Frankton.—May 8-10, we held five meetings at Frankton. The interest is increasing. On Sunday I preached the funeral discourse of Sister Sarah Chalfant, whose obituary was published about two months ago. A large concourse of people were present. All seemed pleased with the discourse, and a solemn impression was made. A sister of the deceased was baptized and added to the church.
The Sabbath-school is improving in interest and numbers. The club of Instructors was increased from ten to fifteen. Several persons here are almost persuaded to obey the truth. I think they will decide soon.
WM. COVERT.
Walkerton, May 10.—The Lord is still blessing our labors here. Last Sabbath we organized a church of twenty-five members, three of whom were formerly members of the S. D. A. church of North Liberty. The church has prepared a large room for meeting purposes, in which regular services are held every Sabbath. Many of those who now constitute the church were inveterate and excessive tobacco-users, but by God’s help they have thoroughly cleansed themselves from this filthiness of the flesh.
Our success in Walkerton is due largely to the missionary labor of a sister who diligently and successfully solicited purchasers for S. D. A. publications in the town and vicinity, before we began our meetings. Send the missionary workers in advance of the preachers.
A. W. BARTLETT.
ILLINOIS
Friendsville, May 12.—We pitched our tent here May 3. Only a few were out the first night, but the congregations have increased from the first. A Universalist reviewed us on the subject of the advent, but he used more sarcasm than argument, and his effort resulted in making us many warm friends. The first of next week we begin on the subject of the law of God. Several have expressed a desire to hear on the Sabbath question. We expect Bro. Shonk here next week to help us. Pray for us.
C. H. FOSTER. J. WILLOUGHBY.
Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.—Sabbath, April 24, I spoke to the French near Kankakee. I spent Sabbath, May 1, at Pittwood, where I baptized two persons. Last Sabbath I was in Aroma. Baptized four persons, and attended to the ordinances. I have also held one meeting at Kankakee. Three persons have been added to the Kankakee church, two to the Pittwood church, and three to the Aroma church. At Aroma, most of the French brethren and sisters of St. Anne being present, I spoke in French as well as in English. The Kankakee church took another club of ten Signs.
Manteno, May 10. D. T. BOURDEAU.
NORTH CAROLINA.
By L. P. Hodges
Moretz Mills, Watauga Co., May 9.—Since my last report, the Methodist minister who united with us has made a trip to Caldwell county, and preached some. There is a good interest in the southern part of that county, and some said that they would keep the Sabbath.
We need a great deal of reading matter to scatter in new fields in this State and in the eastern part of Tennessee. Will those who have tracts that they would like to have doing good in the southern mission, send them to me? Direct to Moretz Mills, Watauga Co., N. C.
L. P. HODGES.
THE CAUSE IS ONWARD!
By A. Swedberg
The readers of the REVIEW have no doubt read with great interest the report from Eld. Matteson in the issue of May 6, in which he says:—
“In my opinion, Sweden is a better field for the truth than either Norway or Denmark, if proper labor could be bestowed. There is more religious stir, and the people are further advanced in religious matters, and more willing to listen to new theories.”
The truthfulness of this assertion is time and again verified as we read interesting letters and reports from those who have lately embraced the truth and commenced to labor in spreading it to others. From a report written by Bro. Tockzelius, we extract the following:—
“DEAR BRETHREN IN THE FAITH: For three years I have been employed as minister of the gospel in Lungsunds Lutheran missionary society. Last summer I undertook a missionary tour through Western Wermland, during which I expressed my convictions of present truth to several persons. Soon it began to be noised abroad that I advocated the views of S. D. Adventists, and a fellow-laborer reported it to the above-mentioned society, also requesting that I should be warned, and, if I did not recant my views, discharged from my position.
“The 29th of December the missionary society held their yearly Conference. I was asked if I would remain in their service during the year 1880. Instead of giving a direct answer to this question, I stood up and in the hearing of the whole Conference gave a sketch of my present views. This caused considerable stir. Some requested that I should immediately be discharged from their service; others, that I should discharge myself. This I would not do, but left it to the decision of the Conference. It was finally decided that I should remain in their service till the 1st of April. At another session, held the 7th of March, I was discharged and a new minister chosen to fill my place. That I am now discharged from office as preacher does not affect me at all, but on the other hand I feel glad that I am free to go wheresoever I choose. May I go where the Lord directs! May he assist me to wholly consecrate myself to the work of carrying forward the third angel’s message among my fellow-men.
“During the aforementioned Conference, discussions were held which no doubt will be of great importance as concerns the advancement of the cause of God in this country. The subjects discussed were comprised in the following questions: ‘Does man after the fall of Adam possess immortality by nature? or is eternal life a God-given gift through our Lord Jesus Christ,—a gift which we gain possession of only by coming to Jesus and exercising faith in him? Will the reign of Christ during the thousand years be in Heaven or upon this earth?’ Of334course many different opinions were expressed. And although much dissatisfaction, hatred, and spite were shown by some, still many were led to rejoice that the truth had been so clearly set forth on these subjects.
“Since the beginning of this year I have held meetings in different places. There is a great commotion among the people. Some favor the truth, while others declare it to be evil and harmful for the people. Some time ago I received a letter from a blacksmith, with whom I became acquainted last year, at which time we conversed a good deal about the views of S. D. Adventists. He then listened with marked attention, and now he keeps the Sabbath. At Saxhyttan, in Westmanland, there are a few friends who are ready to keep the Sabbath and become organized as a church. Others also are interested in the truth, and we hope they will join themselves to the people who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. At Högberget, near Persberg, where I have held meetings several times, are quite a number who love the truth. Two lady school-teachers are convinced, and will doubtless keep the Sabbath. I have also been told of another Baptist sister, whose conscience upbraids her for working on Saturday. Behold how hard it is for those that love to walk according to the word of God, to transgress his commandments. Here and there we meet with persons who are lending a listening ear to the warning voice of the third angel’s message. Bobäck, a preacher among the Baptists, now stands on our side. For three weeks we have labored together, when I have had the privilege of witnessing his freedom in testifying for the truth. There is also another preacher, Edwin Ericson, who has begun to advocate the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
Bro. T. further relates a conversation he had with a Methodist minister in the presence of several other persons. The truth was so clearly and forcibly expounded that one of the listeners admitted that Bro. T. had the Bible on his side.
We wish here to express our gratitude to the T. and M. workers among our American brethren, especially those in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Minnesota, for their co-operation in the work of circulating the Harold. During the last three or four months our list of subscribers has increased from six hundred to nearly a thousand. We hope the work will not stop here, but that our co-workers will continue to lend us a helping hand, until this work shall have attained a magnitude and strength which will insure its success. It belongs to us to sow the precious seed of truth; the Lord will give the increase.
A. SWEDBERG.
MAINE
By J. P. Gelotte
New Sweden, April 19.—The Lord is with us in our prayer and Sabbath meetings, and for this we praise him. We trust he will help us till the day of his coming, when we hope to stand with him on the sea of glass, and praise him upon harps of gold. We need much patience in this time of trial. We need forgiving hearts, and instruction in the school of Christ.
We have been favored with a visit from Bro. Hersum. Work on our meeting-house has been resumed, and we hope to have it ready for use this summer. J. P. GELOTTE.
NEW ENGLAND.
By D. A. Robinson
Labor among the Churches.—April 16-26 I spent with the scattered friends in Berkshire Co., Mass., and Litchfield Co., Conn. The Norfolk church is composed of members from these two counties. They were somewhat discouraged over petty trials, but if our brethren and sisters here will get hold of the missionary work, as we trust they will, they will have no time to spend in nourishing trials. They will soon have about fifty copies of the twelve-page edition of the Signs to use. Sold $4.15 worth of publications. Obtained renewals on our periodicals to the amount of $13.50.
May 1, 2, I was with the church at Danvers. Harmony and love prevail here now. They are taking hold of the missionary work with commendable zeal. The temperance club is flourishing finely.
D. A. ROBINSON.
DEDICATION AT WEST SALEM, ILL.
By R. F. Andrews
It was my privilege to be present and assist at the dedication of the new house of worship in West Salem, Ill., April 24. These dear friends of the truth are the result of the labors of Bro. Shonk and Foster. They have recently embraced the faith, no labor having been bestowed in their village till last fall. Their house is a neat frame building, 26x36 feet, finished inside and out. There is a strong feeling of opposition on the part of the other sects here against the truth and its adherents; but if the brethren are loyal to God and his truth, this feeling will soon give way, precious souls will have their eyes opened, and take their stand with God’s people in defense of his cause.
During the meeting, seven persons were baptized, and six were added to the church by vote, thus making a reinforcement of thirteen to this young church. They all seem of good courage. Their house was paid for, all but about $300, and this sum has been pledged, to be paid by Oct. 1. We were made glad at the meeting by the presence of Bro. L. A. Logan, and others from Wayne county. May the Lord bless this dear people, and help them to live in love and peace, that the God of love and peace may be with them.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Gilman, April 30.
Notes of News.
—The Afghans are still giving the British trouble.
—There are about 50,000 Chinamen on the Pacific coast.
—Mr. Gladstone, the new English Premier, is a high-church Episcopalian.
—It is said on good authority that 60,000 pagans embraced Christianity during 1878.
—Madrid is greatly excited over rumors of a filibustering expedition to Cuba.
—There are now about one-fifth as many Chinese as native Hawaiians in the Sandwich Islands.
—Terrible and destructive forest fires were, at last accounts, still raging in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
—The population of Jerusalem is summed up as follows: 13,500 Jews, 7,000 Mohammedans, and 5,000 Christians.
—The immigration to this country is so great that several ocean lines have been obliged to put on extra steamers.
—The St. Petersburg Golos thinks that something besides words will be necessary in dealing with the Porte.
—It is believed that the policy of the Gladstone Ministry toward Ireland will be to adopt ameliorative measures.
—The total strength of the German army will exceed 2,000,000 men, when the plans of the War Ministry are fully carried out.
—At Blackburn, England, 25,000 factory hands are on a strike. Many of them are anxious to resume work at the old wages.
—More than 100 pounds of giant powder exploded in a blacksmith shop at Central City, D. T., on the morning of May 11, killing three men.
—San Luis, a village in the neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba, has been entirely destroyed by fire. Seven persons perished in the flames, and 3,000 were left without shelter.
—Investigation into the affairs of the First National Bank of Augusta, Me., reveal the fact that the late cashier, who committed suicide Feb. 3, was a defaulter for over $30,000.
—According to the report of the Board of Education, about 20 per cent (over 10,000) of the children in Rhode Island did not attend any school last year.
—Since Jan. 1, about 2,000 tavern-license bonds have been issued in Philadelphia, nearly all of which were forged. Several of the guilty parties have been indicted.
—It is computed that 3,500,000 copies of the 800 daily journals published in this country and Canada, are circulated daily.
—A detachment of the Salvation Army is to be sent to France under the direction of the elder daughter of Wm. Booth, the Commander-in-chief.
—By a recent decision of the British House of Lords, it is practically left with the bishops to decide how far ritualistic vagaries shall be carried.
—The greater part of Western Hungary has been devastated by a severe hailstorm. Towns and villages were destroyed, and vines, fruit-trees, and green corn crushed to the earth.
—On the 10th inst. a destructive storm passed through portions of Illinois. At Arrowsmith it assumed the form of a cyclone, and destroyed much property.
—Serious riots have occurred in France in connection with the strikes. In one instance 30,000 men participated in the disturbances. Danger is apprehended from the communists.
—While some laborers at Baltimore were engaged in breaking up a quantity of condemned shrapnel shells, on the 11th, an explosion occurred which resulted in killing six persons and wounding two others.
—In view of the complications with China, the Russian Government has telegraphed orders to the authorities beyond the Ural Mountains to place all strategical roads in condition for the passage of troops and stores.
—The reduction of the public debt during the month of April was over $12,000,000, and during the last 10 months it has been over $59,000,000. The interest-bearing debt of the country is now over $1,747,000,000.
—It is an evidence of the growing sense of uneasiness in the European capitals that in concluding all extradition treaties with other powers, Germany now insists upon clauses providing for the surrender of regicides.
—The statistics for the year 1876 show that 5,567 Frenchmen committed suicide during that year. It is estimated that not less than 200,000 have perished by their own hands since the beginning of the present century.
—There is a report that the Standard Oil Company, the great American petroleum corporation, has invested $1,000,000 in oil lands on the Caspian Sea, and $250,000 in oil lands in Holstein.
—Mayor Kalloch, of San Francisco, has been obliged, as President of the Board of Supervisors, to listen to and put to vote resolutions pronouncing him unfit for his office, and to declare them passed.
—The Methodist missionaries in China have united in requesting the General Conference to postpone the election of native bishops until the church in China and Japan shall be self-supporting.
—The native Christians of New Hebrides, an island in the Southern Ocean, have recently shipped to London 3,700 pounds of arrowroot. This offering is to make payment for an edition of the Old Testament, as it is now being used in their language.
—Speaking of the cyclones that have recently visited portions of Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois, Harper’s Weekly calls attention to the fact that these tornadoes are becoming annual events, similar storms having occurred in 1877, 1878, and 1879.
—The Chinese children of California are not permitted to attend the public schools, though the parents pay $250,000 of school taxes every year. But in San Francisco 1,500 Chinese boys and girls are attending private schools and receiving instruction in the English language.
—France is discussing a bill to repeal the law of 1814 requiring the celebration of Sundays and holidays. As the penalties of this law are never enforced, it is thought best to remove it from the statute book, and leave the question of observance to individual consciences.
—The Secretary of the English Baptist Missionary Society says that since the beginning of modern missions the Bible has been translated into 212 languages, spoken by 850,000,000 human beings. All this is the work of missionaries; and 39 of the languages referred to never had a written form until the missionaries created it.
—Potter Co., Pa., has this honorable report: At the recent quarter-sessions of the Court, the district attorney had no bills to present to the grand jury, the sheriff had no criminals in charge, and the directors of the poor no paupers to support. We are prepared to anticipate the remainder of the report, viz., that no licenses to sell intoxicating liquor had been granted in this county.
—In the cable dispatches of May 12 a speck of war is clearly discernible, in the announcement that 4,000 horses, 6,000 Martini rifles, and a large quantity of cartridges, have been landed at Scutari for the use of the Albanians. The Albanian forces are reported as holding large territory, and the Turks are everywhere fraternizing with them.
—Italian physicians have been investigating the peculiar condition of the miners who worked in the St. Gothard tunnel, and have found that when they were laboring in remote galleries, animalculæ resembling trichinæ were engendered in their internal organs. The malady produced deplorable effects, and the workmen often became confirmed invalids.
—United States Marshall Poole recently attempted to serve writs of ejectment on settlers in Tulare and Fresno counties, Cal., who occupy lands claimed by the railroad companies. The settlers, who are banded together for mutual protection, and are determined not to give up the land, resisted the execution of the writs, and in the affair four men were killed and two wounded.
—In Germany the practice of smoking has been carried to such excess by the youth, that it is believed to have injured their constitutions and incapacitated them for the defense of their country. Hence the government has taken the matter seriously in hand; and in some towns lads under 16 years of age are forbidden to smoke on the streets, under penalty of fines and imprisonment.
—On the 9th of May, Rixford, a town in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, was destroyed by fire. A tank containing 25,000 barrels of petroleum was burned. On the same day a fire in Allegheny City, Pa., consumed 28 buildings, involving a loss of $125,000, and rendering 20 families homeless. On the 14th inst., the town of Milton, in the same State, was visited by the destroying element; 400 buildings were burned, several persons perished in the flames, and 3,000 people are rendered homeless.
—A pastoral from the Archbishop of Quebec has been read from all the pulpits of that city, expostulating against all excursions, pleasure-parties, and evening walks and drives, on Sundays and feast-days, denouncing them as grievous sins. Commenting on this, the Christian Weekly says, “Why should not Christians of all names now unite in seeking to restore the sanctity of the Lord’s day?” “All honor to the Archbishop for reminding his people that the divine law, with its penalty, has not been abrogated.” How about the feast days? Does the Christian Weekly indorse them, too?
A DISCUSSION.
By A. H. Vankirk
The truth has gained a glorious victory once more. Some time since, Eld. B. F. Kelley, a Free-will Baptist minister, stated in public meeting that he had challenged Eld. W. B. Hill to debate the Sabbath question with him, and that Eld. H. dared not do it. As this statement was made at Eagle Lake, where the interest in the truth was good, it seemed to demand attention. Bro. Hill accepted the challenge, and the discussion took place on Sunday, May 2, occupying three meetings.
I have never known of a decision being rendered at any discussion previously held in this State, but in this instance two of the three moderators voted in favor of Bro. Hill. We are sure that many more of the attentive hearers were convinced of the truth. Eld. Kelley himself acknowledged to Bro. Hill that he was too well trained for him. If oratorical effusions, loud-sounding words, and assumptions were always truth, then Eld. Kelley carried the question. We are glad, however, that such is not the case.
Two Sunday-keepers signified their appreciation of Bro. Hill’s effort by each leaving a silver dollar in his hand at parting with him; and if one can judge from appearances, his manner of conducting the debate was almost universally liked.
At the close of the meeting on the evening before the discussion took place, the brethren appointed a season of prayer for the next morning at five o’clock, at which time all joined in asking God to bless this effort in behalf of the truth. Their prayers were fully answered. Would not this be a good plan to follow in others cases under similar circumstances?
We think bragging will cease in this vicinity for a time.
A. H. VANKIRK.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
VAN DALSEM.—Died near Austin, Cass Co., Mo., April 12, 1880, of inflammation of the stomach, my dear father, Abraham Van Dalsem, aged 84 years, 2 months, and 29 days. Father was born in the State of New York, and has subsequently lived in the States of New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. He embraced religion in early life, and joined the Presbyterian church, of which he continued a devoted and consistent member until about seven years ago, when, by reading our publications, he embraced the third angel’s message. Though he never had an opportunity of joining our church nor of hearing a sermon preached by one of our ministers, yet I believe he tried earnestly to live out the faith we so cherish, as far as he knew and understood it, though bitterly opposed. He kept the Sabbath from the time he saw the truth till his death; and though he contracted the habit of tobacco-chewing when only eight years old, he had the fortitude to discontinue it at the age of seventy-nine. Those who were present at father’s death say he was conscious that his life had waned to its close, and was fully resigned.
Although a mourner I sit by his tomb,
And am wrapped in a mantle of care,
Yet the grief of my bosom—oh! call it not gloom—
Is not the black grief of despair.
By sorrow revealed, as the stars are by night,
Far off a bright vision appears;
And hope, like the rainbow a creature of light,
Is born, like the rainbow, in tears.
MRS. THEODOCIA TERRY.
CRAIG.—Died of diphtheria, near Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va., on the 27th day of April, 1880, Arbelia Craig, granddaughter of Bro. Walton and Sr. Ellen Craig, aged 13 years, 4 months, and 21 days. She loved the Sabbath-school, and had been keeping the Sabbath nearly one year and a half. She naturally possessed a meek and quiet spirit, and was beloved by all who knew her. Upon her death-bed she spoke of Heaven, and of that “beautiful land,” and desired that all her relatives and friends should so live that they might meet her there. Her death has made a deep impression upon the minds of the people of the neighborhood.
“And thus shall faith’s consoling power
The tears of love restrain;
Oh, who that saw thy parting hour,
Could wish thee back again!”
WORDELL.—Died of pneumonia, at his residence in Tazwell Co., Ill., April 29, 1880, Charles Wordell, aged 51 years. Bro. W. became connected with the S. D. Adventists about three years ago. He was liberal, regular in his attendance on public worship, and an earnest worker. Although an old professor, yet the last two years of his religious life were marked with unparalleled devotion. He became wholly resigned to the will of God, and died in the exercise of triumphant faith. Funeral sermon by the writer.
C. H. BLISS.
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