In the Boston Journal of Jan. 27, 1872 (Supplement) Eld. D. T. Taylor gives a chronological list of Calamities and Disasters on sea and land, and remarkable occurrences that transpired in the year 1871. From this, we make the following extracts, which, brief as they are, are sufficient to show that we are living in eventful times.
The past year has, under a wise Providence, . . been attended with more than usual chastisements, in the loss of life and property by storm and fire, . . . distresses occasioned by the elements.—President Grant’s Message.
Victor Hugo should have waited to see 1871, before he called 1870 “the terrible year.” For earthquakes, pestilence, fire, famine, tornadoes, and an extraordinary number of disasters and calamities have made this year a terrible one the wide world over.—New York Evening Post.
We may be justified in assuming that the year 1871 will be known in future calendars as the Black Year.—Chicago Tribune.
The year 1870 went out with a great flood at Rome, such as had not been witnessed in three previous centuries. From one-half to two-thirds of the Eternal City went under the waters of the Tiber; 20,000 dwellings were surrounded, 100,000 people suffered hunger and inundation of property; thirty men, women, and children, lost their lives; and the damage reached the enormous sum of $12,000,000. The calamity overshadowed the city on New Year’s Day. The water was over the city forty-eight hours, and rose to a height over sixty feet.
In France, the occupants of fifty-six cars, wounded soldiers, were either frozen severely or so as to cause death.
In the United States, a water famine prevailed. The Merrimac, in New England, had not run so low since 1807. Many States suffered by winter’s drought; a new cattle disease had just appeared in the State of New York.
Portugal was suffering greatly by depression in trade, with innumerable disasters to shipping. In India the trade in cashmere shawls was nearly destroyed by the European war, and pauperism and want prevailed thereby.
JANUARY. The number of vessels lost this month was 86, valued at $3,198,000. All lost to the U. S. All the month Buenos Ayres had a drought, and a terrible scourge began in the city. Gales, wrecks and destructive floods occurred in Australia and New Zealand. Vesuvius broke into violent eruption. In the United States there were 40 persons killed, and nearly as many injured by hanging, shooting, burning, suffocation, and explosion. In Austria, five men fell into the furnace of a glowing forge and were consumed to cinders!
FEBRUARY. In Philadelphia, there occurred this month 21 deaths by violence. Other than these, 9 were burnt to death; by powder, steam, and fire damp, 10 lives were lost, 5 were drowned, 5 were suffocated, 10 negroes were hung by 500 white men, numbers froze, 55 were injured in various ways severely, 40 railway cars and some engines were wrecked. In Victoria, Cape of Good Hope, by a sudden and extraordinary water-spout, a village was torn from its place, and 110 men, women, and children were drowned in the torrent of waters. Thirty houses were swept away. It occurred on the 17th.
MARCH. Magnificent aurora; a great cloud of blood red in the northeast sky; the sight “one to be remembered a lifetime.” During the month a sun spot of 2,300,000 square miles area was visible. It was the most disastrous quarter for vessels of the United States known since 1867, since Jan. 1 there being 125 vessels wrecked, involving a total loss of $6,800,000.
MAY. The flood stood over thousands of acres of Louisiana this month: 50 persons in the United States were scalded, burnt, drowned, killed by explosions, &c., or went over Niagara Falls, losing life in some calamitous manner. Of fires, Reading, Pa., had a $100,000 fire; Cincinnati, O., $200,000; Honesdale, Pa., $250,000; Bridgeport, Conn., $100,000; Folsom, Cal., $125,000; and Mobile, Ala., a $300,000 conflagration. A boiler explosion on a steamer on Magdalena river, in South America, caused the death of 14 persons. By the sudden movement of an iceberg, near Newfoundland, 23 persons were instantly overwhelmed and perished in the sea.
To this list, we must add the horrors of the second siege of Paris, involving the death of 22,000 (others say 40,000) and the wounded of 25,000 of the Paris Commune, the total casualties to the Versailles army, which M. Thiers says amounted to 75,143, and the death by yellow fever of about 26,000 persons since the year came in at the city of Buenos Ayres, S. A., with perhaps millions devoured by famine and plague in Persia. An earthquake completes the list. The city of Rhio, on the island of Bintang, the largest of the group of Rhio Islands, was visited by a convulsion that devastated the place and caused a loss of 400 lives. The city has a population of 36,000, and is 50 miles from Singapore, India. It occurred between May 20 and 25.
JUNE. After the chronological list for each day in the months of floods, fires, tornadoes and loss of life, the record for the month closes thus: We add to this list of the month, 17 drowned, 27 injured and 5 killed on railways in this country; 4 burnt to death, and 4 others drowned in Scotland; 24 cars thrown into a river in Ontario, Canada; 100 persons nearly poisoned to death at a wedding in Iowa; and the strange case of Rev. E. A. Sampson (a colored minister) at Pine Bluff, Ark., who was struck by lightning and killed while preaching, and whose coffin in which he was being conveyed to the grave was also shattered by the electric fire in a sudden bolt from the sky.
JULY. Famine, plague, cholera, small-pox, typhus, inundations, war, insurrection, etc., reported for Persia, and one-third of her five million souls destroyed. A condition of things that has “no rival in horror since the plague of A. D. 1299.”
AUGUST. During the single month over 200 lives were lost by accident in the United States. Over 120 were injured by railway cars besides those already named. Fire at East Boston on the 2d burnt $135,000; in New York and Chicago on the 18th, 100,000; Amboy, Ill., the 25th, $140,000; Jackson, Mich., the 28th, $100,000. In Drury Lane, London, a very destructive fire on the 30th, and a petroleum fire at Trieste on the 31st caused heavy damage. In Russia, the Nihilists destroyed by fire in two weeks property valued at $14,000,000. South China was parched and dried up, and drouth visited the whole valley of the Mississippi and Missouri, while in Texas cattle died for want of water.
OCTOBER. Severe and damaging earthquakes in all the West India Islands. Davenport, Iowa, had this month a $100,000 fire. We also record the failure of crops, with want and destitution reported for Italy, the continuance of the horrors of famine in Persia, and the deaths during the past summer by yellow fever in all the Argentine Republic of not less than 60,000 persons. And we estimate the fire list of October to be not less than five hundred millions of dollars. What a month!
NOVEMBER. Millions of dollars damage by early and sudden freezing of all the rivers, lakes, and canals in the North; 600 boats with 5,000,000 bushels of grain, potatoes and apples froze in in the New York canals. Heavy losses in Canada. Terrific gales all over the land, and men everywhere are frozen to death. Off Cape Cod, the Atwood and her crew of 6 men were all lost. Said the Boston Journal, “The list of disasters by fire and flood the present season is quite unprecedented. Shall we have an earthquake or tidal wave to crown the catalogue of misfortunes in the eventful year of 1871?”
DECEMBER. In Maine, this year there were 113 deaths by accidents, 77 persons were drowned, 52 committed suicide, and 8 were murdered.
In New York city, there were 851 accidents of all kinds, 179 deaths by drowning, 108 suicides, 42 homicides, and 8 other violent deaths. Total casualties, 1314, including 126 infants found dead. “A dismal record,” says the World.
Aside from the Western fires, the accidents in the United States resulted in the killing of 800 persons and the inflicting of injuries on 500 others. These include only those killed and wounded in groups and not singly.
In Madras, India, during the first eleven months of the year, 233 human beings were devoured by wild animals.
In Persia, three great cities of from 120,000 to 180,000 souls have each lost 80,000 people by famine and disease, and as the year dies, this entire nation of 5,000,000 people are dying of the most awful epidemics and calamities.
WARS IN 1871.
Of the wars of 1871, the same writer gives a complete chronological list in the Supplement to the Journal of Jan. 13, 1872. The introductory paragraphs read as follows:
1871 came in with the great Franco-Prussian war in mighty operation. War was declared July 15, 1870, and lasted 210 days. From the first practical engagement to the end of the strife there were but 180 days. In these 180 days there were fought 156 engagements, 17 great battles and three naval conflicts. Nearly every day saw an engagement; every sixth day a fortress was conquered by Prussia, and every ninth day she fought and gained a battle.
At the close of the war (January 28), Germany had in her possession 26 fortresses, 6700 cannon, and 120 eagles or standards. She had likewise in her possession and trampled down by her victorious armies full two-fifths of the territory of France, and her proud capital city of over two millions of souls. Added to this, is the loss to France of 7400 square miles, the area of Alsace and Lorraine, and 2,000,000 of population. In six short months it was all done, and in the history of this world there is nothing like this.
After the list, occupying two and two-thirds columns of fine print in the Journal, the article concludes as follows:—
It is seen that endless wars and preparations for war are the national programmes for the future, and although the year ends more peacefully than it began, our record of fighting and turbulence in the human family during a single twelve-month, shows that the era of peace is yet to come, and confirms all too sadly the terrible figures of Burritt, “2600 millions of dollars a year from Mars, against perhaps 26 millions for Messiah.”
Civil Bend, Mo.
By George I. Butler
THIS meeting has just closed, and we trust it has been a profitable one. We had favorable weather all through it, though it had been very rainy just before, and it began to rain hard the day after. Our meeting commenced Friday night. The new Missouri tent was pitched on a beautiful green plat, on the farm of Bro. Mallory, between two groves. The attendance from abroad was small, partly on account of bad roads and previous wet weather. Sunday, the congregation was fair. It was quite a disappointment to all, that Bro. and Sister White were not present with us. Bro. Lawrence was with us, but he was just recovering from a week's sickness, and was not able to assist in preaching. Bro. T. J. Butler gave one discourse, with this exception the preaching fell upon me. The Lord gave good liberty in speaking the word. Our social meetings were not free and interesting as I could wish during the first two days. It seemed evident that things had fallen into a sluggish, lifeless state, from which it was difficult to arouse the minds of the people.
We continued our meetings Monday, hoping the clouds would break away, and freedom prevail once more. We found our hopes more than realized. After trying to make the brethren and sisters realize the condition of things, and the importance of being in a different state, a spirit of confession came in, and we had a most blessed, melting time. I think there was not a single testimony given (and all spoke), but what was characterized by weeping and brokenness of heart, mingled with praise to God, and expressions of a determination to be more faithful in the service of God.
We were especially glad to see the blessing of God rest upon Bro. and Sister Butler. This dear sister had not attended an Advent meeting for eight years previous to this; and during this time had been holding on to the arm of the Lord, and with tears and strong cries, pleading with God in behalf of her husband and family, that he would bring him back once more to the fold of Christ. During this time she had not the society of one sympathizing brother or sister to help her. She could look to the Lord alone. But she could not let go. The Lord heard these prayers, and now she had the privilege of mingling her voice with the voices of those of like precious faith in the worship of God, and her tears and praises to God with her husband in the same precious cause of truth. But in the midst of this rejoicing she gives him up to go out to labor for the Lord in the harvest field, while she returns once more alone to her home, to care for her family, and bear a two-fold burden, with none around her of like precious faith.
As these things came up in the meeting, our hearts were touched with sympathy, and there was not a dry eye in the tent. May the blessings of a merciful God rest upon our sister, as she makes this sacrifice willingly, and may she see much fruit as the result, in the kingdom of Heaven.
Bro. B. will go with Bro. Lawrence, to labor with the tent this season. He is taking hold nobly, and we expect he will yet be a blessing to the cause here. Our hearts rejoice to see him take once more a strong stand among us, and we know our people will all receive him with all the gladness the father did the returning prodigal.
The new tent is all paid for and something left besides, and the brethren manifest a willingness here generally to bear burdens, which if shared by the Sabbath-keepers throughout the Conference, will soon make it self-supporting. We hope to see the cause rise in this part of the field.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Alta Vista, Mo., May 21, 1872.
Green Bay, Wis.
By O. A. Olson
In company with Bro. J. C. Nielson of Poy Sippi, I came to this place May 1. On the 5th, we commenced meetings in the Norwegian and Danish settlement in the town of Ashwaubanon, where we have continued until the present. Some interest has been manifested to hear, though a great deal of superstition and prejudice exists among these classes of people. Five have commenced to keep the Sabbath. A number of others are convinced of the truth, and some will obey. We have obtained nine subscribers for Advent Tidende, have sold some tracts and given away quite a number. This is a new settlement. The oldest settlers have been here only about four years. The Lord has blessed us in our feeble efforts in trying to present the truths of his word before the people. May he ever bless with wisdom and meekness.
O. A. OLSON.
May 21, 1872.
Minnesota Mission Trip and Meetings at High Forest
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Minnesota.
MAY 8, I left home for Minnesota. Arrived at Rochester, Friday. Bro. Gibson took Bro. Grant, another brother, and myself, seven miles to his home. It continued to rain Sabbath and Sunday, yet there were about forty believers who came together, and we held meetings in the daytime of both days. Most of them seemed to be alive to the cause and to have a mind to work. A few were discouraged. We tried to help these, and most of them tried to help themselves. Was much disappointed to find that neither Bro. Ingraham nor Bro. Pierce were able to help any in the labor in the State. After consultation, it was thought best for the present for Bro. Grant to visit and help the churches what he could, while I went into new fields to raise up friends to the cause.
Came to High Forest, Olmstead Co., fifteen miles south of Rochester, and near the Pleasant Grove church. This is a very small village, only two miles square, and numbering 249 inhabitants; but it seemed desirable to raise up a church here, and the way opened well, and so I decided to try it. The Baptist house being unoccupied, we were invited to lecture in it; so we gave out our appointments for Thursday night. Still it kept raining harder every day, and the roads were becoming very bad. But Thursday afternoon it cleared up, and has rained but little since, though looking like it most of the time. The first evening, eighty-five were present, the second, one hundred twenty-five, the third, one hundred forty five, and last night the house was packed full with people, probably two hundred. Our tent is here, and we shall pitch it and hold meetings in it when it is warm enough. All classes and sects are turning out to hear, and a very intelligent class they appear to be.
The old Bibles are being taken down and the dust wiped off, and everywhere, in the stores, shops, and streets, men are discussing these new things. This is what we like to see. The shepherd tries to keep his flock away; but they don't mind well. Indeed, thus far, everything is very encouraging; but how it will come out is my earnest solicitude. I hope God has a people here.
Dear brethren and sisters in the State, let us have a full turnout to our camp-meeting, as I see no other chance for you to have any preaching for a year to come. I cannot take the time to visit you in the different churches, but must give my time to new fields if you will support us in doing it, and we are confident that you will. Pray for us. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Quarterly Report of N. Y. and Pa. Tract Society.
By J. M. Lindsay; E. H. Whitney
According to appointment in Review, the T. and M. Society met at Adam’s Center, May 19, 1872, at 9½ o’clock.
The meeting was called to order by the president, Bro. J. M. Lindsay. After the opening exercises, introductory remarks were made by Eld. S. N. Haskell regarding the nature and object of the work, individual responsibilities and co-operative action. In the absence of the secretary, Bro. Harmon Lindsay, E. H. Whitney was appointed secretary, pro tem.
Reports of labor for the last quarter were then called for from the different districts. These were necessarily imperfect as quite a number of churches had not reported in full, and several not at all. This was owing, in part, to the fact that a supply of blanks had not been obtained. They therefore showed but part of the work really accomplished.
The reports which had been received were read, showing the number of members to be 313. Amount of money received, $401.46. Number of pages of tracts distributed, 34,389. Subscribers obtained for Review, 3; Reformer, 15; Instructor, 66. Most of the names for the Instructor were obtained by the Vigilant Missionary Society of Olcott. Number of families visited, 270. Report accepted.
The remainder of the session was occupied with remarks upon subjects connected with the work of the society. In response to the invitation given, several interesting individual reports were briefly made. The fact that several individuals were present who had been awakened and brought into the truth through reading of tracts, added to the interest of the exercises. Meeting adjourned till 2 P. M.
Society met according to adjournment at 2 P. M. Bro. Kinne then introduced the subject of Systematic Benevolence. The necessity of re-organizing this branch of the work was admitted, and after some remarks it was moved and carried that the directors of the T. and M. Society appoint one or more suitable persons to visit all the churches in the Conference for the purpose of re-organizing Systematic Benevolence.
Remarks were then made touching the educational movement—its relation to the cause of present truth, and the necessity of such an auxiliary199A general interest seemed to be felt in this branch of the work.
Bro. Haskell was invited to explain the nature and operation of Vigilant Missionary Societies. This he did in an interesting manner, illustrating his remarks by relating some incidents which had come under his own observation.
A style of ladies’ hat for summer wear, gotten up with a view to meet an existing want among the sisters, was then presented, and met with general approval.
The Widows and Orphans’ fund was considered, and money raised to the amount of $42.25.
Eld. J. N. Andrews was present, and the part he took in the proceedings added to the interest of the meeting, though he was unable in his worn and enfeebled condition to carry out the active interest manifested at the meeting for organization at Kirkville.
Throughout the entire meeting, remarks were made bearing upon the general interest of the work, which it is hoped will help to bring the society into better working order.
J. M. LINDSAY, Pres.
E. H. WHITNEY, Sec., pro tem.
IF WE WOULD.
If we would but check the speaker,
When he soils his neighbor's fame,
If we would but help the erring,
Ere we utter words of blame;
If we would, how many might we
Turn from paths of sin and shame.
Ah! the wrongs that might be righted
If we would but see the way!
Ah! the pains that might be lightened
Every hour and every day,
If we would but hear the pleadings
Of the hearts that go astray.
Let us step outside the stronghold
Of our selfishness and pride;
Let us lift our fainting brothers,
Let us strengthen ere we chide;
Let us, ere we blame the fallen,
Hold a light to cheer and guide.
Ah! how blessed—ah! how blessed
Earth would be if we but try
Thus to aid and right the weaker,
Thus to check each brother's sigh;
Thus to walk in duty's pathway
To our better life on high.
In each life, however lowly,
There are seeds of mighty good,
Still we shrink from souls appealing,
With a timid, “if we could;”
But our God, who judgeth all things,
Knows the truth is, “if we would.”
Niagara Co., N. Y.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
On leaving Lancaster, I visited the church at East Elma. Sabbath, May 4, this church for the first time had the privilege of the ordinances. It was a memorable season, marked by humble confessions and earnest re-consecration to the Lord. All seemed encouraged to hold fast to the truth, and there is good hope of some additions to their number. I held two meetings on first-day with good interest and attendance.
May 7, returned to Lancaster and found all earnestly pressing forward together and manifesting sincerity of love to God by love and sympathy for each other.
May 11 and 12, at Olcott, monthly meeting. After this meeting, I visited Hess Road church. May 19, organized this church and arranged S. B. They elected an elder and deacon. Perfect unanimity was manifested. We then repaired to the lake and baptized eight. There was a sweet spirit of unbroken harmony and love at these meetings that I hailed with joy as a happy omen of future prosperity.
I am now at home, preparing for the tenting campaign. The committee have decided that the tent shall be pitched at Locke, Cayuga Co., May 31. Bro. Wheeler and myself have been appointed to this great responsibility; and as responsibilities increase I feel more deeply a sense of entire dependence on the Lord. Pray for us, dear brethren and sisters, that grace, wisdom, and strength, may be given us to do the work assigned us with such humility and faithfulness that the blessing of the Lord may ever rest upon our labors.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Iowa and Nebraska.
By R. M. Kilgore
THE last report closed with the meeting at Hooper, Dodge Co., Nebraska.
Sabbath, April 27, met with the friends of the cause on Bell Creek, at the house of Bro. Taylor. Had good liberty in speaking, and enjoyed a good social meeting with these dear friends, but was sorry to find that some, of whom we had hoped better things, had given up and broken the solemn vows they had previously made.
The week following, held meetings on York Creek at Mr. Waterman's who kindly opened his house for that purpose, and whose hospitality we shared. At these meetings a good impression was left upon the minds of all, and many were led to doubt that their former customs were scriptural. We think good was accomplished here, and expect some fruit.
May 4 and 5, met again with the friends at Bell Creek at the Elder Grove school-house which was again opened for us. The officers of this house have our thanks for its use which was granted to us free. Here we organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class; also a company of fifteen covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This company is now known as the Mt. Pleasant church of Nebraska. Our prayer is that they may so live and act that they may at last stand on the Mt. Zion.
May 7, met with the church at Decatur, Neb., which closed our labor in that State. Arranged S. B. amounting to $183.96. To complete the work in that State the services of an ordained minister are required.
May 9, met with the Onawa church. Though the roads were bad and the night very dark, yet the commodious house was well filled with attentive hearers. The membership here is small. Systematic Benevolence was also arranged here amounting to $52.00.
May 11 and 12, met with the friends in the Soldier Valley, Iowa. I was greatly encouraged to find them all firm in the truth as I left them two months previously, without the loss of one. A growth was very manifest, and the truth, as expressed by one of their number, “grows brighter and clearer every day.” Some of these have made some attainments in health reform, and are laying aside their tobacco and other hurtful habits. May the Lord help these and others to make clean work in this respect, as well as in spiritual things. Organized a company here of twenty-two, who I trust, will prove faithful unto the end.
With this meeting closed my labors in connection with Bro. Bartlett, with whom I have enjoyed many pleasant seasons, feeling that the Lord has been very merciful unto us, and that he has wrought with us, and for us. To his name shall be all the praise.
Arrived home May 15, after an absence of more than four months. My address will now be Washington, Iowa. R. M. KILGORE.
Wisconsin Field Report: Meetings at Monroe and Albany
By I. Sanborn
Wisconsin.
Since my last report I have held meetings at Monroe. These were good meetings. The next Sabbath I met with the brethren at the Parr School-house, and held two meetings, and baptized six. And last Sabbath I met with the Albany church at the Gillet school-house, and held five meetings. That church feels very sad that some, who in the past had been very active members, should have become so discouraged that they have ceased to work for the Lord. We all feel very sad, and pray for them. Bro. Gillet was chosen elder. Two united with the church. Others were much interested.
I. Sanborn.
Tract and Missionary Department.
By H. S. Woolsey
Michigan T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 4.
REPORT of meeting held at Battle Creek, May 26, 1872, by call of the president.
The meeting was opened by prayer by Bro. Van Horn. After some remarks by the president on Matt. 20: 1–7, reports from the different librarians in the district were called for.
On account of the short notice given of the meeting, reports were received from but three churches, and even there the librarians had time to get the reports from but one half of the members. The district shows a summary report as follows:—
Money received for membership, $137.00; by donations, $3.50; total amount of money received, $140.50. Number of new subscribers obtained for Instructor, 3; for Reformer, 6. Number of pages of tracts given away, 10,259; of pamphlets, 2,936. Total number of pages given, 13,195. Number of books loaned, 121.
Remarks were then made by the librarians present, stating that there was a good degree of interest manifested by members, and that they found that their neighbors generally were willing and even anxious to read.
After some remarks by Bro. Van Horn, the meeting adjourned.
H. S. WOOLSEY, Director.
Ordering Books.
By E. H. Root; J. E. White
It has been decided by the directors of the Mich. Conf. Tract and Missionary Society that all publications for this Society shall be ordered through the directors. Some of the librarians in different districts have ordered books and not even stated under which director they worked. Accounts are kept only with the directors. In future, all orders from the Society must be indorsed by the director of the district from which the order comes. Otherwise there will be no attention paid to them at the REVIEW Office, as it causes much trouble there.
E. H. ROOT, Pres.
J. E. WHITE, Sec.
JAMES ERTZENBERGER
By James Ertzenberger
Switzerland.
MOST of the brethren and sisters in this vicinity assembled for special meeting at Tramelan, the 14th of April. This gathering was called to consider several important points concerning the mission, and was held at this early time on account of the removal of several brethren and sisters to other places. I was rejoiced to see the interest which was taken in it, although I was hindered in some measure, by bodily infirmity, from taking hold as I wished. I thank the Lord for his kind assistance. May his name be blessed.
April 18, I left that place with Bro. Van Paren and family, for Bienne, and remained there until the 1st of May. During this time I tried to get personal and other matters in order, and to benefit the brethren of that place by the word of God, which I spoke six times. The last evening we celebrated the Lord’s supper. Our meetings, small as they had been, were good and refreshing to all. May they be of lasting benefit.
May 1, I returned to this place by way of Neuchatel, in which place I made a call at Bro. Luke Wuilleumiers. I regretted that our interview was so short. May the Lord be with this dear brother and his family. Arrived safely at Chaux de fonds in the evening. But here I found the friends not in as favorable a condition as I desired, but, by the help of God, matters were all settled before it took the character of a severe trial. Thanks be to the Lord.
May 2 and 4, I delivered two discourses to a very attentive assembly in the College of Locle, the place near by. And as I spoke of the words in Josh. 24: 15, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” many a tear was shed. May the Lord impress his holy word spoken upon the hearts to his honor and glory and the salvation of many.
It is refreshing to see the new ones of that place as they take hold of the work with love of sacrifice. They are preparing a nice room for the especial purpose of holding meetings. Since my last report, one more has taken hold of the truth in that place. May the Lord assist them and keep them in the bonds of Christian love. May they grow in grace.
JAMES ERTZENBERGER
Chaux de fonds, May 7, 1872.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Fayette Co., Illinois, Feb. 5, 1872, Sister Sarah Elizabeth Suit, daughter of Daniel and Catharine Covert, aged thirty-one years.
Sister Suit professed religion at the age of seventeen, and was connected with the “first-day Adventists.” She kept the Sabbath the last three years of her life, and was baptized by Bro. Lane in Howard Co., Ind. Funeral sermon was preached in the school-house near Bro. Coverts, in Tipton Co., Ind., May 12. Text (by request) Rev. 14: 13. J. H. Waggoner.
Died, in Glendale, Monroe Co., Wis., May 18, 1872, of putrid sore throat and whooping-cough, the only daughter of Geo. H. and Gertrude E. Heacox, aged two years, seven months, and twenty days. Funeral discourse by Eld. Bovee, United Brethren, from 1 Cor. 15: 55. Geo. W. Rogers.
Died, in Gratiot Co., Mich., May 17, 1872, Louisa, daughter of Wm. S. and Harriet Nelson, aged thirteen months.
Although it grieves the heart, when we are called to part with those that are near and dear to us, yet there is one comforting thought: If faithful, we can be re-united where such partings will never take place. Discourse by the writer. J. O. Corliss.
Died, in Albany, Wis., Apr. 19, 1872, of consumption, Wm. Francis, aged forty years, eleven months, six days. Bro. William became interested in the Sabbath question under the labor of Eld. Ingraham, in Albany; and after inviting his M. E. brethren to furnish Bible evidence for Sunday-keeping, commenced keeping the Sabbath with his faithful wife. We followed his remains to their resting-place by the side of his wife, who died over two years since, in the same blessed hope. Funeral discourse by Eld. Walker, Methodist, from Ps. 116: 15.
To the Brethren and Sisters in Hardin Co., Ky.
By D. T. Bourdeau
THE time has come for me to leave you. I had greatly desired to remain with you, that you might be encouraged by still greater success; but as no thorough laborer can now be sent me to help run a tent, it is my duty to labor in another field, for the present. I do this with a great sacrifice of feeling, as we have stood together when the wheel rolled hard, and in the midst of trial, much prejudice and opposition.
But you have reason for encouragement. You are nearer the triumph of truth, and nearer salvation, than we were when the truth came to us. It cannot be long before a thorough effort will be made in your State. The last generation is almost past. The Lord is near, and all the honest must soon be searched out.
You will have your trials. But these will do you good if you wisely improve upon them. They will show you your lacks, and as you overcome, the Christian graces will shine more brightly to the glory of God. Some will look upon you with contempt, and some with pity, thinking that you have degraded yourselves in taking hold of unpopular views. But remember that in the eyes of God the stand you have taken is honorable. The honor that comes from God will last when all worldly honor shall have passed away. Those who pity you, need your pity. Be patient with them. Do not cast them off as being beyond the reach of mercy. There are but few in Kentucky who have fully seen the force and importance of present truth.
Some will tell you, It will not pay to hold on to your peculiar views all alone, without a preacher, and this excitement will soon die out. Let your perseverance teach such that there is power in the truth to sustain you, even without the aid of a preacher; and that you have taken hold of the strength of God. By this experience you will realize that your strength is in God, and will be enabled to help the lonely ones, and stand alone in the time of trouble.
As God views things, it is no small honor or privilege to be pioneers in this cause. As such great responsibility rests upon you, you will be watched closely. You can now, by consistent lives, do what a preacher could not do. There are some who cannot be reached by preaching, who, by seeing your good deeds, may be led to glorify our Father who is in Heaven. Especially will you be watched in your business deal. Be strictly honest, and let your example be a reproof to the covetousness of this age.
You profess to keep the Sabbath. Observe it strictly, without yielding to the persuasions of friend or foe. Some will take especial pains to throw obstacles in your way. Be decided. Be wise. Remember that God sees you. Do not neglect family prayer. Pray in secret.
Keep up your little meetings at Locust Grove. Come together to labor for God and for each other, and God will meet with you. Neglect not the Bible-class and Sabbath-school. Neglect not the children. Interest them, and help them to keep the Sabbath. It would also be well for all the Sabbath-keepers in the county to meet once at Nolin, and once at Locust Grove, the coming summer. This would have an encouraging influence. Do not meet to chit chat, but to worship God and help one another in the narrow way.
There is an excellent assortment of our works at Locust Grove. Let these be faithfully and judiciously circulated. Be faithful in all things, and when more labor is bestowed in this county, even more good can be accomplished than can be done at present. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Nolin, Ky., May 27, 1872.
The Flies and the Spiders.
“Why has God created the flies and spiders?” a young prince often said to himself; “such insects are of no use to man; and, had I the power, I would cause them to disappear from the earth.”
One day, during the war, this prince was obliged to flee before the enemy. At night, being very much fatigued, he lay down under a tree in the middle of the forest, and soon fell fast asleep. He was discovered by one of the enemy’s soldiers, who glided softly up to him, sword in hand, intending to kill him. At this moment, a fly suddenly alighted on the cheek of the prince, and stung him so sharply that he awoke. He started up, drew his sword, and fought with the soldier, and at last escaped. Then the prince went and hid himself in a cavern in the same forest. During the night a spider spun her web across the entrance. Two soldiers, who were in search of the fugitive prince, came so near the cave that he could hear their conversation.
“Look,” said one, “no doubt he is hidden here.”
“No,” replied the other, “he could not have entered there without tearing the spider’s web.”
As soon as they had gone the prince cried out with emotion, raising his hands to heaven: “Oh, my God! what a gratitude do I not owe thee? Thou didst save my life yesterday by means of a fly, and to-day thou hast preserved it by means of a spider. Truly, there are use and purpose in the works of thy creation.”—From the German.