Earlier text: The Lord's Work PeculiarGreenup Co., Kentucky.
By S. Osborn
At my last report I was preparing for a discussion with a Disciple preacher, which was to commence on the evening of the 9th of March. I went to the place appointed, but he did not come. The elder said the reason was they could not raise money enough for him, and by invitation I spoke to that church on Sunday on the subject of the penalty of God’s holy law. I showed that the penalty of God’s law was never inflicted in this life, in any dispensation; for there would be no use of the Judgment, unless God would punish the wicked twice for the same offense; which charge could not be made against God. That God will bring all the people of this dispensation into Judgment, no Protestant will deny; but to prove that the people of the dispensations would be brought up in the Judgment, the following scriptures were referred to: Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 10:14-15; 12:21-24; 12:41, 42; 2 Pet. 3:7; Jude 14, 15. And that the penalty inflicted in the old dispensation, was only national for national purposes; and standing over against that in this dispensation, is the law of the land. Proof: Rom. 13:1-10. As it became necessary for me to start home to Iowa by the first of April, I had not time to complete another course of lectures in one place, and as I was anxious to visit several places where I had been invited, to see the prospect for future labor, I did so; and, as far as my judgment goes, I think there are good openings for labor in this State. Eleven Sabbath-keepers came out where I have been laboring in Greenup County, and left all their idols behind. If we had no other cross to preach but the Sabbath, there could be a great many converts made there; but their idols stand in the way most of all. There are, however, several more who I think will come out. Some told me that when I came back there again I would find them keeping the Sabbath. May the Lord give them strength and decision. March 23, 24, I held meetings at Plumbfork with good interest, and on the 30th and 31st, at Springville. On the Sabbath, we had a social meeting. There were but few present; but the most of them gave testimony on the Lord’s side. Though they could say but a few words, it seemed to come from the heart. The Disciples, in this part of the country, teach all their members that it is very wrong for women to speak in church, and hence it is no small task to get that class of converts to the Sabbath to bear any part in the social meeting. On Monday, the 1st of April, I started for home, where I arrived after an absence of twenty-four weeks, and found all well and happy in the Lord. Praise the Lord. S. OSBORN. REAL religion is a living principle. Any one may make a show, and be called a Christian, and unite himself to a sect, and be admired; but for a man to enter into the sanctuary to hold secret communication with God, to retire into his closet and transact all his affairs with an unseen Saviour, to walk with God like Enoch, yet to smite upon his breast in the language of the publican, having no confidence in the flesh, and triumphing only in Christ Jesus—these are the life and acts of a new creature.—Cecil. WE would make life beautiful indeed if we were more considerate of others—more benevolent and less hasty in our impulses; more just and discriminating; more willing to give joy, and to bear, in charity, “the faults we see.” TRUTH AND FREEDOM.
By Gallagher
He is the FREEMAN whom the Truth makes free,
And all are slaves beside. —Cooper. For the truth, then, let us battle,
Whatsoever fate betide!
Long the boast that we are FREEMEN,
We have made and published wide. He who hath the Truth, and keeps it,
Keeps what not to him belongs,
But performs a selfish action,
That his fellow-mortal wrongs. He who seeks the Truth, and trembles
At the dangers he must brave,
Is not fit to be a freeman:—
He at best is but a slave. He who hears the Truth, and places
Its high promptings under ban,
Loud may boast of all that's manly,
But can never be a man. Friend, this simple lay who readest,
Be not thou like either them—
But to Truth give utmost freedom,
And the tide it raises, stem. Bold in speech, and bold in action,
Be forever—Time will test,
Of the free-soul'd and the slavish,
Which fulfils life's mission best. Be thou like the noble Roman—
Scorn the threat that bids thee fear;
Speak!—no matter what betide thee;
Let them strike, but make them hear! Be thou like the first apostles—
Be thou like heroic Paul;
If a free thought seek expression,
Speak it boldly!—speak it all! Face thine enemies—accusers;
Scorn the prison, rack, or rod!
And, if thou hast Truth to utter,
Speak! and leave the rest to God. Kentucky Labors and Prospects for Summer Campaign
By D. T. Bourdeau
MY labors at Locust Grove left me in a worn condition, and I have not felt free to enter another new field since, yet I have given a few lectures on prophecy, in this place, and have here some candid listeners, though most of the people in this neighborhood are Catholics. The first Sunday, about twenty-five students from a military school came to hear me. Sabbath, the 7th inst., met with the few Sabbath-keepers at Locust Grove, and was very much encouraged in learning that they had kept up family prayers, and made progress in the health reform. I am now doing some writing, and resting my vocal organs for the summer campaign. We are at least a month ahead of Michigan in the season. Many gardens were made in the month of March. I never saw so much rain in the month of April. Much of the land is flooded. It is a remarkable place for thunder and lightning. Several have been killed by lightning. It takes longer to impress minds in the South, yet the Lord has given us a long tent season to improve upon. We need it all, and need a full and strong team. May God direct! It is now good tent weather. D. T. BOURDEAU. Nolin, Ky., April 15, 1872. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Come unto me, and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon my breast.
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary, and worn, and sad,
I found in him a resting-place,
And he has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Behold I freely give
The living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in him. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
I am this dark world's light;
Look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright.
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done. Plainfield, Wis.
By David Downer
I HAVE now closed my labors at Plainfield. There is a church there of seventeen members. Five who are keeping the Sabbath were not there when we organized. They intend to unite soon. One or two others have declared their intentions to keep the commandments. March 18, went to Grand Rapids, and hired the use of a hall at five dollars an evening. The ministers turned out, took notes, and threatened to expose my false doctrine. When about ready to leave, it was reported that I dare not stay and sustain my position. I offered to discuss if any one wished to oppose me, but no one offered opposition when they found I would stay and try to sustain the positions I had taken. I paid twenty dollars for use of the hall. One man gave me ten dollars, others contributed till my expenses were all met. I think this place will prove an important place in which to establish our faith. Many of the first men of the place urged me to stay or come again at my first convenience. I then went to Fish Lake church and remained there till the quarterly meeting, Apr. 7. Our brethren and sisters seem to be making some progress at Fish Lake. They are trying to live down old difficulties, and walk in the light. I now go to visit the churches of Liberty Pole, Victory, and Kickapoo. May God direct us all. Plainfield, Wis., April 9, 1872. Monroe Co., Mich.
By E. Brackett, Jr.
I came to this county March 21, and after consulting with friends concluded to commence meetings in Dundee. This place supports four churches, one of which was granted to us to hold our meetings in. It is a commodious house of worship, and has been quite well filled most of the time, congregations averaging from fifty to two hundred, with the exception of two or three rainy nights. The ministers of the other churches have been trying to prejudice the Congregationalists against us so that we should not have their house, also doing all they can against us in a private manner, trying to keep their members from attending the meetings; but the one who is trying to injure us most has caused his members to lose confidence in him by the manner in which he has talked, and by not allowing my appointment to be given out in his church. I have given three discourses on the Sabbath question, which has made some stir among the people. I gave the privilege of asking questions or making remarks. There were some ideas presented on geology, a question also asked if God had yet finished his rest, in other words, if the seventh day was yet ended. I answered his questions by referring to the events of creation, the length of the days in which God performed his works, as they were subjected to the rule of the sun; also by Gen. 2: 2, 3, that the seventh day was past when God pronounced his blessing upon it, and sanctified or set it apart for a holy use. The people here have heard a great deal about the setting of the time, and it is almost impossible to disabuse their minds of so prevalent an idea. I shall continue in this place as long as interest demands, praying that the blessing of the Lord may attend my labors. Report of Labor.
By H. C. Blanchard
Since my report in December last, I have labored as follows: Being detained at home from Dec. 15 to March 1 by poor health, I spoke occasionally to the church at Avilla. March 1, visited the friends at Nashville, Barton Co., Mo. Spoke four times, baptized two persons, and organized a church of eighteen members, their yearly Systematic Benevolence amounting to $90.00. March 9 and 10, attended quarterly meeting with the Avilla church. The 11th, Bro. Caldwell brought me twenty-five miles to Georgia City. The 12th, commenced meetings in the above-mentioned place. Remained till the 25th; spoke in all sixteen times. The 25th, Bro. C. took me home, where I remained four days, suffering with inflammation in one of my eyes. Friday, the 29th, returned in company with Bro. W. C. Morgan to Georgia City, to meet Eld. Springer (Mormon) in debate. Spoke Sabbath, at 11 A. M., from these words: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Spoke in the evening from Matt. 5:5. There are several that have acknowledged the Sabbath, but the result will be more fully known after the discussion. Sunday, I commenced the debate with Eld. S. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. My trust is in God and the power of his truth. I still desire to fill my proper place in the church, in the neighborhood, and in the world. Georgia City, Mo., April 3, 1872. A CORRESPONDENT of the Standard, Chicago, is in trouble and seeks help. The Standard essays to help; how successfully, the following will show:— “I write to ask you and your numerous correspondents this question, or rather questions: Are the ten commandments, commonly called the decalogue, of binding force upon Christians to-day, and, if so, ought we not to observe the fourth one as the Jews? Is it right to call the first day of the week the Sabbath? I ask these questions for information. We have been annoyed here, this winter, with the Seventh-day Adventists. They make the keeping of the seventh day a very important item in their religious services. They have succeeded in making some of our brethren and sisters believe they ought to keep the seventh day, Saturday, sacred. Answers to the above will be gratefully received. Yours for the cause of truth.” E. WARD. Davis Creek, Iowa. “There could be no possible question as to the perpetually binding force of the command, ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ ‘Thou shalt not steal,’ ‘Thou shalt not covet,’ nor has any serious question, to our knowledge, ever arisen with reference to any one of the ten commandments, save the fourth, as to its perpetual and universal obligation. Can any one give us a reason why the fourth should be an exception? But what is it to keep the fourth commandment? That is the real question. Our Lord showed, both in his example and in his precept, what it is not. It is not to insist on the mere letter, to the neglect of the spirit; least of all is it to follow man-made injunctions or interpretations, as if they were a voice of God. Jesus kept the Sabbath by doing that which, according to Pharisaic formula, was breaking it.” “In our judgment, it is simply another form of that same Pharisaic spirit to say that Saturday, and no other day, was fixed by divine decree as the Sabbath until the end of time; a decree from which there could be no swerving, not even for such a purpose as a commemoration, in weekly rest and worship, of so great an event as the resurrection of Jesus. When, according to testimony of authentic history, and as is plainly implied in the New Testament itself, the first day became, in observance, the seventh day, and for the Judaic Sabbath was substituted the Christian Lord’s day, it was, in its spirit and ground, precisely like what Jesus did when, in defiance of Jewish prejudice and Pharisaic formalism, he performed works of healing on the Sabbath day, and justified the act of his disciples in plucking ears of corn to satisfy their hunger. ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’” One thing is well said, viz.: “To follow man-made injunctions or interpretations, as if they were the voice of God,” is not keeping the Sabbath. That is very true. If the Standard is familiar with “authentic history,” it knows that Sunday came into the church in the wake of no-Sabbathism. It knows that the Sabbatic character of Sunday was assumed very slowly, after the beginning of the fourth century, and that it began by virtue of a heathen civil law. Was this like the work of Christ in rebuking Pharisaism? Does the Standard really mean to put the vagaries of Justin Martyr’s no-Sabbath theories and the pagan legislation of Constantine on the level with the words and example of Christ? Christ pruned away the false growths which formalism had thrown around the law of the Sabbath, and left the law and the institution enforced and purified. Justin Martyr makes the first authentic reference to a sort of observance of Sunday by Christians (about 150 A. D.). His words show that the observance was not of a sacred day, or a Sabbath. He was rather the first expounder, at least so far as writings are concerned, of undisguised no-Sabbathism. He did not seek to prune the tree, but to tear it up. Nearly two hundred years after his time, came the first prohibition of labor and business on Sunday, as a heathen day, and still later began the ecclesiastico-civil legislation against the Sabbath. It was nearly or quite one thousand years after Christ said, “The Sabbath was made for man,” before the Sunday became generally recognized in the Romish church as a day of cessation from labor. It was a slow process by which “the first day became, in observance, the seventh”—a “man-made” process, which culminated in the darkest ages of papal misrule. Note, again, how the Standard begs the question by its ingenious statements: “When, according to the testimony of authentic history, and as is plainly implied in the New Testament itself, the first day became, in observance, the seventh,” &c. To “imply” things from the New Testament is rather un-Baptist like, and to recognize the clear distinction between the first day and the seventh day, is to yield the whole ground. Has the Standard any strange logic by which the first can be made the seventh? Or does it mean to mark the time when Sunday began to be observed after the manner of the Sabbath. If the latter, then the case is brought a long way this side of the New Testament; for no appeal was made to the fourth commandment as authority for the manner of observing Sunday until the “dark ages,” and then only by the law of analogy; and the “change of day theory” is of very modern date—a Puritan make-shift. Truly, it is difficult to avoid the plain truth concerning the Sabbath question, and the wise men of earth only make confusion more confounded, when they seek to support popular theories by ingenious answers to the earnest inquiries of the people who seek for light. May the day hasten in which the church will have moral courage enough to seek and accept the truths of the Bible. To pretend to believe, and yet refuse to obey, is sadly inconsistent.—Sabbath Recorder. “Jesus, our Burdenbearer.”
By Edna R. Dewey
“‘Commit thy way unto the Lord.’ “The Christian has no right to worry! Why? Because Jesus, the burdenbearer, has promised to take all his care upon Him. “But will the Lord of glory condescend to my low estate, and carry my individual burdens, cares, and sorrows, for me? Yea, verily; for thus saith the promise: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee; he will never suffer the righteous to be moved.’ The Christian that allows undue care and anxiety about the things of life, makes care twice told, makes burdens sit more heavily, makes every one about him uncomfortable, dishonors God, and brings a reproach upon the blessed assurance of ‘the word.’ And when the sweet hour of prayer comes, he is in no condition to go to the ‘mercy-seat;’ for unbelief has barricaded the heart, and faith—the requisite for the desired blessing—is not in lively exercise. Oh! how delightful to trust in the Lord with all the heart, and lean not to our own understanding; in all our ways to acknowledge him, assured that he will direct our paths.” I copied the above from a magazine entitled, Guide to Holiness, thinking perhaps it might comfort some one else as much as it has myself; if it does, I shall feel more than repaid for doing so. My attention was called to it at a time when my path for the future looked very dark, and as I am naturally inclined to worry, it seemed almost impossible for me to keep from it; but the words came unbidden to my mind: “My grace is sufficient for thee,” and I resolved that, by the Lord’s help, I would trust myself in his hands, and try to walk by faith; for I know that “he is faithful that promised;” and “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” The Bible its own Interpreter.
By Francis Gould
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Pet. 2:20, 21. The Bible contemplates and sets forth a system of revealed religion which is consistent in itself and harmonizes in all its parts, is adapted to the wants of fallen humanity in its various conditions, stimulates and provokes to love and good works when we cheerfully yield ourselves to obey and to be led by its teachings. The Apostle Paul says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. There is a class of individuals at the present day (and that class is fast multiplying) who tell us that the Bible is a book of contradictions, is inconsistent, and that you can prove from it almost any doctrine you please, and besides there are so many different opinions in the world, and every sect professes to build its faith upon the Bible, that they are at a loss to determine which way is right, and what to believe, and so have come to the conclusion that the Bible is not what it purports to be, and consequently they discard the whole thing. One great reason we think why they have come to such decisions, is because they do not take God’s rule of interpretation. There is a large class of professed Christians who instead of bringing themselves up to the rule of interpretation, comparing scripture with scripture and taking it in its most literal, easy, and common-sense meaning, are inclined to bring the Bible down to their own standard and have it in some way correspond with their own peculiar views and notions. “Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” They spoke from different standpoints according to the society, influence, and change which takes place in different ages of the world. Yet their combined testimony was one in relation to the great hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ; and the only way to arrive at safe and right conclusions in relation to any point of Bible truth, is to bring together all the inspired testimony which has a bearing upon that point. Thus all seeming contradictions will vanish. Says the Saviour, “Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. Again Paul gives us the assurance, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4. There are many who do not believe that the Holy Scriptures are of any consequence or importance, while others esteem them but lightly; and still there are many among the professed people of God who are not willing to let the truths of the Bible have their plain and common-sense meaning, who set themselves up as interpreters and bring the Bible to them. Paul, in speaking of some who measure themselves by some other rule than that which God has given, makes the following declaration: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Cor. 10:21. We think the apostle’s meaning can be clearly set forth by an illustration: Suppose, in measuring off a number of yards of cloth, you lay it down upon your rule, or yardstick, and measure off the first yard and cut it off. That, of course, is exact; but suppose you measure the second yard by the first one cut off, and the third by the second, and so on. The result would be that the strips cut off would differ in length. Some would be too short and some too long; whereas, if each strip had been measured by the rule, they would all have been right. It is so with us. We are not to measure ourselves by others, or compare ourselves with others. We are not to take men’s interpretation of Scripture, or their opinions as a rule of faith, practice, and moral conduct. We are not to follow our brethren any further than they follow Christ. “My sheep hear my voice,” says Christ, “and I know them and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27, 28. Let us come individually and for ourselves to the perfect rule which God has given, and square ourselves thereby. Says the apostle, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” Gal. 6:16. The combined light and strength which we receive from the various portions of the word of God, is what we need at the present time, to fortify us against the wiles of the enemy. Says the prophet, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20. Commentators do not agree in their mode of interpretation; hence the confusion that exists among those who are taught in these different channels, and they are hard to be reached by the truth of God’s word on the account of educational prejudice, which grows with their growth, and strengthens with their strength. “’Tis education forms the common mind; Just as the twig is bent the tree’s inclined.” In the days of our Saviour, the common people received the word of God gladly, while the most learned, as a general thing, were not affected by it. It is so now. In every age we find those who have been devoted to God’s word and to his service. The Revelator speaks of a class who fell as martyrs under the persecuting power of the little horn, as being “slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.” The days in which we live are days of peril. Wickedness and crime abound. False teachers multiply. The word of God is discarded by the many; but by the few it will triumph. May we fully realize that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4. Giving and Receiving.
By A. P. Lawton
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6: 7, 8. If in our liberality, or rather want of it, we sow sparingly, we shall reap sparingly. God knows if we withhold, that we may consume it upon our lusts. The cattle upon a thousand hills are the Lords, and the hearts of men are in his hands. He can, will, and does, bless those who scatter blessings to others. He who is a benefactor receives the benefice, inasmuch as it is more blessed to give than to receive. If we scatter smiles and good cheer, we reap the same. If asperity and bitterness, the same. No one can reasonably complain of any treatment of which he sets the example. In our smiles or frowns we are our own mirrors. How little a smile costs, and yet how much sorrow it ofttimes mitigates. What a rich income from so small a capital; and yet so grudgingly, often sparingly, given. He who sows discord among brethren, is classed among those whom God hates. If we were careful to examine all our motives and acts, what different fruit we should reap. What peace where now is discord. What pleasure where now there is pain. By our own indiscretions we plant thorns in our own pillows, which it is not easy to extract. With a little carefulness, we may make all around us happy, or benefit them by our amiable and confiding deportment; and what a sensation of joy to know we have made, even one, more happy. If we have been an accuser of the brethren, let us turn a short corner, and do violence to our unholy tempers, and God will help us to overcome. This can never be done by holding up our brother’s faults as an off-set, or cancellation, to our own. May God help us to be in haste to correct our errors while we may. The Privilege of Approaching the Mercy-Seat
The riches and honors of this life may, in a measure, conduce to our happiness, and relieve our temporal wants, but, ah! how small and fleeting they appear when compared with the sweet privilege of approaching the mercy-seat, there to breathe forth our wants and desires to One who is ever waiting to bless. Do we ever feel that our trials are peculiar, and that we must have sympathy? How painful to rehearse all to an earthly friend; yet we can go and tell Jesus with our hearts; he will understand us, though our lips be sealed with sadness. Obituary Notices.
By E. B. LANE
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Died, in Orange, Ionia Co., Mich., March 24, 1872, our aged sister, Clarinda Howe, born Oct. 3, 1796, aged seventy-five years, five months, and twenty-one days. This aged mother embraced the truths of the third angel’s message about eleven years ago; made all the required changes to a reform diet, and has since lived in strict accordance to the laws of health. At that great age, she left off the use of tea, coffee, &c., and felt much benefited. She had for many years been a devoted Christian, ever helping others, and especially the young, on in the way to life. She sleeps in Jesus. Funeral discourse by the writer, from Rom. 5:12, to a large and attentive audience. Death Notice of Tempa Shaver
By B. Hill
DIED, Nov 27, 1871, near Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich., of quick consumption, Tempa Shaver, daughter of Bro. William and Harriet Shaver, aged 21 years, 11 months, and 22 days. Words of comfort by the pastor of the M. E. church. B. HILL. Michigan and Indiana State Conference
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Michigan and Indiana State Conference.
The Michigan and Indiana State Conference will hold its twelfth annual session in connection with the General Camp-meeting to be held in Battle Creek, June 6–11, 1872. Let all the churches at once take the steps necessary to represent themselves fully at this meeting. The question of dividing the Conference, so that the States of Michigan and Indiana may each have a Conference of its own, according to the recommendation of the last General Conference, will come up at this meeting. Churches who wish to join the Conference should present their requests at this time. Let all ministers, licentiates, and delegates, come prepared to make the various reports which the constitution of the Conference requires, that the business may be dispatched in a prompt and satisfactory manner. U. Smith, J. F. Carman, D. H. Lamson, Mich. Conf. Com. Osceola, Iowa, May 4 and 5. This is designed for a general meeting of the friends from Decatur City, Leon, Afton, Peru, Winterset, Woodburn, &c. Preaching, Friday evening at 7. Those wishing baptism, in any of these places, come prepared to attend to it on Sunday. Let there be an earnest effort for all to attend, as this will be our last meeting. D. M. Canright. Greenwood Prairie, Minn., May 11 and 12. I make this appointment on the recommendation of the Minnesota Conference Committee. It may not be thought best to have another meeting before camp-meeting, but rather go immediately into new fields; hence all should attend this one. D. M. Canright. The next quarterly meeting of the New England Conference will be held in Lancaster, Mass., Sabbath and first-day, May 4 and 5. A general attendance is expected. Expect reduction in R. R. fare. S. Haskell. Quarterly meeting of the Victory church at Victory, Sabbath and first-day, May 4 and 5, 1872. A cordial invitation is given to all that can attend. Can Bro. Downer come? Richard Asbury. The next monthly meeting of the Jackson church will be held at Leslie the first Sabbath and first-day in May. As a Tract Society is to be organized, a general attendance is requested. Cannot some one of our ministers meet with us. A. J. Richmond. Quarterly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist church at North Liberty, Ind., at North Liberty, May 11 and 12. We invite all to attend. Anson Worster. Quarterly meeting for Calhoun Co. will be held at Convis on the first Sabbath and first day in May. The cause seems to demand some ministerial help at this meeting. A general attendance of the brethren is expected. By order of the church, John Sisley, Clerk. We will try to provide the help that is called for. Mich. Conf. Com. Quarterly meeting for the church at Greenbush, Clinton Co., Mich., at the Colony school-house at Duplain, Sabbath, and first-day, May 11, 12, 1872. Brethren from other churches are invited. Preaching is expected. O. B. Sevy. Monthly meeting will be held with the church at Athens, Me., Sabbath and first-day, May 18 and 19, commencing Sabbath evening at half past seven. Geo. W. Barker. There will be two meetings for the churches in the district embracing Pilot Grove, Washington, Brighton, Richland, and Sigourney, Iowa. One at Sigourney, May 4, 5; the other at Washington, May 11 and 12. This will give all a chance to attend one of these meetings. Meetings will commence Friday evening. H. Nicola. The quarterly meeting for the Gratiot County churches will be at Alma, Sabbath and first-day, May 4 and 5, to commence on the Sabbath at half past ten. The Alma church will hold a business meeting, Friday, the 3d, at ten o’clock. Eld. Van Horn will be with us at these meetings. George States, Clerk. The first quarterly meeting of the S. D. A. church at Nashville, Barton Co., Mo., Sabbath and first-day, May 18 and 19, 1872. The brethren from Avilla and elsewhere are invited to meet with us. Joseph G. Wood. Having had time for more careful consideration, it is thought best to postpone this meeting two weeks. 1. The prospect of good weather is more certain; the season being several weeks later than last year makes it necessary to hold it late. 2. In this part of the field it will be more favorable to the farming community to attend, as they will have had time to finish their planting. 3. The fair ground in Battle Creek, where it is to be held, will be occupied at the time the meeting is now appointed, so that it will be impossible to have it then. As this is to be a most important meeting, we wish all things to be as favorable as possible for its success. We have therefore thought best to put in two of the Western Camp-meetings previous to this, and change time of the General Camp-meeting to June 6-11. “Can ye not discern the signs of the times?” FRANCO-PRUSSIAN TROUBLES.
London, April 15.—Reports are current that troubles have grown out of the recent diplomatic negotiations between France and Germany, and relations between the two countries are said to be again in a critical condition. Matamoras, April 13.—A special says that the Revolutionists have started on a new base in their warfare against the Juarez government. Diaz has abrogated the plan of De La Noria, and proclaimed war under the constitution, which, according to his declaration, is to remain intact. The plan of Noria had been an element of discord between the Revolutionists and Lerdistas, because it put out the candidate of the latter, Lerdo De Tejada, Chief Justice, from the Presidency in the case of the fall of Juarez. The cause of disagreement between the two parties has now been removed by the act of Diaz, and the fight now is simply for the sole object of hindering Juarez. The present constitution is to be left in operation, making Lerdo De Tejada the present Chief Justice of the Republic, the successor of Juarez as President of Mexico. It is calculated that the consequence of this step will be that all Lerdists will now join the Revolutionists in active hostilities against the Juarez government. Trevino has issued a manifesto declaring the new alliance an accomplished fact. He left Camargo yesterday noon with 1500 men and 19 guns, including three heavy siege guns, and is coming down the river road to attack this city. Another revolutionary force of 1,000 men, cavalry, is also moving on the inner road with the same object, and the two forces will form a junction near Matamoras in two days, and then bear down on the city, and begin a regular siege. The Revolutionists appear to have another hitch. Their troops are halted between Raynosa and this city. Gen. Hinojasa, late second in command under Quiroga, is in Brownsville, and would not return to Quiroga’s command when sent for by a special courier. St. Clair, representing himself as chief of Quiroga’s artillery, also reached Brownsville yesterday. Nueva Laredo has been re-occupied by government forces, and it is rumored that Gen. Sepeda Juarez, Governor of Coahula, has attacked Saltillo, which the Revolutionists are hastening back to defend. There are rumors that Gen. Diaz is either hopelessly ill or dead, and that Revolutionists of all shades will unite on Lerdo Tejada for President. IMPRISONMENT OF AN AMERICAN CONSUL.
New York, April 13.—Haytien advices report the arrest and imprisonment of the American Consul at Port au Prince because of his having given protection to Gen. Batellia, the insurrectionary leader who escaped from the custody of the guard and sought refuge in the Consul’s office. The Consul has conferred with Minister Bassett on the subject, who, it is understood, will apply to the Haytien government for redress. Paris, April 12.—The Hon. Caleb Cushing, counsel of the United States before the tribunal of Arbitration, has gone to Geneva to present the American counter case on the day appointed by the Treaty of Washington. MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARBITRATION.
Geneva, April 5.—The board of Arbitration under the Treaty of Washington re-assembled to-day and held a brief session. Count Sclopis presided. The counter cases of the British and American governments were presented, and the board adjourned. The proceedings were marked by no special feature. Later.—The sitting of the tribunal for the settlement of the Alabama claims opened at 9.30 o’clock this morning and terminated at noon. The statement that Count Sclopis presided was incorrect. None of the five arbitrators were present. Great Britain and the United States only were represented; the former by Lord Tenterden and Messrs. Taylor and Bernard, and the latter by J. Bancroft Davis, Caleb Cushing and Charles C. Beaman. The official proceedings were confined to delivery of documents to the Secretary of the tribunal, who will transmit them to the arbitrators. MR. GLADSTONE’S ASSURANCES.
In the House of Commons to-night, Mr. Gladstone in reply to the inquiries of Disraeli and others, again assured the members that the note accompanying the British counter case protested against the jurisdiction of the arbitrators at Geneva over claims for indirect damages. Mr. Gladstone promised to lay the documents before the House to-morrow. Some one writing to the Christian Index wants to know if the first word in the phrase, “personal consecration to Christ,” should not be spelled purse-and-all. The editor thinks that the spirit if not the letter of the thing will justify it.