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The Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 8

UNITY OF THE CHURCH
Earlier text: UNDER GRACE

NEBRASKA

Admah, Washington Co.—The meetings here continue to be well attended. The Spirit of God has done its work upon some hearts. I think as many as fifteen have commenced to obey the truth, eight of whom have signed the covenant. We had a meeting last Sabbath, with about thirty in attendance. Bro. N. Clausen has rendered valuable assistance in laboring among the Danes.
The truth seems more precious to me than ever before. A. J. Cudney.
Valparaiso and Blue Valley.—From Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, I was with the church at Valparaiso. A vigilant missionary society was organized, and steps were taken for active missionary labor.
Feb. 7 and 8, at Blue Valley. A good outside interest was manifested to hear the preaching. In the church some things should be “set in order,” that the approbation of God may rest upon them. A commendable zeal is manifested in the health and temperance work. Chas. L. Boyd.

ILLINOIS

Aroma.—This town is on the Iroquois River, toward Papineau. I have now given thirteen discourses in two school-houses, and some are receiving the truth. We hold our first Sabbath meeting Feb. 7. We are in a stronghold of spiritualists, and two of my discourses last Sunday were against spiritualism. At the close of my first discourse, I was attacked by three spiritualists, and spent more than an hour answering questions and arguments. Strength and clearness were granted me for the occasion.
As the result of this effort and of another made at another point the same day, many minds were helped, and some who were leaning toward spiritualism took their stand against it.
We expect more opposition, but shall aim, by the help of God, to raise up a church here. Pray for our success.
Feb. 5. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Compromise, Champaign Co., Feb. 10.—Commenced meetings in this place Dec. 28. The Disciple preacher was inclined to oppose us from the beginning; he was anxious for a debate on the law question. We told him that after we had our positions fairly before the people, then, if they wished to hear the matter discussed, we would debate with him. At his regular appointment soon after, he attacked us on the “Law and Sabbath.” We took notes, and after he dismissed his congregation we called them to order, and took a vote as to whether we should review him. Nearly all present voted for the review, which we undertook, we think, with good results.
We are now giving a course of lectures in an adjoining neighborhood, with a good interest. The interested ones from the other district attend here also, and the prospect looks fair for good to be done in the name of the Lord. Bro. J. L. Dickson, who was licensed at our last Conference, is teaching school here, and assists in our meetings. He was formerly a member of the Disciple church, but was convinced on the Sabbath question by reading the debate between Elds. Waggoner and Vogel.
E. O. HAMMOND.
Bloomington, Feb. 8.—I came to this place Jan. 16, and held meetings over Sabbath and Sunday. On first-day we held a business meeting, to consider the subject of canvassing the city for our periodicals, and also the propriety of making an effort to build a church in this place. We gave some instructions with reference to canvassing, after which several brethren and sisters volunteered to engage in the work. Accordingly the city was districted, and each was assigned his section in which to solicit subscribers for the Signs, Good Health, and the Instructor.
The subject of building was next considered, when it was unanimously agreed that we make an earnest effort to erect a house of worship costing about $800 or $1000. A committee was chosen to draw up subscription papers and circulate them. We have up to this writing received pledges to the amount of $425, with promises of assistance from some of the most prominent business men in the city. We think it will not be difficult to raise means with which to forward the work.
Bloomington is near the center of the State, and railroads center here from various directions, so that a few hours’ ride is all that would be required to bring together a goodly number of our brethren. This would be a good point for our State and district quarterly meetings, and other large gatherings. Our people need the benefit of a T. and M. Institute. If we could secure the services of Bro. Smith, a course of Biblical lectures might be given here with profit, had we a suitable place in which to hold them. We hope all our brethren in the State and elsewhere, who love the cause, and would feel it a privilege, will lend a helping hand in this enterprise.
Since coming to this place we have visited the brethren at Gridley, Mackinaw, Tremont, and Leroy. With some of them we held public services; with others this was impracticable, the brethren being unable to meet together on account of bad roads. We visited them at their homes, however, and with one or two exceptions found them awake and ready for every good word and work.
Before the holidays we held some meetings in the neighborhood of Mackinaw. Three took their stand to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. Next week I go to join Bro. Hammond in giving a course of lectures at Ogden, Champaign Co. Brethren, pray for the cause in this section.
J. F. BALLENGER.

NORTH CAROLINA.

By L. P. Hodges

Watauga and Wilkes Counties.—I visited Wilkes county last October, and found one sister keeping the Sabbath. Had the privilege of talking with several First-day Adventists, some of whom became very much interested. I distributed a great many tracts and papers; and since my return to my home in Watauga county, I have mailed “United States in Prophecy,” “The Truth Found,” and other tracts and pamphlets. As the result, two more in that county have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are interested.
I visited a Sabbath-keeping family in the south-western portion of Watauga county, and spoke twice. The Lord gave me liberty, and some are interested. We hope to see others here take their stand on all the commandments of God. The quarterly meeting of the Watauga church, Jan. 3, 4, was very encouraging. The Lord helped in speaking. All paid some of their s. b. One united with us in church fellowship, and others will join us at our next quarterly meeting.
Here in the mountains of North Carolina we need a good S. D. A. minister. It takes patience to labor here, but I am convinced that a great deal of good could be accomplished. We hope to have help next season; we need it. L. P. HODGES.

THE RESURRECTION.

By L. D. Santee

BY L. D. SANTEE.
Up, up, through the fields of azure Shall the countless myriads go, Leaving the earth forever, With its tempest, drought, and woe; And each heart of the immortals With a rapture grand shall beat, As they rise to the glorious mount of God— That rest for the weary feet.
Sweeter than winds in the pine tree, Or the musical rush of the deep, Is the music made by the angels, As their fingers the harp-chords sweep. Loud will the song of triumph In heavenly courts be rung, And the sons of God sing a sweeter song Than when the earth was young.
Some in their early childhood Had closed their eyes so fair; And a mother treasures the empty crib And a curl of her darling’s hair. She weeps for the faded blossom, And her heart is wild with pain; But the promise is sure to the “Rachels,” “Thy children shall live again.”
Death is kind to the children,— Slumber is sweeter than pain,— For the coming years would be clouded, And drip with the sorrowful rain, And their tender feet on the threshold, Paused on the verge of life, Hearing perchance in the distance The jar of the coming strife.
Many the snares awaiting The tender childish feet, Oft would their hearts be aching For the good they had failed to meet, Many the weary pathways They would tread in the years to come; But they fell asleep in the morning, Till the Saviour should call them home.
And some had died in life’s morning, In the bloom of youth so fair, And friends had wept with breaking hearts O’er the poor little empty chair. They had laid them to sleep in the valley, And returned to their homes once more, To list for a voice that is never heard, And footsteps that come no more.
Others in earnest manhood Toiled on life’s rugged steep, Till their hands hung down in weariness, And they closed their eyes in sleep. There’s a vacant place at the fireside, A silence upon the stair, And another grave in the churchyard— They are calmly sleeping there.
Some look out in weariness From eyes that are aged and dim, And their lives die into silence, Like the close of a vesper hymn. There is silver upon the temples, And wrinkles upon the face, And their days are like dying summer In the autumn’s sad embrace.
Worn and weary toilers, Long has the conflict been; Peacefully rest in earth’s quiet, Away from the storm and din. Others shall bear life’s burdens, Others shall moan in pain; Rest thou in peace till the coming King Wakes thee to life again.
And so, from every order, Every condition in life, Have men sunk down into silence, Leaving the cares of life; Carried out from the shadow Of desolate, lonely homes, Resting at peace in the meadows, While above them the rose-tree blooms.
Some from humble stations Passed to a nameless grave; Some ’neath the stainless marble, Some ’neath the rolling wave; Each with an angel watcher Guarding the precious dust, Till the trumpet of God, far-sounding, Shall waken the sleeping just.
Up from the grave’s dark cavern Shall the saints immortal rise, With more than a mortal beauty, With glistening, starry eyes. Far through the fields of azure Shall the songs of triumph ring; For the bands of the grave are broken, And drawn is death’s cruel sting.
There shall be happy meetings With those that were loved and lost, And warm and loving claspings Of the hands that death had crossed. There shall be sweet embraces Of those whom the grave had riven, As they rise and float through the azure sea, To the far-off gate of Heaven. Oh the pearly gates of Heaven, How will they open wide To those that are cleansed from all their stains In the blood of the Crucified. Ring out the loving story That the bars of death are riven; And to Jesus be the glory, For the children’s home in Heaven.
Ward, Wilson Co., Kansas.

KANSAS

By G. H. Rogers

Burlingame, Feb. 10.—Since my report of Jan. 25, four more have signed the covenant, making nine. Three were buried in Canning Creek Feb. 1, in memory of our blessed Lord.
God has greatly blessed in these meetings, though a spirit of bitter opposition has prevailed from the first, even among those who ought to rejoice at the spread of the message. Oh that God’s power could stir the hearts of our brethren anew to this great Judgment work. Dear brethren, unless we arouse from our lethargy, Jesus will come upon us like a thief. There is a good interest here, and I hope for more to take a stand soon. The first Sabbath meeting was held Feb. 1.
Pray for us on Canning Creek. G. H. ROGERS.

PENNSYLVANIA

By Edgar Russell

Matthews Run, Warren Co.—I have been laboring here some time. Twelve are keeping the Sabbath, and I have obtained six new subscribers for the REVIEW. Held meetings in a wagon-shop. The opposition was very bitter.
EDGAR RUSSELL.

WISCONSIN

Dorchester, Clark Co., Feb. 9.—Jan. 19, I commenced a series of meetings in the town of Sherman, about six miles east of Loyal, Clark Co. The meetings were held in a log school-house in the woods. The attendance was not large, as there were but few inhabitants in the vicinity; but the interest was good from the beginning to the close. The meetings were continued for two weeks, and the Lord blessed his truth. Eight commenced keeping the Sabbath. I also obtained eight subscribers to the REVIEW for one year each, and in the same place eight trial subscribers for Good Health.
I am now at Dorchester, holding a few meetings with the brethren here. N. M. JORDON.
Durand, Feb. 9.—We closed our meetings here Jan. 19. Eze. 33: 30-32 describes the case. Three persons embraced the truth; two of them signed the teetotal pledge, and the other the anti-whisky and tobacco pledge.
Spoke three times at Wood’s Corners. The people were interested, and want to hear more of the truth. This is a good opening for tent labor next summer. Held eight meetings with the church at Burnside. The Methodists had been holding a protracted meeting; they used the stay-away argument, and but few came to our meetings. I presented the pledge both at the Stringer school-house and Burnside, and obtained in all thirteen signers to the teetotal pledge and six to the anti-whisky and tobacco pledge. Obtained seven new subscribers for the REVIEW and two renewals, two new subscribers for the German paper, one for the Danish paper, one for Good Health, and one for the Instructor. T. B. SNOW.
Lucas, Dunn Co.—We began meetings at Lucas, Dunn Co., Jan. 25. Had a good hearing. When the weather was moderate, our congregations averaged about seventy. Calls for labor came in from all directions. The country was stirred, and the dust was shaken off from their Bibles to see if these things are so. One minister preached last Sunday on the Sunday question. He said Moses became angry and broke the tables of the law; so there is no law now. Christ rose on Sunday, so we may keep that day. His own people say they could not find text or point to his sermon. Some of the people have raised money (so we are told) to send for a Disciple minister to preach against us.
Sunday, Feb. 8, we closed our meetings here for the present. Sixteen signed the covenant. Two more families are almost persuaded; think they will be ready to sign when we get back.
We now expect to hold meetings with the little company in Somerset, Wis., next Sabbath and Sunday. The next Sabbath and Sunday, we intend to be at Lucas, and hold meetings there; and Sunday evening, we begin another course of lectures at Wilson, about nine miles from Lucas. We need the prayers of God’s people. The Lord has been very good to us. A. E. AND A. M. JOHNSON.

THE SOUTHERN FIELD.

By C. O. Taylor

I would call the attention of the readers of the REVIEW to the article in a recent number, headed “A Brother in Trouble.” Bro. Wm. F. Killen is a man worthy of all confidence. I know that he is in distressing circumstances. Before his loss by fire, he was in debt, and did not know how to get along. I could say much in his favor as a true Christian. Small amounts from a great many, directed to W. F. Killen, Perry, Ga., would help him greatly, and secure a reward for the giver.
The Lord is still searching out his people in the far South. Last summer we held a few meetings in Wilkes Co., N. C. I copy a portion of a letter just received from there by Mrs. Taylor: “Many thanks for sending me the Signs of the Times, also the tracts, which contain so much interesting truth concerning God’s word. I enjoy reading very much, and find it very encouraging. After reading them, I give the papers and tracts to my friends. I have been keeping God’s holy Sabbath ever since I heard Bro. Taylor preach.” After saying that she is very anxious that others should hear and receive the clear, plain truth, and that by looking into God’s law, she sees herself a sinner as never before, she writes: “Bro. F— and sister have become convinced, and are keeping the Sabbath, brother John [a natural brother] has become interested in it, and father and mother are keeping it with me. We are the only ones keeping God’s holy Sabbath in this section of country.” These persons were First-day Adventists when I first knew them. The father referred to is an aged man, retired from worldly business; but when he received the light and truth on the Advent, nature of man, etc., he went to work, buying books and getting reading matter before his friends and neighbors.
I am now for the second time visiting the churches at Bladen Springs, Ala. The Lord is calling this people to take higher ground, to come out more fully and firmly on present truth. If they do this, the Lord will be in their midst with power, and the work will move forward in all this section of country. They are greatly in need of some one to labor with them that has an experience in the work, and can lead them forward. Some young man that is willing to sacrifice, to endure, and to have a hard time perhaps, would find a large field of usefulness here. Bro. J. M. Elliott brought the truth here about ten years ago. He can make it very clear to those who hear him; but he is blind, and cannot well go out alone, at least he should not. Now where is the man to come and labor with him? All this country is ripe for the truth. I would be glad to have the one the Lord would send correspond with me. I shall remain here till the 22d, then my address will be Reynolds, Ga.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Bladen Springs, Ala., Feb. 10.

OUR WORK.

By L. A. Fero

BY L. A. FERO.
[An essay read before the Wellsville (N. Y.) V. M. Society, and sent, by vote, for publication in the REVIEW.]
The work before those who are living in the closing moments of probation, is of vast importance and magnitude. The last note of warning must be given to the world, the honest must be sought out, and precious souls must be saved. God in his infinite wisdom has so arranged it that all may have a part in this work. None, however small their talents, can be excused. We are placed here, not so much for ourselves as to benefit others. The golden moments are fast passing, the fields are widening and spreading around us; and are we ready to engage in this work with that earnestness that should characterize every effort to advance the cause of God? We are apt to judge of the importance of any work by the zeal with which we see people engage in it. Do we, by the earnest efforts we put forth for the salvation of those around us, show that it is with us the all-important work?
Our Lord has no idlers in his vineyard; and although we may feel our own insufficiency, we should shrink from no responsibility, for He who has placed these responsibilities upon us will give us strength for their fulfillment. We have much to encourage and aid us in our missionary work; but we need to educate and discipline our minds, that we may be fitted to engage in it in the best manner possible. “Nothing is worth much to us which has not labor and toil as its price. Nothing is worth possessing or offering to others that costs us nothing.” Success in this work may cost us some self-denial, a loss of ease and pleasure; but what are we that we should count anything a cross or burden which God requires at our hands? We can show our love for him by doing cheerfully what he requires. If we do really love him, it will be easy for us to engage in any work, however humble, which he has called us to do, and all duties will not only be possible but pleasant. Animated by this love, we can do, endure, or suffer what would be impossible to our natures without it. If our love for God is as deep and strong as it should be, we can say with faithful Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Are we prepared for this work, for the sacrifices it involves? Can we sit idly down, with folded hands, when precious souls are perishing all around us for lack of knowledge? Methinks angels of God gaze at us in sadness, as they see our indifference. When we feel like shrinking from duty, let us reflect on the sacrifice that has been made for us, that we are bought with a price, even the precious blood of our Saviour, who was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Let us bring to our minds the scene on Calvary, where the dying lover of souls suffered for you and me. Love for us sent him on his mission of suffering, and what return have we made? Every neglected duty is a sin against him.
Ought we not to bestir ourselves, and seek for opportunities of usefulness in his cause in whatever way we can, whether it be in visiting the sick, caring for the needy, or in distributing those silent messengers that we have ready to our hand? Let none of us stand idly waiting, saying, “There is nothing that I can do.” He who has called us will fit us for our work. But let us be found often visiting our closets; for here alone shall we receive the strength we need. He who has a pitying regard for the humblest of his children, who feels for every sorrow, and has an ear open to every prayer, will send his Spirit into our hearts, and give us wisdom to direct us.
Oh, the love of God! How amazing, that while his arm is “underneath and around the world,” we each, as we need, share his care and tenderness; and if we feel his approbation and support, although we may be deserted by the world or forsaken by friends, we can, with our eyes fixed on Heaven, move steadily forward. If, through our self-denying, persevering efforts, we can see but one soul saved, how great will be our rejoicing. And when at last the redeemed shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy, may it be ours to present golden sheaves to our Master, and sit at his feet, “peace-crowned” for evermore.
Wellsville, N. Y., Feb. 11.

MAGNITUDE OF THE WORK.

By A. Smith

BY A. SMITH.
THE magnitude of the work that God has committed to believers in the third angel’s message at the present time, when measured by our moral and intellectual fitness to accomplish it, is appalling. Many of us have been slow to follow the leadings of the Divine mind in the direction of self-culture in the school of Christ. Doubtless nothing but the most energetic application, subject to the control of the Spirit of God, can now, in any measure, atone for the neglects of the past.
Thank God for the Sabbath-school, wherein the aged, as well as the child, may be thoroughly taught in the principles of “present truth.” There is a work for us to do in behalf of our fellow-men, commensurate with our ability in Christ to perform. The providence of God is continually providing ways and means whereby we may be made channels of light to the world.
If we feel competent to teach the truth, or to meet opponents, independent of our publications, we have reason to suspect that there is something sadly lacking in our outfit. How many of us have allowed books, pamphlets, tracts, and periodicals to lie upon our shelves for years, until dust has accumulated upon them as a witness against us before God, when they should have been wisely circulated, “until worn out,” according to the instruction of those in whom we repose confidence, as being qualified to direct in this work. Some of the wealthy may have well-filled libraries kept under glass lest they should be soiled in using; while others may be poor, and unable to procure more than a meager supply of publications, and added to this discouragement, they may have a consciousness of unfitness and inability to engage in the work. But, even with limited facilities, a great amount of good may be accomplished. Let the possessor of a few books or pamphlets become a self-appointed librarian. On a slip of paper note the title and number of pages of each publication, lending them to different individuals, and exchanging them until all have been read.
Some may be specially gifted as readers; if consecrated, and subject to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, such might interest gatherings at the social hearth, or even in our places of public assembly. By wisely directed efforts, many who might not otherwise be reached, may be induced to purchase our publications for themselves. The books, pamphlets, and other publications issued by our presses, contain the most solemn message ever heralded to man; but if, through our neglect, they are unused, no one is warned by them. There is not a surfeit of our publications, but there is evidently an apathy or stagnation of energy on our part; and we fail to keep pace with the leading providence of God.
Some complain that they have but little talent, and know not how to use it. “Thou oughtest therefore,” said Christ, “to have put my money to the exchangers.” Some are called to lead out and direct in the work. It would be well to apply to such for advice. But, above all, earnestly inquire of Him the fear of whom is the beginning of wisdom.

“FEED MY LAMBS.” JOHN 21 : 15.

By C. H. Foster

IN my recent labors among our churches, I held one or two meetings for the especial benefit of the youth and children, and I have been surprised at the good results. In each church, several young people for the first time confessed Christ before men. One young brother who had walked ten miles through the mud and rain to attend our meetings, said he enjoyed these meetings the best of any he ever attended.
During the past year or two our people have manifested a commendable interest in the Sabbath-school work; but simply teaching young people the theory of the truth is not sufficient. This alone will not save them; they need converting. When a child is old enough to knowingly transgress the commandments of God, it has arrived at the point of accountability, and is old enough to repent and be converted. There are scores of young people among Seventh-day Adventists who have reached this point, and must be converted, or we shall have to part with them in the great day of God. They can be brought to Christ, if parents and ministers will realize their responsibility, and make a united effort for them, and commence in time. May the Lord wake us up to a sense of our duty on this important subject. Let parents read the following texts: Deut. 6 : 5-9; Eph. 6 : 1-4; Prov. 22 : 6; and ministers the following: Eze. 33 : 8; John 21 : 15-17; Acts 20 : 28; 1 Pet. 5 : 2-4; and let those who are both ministers and parents read all the above texts.
C. H. FOSTER.
Calhoun, Ill.

Notes of News.

—Edison's new electric lamp has been patented.
—A steam flour-mill is to be started in Jerusalem.
—Bavaria contemplates a loan of 30,000,000 marks.
—The Russian church has 11,372 members in Alaska.
—The Jesuits have obtained permission to open a college at Cairo, Egypt.
—The Baptist missionaries in Japan have ordained their first native preacher.
—It cost $482,912.65 to light the streets of New York during the year just closed.
—The 814th anniversary of the foundation of Westminster Abbey was celebrated Jan. 4.
—Bismarck has decided to ask the pope for a statement of the grievances of the church in Germany.
—The Chicago Tribune says that real estate in that city has gone up all the way from 14 to 65 per cent.
—An unknown vessel and all hands on board were lost in Long Island Sound on the night of Feb. 3.
—Paris is to have an underground railroad a mile long. The cars are to be driven by compressed air.
—There is a rumor that a special alliance is about to be formed between England, Germany, and Austria.
—The Unitarian society at Kalamazoo, Mich., is giving “a series of social dancing parties.”—Christian Union.
—The physicians have decided that Gonzales, who lately attempted to assassinate the King of Spain, is insane.
—Jan. 31, a locomotive and passenger train crossed and recrossed the St. Lawrence at Montreal, on tracks laid on the ice.
—The Catholics of Cincinnati oppose the application for the sale of church property to pay the debts of Archbishop Purcell.
—A short time ago a three-story barrack near Constantinople suddenly collapsed, killing 200 soldiers and wounding 300.
—The average temperature in New York City during January was 37.3°, a mildness unparalleled in its meteorological record.
—The Theater Royal of Dublin burned Feb. 9. The loss is estimated at £200,000; 8 persons were killed and 13 were seriously injured.
—The assessed valuation of real estate in New York is, for the current year, $945,526,650, an increase of $28,393,470 over that of 1879.
—The unemployed laborers of Dublin recently held a meeting, and in their speeches they declared they were on the brink of starvation.
—Herr Lasker, the leader of the German National Liberals, intends to make the United States a long visit. His presence could be dispensed with.
—It has been decided to erect a monument to Prince Louis Napoleon in Westminster Abbey, notwithstanding the opposition of the English people.
—The American Seaman’s Friend Society keep between 6,000 and 7,000 seamen’s libraries on the water, the number of volumes being over 300,000.
—Spain has passed a bill abolishing slavery in Cuba. Only those over 55 years of age are emancipated immediately; others are to be freed in 8 years.
—The Governor of Massachusetts has ordered that Freeman, the Pocasset child-murderer, shall be confined in the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers.
—The late destructive fire in Tokio, Japan, completely swept away the mission established there by the Woman’s Board of Foreign Missions of the M. E. church.
—A parish priest of a large commune near Verviers, Belgium, states that since the struggle against the new school law began, the parish has lost half its communicants.
—Austria, notwithstanding the fair promises made by the Emperor to the deputation of the Evangelical Alliance, still maintains the bad pre-eminence of being the most intolerant country in Europe.
—The Independent is responsible for the statement that in North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi, 14 papers are published which are edited by colored men.
—On the Union Pacific Railroad, in the Sierra Mountains, the snow is from 40 to 50 feet deep. For miles the snow-sheds are covered and crushed. The recent storm was the severest known there for years.
—The wolves in the neighborhood of Temesvar, Hungary, commit fearful depredations. They devour all cattle not confined in some place of safety, and two persons, a priest and a shepherd, have been killed by them.
—More than $1,200,000 has been expended by the American Board on missions among the Indians, and the result is 50 churches with 4,000 members. The mission among the Dakotas returns 8 churches and 600 members.
—One of the most striking and significant testimonials to the development of American industry is contained in the statement recently made in the British Parliament, that America had beaten England in cotton cloths.
—The hair of Mohammed is inclosed in a case called the “Ansaree Shareef,” the possession of which carries with it a small pension. The right to the guardianship of this “sacred hair” has just been decided by trial in the courts of Madras.
—Upwards of 405,000 children, about one-fifteenth of the Catholic population of the country, are taught in Catholic schools. Of this number of pupils, 33,495 are in 83 churches in New York, and 23,085 in 153 schools in Newark. There are 140 Catholic schools in Cincinnati, with 25,406 pupils, but only 16 schools in Boston.
—Not long ago, more than 100 workmen of Paris appeared in a body at the police office of the Palace of Justice, and stated that, having neither work, food, nor shelter, they wished to be detained as vagabonds. The request was complied with. Most of these men were accompanied by wife and children. This destitution is attributed to the severity of the winter.
—The Socialist troubles are evidently regarded as no mere passing, casual disturbance in Germany. Cablegrams of Feb. 14 state that the bill for the extension of the law for the repression of Socialism provides for its continuance until 1886. There could scarcely be a more significant admission of the disorganizing forces vaguely styled Socialism, which menace the whole internal structure of Europe.
—Bishop McCloskey has decreed the establishment of parochial schools everywhere in the diocese of Kentucky. The order closes as follows: “Now, it is our will and command that where there is a Catholic school in a parish, the parents and guardians in such places send their children or wards to such Catholic school, and we hereby direct that the obligation be enforced under pain of refusal of absolution in the sacrament of penance.”
—Among all the cities of Italy suffering from famine and misery this winter, Rome bears the heaviest burden. The trade of the city has declined since the overthrow of the pope’s government, and the taxes are a hundred-fold what they were; they were almost nominal under the popes, as the whole world contributed to enrich the city. Large capitalists from Turin and Milan have monopolized what has been left of the trade once possessed by Roman merchants.
—France is contemplating internal improvements on a large scale; and it is an indication of her prosperous condition that she can entertain the idea of such elaborate and expensive schemes. The gigantic plan for the extension and union of railways and canals throughout the country, whereby something like 16,000 miles will be added to railways, and 900 to rivers and canals, will probably cost nine milliards of francs, or £360,000,000 sterling. It is estimated that it will require 12 years to complete the execution of this scheme.
—Mr. Atkinson, president of the Manufacturer’s Mutual Insurance Co., of Boston, recently read before the Boston Society of Arts, a paper upon the “Relation between the Architect and Underwriter,” on which occasion he stated the following important facts: “The fire tax imposed upon the people of the United States is the heaviest tax to which they are subjected. It is more than equal to the expense of the largest standing army of any European nation. It is as causeless and as useless as would be the existence of a standing army of an equal cost in the United States. The cost of fires during the past four years has been $327,000,000, and that of the last year was above the average. The actual sum paid out by insurance companies in four years was $170,000,000. The cost of sustaining insurance companies is $30,000,000, and of fire departments is $25,000,000.”

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
RIDGWAY.—Died, near Mapleton, Minn., Jan. 12, 1880, Johnnie, son of Bro. and Sr. Ridgeway, aged 5 years. The parents are comforted by the thought that their dear one “shall come again from the land of the enemy.” Remarks by the writer, from 1 Thess. 4:13. M. H. GREGORY.
MARION.—Died of consumption, in Poygan, Wis., Jan. 6, 1880, our dear sister, Emma Jane Marion, aged 21 years and 6 months. Thus we lay our friends away to rest till the Lifegiver shall come, remembering that a blessing is pronounced upon the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Funeral services conducted by P. H. Cady. DAVID PUTNAM.
CROUCH.—Died in Ceresco, Mich., Jan. 21, 1880, of consumption, Mary Crouch, aged 69 years, 1 month, and 8 days. Sister Crouch made a profession of religion in the former part of her life, and for some eighteen years past she had been connected with the S. D. Adventists. She gave substantial evidence of a sincere love for the cause she had espoused. At the funeral an address was given from Heb. 9:27. M. B. MILLER.
VAUGHAN.—Died of erysipelas, Jan. 13, 1880, at Jasper, N. Y., Eliza C., daughter of Caleb and Polly Vaughan, aged 52 years, 5 months, and 19 days. She commenced the observance of the Sabbath last summer, under the labors of Eld. Raymond, and we believe she has fallen asleep in Jesus. She leaves aged parents, a brother and sisters, to mourn her loss. Remarks were made on the occasion of the funeral by Eld. Moore, from the words, “What is your life?” James 4:14. *
WARD.—Died of inflammation of the bowels, in West Albany, Iowa, Nov. 8, 1879, our son, Willie H. Ward, aged 12 years, 7 months, and 18 days. Willie was an industrious and obedient boy, and is greatly missed in the family circle. During the past summer he was very strict in his observance of the Sabbath, several times remarking, after having attended Sunday-school, “Mother, I am glad we keep the Sabbath.” We have the blessed hope that if we are faithful we shall meet our loved one in the resurrection morn. Funeral discourse from Rev. 13:14, by Elder Bunton, Freewill Baptist. C. S. AND C. A. WARD.
RAMPTON.—Died of membranous croup, in Bronson, Mich., Dec. 31, 1879, Flora May, daughter of W. H. and Mary Rampton, aged 1 year and 10 days. Much care and sympathy was shown by the community during the sickness and funeral services. Address from the words, “Jesus wept.” We are comforted by the thought that,
“It died to sin, it died to cares, But for a moment felt the rod; O mourner, such the Lord declares, Such are the children of our God.” M. B. MILLER.

TO THE MINISTERS OF NEBRASKA.

By CHAS. L. BOYD; HENRY SHULTZ; GEO. B. STARR

This article of appeal is written to you in reference to our uniting our interests more closely with those of the tract society in the matter of book sales. The article by Bro. Haskell in REVIEW of Jan. 1, under the heading, “Good, Better, Best,” presents, in our judgment, the best plan yet set before us; viz., that of letting the tract society furnish each minister or licentiate with a supply of our publications, he to report quarterly, and turn over all money to the society, thus giving the society the benefit of all the profits. This will enable all who are working under license, and are scant of means, to carry a full supply of our publications; besides, as we firmly believe, it will give confidence to us all, as we offer our works to the people, to labor harder to make sales; for we shall then work with the consciousness that it is not in our own interest. All our T. and M. officers work without salaries. If our work as ministers is done properly, the Conference is ready to pay us for it, as best they can from their treasury.
We believe the plan of furnishing ministers with publications at wholesale rates, has in the past separated, more or less, the interests of the ministers and the society, by the personal interest that would naturally arise. The interests of the society should have the first place in our hearts. And the good results reported from the distribution of reading matter, the increasing demand for it, and the fact that our blessed Lord is soon coming with the reward for unselfish labor, all call upon us to set our T. and M. workers a good example in this matter. We want to hear from all our preaching brethren on this subject. Read again the article referred to, and report to the President of our Conference, Chas. L. Boyd, at Nebraska City, Neb. If this plan is adopted by our State, we expect the same result as reported by New York, i. e., three times as many publications sold as during any previous year.
CHAS. L. BOYD, } Conf. HENRY SHULTZ, } Com. GEO. B. STARR, } Com.

Elements of Hell Within Human Nature

By Austin Phelps

—God save us from ourselves! We carry within us the elements of hell, if we but choose to make them such. Ahaz, Judas, Nero, Borgia, Herod,—all were once prattling infants in happy mothers’ arms,—Austin Phelps.
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