—The czarowitz, eldest son of the czar of Russia, is to marry into the royal family of Austria.
—On the evening of the 6th inst. the office of the Philadelphia Ledger was damaged by fire to the extent of $150,000.
—A new line of fast steamers is shortly to be put on the route from San Francisco to New York, via the Isthmus of Panama.
—A tornado 300 yards wide passed through Paragould, Arkansas, on the 7th inst., wrecking twenty-six buildings and injuring several persons.
—At Salida, Colorado, on the 11th inst., the railroad roundhouse and machine shop, together with 17 engines, were destroyed by fire. Loss estimated at $400,000.
—On the 10th inst. 25 inmates of the Knox County, Tennessee, Workhouse overpowered the guard and escaped. A number of citizens were held up and robbed in the suburbs of Knoxville by the culprits.
—From Nacogdoches, Texas, comes the report of a great storm in that vicinity, on the 6th inst., leveling many houses, barns, and fences. Only one death was reported as far as heard from.
—Congressman Caruth, of Kentucky, has introduced a bill to prohibit the payment of pensions to persons on the salary roll of the United States Government and drawing an able-bodied man's pay.
—Six customs inspectors were dismissed from service at the San Francisco Custom House last week; and when Collector Phelps was asked by a reporter for the cause, he replied, "For the good of the service."
—America is not the only country where government contractors slight their work. It has just transpired that many of the guns made for the German army are defective, and a political sensation is the result.
—A section of a big California tree, 30 feet long and 23 feet in diameter, arrived at the Exposition grounds at Chicago on the 5th inst., designed for exhibition. It loaded eleven cars. The original tree was 300 feet high.
—The discovery of fine diamonds is reported in Idaho; but it is the wrong time of year for a rush to that country. It will take capital to get the diamonds, and men of means will reap the profits, if there are any in the business.
—St. Petersburg advices state that cholera has reappeared in a virulent form in a number of villages in the province of Poltava. The authorities continue to expect and prepare for a widespread crusade against the disease in the spring.
—The telegraph reports extensive snowstorms in Northern Kansas and Nebraska last week. In some places it was called a "blizzard." Several railroad lines were completely blocked. In Atchison, on the 7th inst., the street cars did not run at all.
—A Chicago dispatch notes the strike of 575 telegraph operators on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and 200 on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern, because officials refused to recognize the Order of Railway Telegraphers.
—Consul Dougherty, at Callao, has notified the secretary of the treasury that the Peruvian consul has advanced the customs duties on all imports 8 per cent. Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes are excluded from the general list and advanced 50 per cent.
—Robbers have lately been boldly operating in St. Louis, and of about forty arrests, thirty of the culprits have been recognized by Chicago policemen as members of the gang of daylight plunderers who have been holding up and robbing people in that city.
—The Knights of Labor, at their International Assembly in St. Louis, voted in favor of Sunday opening of the World's Fair. The Christian Statesman says "this is a flat contradiction of their petition in 1889 against Sunday trains." About the same time the editor of the Statesman counted the entire body as petitioners in favor of a national Sunday law because of the vote of a majority of a small body of delegates at one of their assemblies. Does he now admit that every member is in favor of Sunday opening of the Fair?
—There are to be twenty restaurants within the World's Fair grounds at Chicago, which accommodate 45,000 persons at one time. There will be two classes, one high-priced and one more moderate. The proprietors are to pay 25 per cent. of the gross receipts for the privileges.
—Large quantities of choice and selected fruit are already being received for the World's Fair at Chicago and placed in the cold storage warehouses of that place until the opening of the show. The Canadians are among the first foreigners to send in fruit, and intend to make a fine display of apples.
—According to European weather reports, intense cold and heavy snowfalls are reported from North and Central Spain. The whole of Central and Southern Russia was visited for three days last week by an exceptionally severe blizzard. Such severity has been unknown in Moscow for eight years.
—Another priest and three Sisters, of the lot who were captured ten years ago at Khartoum, Soudan, by the famous Mahdi, have lately escaped, through the assistance of friendly Arabs. They report a terrible experience during their captivity. A party of half a dozen or more escaped some two years ago.
—The government has prepared to issue in January a complete new set of postage stamps commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. They will be called the "Columbus issue," and will be the finest ever made by any government. They will be on sale at the various post offices only during the year 1893, and then will be withdrawn from general use.
—It is said that Paris is to have a new daily newspaper in the interest of professional beggars. It will give its readers a complete list of baptisms, weddings, and funerals to take place the same day, which may be assumed to afford good pointers for the use of begging letter writers. There is to be a special department giving the arrivals and departures of persons of known charitable tendencies.
—The San Francisco Examiner’s Washington correspondent says of Congress: "The admission of Arizona and New Mexico may be reached, but before the Senate does anything else it will have to deal with the question of opening the World's Fair on Sunday, and the Anti-option law. Possibly the Sunday closing matter is of less importance to the country, but it may have to take precedence."
—On the morning of the 7th inst. twenty women appeared before a New York police court charged with drunkenness. The judge said: "I remember when a drunken woman was seldom seen. I am afraid I have been treating these unfortunate women too leniently. I am going to fine every woman charged with drunkenness hereafter and see if I cannot check this alarming increase of intemperance among women." And every one of the twenty was fined accordingly.
—Jacob Gerber, of Omaha, Nebraska, returned to his home last week after an absence of about three years in Russia. He went there to attend to business, and was sent to Siberia without any kind of trial, for having dared to leave Russia in the first place without the czar’s consent. He suffered terribly from exposure and the cruelty of guards. He was marched on foot and in chains 2,000 miles. His sentence was for 15 years, but he succeeded in escaping after three unsuccessful attempts.
—The color line is very closely drawn in St. Louis, where experts are called to determine whether a possible vein of negro blood can be traced in an applicant for admission to the white public schools, although the applicant's complexion may not discover any such traces. A leading daily paper says that "the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution has been a little out of fashion for some time, and will no doubt be entirely knocked out one of these days." The same may be said of the First Amendment, which has been ignored in principle by both Congress and the Supreme Court.
News and Notes.
By Editor
FOR THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 12.
RELIGIOUS.
—The Congregational Church at Milford, N. H., has observed its 104th anniversary.
—In Allentown, Pa., a judge recently sentenced two liquor dealers to a fine of $50 and twenty days in prison for selling liquors on Sunday.
—Miss Emma Van Norden, daughter of a New York banker and millionaire, has joined the Salvation Army and donned the full uniform.
—A Philadelphia paper says that city has a publishing firm which furnishes ready-made sermons in great variety to Christian ministers throughout the country.
—In the Y. M. C. A. of Savannah, Georgia, objection has been raised to admitting a Swedenborgian minister to active membership, on claim that he is not a member of an evangelical church.
—The minister of a popular church in New York City announced that as most of his congregation would be at the Yale-Princeton football game, his church would not be open on Thanksgiving day.
—It is said that the proposition of the Epworth League, an organization within the Methodist Church, to establish headquarters at Chicago during the fair, to be occupied by members, regardless of color, sex, or geographical position, is meeting vigorous opposition in the South.
—The Presbyterian Ministerial Association of Philadelphia has resolved to “appoint a committee to solicit the appointment of similar committees by ministerial associations to devise suitable action to resist a repeal of congressional action closing the gates of the World’s Fair Exposition on Sunday.”
—If “this is a Christian nation,” as the Supreme Court decides, then France is more so, for that government pays the pastors of both the Catholic and Protestant denominations. But the incongruity of France’s rule is manifest in the colonies, where it also pays millions of francs to the support of Mohammedan mosques.
—The Christian at Work has also become favorable to the Salvation Army. It says: “It is folly to say, ‘We do not like their methods,’ for the methods seem to be inseparable from the objects sought. . . . The Salvation Army is at the present a great auxiliary to the church, and being such it is a movement with which goodly people of all denominations may be in heartiest sympathy.”
—The following expression of the Occident is a characteristic sign of the times: “To college boys Thanksgiving day is synonymous with football, not only in the East, but in the West. . . . A college can get several thousand dollars free advertising out of a good football game nowadays. But we are extremely sorry to see that a good Presbyterian institution in the East made its headquarters at an infamous saloon.
—The colored people in the vicinity of Camden, Arkansas, are excited over the appearance of a four-year old negro boy among them whom they believe to be Jesus Christ. Hundreds of laborers on the plantations and in the sawmills in this section have been seized with the Messiah craze, and it is impossible to induce them to go back to their work, for any amount of money. It is claimed that, in addition to the English language, he can read French, German, and Latin.
—There seems to be much inharmony in the great Metropolitan Temple, London, in regard to a successor to Rev. Chas. H. Spurgeon, deceased, as pastor. Dr. A. T. Pierson, formerly of New York, was chosen, against the wishes of a strong faction, who desired the son of the elder Spurgeon. These are incensed at some alleged interviews with Dr. Pierson in certain New York papers. The doctor denies the interviews, and the “Spurgeonites” refuse to accept his denials until inquiry is made in regard to them in New York. It is said that the influence of the Tabernacle is fast waning.
—According to the Rappel the Catholic clergy of France now number 55,540 men. These are the figures upon which the budget for 1892 is based. There are 18 archbishops, 59 bishops, 3,420 pastors of various ranks, 182 general vicars, 31,255 assistants, 7,109 vicars, 700 other ecclesiastics. At present there are 136 pastors deprived of their incomes on account of some conflict with the State authorities. The foreign clergy who hear mass in any other language than the French are not paid out of the State treasury. The Reformed and other Protestant clergy number 720, while in France and Algiers there are 60 rabbis. The cultus, or religious budget, for 1892 is 45,057,157 francs, or about 10,000 francs less than the preceding year.
—An effort is being made in this city to organize a Prohibition Church. The idea is to concentrate all Christian Prohibitionists in united church relationship in order to secure more efficient political action against the liquor traffic. The principle is somewhat similar to that of the proposed Civic Church which was urged some months ago, by a Baptist minister, the present effort being headed by a Methodist. The tendency of the times is toward a political church, such as has in the past been hinted at by the W. C. T. U. In such a church, of course, legal enactment against immorality will be the inspiration by which the “ambassador” will “beseech” men to be “reconciled to God.”
PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL
AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.
A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles, and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically
A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,
Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is especially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and housekeepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by all. Price, $1.00 per year. Sample copy free.
Address, PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL, St. Helena, Cal.
ANGELS; THEIR NATURE AND MINISTRY. Contains also some hints on the origin, history, and destiny of Satan as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students' Library, No. 83. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 140 pp.; 20 cents.
WEEK OF PRAYER—CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS.
By Editor
WHEN this paper reaches many of our readers, the week of prayer among our people will have been well begun. We hope, under God, that it may be a season of great profit. This is the season when the world is turning aside to the selfish gratification of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, to sensuous pleasures, feasting and frolic, gluttony and drunkenness, dishonoring Him after whom the chief day of the festivities is named. This is their chief enjoyment; they know not any better. But not so with the Christian. He has access to the great storehouse of God's grace. Of God's goodness he has tasted, knowing it to be God's. He has drunk at the Fountain. How foolish it is for him to turn aside to the silly pleasures of the world! Of course, those who know not Christ will think it strange that we run not with them to the same excess of riot, and so speak evil of us; but let the time past of our life suffice for that (1 Peter 4:3, 4); we have tasted of better things. Let us spend the "Christmas-tide" of the world to God's glory.
1. We need God's blessing. We are surrounded by such subtle wickedness and deception as the world never before knew. Of ourselves we have no power to meet this tide of evil, all the stronger at such seasons. It can only be met by Christ's power, and the power of Christ's grace is given to earnest seekers by faith.
2. We have many friends in the world who are being engulfed in its seething vortex of pleasures, dissipations, deceptions, and overwhelming ambitions. Will we not use this week in seeking God for them? To some extent we are responsible. Will not parents seek God for their children, children for their parents, husbands for their wives, wives for their husbands, and brothers and sisters for each other? Let us plead with God for ourselves, and, forgetting ourselves by giving ourselves to God, plead for them. Heaven is open and God is waiting to hear such prayers, that he may answer.
3. And then there is the great "beyond," the dark, dying world of sin, to whom we are also related, and to whom also we are debtors, because Christ redeemed us, and they also are the purchase of his blood. What a blessed thing it would be if all Christians were then earnestly seeking God for those who are lost! What wonderful blessings would descend upon his church!
4. The privilege of communion with Christ should be a joyous and mighty incentive in deciding us to turn these days of feasting and levity into a season of specially seeking God. He offers us as a Christmas wine, the pure, sweet water of life. He spreads his table with all the delectable things of his heavenly storehouse. Come, then, eat and drink, without money and without price.
5. As to our Christmas donations and presents, let us give them to the needy cause of God. Let the rewards, the obligation, the eternal consequences appear as they are, as they will in the judgment of God. Welcome the privileges of giving for Christ, sacrificing for Christ, working with Christ, partaking of the joy of Christ. Let the words of Christ rule at this season: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Church and State Politics
By Editor
THE last effort to get the church in politics is the "Prohibition Church." Several such we believe have already been organized.
In this number is given an interesting article describing the experience of one who recently passed from Romanism to Christ. It will be found of interest.
WE wish to acknowledge, though late, receipt of invitation to attend the dedication of Walla Walla College, at College Place, near Walla Walla, Wash. We are glad that it begins its existence so auspiciously, and with such large attendance. May God bless the school.
In another column will be found the protest of a Baptist minister against the present Church and State legislation craze. There ought to be a thousand such. Our Baptist friends are departing from the faith. Or why this silence? Why their acquiescence in those measures which surely culminate in such union?
WE bespeak a careful reading of "Man's Sin and Saviour" in this issue. It is a brief but conclusive argument on the 2300 days of Dan. 8:14. It gives the time of their beginning, intermediate dates, and ending, and these show the reason, also, in connection with other teaching concerning Christ's priesthood, why Seventh-day Adventists do not, cannot, set time for the Lord to come.
THE Independent of November 24 says that the Sunday closing of the World's Fair "was in response to the clearly expressed wish of the people of the country." Indeed! How? When? Where? How many does it take to constitute "the people of the country"? In the same article it is admitted that "there are many excellent Christian men, like Bishop Potter, who think that the Exposition can be safely and wisely opened Sunday afternoon." And there are multitudes of others in the churches who have not had the privilege, or who have not thought it necessary, to express themselves. A few in the various churches have been counted for all. Women and children have been counted over and over in the various congregations of W. C. T. U., the churches, Sunday schools, etc. "The people!"—When have the people spoken? And was this country made for Sunday keepers alone? Have others no rights? This is the logic of such arguments, but it is not the logic of the Golden Rule.
THE item in Our Work and Workers' department, from Constantinople, is but one of many which shows how God is working for his people, and how the Spirit of the Lord is being poured out on his people. "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain, even of the Lord that maketh lightnings," says the prophet, "and he shall give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." Zech. 10:1, Revised Version.
A RECENT National Reform Monthly Document, is an appeal for funds. On their work during the past they thus congratulate themselves:—
All who have been working and contributing friends of this cause have great reason to rejoice. Every outlay of means and labor has yielded large returns. The seed sown during many years is yielding to-day a bountiful harvest, with the promise of still greater results in the near future. National Reform principles are obtaining every day wider and more marked recognition. The Sabbath law of the District of Columbia, the law recently enacted by Congress against profanity, the decision by the United States Supreme Court affirming that this is a Christian nation, the multiplied Christian acknowledgments in connection with the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, and the action of Congress and the National Board of Commissioners for the closing of the World's Columbian Exposition on the Sabbath, are some of the more prominent among recent evidences of the wonderful growth of National Reform sentiment.
It is a sad and terrible seed sowing, the credit of which we are willing that National Reformers shall have their full share. They will see more of its baleful fruit in the near future in the full development of the beast and his image. Rev. 13:11-17 is a prophecy of their work.
LITERARY NOTICES.
By Editor
ONE of the finest desk calendars for 1893 which has come to our notice is that furnished by the Pope Manufacturing Company, of Boston, Mass., the makers of Columbia bicycles. The Columbia Desk Calendar and stand makes its appearance for the eighth time. It consists of a pad of 366 leaves, one for each day, and one for the entire year, mounted on a neat metallic stand, which takes up very little room. Each leaf has either some good saying on outdoor exercise, or some good instruction or advice relative to road making by experts, besides liberal blank space for memoranda.
The "Secretary's Manual" is the title of a neatly printed and bound book which has been laid upon our table. Its author is W. A. Carney, of Santa Paula, Cal. This is the second edition of the work, revised and enlarged. It is, we should judge from the hasty examination we have been able to give it, a very valuable assistant to all secretaries or those who aspire to be secretaries, in a worthy sense. This book is a compendium of forms, instruction, and legal information for secretaries of corporations, with extracts from, and references to, the judicial decisions of the Courts of Last Resort as to the qualifications, rights, and duties of stockholders, directors, officers, etc. For terms see another page.
Childhood is a new monthly magazine which starts out with an assorted bona fide circulation of 20,000. It is edited by Dr. George William Winterburn, 230 West 132d Street, New York. It is addressed to parents, teachers, and all who are interested in the welfare of children, and will endeavor to inculcate the most advanced ideas in regard to the moral, intellectual and physical development of children. Men and women well known in literature, prominent teachers, physiologists and biologists, have been engaged to write for it. In order to bring it within the reach of all it is put at the small price of ten cents a copy.
Two years ago "The Story of the Pitcairn," or, as generally called, the "Pitcairn Souvenir," was issued. The sale of the little book was nothing compared to what it ought to have been. An appendix has now been added by the International Sabbath School Association, giving the cruise of the Pitcairn and the important incidents connected with it, mentioning prominent characteristics of the various island groups visited, together with a description of the Pitcairn as now refitted and altered into a brig schooner, thus bringing the history of the child of our Sabbath schools under God down to date. This little book contains 104 octavo pages, nicely illustrated, printed on fine calendared paper, and bound in cardboard covers. Just the thing for a pretty holiday gift to some friend interested in gospel missions. Address all orders to Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Price 50 cents.
Worthington's Magazine is another new literary venture at the beginning of 1893. It is a monthly journal for the family, at $2.50 a year. Its aim is to be high class, instructive, and entertaining. It has about a half score of departments adapted to the various needs and members of the family. A. D. Worthington & Co., Hartford, Conn.
That excellent little journal, Our Dumb Animals, of Boston, Mass., or, rather, Mr. Geo. T. Angell, has just published a new edition of "Black Beauty," containing the portrait and autograph of the author, Anna Sewell. It sells at the same price as the "old gold" edition, ten cents a copy, postpaid. In large quantities of one hundred or more, the price is less.