We greatly desire to have the meetings about to be held by Eld. Haskell, in this Conference, accomplish much good. We feel assured they will, if the brethren and sisters will but realize their importance, and attend them. These will not be ordinary meetings. Eld. H. has been familiar with this important branch of the work of God from its organization; and will give instruction on various points, and inspire courage and faith in the work generally. We doubt if the work can prosper in any Conference where the T. and M. work is neglected. God will not bless those who are careless and unconcerned about others’ salvation. The society in Missouri has never been brought up to efficiency, as in other States. General quarterly meetings have been much neglected: much of the time they have not been held at all. We wish to look not backward, but forward. We hope to see a general advance in this important branch of the work this winter all through the Conference.
I expect to spend three or four months laboring uninterruptedly to advance the cause, and especially to build up the T. and M. work. And with Bro. Haskell’s help, and the cordial sympathy and co-operation of our brethren and sisters, we hope to see an advance movement which will greatly tell to the building up of the cause. We ask of the friends a general attendance at these quarterly meetings. We hope Bro. Haskell will consent to hold one or two meetings besides these already appointed, farther south in the Conference; so that nearly all our brethren can be present. Brethren and sisters of Missouri, will you not make a special effort to obtain the instruction you so much need in this important branch of the work? We have a large and good field in which to labor: let us improve it, in the fear of God. GEO. I. BUTLER.
REDUCTION OF FARE.
By B. L. Whitney
To those coming to the dedication at Wellsville, N. Y.: We have just received a proposition from the Erie R. R. which we regard as more favorable to us than to charter a car. They propose to sell return tickets to all who may come over their road, at one-third the regular fare. This will give a reduction of one-third on the round trip, to all who may come from east or west, from any station. This will be better than to charter a car, as that would benefit only those coming from the west; so we conclude to accept this proposition. Buy regular tickets to Genesee, and the reduction will be made on your return.
The Buffalo, N. Y., and Philadelphia R. R. will give one-fourth reduction on their road. By this arrangement, the round trip from Buffalo, by this road, to Hinsdale, and from there via Erie, will be only $4.10. Other points in the same proportion.
This we regard as very favorable, and think our brethren will certainly have no excuse if they do not avail themselves of the opportunity to attend this meeting. B. L. WHITNEY.
Speculating on Prophecy and the Fall of Plevna
It is but little use for people to speculate in regard to the course of events in those matters which are connected with the fulfillments of prophecy. For instance, Osman Pasha said after his surrender of Plevna:—
“It may be fatality, or simply want of judgment; but it would almost seem as if some malevolent spirit was pushing on our ministry to commit blunder after blunder.”
Instantaneous Photograph of the Trotting Horse Occident
A San Francisco photographer has taken a photograph of the celebrated horse Occident, when he was trotting at a speed of thirty-six feet per second, or a mile in two minutes twenty-seven seconds. The image of the horse was impressed upon the paper in less time than the one-thousandth part of a second. The spokes of the sulky attached to Occident were taken separately, so that they can be counted. This is certainly a wonderful triumph in photographing.
Church Shooting Gallery and Christian Endeavor Critique
A “SHOOTING gallery” is now an appurtenance of a progressive city church, which calls itself by the name of “Christian Endeavor.” One way of “pressing toward the mark,” we suppose. But is there not, the Congregationalist asks, such a thing as overstretching church walls?
General Meeting at Ligonier, Noble County, Indiana
By S. H. Lane
THERE will be a general meeting at Ligonier, Noble Co., Ind., Dec. 22, 23, 1877. We hope to see a general turnout of all the friends in the north-eastern part of the State. The new church house will be dedicated to the service of God on first-day, Dec. 23. S. H. LANE.
Illinois Conference Ministers Asked to Send Financial Reports
By S. Nettie Smith
MINISTERS of the Illinois Conference, please send your financial reports to the secretary on Dec. 31, 1877. S. NETTIE SMITH, Sec. Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich.
NEW ENGLAND.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Seabrook, N. H.
SEABROOK is about five miles from Newburyport, Mass., just in the edge of New Hampshire. As Bro. Haines and Mooney had both formerly preached here, and had warm friends in the place, they wished them to hear the third angel's message. So I spent two weeks with them, holding meetings every evening. The first-day Adventists have a chapel here. As Bro. Haines had a regular appointment in this house up to the time of our meetings, we thought they might be friendly enough to allow us the use of their house; but some of the most unreasonable ones opposed it, so we went to the town hall.
As the weather was very bad most of the time, we did not have a very great interest; but quite a number living four miles away in the country were interested, so I went out there, and held most of my meetings in a private house. At first the brethren were inclined to be afraid of us, having heard that Seventh-day Adventists were fanatics, spiritualists, &c. But we soon undeceived them on these points, and they became deeply interested in the subjects of the two-horned beast, the messages, the sanctuary, and the Sabbath, on which they had not heard before. Though our meetings were held in a kitchen, and our numbers were small, being from fifteen to thirty, yet I enjoyed the meetings very much, and so did they. I would preach from two to three hours, and then they wanted to hear more.
As the result of these few days' labor, some fifteen good souls have embraced the Sabbath. These include the elder and the deacon of the church, the very best of its members. Nearly all who have come out are located near together, so they can conveniently keep up their meetings. The last evening there was one of the sweetest meetings I ever enjoyed. One after another arose, and with tender feelings took their stand upon the truth. Some who had been backslidden for years arose, and with tears and deep feeling told their determinations to keep the commandments, and to make a new start for the kingdom.
I shall be disappointed if we do not have a good, working church here. Bro. Mooney and Haines aided me greatly in these meetings. Bro. Mooney still remains with them.
I am sorry to say that some of their former brethren now treat them very harshly, simply because they have been willing to hear for themselves, and obey the truth when they have seen it. I return next Sabbath to help them further, while Bro. Haines goes to another field of labor.
West Newbury, Mass.
This place is half-way between the cities of Newburyport and Haverhill, in each of which we have a church, and is six miles from each. We are also nine miles from Seabrook, where we have just raised up a church; so we are anxious to have one here also. Bro. Robinson and Stone have now been holding meetings here ten days. They hired the town hall, which is a good place for meetings. They have started a good interest, indeed quite a great one. They have had audiences numbering four hundred and fifty. Last night, Dec. 10, I was here, and had an audience of three hundred, though it was Monday night. The interest is growing deeper, and we confidently expect that a good work will be done here. There are several good openings all around, which we hope to occupy this winter.
During the last five months, five new churches have been raised up in the New England Conference; and now there are more good openings waiting than we can possibly fill for months to come. The people seem eager to hear, and many of them are ready to embrace the truth. If New England has been a hard field in the past, it certainly is not now. Things are changed; and I certainly believe the day is near when this will be one of the richest fields in all the harvest. D. M. CANRIGHT.
MICHIGAN
Mich. T. and M. Society, Dists. 6 and 7.
Dec. 1, 2, we were with the Lyons church. Three were added to the church by baptism, making thirty in all. Nearly all took hold of the tithing plan. The pledge for 1878 was raised above that for 1877.
We went to Orange the 3rd. This church all came up nobly on all points of the S. B. and T. and M. work. When the finances were arranged last year, one brother, who had used the Lord’s part, came to the meeting very sad, and we could not induce him to pledge for 1877; but he went home resolved that he would render to the Lord the things which are the Lord’s during 1877; and the result is his tithes are more than double what his S. B. would have been, and he was ready to pledge for 1878. And the best of all was, he had had the blessing of God all the year.
At Sheridan, there is a church of nine members, and more to come in. The S. B. and T. and M. funds were fully organized. They have secured a good hall in which to hold their meetings.
We were at Bushnell the 6th. This is quite a large church. Not all of them see the importance of not “robbing God.”
Friday evening we reached Carson City, and remained till Monday. At the close of the second sermon on Sabbath, nearly all in the house came forward to seek the Lord, some of them for the first time. They have promised to be punctual to all their regular meetings. Their S. B. pledge for 1878 is about $280. They add the one-third. Two were added to the church by baptism, they now number forty-six, and we know of no church in these districts that has better opportunities to do good than this one has.
The records of Dist. No. 6 show 307 members, with an S. B. pledge of $1713.65; T. and M. $556.89. The S. B. pledge for 1878 is $188.99 more than that for 1877, the T. and M. $84.24. Ionia and Montcalm Counties have, including children, 585 Sabbath-keepers, and their entire pledges amount to $2,640.
A. O. Burrill.
Franklin Howe.
Mich. T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 9.
Our meetings have been held, thus far, according to appointment, except the one at Tuscola, which was held Dec. 6. The meeting at Vassar, Nov. 24, 25, was well attended, the members of the church, with but few exceptions, being present. Their S. B. for 1878 does not fall below that of the past year. They take twenty-four copies of the Signs, and two hundred Annuals. We found the church united, and left them determined to work more earnestly than ever. They number forty-one members.
Elmwood.
Elmwood is a church of nine members. The S. B. for 1878 is $106.20. They take eight copies of the Signs, and one hundred and fifty Annuals. They expect to take eight more copies of the Signs soon. This is a good field for labor. We were well paid for our trip here in the good meeting held. Bro. Doud was obliged to leave me here, and Bro. Wm. Lockwood accompanied me to Fairgrove.
Fairgrove.
The church at Fairgrove had been in serious trial for years, but we trust that their difficulties are effectually settled. In no place have we found a company that came up with more cheerfulness and alacrity than did this church, and our meetings, continuing nine hours in all, resulted in all we could expect. Their S. B. was raised over $20. They take fifteen copies of the Signs, and dispose of one hundred and sixty Annuals, paying for them. If they do as they have promised, we predict for them prosperity and an honorable name among the churches. They will try to build a house of worship.
Watrousville.
The Watrousville church numbers twenty-eight members; T. and M. members, seventeen. We found at this place an excellent interest to hear, and many not of us were disappointed that we could not stay at least a few days. Brethren and sisters came fifteen miles over bad roads, and one sister walked seven miles to the meeting. The house of worship was well filled; there were delegations from all the churches in the county. The best of interest was taken in the word spoken, and our business sessions were harmonious. They take sixteen copies of the Signs and one hundred and fifty Annuals.
Tuscola.
There are but eleven names on the church book at Tuscola, and, few as the members are, they are much scattered. On account of sickness, but six could get together. The S. B. and one-third amount to about $52. They take four copies the Signs, and one hundred Annuals.
Thetford.
We reached Thetford, Dec. 8. I preached twice, and held one satisfactory business meeting. The outside interest was good. On first-day morning the large school-house was well filled, and the interest was deep. Here, as at Elmwood and Watrousville, the most earnest desires were expressed for a series of meetings. No doubt such effort would be successful in adding to their numbers. There are sixteen members, and others are about to join them. Their S. B. is $106.
Dec. 9 we were at Mt. Morris, but on account of the absence of the principal officers of the church, we concluded to postpone the meeting here till Dec. 24.
This evening, Dec. 10, we expect to hold our first meeting in Dist. No. 8, at Birch Run. The one thousand Annuals apportioned to Dist. No. 9 are probably already doing their work. Eighty-seven copies of the Signs, we might say ninety-five, as eight more will go to Elmwood, will reach many homes that do not now know the truth, during the year 1878, and the aggregate of S. B. is quite largely increased. I am constrained to say that my work has been comparatively easy because of the energy and method with which Bro. Doud’s work has uniformly been done, and I am not far from believing that a good director will make a good working district.
D. H. Lamson.
F. SQUIER
Michigan T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 7.
At Estella Nov. 24, 25, we held two meetings. These brethren have built a neat house of worship, which is nearly paid for, and will soon be ready for dedication. Their s. s. pledge for 1878 is $58.76, and but few pay the one-third. If some of them would lay aside hurtful articles of diet, they would perhaps enjoy better health, and have the means to put in the cause of God. Some have decided to do so.
Met with the church at Alma, Dec. 1, 2. Only nine or ten in this church pay s. s. Those who pledged did well, their s. s. amounting to over $200. The one-third was also voted. We presented the importance of united effort in all branches of the work, even though it cost a sacrifice.
Dec. 8, 9, we were with the church at Carson City. Here we were pleased to meet Bro. Howe.
We were at Matherton the 10th, but owing to a misunderstanding about the appointment the T. and M. work was deferred until the regular quarterly meeting.
F. SQUIER
Benona and Whitehall, Dec. 10.
I closed my meetings in Benona, Dec. 2. A Swedish lady, the wife of a well-to-do shoemaker, commenced to keep the Sabbath while I was there. Her son seemed very much interested in the truth. Some thought we were right in regard to the state of the dead and the immortality of the soul, but wanted more time to think of the Sabbath.
Came to Whitehall last week, and have held four meetings with the brethren up to this time. Some outsiders have been present, and enjoyed the meetings. Some say they will keep the Sabbath if they see it duty. I visited at their homes, and explained to them about the Sabbath and its change, and invited them to come and hear more at our meetings, which they said they would do. These were Americans. The Scandinavians here are hard to reach, being so under the control of priests.
GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT.
KANSAS
Twin Falls and Zion, Dec. 11.
At Twin Falls, Greenwood Co., four or five embraced present truth. I spent two Sabbaths with the church at Canola. Nearly all the members are growing in grace. The Sabbath-school was re-organized and the T. and M. work looked after. I next visited the few brethren in Chautauqua Co., south of Boston. They appeared to be encouraged by the meetings.
I have just closed an interesting series of meetings, of a little less than a week's duration, with the church at Zion. On Sunday evening we enjoyed an excellent season in the celebration of the ordinances.
The brethren manifested a commendable zeal in attending these meetings, the bad roads and dark nights keeping none away. The outside attendance was good also.
Four united with the church. One was baptized.
J. LAMONT.
Morton, Dec. 12.
I am now laboring at Morton, where I shall remain eight or ten days. There are some over twenty Sabbath-keepers here. We shall labor earnestly to help them. Bro. Santee is with me.
My address, for the present, is Oswego, Labette Co., Kan. J. H. COOK.
Dist. No. 13.
The Lord has blessed my labors here. Some have taken hold of the truth, and others are convinced. The M. E. minister has recently attacked us with great fury. A licentiate belonging to the M. E. church, the leader of their society here, and his noble wife, embraced our views, and this led to the attack. The Lord will maintain his truth. To him be all the praise.
J. P. HENDERSON.
THE CITY OF OUR GOD.
O city of the jasper wall,
And of the pearly gate!
For thee, amid the storms of life,
Our weary spirits wait.
We long to walk the streets of gold
No mortal feet have trod:
We long to worship at the shrine,
The temple of our God.
O home of bliss! O land of light!
Where falleth neither shade nor blight!
Of every land the brightest, best,
When shall we there find peace and rest?
O city where they need no light
Of sun, or moon, or star!
Could we with eye of faith but see
How bright thy mansions are,
How soon our doubts would flee away,
How strong our trust would grow,
Until our hearts should learn no more
On trifles here below.
O home of bliss! O land of light!
Where falleth neither shade nor blight!
Of every land the brightest, best,
When shall we there find peace and rest?
O city where the shining gates
Shut out all grief and sin,
Well may we yearn amid earth’s strife
Thy holy peace to win.
Yet must we meekly bear the cross,
Nor seek to lay it down
Until our Father brings us home,
And gives the promised crown.
O home of bliss! O land of light!
Where falleth neither shade nor blight!
Of every land the brightest, best,
Soon shall we there find peace and rest!
NOT ALL SADNESS.
By Bonar
EARTH is not all tears and woe:
There are bright things here below,
There is verdure on our hills,
There is music in our rills,
There is fragrance in the air,
In our homes the dear and fair.
God’s promise standeth fast,
And the glory breaks at last;
Peace is rising out of strife,
Death is dying into life;
Up springs the eternal sun,
Heaven and earth will soon be one.
—Bonar
YORKSHIRE CENTRE, N. Y.
By GEO. D. BALLOU.
I have just begun a course of lectures at a large country school-house, two miles from this post office. The community is made up of intelligent farming people. Two meetings have been held, with a good prospect of success. The people seem hungry for the truth. Pray for the prosperity of the cause.
GEO. D. BALLOU.
Golden Wires and Prison Windows
By Owen Meredith
GOLDEN wires may annoy us as much as steel bars, if they keep us behind prison windows.—Owen Meredith.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, in Palmyra, Me., Oct. 6, of fever, Preston F., son of G. and B. Parkman, aged 24 years. Remarks by the writer from Rom. 12:12.
J. B. GOODRICH.
DIED, at Cedar Lake, Montcalm Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1877, Hattie, infant daughter of John S. and Matilda A. Rowland, aged 2 years, 2 months, and 4 days.
M. A. R.
My brother, Henry N. Morse, son of Washington and Olive Morse, died Oct. 23, of typhoid fever, at Niobrara, Nebraska, aged 32 years. Having completed a course of legal study, and gained admittance to the bar, he was just commencing his professional career, with bright prospects, when the dark pall of death put an end to all his earthly hopes. He leaves a wife and child and a large circle of mourning friends, to grieve over his great sufferings and untimely death in a strange land. He was a believer in the truths of the third angel’s message. Oh! when will the disappointments, sufferings, and tears of earth be exchanged for the glad surprise, fadeless joy, and never-waning splendor of that bright morning when the Life-giver shall “loose the prisoners”!
Some time since I saw a question on this text, and I would like to add a word to the answer. The margin, “come upon the heart,” is a very literal rendering of the Hebrew. The original is the same in Jer. 32:35, which easily guides us to the true idea of the text. The Lord said, of their abominations, that he did not command, neither came it into his mind (literally, upon his heart), that they should do them. Authors have indulged in many speculations over this text, as to how it came not into the mind of God, that is, how he did not know that they would do those things. The idea, however, is not that of knowledge or of its absence. To come upon the heart signifies to be an object of desire.
He did not command, neither did he desire, that they should do as they had done. This seems to disprove the doctrine of the predestinarians, as it cannot be that God would determine in his own mind that a people should do that which he did not want them to do.
I think that Isa. 65:17 teaches that the former things shall not come into the mind as objects of desire. Considering how the heart of man is set upon the things of this present world; how fondly he clings to its enjoyments and associations, the promise of a state where this world will not be remembered as a place of enjoyment or as an object of desire, indicates the complete satisfaction that will attend the possession of the world to come.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Dedication at Flint, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson; E. R. Jones
THE new house of worship at Flint is just receiving its finishing touches, and will be fully ready for dedication, Dec. 29, 30. It is expected that Eld. U. Smith, editor of REVIEW AND HERALD, and Eld. J. H. Waggoner, long and favorably known among us, will conduct the services.
A general attendance of all to whom this point is accessible is earnestly desired; and ample provision will be made for those who come. Stable room and hay will be furnished to teams but it is suggested that those who come with teams provide grain for them, as there are none in the city who would not be compelled to purchase. There is no objection to persons providing for their own necessities, as they may be able, in food and bedding; but let none stay away because they cannot do so. Any individuals who have made pledges to be paid at that time are requested to make an earnest effort to meet them; but do not fail to come if the sum cannot then be paid.
We hope to be able to dedicate the church entirely free from debt. It is located near the corner of Third street and Stockton avenue, in plain view of the Asylum for the mutes and the blind, and can be easily found. A committee will be at the church to furnish a place to stay during the whole meeting to any who wish.
Services will commence, Providence permitting, on Friday evening, Dec. 28. Sabbath morning service at 10:30 A. M.; also first-day service at the same hour on that day. The dedicatory sermon will probably be preached at 2:30 P. M. on first-day, Dec. 30. (Other services will be appointed at the time. We would say to all our brethren who can come, Let nothing keep you away. D. H. Lamson.
For the Church. E. R. Jones.
Appointments: Quarterly and Monthly Meetings Announced
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 7, Mich. T. and M. Society, at Matherton, Jan. 12, 13, 1878. A full attendance is desired. F. Squire, Director.
West Liberty, Mich., Dec. 22 and 23. Meetings will be held at Turkey Hall school-house, and commence Friday evening at 7 o’clock. Will the elder of this church meet me at Jackson, Friday, Dec. 21? M. B. Miller.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 1, Mich. T. and M. Society, at Hillsdale, Jan. 12, 13, 1878. Librarians will send reports to the district secretary; S. B. treasurers will please make an effort to collect the one-third and pay it in to the district secretary. Let there be a good representation from all the churches in this district. Frank D. Snyder, Director. C. S. Veeder, Dist. Sec.
Monthly meeting at Carson City, Montcalm Co., Mich., Dec. 29. E. Hutchins.
Quarterly meeting of Osawkee, Kan., church, Jan. 5 and 6, 1878. Will Bro. Lamont or Kennedy meet with us? Wm. Dail.
Quarterly meeting of the Jackson church at Springport, Jan. 5, 1878. Let every member report, and be prepared to settle up S. B. E. P. Giles.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 2, Mich. T. and M. Society, at Tompkins, Jan. 12, 1878. Let all members send their reports in time, to the secretary, L. A. Bramhall, Springport. Bro. Miller is expect to attend. E. P. Giles, Director.
Leighton, Allegan Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 30. Gaines, Kent Co., Jan. 5, 6, 1878. Meetings can commence Friday evening, if thought best. H. M. Kenyon.
Quarterly meeting at Duck Creek, Wis., Dec. 29, 30. Would like to meet brethren from Black Creek at this meeting. O. A. Olson.
In harmony with the suggestion of Bro. Haskell in a recent number of the Review, I appoint general meetings of the brethren and sisters of Missouri as follows: Dec. 29, 30, 1877, at Prairie Valley, Daviess Co., Mo. Jan. 5 and 6, 1878, near Holden, Mo. One special object of these meetings is to revive an interest in the tract and missionary work. To aid us in this object, Eld. S. N. Haskell, president of the General Tract and Missionary Society, will be with us. We ask for a general attendance of the friends of the cause. Geo. I. Butler.
At Gadsden, Alabama, where Bro. Heath may arrange, Dec. 22, 23. S. N. Haskell.
Meetings in Vermont will be held as follows: Bordoville, Dec. 22, 23. Brownington, 29, 30. A. S. Hutchins.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the friends at Flint, Mich., on Tuesday evening, Dec. 25. This meeting will be of special importance, and a general attendance is desired. Will meet with the church at Port Huron, on Sabbath, Jan. 5. Hope to see the friends from Smith’s Creek and Grant Center at this meeting. Can Eld. J. O. Corliss meet me at that time. D. H. Lamson.
Quarterly meeting at Limestone, Crawford Co., Kan., six miles north-west of Cherokee station, Jan. 12 and 13, 1878. Brethren from a distance, please bring bedding. J. H. Cook.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the friends of the cause near Bible Grove, Scotland Co., Mo., Thursday, Dec. 20, 1877, to remain about a week. Hope to meet all who are interested at this meeting. Geo. I. Butler.
Quarterly meeting of the church at Patricksburg, Ind., at Bro. Randolph’s, Jan. 5, 6. Meetings commence Sabbath eve. Remember the S. B. N. Carahoof.
European Mission.
By James White
Bro. Bickle, of Wisconsin, offers to be a one hundred dollar man in the matter of raising the ten thousand dollars to establish the press in Europe, provided he can have three, six, or twelve months in which to pay it.
We will here say to Bro. B. and to all others who wish to take part in this enterprise, Take your time. When you get the cash send it along, and credit will be given. The sum is put at $10,000; but the subscription will be kept open for others. None of this money is to be used for any other purpose, and there are no reasons why the subscription should close until all have done their duty, though the amount may be swelled to twenty thousand dollars.
James White.
Special Notice.
By Editor
No paper next week. As this number concludes volume 50, the paper will be omitted next week to bring the commencement of the new volume at the beginning of the year.
An article on Giving appears this week on page 194. It is from a layman; but he proves himself a better preacher than many who prefix the pompous title, reverend, to their names. We understand it is from a merchant in Chicago, and we so credit it. He presents the subject from a business point of view and in a business manner. Consider it well. We all have business with God, in the most literal sense of that term. Let us be careful how we transact it.
The article from Bro. Ayers will be read with interest and profit by brethren everywhere; and it is just as well calculated for any other part of the field as for Kansas. Let those outside of that State just imagine that it was written for them, and act accordingly.
We are happy to learn from the report of Bro. Ings in this number that the company who lately left this country, to assist Bro. Andrews in his European work, consisting of Bro. and Sr. Ings and Sr. Maud Sisley, had arrived safely in Liverpool, at the time of their writing.
We have received from James Vick, the well known florist, Vol. 1, No. 1, of an illustrated monthly magazine. All we need to say is—Magazine—James Vick. His name is a synonym for first-class work, and a guarantee that this magazine will be inimitable of its kind. Each number contains 32 pages, and a colored plate. Price, single subscription, $1.25 per year, 5 copies for $5.00. Address, James Vick, Rochester, N. Y.
A GEM.—We have before us a copy of the neat little volume, “Child’s Poems,” offered as a premium for the INSTRUCTOR. It is bound in colored muslin, and stamped in black and gilt, making as handsome and attractive a volume as one can anywhere find. We shall be surprised if effective work is not done with it, in behalf of the INSTRUCTOR.
The Eastern War.
The prospects of Russia in the Eastern struggle continue favorable. Elated with the capture of Kars, they have summoned Erzeroum to surrender, announcing that, if refused, the place would be attacked by 80,000 troops with overwhelming artillery. Servia, is at last emboldened to enter the conflict, and her troops were to march to the frontier to-day. The warlike spirit of Greece is steadily rising, and great agitations exist among the people. The Montenegrins have renewed their undying struggle, and have won important victories in Albania. Rumors of foreign intervention, and of mediation, have been current, but have been positively discredited. There is no evidence that the war party in England is gaining strength, but much evidence to the contrary. There is far more likely to be truth in the suggestion that England is already considering the virtual annexation of Egypt as an adequate compensation for any supposed detriment to British interests in the overthrow of the Turkish power.
Recent discussions in the Nineteenth Century, an English Review of great influence, have much significance. During the summer, a paper by Mr. Edward Dicey advocated this measure in the event, which seemed to him probable, of the breaking up of the Ottoman Empire. Mr. Gladstone took an opposing view in a subsequent article, maintaining that the independence of her Christian provinces is all that Christendom can justly demand from Turkey. Mr. Dicey replied, maintaining his previous position. As a result of the discussion we learn that George Van Bunsen, “an eminent member of the German Reichstag, was requested to say whether, in his judgment, Germany would consent to the assignment of Egypt to Great Britain. He replied in an exceedingly well-written and interesting article, which appeared in the Nineteenth Century, that he was quite sure no objection would come from the people or government of Germany.”
A striking confirmation of this view appeared last week in the fact, then first published, that Germany has proposed to assume the protectorate and guaranty the independence of Belgium, on condition that Belgium adopts the German military system and makes a close alliance with the Empire. This would virtually make Belgium a part of Germany, and would erect a formidable bulwark against France. It would be greatly to the advantage of Protestantism and of religious liberty, for papal influence has of late years been predominant in Belgium. There seems to be entire accord between Russia and Germany in carrying out their respective programmes. Great changes in the map of Europe seem to be impending. That they can be accomplished without war on a still larger scale seems altogether unlikely. Long cherished expectations of believing students of prophecy seem to be nearing their fulfillment.—Christian Statesman.
Change of Address for District No. 10 Secretary
By Geo. Randall; H. G. Bump
Notice.
THE address of the secretary of Dist. No. 10, Mich., is changed to Detroit, No. 268 Jefferson Ave., east. All business letters to the director of the same district relating to T. and M. work should be sent to the above address.
Geo. Randall, Director.
H. G. Bump, Secretary.
Postmaster General Rules on Forwarding Letters
THE Postmaster General decides that the right to forward letters to a second destination, without additional postage, applies only to such letters as have not left the custody of postal officials. If a carrier delivers a letter at a hotel, and the proprietor or clerk immediately redirects it, it may be forwarded, but in no case must it be taken from the carrier’s presence.
Hope for Repentance and Future Good Works
If there is a past in which men have done ill, let them hope; for there is a future in which they may do well.
Faith Prophesies and Works to Gain
Faith prophesies, and then works to gain what it expects.