,000 persons have perished from hunger, and all the cattle, camels, horses, sheep, and other domestic animals have starved to death. Only the dogs have survived, and these, finding no food in the towns, are roaming over the country in bands of from twenty to fifty, sometimes attacking and devouring every person they meet. In their hunger these animals have also dug up the buried bodies of the dead and stripped their bones.
—Particulars of a cloudburst near Buffalo Gap, Dakota, on the 12th inst., have been received. The waterspout caused a sudden rise in the water of Beaver Creek, near the banks of which was camped a party of nine persons from Mills county, Iowa, and four men from the Black Hills, and Montgomery Bros. and Clark’s freight outfits, loaded with 40,000 pounds, principally machinery, which was nearly destroyed and scattered for miles around. Within five minutes of the first alarm everything was flooded. The water covered a space of 40 miles wide, but subsided within two hours after the rise in the Creek. Fragments of wagons, etc., were seen three to five miles from the scene of the disaster. All the creeks around the hills are unusually high. Eleven persons were drowned. Six bodies have been recovered.
NEW ENGLAND T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By D. A. Robinson; Eliza Thayer
The business session of the N. E. T. and M. Society was held in connection with the quarterly meeting at Amherst, N. H., June 8, at 9 o’clock A. M. In the absence of the president, Eld. D. A. Robinson, vice-president, occupied the chair. Meeting opened by singing, “He that goeth forth with weeping,” followed by prayer by Eld. G. F. Haines. The report of the previous meeting was read, also report of labor for quarter ending April 1. The financial report given was as follows:—
Rec’d on donations and membership, $196.65
“ “ Book sales, 225.96
“ “ Periodicals, 262.00
Total receipts, $684.61
Expended for publications, $205.56
“ “ periodicals, 262.18
“ “ freight, etc., 54.30
Total expenses, $522.04
Excess of receipts, $162.57
Due at beginning of qr., $868.25
“ April 1, $705.68
This indebtedness does not include the amount due on clubs of Signs for the year, but only to the time stated. An examination of this report shows a gain of $140 during the quarter. At the same rate the society might clear itself of debt in less than eighteen months. New Hampshire is doing a good work in this direction. One brother who visits among the churches carries with him a pledge paper soliciting donations and pledges for the tract society. He thus obtains the names of a large part of the brethren and sisters, and even small children, for sums varying from five cents to several dollars, as their various circumstances will permit. These donations, though small in themselves, amount to quite a sum, and prove a real help to the tract society; and He who notices the giving of a cup of cold water to a fellow-disciple will regard these offerings to his cause.
Eld. Robinson favored the meeting with very interesting and appropriate remarks upon the different branches of the T. and M. work, dwelling quite at length upon the subject of sacrifice, and showing it to be the privilege as well as the duty of God’s people to help with their means to advance his work. Such privileges will soon be past, and the means withheld from God’s suffering cause will be swept away. The sin of covetousness, though common, can never be accepted of Heaven, nor can those possessing it be admitted through the pearly gates. One of the Christian graces is a spirit of sacrifice; and in Christ, our pattern, we find an instance of sacrifice without a parallel.
Eld. R. was followed by others who spoke upon the same subject, and practical demonstrations were made in the form of pledges to a reserve tract fund and new tent for the Conference, to the amount of $300.
After further remarks upon the interesting results of the distribution of reading matter, the meeting adjourned.
D. A. ROBINSON, Vice-President.
ELIZA THAYER, Secretary.
THE CAUSE IN KANSAS.
By Smith Sharp
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The cause in our State has been steadily advancing for the past few years, and I have no doubt we are all anxious to see a still greater advancement in time to come. I believe the reason why it has prospered is because it has had some zealous, self-sacrificing friends who have held its interests first in their hearts. Now we ask, What can be done to keep the cause moving? I deeply regret that we have so few laborers that we cannot have all the tents in the field, or answer all the calls for help. The committee that was appointed at the camp-meeting to district the State, and assign fields of labor to the ministers, found it a difficult matter to accomplish, in a State 200 miles broad and 400 miles long, with some forty churches to look after, and but four or five ministers to depend upon.
One of the tents that was on the camp-ground has been assigned to Bro. Lamont, to be used in Marion and adjoining counties, and it is expected that his labors will be confined to that section for the year to come. Bro. Santee's field is in Wilson and adjoining counties, where it is expected that he will spend the year in new fields and in taking care of the companies that he has lately raised up. Bro. G. H. Rogers will use one of the tents in Osage county, laboring entirely in new fields, and with or near his own church.
I had hoped that one of our most experienced laborers could go to the north-western part of the State, and take charge of the tent now in Osborn county; but at present it does not seem that it can be done. I have written the director of that T. and M. district to locate the tent in a new field, and make use of the best talent available in that part of the Conference until other help can be furnished. Bro. Cook is busy visiting those whom he has lately brought into the truth, and cannot now leave to go with a tent.
I had sincerely hoped that the new tent could be used in north-eastern Kansas; but unless some one can be found outside of the Conference to take charge of it, it will probably have to lie still at present. I have written thus because I know that in some places there will be disappointment on account of not having all the labor that has been expected; but when all is done that can be, and the brethren are apprised of the efforts that are being made, we hope that none will be dissatisfied. The Conference is crippled for the want of efficient help; but sickness and death have done the work, and we should not murmur. There are many ways in which our brethren scattered over the State can assist in the good work. I expect to labor all that my health will admit, wherever it is thought best.
The condition of our finances has improved since the tithing system has been advocated, because some have adopted it. If all would adopt it, there would be an abundance of means in the treasury. Now, my brother or sister, whoever you may be, if you have not already signed the pledge to pay a tithe of your income to the Lord, I ask you to seriously consider whether you are not helping to cripple the work, in failing to do what God's word plainly requires? I will not take space to argue the question, for enough has already been said through the REVIEW. An effort will be made to induce each one to subscribe to this pledge.
There are hundreds of S. D. Adventists in Kansas who are not members of the T. and M. society. If these would join the society and pay the initiation fee, it would help greatly in this branch of the work. About $1,000.00 in pledges will be due the society this fall. The money is very much needed, and it is hoped that every one who has pledged will now set about the work in earnest to make arrangements to pay as soon as possible.
A subscription was started near the close of the camp-meeting, to raise a permanent camp-meeting fund, and the sum of $120.00 was pledged. Many who did not attend the meeting, and others who had gone home before the pledge was circulated, will want to donate toward this enterprise. Let the officers of the churches and T. and M. societies take this in hand, obtain pledges and send them in to the directors; then let the money be collected the same as T. and M. money, and sent to the T. and M. treasurer. We need a permanent fund of this sort. We shall need some of the money soon, as it is probable we shall hold three camp-meetings this fall. Let an effort be made to collect enough of it to defray the expenses of these meetings. They will not be so expensive as the spring camp-meeting was, and every effort will be made to curtail expenses as much as possible.
A State Health and Temperance Association was organized at the Emporia meeting; and as no minutes of the meeting have appeared, I mention it here. Eld. J. Lamont, of Mound City, was elected secretary and treasurer, and is the one to whom you should write for instruction in regard to laboring in the interests of the association. I am heartily in favor of the temperance move. I believe it is needed in connection with the third angel's message, and that our people should all sign the teetotal pledge. Let pledges be sent out to the different churches, and let an effort be made to obtain signatures. What good reason can any S. D. Adventist give for not signing it? This is a good work in which our people can engage. I know of several of our people that would be relieved of the headache in a short time if they would sign it and never violate it. Brethren and sisters, sign it, although you may never have formed an appetite for strong drink.
A resolution was passed by the Conference, but failed to appear in the minutes, making it the duty of the leader of the church to write a letter to the president of the Conference immediately after each quarterly meeting, giving full particulars of the condition of the church, T. and M. society, and Sabbath-school. I hope this will be remembered and attended to promptly. Your letters will be carefully read and considered, and all will be done that can be to assist you.
Let us all take hold in earnest in the different enterprises, and pray much to God for his blessing upon the laborers and the work in our State.