p. 14 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 21. (3/27/1893)

THE LEPERS OF JAPAN.

THE Committee of the Mission to Lepers has just had an application from two ladies of the Church Missionary Society at Kumamoto Island, of Kiushiu, Japan, asking them to aid in establishing a hospital there for the lepers. The following are a few extracts from the letter of one of these ladies:—

“I venture to entreat your aid for Japan. It is computed that there are over 200,000 known cases of leprosy. Among respectable people it is regarded as such a disgrace that the person affected is at once shut up in a little room, which they never leave until death.

“Leprosy is more prevalent in this prefecture than in any other part of Japan, but the principal garrison doctor here (who has offered his services gratuitously as a consulting physician, if we can establish a hospital or aid of any kind) says that from sixty to seventy per cent could be relieved if they had good medical advice at first.

“About two and a half miles from this city is a Buddhist temple to which lepers from all parts of the country come when they have spent their all, and there they drag out their miserable lives, existing on promiscuous charity of the most meager kind, having no shelter at night, and scarcely any food by day. This island of Kiushiu is semi-tropical, but the winters are severe. A few mornings ago the thermometer registered 28° out-of-doors, and two days ago 26°. The sufferings of these heat-loving creatures must be intense, for in summer we have from 90° to 98° of heat.

“Very little pity is bestowed upon them, because the Japanese say they (the lepers) cannot be human beings; that no human creature could have such a mysterious and incurable disease; that it is not a human ailment, etc. The name for the leper is hinin, which means ‘outside of humanity.’

“My friend and I wrote home to our society, the C. M. S., about something being done for the lepers, and offering ourselves as workers among them. Our letter has been very favorably considered, and meets with the heartiest approbation of our bishop out here.

“Our idea is, if possible, to build a hospital by special subscription. It would take several hundreds to build and start, as special ground would have to be found, etc.

“The few Japanese who know of our desire are full of approbation. One of our Christians said to me, ‘It will do more for Christianity in Japan than anything that has been done; my people can argue as cleverly as your people about religion, but they know nothing of such love as this.’

“The garrison doctor of whom I spoke said, ‘Only Christians would think of such a thing.’ He showed us over one of the city hospitals and asked the surgeon general of the garrison to meet us, and we afterwards met others of the principal doctors. They all offer every encouragement.

“Do you think you can help us a little? I cannot tell you how sad and how serious the need is.”

All contributions for the above object may be sent to Wellesley C. Bailey, secretary and superintendent of the Mission to Lepers, 17 Glengyle Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland, who will gladly give any information in his power.

CLAREMONT UNION COLLEGE.

FROM the Argus, published at Cape Town, Africa, we take the following interesting account of the opening of our new college at Claremont, near that city:—

Quite a large gathering of the residents of Claremont and vicinity assembled in the spacious dining hall of the new college building, when, after the opening exercises of music, and a prayer by Elder I. J. Hankins, Elder A. T. Robinson delivered a brief address, setting forth the reason for the establishment of the institution, the success that has attended the enterprise, and its future prospects. In the course of the address, which was listened to with great attention, Mr. Robinson said:—

"Perhaps a few words as to what has led to the establishment of this institution, the success that has attended the enterprise thus far, and as to what is hoped to be accomplished through its agency in the future, may be of interest to those who are assembled on this occasion. I may say at the outset that this college has not been founded, nor is it to be conducted, as a rival institution to any other branch of educational work in this vicinity. The sole aim of its founders is to contribute in a small measure to the great and noble work of education in this colony."

"This college is a denominational institution. Those who have been foremost in its establishment, believing in the principle of total separation of Church and State, have neither asked nor received governmental aid. We believe in the utility of the public undenominational school, aided by government, which should afford the facilities for a thorough secular education. Such schools should be undenominational, not merely in name, but in fact. We believe that whenever such aid is secured for schools in which religious instruction is to be imparted, it is a perversion of right principles. But though this college is denominational, it does not follow that it is to be narrow and sectarian in its plan of work. While the field of secular education is a broad one, the value of which cannot be overestimated, the horizon is vastly widened when the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ—he who spake as never man spake—is made the foundation of that education."

Having explained at length some of the principles which led the Seventh-day Adventists, some twenty-five years ago, to begin the establishment of denominational schools, Elder Robinson said that how well they have succeeded may be noted by the fact that although a comparatively young denomination, and one which cannot boast of numerical strength, yet they have made their influence felt in every part of the civilized world. "This result is attributable very largely to the prominence given to the work of education. The denomination now has in successful operation in different parts of the world twelve schools, colleges, and academies, in which some over one hundred persons are employed as teachers, and in which are some over two thousand pupils."

"About one year ago, or a little less than that, it was decided to locate a college at this place. There were some very serious difficulties to face, and I may say that the manner in which those have been met and surmounted has been a series of surprises to all who have been connected with the enterprise. When this farm was purchased upon which this building has been erected, there was not money enough in sight to pay for the land. The last opportunity to purchase brick, of last year's make, had to be improved within a few days or not at all. The venture was made, and when the main portion of the building was completed, the bricks left over could be carried away in a wheelbarrow. Sufficient funds were contributed to keep the work moving along, until we had reason to believe that, when completed, the debt on the property would not exceed £2,500."

"But our next surprise in this direction was a few weeks ago, at a meeting in this room, with a considerably less number present than are here to-day, when this indebtedness was reduced by the handsome sum of over £1,500. I may be pardoned for referring to one contribution which towers above any other individual donation towards this enterprise. I refer to the very liberal gift of £2,000 from Mrs. J. J. Wessels."

"Another matter of agreeable surprise was in the response of our people in America, more than meeting our highest expectations in furnishing us with an able and experienced corps of instructors. Professor Miller, whom we have been glad to welcome as principal of this college, has had many years' experience in our largest and oldest college in America, which has eminently fitted him for the work in this new institution. I will not take the time to mention by name his able assistants, in each of whom we place the utmost confidence."

"I may speak of another agreeable surprise in the fact that, while we supposed we were building so large that we hoped to grow to the size of our accommodations, we have already received nearly as many applications for boarding students as can be accommodated."

At the close of the service many visitors were shown through the different parts of the building, and they all expressed themselves as highly pleased with the arrangement.

Sowing Beside All Waters

"Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters." "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

WHAT GOD REQUIRES.

By John Greenleaf Whittier

WHAT asks our Father of his children, save Justice and mercy and humility, A reasonable service of good deeds, Pure living tenderness to human needs, Reverence and trust and prayer for light to see The Master's footsteps in our daily ways? No knotted scourge or sacrificial knife, But the calm beauty of an ordered life, Whose very breathing is unworded praise— A life that stands as all true lives have stood, Fast rooted in the faith that God is good. —Whittier.

LABOR ITEMS.

By Editor

THE following are some of the labor items adopted at the recent session of the General Conference:—

Elder Dan. T. Jones and J. E. Froom, and such others as may be selected by the Foreign Mission Board, to inaugurate the work in Mexico.

Prof. C. C. Lewis, late of Union College, to labor among the colored people in the South. This change is in harmony with the resolution to establish schools among the colored people in the Southern States.

Prof. J. C. Rogers to go to the West Coast of Africa to labor; also a man and his wife, to be selected by the Foreign Mission Board, to accompany him.

Elder J. O. Corliss to labor in Washington, D. C.

Elder N. W. Allee to go to Minnesota and take the place of Elder A. J. Breed, who is elected to the General Conference Committee.

Elder R. A. Underwood to go to Wisconsin and take the place of Elder M. H. Brown, who enters the Sabbath school work.

Miss Hiva Starr to engage in the Bible work in South Africa.

A mission to be opened in Mashonaland, Africa, as soon as practicable, and not less than five persons to be selected for that purpose.

R. B. Craig, J. J. Graf, and O. P. Norderhus to go to South America to labor, the former to take charge of the canvassing work.

Miss Helen McKinnon to engage in Bible work in the Tennessee Conference.

V. H. Lucas to labor in Colorado.

J. Ohlander to go to Russia and labor under the Russian Advisory Committee.

Fred W. Spies to go to Germany to engage in canvassing work.

Luther Warren, of New York, to go to South Dakota to labor.

Elder J. S. Shrock, of Pennsylvania, to go to Minnesota to labor among the Germans.

A. J. Haysmer and wife, of Michigan, to go to Jamaica to labor.

C. W. Flaiz, of Minnesota, to go to Manitoba to labor, the General Conference Committee to select someone to accompany him.

Dr. J. E. Caldwell to labor in the Southern States.

Elder D. H. Lamson, of Michigan, to change to Nebraska Conference.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

A GENERAL meeting is appointed for Asheville, Tennessee, April 1 and 2.

BROTHER E. H. RUSSELL reports an addition of six to the membership of the church at Mount Holly, Maryland.

ELDER J. B. GOODRICH and State Agent Hazeltine announce an institute for Maine laborers, April 15-30, at South Norridgewock.

ELDER GEO. E. LANGDON reports a four weeks' meeting at Lutes, Nebraska. Ten were baptized, and a church of sixteen members was organized.

ELDER M. H. BROWN, late of Wisconsin, who has been elected recording secretary and treasurer of the International Sabbath school Association, will have headquarters at the Pacific Press Publishing House, Oakland, California, and will arrive about the 27th inst.

FROM the Echo, of Melbourne, we learn that Sister E. G. White and Elder W. C. White are now in New Zealand. The annual conference and camp meeting was appointed to commence March 26, at Hastings, workers' meetings to be held on the camp ground for a week or two previous to that date.

THE Australian Conference was held in Melbourne in January, when the following officers were elected: President, A. G. Daniells; Vice President, W. C. White; Secretary, James Smith; Treasurer, Echo Publishing Co.; Executive Committee, the president, the vice president, the secretary, Geo. B. Starr, H. Muckersy, D. Steed, A. Reekie. There were thirty-three delegates present, representing eight churches, and two new churches were admitted to the Conference.

ANNUAL MEETING.

By W. N. Glenn

The annual meeting of the Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Oakland will be held at the house of worship, cor. 12th and Brush Streets, Wednesday evening, April 5, 1893, at half-past 7 o'clock. A general attendance of resident members is desired. By order of the president.

W. N. GLENN, Secretary.

CAMP MEETING TENTS.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The California general camp meeting will be held in Oakland, May 11–21. All who wish to rent tents will make application at once to E. A. Chapman, Pacific Press, Oakland. The prices of tents will be as usual: 10x12, $4.00; 12x16, $6.00; 14x19, $7.00. S. N. HASKELL.

LESSON II.—SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 1893.

By Editor

AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Job 5:17-27.

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.
For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
In famine he shall redeem thee from death; and in war from the power of the sword.
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
At destruction and dearth thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
And thou shalt know that thy tent is in peace; and thou shalt visit thy fold, and shalt miss nothing.
Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.
Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in its season.
Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

Golden Text. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Heb. 12:6.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

What can you say of the book of Job? See note 1.
What statement does Eliphaz make concerning the man whom God corrects? Verse 17. Note 2.
If for our good, what should we not do? Verse 17.
What did he say the Lord would do to his own? Verse 18.
What assurance is given of deliverance in trouble? Verse 19.
What assurances of protection from various evils are given? Verses 20-26. Note 3.
What authority does Eliphaz give for these statements? Verse 27. Note 4.
Of what is the chastening of the Lord a sign?

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation, which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Heb. 12:5, 6. 9. Of what is no chastening a proof? "But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Verse 8. 10. What comparison is made between the chastisement of earthly parents and that of God? "Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness." Verses 9, 10. 11. How does all chastening at the present seem? "All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous, but grievous." Verse 11, first part. 12. What will it do for us if rightly received? "Yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness." Verse 11, last part. 13. How should we receive such chastening? and for what purpose? "And not only so, but let us also rejoice in our tribulations; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, probation; and probation, hope; and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Ghost which was given unto us." Rom. 5:3-5. 14. In view of this what should all discouraged ones do? "Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed." Heb. 12:12, 13.

NOTES.

The Book of Job.—The book of Job is admitted to be, from a literary standpoint, one of the sublimest religious poems in the literature of the world. The opening narrative and the closing statement are in prose; all the rest is poetry. It has been thought by some that Moses wrote the book, and there seems to be as much evidence in proof of his authorship as there is that Paul wrote the Hebrews. Compare the book of Job with Exodus 15, Deuteronomy 32, and Psalm 90.

The evidence, both external and internal, goes to show that it was written before the Exodus. It has received much criticism from those who have sat in judgment on the word of God, but those who believe that word will accept the simple narrative of the book as facts, Job as a real character, and will endeavor to profit by its wonderful lesson. See Eze. 14:14; James 5:11. There are really five parts to the book, as follows: (1) The narrative of Job, his uprightness, his trial, and his patience (chaps. 1, 2); (2) the arguments or colloquies between Job and his three friends on the cause and object of human suffering, argued over ever since that time (chaps. 3-31); (3) the argument of Elihu and reproof to Job (chaps. 32-37); (4) the address of God, with Job's confession and penitence; (5) the close of the narrative (chap. 42:7-17). The Revised Version is said to be a much better translation than the Common Version. The book must be studied as a whole, and it is too bad to mutilate it by taking out of it only the three lessons of this series.

2. Happy is the man.—The fact that the book of Job is inspired does not necessarily mean that all that is said by every person in that book is true. It is true that they spoke the words, but what they said may be false. Certainly Satan spoke falsely. What Job's friends said was generally true but misapplied in Job's case. Evil is ultimately punished; good is ultimately rewarded; but it does not follow that because adversity, affliction, or suffering comes upon a man he is under the displeasure of God, or that he need to be discouraged. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Jesus, the Son of God, was the prince of sufferers. We glorify him by our sufferings for his sake. But what is for God's glory is for our best good if we will but trust God. Therefore say with the prophet, "Though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Hab. 3:17, 18.

3. In promise he shall redeem thee, etc.—The teacher will be able to frame the necessary questions as he passes over the lesson scriptures. The assurances are most blessed, and many times proved true by the people of God in the past. They are most precious indeed, and show God's wonderful ultimate care. The best commentary on this lesson, a better lesson basis, is found in Heb. 12:3-17.

4. We have searched it, so it is.—It was their own wisdom and observation which Job's friends presented, and they had never known a thoroughly good man to be so afflicted. Job, judging to some extent from the same standpoint, yet knowing his integrity, could not understand God's dealings with him, though he did not charge God foolishly. But God saw the end from the beginning, and was working out that which would glorify himself forever after, being comfort and hope in thousands of suffering ones, and prove a blessing to Job. All this God has revealed in his word.

LESSON II.—SABBATH, APRIL 8, 1893

THE WORK OF REDEMPTION—CONTINUED.

Suggestive Questions and Lesson Scriptures.

1. Review questions:— (a) What three things were lost in the fall? Give proof texts. (b) Why does Christ call himself the "alpha" and "omega"? (c) What is the first work in man's redemption? (d) Give three texts showing man's condition when redeemed from sin.

2. To whom does the Lord give his Spirit as a pledge? "And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Gal. 4:6.

3. To what time will the sons of God look with interest? "Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is." 1 John 3:2.

4. What is said of their life? "For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Col. 3:3.

5. In Christ what do they have? "And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life." 1 John 5:11, 12.

6. How do we have Christ? "That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." Eph. 3:17, first clause.

7. How does faith come? "So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Rom. 10:17.

8. Then how do we know that we have the pledge or earnest of the Spirit? See note 1.

9. What is said of the words of Christ? "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life." John 6:63.

10. What power has the Spirit that is given to the believers? "But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, He that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall quicken also your mortal bodies through His Spirit that dwelleth in you." Rom. 8:11.

11. What is it that brings the dead forth? "Marvel not at this; for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done ill, unto the resurrection of judgment." John 5:28, 29.

12. To what time do those who have the earnest look? "And not only so, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." Rom. 8:23.

13. When will the body be redeemed? "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order; Christ the first fruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming." "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." 1 Cor. 15:22, 23, 51-53.

14. At that time what change will the body undergo? "For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself." Phil. 3:20, 21.

15. Then what Bible subject ought to be of great interest to every child of faith? Ans.—The coming of the Lord.

16. What will the scriptures on this subject be to the believer? See note 2.

17. Then what should we do? "Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me." John 5:39. See note 3.

NOTES.

1. WE have Christ in the heart by faith, and faith cometh by the word of God; therefore, we can only know that we are Christ's by this word that abideth in us. John 15:7; Gal. 5:22, 23; Rom. 8:16.

2. THE Saviour said unto his disciples, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." This is true of all the words he spake, and therefore true of those words he spake concerning his second coming. When he comes, he will give life to all the dead, and remove all corruption from those who have kept the pledge he left with them when he redeemed them from sin. When we study his words on this subject, they should indeed be life to us.

3. THIS text is often used by Bible students as a command. But by reading the Revised Version we perhaps get a better understanding of its meaning: "Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me."

PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL

By Editor

AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.

A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles, and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically

A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,

Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is especially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and housekeepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by all. Price, $1.00 per year. Sample copy free.

Address, PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL, St. Helena, Cal.

BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:

A CONTRAST OF

TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

SECULAR.

—Several cases of cholera were reported in the convict prison at Moscow, Russia, last week.

—There is trouble reported at both Springfield and Toledo, Ohio, on account of striking railroad employees.

—The assessed value of the assessable property of California amounts to about $1,000 per head of the population.

—Six more of the Mexican border bandits are said to have surrendered to the United States troops at Fort Ringgold, Texas.

—At Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on the 16th inst., between fifty and sixty houses belonging to the poorer class of people were destroyed by fire.

—An explosion occurred in a coal mine at Anderson, Indian Territory, on the 14th inst., by which nine men were killed, and eight others injured.

—The famous Tremont Temple, Boston, was burned on the 19th inst. The loss is estimated at $375,000. This is its third disaster within about forty years.

—Ex-Congressman Blount, of Georgia, is en route to the Hawaiian Islands, having been sent by President Cleveland to investigate the subject of annexation.

—A boy seventeen years old has confessed to starting the two great fires which have occurred in Boston within the past two months. His crimes cost six lives and over $7,000,000.

—The town of Jamaica and other villages of Long Island, New York, were shaken by an earthquake on the 14th inst., but no greater damage occurred than the frightening of the people.

—A fire in Madrid on the 19th inst. caused the death of twenty-one persons and the injury of several others. The fire was in a four-story house, and was caused by the bursting of a keg of spirits.

—The French police have arrested two brothers at Brussels on suspicion of being connected with the notorious Mathieu, of Anarchist fame. Two dangerous machines and a quantity of arms were found in their lodging room.

—A Guthrie, Oklahoma, dispatch of the 15th inst. says that the Cherokee strip is being invaded by boomers, hundreds of them being seen encamped along the line of the Santa Fe road. Troops had been sent to remove them.

—The British army in India have recently gained a succession of victories over hostile mountain tribes, storming several entrenched villages. The result greatly strengthens the British position in what was considered its weakest point.

—Sir William Harcourt, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, says that if the international monetary conference is resumed, England's delegates will be instructed to oppose every scheme that may be proposed for a bimetallic standard.

—On the 19th inst. Socialists at Roubaix, France, broke into a hall used temporarily by the Catholics as a house of worship. They beat and drove out the people and broke up all the furniture, including the altar fixtures.

—It is said that seventy-four of Germany's idle army officers are in disgrace, charged with gambling, not paying debts, and general conduct unbecoming to the dignity of their families and positions. Pampered idleness is the leading cause.

—The trials of officials of the wrecked Anglo-Australian Bank, of Melbourne, have resulted in the sentence of the chairman of the bank to five years' penal servitude; the auditor, to two years', and the accountant to six months' imprisonment.

—Judge Nugent, of the Third District, Idaho, in charging the grand jury, has given explicit direction to make an exhaustive investigation of charges of corruption on the part of members of the Legislature, to which the governor had called attention.

—On the 15th inst. a destructive fire occurred at Polk City, Iowa. The railroad depot and grain elevators, and many other buildings, were burned. The fire department from Des Moines was called, and a prompt response was all that saved the unfortunate village. The loss is not stated.

—Reports by telegraph from Michigan tell of damages by high water in various parts of the State,—Grand Rapids, Midland, Lowell, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw being especially mentioned. Ishpeming experienced the heaviest snowstorm of the season during the fore part of last week.

—The Rome correspondent of the London Standard says that Gladstone has agreed to restore diplomatic relations with the Vatican, on condition that the pope use his influence in favor of the home rule bill. A nuncio, it is said, will be sent to London to negotiate a final agreement with the government.

—Instead of the cold weather suppressing the spread of smallpox in the settlements at Shanghai, the pest, at latest advises (February 13), had not abated. Three of the best known Chinese doctors in Shanghai stated that there were no less than three hundred cases in the English and American settlements.

—The California Legislature adjourned on the 14th inst., after being in session seventy-two days. The bill that created the greatest sensation of all was the removal of the State capital from Sacramento to San Jose. It was sprung suddenly, on the strength of articles in the local papers abusive of members of the Legislature.

—Four prominent Episcopal bishops called upon President Cleveland last week to appeal for some mitigation of the severities of the Chinese Exclusion Law, as they seem to fear retaliation on American interests in China. The President promised to do what he could, but said it was his duty to execute that law the same as others.

—On February 13 there was a heavy snowstorm in Hokkaido, Japan. Railway traffic was stopped, the snow being over five feet deep on the level. A house was crushed, and one man was killed. A native steamer is reported to have been lost in the storm. In Yechigo, the snowiest province in Japan, the snow on the above date was ten to fifteen feet deep.

—It is officially reported that twenty-seven persons were found frozen to death on the streets in Nanking, China, during a recent cold spell. Besides these, over a hundred are reported to have been frozen outside of the city gates among the refugees. These were all buried by the officials, and it is thought that many more died in their homes, being cared for by their friends.

—Prize fighting is losing its popularity. The new attorney general of Mississippi has issued instructions to officials in the southern counties, to proceed against all parties who have trained for contests on the soil of the State, although the contests may have been held outside the State. A strong opposition has arisen in Buffalo against a proposed popular match in that city.

—A Madrid dispatch of the 14th inst. says: "Many Anarchists were arrested to-day, and several bomb factories and small printing shops were raided, and the contents were seized. The police secured a large amount of Anarchist literature and explosives. An Italian was surprised in the act of charging a bomb. He dropped it, the engine of death exploded, and he was killed instantly. No one else was injured."

—On the 17th inst. an attempt was made to blow up the Mattel Palace, in Rome, which is occupied by U. S. Minister Porter. The building was somewhat damaged by a bomb. It is thought the deed was inspired by a desire for revenge against the owner of the property rather than against the occupant. No one was injured. The next day a like attempt was made to blow up the headquarters of the Noble Guard, a military organization which acts as the pope's bodyguard at all great religious demonstrations.

—Cotton warehouses at Bootles, near Liverpool, England, were damaged by fire on the 14th inst., to the extent of $500,000. On the same day at Exeter, New Hampshire, cotton mills were damaged to the amount of $250,000. On the same day a tin and japanned ware manufactory at Baltimore was burned, the loss being $100,000. On the same day half the town of Arkansas City, Arkansas, was destroyed by fire; one fireman lost his life, and the property loss was $100,000.

—The American ship Tacoma, manned with a non-union crew, and ready to sail for Nanaimo, attempted to anchor out in the bay at San Francisco one evening last week, when it was discovered that two of her anchor chains were cut. She went adrift, and narrowly escaped serious damage. Satanic mischief seems to miss no opportunity for evil. If the professed servants of Christ were only as vigilant in search of opportunities to do good, how the Master's cause would progress!

—A Constantinople dispatch of the 14th inst. gives this exciting intelligence: "Moslem mobs have possession of Cæsarea. They have robbed hundreds and killed many, sacked churches, and burst into private houses and shops. All the places of business are closed, and trade is utterly stagnant. Violence and theft continue day and night. Christian caravans are being robbed and merchants murdered. The prisons are crowded with Armenian prisoners. The most conspicuous Armenians of Cæsarea and Marsovean are imprisoned. A few escaped by paying high ransoms."

THE BIBLE AND ITS STORY

By Josephine Pollard

BY JOSEPHINE POLLARD

Author of "The History of the New Testament in Words of One Syllable;" "History of the Old Testament;" "Battles of America."

This volume has been published to assist parents, guardians, and teachers in the religious instruction of those under their charge by enabling them to place in the hands of children a book which would reverently tell the Biblical story without sectarian bias. The one object that has been kept steadily in view throughout its preparation has been to present a connected narrative of the sacred events, consecutively arranged in the order of their occurrence, and describe in such clear and simple language as could be easily understood by youthful readers. It is believed that no more complete and accurate recital of Scriptural history has ever before been made for the use of the young.

The book comprises 576 pages. There are 280 illustrations (many of them full-page), of which a complete list is prefixed to the volume. Especial attention is called to the Index, which occupies twenty-two double-columned pages and contains upwards of two thousand analytical references to the text. The great fullness of this Index will of itself render the volume invaluable to all who believe that a familiar knowledge of the incidents of the Bible cannot be acquired at too early an age.

Price, postpaid, $1.00. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. Oakland, California.

Continue reading: RELIGIOUS