This annual meeting convened at Bloomington, Aug. 26. The greater part of our friends came in three hired coaches, chartered to run from three distant points; and therefore they were enabled to come at very cheap rates, come speedily, and arrive “on time.” Our services commenced on Tuesday, and closed the next week on Wednesday; and thus our meetings were at beginning and ending, “square as a brick.” This chartering of cars has put a small sum of money into our public funds.
As we had held our yearly meeting at Bloomington in 1878, and as Eld. Andrews had been conducting a tent-meeting in the city just previous to our encampment, the novelty had passed away; the result was, as expected, not so large crowds as attended last year. However, a large number attended Sunday afternoon and evening.
The weather was favorable, there being only one rainy day, and that did not hinder our work. The other days were delightful. Counting covered wagons, our cotton dwellings numbered about fifty.
Toward the close of the first week Eld. A. O. Burrill, on his way from Ohio to Colorado, stopped off to attend our meeting, and rendered appreciated aid.
Both of the city dailies published accounts of our meetings; and, in lieu of our expected daily “Camp-meeting Record,” as we had last year, the Bloomington Leader published all we sent to it. Our camp-ground, though near the heart of the city, cost us but $15.00. All were very kind.
Our business sessions were harmonious. Votes were passed, and officers were elected, without a jar.
The religious phases of this convocation furnished the best features of the entire meeting. On Sabbath a large company came forward for prayers, quite a number of whom made their first start in the service of God. Here our gracious Master blessed us with a large measure of his Spirit, and many rejoiced in the Lord.
As the city water-works furnished us all the water we wished for all purposes, a baptistery was improvised, and on Monday, and Tuesday evenings Eld. Andrews immersed thirty-three souls, who united with churches at their several homes.
Eld. D. T. Bourdeau came to the meeting in company with a goodly number of our dear French brethren and sisters; and for them and others he and Bro. P. E. Gros put forth earnest efforts. Eld. L. Johnson had secured the presence of a few Scandinavians; and to them he preached in Danish. Thus we hope that the Illinois Conference will from this good meeting henceforth advance the cause of present truth among three nationalities.
A large majority of our friends present voted to pay the tithe (can the others tell why they did not?); between three and four hundred dollars were pledged to the missionary society; the tent and camp-meeting funds were increased, and thus our financial prospects were improved. Our dear Bro. D. Morrison was solemnly ordained to the Christian ministry. May the Lord graciously bless each branch of the work, during the coming year, in Illinois.
G. W. Colcord.
ARRIVAL AT BALE.
By John Nevins Andrews
We left Southampton Monday evening, Aug. 11, and arrived at Bale the Thursday evening following. The journey was pleasant and prosperous, but too fatiguing for me. I was quite feeble for several days, but have now nearly recovered the degree of strength which I possessed before leaving Southampton. I have confidence that with the blessing of God, and with proper care, I shall now speedily recover my usual health and strength.
The prospect of entering anew upon the work of this mission gives me great joy. Many things seem very encouraging with respect to the work before us. It seems to me that God is about to turn our captivity, and that many of the sorrows and afflictions which have hindered the work in the past will no longer be permitted to hinder it. Bro. Ertzenberger writes that last Sabbath he baptized thirteen persons in Lake Geneva at Morges, after which eighteen persons partook of the Lord’s supper. He says the baptism was the most interesting occasion of the kind that he ever attended. Next Sabbath he will administer baptism at Tramelain, to a larger number I suppose than he baptized at Morges.
I wish to make some new arrangements with reference to the publishing work at Bâle, and to move into a more suitable house than that which we now occupy. I wish, also, to visit all the Swiss churches, and render them some assistance, and then to have our general annual meeting. These things can soon be accomplished, and then I purpose to visit Dr. Ribton at Alexandria, and to remain with him a sufficient time to render him some assistance in his work.
The World’s Evangelical Alliance will convene in Bâle, Aug. 31, and remain in session eight days. If God will, I purpose to attend this meeting, and do what I can in behalf of the truth. As the Alliance convenes at our very doors, it seems to be a providential call that I should attend it.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Aug. 19, 68 Müllerweg, Bâle, Suisse.
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE IN KANSAS.
By Smith Sharp
Dear Brethren and Sisters: A sense of duty prompts me to offer a few thoughts for your consideration. First, I call your attention to the coming camp-meetings, the appointment for the first of which appears in this paper. We regard these four meetings, situated as they are within the reach of every one, as very favorable opportunities for the accomplishment of much good in our State. But the meetings will be a failure unless our brethren attend. Many did not attend the spring meeting on account of a press of business and the great distance they lived from it. These meetings will be held after the hurry of farm work will be over, and they will be within reach of all. We expect efficient help from other States at all of these meetings, and we shall be much disappointed if we do not see large gatherings on each camp-ground.
Although the receipts to the S. B. treasury have been greater than usual for the time, yet they have been but little above the running expenses of the Conference. We confidently expect that much more will be paid in at the close of the present quarter. Church treasurers can bring the means they have on hand to the camp-meetings, as they come so soon after the close of the quarter. Please make an effort to collect all that you can before starting to the meetings.
Although we have not seen all the prosperity desired in the labors of those who are out in the field, yet considerable has been accomplished. At least twenty who were strangers to the truth have embraced it since the May camp-meeting.
Again I will call attention to our permanent camp-meeting fund. There are only about $80 of unpaid pledges to this fund, and this is not yet due. Some expense will necessarily attend these meetings, and some provision must be made to meet it. This can easily be met by each one doing a little, and no one need be burdened. Let the brethren who have not pledged to this fund either make pledges immediately to their church or T. and M. officers, or come to the meetings prepared to make a donation to it. Our T. and M. society is in debt $1100.00; but we have over $400.00 worth of publications on hand, and enough of unpaid pledges which are due in October to pay off the debt. We propose to make a special effort to pay this debt immediately. In looking over librarians' books at different places, I have ascertained that much of this debt is for the REVIEW that is being sent to old subscribers. Let the librarians see these members at once, and collect the full price for the paper. Then let all that have taken subscribers see that the paper is paid for. Then let those of us who have pledged for the reserve fund pay our pledges when due, and those who have not pledged do so at once, and our society will be on a solid financial foundation.
Eld. Haskell expects to visit our State this fall or winter, in the interests of the T. and M. society and other branches of the work; and we want to do all we can to have things in readiness for his coming, so that a mighty impetus may be given to the work. SMITH SHARP.
TO DELEGATES AND OTHERS
By B. L. Whitney
ATTENDING the Pa. camp-meeting from Central and Northern N. Y. Special arrangements have been made with the N. Y. Central R. R., so that tickets good from Sept. 15-26, from Syracuse to Corning and return, will be sold at the very low rate of $3.25, less than 1½ cts. per mile, provided 25 tickets shall be sold. This with the reduction on the Erie will make the round trip from Syracuse to Hornellsville and return but $4.75. These certainly are very favorable rates, and we trust our brethren will take advantage of them to have every church in the N. Y. Conference represented at this meeting. The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg R. R. will also give the usual reduction to those attending the meeting over their road. We invite all our brethren who can do so, whether delegates to the Conference or not, to attend this meeting. Those from Central and Western N. Y. can go this way even more cheaply than they could attend the Carthage meeting; and as the Conference is to be held in connection with it, it will doubtless be the largest meeting of our people ever held in the State. Let all come. The Pa. brethren will certainly welcome you. B. L. WHITNEY.
WISCONSIN
Since June 26 I have visited the churches at Marietta, Mount Hope, Waterloo, Hurricane Grove, Sand Prairie, Kickapoo Center, Hillsborough, Debello, and Baraboo. We enjoyed good meetings at each of these places, and left the companies of Sabbath-keepers much encouraged. At Mount Hope, Waterloo, Sand Prairie, Kickapoo Center, Hillsborough, Debello and Baraboo they have good Sabbath-schools. Am glad to see the interest in this branch of the work increasing. Baptized three at Kickapoo Center, five at Hillsborough, and five at Debello. JOHN ATKINSON.
Sturgeon Bay, Tent No. 1.—The average attendance at our meetings is not quite so large as at first, but the real interest is on the increase. There is a very bitter and underhanded opposition, but the Lord is blessing his truth. Yesterday we baptized five. Next Sunday some others will move forward. We shall still labor on here, as the Lord has been pleased to give us a great victory. To his name be all the praise. O. A. OLSEN. E. G. OLSEN.
Rochester, Tent No. 3, Sept. 4.—Our meetings at this place continue with an increase of interest. Last Sunday evening about three hundred were present to listen to a discourse on the Sabbath. The people are in the valley of decision. Some think they must keep the Sabbath in the future; others want a little more time before deciding. We are hopeful that a company may be raised up here that will obey God by keeping all of his commandments. We have had no open opposition as yet; but there is quite a strong undercurrent at work to keep the people from taking hold of the truth. C. W. OLDS. E. M. CRANDALL.
IOWA
Stuart, Sept. 4.—We have been in this place four weeks. Have canvassed the subjects of the advent and Sabbath, and are now considering the nature of man. Some are keeping the Sabbath. We hope for at least a small organization here. We shall remain here until our camp-meeting.
J. S. HART. R. A. HART.
Gilman, Marshall Co., Sept. 5.—Tent-meetings were commenced here Aug. 2, and continue with good interest to the present time. The average attendance has been about one hundred. The people have given the best of attention to the word spoken, are kind and obliging, and supply most of our wants. Many are convinced that we have the truth, more are investigating, and nine have begun the observance of the Sabbath.
Opposition discourses have been announced by the presiding elder of the Methodist church, to be given Sept. 15. Subjects, “Immortality of the Soul,” and “the Christian Sabbath.” We will review. We trust an opportunity will then be offered for many to see the truth. Bro. W. H. Hankins has gone home on account of sickness in his family. We hope he may return to us again. We consecrate ourselves anew to God’s service, and trust he may accept our feeble efforts in his cause.
H. D. HOLLENBECK. LEROY T. NICOLA.
R. G. GARRETT
By R. G. Garrett
Litchfield, Aug. 29.—I am now holding meetings in the Morrison school-house, four miles from this place. Have given seven discourses. The people manifest a great interest to hear, coming out in such numbers that the house will not hold half who come. There are some, however, who misrepresent and oppose us. None of the ministers have yet come to hear us. An effort was made to secure the Baptist house near here, in which to hold meetings, but this proved unsuccessful. Brethren, pray for me and the cause in this place.
R. G. GARRETT
NEW YORK:
Kennedy, Sept. 1.—Have been holding meetings in this vicinity, and as the result three persons have resolved to keep the commandments. I do not anticipate any more fruit, as people are not interested enough to investigate.
E. Russell.
South Rutland, Tent No. 3, Aug. 25.—Took down our tent to-day, after a stay of eight weeks. We have given fifty-two discourses, sold $4.00 worth of books, obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW, two for the Signs, six for the Instructor, and two for Good Health, and have received over $10.00 in donations. Twelve are keeping the Sabbath, and others are very favorable. We have secured the Union church for our public services, and we leave a strong public sentiment in our favor. We believe the Lord has more honest souls here who will be gathered in, if the friends hold up the standard and live humbly.
Carthage, Sept. 2.—We pitched our tent here Aug. 25, and commenced meetings the 27th. The interest to hear is excellent, and the people are very friendly, supplying our temporal wants, and helping us in the musical exercises. We take up the Sabbath question to-night. Bro. E. W. Whitney has now arrived, and his help is timely and much appreciated.
M. H. Brown.
C. C. Lewis.
Watson, Lewis Co., Sept. 1.—Since our last report we have moved our tent about two miles to a more central point, where we have much larger congregations and a steady attendance of interested hearers. Some are already acknowledging the truth. During the past week we have dwelt upon the close testing themes of our message; but our audience does not diminish. The seats were filled last evening, and quite a large number remained outside, listening to the sermon. Monday evenings, as usual, we present the subject of temperance, and obtain a good many signers to the pledge. We expect to remain here awhile longer.
J. Wilbur.
H. H. Wilcox.
MICHIGAN
Mason, Sept. 1.—Last Sabbath we held our first Sabbath meeting with the friends here, which was an excellent one. The brethren came from the country, and about seventy-five were present. In our social meeting, the time was well filled up with testimonies by those who have just started. Eld. McLearn spoke with freedom, while the tears flowed freely. They all thought it the best meeting they had enjoyed for a long time. One man said he had been a professor for fifty years, but that he now felt like a new convert. The people seemed to be affected. When we took an expression to see how many would keep the commandments, some fifteen arose, and others will follow. These are intelligent, candid people. We have more than we can do to meet the calls to visit. Pray for us.
T. M. STEWARD.
E. P. DANIELS.
Sand Lake, Kent Co., Sept. 3.—Pitched the tent and commenced meetings in this place, July 25. Have given forty-three discourses. The meetings have been well attended, and the interest seems quite general. There were nine Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity when we came. As the result of our meetings thus far, eighteen others have commenced to walk in the light of present truth.
This was considered one of the roughest places on the G. R. and I. R. R., and it was with no little reluctance that we came here. But we have been unmolested, and have found many warm friends who have been mindful of our wants, and have met our expenses so far by donations. We remain here till the Lyons camp-meeting, to establish those who have already made a start, and to bring in others who are interested.
G. H. GILBERT.
MAINE
Blaine, Aroostook Co.—We closed our tent-meetings at this place Aug. 24. About twenty decided to keep the Sabbath. The last day of the meeting five were baptized. It was a pleasant season. As many as five hundred people were present. During the entire tent season we have sold about $31.00 worth of books, tracts, and pamphlets, and obtained forty-four subscribers for our periodicals. Our tent-meetings have opened a large field for labor. We had an urgent invitation from the high sheriff to go to Fort Fairfield. He offered us the free use of grounds for our tent. As we do not pitch our tent again this season he promised us the grounds for next summer. We had also an invitation to go to Mapleton, with an offer of the grounds and seats for tent free. There are many other places where meetings might be held in school-houses. But where are the men to fill these calls? May the Lord of the harvest raise up laborers, and send them forth into his harvest. S. J. HERSUM. P. B. OSBORN.
Burnham.—Aug. 25 we took down the tent here. Twenty-five signed a covenant to keep all the commandments of God and walk in the light of the third angel’s message, and to sustain religious meetings and a Sabbath-school. We obtained ten subscribers for the REVIEW, and a club of ten for the weekly Instructor for the Sabbath-school. Burnham is a hard field of labor. We have often been reminded of the words of our Saviour as addressed to the Pharisees and lawyers: “Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered, (forbade, margin).” But God has given the increase, and some who were spiritualists when we entered the place, are now rejoicing in the truth. One charge brought against us was that we were making divisions; but we look at it in a different light. “That day Pilate and Herod were made friends,” that is, they united in condemning Christ. So professors of different churches have united in trying to keep all they could from hearing and obeying God’s truth. But the interest increased until the close. There were between two and three hundred people out to our last meeting. We feel to thank God for the result of these meetings. To him be all the praise.95
Aug. 31. Our tent is now pitched on our camp-ground in Waterville, and we had a good meeting here last Sabbath. J. B. GOODRICH. C. STRATTON.
PRESENT AND FUTURE.
By L. D. Santee
Toward the sea the fountain streams are welling,
Flowing onward to return no more;
Rivers broad their seaward floods impelling,
There to mingle in the breakers’ roar.
And the angry wave, whose dire commotion
Thrills the brooding air with thunders deep,
Once was whispering on its way to ocean,
Where the nodding daisies were asleep;
Murmuring onward through the flowery meadows,
Singing low its peaceful quiet song,
Sparkling in the sunlight or in shadow,
Gliding peacefully and still along.
But its life of quietude has vanished,
And its voice of wrath is lifted high;
All its heart is restless,—peace is banished
By its foam-wreaths flung against the sky.
Such the type of earth with its commotion,
Back in paradise a peaceful flow;
Now waves of sin, like swelling waves of ocean,
Break in mad fury on the sands of woe.
Earth was at peace when morning stars were singing,
And when the song of God with joy did shout,
When like a lover, votive offerings bringing,
Her Maker hung his starry banners out.
But since the star of hope went down in sorrow
Full six millenniums have well nigh fled;
And still the warm earth waits a coming morrow
When they shall live again—the myriad dead.
Redemption waits the earth now clothed in sadness;
To Heaven ascends the mourner’s piercing cries;
Brief was the springtime morn of joy and gladness—
Then storms of wrath and pain ’neath wrinkled skies.
But as the wrathful tempest stills its roaring,
The foam-caps fall again in pearly dew;
The Saviour soon shall come; his love restoring
The weary earth to paradise anew.
L. D. SANTEE.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Canton.—Our meetings still continue at this place. Since introducing the Sabbath question, our audiences are not as large as before; but some are deeply interested, and one has already expressed the determination to obey the truth. Donations still come in, and we hope for some fruit. I meet regularly with the friends at Sioux Falls on the Sabbath, and we have interesting meetings. S. B. WHITNEY. Sept. 3.
NEBRASKA
By Geo. B. Starr
Arapahoe, Sept. 3.— Our meetings here are still well attended. A few have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Our children's meeting has resulted in the organization of a “Band of Hope,” of over fifty members; forty-six taking a pledge not to drink anything containing alcohol, as a beverage, not to use tobacco, and not to swear. The best people in town are interested in this work. GEO. B. STARR.
TENNESSEE
By G. K. Owen
Edgefield Junction, Sept. 1.—We have been holding meetings one month in Neeley’s Bend, a part of the time in the tent, as the school-house soon proved entirely too small for the congregation. The interest increased from the beginning. Nearly all are convinced. Some are keeping the Sabbath. We shall have abundance of work for awhile, visiting families and making preparations for our camp-meetings; though we have urgent invitations to lecture in several other places. G. K. OWEN.
OHIO
By H. A. St. John; A. M. Mann
Clarksfield, Sept. 2.—This is a very small village. We pitched our tent here last Friday, and began meetings in the evening. Have a beautiful location for our tent. Have now held six meetings, with an average attendance of about one hundred. Expect to continue here as long as the weather will admit. Some interest is manifested, which we trust will increase. We hope and pray for God’s blessing. Our P. O. address is Clarksfield, Huron Co., O.
H. A. St. John.
A. M. Mann.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
Coral Hill.—We are still holding meetings at this place. On account of sickness and other meetings being held near the place during the past week, our congregations have not been quite so large as at first. But the interest still continues good. Have given two discourses on the Sabbath. Several are very much interested. Pray for the work here. S. OSBORN.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane; W. W. Sharp
Sevastopol, Tent No. 1. Sept. 1.—Another week's labor is past, which in several respects has been the most interesting of the summer. Our congregations average about two hundred, and pay excellent attention. There is but one church here. Last Sunday was the regular preaching day, but minister and people came to the tent to hear on the Sabbath question. Many are deeply interested. Books sell freely, $9.40 worth having been disposed of during last week. We have many invitations to visit. The people have furnished us with food, oil, etc., and we have received donations of $5.50 toward expenses. We shall hold our first Sabbath meeting next Sabbath.
S. H. LANE.
W. W. SHARP.
Vermont: Elmore Tent Meetings and New Sabbath Keepers
By C. W. Stone
Vermont.
Elmore.—We held our last meeting Sept. 3, and next day shipped our tents to Essex for the camp-meeting. We were at E. thirty-seven days, and in that time Eld. A. S. Hutchins was present to speak twice, and I spoke forty-seven times. Twenty have now decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, the memorial of Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all things which are therein; and we have great hope that several more will soon do so. We wish to return here after camp-meeting, to labor a few days more. During the last two weeks Mrs. Stone and the writer have been alone to care for the tent, visit the people, sing and preach. The people have done everything in providing for us, and in making our stay pleasant; and the blessing of the Lord has been on our labors. To God be all the praise. C. W. Stone.
KANSAS
By G. H. Smith; M. Enoch; H. Enoch
Rooks Center, Aug. 28.—Have been holding meetings in this place five weeks. Two discourses were preached against the Sabbath by a Congregationalist minister. This effort against the truth only served to help us. Eight have signed the covenant, and others are keeping the Sabbath. Some of these had never made a profession of religion; but obedience to all of God’s commands has caused them to look to the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.” Prejudice has closed the ears of many; but we hope that those who have embraced the precious truth will live such consistent Christian lives that it will soon be removed. We shall remain here till camp-meeting, to encourage and establish them in the faith.
Sept. 2.—We have taken down the tent to-day. Since our last report we have had opposition from three ministers on the immortality question. They said, “S. D. Adventists go from Genesis to Revelation to prove their doctrine; but we don’t propose to do that.” They kept their word in this, and their discourse consisted mostly of abuse and slang against us. We reviewed them one-half hour, before the same congregation, and a decided victory was gained for the truth. Six more have signed the covenant, making fourteen in all. Next Sabbath we shall organize a Sabbath-school. We are in the center of a large field of labor, and will separate now and hold meetings in two places four miles from here, each in school-houses.
G. H. SMITH.
M. AND H. ENOCH.
MISSOURI
By J. G. Wood
Sedalia.—After Bro. Butler left here for the eastern camp-meetings, we continued our meetings in Sedalia nearly three weeks. The interest was not great, but we think considerable good was accomplished. Six were added to the church, two were baptized, three signed the covenant, and others who were not quite ready to join the church, promised to keep the Sabbath. A deacon and clerk were elected. We obtained two subscribers for the Signs, one for the REVIEW, and one for the Instructor. Sold several dollars’ worth of books. Received $7.65 as donations to defray expenses. If this church live faithful, and succeed in building a house of worship, as we believe they will, I expect to see a goodly number more added to them. We closed our meetings here Aug. 31.
We now move the tent to Windsor, Henry county, where we expect to hold a tent-meeting, and close with our fall camp-meeting. Bro. N. W. Allee is with me, rendering valuable service. J. G. WOOD.
PENNSYLVANIA
By Milton C. Wilcox; J. E. Robinson
Keeneyville, Tent No. 5.—Closed our meetings at Knoxville Aug. 24, after continuing there eight weeks. We found it a difficult field of labor, on account of the course pursued by some who professed the truth but failed to live it out. Their voice had been lifted in the streets in loud and boisterous argument, till all were disgusted. Deep-seated prejudice prevailed, and the stay-away argument was the only one used in opposition. Prejudice, however, was removed to a great extent, and we look for fruit in the future. Three took their stand for the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and others are almost persuaded. Our thanks are due to our Sabinsville friends, and especially to Bro. D. Baker, for their care and attention to our temporal wants. May they find treasure in Heaven.
We pitched our tent in this place Aug. 27. Have held three meetings. The people are kind and friendly, inquiring after our wants and inviting us to their homes. We desire to be vessels that are clean and fit for the Master's service. To this end, brethren and sisters, pray for us.
MILTON C. WILCOX,
J. E. ROBINSON.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth” Rev. 14:13.
LARKEE.—Died, near Saint Bernard, Neb., after a severe illness of eight days, Aug. 19, 1879, David, youngest son of Frederic and Margaret Larkee, aged 1 year and 13 days. “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” F. AND M. LARKEE.
VAN VLACK.—Died, Aug. 25, 1879, of diphtheria and membranous croup, near Norton, Kansas, our little Merton, aged 7 months, and 10 days. We have laid our loved ones away to sweetly sleep in Jesus until the resurrection morn, when we hope to clasp them in our arms again. F. AND A. VAN VLACK.
JONES.—Died, at Avalanche, Vernon Co., Wis., Aug. 20, 1879, James Jones, aged about thirty years. Bro. Jones embraced the truth nearly a year ago, when I held meetings near Avalanche. He was chosen elder of the small church at that place. He was highly esteemed in the church and in the neighborhood. He leaves a sick wife and many relatives and friends to mourn his loss, yet not without a bright hope of seeing him among the saved in God's kingdom. O. A. JOHNSON.
CHANDLER.—Died of nervous dyspepsia and liver complaint, at Victory, Wis., July 30, 1879, Martha A. Chandler, aged 57 years. Sr. Chandler had long been a professor of religion; she united with the church at Victory fifteen years ago. During her last sickness she had words of comfort for all, and exhorted those around her to prepare to meet her in the kingdom. We laid her in the grave, there to rest till Jesus comes to call forth the silent slumberers. Funeral discourse by the writer, from 2 Sam. 14: 14. A. D. OLSEN.
BRIGHAM.—Died from a gun-shot wound, March 20, 1879, Andrew Brigham, aged 17 years. He was baptized by Eld. B. L. Whitney, and united with the Mannsville church about a year previous to his death. He was a faithful and industrious boy; but for a year or more he had been subject to fits of despondency and mental derangement, said by the doctor to be the result of an injury to his head, caused by a fall. While in one of his despondent spells he shot himself at the house of Bro. Lowrey in Lorraine. Funeral service held at Mannsville. Sermon by the writer, from 1 Cor. 2: 9. M. H. BROWN.
Notes of News.
—Assassinations and robberies are numerous in Constantinople.
—The Philadelphia mint coined last month 1,876,050 standard dollars.
—An iron bridge went down with a train at Carthage, N. Y., Aug. 30. No lives lost.
—The prospect of an understanding between the pope and Bismarck looks less promising.
—Five and a half millions of gold left Europe for New York during the last three days of August.
—There are 80 colporteurs in connection with Mr. Spurgeon's church, who visit every month 75,000 families.
—There were more storms, Sept. 2, in the northeast and western portions of Scotland, and large tracts of land were flooded, causing further damage to crops.
—Relics of the age of bronze are manufactured in immense quantities in Switzerland, where they are sold to curiosity hunters for a hundred-fold their value.
—Taking 100 as an average wheat crop, Austro-Hungary stands this year 78, Germany 85, France 78, Switzerland 80, Italy 82, England 76, Russia 79, Roumania 90.
—The coal men in Pittsburgh have had news of a destructive storm at New Orleans, Sept. 1, by which large quantities of coal were lost. Fifty-three coal boats worth about $237,000 were destroyed. Thirty-five of these were owned in Pittsburgh, and were valued at $171,000. The coal sunk is not to be a total loss.
—Calcutta, Sept. 1.—Sixty-one thousand persons are still employed on the relief works in Bombay or are receiving gratuitous assistance. The Viceroy of India doubtless will demand, and, perhaps, has already demanded, the prompt withdrawal of the outrageous claim of the King of Burmah to Karennee territory, and, if necessary, will enforce the demand by war.
—Are the people of the United States growing more temperate? The statistics from the Internal Revenue Bureau would not seem to answer in the affirmative. Of home productions we have 15,000,000 gallons more than last year. That makes about 480,000,000 square drinks of three fingers each. Besides this, we imported last year, in excess of the former year, 4,434,455 gallons. This looks a little discouraging, and would seem to indicate that the temperance millennium was not ushered in during the fiscal years of ’78 and ’79.—Inter-Ocean.
—Havana, Sept. 1.—Advices from Hayti to Aug. 20, state that the Liberals have captured two mail steamers. The Provisional Government of Port au Prince sent troops against the Liberals at Gonaives. After a bloody struggle, Gonaives took fire. Two-thirds of the town was burned, and the remainder pillaged. After the defeat at Gonaives, Boier Bazelais and adherents embarked for Jeremie, which pronounced in his favor, and where he intends to make a stand. General Monpoint, aided by the national troops from Port au Prince, recaptured Cape Haytien, thus depriving the Liberals of two strongholds in the north—Gonaives and Cape Haytien. The country is in a fearful condition. A fire at Jacmel caused immense losses.
—The seventh session of the International Evangelical Alliance, which opened at Basle, Switzerland, on Sunday, will be, it is thought, one of the most important ever held. The programme announces addresses as follows from American delegates: The Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, of the International Bible Revision Committee, will speak on “State and Church in the United States;” the Rev. Dr. Hurst, President of the Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, on “The Christian Union as an Element of Religious Progress and Its Defense;” the Rev. Dr. Washburn, of the Calvary Episcopal Church, New York, will discuss “Socialism,” and the Rev. Dr. Anderson, of the Park Avenue Baptist Church, New York, will lecture on “Sunday schools.”
We expect to hear from Bro. Andrews concerning this, according to his report in this paper.
—Monday, Sept. 1, a terrible storm visited portions of Louisiana and Mississippi. At Lewisburg and Mandeville the wharves, bath-houses, and fences were destroyed and residences damaged. The town of Lewisburg was inundated. Three barges, having cargoes of produce, were sunk above Baton Rouge, and a number of coal and ferry boats were sunk. Houses were blown down in Bayou Sara, Baton Rouge, at Port Hickey, and other towns. A correspondent from one of the places visited by the storm says that it was a continuous gale of wind and rain from 8 o’clock in the morning until 11 at night. An occasional lull of a few minutes was followed by increased fury of the gale, carrying away trees, shaking houses and prostrating fences. Sugar houses, cabins, and stables were blown down. The orange crop is badly damaged, and pecan trees stripped of fruit. Cane and rice are in a deplorable condition, being leveled close to the earth, as if cut for the mill.
—A writer in “The Watchman” gives the result of his investigations on the subject of divorce in New England. His findings are of terrible significance. In Vermont, in 1860, there were granted 94 divorces. In 1877, the number was 175, nearly double, while the marriages had increased only one-fifth and the population not more than a tenth. In Massachusetts, in 1860, there were 241 absolute divorces. But in 1878 the number of absolute divorces had increased to 596. The marriages in that period increased less than one-fifth, and the population probably a little over one-fourth. In Connecticut, in 1860, there were 310 divorces, and 426 in 1877. Here the divorces have increased but little of late years in proportion to the population or to the marriages. But in 1849 the number of divorces was only 91. The statistics of Rhode Island are from 1869 only. In that year there were 162 divorces, and 178 in 1877. In these four States there were granted in the year 1877 one thousand three hundred and thirty-one absolute divorces.—Christian Weekly.
—Washington, Sept. 1.—The authorities at Baltimore have been trying to enforce the laws of that city, and stop Sunday excursions. To defeat the authorities, excursion steamers have been applying at the Postoffice in that city for mails on Sunday, although their contracts are for six days in the week. For several Sundays mails were delivered to these boats for transportation. Yesterday this was stopped by the following letter from the Second Assistant Postmaster General:—
“It is customary for this department to authorize more frequent service than is required of a contractor for carrying mail, when he offers to perform it without additional charge; but in the present case it is well understood and admitted that the sole reason that the contractor desires to carry Sunday mail to Talchester Beach is that he may be thus enabled to violate a law of the State of Maryland, which forbids Sunday excursions, but cannot interfere with carrying the United States mails. This department does not propose to allow its authority to be used in the case as a shield for the violation of local law.”