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Review and Herald, Vol. 59, No. 12.

THE HOME AND THE SCHOOL
Earlier text: The California Dilemma

IOWA

Elkhorn, March 13.—Since my last report, I have labored at Weston and vicinity, and at Elkhorn. At Weston the interest steadily increased, and some precious souls turned to the Lord and the truth.
I have been at Elkhorn eight days, and have held meetings and labored from house to house. God has been pleased to greatly bless his people here, and the word has not returned empty. Fifteen precious souls have turned to the Lord to walk in all his commandments. Thirteen of these have followed their Lord in baptism; the others had been baptized before. Besides these, six others joined us who had previously been members of our churches elsewhere, making an addition of twenty-one. They have also taken steps to build a house of worship, which they much need.
I was glad to meet Eld. Hansen, and find him improving in health. May the Lord continue to bless his people here. O. A. OLSEN.
Granville, Mahaska Co., March 7.—Came to this place the 27th ult. Found the community in a state of feverish excitement.
Bro. Fifield and my son Leroy had shortly before held a five days' discussion on the Sabbath question with Eld. Reynolds, of the Christian church. The discussion was unavoidable, but the people appeared unwilling to abide by the results. Eld. Frank Evans, of Fairfield, had been sent for, arrangements having been made with him similar to those made at New Sharon last fall, and he was on the ground and ready to commence against us on the evening of my arrival.
Eld. Evans had been engaged to give three lectures on the Sabbath question, and two on the immortality of the soul, and at the time his first lecture was given, the pastor of the M. E. Church arose and announced that their house was offered us to use each afternoon for the purpose of making replies, yet it had always been refused us before for any purpose.
Arrangements for replies were with considerable difficulty finally perfected, and our first reply was made the afternoon of the day following. Eld. Evans and his congregation were present, and after we had concluded, Eld. E. arose and occupied about one hour, basing every one of his arguments upon a direct misrepresentation of our views.
At his next lecture, he came before his audience looking crest-fallen. Before entering upon his regular work, he occupied half an hour in making a personal attack upon the character of Bro. Fifield and my son, rehearsing his experience with them at New Sharon, and resorting to base misrepresentations of them and our people and views. He concluded his abuse by saying, “I wish it distinctly understood that I am through with these young men forever,” etc.
The pastor, in accordance with the decision of the trustees, announced that the church doors would not be opened for us again.
We then, being allowed the privilege ‘to make an announcement,’ arose and stated that we would continue our replies in the U. B. church, and announced the hour, etc. Eld. Evans then arose and made an appointment conflicting with ours. He did this three days in succession, giving three extra lectures, and occupying all the time, thus compelling us to wait until he was through and gone before we could resume our replies.
The Methodists immediately began a revival meeting; yet our replies were well attended and were made with freedom and effect. An effort was made to close the U. B. church, but without success. Eld. E.'s arguments, the strongest that could be produced on the other side, and presented in an able manner, were not, with God's word, difficult to meet. To his abuse we gave no attention.
It is universally admitted that Eld. E.'s effort here only strengthened our cause, and greatly weakened his own. Before he left, two of his members, one of whom was the superintendent of the Sunday-school, ordered their names taken from the class-book, and others threaten to do likewise.
The cause of present truth is advancing. The interest in this vicinity will be fully developed. We hope to be remembered in the prayers of God's people. H. NIGOLA.

NEW YORK.

Burlington Flats, March 6.—We have not held any preaching service for nearly two weeks, the church being used for a revival effort, which proved a failure. We tried to obtain the use of the church again, but were refused. As some are anxious to hear further, we have secured the school-house for a few more meetings. One substantial person has begun to keep the Sabbath, and others are trembling under the cross. We intensely desire that they may obey. Invitations come in for us to speak in neighboring localities. Last evening we spoke in a school-house six miles distant, and left an appointment to speak there again. The truth is spreading; the fields are white for the harvest. May the Lord bless abundantly, and save the honest. T. M. LANE.
St. Lawrence Co., March 9.—Since Feb. 10, have spent most of my time with the following churches: New Connecticut, South Pierrepont, West Pierrepont, Herman, and Silver Hill.
At New Connecticut there is not that harmony that should exist among brethren. We tried to ascertain the cause, and we feel certain that if all will cultivate the spirit of love and forgiveness, union will soon be restored. Quite a number of the neighbors attended the meetings held here, and gave good attention to the word spoken.
On the 18th, met with the South Pierrepont church. Found them very much encouraged as the result of the labor, counsel, and advice of Elds. H. H. Brown and M. C. Wilcox. Held two meetings. Most of the church were out and took part.
Held two meetings with the West Pierrepont church on the 19th. Our congregation was made up largely of those not of our faith, yet friendly. We hope some of these will yet keep the commandments.
At Herman held one meeting. Those dear ones, though their numbers are few, have proved themselves worthy of the confidence of all lovers of truth. I received $2.75 on periodicals.
At Silver Hill I remained over two Sabbaths, from Feb. 20 to March 6. The minister of the M. E. Church failing to fill his appointment, they invited me to preach. I did so with good freedom. I also held five meetings in an adjoining district,—a new field. Had good congregations and a very good interest. Expect to meet them again in the near future.
The 11th, met with the church at Gouverneur. Bad roads and sickness prevented some from attending, yet the Spirit of God was present. Hearts were made tender. This church has been strongly opposed from the beginning, but the most of them are resolved to overcome Satan's power and reign with Christ. H. H. WILCOX.

DAKOTA

By Richard Conrad

Milltown, Hutchinson Co.—Arrived here among the Russian brethren Feb. 13. Found them sadly divided; still many rejoiced to see me. There are now about forty left here and at Immanuel's Creek, forty miles south, where the leading brethren are. The trouble commenced here a year ago, the leaders, with some of the members, taking the responsibility of disfellowshipping members forever, to which others objected. Upon inquiry, I also found that their leaders have been working against us for nearly two years. Since New Year's about fourteen have withdrawn from the others, among whom I commenced my meetings. The bitterness of the other party is so great that if any of their members visit my meetings they are excluded. The 16th I went with four brethren to Immanuel's Creek to visit the other brethren and to talk with their leaders. We had good meetings at the house of one of this party, and our hearts became knitted together. Sunday, with Bro. Conrey, I went to visit their leaders, but it was of no avail. I found that many here had given up the Sabbath on account of the trouble. In consequence of the cold winds, and being up nights, my eyes had become inflamed, and I went with Bro. Conrey to Springfield to rest a few days and to visit the American brethren. On Sabbath and Sunday I held five meetings with good outside interest. On returning, as well as going, I spoke at Scotland to a large audience, the last time, by request, on the Sabbath.
Arriving again at Milltown, I commenced a regular course of lectures and the plain truths of the message have melted away the peculiarities which existed here. Sabbath we had our first German Sabbath-school. Over forty were in attendance. We did the best we could without lesson sheets. Sunday night we again met for the purpose of talking over the subject of their uniting with us. I explained this message, and twelve at once expressed themselves ready to join. Others will undoubtedly join soon. Some were prevented from attending the meetings by distance or bad weather. I also organized a tract society. Already twelve have joined. At first the ordinance of humility, the judicial oath, the covering of the heads of the sisters, also the fact that our brethren had guns in their houses, were great obstacles, and have been for years. The use of fermented wine was an especial hindrance to our work among them. But, thank God, all this vanished as I showed them the true position from the word of God. Only a few linger. Our company already number over twenty, as several have joined us since I commenced my meetings. I hope and pray that others will decide for the truth. Still they will have much to do to retrace their steps and humble themselves. Two already desire baptism. From this company light has been going out and as the result, some in Kansas, Nebraska, and even Southern Russia, are keeping the Sabbath, also a few forty miles west of here. I learn also by postal that near Parker about fifteen families are desiring to hear me again.
Some here are leaving off the use of pork, and several are ready to sign the teetotal pledge. The tithing system is also regarded with favor by several. I have spoken twenty-eight times thus far. I feel truly thankful for the strength given from above. The work here looked discouraging at first. I also feel thankful that my health is so good, notwithstanding the loss of sleep. My prayer is that the Lord may soon send some one to labor with me, that I may have more time for study and meditation. May the Lord open the hearts of many of the German nation, that the work begun may go with power. RICHARD CONRAD.

WISCONSIN

By A. D. Olsen

Among the Churches.—Since my last report, I have held meetings at Mackford, Lind, Clintonville, and Fremont. Found the company at Lind doing well and sustaining a good Sabbath-school. At one meeting four of the Sabbath-school scholars made a public profession for the first time. At other places we found some discouraged, but left them feeling strengthened and encouraged. At Fremont the Sabbath-school and meetings had been discontinued for some time on account of most of the members being away during the winter. They will now take hold anew. Our meeting was one of the best enjoyed there for a long time. A. D. OLSEN.

MISSOURI

By Henry Woodruff; W. Jones

Cedarville, March 5.—We have just closed a meeting with the brethren at Scott school-house. I went there two weeks ago, and commenced preaching with the hope of strengthening and confirming those that had lately embraced the truth. The rain stopped our meeting for a few days. On Friday of last week, Bro. W. Jones joined me, and we continued the meeting over Sabbath and Sunday with a good interest. Two signed the covenant; others are keeping the Sabbath, and will, we think, soon join the company.
We are now laboring in a neighborhood where there has never been preaching before of any kind. I have never seen a deeper interest anywhere. What the result will be, we cannot tell. May the Lord help us to do our whole duty.
HENRY WOODRUFF. W. JONES.

THE CAUSE IN KANSAS.

By Smith Sharp

Every lover of present truth must feel thankful that the reports from Kansas for the past few months have shown that a large number have embraced the third angel's message. In almost every instance where a new field has been entered during the past winter, quite a number have embraced the truth. This is indeed encouraging. And there are more calls at present than twice the number of ministers we have can fill. This will inspire those that are just entering the work in this State to go forward; but it will also call for faithfulness on the part of those whose privilege it is to remain at home, and whose duty it is to bestow of their means to help carry forward the work.
The Conference funds are lower than they have been at this season of the year for many years. I can see no good reason why this is so. The crops have been reasonably fair, and our numbers are greater than they have ever been before. I am sure some are not doing their duty in this respect. If every one would faithfully pay the tithe, there would be no lack of means.
It is but one month more, until the time for our last quarterly meeting before the camp-meeting, and unless our brethren come up at the April quarterly meeting better than they have for the past two quarters, there will not be means in the treasury to settle with those that have given their time and strength to this work during the past season. This would be a shame in a Conference where there are more than a thousand members and less than a dozen ministers to support, especially when so many new ones have been brought to talk into the truth. Perhaps there are quite a number that are calculating to pay up this quarter all that they have failed to pay thus far during the year; if all will do this, there will be no lack of funds. Let the matter be inquired into at the church quarterly meeting in April, and let our ministers that visit churches between this and camp-meeting inquire into it, and urge our brethren to faithfulness, and there are numbers of scattered brethren that should remember that they have a duty in this respect.
In quite a number of places our brethren are contemplating building meeting-houses, and have asked to be permitted to retain their tithe for this purpose. This could not be done without a vote of the Conference; and, in the present condition of our finances, I do not see how it could be allowed.
Then our tract and missionary society, which has been struggling under a heavy debt for years, is still embarrassed, and the receipts for the last quarter do not indicate that we can now hope that the debt will be canceled at the close of the Conference year, and yet it might be. We have repeatedly given assurance that if we once get out of debt we will keep out. We have pledges enough to pay off everything and leave a good supply in our State depository; and letters have lately been sent out by the secretary to each individual who has pledged and not paid, requesting an immediate response. I hope these will be heeded, and where the circumstances are such that the pledges can be paid without making unreasonable sacrifices, that it will be done before the annual meeting of the society in May. Those should not pay who cannot do so without leaving their families in a suffering condition; but I believe all should make a sacrifice, when it is necessary to do it, to meet their pledges. Vow and pay is a command.
I am greatly concerned about the tent and camp-meeting fund. I am corresponding with different parties concerning the purchase of a tent. I have figures, and must soon make the order, but where is the money to pay for it? It is nearly three weeks since my article, “Tent and Camp-meeting Fund,” appeared in the REVIEW, and as yet only five dollars have been received at this office for this enterprise. Perhaps the brethren do not want a new tent, and feel satisfied to have our camp-meeting convene under our old worn-out tent. Your response to this during the next thirty days will answer this question. I would make the order within ten days, if the funds would justify it; but our brethren are opposed to going in debt, and so am I.
Our family tents are not as good as those in other States that I have visited. I can procure tents for any that want them, and have them on the ground at Burlingame at the following figures:—
10x12, 8 oz. top, wall 4 ft. high, $10.00.
12x12, “ “ “ “ “ “ 14.00.
12x14, “ “ “ “ “ “ 18.00.
The freight, which will be a small item, will be added. Any that wish me to order for them can address me here, and pay me for the tent at the camp-meeting.
I sincerely hope that our brethren and sisters will not allow any of these enterprises to fail for want of means. Bro. A. G. Miller, Topeka, Kan., is Conference treasurer, and sister Nannie J. Kilgore, Ottawa, Kan., is T. and M. treasurer.
Ottawa, Kan., March 9. SMITH SHARP.

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
ARRIVING in Detroit the morning of March 12, on route for the East, we were in time to witness the arrival of the ferry boat connecting on the Canada side with the Great Western Railroad, on which were two hundred and fifty Scandinavian emigrants, direct from Castle Garden, and bound for the West. “What is the average number through this place daily?” I inquired of a railroad official. “About two hundred, all from Castle Garden going West,” was the reply. This is the winter emigration; in the summer it is far greater. From this it appears that over one thousand persons from the old country pass over this one route every week. It has been repeatedly ascertained that many who thus throng to our shores are led by the same motive which actuated our forefathers in seeking a home in this new country. Many of them are in quest of a place where they can have religious freedom, and worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, without being cut off from all resources for a livelihood.
What are we doing for this people? is an important question. Is there no one speaking the Scandinavian tongues who will volunteer to act as a missionary among them as they congregate in Castle Garden from week to week,—no one who will volunteer to give them the truth in the form of tracts and periodicals in their native tongue as they go to their new homes in the Western world? One active, faithful person laboring in this capacity among the thousands arriving each week from Europe, using our Danish, Swedish, and German publications, could accomplish more in spreading the truth than all our missionary workers in using our foreign periodicals, throughout the various Conferences.
The plan of taking our periodicals in clubs, and remailing them to different portions of the world is a good work, and should be encouraged more and more. But to neglect openings where God’s providence brings to our shores thousands of people, and places them in a position where a thousand of these periodicals and tracts can weekly be directly placed in their hands, accompanied with some kind, sympathizing word, is to neglect an opening for which God will hold us responsible in the day of Judgment. They are strangers in a strange land. Former associates and friends they have left behind. If there is one time more than another when the heart responds to words of sympathy and love, it is under such circumstances. While we are raising money to support the cause in Europe,—and more should be done in this direction than has yet been done,—shall we as a people neglect such an opening as this, by which a much larger number of persons can be reached at a comparatively trifling expense?
Again we repeat, Where are the volunteers who will give themselves to this work? God has committed to us truths which pertain to these last days, and here is a large and promising missionary field which is unoccupied, excepting by those having no knowledge of the truth. Other denominations are awake to its importance. The Mormons have their representatives there; and publications calculated to subvert the mind and infuse a spirit of bitterness against the Sabbath of the Lord are thus circulated. Can we let this season pass as we did last, and not be guilty before God? There is no question but that our brethren would gladly sustain the proper person as a missionary in this field, could such a one be found. There would be plenty of work for a man and his wife. There is also sufficient work for half a dozen ship missionaries in this city (New York), where we have not one. The General Tract and Missionary Society can furnish reading matter to be used in this kind of work and with this class of people, providing faithful missionaries can be found to enter the field.
My heart is stirred as I write. Time is short, and what is done in spreading the truth must be done quickly. We are in danger of overlooking fields especially prepared in the providence of God to receive the truth, while laboring to enter fields that require a far greater amount of labor to reach a less number of people. We might not see the immediate fruit of the seed sown, but it should be distributed wherever these emigrants might locate.
Any one feeling desirous to enter this field to labor for souls should correspond with the General Conference Committee or the officers of the General Tract and Missionary Society.

A GOOD LETTER.

FROM the encouraging letter received by Bro. G. H. Rogers from Milan, Kansas, to which he referred in his report last week, we condense the following items:—
Our prayer-meetings are a success. Some Methodists and Campbellites take part with us. These churches, as a body, do not approve of this course on the part of their members. Although the commandments are made prominent, and the neighborhood is given to dancing and the frivolity attending such parties, the way has been opened to hold excellent prayer-meetings with several of these families. As a result, quite a religious interest has been awakened, several have signified their desire to live better lives, and the Scriptures are being searched to know the truth in regard to the law of God. One man, at whose house dances had been held, stated that his doors were no longer open for such parties, but would be open for meetings.

LIVE FOR SOMETHING.

Live for something, be not idle, Look about thee for employ, Sit not down to empty dreaming; Labor is the sweetest joy. Folded hands are ever weary, Selfish hearts are never gay; Life for thee hath many duties— Active be, then, while you may.
Scatter blessings in thy pathway. Gentle words and cheering smiles, Better are than gold or silver, With their grief-dispelling wiles. As a pleasant sunshine falleth Ever on the grateful earth, So let sympathy and kindness Gladden well the darkened hearth.
Hearts there are oppressed and weary, Drop the tear of sympathy; Whisper words of hope and comfort, Give, and thy reward shall be Joy unto thy soul returning, From the perfect Fountain-head; Freely as thou freely givest Shall the grateful light be shed.
—Selected.

BATTLE CREEK VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By M. L. H.

The usual weekly meeting of this society was held Wednesday evening, March 8, 1882, and opened with prayer by Eld. Butler. Minutes of the last meeting were read, after which the time was mostly occupied by Eld. Haskell. His remarks were a continuation of a course of lectures given to the State T. and M. secretaries, and others at this place, on different features of the missionary work. Could our eyes be opened, and we see the effect which the reading matter already distributed is having, every soul would be anxious to do something in this direction. The fact that God remembers what we do in his cause is abundantly proved, though we may but speak a word of encouragement. Heb. 6 : 10. It should be enough for us to know that God accepts our efforts, even though the results are by us unseen. It matters not if outward circumstances are wholly unfavorable, our efforts feeble, and we ourselves shut off from others, if we possess the right spirit, God will make us useful.
But the Lord educates his people before intrusting them with special blessings or positions of usefulness. They must first learn to suffer unjustly for Christ's sake. Men who have been the most useful in God's work were not popular, nor even appreciated, while they lived; but after their death the fruit of their self-sacrificing lives has been seen, and this has made their names immortal. God blesses our efforts in proportion as we have the spirit of sacrifice.
To Abraham, who was called to leave his kindred and go out into a land which he knew not, was given an opportunity to return, had he so desired; but he voluntarily laid aside the blessings which he might thus have enjoyed, for the sake of making known the true God. In like manner, those who at the present time are willing to give themselves to the work of God, and to make the necessary sacrifices, are, after having tasted of the self-denial and trials of the way, brought by circumstances where they must make a voluntary choice. They have opportunity to take back the sacrifice if they choose, but those who maintain their consecration are precious in God's sight. It is not that which we can do just as well as not that God regards, but that which costs a sacrifice of feelings, convenience, and worldly interests. Tradition says that long years after the death of Abraham, when the idolatrous inhabitants of the land came to the altars which he had erected, they there worshiped the God of Abraham because of their exalted ideas of his greatness and goodness, which had come down to them from the teaching and example of this faithful servant of God.
Immediately after David was called and anointed to be the king of Israel, he commenced to have a difficult time. Previous to this it was not so. God delivered him from the mouth of the lion and the bear, and greatly blessed him; but after he became connected with the royal family of Saul, and that, too, in the providence of God, one trial after another came upon him, until he was obliged to flee for his life,—a stranger into a strange land; yet he suffered uncomplainingly, and entertained feelings of tenderness toward his greatest enemy. Suppose he had yielded to discouragement, failed to manifest a Christian spirit, reasoned from outward circumstances, and distrusted God, would he ever have been king of Israel? Never! But he endured the trial and became a man after God's own heart. Moses passed through a similar experience. When God called him from the land of Midian to go and deliver Israel, he felt that he was not the man at all for the work. Had the command come to him forty years before, it would have found him ready to move forward, confident of success in his own power. In Springfield, Mass., there is an armory in which a large number of men are employed, but no one receives pay for his services until his work is proved and found satisfactory. Every gun before it is accepted is heavily loaded and discharged. So God tests those whom he designs shall fill a prominent position in his work.
We should feel ourselves under obligation to those less favored with religious light and privileges than ourselves, although they have done nothing to place us under obligations to them. Paul had this feeling because to him had been given the light of the gospel. Rom. 1:14. The same spirit is brought to view in Phil. 2 : 3–8. Christ, although he was the Son of God, and the recipient of divine honors, thought it desirable to lay these aside, and to take upon himself the form of a servant and become obedient to the death of the cross, in order to save the human race. The strength of missionary operations lies in the possession of this spirit.
Eld. Butler briefly indorsed the remarks of Eld. Haskell, and the meeting closed with the unanimous request for another meeting the next evening. M. L. H.

A Revolting Religious Festival.

The whole civilized world has exclaimed with horror over the cruelties of the douseh, celebrated at Cairo in honor of Mohammed’s birthday; and in deference to the enlightened public opinion of the nineteenth century the Khedive, himself a devoted Mussulman, has discontinued the horrid practice. Lieut. N. H. Barnes of the United States Navy, in a recent letter to the Christian at Work, gives an account of another revolting religious festival witnessed by his party while in Constantinople. This festival is held on the anniversary of the violent death of Hussein, a grandson of Mohammed; and in this, as in many other rites practiced in connection with false religions, physical suffering and even death are disregarded, the devotees believing that they will be rewarded with greater happiness in paradise. Contrast these bloody rites with the pure religion of the gentle Son of God, and is it not indeed true that his yoke is easy and his burden light?
We quote as follows:—
On all sides, the square was filled with a motley crowd of people, of a variety of races and costumes such as can be seen in no other city. Hordes of mendicants, deformed and dirty, thrust themselves upon you at every turn; and the cries of the numerous venders of fruit, cakes, and sweetmeats, joined with the voices of the thousands in earnest conversation in a dozen or more languages, made a din that almost prevented conversation. This surging mass of humanity with its different national dress and characteristics so plainly marked was a study so interesting that we experienced no weariness from our waiting. Presently there was an unusual stir among the populace, and we found an irregular procession was being formed which soon marched outside the square to the Shiah church, where there were brief religious services, and a special blessing was invoked upon the devotees. The procession was then formed in a regular order, and marched into and around the square.
The devotees, as I term them, were those who took a leading part in the barbarities, and were composed of three groups, which I will distinguish as breast-beaters, the chain gang, and swordsmen. All these were dressed in robes of spotless white reaching to the ground; but so cut that the first had their breasts bare and exposed, and the second their backs to the waist, while the third wore theirs fitting close to the neck with a close standing collar. Rude music, weird and melancholy, announced the approach of the procession, and the compact mass of spectators gave way before it, and closed in after it when it had passed, like waves of the sea yielding to a passing ship.
First in order came a small band of music, followed by a group of priests chanting from the Koran, dressed in the Persian costume of a long black robe and black fez. Next was the leading group of devotees, the breast-beaters, about twenty-five in number, who, keeping time to the music, and crossing their arms alternately one way and the other, beat themselves upon the breast with great violence. They were followed by more musicians, more priests and the chain gang of about fifty. The latter held in both hands a short iron bar, to the end of which was suspended a bunch of small chain in loops. Keeping time to the music, they scourged themselves with this terrible weapon, striking with great force over their shoulders alternately. After them followed the principal band of some twenty pieces. A larger group of priests next appeared, with the aged Patriarch, or high priest, in their midst, whose green turban proclaimed that he had made the pilgrimage to Mecca. Three horses then passed, led by their grooms. Over their backs were broad white cloths, the ends of which reached nearly to the ground, and on each side hung a fluttering white dove. This was emblematic of the purity of Hussein’s followers, and of their being carried away into captivity. The swordsmen brought up the rear of the procession, and formed the largest group and the most sickening sight. They were nearly two hundred in number, in two ranks facing each other, so that they moved sideways in the procession. Their heads were bare, and a furrow from the front across the top of the head was shaven, some to the crown and some to the neck. The latter carried in their right hands curved swords, and the former, straight ones, and all grasped with the left hand the right arm of the next man. Keeping time with the music, they cut themselves with their swords across the top of the head. In rear of each was a man holding a billet of wood so as to receive the greater force of the blows of the sword, which became stronger as the devotees became more and more fired with fanatical enthusiasm, under the influence of the large number of priests, who filled the space between the two ranks, singing loudly and wildly. After all, followed a motley crowd of men and boys, who evidently were not a part of it.
The procession advanced to the chapel and halted; a prayer was read by one of the priests, and the whole crowd broke into the wildest lamentations, with heavy sobbing. It passed twice and went out again to the church, where there was more praying and lamentation; but it soon returned and continued its marching around the square, stopping each time it passed the chapel for more prayers, weeping and loud laments, when their bosoms heaved convulsively, and strong men shed tears copiously.
When the procession first passed, the breasts of the breastbeaters and the backs of the chain gang were red and inflamed, and across the heads of the swordsmen were lines of red. Afterward, breasts and backs became very black and swollen, and blood streamed from wounded heads, until their white garments were stained to their feet, and the broad red gashes were sickening to look at. The horses were used to carry away those who fell from exhaustion and loss of blood. After their first passing, the doves were dead and blood-stained, and the cloths on the horses’ backs became more and more stained until they were terrible to look at. This was to continue until midnight, but long before that their numbers had become very much depleted, and the procession gradually broke up from the exhaustion of its participants. Before we left, we heard that one was already dead, and others could not live. The sight was terrible and revolting in the extreme; but there was a fascination about it that held us to the last, though the blood ran cold in our veins, and we were nauseated with the sickening, brutal spectacle. We also felt that there was considerable danger to be apprehended from the excited fanatics, whose attention was liable at any moment to be drawn toward us, especially as they regard the killing of an unbeliever as a most commendable action. We hurriedly took our way through the narrow, dark, and dirty streets of Stamboul, and were greatly relieved to be again upon the placid waters of the Bosporus. But even there we did not escape the terrible sight, and it will be long before it escapes our memories.

Result of Missionary Efforts.

By S. N. Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
The following extracts were taken from a letter which was placed in my hands by one of our brethren. From a periodical which he was taking, we obtained the name of a German in Wisconsin, to whom he sent a copy of the Signs of the Times, the Stimme der Wahrheit, and also some tracts.
“I feel very grateful for your kindness in sending me some tracts on tobacco, tea, and coffee. I had done away with the use of the latter to some extent, but considered it a good medicine when very tired or cold. Since reading the tract, however, I have resolved never to use it again under any circumstances. I have never been much of a tobacco-user.”
“I found a tract, or rather a part of a tract, on the road, which advocated the second coming of Christ and immortality only through him. The former point of doctrine I fell in love with, but the latter I was terribly provoked at, to that extent that I destroyed the tract. Afterward, in reflecting upon the matter, I many times wished that I had it again. Coming in contact with a Seventh-day Adventist lady, shortly after, she cornered me up so closely that I was obliged to admit that her people had the truth; and myself, wife, and three daughters are now keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I should judge from the tract which you sent me, ‘Much in Little,’ and the Stimme der Wahrheit, that you are a Sabbath-keeper, if so, you are my friend and brother. I shall rent my place in the spring, and labor among my countrymen. I have for many years labored as a colporter, and for fourteen years served as a pastor for the German Baptists.”

A GOOD EXAMPLE.

Bro. R. H. Bruce, residing in Etowah Co., Ala., after speaking of the need there is of laborers in that part of the great harvest field, says:—
“I have distributed two hundred pounds of papers and tracts, besides all the papers for which I subscribe. I mail reading matter to my friends in Georgia and Tennessee. My papers are not permitted to lie around idle; I keep them going.”
Who can tell the good that may result from the seeds of truth thus sown? Do not let the papers and tracts lie idle, but send them, freighted with prayers, on their mission of love and mercy, to warn the world of its rapidly approaching doom.

Future Needs of Flood Victims

—A traveler who has recently passed through the flooded district of the Southwest says that the worst troubles of the sufferers are yet to come. The overflowed country has supported from 30,000 to 40,000 people; but when the water subsides, they will have neither houses, stock, farm implements, nor seed to sow. There is no alternative for them but to leave the country, or to depend for several months on aid from the government and private charity.

Ingersoll’s Father and the Doctrine of Hell

—It seems that Mr. Ingersoll's father was a preacher of more than usual force and eloquence. The Christian at Work quotes the Louisville Courier Journal as saying that on one occasion he commenced to speak at one o'clock p. m. and continued his discourse until sundown. In this sermon “he so vividly portrayed the tortures of hell that the whole vast audience was swayed like trees by a strong wind.” Perhaps his father's long sermons, thoroughly saturated with the doctrine of an orthodox hell, did not make an infidel of Mr. Ingersoll; but the tendency is in that direction.

Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Bill in Utah

—The news of the passage of Senator Edmond's anti-polygamy bill was received in Utah without any special demonstration. The Mormons, now that the bill is passed, believe that on trial it will be pronounced unconstitutional. The Gentiles of the territory, while they rejoice heartily, still realize that the struggle before them is one of no small magnitude, and that triumphant demonstrations at this stage might be premature. We have previously mentioned some of the specifications of the bill, but will here quote one section. It is as follows:—
“SEC. 7. That no polygamist, bigamist, as aforesaid in this section, in any territory or other place over which the United States have exclusive jurisdiction, shall be entitled to vote at any election held in any such territory or other place, or be eligible for election or appointment to, or be entitled to hold, any office or place of public trust, honor, or emolument in, under, or for any such territory or place, or under the United States.”

Church Attendance in English Cities

—Extensive statistics have been recently gathered in a large number of English cities, from which it appears that sixty per cent of the people do not attend any place of worship, and that little more than one quarter of the people attend the services of the Established Church.
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