p. 207 | Review and Herald, Vol. 59, No. 13. (3/28/1882)

Earlier text: To Dakota T. and M. Society

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”

ALLARD.—My dear husband, John J. N. Allard, died of cancerous inflammation in the throat and congestion of the stomach, at his home in East Poland, Me., Nov. 17, aged fifty-six years, and six months. He had kept the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus for years, having united with the Seventh-day Adventists in 1874. We believe he sleeps in Jesus. My husband was deaf and dumb. It was hard to part with him, but we hope to meet him in the morning of the first resurrection. FANNIE L. ALLARD

HULL.—Died of consumption and a complicated disease, at Silver Hill, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 9, 1882, Celia, wife of James Hull, in the twenty-fourth year of her age. About two months ago, while on a sick bed, she sought and found the Saviour, and He was her comfort in the trying hours that followed. He was very precious to her. She often confessed her faults, and seemed anxious for forgiveness. She expressed a desire to live to train her infant boy for Christ. Her husband and numerous friends mourn their loss, but not as those who have no hope. Funeral discourse by Miles, Congregationalist, from Rom. 14: 8. ELLEN S. COLLINS

COUNTERMAN, HYATT.—Died of diphtheria, in Mecosta Co., Mich., Oct. 17, 1881, Mrs. Ida M. Counterman, aged twenty-two years, nine months, and four days; also of enlargement of the heart, Jan. 4, Alice A. Hyatt, aged twenty-one years, four months and twenty-one days. These were both daughters of Br. and Sr. Leonard and Catharine Hyatt, of the Alma church. They were converted at the first Alma meeting, in August, 1880, and on receiving baptism united with the Alma church, of which they were members at the time of their death. In youth they entered the service of the Master, little thinking their lives would end so soon. Loving friends laid them away to rest, hoping to meet them again when the Lifegiver comes. Funeral discourse by the writer, March 12, 1880, Eccl. 12. “If love or care could death prevent, Thy day had not so soon been spent.” D. A. WELLMAN

BROWN.—Mrs. Mary Esther Brown died of pneumonia at her home in Fish Creek, Door Co., Wis., March, 1882. Sister Brown was born in the State of New York in 1846, and while a small child removed with her parents to Fish Creek, Wis. Here both her parents died, she was too young to realize her loss. At the age of fifteen, she was united in marriage to Mr. John Brown. In the winter of 1876, under the labors of Eld. H. H. Decker, she accepted the views held by S. D. Adventists. To the time of her death she remained true to her profession; and believing that she sleeps in Jesus, and shall have a part in the resurrection of the just, we sorrow not as those who have no hope. “Go to thy rest; and while Thy absence we deplore, One thought our sorrow shall beguile, For soon, with a celestial smile, We meet to part no more.” Funeral service by the writer. A. JOHNSON

HILTON.—Died of dropsy, in Cornville, Me., Feb., 1882, Comfort, wife of Joseph Hilton, aged eighty years, five months, and eleven days. She was a member of the Christian Baptist church in this town, about fifteen years ago, when the third angel’s message was presented in the place. She accepted the truth, and united with the S. D. A. church in Cornville, remaining a faithful member until the day of her death. She was a faithful companion, an affectionate mother, and one who was very highly esteemed by all her neighbors and friends with whom she had lived for some fifty-eight years. She was among the few against whom we never heard a word of censure. Having fallen at her post, she sleeps in Jesus. May God bless the afflicted family, and give them a home where death will never come. Sermon by the writer, from 1 Thess. 4: 18. J. B. GOODRICH

HAYDEN.—Died of spinal meningitis in Appleton, St. Clair Co., Mo., March 16, 1882, our dear little Chester Curtis, aged seven years and eight days. He was sick but three days, but his sufferings were great, though borne patiently. Curtis was taught to keep the commandments from infancy, and was careful in his use of words, considering by-words as bad as swearing. He always had a good Sabbath-school lesson. The Sabbath before his death, his teacher asked the class if he thought God could find ten righteous persons in the city. He counted the school, and said with much confidence that there were thirty in the house. May his words prove true, and when Jesus calls the little sleeper from the tomb, may they with him be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Sermon by Eld. Porter, Christian, from Phil. 1: 21, “To die is gain.” ASHLEY AND MARY HAYDEN

Jewel Cases Imitating Bibles

—The Philadelphia News says jewel cases are now made in imitation of Bibles, so that no one will open them.

The Faults of Others

—No one is so blind to his own faults as a man who has the habit of detecting the faults of others.

Blessing Others

—Who blesses others in his daily deeds Will find the healing that his spirit needs; For every flower in others’ pathway thrown, Confers its fragrant beauty on our own.

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.

By George I. Butler

A CORRESPONDENT asks for an explanation of Acts 8, in which we have an account of the preaching of Philip, the acceptance of the gospel by many, their baptism, and finally the coming of Peter and John, and their laying their hands upon these disciples, who thus received the Holy Ghost. Our friend writes that a Mormon elder has been disturbing the minds of some who have received the truth by telling them that the laying on of hands was an ordinance of the true church, and that they could not be saved unless it was administered, etc. We take issue decidedly with this position; for there is not a passage of Scripture which teaches that it was an ordinance of the church designed for all believers, or that it was a condition of salvation. We freely admit that the laying on of hands was a ceremony to be practiced on special occasions. For example, hands were to be laid upon the sick, Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8; also upon those who were to be ordained to the ministry or as deacons; Acts 6:6; 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:22; Titus 1:5. Except in these special cases, it was nowhere commanded. But was it not practiced by the apostles, and made the occasion of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit? In some instances, it was. But in other instances, just as marked, the Spirit was bestowed without this ceremony.

In the scripture in question, Acts 8, we learn that Philip preached Christ unto them, and a multitude were baptized, but the Spirit was not bestowed. Peter and John came, and they laid their hands upon these disciples, and the Holy Ghost came upon them. But we go to chapter 10 where an account is given of the conversion of Cornelius, the good centurion, and many with him. Peter was directed to go there by a vision. When he had been sent for by Cornelius, a goodly number listened to the gospel. While he was speaking, the Holy Ghost fell upon them. It is evident from the language that there was no laying on of hands. Verse 44. They were commanded to be baptized after they had received the Spirit. But they were not commanded to have hands laid upon them. When the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, it came without the laying on of hands, upon the twenty in the room. And when Peter spake to the multitude who came together, and told them the promise of the Holy Spirit was unto them and to their children, and to all that were afar off, and to as many as the Lord should call, he never gave them a hint that the condition of having hands laid upon them was required in order to obtain it, and it is very evident they received it without. Acts 2:38, 39. We see, therefore, that there were instances of the giving of the Spirit at the time of the laying on of hands, and without it, and that it is nowhere made a condition of receiving the Spirit that hands should be laid upon the believer. Hence it cannot be a general ordinance of the church. The laying on of hands is doubtless an expressive ceremony signifying the conferring of spiritual blessings, and is proper especially on the occasion of solemn ordination to holy office. The Bible teaches this. It is also proper when special prayer is made for the healing of the sick. At times God marks the occasions by a special outpouring of his Spirit. At other times he pours out his Spirit just as powerfully in the absence of the ceremony. If it had been a solemn ordinance of the church, obligatory upon all believers, we should surely have had a command to that effect, as in the case of baptism, the Lord's supper, and the ordinance of humility. Gen. 13. GEO. I. BUTLER.

TO THE CHURCHES IN VERMONT.

By A. S. Hutchins

As a privilege next to attending with you some of the soon-coming quarterly meetings, I hope to learn from each church clerk, soon after the meetings, their spiritual interest and missionary results. Please inform me on these points:—

1. Is your church making sufficient advancement in spiritual life to manifest it in an increase of zeal and activity in the missionary work?

2. Have you any suggestions to offer as to the place of tent-meetings or camp-meeting for the ensuing season?

Allow me to express the hope that dues on tithes and to the tract and missionary society may all be paid at the quarterly meetings. Also that every Sabbath-keeping family in the State be encouraged to take the REVIEW and Good Health, and other periodicals from our publishing houses if possible. The directors, librarians, and elders of our churches, should all feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to faithfully look after this branch of the work. I hope arrangements will be made at the meetings referred to to look after all the churches and scattered members with reference to this matter. We must wake up to the important duties of the present hour.

The time has fully come when we should be able to say, in truth, in humility, and in gratitude to God: “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor; and the cause which I knew not I searched out.”

Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich. A. S. HUTCHINS.

EMIGRATION

By Stephen N. Haskell

Last week we called attention to the thousands flocking to our shores from the Old World, and alluded to the fact that our people have done and are doing but little or nothing to place reading matter before this large number of foreigners as they here seek homes. Thus far, all that has been done in this direction has been by our tract societies in remailing periodicals, and by a few individuals who have acted as colporters among them after they have become located.

This is well, so far as it is practicable among so many, but twenty times more might be accomplished if, in addition to this, reading matter was distributed among them, accompanied with personal labor, before they scatter to the far West. Home and foreign missionary periodicals are noticing this emigration, and in connection with their efforts to enlighten the heathen, they are watching with intense interest the result of the emigration to this country. In the March number of the Illustrated Missionary News is a striking pictorial illustration of a new western settlement, with the following paragraph taken from L’Occident:—

“The emigration during the past year has never had its equal. The rulers of the Old World are alarmed, and are attempting to check the great exodus; but they plan, and legislate, and labor in vain. The movement each month is gathering greater force. This year immigration into this land bids fair to approach a million souls. It touches our eastern shores, but it stops not there; it sweeps across the Alleghanies into the Central States, but it stops not there; it crosses the great Mississippi, and much of it the Missouri also, and stops not till it laps the sides of our lofty mountains, and nestles in the beauteous valleys of the great, great West.”

Shall we, under such circumstances, go plodding along, without making a special effort to place before this large number of persons the light of present truth? May God help us to realize the responsibility which he has laid upon us in giving us a knowledge of the truth, and in placing us in a land which is an asylum for the oppressed,—a land of liberty of conscience.

S. N. HASKELL.

RETURNS TO OHIO.

By H. A. St. John

THE last REVIEW informs us that Bro. G. A. King returns to Ohio to take charge of the canvass for “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Of this I am heartily glad. And now that he appeals to us for support and co-operation in this good work, will those who love the third angel’s message withhold their sympathy and support in any way?

“Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” is one of the important works which the times demand. May God bless Bro. King with health and wisdom, and give him a strong corps of efficient co-workers in the good State of Ohio.

Let every person, without any exception, who has the least thought, desire, or intention of entering into the canvassing work, report at once to G. A. King, Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio. Those who cannot go, may at least encourage others to engage in the work. And all may pray for the success of the workers. May this excellent book find its way into hundreds of families in our State during 1882. For this we will hope, pray, and labor. H. A. ST. JOHN.

Our Next State Quarterly Meeting.

By H. A. St. John

It has been decided to hold this meeting at Belleville, Richmond county, April 11 to 16. In some respects this will be an important meeting. Here we should lay our plans, and make arrangements for the summer campaign with tents, etc., as far as possible. The Belleville society is small, but cordially invite all who love the cause in sincerity to come, and share in welcome their hospitality.

Grumblers, fault-finders, and tale-bearers are not invited. Those who do come should come to do good and receive good. The good cause of the Lord is onward,—steadily and more rapidly onward throughout the earth, and Ohio will furnish its quota of soldiers of Jesus to labor and look for his soon coming.

The meeting is appointed to begin on Tuesday night, but of course we do not expect our brethren generally to come before Friday. Ministers, Conference Committee, treasurer, and secretary, and other State officers (of T. and M. society, etc.), are earnestly invited to be on hand by Tuesday, so that all business may be attended to before the Sabbath, and besides the business, we should have some seasons of seeking the Lord together at this meeting.

Bro. King will perhaps be at this meeting, and those who wish to engage in canvassing, and can not begin sooner than this, would do well to report, personally at this meeting. We can employ but three or four tent-masters in Ohio the coming summer, and all of our young brethren must not expect positions of this kind. Let all seek a field of usefulness in the cause. H. A. ST. JOHN.

The Ministerial Association.

By J. S. Green

The ministers of the Michigan Conference met at the church in Otsego, on the 22d inst., at 9 A. M., and completed the organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association by electing Eld. J. O. Corliss president, and Eld. D. H. Lamson secretary, after which a very instructive and excellent address was delivered to the members of said Association by Eld. J. O. Corliss, on the subject of “The Work of the Gospel Ministry,” and a general discussion of the topic engaged in by all of the members of said Association till 12 M.

At 2:30, the Association listened to a lecture by Eld. D. M. Canright, on “The Best Method of Raising Means for the Cause of God,” and a general discussion ensued till 5:30. In the evening we listened to a discourse by Eld. A. Weeks.

Thursday, at 9 A. M., a discourse by Eld. A. O. Burrill as to there being a necessity for the existence of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, followed by a discussion of the subject which lasted till 12 M. At 2:30, Eld. D. H. Lamson discoursed on “The Preparation for and Continuing of Revival Work,” after which it was discussed by the Association till 5:30. In the evening, Eld. Wm. Ostrander gave a well-delivered and instructive discourse. Subject, “Stand in Your Place.”

Friday, at 9 A. M., the subject of “Church Discipline” was very fully discoursed on by Eld. M. B. Miller. At 2:30, the matter of “Spiritual Gifts” was taken up by Eld. U. Smith, and the Association were unanimous in expressing their belief in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, down to the coming of Christ. In the evening, Eld. W. O. Gage delivered a very clear and instructive discourse on the great necessity and benefits of walking in the light of truth.

On the Sabbath, most excellent and useful discourses were given, by Eld. D. H. Lamson in the forenoon, and Eld. A. O. Burrill in the afternoon; and a social meeting was held, in which many took part and were very greatly refreshed by the Spirit of the Lord. J. S. GREEN.

“THOUGHTS ON DANIEL AND THE REVELATION.”

By George Ide Butler

We have spoken of canvassing for our own publications, and also of the fact that this volume is now ready for the canvasser. This is the first real effort our people have made to prepare something for the canvassing work. The matter contained in the two volumes heretofore sold by our people is put into one volume. It is bound in an attractive shape. It contains some additional illustrations and the portrait of the author, Eld. Uriah Smith. It contains 840 pages. It is printed on good paper in medium sized type, and has a table of contents, and also a general index. It is a fine-looking book. This book is designed specially for canvassing, and not to be sold, like our other books, in the general market. We hope by this means to bring it before the general public and those not of our faith. The two volumes sold by the Office and by our ministers and tract societies generally, contain about the same matter, and can be obtained cheaper. But they are not in a convenient form to be used in canvassing. They are not in as attractive shape as this volume. We must put our books that are for general circulation in such form as will suit the popular taste. No matter what the form of the book, if it only contains the truth of God, which will reach and save the people.

We greatly rejoice that at last we are prepared with works specially relating to the truths of the message, the coming of Christ, and a preparation for the eternal world, in such form that they can be successfully brought before the reading public. This is a desideratum we have greatly desired. We expect a large sale of this book, even the present season. We hope to see ten or fifteen thousand sold the present year. Eld. Haskell, two weeks since, gave an account of the interest taken in it in several places already, where it has been introduced. In several places orders have been taken for it from ministers, judges, lawyers, doctors, editors, business men, and by the people generally not of our faith. This shows what can be done in many places. Why should not our whole country be thoroughly canvassed for this most important work?

Many would canvass for it if they thought they could make money at it. We would not make this the principal object by any means; but we have no doubt but those who canvass for it can make good wages as soon as they learn the business. This has been demonstrated already. There is, to the public mind, a kind of fascination about the books of Daniel and the Revelation. The ministers of the popular churches dare not generally undertake to explain them. They say they are mysteries; yet the reader finds them in the old family Bible. There is the strange figurative language of prophecy. Many love to read it who have little knowledge of its meaning. Here is a book containing the very clearest exposition ever given of these visions of prophetic wisdom, the very latest researches, by the ablest commentators. Here the wonderful prophetic periods spanning the long centuries of the past are explained so simply that the ordinary reader can comprehend every one of them. Here is wisdom for the skeptic. It confounds all his unbelief. It reveals the hand of Omnipotence and the wisdom of Omniscience. It is more strange and wonderful than anything ever seen in the magician’s performances.

There are chapters here recording the mightiest events of human history, and explaining the problems which puzzle the greatest statesmen of the present age. The wonderful Eastern Question here finds its solution. The end of the papacy is here portrayed. The closing scenes of human history are here revealed. In such themes as these, it would be strange if a good canvasser could not interest a thoughtful mind, and sell the book. But how insignificant is this object to that of disseminating the light of glorious truth to those in darkness. These volumes contain the very pith and marrow of present truth, the very foundation on which it stands. If the truths contained in these volumes are accepted, the other truths believed by us are inevitable. Here is a noble work for our young men to engage in, and our young women also. It will do every one of them good to become absorbed in these blessed themes themselves. It will elevate their minds and benefit their hearts. How little and insignificant are the works usually sold compared with the great truths contained in this!

We expect to see a great stir on this subject. Steps will be taken to get our people interested in this kind of canvassing. It will not lead away from the truth, but toward it. At our camp-meetings the present season we hope something will be done to organize and set in motion this good work. What a power we could be, if we could get all our forces to act as a unit in an advancement of this truth.

More will be said on this subject hereafter. Any of our brethren who wish to engage in this work can correspond with the REVIEW AND HERALD Office, and terms and outfits can be obtained.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Appointments

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

As Eld. Mitchell has been called to labor in another part of Iowa, and Eld. Washburn has recently visited several places covered by our appointments, we think it would not be best to go over the same ground so soon. We have therefore decided to withdraw all our appointments in the western part of the State; viz., Storm Lake, Sheldon, Blencoe, Logan, Dunlap, Castana, Smithland, and Nevada. I think there need be no special disappointment at those places where Eld. Washburn has not been, as he may have time to visit them yet before camp-meeting. R. C. Porter.

QUARTERLY meeting at Fremont, Wis., April 1, 2. A minister is expected. Important business is to be transacted. Would request as full an attendance as possible. JAS. HILTON, Elder.

At Patricksburg, Owen Co., Ind., April 1, 2. Hope to see a general turnout. S. H. LARSEN.

ST. CHARLES, Mich., Sabbath and Sunday, April 1, 2. Monday evening, the 30th, where Bro. H. S. Guilford may appoint. A. O. BURRILL.

THE State meeting for the Illinois T. and M. Society, will be held at Serena, Sabbath and first-day, April 15, 16. These are important matters to be considered at this time. We hope all our ministers, directors, State secretary, and as many of our brethren as possibly can, should attend. Tent labor, canvassing for our publications, sending young men to College, and devising means to help some needy ones among us, are some of the things to be considered. R. F. ANDREWS.

THE district quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 2, Neb. T. and M. Society, appointed last week, is changed to Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb., April 16, to be held in connection with the State quarterly meeting. E. D. HURLBURT, Director.

THE quarterly meeting for Hickory Corners, Hastings, Maple Grove, and Carlton Center, will be held at Maple Grove, Mich., April 8 and 9. We hope to have a good turnout. E. VAN DEUSEN.

THE quarterly meeting of the West Liberty church will be held at Hanover, Mich., April 1, 2. Eld. Fargo will be present. A. W. BATHER.

I now design attending the quarterly meeting with the brethren at Chicago, April 1, 2, as they may arrange. Hoping all the lovers of the truth will be present. R. F. ANDREWS.

THE quarterly meeting of the Jackson church will be held at Springport, Mich., April 1, 2. E. P. GILES, Elder.

THE Lord willing, I shall attend the quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 2 at Roosevelt, N. Y., April 8, 9; Dist. No. 3, at Mainsville, N. Y., April 15, 16. We earnestly desire a good attendance from all the churches in their respective districts. We trust every member will be present, and make a good donation to the tract society. Let not the work of the Lord be done negligently. M. H. BROWN.

Schuyler, Neb., April 8. Stromsburg, “ 15, 16.

THE Nebraska T. and M. quarterly meeting will be held at Stromsburg, April 15, 16. The State secretary will be there, and it is hoped there will be a general attendance of all missionary workers from a reasonable distance. CHAS. L. BOYD.

DIST. No. 4, Ind., will hold its quarterly meeting at Princeton, April 15, 16. This meeting is held one week later that all may be fully ready. Will meet with the church at Noblesville in their quarterly meeting, April 1, 2. WM. COVERT.

DISTRICT QUARTERLY MEETINGS

To be held April 8, 9.

Let all librarians and district secretaries bring the books and reports, and be prompt in attendance.

DIST. No. 5, Iowa, at Sandyville. Eld. Stevens is expected. NOAH HODGES, Director.

DIST. No. 4, Penn., at Corydon. SAMUEL WINKLEY, Director.

DIST. No. 14, Mich., at Potterville, Eaton Co. Eld. J. O. Corliss is expected. Hope to see a general turnout at the meeting. BENJAMIN HILL, Director.

DIST. No. 5, Kan., with the Noble church. We hope to see a good attendance of the brethren and sisters. Bro. Barton is expected. JAMES V. MAJOR, Director.

DIST. No. 5, Ohio, at Leipzig. A. A. Bigelow will be present. All the librarians should attend and all the leading brethren in the district. Meeting begins on Friday evening. J. S. FISHER, Director.

DIST. No. 2, Ohio, at Corsica, April 8, 9, instead of April 1, 2. E. C. PENN, Director.

DIST. No. 3, Mich., at Coldwater. J. O. CORLISS.

DIST. No. 2, Mich., at Hanover. E. P. GILES.

DIST. No. 9, Ill., at Watseka. A. O. TAYLOR.

DIST. No. 7, N. Y., at Brookfield, Madison Co. Would like to have Eld. T. M. Lane attend if convenient. T. T. WHEELER, Director.

DIST. No. 1, Iowa, at West Union. F. H. CHAPMAN, Director.

BUSINESS ITEMS

ALL librarians in Dist. No. 7 address all T. and M. business to A. E. Burrill, Battle Creek, Mich.

Books by Freight.—S. N. Haskell $140.90.

Books by Express.—P. W. Baker $5.46, C. Hall 5.89, A. E. Sturtevant 14.70.

Cash on Account.—Kan. T. & M. Society, M. B. Clinger $2.00, Mich. T. & M. Society per N. G. White 40.00, B. C. Y. M. Society per W. C. Sisley 41.67, R. C. Horton 5.00, L. Johnson 25.00, J. S. Hart 2.02.

Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.—L. Lane $10.00, Melvin Buck 50.00, Stephen Aldrich 30.00.

Donation to S. D. A. P. Association.—L. G. King $5.00, Friend of the Cause 10.00.

Mich. Conf. Fund.—Eaton Rapids per J. O. Corliss $6.67, O. Bart 5.00, Shelby per John Leland 5.00, St. Louis per A. O. Burrill 5.00.

Gen. T. & M. Society.—D. C. Burch, J. M. $10.00.

European Mission.—“E. P. B.” $1.00, E. Van Deusen 10.00, T. Carman 15.00, W. C. Sisley & wife 25.00.

English Mission.—Almira M. Preston $4.75, J. F. Carman 10.00, O. Sisley & wife 25.00.

Danish Mission.—E. Van Deusen $10.00, W. C. Sisley & wife 25.00, T. Thompson 2.3.

The Nations Were Angry.

The prophecy of Rev. 11:18, the fulfillment of which we believe commenced with the great European revolution in 1848, and has continued in the unsettled and sensitive state of Europe ever since, is receiving special confirmation in the attitude of the continental powers toward each other at the present time. The extreme sensitiveness existing is shown in the fact that a few words uttered by a single individual, and that unofficially, has set all the continent in a ferment.

The question is now raised whether Gen. Skobeleff, whose little war speech bids fair to prove the spark which is to ignite the magazine, may not be the coming man in European politics, like Napoleon in the French revolution. It is reported that Skobeleff has received forty-three challenges from Germany to fight duels in consequence of the anti-German remarks in his recent speeches.

The N. Y. Graphic of March 17, 1882, publishes the following on “The Coming Convulsion in Europe”:—

“We are probably on the eve of witnessing the outbreak of a war in Europe which, ere it ends, may involve every nation on that continent, and bring about changes of the most radical and sweeping character.

“This war will begin by a conflict between Russia and Austria, but in all probability each of the other powers on the continent will be drawn into it, one after another. Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy will be impelled, either for self-protection or by the hope of aggrandizement, to take a hand in the fray.

“It is not at all improbable that General Skobeleff may do with Russia what Napoleon I. did with France. Everything that is known about this extraordinary man points him out as one who is born to fulfill a brilliant destiny.

“The condition of affairs in Russia to-day is strangely like the state of society in France immediately before the first revolution. There is the same spirit of bitter revolt against all authority; the same hatred of the church and the crown; the same feeling among the people that their lot is too hard, and that it should be made more endurable.

“Skobeleff seems to be the man who can take advantage of these feelings and turn them into a movement which he could direct.

“What could he not do with a nation of 80,000,000 people behind him?

“The threatened storm may blow over for the present, but it is almost sure to burst ere long.”

How long, then, before the glad note will be sounded by great voices in Heaven, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever”? Rev. 11:15.