Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 25.
ADDRESS AND APPEAL, SETTING FORTH THE IMPORTANCE OF MISSIONARY WORKPage 1
ADDRESS AND APPEAL, SETTING FORTH THE IMPORTANCE OF MISSIONARY WORK.
By Ellen G. White
I have been shown that many do not take hold of the missionary work because the matter has not been presented before them and urged upon their attention by the ministers who have labored in their behalf. These ministers have neglected one essential part of their duty, and as the result hundreds are indifferent and idle who might be at work had they been more perfectly instructed. We have no time to lose. Important work is before us, and if we are slothful servants we shall certainly lose the heavenly reward. But few have broad and extensive views of what can be done in reaching the people by personal, interested efforts in a wise distribution of our publications. Many who will not be induced to listen to the truth presented by the living preacher will take up a tract or a paper and peruse it; many things they read meet their ideas exactly, and they become interested to read all it contains. Impressions are thus made upon their minds which they cannot readily forget. The seed of truth has in some cases been buried for years beneath the rubbish of the world, and the pleasing fables that deceived ones have enjoyed. After a time some earthly sorrow or affliction softens their hearts, and the seed springs up and bears fruit to the glory of God. Again, many read these papers and tracts and their combativeness is aroused, and they throw the silent messengers from them in a passion. But ideas all new to them have, although unwelcome, made their impression, and as the silent messenger bears the abuse without retaliation there is nothing to feed the anger which has been excited. Again the hand takes up the neglected paper or tract, and the eye is tracing the truthful lines, and again in passion it is thrown from them as their path is crossed. But the mind is not at rest; the abused paper is at last perused, and thus point after point of truth commences its convincing work; step by step the reformation is wrought, self dies, and the warfare and antagonism to the truth is ended. The despised paper or tract is henceforth honored as the means of converting the stubborn heart and subduing the perverse will, bringing it in subjection to Christ. Had the living preacher spoken as pointedly, these persons would have turned from him, and would not have entertained the new and strange ideas brought before them. The papers and tracts can go where the living preacher cannot go, and where if he could go he would have no access to the people, because of their prejudice against the truth. I have been shown that but few have any correct idea of what the distribution of papers and tracts is doing. The missionary work, in circulating the publications upon present truth, is opening doors everywhere, and preparing minds to receive the truth, when the living preacher shall come among them. The success which attends the efforts of ministers in the field is not due alone to their efforts, but in a great degree to the influence of the reading matter which has enlightened the minds of the people and removed prejudice. Thus many are made susceptible to the influence of the truth when it is presented before them. The tract and missionary field is an extensive one. I have been shown that Eld. S. N. Haskell has been more fully awake to this subject than any of our other ministers, because he has exercised his mind in this department of the work. He has been untiring in his efforts to advance this work, and to have it carried forward with order and method. He has not at all times had the encouragement he should have had from his ministering brethren. He might have accomplished more had he received the co-operation which he could have had and ought to have had. Although discouraged at times as he has seen that but few appreciated the importance of the missionary work, yet he has not given up his efforts, but has returned again and again with new courage and perseverance to urge forward this branch of the work. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is our missionary paper; it is doing its work everywhere, and is opening the way for the truth to be more fully presented. This paper has been made a blessing to very many souls. All should feel the deepest interest to have it a spiritual messenger, full of life, and plain, practical truth. In the Christian world there are many starving for the bread of life. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES, laden with rich food, is a feast to many of these who are not of our faith. This paper should not contain many long articles, but the truth should be prepared with great care and made as attractive as possible. Articles which make sharp thrusts upon other churches are out of place in this paper, for they create prejudice. The truth should be presented in its simplicity, in the meekness of wisdom, having an influence to persuade. The matter should be the very choicest; the language should be chaste, elevating, every word breathing the spirit of Christ. The argumentative and practical combined will make a paper beaming with light, to go forth as a lamp that burneth, as a messenger indeed from Heaven. Our brethren do not all see and realize the importance of this paper; if they did they would feel greater personal interest to make it intensely interesting, and then to circulate it everywhere. All who have a part to act in the preparation of matter for this pioneer sheet are engaged in a sacred work, and they should be connected with God; they should be pure in heart and life. God can work with them and give them wisdom that they may become intelligent in the knowledge of the truth. God sees the motive of each worker, and will impart his grace in rich measure in accordance with the spirit in which the labor is done. The silent preacher, enriched with precious matter, should go forth on the wings of prayer, mingled with faith, that it may do its appointed work in shedding the light of truth upon those who are in the darkness of error. Calls are coming in from all directions, not only from persons of our faith, but from those who have become interested in reading our publications; they say, Send us a minister to preach to us the truth. But there is a great want of laborers. We have to answer, There is no man to send among you. Many are obliged to be content with the silent preacher until God shall send them the living messenger. Let all our brethren take this to heart, and by personal effort in faith and hope contribute to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; for in sending matter that is alive, in speaking by the pen words bearing the holy unction, they are preaching to thousands. Long, dry articles are not wanted for this paper. The great lack of men to go from place to place and preach the word may be in a great degree supplied by tracts and papers, and by intelligent correspondence. The many scattered all over the land who can seldom have the living preacher may make their meetings very interesting and profitable by selecting a good reader to read appropriate discourses published in our papers and books. You have a large variety to choose from, both doctrinal and practical. You can form a Bible-class and search the Scriptures for yourselves, with the aid of our publications, and in this way learn much of present truth. You may present the reasons of our faith to those who shall inquire for them. All should be making the most of the opportunities granted them to become intelligent in the Scriptures. If all would realize the necessity of doing to the utmost of their ability in the work of God, having a deep love for souls, feeling the burden of the work upon them, we should see hundreds engaged as active workers who have been hitherto dull and uninterested, accomplishing nothing. They have felt that there was nothing of importance in this tract and missionary work, nothing worthy of their especial interest. Yet it is a fact that the circulation of our papers is doing even a greater work than the living preacher can do. Many have failed to become thoroughly acquainted with the work, because they have felt that it did not concern them. All can, by individual effort, do something. Some can do more than others. All should become intelligent as to how they can work most successfully and methodically in spreading the light of truth, by scattering our publications. We meet with young and old who profess to be children of God, yet who have not grown an inch for years. A Christian indeed will grow in knowledge of the truth; and as he is sanctified through the truth he will become more and more like Jesus, and more desirous to save souls, the purchase of his blood. With many, the rubbish of the world has clogged the channels of the soul. Selfishness has controlled the mind and warped the character. Were the life hid with Christ in God, his service would be no drudgery. If the whole heart were consecrated to God, all would find something to do, and would covet a part in the work. They would sow beside all waters, praying and believing that the fruit would appear. The practical, God-fearing workers will be growing upward, praying in faith for grace and heavenly wisdom that they may do the work devolving upon them with cheerfulness and a willing mind. They will seek the divine rays of light that they may brighten the paths of others. Those who are co-laborers with God will have no disposition to engage in the various expedients for amusement; they will not be seeking after happiness and enjoyment. In taking up their work in the fear of God, and doing service for the Master, they will secure the most substantial happiness. Connected with Jesus Christ, they will be wise unto salvation. They will be fruit-bearing trees. They will develop a blameless life, a beauteous character. The great work of redemption will be their first consideration. Eating and drinking and dressing, houses and lands, will be secondary matters. The peace of God within will force off the withered or gnarled branches of selfishness, vanity, pride, and indolence. It is faith and practice that makes up the Christian's life. We do not meet the standard of Christianity in merely professing Christ and having our names upon the church book. We should be individual workers for Christ. By personal effort we can show that we are connected with him. There is a wide field in which our sisters may do good service for the Master in the various branches of the work connected with his cause. Through missionary labor they can reach a class that our ministers cannot. There are noble women who have had moral courage to decide in favor of the truth from the weight of evidence. They have conscientiously accepted the truth. They have tact, perception, and good ability, and will make successful workers for their Master. Christian women are called for. There is work neglected or done imperfectly that could be thoroughly accomplished by the help that sisters can give. There are so many kinds of work too laborious for women, which our brethren are called to engage in, that many branches of missionary work are neglected. Many things connected with different churches are left undone that women, if properly instructed, could attend to. Our sisters might serve as church clerks, and the church business would not be so sadly neglected. There are many other offices connected with the cause of God which our sisters are better qualified to fill than our brethren, and in which they might do efficient service. Our sisters can serve as vigilant workers in writing, and drawing out the true feelings of friends who have received our papers and tracts. Very valuable items are brought to light through this means. The writers should not seek for self-exaltation, but to present the truth in its simplicity wherever they shall have an opportunity. The money that has been spent for needless trimmings and useless ornaments should be spent in the purchase of papers and tracts to send to those who are in the darkness of error. The souls saved by their personal efforts will be more precious to them than fashionable dress. The white robes given them by Christ, and the jeweled crown as their reward for their unselfish efforts in the salvation of souls, will be more valuable than needless adornments. The stars in their crowns will shine forever and ever, and will a thousand times repay them for the self-denial and self-sacrifice they have exercised in the cause of God. Women of firm principle and decided character are needed, women who believe that we are indeed living in the last days, and that we have the last solemn message of warning to be given to the world. They should feel that they are engaged in an important work in spreading the rays of light which Heaven has shed upon them. Nothing will deter this class from their duty. Nothing will discourage them in the work. They have faith to work for time and for eternity. They fear God, and will not be diverted from the work by the temptation of lucrative situations and attractive prospects. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment is sacredly kept by them, because God has placed his sanctity upon it, and has bidden them to keep it holy. They will preserve their integrity at any cost to themselves. These are the ones whom God can use in the tract and missionary work. These are the ones who will correctly represent our faith, whose194 words will be fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver. These can in many ways do a precious work for God in scattering tracts and judiciously distributing the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Sisters, God calls you to work in the harvest-field and help gather in the sheaves. Our sisters can show by their self-denial and self-sacrifice, and their willingness to work to the best of their ability, that they believe, and are being sanctified through, the truth. Many need a work of this kind to develop the powers they possess. Our sisters should in no case neglect their husbands and their children, but they can do much without neglecting home duties; and there are many who have not these responsibilities. In the various branches of the missionary work, the modest, intelligent woman may use her powers to the very highest account. Who can have so deep a love for the souls of men and women for whom Christ has died as those who are partakers of his grace? Who can represent the truth and the example of Christ better than Christian women who are practicing the truth in their earnest efforts to bring souls to the light? Who so well adapted to be teachers in the Sabbath-schools? With a heart imbued with the love of Christ, teaching the children of her class, praying with them and for them, she may see souls converted. The true mother is adapted to be the true teacher of children. I do not recommend that woman should seek to become a voter or an office-holder; but as a missionary, teaching the truth by epistolary correspondence, distributing tracts and soliciting subscribers for periodicals containing the solemn truth for this time, she may do very much. In conversing with families, in praying with the mother and children, she will be a blessing. “PEACE, BE STILL.”
By S. J. G. Thayer
Peace, troubled heart! the Saviour speaks to thee,
Be thou not like the wild, tumultuous sea,
Fuming and foaming like the billowy crest
That sails upon yon ocean's heaving breast;
Cease this wild throbbing at life's every ill;
List to the voice that whispers, “Peace, be still.” My Saviour, sitting now at thy dear feet
Help me to learn this lesson, full—complete,
So that no storm, or wave, or troubled gale,
Can henceforth ever ruffle sea or sail;
Speak thou a calm within this troubled breast,
Peace undisturbed, earnest of coming rest. Let me be stayed on thee, for thou art mine,
Oh, then, why should my spirit e'er repine
At loss or cross I meet with as I go,
Since thou art more than all things here below?
And this I know, if thou couldst die for me,
Thou'lt leave me never, while I cling to thee. And let me rest in thee! that quiet, peaceful rest,
Like trusting infant on its mother's breast;
No anxious thought, no wildly whirling brain,
No tingling nerves at real or fancied pain;
Ay, rest unmoved, if rough or smooth the way,
Since thou art leading me to endless day. 1878 and 1879: A New Year Appeal to Kansas Believers
By J. N. Ayers
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS OF KANSAS: The year 1878 is just passing into eternity with all its privileges and blessings. What is the record it bears? Let us look over it for a few moments. The Lord has wonderfully blessed us as a people during the year. We have had bountiful crops of all kinds in most parts of the State; and the labors of our ministers have been blessed in the bringing of many precious souls to the light of truth. Several companies of Sabbath-keepers have been raised up; several new churches have been organized, and quite a large number have been added to others. This is good; but has all been done that might have been? Have we all been faithful in paying the Lord his tithe? Have we all faithfully paid our pledges and the added “one-third” to the tract society? Have all, as far as possible, become members of the tract society? and have our tract society members faithfully done what they could in the way of visiting, writing, and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, and then been prompt to report? What have we given to the foreign missions? Have our names appeared among those who are making their free-will offerings towards building the Tabernacle? Are we all satisfied with our record, as we look back over 1878? If not, let us turn over a new leaf and commence 1879 by doing our whole duty toward God and our fellow-men. For one, I must say I do not feel satisfied with the advancement we as a people have made, or with my own life record. Had we all done our whole duty, I believe a great deal more would have been accomplished in the Kansas Conference during the past year. While some have done what they could, others have done but very little. Some church members, and others who have not united with any church, but who are able to help, have done nothing, and are trying to excuse themselves on account of poverty, hard times, or being in debt; and some have even gone so far as to allow their families to do without the REVIEW, REFORMER, and INSTRUCTOR; and, worse still, they have even robbed God by using his tithe, which the Lord says is holy. Lev. 27:30-33: “All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem aught of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it; and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.” We learn from this text that the tithe is holy, that we cannot redeem it, and if we have dared to use it we must restore it, and add the interest, which is one-fifth of the whole, or twenty per cent; so we had better pay it when due, even if we are obliged to borrow money to do it. Would we dare to use the Sabbath, God’s holy time, for our own secular business? No! Would that be any worse than using the tithe, God’s holy means? I think not; both are God’s, both have been pronounced holy by God himself; one is no more ours to use than the other. God has given us six days and retained one, the seventh. He has given us nine-tenths of all we make, and retains one-tenth, the first. Prov. 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” So we are not in darkness; we know just what is the Lord’s. If we want the blessing of God to rest upon us and the cause in Kansas during 1879, we must return unto the Lord. As a people, we are far from him, and he is pleading with us to return. Mal. 3:7-11: “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? [Hear the answer.] In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” Read this text carefully, meditate upon it, remembering that God is speaking to us who are living in the time of the judgment, as the fifth verse plainly shows, and then answer the following questions: Do you believe God’s holy word? Can he do what he has promised? Will he not fulfill his promise to you if you obey his commands? Does he hold your life in his hand? Do you want eternal life? Can you have it and not believe his word? Read his promises and threatenings to the two classes whose doom will so soon be pronounced by the Judge of the whole earth. Rev. 21:7-8: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” My brother, my sister, let us answer these questions as we shall wish we had answered them when Jesus comes, the separation is made, and we all receive according to our works. And then let us go to work in earnest. Let our faith and works correspond. James 2:26: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Some will say, What shall we do? We have been so unfaithful, and are living so far from God, that he will not hear us. I know we are far from God, but Jesus is still pleading for us in the sanctuary above. Mercy still lingers; God is waiting to be gracious, and will be found of us if we seek him with all the heart. Jer. 29:13: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” If we thus search for him, our associates will know it; for we shall bring forth fruits answerable to amendment of life. (See Matt. 3:8, margin.) - Wherein we have done wrong, let us make restitution, and then ask God for Christ’s sake to forgive us for the past.
- Resolve to obey God in the future.
- Read again the article on “Systematic Benevolence” in REVIEW of Dec. 12, 1878, and then do just as it directs.
- Read again “The Dime Tabernacle” in the same paper, and act promptly upon its suggestions; here is a good place to invest the money we are saving to spend on Christmas and New Years.
- Read again the article on the first page of the same paper on “The Importance of Missionary Work,” then commence at once to put it in practice.
- Read again the articles in REVIEW Supplement of Dec. 12, 1878, concerning Sabbath-schools; and do not let our quarterly meetings pass without acting in accordance with the instructions therein contained.
- Commence the year 1879 by faithfully reporting at our quarterly meetings, Jan. 5, 6, 1879. Let every member and every officer be present in person if possible; if not, let each be sure to have a written report there, with a donation for the tract society.
- See that your subscription on the REVIEW, REFORMER, and weekly INSTRUCTOR, is paid one year in advance, and be careful that your families always have these papers to read.
- Take some time each day to study the Bible; and if you are living where you cannot attend Sabbath-school on the Sabbath, always have the lesson, and spend at least one hour each Sabbath with your family in the capacity of a Sabbath-school.
- Read a portion of God’s word in your family every day, and pray with them. Live out your profession at home, in the church, and in the world; be kind; be faithful; be charitable; watch the tongue; govern the temper; forgive the faults of your fellow-men as you would have God forgive yours; be an every-day Christian.
If we observe these rules, God’s blessing will attend us and the cause in Kansas as never before during 1879, and we shall have the pleasure of seeing many precious souls converted to God; and when Jesus comes we shall hear the “well done.” He is soon coming to gather his people. Let us be ready, and among those who are waiting for him. Then we can look up and exclaim: “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” And he will answer: “Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” We can all be of the little flock. Will we? Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 13. PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.
By Abram C. Bourdeau
On returning to this province, I held my first meeting, Oct. 26, in a school-house in West Bolton, P. Q. The good Spirit of God was present. The next week, myself and wife visited Sabbath-keepers in Glen Sutton, and Potton, P. Q. Three families that were not paying s. b. agreed to pay about fifty dollars per year. We also visited several families of our relatives, and were glad to see them endeavoring to live out the truth. Since we embraced the Sabbath twenty-two years ago, it has been our privilege to see nearly threescore of our friends and their families unite with us in keeping the commandments. Some of our loved ones have been laid away in the grave, there to rest till the Lifegiver shall appear, and others have lately gone to distant lands. Nov. 15 to 20, I held several meetings with the church in Barford, P. Q., and labored from house to house in that vicinity. The friends there are punctual in attending meetings, have a prosperous Bible-class and Sabbath-school, and are prompt in paying their s. b. pledges. We are now trying to encourage the brethren to prepare to build a house of worship in South Stukely, P. Q. Since Nov. 27, when I closed up my effort in Oswego, I have visited or held meetings in the following places; Independence, Bloomfield, Lazette, Pontiac, Plum Grove, and Clarion. In most of these places I found old acquaintances from Iowa and Vermont, a great number of new openings for preaching, and new believers needing encouragement and further instructions in the truth. It was very difficult to turn away from earnest entreaties to labor in different places. I did all I could, and the Lord drew graciously near to us. In Bloomfield I spoke three times. Several of my hearers had been in the ‘44 movement. In Clarion I spoke four times, and three made a start in serving the Lord. I am now in Ellivon, where is a small settlement of French Baptists. There seems to be also a good opening among Americans. I commence at once an effort in both languages. We make it our home with Bro. Manny, a French brother from Illinois. DEC. 1, I closed for the present a series of meetings at Drywood, ten miles south of Scott, after ten weeks of labor. As the immediate result, six were baptized, nine are keeping the Sabbath, and others, we think, will soon join this little company. The results of this effort have more than ever satisfied me that much is lost because our ministers do not hold on to the work till the deciding point is reached. It is not sufficient to simply present the arguments on the various subjects; but while minds are interested, the minister should continue to labor, both publicly and in private. Thus many would be helped to a decision who, if left to themselves, would lose their interest, probably never to be reached again. In company with Bro. A. J. Stover I visited the church at Amity, Crawford county. Held in all eight meetings. We think real progress was made. We tried to instruct them in health reform, spiritual gifts, and the T. and M. work. Bro. Stover’s experience in connection with these branches of the work of God, and his skill as a T. and M. worker, made his services valuable. Four copies of the REFORMER were taken. One full set of “Testimonies” and “Spirit of Prophecy” was placed in the church as a circulating library. A tract society was fully organized, consisting of ten members. In addition to a good supply of tracts, five copies of the SIGNS were taken for missionary purposes. May the blessing of God attend these workers, as they spread the written truth before the people. J. H. COOK. We have just closed a series of meetings in Serena. Found two who were keeping the Sabbath, and another who will probably unite with us soon. Besides these, six were forward for prayers, and made an encouraging beginning. These, also, will probably soon be baptized and unite with the church. This congregation is in a prosperous condition, and their Sabbath-school is flourishing. PEORIA.—In October, in connection with Bro. Merritt and Bliss, I labored for a few days in Peoria and Knox counties. While we were encouraged by the testimonies of many, we were made sad to learn that two of our brethren used tobacco. We labored with them, and they made fair promises. It would be an unfortunate day to us should we become slack in our discipline. RUTLAND.—At Rutland, Nov. 1-4, I held seven meetings; then wrote and visited two days. What a difference we notice in the dispositions of persons. At some places we find brethren and sisters so liberal that should we not hinder them they would gladly give more than they ought. Others are too close to be saved, I fear, unless they experience complete conversion. Beware, friends; the day of God is yet before us. At Rutland the members pledged well for the support of the enterprise introduced. May they never weary in well-doing. COLETA—Coleta, my home-church, is now very weak and badly scattered. Held three meetings, and traveled about seventy-five miles to see our members. We find them trying to live; and I hope they may prove that they are not living as the old hymn has it,—“at this poor dying rate.” I never liked that expression. Brethren and sisters, by God’s grace let us live a life that is “all alive.” ROCKFORD.—At Rockford, Nov. 23, I met with the friends, and was glad to see some who had started in this work since my last visit here. Bro. Cleaves, who has hitherto worked in the watch factory, hopes soon to be ready to go out to improve his gift. BELVIDERE.—Nov. 24 I was at Belvidere. Held three meetings. The Lord has blessed Eld. Andrews’ labors here, and we hope fruit will be seen in the harvest. Let all be true disciples. Be humble and zealous; the effort is brief. G. W. Colcord. We were disappointed that Bro. Colcord was not at Du Quoin last Sabbath, but there was a good company present, and the Lord blessed in the meetings. Some of these brethren seldom or never attended a religious meeting before the truth was preached here; now they attend with their families every Sabbath, and most of them take part in the social meetings. May the Lord bless the working Christian. There were present at our Sabbath-school fifty-three pupils divided into four classes. When we remember that some of these boys and girls never went to a meeting or even looked into the Bible before our brethren came here, and now see them so eager to answer questions in the Sabbath-school, and learning to sing and pray, we feel to thank the Lord for his precious truth, and the work he has wrought in Du Quoin. “Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but it is God that giveth the increase.” DEBATE IN IOWA.
By C. A. Washburn
I came to Davis City Nov. 12, to hold a debate with Eld. Springer (Mormon), who had challenged me through one of the county papers to discuss the Sabbath, the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destruction of the wicked. For proof we were to take the Bible only. His arguments were about the same as those generally advanced by our opponents, and were not hard to meet. We had eight sessions of two hours each. Some of Eld. Springer's friends were not satisfied with his proof-texts, and expressed themselves more in favor of our views than before. This is a strong-hold of Mormons, there being a colony of several hundred near Davis City. Our church near this place has been strengthened by seeing error and truth contrasted. I held meetings with the church on Sabbath and first-day. One young man was baptized who had heard Bro. E. W. Farnsworth give a course of lectures in Dakota over two years ago. This is another encouragement to “sow beside all waters.” I am grateful to God for this truth, and for freedom in its defense. Let us all labor on through sunshine and through storm, till eternal life shall be given to the redeemed on the new earth. 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1-4. C. A. WASHBURN. Dec. 6. —The king of Siam has 3,000 wives. —The State of Ohio has a debt of $50,000,000. —One in every 4,600 inhabitants of Switzerland committed suicide last year. —The southern part of Hayti has been swept with a fearful cyclone, leaving the poor people in a sad state of destitution. —The latest news from New Britain confirms the sad report of the murder of five native Wesleyan missionaries by cannibals in April last. —The Reformed (Dutch) ministers of New York meet every Monday morning. They have for some weeks been discussing the millennium question. —In the Senate, Dec. 11, Mr. Blaine, Senator from Maine, delivered a thirty minutes’ speech on recent election frauds. The speech was listened to by a crowded house, and though short was an able review of facts. It elicited some discussion. —The Post of Dec. 11 announces semi-officially that Parliament will probably adjourn Tuesday, Dec. 17. Gladstone and his party fail to see the wisdom or the humanity of the “severe thrashing and tremendous fright” which John Bull is administering to the “small boy” of Afghanistan. The Afghans, however, seem to be pretty much at the mercy of the powerful invaders. —The present year is a memorable one in the development of the Russian navy. One hundred torpedo boats and numerous cruisers have been constructed. Three clipper steamers have been launched, four steamers have been bought in America, and two ironclads are on the point of completion. Several ironclads have been launched, but have not received their armaments. To these, four cruisers have been added by private subscription. —Last week another terrible storm passed over the eastern coast, causing great destruction. The storm seems to have extended from the western part of Pennsylvania through New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and into Maine. Many of the rivers in its track are higher than they have been before for years. Bridges have been torn down, houses and boats carried away, and in some places the streets have been so flooded as to resemble a river-bed. The damage is great, and some loss of life is feared. —The Hong Kong papers give some interesting particulars of the rebellion in the province of Kwangsi, China. Liyung Choi, a native of the province, a mandarin of the highest military grade, a Brigadier General who gained a great reputation in the Taiping rebellion, and present military commander of the province, placed himself at the head of 50,000 troops and inaugurated a revolution. He was moved to this course through disappointment as to promotion. The fact that he is a native of the province, and was an old rebel leader, gives him great prestige, and he is reported to be carrying everything before him. —The Crown Prince Frederick William satisfactorily filled the Emperor’s place in the German government while the latter was disabled on account of the wound received some time ago. The Emperor recently returned to Berlin, and formally resumed the reins of government. On this occasion the people demonstrated the character and degree of their loyalty to their white-haired sovereign. The good thing about the enthusiastic welcome they gave him is, that the Emperor, both as a man and as the head of the German nation, deserves it all. He is now in his 82d year, and has been King of Prussia since 1861 and Emperor of Germany since 1871. —The Berlin correspondent of the Christian Union says that thousands of German socialists will, in consequence of the attitude of that government towards Communism, seek a home in this country, where they can spread their peculiar views with less hindrance. In view of the threatened danger, “Berliner” advises a “moral quarantine,” believing it to be the duty of the government to protect its citizens from moral infection as well as from contagious diseases. The Christian Union, in an editorial note, says: “Our Berlin correspondent is not an alarmist; and probably no American in Europe is better acquainted with the matter of which he writes. We have quite as many Communists in this country now as we can easily take care of, and the prospect of a general immigration of thousands more is not pleasant. They are, however, certainly coming.” “Later telegrams enforce his warning. In Italy the attempted assassination of the king has led to many arrests and the discovery of International committees, many of whose members are already trying to seek a refuge across the Atlantic.” And from other countries the prospects are equally threatening for an influx of these invaders of the public peace. —The Advance of Dec. 12 says: “England and Scotland are in a state of monetary panic. We can almost hear the crash of bank after bank as they go down under enormous liabilities, burying out of sight the fortunes of thousands and thousands of people all over the country. One of the latest of these banks to fail was that of the West of England and South Wales District Bank, having its head-quarters at Bristol, with forty-two branches in other places. Its liabilities are reported to be $17,500,000. One result of this depression of business and impoverization of families will doubtless be a largely increased emigration to this country. Already the tide of immigration to our shores is rising. For eleven months of the present year the number is 72,147, against 52,000 for the same period last year, and 65,820 for the same period in the year before. This fact, taken in connection with the remarkable growth of our foreign exports over our imports of goods, shows unmistakably that an ‘enriching tide’ of affairs is actually bringing in the better times long hoped for. Two items: The amount of corn produced in this country the past year is estimated at 1,500,000,000 bushels; the value of the butter and cheese made, at $250,000,000. Evidently we have bread and butter enough for all who may choose to come.”