“Yea, daughter,” said the Rabbi, casting off
His gabardine, “the Council hath sat late,
But not without good cause; for, sooth to tell,
We had this day a marvelous visitant,
Which, if I thought as do the Gentile Greeks
And Romans, I should dare believe a god,
Though in the form and semblance of a child.
For, as we probed the deep and hidden things,
The awful mysteries of our Holy Writ—
Whose meaning doth divide us as a gulf—
There came a boy with large and luminous eyes,
Which he did fix upon us with a gaze
So steadfast and so searching, that we saw
Naught save those eyes; whereat his lips he oped,
And in a silvery voice such questions asked
As never man, much less a child, conceived!
And when we failed to answer him, he smiled
A sad, sweet smile, and answered them himself,
And in such wise as filled us with amaze;
For in the doctrines, prophecies, and laws
He seemed exact, and yet a twelve-year boy!—
If such, indeed, he was. So sped the day,
Till came a woman pushing through the midst,
With pallid cheek tear-stained, disheveled locks,
And eyes so like the child’s that all could see
She was his mother, e’en before she pressed
Her trembling lips upon his silky hair,
Whispering, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us?
Lo, thy father and myself have sought thee
Sorrowing.” But he said, “How is it that
Ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be
About my Father’s business?” Yet she seemed
To understand him not, but silently
Conducted him away; and we were mute.
Mark me, Rebecca: if this be a child
Of mortal mold—the which perplexeth me—
The world will surely hear of him some day.”
—C. Henry St. John, in Christian Union.
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
Sinclairville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.—By request, I held meetings with this church Sabbath and first-day, June 5 and 6. The attendance was good. The Sabbath-school is large and deeply interesting. Found the brethren zealous and devoted, prompt in the performance of duty, and as a consequence happy and prosperous, enjoying the blessing of God. Seven were baptized. After all present had solemnly reconsecrated themselves to God, in gratitude for blessings attending them, I gave instruction in the ordinances and assisted in their administration.
May the love, peace, and harmony that now prevail, abide with these dear friends till they, with all patient continuance in well-doing, shall enter the soon-coming kingdom of eternal rest, peace, and love.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Golden Gate, June 7
By C. Nelson
Minnesota.
Canby.—I remained in the vicinity of Canby until the first of June. Preached twenty times, sold $6.00 worth of books, and obtained two subscribers for the Tidende. Seven were baptized, and a church of twelve members was organized. A leader was chosen, also a secretary and treasurer. The subject of S. B. was considered, and the majority voted to pay the tithe. A tract society was organized with ten members, and a Sabbath-school of sixteen members.
A good work has begun here. The most of these dear brethren and sisters have just come out from the world, but they have given up their idols. They now rejoice in the truth. We thank God for his tender dealings with his people. May we all draw nearer to him in prayer and in our daily life.
C. Nelson.
Golden Gate, June 7
MICHIGAN
By A. O. Burrell
Isabella Co.—As I stated last week, our tent is pitched at a place five miles from Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of this county. I was absent from the tent five days. I visited Seville, seven miles south, and held two meetings. This church has been greatly diminished by removals; only seven or eight are left. Tuesday, went to Lakeview, and spoke twice. One was baptized. Wednesday evening, on my way back, met with the Estella church. They are all firm in the truth. After meeting, we had a very interesting baptism, the Spirit of the Lord being present. This makes eight additions to this church. The Sabbath-school is growing more interesting.
On returning to the tent on Friday, I found Bro. Wilbur and Kellogg having a good interest. Sabbath and Sunday it rained almost incessantly, cutting off the outside attendance, yet nearly all the Sabbath-keepers were present. At 11 A. M., on the Sabbath, Eld. Wilbur gave a very interesting discourse on spiritual gifts, which was highly appreciated. In the afternoon five more united with the church, three of whom were young ladies. Their example in laying aside rings, feathers, and flowers was worthy of imitation. Paul in writing to the Colossians says, “Ye are dead;” and so we all ought to be. But who ever saw a dead tree all covered with flowers? Yet I see those who profess to be dead to the world spending their money for these things, when they are “so hard up” that they cannot do anything for the T. and M. work.
May God bless these young soldiers of the cross. Sunday I had the pleasure of baptizing them. This makes nine who have been added to the church during our short stay, and still there are more who will follow. Obtained seventeen full subscribers for our periodicals, and nearly every family took “Spirit of Prophecy.” The meeting-house subscription was raised to over $900. All promised to pay the tithe faithfully.
There are more than fifty Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, nearly all of whom embraced the truth under Bro. Kellogg’s labors. He has toiled in poverty, and with but little encouragement from the Conference, but he now sees the precious fruits. This county is a good field of labor. After carefully and prayerfully considering the wants of the cause in this district, it appeared best to take down the tent, and Bro. Wilbur and Hutchins go with it to Fowler. Bro. Kellogg goes to fill a very urgent call six miles south of Alma, where Bro. Powers has organized a Sabbath-school among outsiders, with some thirty members. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few; may the Lord send forth more laborers.
Riverdale, June 7.A. O. BURRELL,
Virginia Meetings and Baptisms, Sabbath School Growth
By I. Sanborn
Virginia.
Soliloquy.—I held four meetings here, and baptized two persons, who commenced to keep the Sabbath and to live a praying life the first of January, 1880. The Sabbath-school seems to be prospering. Bro. Reuben Fultz and a young man by the name of Jones expect to attend school at Battle Creek, commencing with the fall term. Bro. Henry Rife, who can speak the German language, is preparing to go to Berks Co., Pa., next fall, to labor a season. As the people there all speak the German language, it is hard for an English speaker to make himself well understood. I start to-morrow for West Virginia. My address, until further notice, will be Jerry's Run, Wood Co., W. Va. I. SANBORN.
June 7
By D. T. Bourdeau
Illinois
Labor among the Churches.—Since my last report, I have had the privilege of visiting and speaking to the scattered brethren and a few of the churches, especially the French, in Kankakee, Iroquois, and La Salle counties, and God has greatly blessed. I spent last Sabbath and first-day with the dear church of Serena, Bro. Stewart, formerly of Illinois, being with us. A French brother of this church says, “Put me and wife down for $100, to help publish Sister White’s works in French.” I have just received from Bro. Gros the cheering news of the conversion of a station agent and telegraph operator, through missionary work at St. Anne. God bless Brn. John and Gros as they shall labor together.
I now expect, the Lord willing, to spend a season with my brother in Canada, hoping to improve in health and to render assistance in the prosecution of the work in that field.
My courage is good, and I trust that by more fully carrying out instructions mercifully given me, I shall yet be strong to stand by the pure banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I thank God for his truth, and a sense of his love and mercy through Jesus Christ. The language of my heart is, I love thee, but give me grace to love thee more, and to persuade others by the power of that love with which Christ has loved us, to be reconciled to God in receiving the last message of mercy to a fallen world. D. T. BOURDEAU.
June 7
Appointments.
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matt. 10:7.
HASTINGS, Mich., June 26. Will the brethren from Maple Grove attend? There will be opportunity for baptism. M. B. MILLER.
QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 7, Mich., will be held under the tent in Alma, Sabbath and Sunday, July 10, 11. F. SQUIER.
THE next quarterly meeting of the East Otto church will be held in the court-house at E. Ellicottsville, N. Y. There will be opportunity for those who wish baptism to receive it. The attendance of every member of the church is desired. D. T. FERRO.
I WILL hold meetings in Nebraska as follows:—
With the Decatur church, June 19, 20.
“ “ York Creek “ “ 26, 27.
“ “ Fremont “ July 3, 4.
“ “ Nebraska City “ “ 10, 11.
All the scattered friends are invited. There will be opportunity for baptism. Let all come seeking a special blessing from God. CHAS. L. BOYD.
THE SMOKER IS LORD OF SUNDAY.
The following paragraph, which we clip from the Independent, contains the astounding news that the Supreme Court of the State of Indiana has prostituted Sunday to the tobacco traffic, honoring the claims of the smoker above those of the so-called sacred day. This must be a humiliating spectacle to those who believe Sunday to be a divine institution. Verily, great is the god of tobacco. How next will the people debauch themselves to do him honor? We are a little curious to know what the Indiana court will do with the Independent’s query concerning “the necessities of rum-drinkers and beer-guzzlers.”
The law of Indiana, like that of many of the States, forbids the pursuit of the usual employments of men on the Christian Sabbath, excepting from the prohibition works of necessity and mercy. The question recently came before the Supreme Court of that State whether the selling of cigars on the Sabbath is included in the prohibition or the exception. The court decided that, since smoking is a necessity to those who have acquired the habit, cigars may be sold on Sunday, under the general principle that “whatever is necessary and proper to do on Sunday, to supply this constant daily need, is a work of necessity within the fair meaning of the statute.” Hence, cigar-stores may be open on this day, and cigar-selling is lawful. The necessities of the cigar-smokers make it lawful. What, then, about the necessities of rum-drinkers and beer-guzzlers? Is not rum or beer quite as much a necessity to them as cigars are to the smokers? Is not the habit, which is assumed as the legal foundation of the necessity, quite as strong and imperative in the case of liquor drinking as it is in that of tobacco smoking? We question whether the Supreme Court of Indiana would carry out its own principle; and if it would not, then, by its own showing, there is some fault in the principle. The fault consists in taking a mere habit as the standard of what is to be deemed a “necessity” in the legal sense.
Good Work at Seatonville, Kentucky
Bro. S. Osborn writes that the minister from the Disciple church who lately united with us, is doing good work at Seatonville, Ky. Since the debate, five more have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and others are interested.
For Sale.—My house and lot in Battle Creek, Mich. It is finely located, in the midst of all our institutions. House in good repair. Terms easy. D. M. Canright.
Wanted Immediately.—The Sanitarium desires to employ ten or twelve young women at fair wages. None but those who are strong and accustomed to labor, and can give good references, need apply. Address, SANITARIUM, Battle Creek, Mich.
Notice of expiration of subscription will be given by special stamp on the margin of the paper. We should be pleased to receive your renewal at once.
Notice.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not in due time appear, and if books ordered by mail are not received, notice should be given. All other business is acknowledged below.
Books Sent by Express.
John Sprinkler $13.65.
Books Sent by Freight.
H Grant $64.75, Signs of the Times 752.85.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
B C V M per W C Sisley $52.94, Col T & M Society per Alice J Green 5.00, W Macomber 5.00, Iowa T & M Society 604.76, Am H & T Association, Cal H & T Association 10.50, Am. H & T Association, Oregon H & T A 21.75.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
J H Quale per G H Gilbert $5.00, Jackson per Chas. Giles 11.88.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
Iowa Conf Fund tithe $239.20, Kan Conf tithe per A G Miller 100.00.
Gen. T. & M. Society.—Life-Members.
Geo I Butler $10.00, Mrs Lentha A Butler 10.00, J F Hanson 10.00, Henry H Perry 10.00.
English Mission.
Geo I Butler $25.00, T A Kilgore & wife 10.00.
European Mission.
Frank Starr $5.00, F H Chapman 10.00.
S. D. A. E. Society.
Helen O Crippen $10.00, L Filer 1.00, P E Johnson 4.00, Susan Shively 10.00, J T Mitchell 10.00, Hans Olsen 5.00, P W Baker 10.00, Russell Hart 10.00, C E Hathaway 10.00, Ole O Haugsted 10.00, Wm H Gardiner 10.00, Leuta Newton 1.00, Amos Logan 5.00, Burgess Van Dorn 10.00, Wm M Dail 20.00, Lizzie Caldwell 5.00, Wm J Wilson 10.00, Boss Bidgood 1.00, No name, Kan 10.00, John Marshall 10.00.
Danish Mission.
Anton Rushold $5.00, Delia Lombard 50c, Frank Carpenter 25c, A friend 5.10, Mrs Steinberg 25c.
ANCIENT SABBATH-KEEPING.
By M. E. C.
The Northern Christian Advocate gives some account of the Assyrian tablets discovered in the excavations on the site of Ancient Babylon. According to the account given by Rev. A. H. Sayce, in his lectures before the Royal Institution, some interesting records are being brought to light. He says:—
“The Sabbath of the seventh day appears to have been observed with great strictness; even the monarch was forbidden to eat cooked meat, change his clothes, take medicine, or drive his chariot, on that day. Not the least singular discovery is a catalogue, compiled some four thousand years ago, which directs the person wishing to consult any book to search out and write down the number and hand it to the librarian.”
M. E. C.
LIFE SKETCHES.
By James White
LIFE SKETCHES of Elder James White, and his wife, Mrs. E. G. White, is now ready. The subject matter of this book is given in the following order:—
1. The first 125 pages contain a brief sketch of the ancestry, early life, Christian experience, and labors of Elder James White. This is a careful revision of the first part of the volume entitled Life Incidents, published in 1868, but now out of print.
2. Pages 125-324 contain sketches of the parentage, early life, Christian experience, views, and extensive labors of Mrs. E. G. White, as given in the second volume of Spiritual Gifts, published in 1860, now out of print. Those who are urging the reprinting of that volume, should understand that there are many things in that sketch applying to the past, and having no special interest at the present time, which need not be reprinted. There are also personal testimonies in that volume, which have recently been reprinted, and constitute a portion of the new edition of the testimony to the church. And while two or three pages only of the narrative have been omitted in the revision, eight or ten have been added, making the work more complete.
3. The work is concluded with sketches of our several institutions, and statements relative to the progress of the work up to the present time. It contains the only history of the cause now in print. The Publishing Building, College, Sanitarium, Tabernacle, and the Pacific Press main building are represented in this book by very fine cuts. The book is printed on fine tint paper, and is put up in muslin, in a style to correspond with the volume in other respects. It contains 416 pages; price $1.00; with steel engraving of Elder White, $1.25.
J. W.
A Dying Infidel's Testimony to the Bible
—Willmot, the infidel, when dying laid his trembling, emaciated hand upon the Sacred Volume, and exclaimed solemnly, and with unwonted energy, “The only objection against this Book is a bad life!”
One Trouble Outweighing a Thousand Mercies
—One trouble sometimes makes us forget a thousand mercies.
THE IOWA CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
BY ELD. GEO. I. BUTLER.
This was the largest meeting ever held by S. D. Adventists in the State of Iowa, upwards of six hundred being encamped upon the ground. It was a most excellent meeting, and we think its influence will not soon be lost. The services commenced promptly Wednesday night, and our brethren were generally present. The business was attended to early, and was soon mostly completed. We were favored with pleasant weather, though we heard of heavy storms all around us.
Our ground was very favorably located near the outskirts of Des Moines, within the city limits. It had formerly been used as a fair-ground, and many of the buildings were of use to us, for lodging and stabling. The shade trees were mostly grand old elms, whose wide-spreading branches furnished abundant protection from storms and sun. Coon River, only a few rods distant, was convenient for baptism. For our people, Des Moines is the most central location in Iowa, and it is, perhaps, the most important railroad center in the State. Our brethren were so well pleased with the ground that they unanimously voted to hold their camp-meeting there again next year.
We were not permitted to enjoy the presence of Bro. and Sister White at this meeting, which was, no doubt, a disappointment to many. Eld. Corlies was the only one from abroad who participated in the preaching. He labored earnestly, and was a real help to our meetings. The preaching was close and pointed, and designed to correct the evils existing among us, some of which had been specially pointed out by testimony from the Lord. The importance of sustaining our institutions by our influence and means was dwelt upon, as well as the necessity of cherishing the light which God has been giving us as a people. An influence has been at work in our State to create questionings, murmurings, and doubt. The nature and tendency of this influence was faithfully pointed out, and this instruction seemed to be well received. God's blessing rested upon us.
Sabbath was spent by most of the ministers as a fast, so great was our anxiety for the Lord to come into our midst. From one hundred to one hundred and fifty came forward for prayers Sabbath afternoon, and the meetings in the tents afterward were excellent. On Sunday our new tent, 60x90, was well filled four times with most attentive audiences, and many stood outside. I think I never saw better attention to the word spoken. Some were very anxious that the tent should remain in Des Moines after the meeting, that a course of lectures might be given. Excellent impressions were made upon many minds, and as the people from the city returned home their conversation was very different from that which occupied them in the morning when they came.
Quite a large sum was raised in money or pledges for the Sanitarium and College, as well as for the tent and camp-meeting fund. Our brethren manifested quite a liberal spirit, which called to our mind the former days when means were raised for our institutions. As free-will offerings were made for the cause of God, his Spirit rested upon us, and many talked of the good meeting we were having.
Nearly all remained till the close of the meeting. On Monday a good move was made to complete the work begun on the Sabbath. Many came forward for prayers and took their stand for the Lord. Forty-three were baptized in the river by Elds. Corlies and Farnsworth. That night we made a special effort in the temperance work. Eld. Corlies gave a temperance lecture, after which we had a canvass of the audience for signers to the pledges. About fifty new names were obtained by this effort, though most present had signed it before. Our parting meeting, Tuesday morning, was an excellent one; frequently four or five were on their feet at once, waiting to speak. The people went home cheerful and happy in the Lord.
We shall probably have five tents in the field this season, and we greatly hope God will bless our efforts for good. Our Conference is in a sound condition financially; we have a good State, an intelligent population; we ought to see many brought into the fold of Christ this year. May God grant us success.
Notes of News.
—Liverpool, England, has 42 cocoa and coffee houses.
—The British Court is in mourning for the Empress of Russia.
—There are 97,000 miles of submarine telegraph cable in operation.
—In New York City there were 19 cases of fatal sunstroke during the last week of May.
—The capital invested in the dairy business in this country amounts to $2,219,280,000.
—The Prussian church bill has been rejected by the Prussian Parliamentary Committee.
—By a recent fire-damp explosion in a German mine, 21 persons were killed and several others were injured.
—Memphis, Tenn., has “cleaned up,” hoping to thus avoid a visit from the pestilent yellow bend.
—Last year Michigan supplied 4,400,000,000 feet of lumber, one-fourth of the total national product.
—Kearney is again free, and he threatens to continue his violent agitation, only making it more bitter than ever.
—During the month of May, 46,148 immigrants arrived at New York; the total since January 1, is 135,836.
—Bishop Simpson is to visit the Methodist Conference of China and Japan, and Bishop Merrill those in India and Europe.
—The Anglo-American Cable Company have reduced the rates from New York to the principal points in Great Britain to 12½ cents per word.
—Nearly 1,000 physicians from every State in the Union attended the 31st session of the American Medical Association recently held in New York.
—Neal Dow, in an article in defense of the Maine law, says that there is not a “distillery, brewery, or wine factory in the State, open or secret.”
—The Nicaragua Congress have confirmed the concessions recently made to an American company for the construction of a ship-canal across the Isthmus.
—A dispatch from London states that two Russian ironclads, carrying 1,000 infantry soldiers each, have been sent to China. A war between Russia and China is considered certain.
—Harper’s Weekly thinks the conflict of the French government with the Jesuits “affects the whole political situation, and may touch the stability of the republic as now organized.”
—In Ourmiah, Persia, there are from 20 to 80 deaths daily from famine. One man who dropped down exhausted in the street was half devoured by dogs before assistance arrived.
—Turkish papers state that during a recent earthquake, the village of Heledidi was completely swallowed up by the sea, not a trace remaining of its 60 houses and mosque. The inhabitants all escaped.
—The records of the “old South Church,” Boston, are preserved complete from 1669 to the present time. They are kept in a fireproof safe, from which they are never removed except in the presence of an authorized person.
—The Baptist Sunday-schools in this country propose to celebrate the Robert Raikes Sunday-school centenary on the 27th of June, the day preceding the opening of the International Sunday-school Centenary Convention in London.
—An exchange says: “England has a new pest, the tipula grub, which finally blossoms into a daddy longlegs. It goes to the root of every green thing with amazing appetite, and so serious are its ravages that the Royal Agricultural Society has issued an elaborate description of it and its little ways.”
—The French seem to have gone into the dueling business. No less than five duels are reported as having taken place in a single day, the 6th of June, and in four of them the principals were representatives of the press. Rocheford, who was wounded in a previous duel, is in a critical state of health.
—The newly invented smoke, gas, steam, and spark consumer has been tested on the Old Colony Railroad of Massachusetts. It did all that was claimed for it, and it was also demonstrated that it would save $1,200 a year in fuel for each locomotive, besides preventing them from setting forests on fire.
—Dr. J. A. Warne and wife, of Philadelphia, have made over to the American Baptist Missionary Union a property of about $40,000, the savings of a lifetime of labor and frugality. They are thus their own executors, and have the satisfaction of seeing their donation applied as they wish, without running the risk of its being wasted by lawyers. This is a good example; who will follow it?
—The amount of liquor annually manufactured and consumed in this country reaches the enormous total of 260,000,000 gallons; and about 12,000,000 more are imported from foreign countries, making a grand total of 272,000,000 gallons. From the effects of this liquid poison between 60,000 and 100,000 persons die annually. England’s contribution to the death-quota from the same cause is equally as great.
—On the night of the 11th the steamer Stonington came in collision with the Narragansett, on Long Island Sound, about 100 miles from New York City. The Narragansett sunk immediately, but in shallow water, so that her upper deck would have afforded a safe asylum but for the fire that soon consumed all parts of the ship remaining above water. The scene was one of wild terror and distress. The Tribune makes the list of lost 48; many of the saved were badly scalded.
—Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, has transferred a large part of the church property in his diocese to a trustee for the benefit of his creditors. This action is opposed by the other officers of the churches, who claim that the Archbishop has no right to do this. The title to the property,—which consists of churches, seminaries, and charity edifices,—is in the Archbishop’s name, and hence is, in a sense, private property. As the money of his creditors was used for these church edifices, it seems but just that the property should be sold for their benefit.
—The worst storm ever known in that part of Iowa visited Pottawattamie county on the evening of the 9th. Besides the wholesale destruction of property, from 15 to 20 persons were killed, many were wounded, and still others cannot be found. Not a house in the track of the tornado was left standing. The storm did not last 15 minutes, and was not accompanied with rain. In Southeastern Minnesota, however, the rain fell in torrents, and in some places caused a total suspension of trains. The village of Stockton is inundated. In Sioux City, Iowa, hail stones over 11 inches in circumference were picked up after the storm.
—London dispatches of June 7 relate the following tale of horror: A little girl in Magdeburg picked a flower from a grave, unconscious of offense. But the sexton-in-chief, who had charge of that grave-yard, determined to inflict an effectual punishment, locked her up in the dead-house, in which four corpses were lying on biers. Having finished his work, the sexton forgot all about his tiny prisoner, and she remained there during the night. The next morning, when he unlocked the door, a shocking spectacle met his gaze. Crouched in a corner, with glassy eyes fixed in a death-stare of horror, and blood-stained lips bitten through and through in convulsive agony, was a fifth corpse, that of the unfortunate child, who had been literally frightened to death.
NEW ENGLAND H. AND T. SOCIETY.
By D. A. Robinson; Eliza Thayer
At the quarterly meeting of the New England T. and M. Society a business session of the New England H. and T. Society was held Sunday, May 30. President in the chair. The meeting was opened in the usual manner. The Secretary, Eld. G. F. Haines, being absent, Eliza Thayer was chosen Secretary pro tem.
This Society was organized Sept. 1, 1879. The number of members at that time, as per report of that meeting, was 240; present number, 557; making an increase of 317. Of these 307 are full members and 250 pledge members. There are now seven local clubs in this Society, the most of which hold regular monthly meetings, and the interest in the work is as great as at any time since its organization.
The relation which the temperance work sustains to the cause of God, and the dangers connected with it, were presented by the President and other members of the Society. Although the temperance cause is a part of the work of God, it should never be made primary. It may be made a means of gaining an influence with children and others, but in our necessary connection with the world in this work, we should never lower the standard to increase our numbers, but ever maintain that elevated position which it is our privilege to occupy, and labor to induce others to come up to it.
The Washington H. and T. Club furnished music on this occasion.
On motion, the meeting adjourned sine die. D. A. ROBINSON, Pres. ELIZA THAYER, Sec. pro tem.