p. 174 | Review and Herald, Vol. 59, No. 11. (3/14/1882)

IOWA TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By Lizzie Horney

REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1, 1882.

Districts	No. Members.	No. of Reports Returned.	Members Added.	Families Visited	No. of Letters Written.	No. of Signs taken in Clubs.	Subscribers obtained.	Pages of Pamphlets & Tracts distributed	Periodicals Distributed.	Annuals sold and given away.	Cash rec'd on Tract, Farm & Periodicals.
1	44	23	1	55	19	22	4	3553	305	1	$57 21
2	45	16	....	3	11	13	....	889	215	10	$21 08
3	120	47	4	55	22	40	4	37765	750	40	50 79
4	67	37	....	14	58	61	18	9724	1074	9	64 15
5	83	16	1	3	4	28	4	4271	334	....	57 04
6	62	17	....	1	81	33	....	5512	383	....	16 48
7	33	....	....	10	18	3	....	7197	212	....	9 80
8	82	22	....	9	8	6	4	6747	164	12	53 95
9	50	....	....	....	....	5	....	....	2513	....	6 00
10	34	70	....	49	84	54	21	55310	2513	....	92 24
11	34	13	....	8	26	26	....	2950	662	....	71 50
12	13	3	....	....	4	31	3	478	42	....	32 65
13	24	15	9	61	14	6	7	4396	131	1	36 54
¹	....	....	....	....	9	....	....	....	....	....	156 62
—	751	279	16	268	340	356	65	138792	6865	73	$720 05

NOTE.—Received for membership and on donations, $197.04; sales, $130.13; periodicals, $378.64; reserve fund, $14.24. Collected on other funds, $209.36. Subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 23; Signs, 6; Good Health, 14; Instructor, 14; other periodicals, 8. Members dismissed from society, 5. Books furnished to libraries, 5.

LIZZIE HORNEY, Sec.

Special Mention.

“Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”—Matt. 16:3.

—A lady missionary in Alaska writes that the practice of torturing persons to death for the crime of witchcraft prevails there. She says that many persons have been sentenced to death by native tribunals on account of the general belief in this heathen superstition. Nor is this extraordinary belief confined to Alaska, if we may credit a statement found in a recent exchange. In portions of Maryland and Delaware, the existence of witches is firmly believed in by many of the people. They believe that the witch takes a man out of bed at night, rides him through briars, woods, and streams, for twenty miles or more, and then returns him to his bed, where he wakes in the morning to find himself very tired, and his hands and feet scratched and bleeding. Of course, the local authorities do not try to punish witches; but a man and his family recently lodged in the trees during a cold night, “because the witches were after them.” This in 1882.

Sunday-Closing Act Succeeds in Ireland

—The Sunday-Closing Act in Ireland has proved thus far a most gratifying success. Five principal cities, namely, Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, were exempted from its provisions. Notwithstanding these exemptions, the falling off in arrests has been remarkable. In 1877 the number of arrests was 110,903; in 1880 (under the prevalence of the Act) the number was 88,048.

The Cost of European Governments.

A recent British Parliamentary report gives a comparative statement of the revenues of several European States, from which it appears that Austria (not including Hungary) has direct taxes £7,762,553; indirect ones of £21,406,978, and miscellaneous ones of £4,726,447, or a total tax of £33,895,979 (about $167,429,500) for a population of 22,132,684 souls, which is more than $7 for each man, woman, or child. Hungarians are somewhat better off, the total taxes being £19,965,263 (about $99,826,000) and the population 15,608,723—say $6.50 per person. But the Austrians and Hungarians are taxed much less heavily than their neighbors in Prussia, where the total is £56,421,875, and the population 27,251,000, showing an average of about $10 per person. The French are still worse off. The totals for them are £107,303,975 of taxes and 36,905,788 of population, or about $15 of tax per head. This for the people of Belgium, a neutral country, free from wars and Nihilism, nearly equals their showing, being taxes £14,911,502, and population 5,476,000. Better off than any of these people are the Russians—or apparently so, one should say, for the burden of a tax lies not so much in the amount of it as in the inability to pay it. The Russians pay £60,362,731 in taxes, several millions more, that is, than the Austria-Hungary people, or the Germans and Poles of Prussia, but they outnumber their neighbors by tens of millions—the Russians by 45,000,000, the Austria-Hungary races by 15,000,000. For these $300,000,000 of Russian taxes there are 72,692,000 people among whom to divide them. Thus every European Russian pays a tax of $4, while every Frenchman pays some $15, and yet Russia is internally the most disturbed great country in Europe, and France the most peaceful.—Scientific American.

Doing a Great Work.

By F. Peabody

BY F. PEABODY.

We might ask, What is considered the most important thing by many of the popular churches of the day? Is it that the members may humble themselves before God, that sinners may be converted, and true, self-sacrificing piety abound?

The following from the New York Christian Advocate, also published in the Morning Star of April 1, 1882, speaks volumes upon this subject:—

“Colloquy: ‘Have you had a revival in your church?’ ‘No; our minister does not believe them. We have not had a conversion for ten or twelve years.’ ‘Well, what are you doing?’ ‘Oh! we are having the grandest fair you ever saw; the seats are all taken up in the church; we have a promenade concert every night, and a shooting gallery, and a grab-bag, and a post-office, and the ladies dress up in all sorts of unfashioned costumes. We expect to clear $1,200.’ ‘What is to be done with it?’ ‘It is to fit up our church parlor.’ And so they wrap it up.’ (Matt. 7:3.) ‘And what will ye do in the end thereof?’ The above is not a supposed, but a real case.”

The Cost and Temptation of War

—The Christian at Work says : “When it is remembered that the standing military and naval forces of Europe comprise over 10,000,000 men, and cost an annual outlay of £568,000,000 sterling, it will be seen what a terrible temptation there is to make war. What is the use of an army of a million men, if no fighting is to be done with it ?”

Ireland’s Liquor Expenditure Declines

increase of 22,855. The amount expended in liquors and beer, in 1877 was about $60,000,000; in 1880 about $45,000,000, a falling off of $15,000,000. Why may not the operation of the Act be extended also to the excepted towns, and thus give Ireland and the world the benefit of the extended experiment?—Christian Advocate, Jan. 12.

News of the Week.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5.—Colonel Corkhill, assisted by Dr. Gray, spent the day in examining that portion of the bill of exceptions in the Guiteau case which refers to the medical testimony. Mr. Scoville says that as soon as the document is off his hands, he intends to withdraw from the case. He thinks some other lawyer can easily be found to argue the case before the court in banc.

—A Vienna dispatch states that 40 persons have been killed by the falling of a shaft in a mine near Toplitz.

—In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Provincial Council of the Catholic churches of that diocese is now in private session. The proceedings and the records are in the Latin language. None but the members of the Council are permitted to have access to them, and upon them the most solemn obligation of secrecy is imposed. It is believed that the subject of education will receive important consideration. The ceremonies to-day were very imposing. The procession in the morning was witnessed by multitudes of people.

—A dispatch from Ain-Sefra, in Algeria, states that 800 French troops were surprised and defeated, and afterward 1500 of the insurgents were completely routed, leaving behind 100 killed and wounded.

MONDAY, MARCH 6.—General Skobeleff was heartily cheered by large crowds in St. Petersburg.

—An attempt to cross the English Channel in a balloon terminated to-day by the balloon falling into the sea off Dover. The aeronauts perished.

—To-day Prince Milan of Servia accepted royal dignity. He will hereafter be known as King Milan.

—The widow and 6 children of the recently deceased Chinese professor of Harvard have started for their native land.

—Ex-Senator Conkling has declined the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

—Paris is to have a new bank with a capital of 50,000,000 francs, to represent the Union Generale, which went down in the recent panic.

—A resolution looking to the friendly intervention of the United States in behalf of the Russian Jews has been referred by the House of Representatives to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

—In the interests of law and order, the authorities of Chicago have been making a raid on the gambling dens of that city. Quite a number of gamblers have been indicted to appear before the Grand Jury at the February term of court. It is said that Emery A. Storrs has been retained as their counsel.

—An explosion occurred in a packing-house belonging to the Lake Superior Powder Company, Marquette, Mich., which contained at the time about a ton and a half of powder. The four men employed in the building, were literally blown to atoms, and the dispatch states that, “two pailfuls of the victims’ remains have been found, up to this time.” Nothing remains to show where the building stood.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7.—It is believed that at least 40,000 persons have been rendered destitute by floods in the Western rivers; and the cotton crop will be lessened by 1,000,000 bales.

—Charles A. Sweet & Co., a banking firm of Boston, have suspended payment, and liabilities between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000. It is believed, however, that they will soon be able to pay in full.

—Three young men entered the house of Mr. Wm. Sour of Chicago this morning, and after binding Mrs. Sour, stole a watch, several pictures, and what money they could find.

—The emigration from Germany to America this year promises to be greater than ever before. During January and February, 12,655 persons left the port of Hamburg alone for the United States.

—Earl Rosedale has introduced a bill into the House of Lords, excluding all atheists from both houses of Parliament.

—Important arrests of Nihilists have been made at Odessa. A secret press was discovered.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8.—The total earnings of the Union Pacific Railroad for the past year were $24,258,817,—an increase of nearly $7,000,000 over the previous years’ receipts,—and the net earnings were $11,778,474.

—The gross revenue of the Western Union Telegraph Company is reported as $16,868,399; the net profits, $7,379,127.

—A very interesting case is on trial in the Superior Court of Chicago. The suit is brought by a lady against a saloonist, for making a confirmed inebriate of her husband, thereby depriving the family of his support.

—The College of Cardinals is soon to convene at Rome, when the pope will appoint 7 new Cardinals. One of these is Archbishop McCabe of Dublin, and his promotion is an expression of the pope’s approval of his efforts in behalf of the cause of law and order in Ireland.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9.—There is a strike at the Union Rolling Mills in Chicago, with little hope of a compromise.

—President Arthur recommends increasing the United States navy by the addition of 500 enlisted men.

—The German government is negotiating the purchase of six additional railroads.

—A delegation of health officers is in Washington, urging Congress to take measures to prevent the importation of small-pox into this country.

—The striking railroad employes at Omaha, Neb., have been joined by the hands in the principal manufactories. Demonstrations of a serious nature are feared, and Governor Nance has telegraphed to President Arthur, asking for government troops to protect men who are willing to work.

—Owing to recent severe storms, the water in the flooded Western rivers is still rising, and the destruction of life and property goes on. The present overflow is said to be the most disastrous and widespread that has ever occurred.

—Dispatches received via London state that in official circles war between Austria and Russia is considered inevitable. As a consequence, there has been a sudden, and what promises to be an alarming, fall in the price of nearly all the securities dealt in at the London stock exchange.

—Mr. R. H. Cornwall of Plainfield, N. J., a clerk of the Fourth National Bank of New York, has confessed to having swindled that institution out of $70,000. He is 65 years of age, has been employed in the bank over 11 years, and was considered every way trustworthy. Another case of ruin from speculation.

—A German supposed to be an officer in the Prussian army, has been arrested near Lyons, France, for making plans of the fortifications of that city.

—An American company is seeking from the Sultan of Turkey the right to build a railroad in the Province of Bagdad.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10.—Plainfield, N. J., has another sensation this week. Mr. Nelson W. Gardner of that place died very suddenly Sunday evening, of an apoplectic stroke, his family said. It now appears that it is a case of suicide, he having embezzled funds belonging to the First Baptist church of Plainfield. A case of speculation again.

—MacLean, Queen Victoria’s assailant, has been indicted on a charge of high treason.

—On receiving General Skobeleff, the Czar censured him for his recent inflammatory speeches, which have resulted in putting Russia in an unenviable position before Europe.

—Near Wheeling, W. Va., the steamer Sidney burst her main steam-pipe this morning, instantly killing two persons, and scalding a number of others, at least two of them fatally.

—It is stated that in England 1,000 persons are annually killed from causes directly resulting from industrial occupations.

—At Lima, Ohio, Mrs. Vanatta sued a saloonist for $5,000 damages for selling liquor to her son, which intoxicated him, and caused him to engage in a quarrel, during which he received injuries which ended his life. She was awarded $500.

Drink Freely from the Fountain

By Watchword

—Be not satisfied with gleaning Scanty measures for thy soul, When His pastures smile with blossoms, And thou mayst enjoy the whole.

Be not satisfied with sipping From the wayside rill of love; Oh, drink freely from the fountain! This thy happiness will prove.

Take and use Him to the utmost; Never want when food is nigh; Thou canst not exhaust its sweetness, Nor hold back a fresh supply. —Watchword.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”—Rev. 14:13.

CURTIS.—Died of consumption, at Brandon, Franklin Co., N. Y., Bro. David Curtis, aged fifty-eight years. Discourse by Eld. Quale (Christian). Precious seasons of prayer were enjoyed by Bro. C. during his long sickness, and the gloom of other days gave place to bright hope and a peaceful death. H. W. LAWRENCE.

ORNDOFF.—Died near Valparaiso, Saunders Co., Neb., Nov. 25, 1881, Wm. Orndoff, aged twenty-one years, eight months, and fifteen days. Bro. Willie was faithful to duty. He lived a life of faith in God through Christ, and by it, being dead, he yet speaketh. “He sleeps in Jesus.” Funeral sermon by the writer, from Heb. 11: 4, last clause. H. SHULTZ.

NORMAN.—Died at South Mound, Neosho Co., Kan., Bro. James Norman, in the eightieth year of his age. Upon retiring, he knelt before the bed to pray, as was his custom. While in that position, he fell forward with his face upon the bed, and never rose again. He lingered until the next evening, when he peacefully fell asleep. Bro. Norman was baptized by Eld. Cook four years ago, and since that time has trusted in the blessed hope. Though his faculties were failing, he was patient and submissive, and being weary he has lain down to sleep until the call of the Master. Funeral sermon by Eld. Cameron, Presbyterian minister. L. D. SANTEL.

CECIL.—Died of consumption, in Kellerton, Iowa, March 2, 1882, our sister, Ada May Cecil, daughter of Kinsey and Sarah Cecil, in the twenty-second year of her age. She has been a Sabbath-keeper seven years, and at the time of her death was a member of the Afton church. She will be missed by them, also by the many friends who knew and loved her. She was willing to go, and we trust she sleeps in Jesus, waiting till he shall come to take her home. This thought comforts the mourning parents, brother, and sisters. MARY E. HUGHES.

BURLESON.—Our grandmother, Mrs. Mary A. M. C. Burleson, died of old age in Jackson Co., Miss., Aug. 22, 1881, aged ninety-three years and six months. Her life was pure, and its close beautiful.

She was born in Germany, Feb. 20, 1788. When a child, her parents emigrated to Georgia. Soon after their arrival, they died within two days of each other. In her childhood days, she was much petted by Gen. Washington, on whose knee she often sat.

In 1805 she joined the M. E. Church, and in the same year was married to our grandfather, Aaron Burleson, with whom she lived happily until his death, Dec. 25, 1849. She outlived, by more than a decade of years, all, save one, our mother, of her six children.

The last twenty-three years of her life were spent in total blindness, and the latter half of these years she was so deaf as not to be able to hear anything, except what was directed particularly, and with emphasis, to her. At these dispensations she did not repine, but would submissively say, “The will of the Lord be done.” These afflictions were the more severe as she had ever lived a life of most active industry.

She had all her life been a dear lover of the house of God, and notwithstanding these great infirmities, she wished ever to be found in her place; as she often said, “For example’s sake; not that I can any longer hear either the sermon, the singing, or the prayers.”

In other days, she was well and extensively known by the members of the Georgia and Alabama Conferences; but most, if not all, of those who knew her in her own hospitable home, preceded her to their graves. The Rev. Thomas Sanford, of the Georgia Conference, whose memory was ever most dear to her, was her brother-in-law.

Our grandparents moved from Georgia to Alabama in 1816, and from thence to Three Rivers, Jackson Co., Miss., in 1829, where they sleep side by side, awaiting the resurrection of the just.

Our dear old grandmother’s life was one of deep devotion to God. Her seasons and place for private prayer were never neglected. Long years of use had rendered them indispensable to her, and as long as she was able, leaning upon her staff, in her blindness, and laden with the infirmities of age, she would slowly grope her way to her fixed place of privacy, where she regularly held “sweet converse with the Lord.” There she fervently prayed for her children, as she called us all. When we remember that those prayers ascend for us no more, we are sad, but believe that God still holds them in remembrance. We bless the Lord for the example and memory of such a grandmother, and trust at last to meet her in that “blessed fold,” where “no foe can enter, and no friend departeth thence.” PETER H. CLARK.

MRS. E. C. WILLIAMS.

The Strength and Expansion of Islam

A well-informed writer in the Fortnightly Review estimates the total Moslem population at 175,000,000. These figures reveal the real strength of Islam. The New York Herald says of Mohammedanism: “It is not to be regarded as a waning power. On the contrary, it is making its conquests in India, and in the tropical regions of the far eastern seas; and, if we are to be guided by the facts of history and by the examples of the past, its complete conquest of Africa is only a question of time.”

Frequent Earthquakes in Europe

Earthquakes have been so frequent of late in Europe, as to excite considerable apprehension. They have been most violent in Eastern Europe, and have occurred so often in Western Europe as to attract unusual attention. Four shocks happened in Switzerland during the month of November. . . . This is a very unusual state of things.—Boston Journal of Dec. 15.

The Arabic Language

The Arabic language is the spoken tongue of 600,000,000 and the sacred language of 120,000,000 of Moslems. The entire Bible has been translated into it, and is now issued in many editions, either complete or in parts. An edition in raised Arabic characters is also issued for the blind.

Michigan Wheat Crop Report

We are under obligations to the Secretary of State for a copy of the crop report of Michigan for 1881. Among other interesting items is the statement that of the wheat crop of that year, six million, one hundred and eighty-four thousand, five hundred and forty-four bushels have been marketed.

THREE CALLS.

By H. A. S.

FIRST ADVENT.

Three calls were made to the Jews, God's professed people, to come to dinner. See Matt. 22:1–10.

The first invitation was given by John the Baptist.

The second, by Christ.

The third, by the apostles.

By rejecting the first and second calls, the Jews lost the blessing of the former rain,—Pentecost; they did not follow Christ into the heavenly sanctuary, but continued to look to the earthly sanctuary. In word and form they contended for the law and rejected Christ. Mercy was still offered them by the apostles; some accepted, and were called out, but the great body of them were scattered in A. D. 70.

SECOND ADVENT.

Three calls will be made to the churches, God's professed people in the last days, to come to supper. See Luke 14:16–24.

The first invitation is found in Rev. 14:6, 7; and was given by Wm. Miller and his fellow-laborers. Past.

The second invitation (Rev. 14:8) was given by the same people. Past.

The third invitation (Rev. 14:9–12) is now being given by Seventh-day Adventists.

By rejecting the first and second calls, thousands will lose the blessing of the latter rain—will fail to follow Christ into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, will continue to look to the first apartment. In word and form, they will contend for Christ, and reject the law. Mercy will still be offered by the third message; many will accept and be called out; while the great bodies of apostate Christians will be scattered like the chaff at the second advent. H. A. S.

Clyde, Ohio.

PERSONAL

By G. T. B.

Eld. Haskell's many friends will be glad to learn that there has been a decided improvement in his health since he has been taking vigorous treatment at the Sanitarium under the special direction of Dr. Kellogg for a few weeks past. He stated last Sabbath in the social meeting that he had not felt so well and so natural for two years. The friends of the cause will feel, with him, to thank God for this improvement. We have no earnest workers to spare. G. T. B.

LET LIGHT BE SHED ABROAD.

By George I. Butler

We are glad to be able to say that the Life of William Miller is still selling quite rapidly. Orders come in nearly every mail. It is an excellent book, and it will do our people good to read it, and others also. Eld. Littlejohn's book on the Sunday movement, "The Religious Amendment," is also being called for. This is a good book, which ought to have a large sale. It is just the book to put into the hands of intelligent men, especially those interested in the Sunday movement. Many will read a discussion, when they are not willing to read on one side alone. This is an able, high toned discussion, honorable and candid. The arguments for our position stand out clear and sharp, and are bound to make an impression upon the reader's mind. This book will do great good if generally circulated. It is just what our missionary workers need to put into the hands of our intelligent neighbors,—thinking men or women. Why not use these good books, and spread the light? Why should the light be laid away on the shelf, effectually hidden under a bushel? Why not let it shine, and we be bearers of the light to others? Read yourselves, and extend to others, the light of truth. Price of this book, postpaid, $1.00. GEO. I. BUTLER.

The Meeting at Otsego, Mich.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

We hope for a large attendance at this meeting, especially from Friday till Monday. We will gladly provide for all who come; but we wish, where it is convenient, the friends would bring robes and quilts, so that extra beds can be made if necessary. Let none remain away thinking they will be a burden. Come directly to the church, and you will be looked after. D. M. Canright.

The Otsego Meeting.

By Wm. C. Gage

Those sending for certificates to secure reduced fare on the L. S. & M. S. Railway, to attend this meeting, will please mention the station on that road at which they wish to take the train, as that must be on the face of the certificate. These are good to use, going from March 20 to 27, and returning March 27 to 29.

WM. C. GAGE.

Subscription and Address Notices

By M. C. Wilcox

NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, notice should be given. All other business is acknowledged below.

Notice of expiration of subscription will be given by special stamp on the margin of the paper. We should be pleased to receive your renewal at once.

The address of the secretary of the New York H. and T. Society and Dist. No. 4, T. Y. and M. Society, will be, until further notice, at Bow, Jeff Co., N. Y., instead of Vermillion, N. Y. M. C. WILCOX.

Meetings at Plainfield and Springport

“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”—Matt. 10:7.

ELD. H. W. DECKER is expected to meet with the church at Plainfield, in the S. D. Adventist meeting-house in Richford, Wis., on March 18, 19. All of the scattered brethren and sisters are invited to attend. J. E. FARRAR.

THE Lord willing, I will meet with the church at Springport, Mich., Sabbath and Sunday, March 18, 19. Would be pleased to have the brethren from the surrounding churches attend this meeting. Will Bro. Bramhall meet me at the depot Friday afternoon? A. W. BATHER.

Quarterly Meeting of District No. 12

By ROBT. AITKEN

QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 12, Kan., with the Sherman church, the second Sabbath and Sunday in April. We expect the assistance of some of our ministers. Hope to see a good attendance of the brethren and sisters, as we shall have something of importance to talk about. ROBT. AITKEN, Director.

Evangelistic Appointments

SPENCER, Clay Co.,	Iowa.	March 25, 26
Algona, Kossuth Co.,	“	April 1, 2
Forest City, Winnebago Co.,	“	“ 8, 9
Webster City, Hamilton Co.,	“	“ 15, 16

There will be opportunity for baptism. We hope to organize churches in the three last named places. We expect Eld. J. H. Durland will join us in labor at Spencer, as we are not acquainted in this part of the State. C. A. Washburn.

We will spend the time from March 21-26 at Belle Center, as Bro. P. C. Shockey may appoint. The week following we will spend with the brethren of the Uniapolis church if the weather and roads will admit. Hope to see some of these brethren at Belle Center.

I will meet with the Clyde church on the Sabbath only, March 25. Bro. B. will remain at Belle Center. The appointment for Clyde is taken up, excepting for Sabbath, as stated above. The appointment for Shiloh is taken up. Will try to arrange for help at Shiloh after the State meeting.

H. A. St. John.

Ohio Church Meetings

By H. A. St. John; E. H. Gates

The Lord willing, we will meet with churches in Ohio as follows:— Newark, April 18-23 Springfield, “ 25-30 Leesburg, May 2-7 New Antioch, “ 9-14 Wheelersburg, “ 16-21

Meetings begin in each place on Tuesday night, and close on Sunday night. If practicable, services will be held once each day in the forenoon. The first two or three evening meetings will be devoted to the subject of health and temperance, if deemed advisable. Eld. Mann will probably accompany us to Newark. We expect the prayers and co-operation of our brethren, for whom we labor.

H. A. St. John. E. H. Gates.

BOOK NOTICES.

KEY TO SCRIPTURE.

We have received advance sheets of a work entitled, “Collection of Thoughts, or Key to Scripture.” The book professes to give “an explanation of all the incomprehensible passages in the Bible, a reply to the questions asked by Paine in his ‘Age of Reason,’ by Bishop Colenso in his ‘Attack upon the Pentateuch,’ and to the reverberation of the questions by Ingersoll and others.”

The most serious criticism we have to offer upon the work is the fact that the author, being a native of Russian Poland, and a Jew, has not sufficiently mastered the English language. His meaning is often obscure, and idioms are employed that sound strange to an American ear. Often the subject of the sentence is omitted; and again, the sentence wants a predicate. Terms are often inaccurately employed, as in the quotation above, where the author proposes to explain “incomprehensible passages.” Surely this were impossible; he evidently means difficult or obscure passages. The work should be carefully revised, and the defects removed, before it is placed before the public. Price, $1.00 to $1.50. J. L. Stone, Chicago, Ill.

SIN AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST.

“Sin against the Holy Ghost and Exposition of Religious Frauds.” By Thomas Crispin, Detroit, Mich. 80 pp., morocco binding, $1.00.

The author declares that “the clergy are no more to be relied upon for truth, honesty, and virtue, than the politician,” denounces “Methodism, Baptistism, Presbyterianism, Episcopalianism, and Roman Catholicism,” and says that “these church doctrines made by the different organizations called churches are only so many shams and frauds on the world, and constitute sin against the Holy Ghost in every sense of the word.” The reader can judge from these quotations of the nature of the book. There are plenty of religious frauds every one knows, and doubtless much sin against the Holy Ghost; but such sweeping assertions as the foregoing can never be defended.

BUSINESS NOTES.

[Under this head short business notes will be inserted at $1.00 for each notice of four lines or under. Over four lines, 25c. a line. Persons known to the managers of the REVIEW must give good references as to their standing and responsibility. Ten words constitute a line.]

A GOOD opening for a reliable blacksmith—good workman—(Sabbath-keeper) to do a small business for himself with a Sabbath-keeping wood-workman. Business partly established. Address, L. J. Cook, Battle Creek, Mich.

FOR SALE.—House with 1½ acres of ground, about ¼ mile west of REVIEW AND HERALD Office, near Angell bridge, known as the “Light Place.” To be sold at public sale March 30, to the highest bidder. Address P. O. Box 2323, Battle Creek, Mich.

FOR SALE.—Two beautiful vacant lots on Kalamazoo St., short distance from REVIEW AND HERALD Office. Address D. F. Barnes, Battle Creek, Mich.

As we have no children, would like to adopt a boy and a girl, aged from ten to fifteen years, Sabbath-keepers preferred. Address, M. A. Brigham, Morley, Mecosta Co., Mich.

FOR SALE.—A large house and 1 2-5 acres of land, several buildings, lots, with barn, fruit trees etc. Situated near the Sanitarium and College, and well located for boarders. Will sell all or part. Also horses and carriage. J. S. GREEN, Box 854. Battle Creek, Mich.

WANTED.—A No. 1 blacksmith, who understands shoeing, or will take a partner who has some means. Must be a Sabbath-keeper. Address, G. E. Henton, Sioux Falls, Turner Co., D. T.

Financial Receipts and Donations

Books sent by Express.—R H Johnson $7.00, A G Daniels $3.85.

Cash Rec'd on Account.—B C V M Society per W C Sibley $7.00, Kan T & M Society per N J Kilgore $2.50, H A St John 15.00, Am H & T Association, C O Taylor 1.50, N Y T & M Society, Mich T & M Society per Nellie Sisley 3.00, Minn T & M Society per N G W 51.00, Pa T & M Society per B L W 245.19.

Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.—Geo M Hicks $10.00, Edison Dow 10.00, Christian Geering (on share) 5.00, Mary Ayers 10.00, Jacob & Hattie Shively (donation) 50.00, A N Allen (Gunnison City, Col.) per Mrs E P Naylor (donation) 8.00, Ina Squire (donation) 1.50.

Gen. T. & M. Society.—Josephine House $5.00.

Mich. Conf. Fund.—Dryden Margaret L Davis $1.00, J A Demill 2.00, Gaines per W J Hardy 15.00.

Mich. T. & M. Society.—Dist 5 per J S Wicks $12.50.

S. D. A. E. Society.—Geo A King $10.00.

European Mission.—E M F $25.00, Church at New Castle, Cal per Mrs M Richey 12.20, Jacob & Hattie Shively $25.00, Geo Cleveland 4.84, Mrs M A Haughey 4.00, V A Merriam 2.00, H G Buck 4.00, Thos Hudd 4.00.

Swedish Mission.—Church in New Sweden, Me., $5.75, J P Gelotte 25c,