WE closed our meetings at Springville last Sunday evening, with a good congregation. Seven have been baptized, and we expect others will be. An interesting Sabbath school is organized, with twenty members.
We have given two discourses here in the court-house. Congregations are large, considering the season and the amount of prejudice created by false reports.
June 26. G. K. OWEN.
Arcadia, Ind.
By William Covert; J. P. Henderson
THE people are very kind in supplying us with provisions, and decorating our stand with beautiful flowers. They have given us $7.55 toward our expenses, although we have not taken up collections. We intended to hold our first Sabbath meeting the 28th inst., but the constant rain prevented. We have learned, however, of eight or ten who have decided to keep all of the commandments. Farmers are in the midst of a heavy harvest, and we cannot hasten the work.
WM. COVERT.
J. P. HENDERSON.
June 30.
Hartland, Maine.
By J. B. Goodrich
Our meeting at this place, June 14, 15, was well attended. About four hundred people were present on Sunday, this being the largest gathering we ever had in this place. Good attention was paid to the word spoken. The social meetings were free, and the Spirit of God was present. Much prejudice has been removed as the result of this meeting.
Brn. Blaisdell, Barnes, Osborn, and Stratton were present, and assisted in preaching the word. The Sabbath-school was good and interesting. Norridgewock, Somerset Mills, Cornville, Canaan, Cambridge, and Hartland were represented. It was voted to raise a camp-meeting fund in the same way as last year. Bro. P. B. Osborn goes to join Bro. S. J. Hersum, in tent labor, in Aroostook Co. The new fifty-foot tent, we are glad to report, is all paid for, so that it can start free of debt. We pitched at Burnham village, and have given six discourses, with increasing interest.
July 8. J. B. Goodrich.
Music For the Sick.
By Editor
WE clip the following from a European journal: "It was the celebrated German physician Hofeland who first fully recognized the curative power of music. Frequently the life of a dying man might be saved by gentle music brought to near his bedside. It is often only to attract his attention and hold it with something that imparts pleasurable feelings, in order to sustain him beyond that moment of supreme exhaustion which marks the crisis of disease. Usually, however, the ears of the dying are regaled with no music sweeter than the sighs and sniffles of their sorrowing friends. Of course they are troubled, depressed, and when the critical breath comes, fail to catch it, and so die. There is much in this theory."
Religious News and Notes.
By Editor
New charges are coming up against Beecher, through the N. Y. Witness.
—The Pope of Rome is reported much improved in health.
—Prof. Patton refuses the call to go to England. He will remain in Chicago.
—The Lutheran Synod in Central Illinois instructed their ministers not to “baptize by immersion” under any circumstances.
—Alexander Clark, D. D., a well known author, and editor of the Methodist Recorder, of Pittsburg, Pa., died in Atlanta, Ga., July 7.
—New York is vying with San Francisco in Sunday picnics. On Sunday, June 29, “ten thousand people made a gala day in Jones' wood.”
—The union of the Irish Wesleyans with the Primitive Wesleyans proves to be more in name than in fact, as most of such unions, unfortunately, are.
—Wesleyan Methodists in England expect the coming annual returns will indicate a loss of about 3000 members; the Primitive Methodists also look for a loss.
—A religious paper suggests the prayer to be now used thus: “Lord, increase our funds,” because funds are valued more than faith in the church at this time.
—The Tunkers have always opposed an educated ministry, and high education anyway; but lately they have bought Mt. Morris Seminary in Illinois of the Methodists.
—A colored organization in southern Virginia with the big title of “Zion Union Apostolic Church,” has applied to the Episcopal Diocesan Council of Virginia for aid and counsel.
—The Baltimore Methodists have decided to discountenance running Sunday trains to their camp-meetings. If some meetings the grounds will be inclosed, and the gates shut on Sunday after 10 A. M.
—A Baptist minister in Maine preached Dr. Storrs' sermons, which so pleased a certain church that they gave him a call. Then came trouble. The stock of sermons failed, and they don't like the preacher!
—The Chicago Times says: “The Michigan Avenue Baptist church of this city is said to have the largest debt, in proportion to its membership, of any church in the country, being $1,575, for each family in the congregation.”
—The Central Baptist Church of Oakland, is under a cloud. Mr. Guirey has resigned as pastor, in consequence of the action of the church, in which, he claims that the members “sold very cheaply that which most men considered above price.”
—Thos. S. Williamson, Presbyterian missionary to the Indians of the Northwest, recently died at St. Peters, Minn., aged eighty. He labored in that mission field forty-six years, and had but lately completed a translation of the Bible into the Dakota language.
—The Christian Advocate says, “It is often very convenient to have generous rich men in a congregation, but it is not conducive to greatest working efficiency to have a church so constructed and toned up that it is dependent upon a few rich men for its existence.”
—Says a San Francisco paper,—“It is argued, and with much show of reason, that the decision of Judge Field in the cue-cutting ordinance, following his line of argument logically, would go to legalize polygamy.” Just so, provided that we admit that wearing a cue is as immoral as polygamy. “No saba.”
—There was a fracas in the French Assembly on account of the violent denunciation of the Education Bill by a Catholic member. He was three times called to order for violating the parliamentary rules, and finally censured and suspended for three days. In the quarrel members came to blows, and it is agreed that the malignity manifested against the government by the Catholics has been an aid to the Bill.
—The wealthiest Jewish congregation in Chicago has divided over the subject of Sunday meetings. Rabbi Kohler tried to suit all parties by holding both days, but while the Sunday meetings were largely attended the Sabbath meetings were nearly nothing, and the Rabbi resigned. It is not so much that they love the Sabbath less, but they love gold more, and the Sabbath is a better day for trade than Sunday.
—The Assembly of the “Irish Church” which considered the subject of singing any hymns or psalms later than those of David, and of instrumental music, is said to have been the most exciting that ever convened, equaled only by some political conventions. An English paper says, the ministers and two elders “wrangled, and fought, and wrestled, and hustled, physically, intellectually, and spiritually.” A modern method of serving God, to fight over the methods of worship!
—At the “Church of the Saviour,” Birmingham, Eng., “conversation meetings” take place monthly, managed in drawing-room fashion, with interesting objects to look at, and music to hear. But the novelty just introduced is that at each meeting some minister of another denomination is invited to give account of the destinctive doctrines and church policy of his denomination. Afterward questions are asked and general conversation turns upon that topic for the evening. One evening it may be a Wesleyan, another a Jewish Rabbi, another a Baptist.
Secular News
By Editor
—July 15, mercury rose to 102 in Detroit, Mich.
—Crop prospects in England are still more gloomy.
—Francis Murphy left California for the East, July 15.
—A statue of the French Prince Imperial is to be erected in Westminster Abbey.
—Ex-Governor Wm. Allen, of Ohio, died suddenly, at his home near Chillicothe.
—The latest reports say China is making extensive preparations for war with Russia.
—Terrific storms with hail reported July 14, in Wells River, Vt., and Woodville, N. H.
—The strike in Fall River, Mass., continues firm, neither party seeming willing to yield.
—Destructive storms were reported in various parts of the Province of Ontario, July 15.
—Grasshoppers are very destructive in some parts of Dakota, Minnesota, and Northwestern Iowa.
—Terrific storms are reported in France under date of July 18. The damage is said to be immense.
—The yellow fever, which was supposed to be suppressed, has broken out again in Memphis with greater violence.
—July 17 a severe storm occurred at Chattanooga, Tenn. Two buildings were struck by lightning, and several blown down.
—Failures in New York during the second quarter of 1879 were notably less than in any single quarter of the last five years.
—The contemplated increase of the Prussian army is in consequence of the increased military strength of France and Russia.
—A little boy in Contra Costa Co., Cal., carries a bullet in his brain lodged there from a revolver in the hands of a playmate.
—Good. The Secretary of the U. S. Senate has refused to pay Senator Sharon his salary on the ground that he has not earned it.
—There is very deep depression in the cotton producing districts in England. Spindles lying idle are counted by hundreds of thousands.
—The Rock Island and Pacific, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroads are both to have double tracks between Chicago and Omaha.
—The Porte has rejected the proposal of the British Ambassador that England should act as intermediary with the Powers in the settlement of the Greek frontier question.
—The revolution in Hayti is most sanguinary. In a quarrel in the House of Representatives at Port-au-Prince the President and forty Representatives were shot. A fire was raging in the city at last accounts.
—The Turcomans opposing General Lazareff's expedition are armed with English rifles from the British reserve supplies in Afghanistan. The Gazette asks in what light the English Government regards this traffic.
—Governor Thayer, of Oregon, has appointed Judge Thompson special Attorney for the State to prosecute Ex-Governor, now Senator, Grover, and his associates under his administration, for defrauding the State, and particularly of its school fund.
—Henry S. Brush, of Detroit, Mich., a well-known architect, committed suicide July 15. Cause, ill health and depression of spirits. He was architect of the "Dime Tabernacle" of Battle Creek, one of the best, if not the very best constructed buildings of the kind in the country.
—New England has had its hurricane, which rose near Pittsfield, Mass., July 16, and traveled to Boston. Considerable injury was done in the country and in the towns, and several lives were lost by the upsetting of small vessels in Boston harbor. It was very heavy and destructive at Fitchburg.
—A severe storm visited Eastern Michigan, July 11, doing much damage at Pontiac, St. Clair, and Port Huron, also at Sarnia, in Canada. On the same day a storm visited Juniata county, Pa., likewise doing considerable damage. Destructive storms have been unusually frequent this season.
—In the first half of the current year California has exported to the Sandwich Islands nearly $1,000,000, with every probability of the total sum for the year reaching over $2,000,000, or between three and four times the business of last year, and ten times what it was before the late treaty was made.
—A strike was inaugurated at the Oakland Long Wharf, because only $1.50 per day was paid. But the strike was not of the hands, for there are thousands willing to work at that; others threatened violence and stopped the work. As a mob could not go out on the tracks, a few policemen restored peace, and work is resumed.
—In a late speech Secretary Sherman said, "It is a fact that in every month last year and the year before, and the year before that, there was more gold paid from the Treasury than has now been demanded from the 1st of January of this year to the present time for all purposes, and our notes, instead of being at 10 or 15 per cent below par, now that we have gold and silver to pay them on demand, are actually at premium. The Treasury Department in San Francisco wanted notes instead of gold, and we refused to give them greenbacks. In New York and Philadelphia no one wants gold."
Quarterly Meeting at Santa Rosa.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THIS meeting was well represented from Bloomfield, Petaluma, and Healdsburg. The blessing of the Lord was with us to some extent. Bro. Edson White was present and made some timely remarks and suggestions in the Sabbath-school work, which were appreciated. Elder Healey was present, but his health did not permit him to preach at all. Bro. White spoke evening after the Sabbath to good acceptance. Sabbath night I visited a Bro. Bartlett of Bloomfield, thirteen miles distant, who had designed to attend the meeting with his family, but fell from a load of hay Friday, and his entire system below his neck was hopelessly paralyzed. On Monday night I visited him again in company with Bro. Chapman, and held a meeting in the neighborhood.
Here is a small company of earnest workers in the missionary work and Sabbath-school interest. As the result of their labor a number have already commenced to keep the Sabbath, and quite an interest to hear and read on these subjects is manifested by others.
On Tuesday afternoon we held a meeting with the friends in Petaluma. We hope some good was accomplished. God is willing to work for his people when they will open the door of their hearts and invite him. If our worldly interest is of such importance we cannot sacrifice our time and talents to the service of Christ, he will not bestow upon us the blessings he has in store for us. "He made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them." Had the disciples been indifferent as to whether the Saviour abode with them or not, they would have lost the precious privilege of supping with him. "Did not our hearts burn within us?" said they, after he was gone. According to the interest we take, the sacrifice we make, to meet and hold converse with the Son of God, so we shall enjoy his blessing and be profited by his presence.
S. N. HASKELL.
Camp-Meeting at Dunlap, Iowa.
By Geo. I. Butler
THIS was larger than either of the other meetings that have been held in the State of Iowa this summer. Thirty tents were pitched, and about four hundred persons encamped.
This meeting was composed mainly of those who had not previously attended our camp-meetings, and many were present who had but recently embraced the truth. Quite a number came from Nebraska. We also had a large representation of our Scandinavian friends. Bro. Hanson was present, also Bro. James Sawyer, to speak to them in their own tongue when other services were not in progress. Bro. and Sr. White attended this meeting, also Bro. Farnsworth, Bro. Boyd from Nebraska, Bro. Bartlett, and the writer.
The instruction given was very much needed, and we trust it will be highly prized. Bro. and Sr. White reached the ground Friday afternoon, accompanied by Bro. W. C. White and wife, comparatively in good health and spirits. Their testimony had never before been heard by most of those present, and of course their presence added much to the interest of the meeting. Bro. W. gave a valuable discourse Sabbath, bearing on spiritual gifts, with many interesting incidents connected with their manifestation among our people. We had an excellent Sabbath-school, led by Bro. W. C. White, with good words of instruction from several others on this important subject.
Sister W. talked to the people Monday forenoon almost continuously for three hours, and such excellent practical instruction on the way to live out the principles of our holy religion in the common walks of life, it has rarely been my privilege to hear.
Our congregation on Sunday was about a thousand. We took up the temperance work in earnest, and with encouraging results. Two hundred and seventy-three signed the teetotal pledge, giving up alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and all such stimulants. Eighty-one signed the anti-rum and tobacco pledge. Six hundred and forty-five have signed the teetotal pledge at the different meetings recently held in this State; and if we add to this the number of signatures obtained at the two meetings held in Missouri, we have in all eight hundred and eighty-nine. Many of these persons were enslaved by cups and pipes, and we trust the temperance influence will be strengthened by these meetings.
We had a good farewell meeting Tuesday,— the best one of all. Much of the time several were waiting an opportunity to speak. All expressed much gratitude for the benefit received during the encampment.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Fairfield, Iowa, July 4, 1879.
State Quarterly Meeting.
By Lillie D. A. Carruth
THE meeting of the fourth quarter of the California Tract and Missionary Society was held per appointment, July 20, 1879. Directors of Districts No. 2, 3, 7, and 8 were present. Eld. S. N. Haskell, president of the General T. and M. Society, presided. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and stood accepted with the amendment by adding the number of Youth's Instructors taken by the Sabbath-schools to the list of new subscribers reported.
Reports from the districts were read as follows:—
Bro. Israel then gave the difference in the work of the past quarter and that of the previous quarter, showing a gain in members, and a decrease in the labor performed in some branches of the work.
Eld. Haskell recommended that each church member be invited to join the Tract and Missionary Society. Remarks upon ship work were made by Bro. Partridge. Eld. H. suggested that Good Health be used with copies of the Signs on board vessels on short voyages; Libraries of our works, with copies of Signs and Good Health should also be put on board vessels on long voyages. After some remarks upon the importance of circulating Good Health it was
Moved that thirty copies of Good Health be subscribed for, to be used in the ship missionary work. Carried.
Bro. Glenn spoke of the amount the different districts were owing the State Society. It was suggested that the secretary correspond with the districts in reference to their indebtedness. Remarks were made showing the importance of the Health Reform and the necessity of obtaining subscribers for Good Health by canvassing. A number joined the Society and four volunteered to canvass for Good Health.
It was recommended by the directors that steps be taken to raise sufficient funds in each district to make advance payment on the Signs of the Times taken in clubs.
LILLIE D. A. CARRUTH, Secretary.
Battle Creek College.
By Editor
THE next College year at Battle Creek commences August 20, 1879. We have some personal knowledge of this school—its teachers and surroundings, and we have no hesitation in giving it the preference over all other schools which we know. Thoroughness in study is required; not always acceptable to a dilatory student, but actually necessary to success. The moral influence is good; it is almost the only school with which we are acquainted which is valued by the citizens because the presence of students is no detriment to the peace of society. The health of students is regarded as a matter to be looked after, and hygiene is taught, and every facility afforded to carry its principles into practice. And the terms are reasonable, unless the prices might be considered unreasonably low, both for tuition and board. Excellent accommodations in families can be obtained for $2.50 per week; while room rent and board at clubs can be had for about $1.50 per week. The club houses afford good food, better suited to the real wants of the student than that which is found at hotels and fashionable boarding houses.
Tuition, above the Minim Course, from $5.00 to $7.00 a term. Scholarships for three and four years, three terms each year, $30.00 to $45.00. From these figures a student can readily estimate the entire cost of a term, a year, or a longer course; and by comparing these with the expenses of other schools, it will be found that the terms are very favorable to students of limited means.
"Baptismal Remission."
By Editor
BECAUSE the Baptist denomination make baptism a pre-requisite to church communion, they are often accused of making too much of baptism,—of making it a saving ordinance, etc. The truth is they are one of the few denominations which are not open to this charge. All who urge the baptism of infants do so on the supposition that it brings them into "covenant relation" with Christ, and most of them openly teach that by baptism they are made "heirs of God," and "subjects of his kingdom." And even the Disciples, who strenuously repudiate the baptism of infants, as strenuously hold that baptism is a necessary pre-requisite to remission of sin,—that acceptance with God is impossible by faith before baptism. Eld. W. P. Throgmorton, editor of the Baptist Banner, Benton, Illinois, has published a pamphlet of 62 pages, with this title, combating this doctrine as held by the Disciples, a copy of which we have received. We understand it is well received by his denomination.
J. E. WHITE
By James White
Sabbath-Schools in Dist. No. 1.
SABBATH, July 12th, we met at Santa Rosa with the Sabbath-schools of Sonoma Valley, representatives being present from Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Stony Point. Several measures of importance were discussed, and all evinced a determination to make the schools in the Valley a success. All saw the importance of reaching a higher grade of scholarship than they had previously attained.
Votes were taken recommending the establishment of teachers' meetings and the introduction of class contribution boxes in the schools of the district. Already the fruits of a well conducted Sabbath-school are beginning to show themselves. The school at Stony Point reports three who have embraced the Sabbath and others who are interested in the truth as the result of the Sabbath-school and reading received there. They report that they have all the facilities for a well conducted school, in maps, Instructors, books, etc., that they are out of debt, and have money on hand after paying their one-tenth to the State Sabbath-school fund. This was all raised by the use of the Sabbath-school contribution box recently recommended. We cannot tell what a little united energy may do in the Sabbath-school work. Let us all take hold with a will and God will bless our efforts.
J. E. WHITE
General Meetings in California.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
We wish once more to call the attention of our brethren to these meetings. One object of them is to learn the condition of the cause all over the State, and what is being accomplished in the missionary work; also to see if some advance steps may not be taken. Therefore we desire to become acquainted with as many of the friends of the cause as is consistent, and you all need the influence of the meetings. Do not let any trivial matter prevent your attending. Be on hand at the commencement of the meetings and do not leave until the last one is over. Our meetings will commence Friday night, one quarter before eight o'clock.
We suggest the following for Sabbath and Sunday. Sabbath morning at 9, Sabbath-school. Preaching at 10 1/2. Come prepared to remain at the church until 2 P. M. We suggest this as some come from a distance, and it gives them more time to return home and come again in the evening. Preaching again quarter before 8.
On Sunday a social meeting at 9. Preaching at 11. Then in the afternoon will be a meeting for the church more particularly; one which all will be specially interested in, as it will pertain to the missionary work, progress of the cause, etc.
Public services again Sunday night quarter before 8. Come seeking God that his blessing may rest upon us, and he will not disappoint us.
S. N. HASKELL.
To the Readers of the Signs of the Times in Ontario.
By John W. Moore
THERE are now being sent to Ontario, through the agency of our Vigilant Missionary Societies, about 500 copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Thus the way is being prepared for extensive labor in this Province.
All who wish to have the truth preached where they reside will please address the undersigned. To all Sabbath keepers and others who are interested in this truth, we would say: This mission is just starting; we need another tent, and more laborers, and means to sustain those in the field. We trust all who are friendly to the cause will contribute to its support as God has prospered them. Our Treasurer is sister Lydia Brown, Petrolia, Ontario.
Subscribers for our periodicals should send direct to the Office, or through our authorized agents. And we invite all who read the paper to become subscribers. Letters of inquiry or appeals for labor should be addressed to the writer, as follows:— JOHN W. MOORE, Chatham, Ontario.
Appointments.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Camp-Meetings For 1879.
California, Fresno City, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
" Healdsburg, Sept. 18-23.
No providence preventing I will meet with the friends
" Napa July 26-28.
" Woodland Aug. 1-4.
The above meetings will be general meetings, and each will commence Friday evening, and close Monday noon, so as to give our friends time to return to their homes Monday. We shall expect to see at these meetings all of our friends in the respective sections.
Bro. J. E. White will be present at these meetings to attend to the interests of the Sabbath-school work.
S. N. HASKELL.
OAKLAND—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:30 o'clock Sabbath morning.
SAN FRANCISCO—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church.
Business Department.
By Editor
$2.00 EACH. Mrs M A Beatty 6-27, S F Sanders 6-27, C M Downs 6-22, H C Goodrich 6-27, A M Covey 6-27, Mrs O D Washburn 6-27, James Miller 6-27, Roxy Councill 6-27, Joseph Figer 6-27.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs Dr Wyatt 6-27, John Kingan 6-27, Mrs F Foster 6-27, Susan Balmer 6-27, H S Beach 6-27, Mrs M J Beamen 6-27, J A Van Winkle 6-27, Jacob Paskell 6-26, A Friend 6-27, Mary E A Smith 6-27, Miss Sadie Hayden 6-27.
$1.20 EACH. J W Heam 6-27, Riley Barnes 6-27, Walter Evans 6-27, Mrs M M Roper (2 copies) 6-4, P F Chase 6-27, D W Smith 6-27, D W Jenmen 6-27, H C Cady 6-27, Wm Moulton 6-27.
MISCELLANEOUS. Miss Lizzie D Woods (18 copies) 5.40, 5-39, Henry Rife (3 copies) 1.80, 6-4, L H Decker 1.00, 6-4, Clara E Maxwell 1.00, 6-4, James Mack 50c 5-48, W Macomber (5 copies) 6.00, 6-27, Daniel Holmes 40c 5-39, Rev J Gray 1.00, 6-4, Geo Trickey 1.25, 6-1, S S Branton 75c 6-4, Geo R Drew (16 copies) 24.00, 6-26, J B Dynott 1.00, 6-4, Minnie Parker 75c 6-4, Harvey McCormick 75c 6-4, Mrs M S Gillett (25 copies) 30.00, 6-27, Wm Evans (3 copies) 2.35, 6-10, Mary A Losey 75c 6-4, R B Owen (6 copies) 7.20, 6-27, A Kellogg (7 copies) 8.40, 6-27, W McDonald (10 copies) 12.00, 6-27.
CAL. CONFERENCE.
John Morrison 28.00, Mr and Mrs Darling 26.00, George Denison 3.00, M J Church 26.00.
OAKLAND CHURCH.
Mrs Betsey Landen 6.00, H H Bramhall 1.20, Frank D Starr 60c Mrs Mary O Starr 30, S G Wright 30c.
ENGLISH MISSION.
Geo Denison 12.00.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.
Cal T and M Society 196.35
Oregon.
ELDER JONES writes from Powell's Valley, Multnomah Co., Oregon:
"Meetings began July 5, and continued till the 13th. Gave fourteen discourses. Five united with the church, four of whom were baptized, and still there is a deep interest."