Most of our readers may be aware that the Seventh-day Baptists have a tent in the field this summer, in behalf of Sabbath reform. Eld. L. C. Rogers is conducting the enterprise, and is now holding a tent-meeting in Oxford, N. Y. Wishing him all success in his work, we know our readers will be interested in the following report of his meeting, which we copy from the Sabbath Recorder of July 10, 1879:—
Oxford, N. Y., June 30, 1879.—The interest and attendance at our tent-meetings here have not decreased the past week, as we feared, but have rather increased. At our last week's writing, we thought the crisis had been reached, and were looking for a decline in attendance. We have been happily disappointed. Last evening was our largest audience—tent full to overflowing. It was a grand occasion. I have felt it to be a great privilege to preach Sabbath truth to such attentive audiences as we have had from the first. I believe the truth is winning its way with some. We shall remain here for a week or two yet, and try to clinch the nails.
I have full faith in this method of labor. We could have gotten no such hearing as we have had, if we had not had our tent. It is the duty of our people to herald this neglected Sabbath truth, whether anybody receives it or not, and the tent method offers good opportunities. If any among us are weak in the faith as to tent methods, let them come and visit our tent; there is nothing in our tent work that the most conservative Sabbath-keeper need be ashamed of. There is no apparent prejudice against this method of labor, even in this conservative and aristocratic village. The pastors do not come in at all, but the intelligence of this community is fairly represented—some of the “first families” attend. But what a sorrowful sight it is to see large and attentive audiences made truly solemn under the power of God’s Spirit and truth, evening after evening, till impressed with a sense of duty to obey, their moral sense improved, their spiritual pulses quickened, and yet having not enough moral stamina, not enough of the power of true religion, to swing clear of doubts and fears and prejudices; some trifling excuse sufficing to turn many of them back to the old and popular ways of error. Oh, how dreadfully dark the times are! And what a powerful test of character is God’s Sabbath truth. There is nothing like it in the whole round of doctrines and duties in this respect. It tests Sabbatarians as well. Sabbath reform in general, and tent work in particular has, I am sorry to learn, been held up to the reprobation of our people, somewhat recently, by some of our respected ministers. This is a grief to many, all along our denominational lines.
I wish each of our Associations would put into the field and support one tent at least, in addition to present methods of labor. Those of God’s people who have the light of Sabbath truth must let their light shine; must become light-bearers; must not hide it under the “bed” of sloth, nor under the “bushel” of worldliness. This is an age of reform, of reconstruction. Sabbath reform is beginning to assume the character of world-wide interest, and our people should see their opportunity. We recall the words of Mordecai to Esther: “If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed; and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”
For myself, I desire a fresh and fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit for this work. Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them.
L. C. ROGERS.
DISEASED CHURCH-MEMBERS.
By R. M. Kilgore
Notwithstanding quack doctors and venders of patent medicines are multiplied, diseases of all kinds multiply faster than the doctors. But there are none so dangerous, and none that prove so unmanageable and fatal, as the epidemic among church-members. Delays are dangerous; and should the disease become seated, the result is generally death. The very first symptoms should be attacked, and the patient put under a thorough course of treatment, as the disease very soon takes on the chronic form. The following are some of its more general symptoms, and the most satisfactory manner of treatment, though additional remedies might be applied.
SYMPTOMS.
Losing a relish for John 5:39; the pulse waning to Col. 4:2; a craving for 1 John, 2:16, causing dullness and sleepiness during the sermon; a fear of damp, hot, and cold weather; a nausea at Acts, 12:12; an indifference for Heb. 10:25; loss of memory of Ex. 20:8; Sabbath sickness; a coldness toward John 13:34; an occasional breaking out near 2 Pet. 2:10; pulse rising to 2 Thes. 3:11; feverish with 1 Tim. 5:13; circulation active at Prov. 6:16-19; evident signs of 1 Cor. 3:3; becomes chronic at Gal. 5:19-21; and incurable with Heb. 6:4-6.
Sabbath and first-day, June 21, 22, I was at this place. Bro. C. W. Stone closed his labors here a short time previous, leaving some fifteen or more keeping the Sabbath. In various ways opposition manifested itself while he was here.
The Methodist minister, Eld. J. Leavitt, did not seem satisfied with the efforts of his predecessor to prove the Sunday Sabbath, therefore, about the time Bro. Stone left here, he appointed to preach on the subject of the Lord’s day, some two weeks in the future, and Bro. Stone appointed to hear and review him; but as he must leave the tent if he did so, it was arranged otherwise.
In the afternoon of June 22, Eld. L. came before the people in vindication of the first-day Sabbath. He said: “The Lord’s day is the outgrowth of the Seventh-day Sabbath; it is the seventh-day Sabbath. We have not dispensed with the fourth commandment. The Lord’s day is the Sabbath; it is the fourth commandment.”
The fathers were brought forth to speak for this change, the change which he affirmed had been made by Christ and the apostles. He said: “What makes the ten commandments sacred is what God has said of them. The Sabbath was not abolished with the ordinances of the Jews.”
A slight effort was made to prove from the New Testament the change of the Sabbath, and in conclusion we were told that he had not given us his “most weighty, conclusive, and clinching arguments.”
I reviewed his sermon in the evening, before an attentive audience, after which he arose and said, “I have more to say on this point;” and he accordingly appointed to preach again on the subject in two weeks from that evening, promising then to give us “a more scriptural and rational discourse.”
Last Sunday evening brought the time, and the promised effort. In this he made no reference to the scriptures brought against him in the review, nor did he attempt to unsettle but one point that I made. He made a vigorous effort for help from the fathers. One would almost suppose he had read, and believed the following to be true: “Yes, my brother, the fathers are your stronghold; they are Heaven’s best gift to the man who has a cause that can’t be sustained in any other way.”
This point passed, and Eld. L. seemed to turn into another man. Aided by a no-Sabbath book, which I would sooner think a Methodist minister, if he respected the teachings of the discipline of his people on the law of God, would have wrapped in a napkin and hidden in the earth, he said that the ten commandments were the first covenant, and that they were nailed to the cross, abolished, and taken out of the way. All that was moral in the commandments was now binding, as they had been reconstructed. But he failed to tell us, or even to mention a text of Scripture in proof of, the time when, place where, or by whose orders, or by whom this reconstructing took place. In conclusion he remarked: I do not see any sin in keeping both the seventh and first day, if one can afford it. This being so, we cannot understand the harm in keeping only one, provided that be the one commanded of God.
The following evening this effort was reviewed, more people being present than could have been expected on Monday evening. The brethren and sisters rejoice in the truth.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Good Breeding Insures Love and Affection
GREAT talent renders a man famous; great merit procures respect; great learning, esteem; but good breeding alone insures love and affection.
A QUESTION FOR SUNDAY-KEEPERS.
By Dexter Daniels
Nadab and Abihu sinned in offering strange fire before the Lord. They may have reasoned that fire was fire, and it would make no difference whether it came from the sanctuary or somewhere else, if it only did its work. But it was not the particular fire which God had commanded them to use; and they were destroyed for their rash act. What is the difference, in principle, between their act, and that of those who keep the first day of the week for the Sabbath? Dexter Daniels.
NEBRASKA
By Geo. B. Starr; A. J. Cudney
Beaver City, July 8.—We have held eighteen meetings with the Richmond church. Three members were added, two by baptism. Five arose for prayers, among whom were some of the children of the brethren. The tithing system was accepted. Our present address is Beaver City, Furnas Co., Neb.
GEO. B. STARR.
A. J. CUDNEY.
PENNSYLVANIA
Potter Brook, Tent No. 2, July 1.—We held our first tent-meeting here June 21, with a congregation of fifty. We have now held eleven meetings, and the interest has increased, so that at our last meeting the tent was filled, and many came who could not find seats. We are in the midst of a first-class farming community, and the people attend from the surrounding villages. We expect to have a strong influence to contend with among no-Sabbath Adventists; but in God we trust. We earnestly desire the prayers of God’s people, that truth may triumph, and that our labors may be blessed to the salvation of souls.
J. G. SAUNDERS.
P. KENT.
Knoxville, Tent No. 5, July 8.—We commenced meetings in this place June 28. Have given nine discourses to congregations ranging from 75 to 300. Our average attendance is about 150. The interest to hear is apparently increasing.
We have a good location nearly opposite to the M. E. church. We get our ground free, and also furniture for the use of our tents. Bro. Walter Graves is with us, to preside at the organ and assist in missionary work. We hope for good results. We desire a full consecration to the Lord. Brethren, pray for us.
M. C. WILCOX.
J. E. ROBINSON.
MICHIGAN
Tuscola, July 7.—We closed our meetings in this place last night. The attendance throughout was comparatively small. The stay-away spirit was indulged in generally by the ministers and members of the other churches. Some, however, were deeply interested. Two or three more have accepted the truth, making seventeen in all. These were mostly from the Baptist church. They are all united, and of good courage. We design to pitch the tent next in Millington. Pray for us. R. J. LAWRENCE. WM. OSTRANDER.
Kalamazoo.—The quarterly meeting at this place was well attended. The friends were present from Galesburgh and Vicksburgh. We31had the privilege of attending; and although the word was spoken in physical weakness, the Spirit of the Lord caused it to reach the hearts of those who heard. The celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house was a season of refreshing to all. The falling tears told of the emotions of the heart. This occasion will not soon be forgotten by those who were there. At the close of this meeting, we all felt that we had greater love in our hearts for God, and the truth, and each other. E. R. JONES.
Douglas and Otsego.—I spent Sabbath, June 28, with the brethren at Douglas. The church in that place has nearly doubled its membership within the past year through the labors of Elders Jones and Daniels. The brethren seem to be full of courage, and are evidently quite active in both Sabbath-school and missionary work. Nearly every member of the church was present, and our meeting was a good one. On Sabbath, July 5 and 6, I held meetings with the church at Otsego. While there two united with the church on profession of faith, and one by letter. On the evening after the Sabbath the ordinances were administered, the blessing of the Lord making glad the hearts of those who participated therein. On Sunday afternoon the house of worship was well filled by citizens of the town, who gave good attention to the words spoken. One of the most interesting features of the church in Otsego is their Sabbath-school. The officers and the teachers, as well as the scholars, seem to be alive to the importance of the work. W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
OHIO
Staunton, July 7.—We pitched our tent here, and began meetings yesterday. At our first meeting we had a good turnout, and the best of attention was given to the word spoken. I attended the quarterly meeting at Leesburgh. The roll was called, to which all responded with cheering testimonies. After the meeting we went to the water, where two sisters followed their Lord in baptism. Then we celebrated the ordinances.
For the present my P. O. address will be Washington, C. H., Fayette Co., Ohio. E. H. Gates.
Leverings, Corsica, and Belleville.—June 24, Rev. A. Burns, the champion Disciple, received a telegram,—“Come to Leverings by first train;” and after his arrival he announced that he had come to preach the funeral sermon of Adventism, which he tried to do for three nights in succession, maintaining that the ten commandments were abolished at the cross, and that Sunday is the Lord’s day; but he refused to affirm it in public debate, even when pressed upon the point. He was very abusive, and would stop in the midst of his arguments to vomit out his slander upon our people, Sister White in particular. He is not a strong opponent. We reviewed him the Sunday following. Privately he acknowledged the following in substance:—
Question. Were you personally acquainted with Mrs. E. G. White when she was a girl? Answer. No, sir.
Q. Didn’t you know her before she was married? A. No, I never saw her.
Q. Do you personally know her now? A. I have seen her once or twice, but have no personal acquaintance with her.
Q. Then all you know about her is by report? A. Yes, sir.
Then I took these points of conversation and made a statement of them before him in public, and added: (1) I was born in the same State with Sr. White; (2) was brought up there; (3) knew her before I was an Adventist; (4) have lived neighbor to her since; (5) have labored in connection with Bro. and Sr. White; (6) have had an intimate acquaintance with them for many years; (7) I therefore was acquainted with the facts, and knew that all he had said was a miserable slander; (8) that he knew it was, also, but was willing to have it so, and to use such language behind an innocent woman’s back; (9) that a man who would publicly slander Sister White would treat any other lady in the same manner upon the slightest provocation.
Our ministers in Ohio will do well to preserve these statements, as he is a leading man, and whenever and wherever he can find an opportunity to abuse the public mind he will do so; but if they have these acknowledgments, they can kill all he says in a few minutes, and show him to be unprincipled, and given to slander. He will stoop to almost anything to prejudice the public against us.
This effort with the tent will be the means of bringing about twenty into the church, and will restore harmony in all its workings. This church have done all they could to make these meetings a success.
I made a two days’ visit at Corsica, after having been absent for more than two months. Love and harmony prevail among them, and the new ones are coming in. Their Sabbath-school is a grand success. Their new house of worship, which is now ready for plastering, I believe will be a model house.
Our quarterly meeting at Belleville, which is just past, was excellent. Our little house was well filled with S. S. scholars. The Sabbath-school has been much profited by the visit of Bro. Reavis. Three more were added to the church, two of whom were baptized. Bro. L. Lafferty was ordained elder. There are others who will soon unite with this church. Harmony seems to exist among the members.
We begin our tent-meeting in Appleton to-morrow evening. My address, until further notice, will be Appleton, Licking Co., Ohio. A. O. Burrill.
Uniopolis.—Eld. Rupert had his tent here three weeks, and I was with him the last week, July 2-6. He had a large attendance until the beginning of harvest, when the evening congregations became smaller, but on Sundays the tent was crowded. I organized the church two months ago, with only six members. On the Sabbath, as it was church quarterly meeting, we read the names of each one, and called on them to speak. After this, thirteen requested to unite with the church. Each one was examined, and voted into the church, and received the right hand of fellowship. Then we repaired to the water and baptized four. Sunday afternoon the church elected Enos Babcock elder, and we ordained him. Immediately following this, we all took part in the holy communion of the Lord’s supper. It was a sweet and solemn occasion. All present joined the tract society, and some money was pledged. This church now stands fully organized in all parts of the work. They have promptly paid up their tithes, and what is more have been honest with God in giving all that was really due. Now see how God has already blessed them for it. I obtained three names for the REVIEW, and five for the Instructor. The tent now goes about twelve miles east, where there are a few Sabbath-keepers. D. M. Canright.
WISCONSIN
Neillsville.—We pitched our tent in this place June 26. Have given eight discourses. Our congregations average about forty. Nearly all admit that we have the truth as far as they have heard. We have just introduced the Sabbath question. Several manifest considerable interest, and we hope to win some to the truth. We are of good courage in the Lord. T. B. Snow. C. Holmes.
Rockton, Tent No. 4.—We commenced meetings here the evening of June 28. The people seem friendly, and some are apparently interested to hear the truth. We have already had several urgent calls to visit them at their homes. Through the help of God we hope for success. Our address for the present will be Rockton, Vernon Co., Wis. O. A. Johnson. Andrew Christiansen.
Leon, July 5, 6.—I attended quarterly meeting with this church. Although but short notice had been given, there was quite a turnout. Sabbath forenoon, in response to an invitation, about a dozen came forward for prayers, mostly children of the Sabbath-school. Many bore testimony for the first time. It was a precious season, indeed, and we all felt that the Saviour of sinners was present. On first-day six were baptized. The church is greatly encouraged. H. W. Decker.
July 2.—Our tent is pitched on the county-line road between Dodge and Green Lake counties, seven miles north of Fox Lake village, and five miles south of Mackford, in the midst of a well settled country. There is no English meeting-house nearer than four miles. Commenced meetings June 27. Our evening congregations number about seventy-five; on Sunday we had an attendance of two hundred and fifty or more. The people are friendly, and give good attention. We hope for the conversion of souls. We need the prayers of our brethren. Our address is Markesan, Green Lake Co., Wis.
July 8.—Since the above report it has been very stormy, and the congregations small, averaging about forty. Sunday there was the greatest fall of rain known in this section for many years; nevertheless we filled our appointments, and a few came to hear. Some are manifesting an interest. S. S. Smith. Eli Osborn.
Excelsior, Tent No. 2.—This is a central position between Kilbourn, Baraboo, and Reedsburg. It is a farming community. The Christian denomination is the one principally represented, and their regular meetings are held in the tent. A very friendly feeling prevails, and quite a good interest is manifested, although haying and harvesting prevent many from attending. We think we see omens of good results. Our address is Delton, Sauk Co., Wis. G. C. Tenney. J. J. Smith.
Retreat, Vernon Co., Tent No. 8, July 7.—On account of delay in shipping our tent from Chicago, our tent-meeting did not commence until July 4. We obtained the Methodist church, and gave several discourses on practical and prophetic subjects, while waiting for the tent. We also visited the church at Victory, and the company at Rush Creek. Our quarterly meeting was a good one, and the brethren seemed to enter more heartily into the work than ever before.
We think the interest in this place not the best; still we have hopes for some. The greater part of the people are Methodists, and very strong prejudice exists against us as a denomination. We have given one discourse on the Sabbath, which was well received. A very heavy rain came up during our meeting last evening, compelling the larger part of the congregation of one hundred and fifty persons to stay till nearly morning. We improved the opportunity in visiting among them, and making them as comfortable as possible. We think in this way some prejudice was removed. A. D. Olsen. A. J. Breed.
NEW YORK.
So. Rutland, Tent No. 3, July 8.—The interest here has been on the increase since our last report, and is the most remarkable we have ever seen. People attend from Watertown, Carthage, and neighboring villages, coming a distance of ten or fifteen miles. The Lord has greatly blessed in speaking the truth, and deep solemnity has characterized our meetings. We have spoken twice upon the Sabbath question, and still the interest holds good. The busy season of haying will no doubt lessen the attendance some. Pray for us, that we may labor to divine acceptance. M. H. BROWN. C. C. LEWIS.
Frewsburg, Tent No. 4, July 7.—We found but few at North Warren, Pa., who were interested, yet we trust that our labor was not in vain. Obtained a subscriber for our Danish paper, and one for the Swedish paper; also sold books to the amount of $2.70. We believe a few will yet accept the truth.
Commenced meetings here evening after the Sabbath, July 5. The people are quite friendly, and are beginning to aid us in temporal matters. May the Lord help the honest ones to see the truth. F. PEABODY. D. BALL.
COLORADO TENT.
By M. E. Cornell
Longmont, June 30.—The tent has been removed from this place, and was pitched in Boulder, June 26. Bro. Corliss is holding meetings there with some interest. I remained here to follow up the work, and have succeeded in obtaining a hall free of charge, in which I have held five meetings. The names of thirteen persons (all adults), are attached to the covenant, and arrangements are made for regular Sabbath meetings. Several are still investigating, and we look for a few more to decide for the truth. I go to Boulder to-day, to join Bro. Corliss in the effort there. Our address until further notice will be Boulder, Colorado.
M. E. CORNELL.
OUR COMING KING.
By L. Crin
Blest morn when Zion's King shall come
To earth, with power and glory crowned,
And with him, clothed in robes of white,
Will thousands of his saints be found.
Oh blessed day! Oh happy thought!
When earth in Eden's garb shall bloom;
The saints their blest reward receive,
And sinners meet their chosen doom.
The righteous dead, whose forms repose
In hope beneath the silent tomb,
Will then be raised, no more to die,
But dwell in their eternal home
Ye weary ones, in patience wait,
The signs portend His coming near;
The night's far spent, the day's at hand,
Our blessed King will soon appear.
L. CRIN.
State Center, Iowa.
INDIANA
By J. M. Rees; J. S. Shrock; V. Thompson
Warrington, Tent No. 2, July 8.—The busiest season with the farmers being past, we shall hold meetings every night, excepting probably Mondays and Fridays. We have partially canvassed the Sabbath question. Shall hold our first Sabbath meeting next Sabbath. The interest to hear seems to augment. Many say that thus far we have taught nothing but Bible truth. Our congregations still range from about 100 to 500. J. M. REES, J. S. SHROCK, V. THOMPSON.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Hersum; P. B. Osborn
Ashland, Aroostook Co., June 30.—We commenced meetings in this place June 27. The weather has been unfavorable, having been rainy the most of the time. Congregations have ranged from thirty-five to a hundred. Some prejudice exists here, and much indifference is manifested in regard to the Bible and religious matters. But by the blessing of God we hope to see prejudice removed, and an interest aroused to hear the truth. We request the prayers of our brethren and sisters.
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
P. B. OSBORN.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord; D. Morrison
Du Quoin.—We have recently held several encouraging meetings here. Last Sabbath, July 5, we held our first ordinance meeting with this church, in which every member bore a cheerful part. At our business meeting every one present voted in favor of the tithing system.
Last Sunday we held two services in the grove at High Bank, and baptized two, who joined the church at Du Quoin. Our church building enterprise is quite promising, and we hope to build an edifice 28x42. We go to-day to Webber Grove. Write to Du Quoin.
G. W. COLCORD.
D. MORRISON.
VERMONT
By C. W. Stone
Morrisville.—We have been holding a tent-meeting at this place, since June 15. The people were not strangers to the doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists, as our camp-meeting was held here last year and two years ago. Those meetings left an excellent impression. We have found one lady keeping the Sabbath as a result, and perhaps others would be doing so, had it not been for the introduction and extensive circulation of “no law” reading matter which first confused the mind. But the interest to hear is very good. We have presented the nature of man and subjects connected therewith quite fully, and have spoken a few times upon the Sabbath. The interest increases. Pray that a good number may embrace the truth. Bro. Frank Porter is with me, and renders valuable service. C. W. STONE.
July 3.
KANSAS
By Smith Sharp
Since camp-meeting I have visited the little companies of Sabbath-keepers at Osage City, Emporia, Otter Creek, and Peru. At Osage City, four were baptized, a church of fourteen members organized, and an elder ordained. At Emporia, there are a few keeping the Sabbath, and they have been keeping up meetings since Bro. Stevens was there last winter. Twelve signed the covenant, and a leader was appointed. Ten copies of the weekly Instructor are now taken for the use of the Sabbath-school. At Otter Creek and Peru they have organizations but recently effected.
At each of these places, the T. & M., S. S., and other interests connected with the cause, were considered, and some advancement was made. At Peru, every member signed the pledge to pay one-tenth of their income for the support of the cause. SMITH SHARP.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
Vineyard School-house, July 3.—We commenced tent-meetings here June 27. Have given six discourses. The interest is increasing. The attendance during the week has not been less than one hundred and fifty, and on Sunday it was considerably increased. As we are in a country place, and people are now in the midst of harvest, we think this quite an encouraging prospect. Their interest is further manifested by sending in questions to be answered. The people seem very friendly, and I have never seen better attention given than is manifested here. Some say that although they work during the day, they cannot afford to miss a single meeting.
On account of hard times and scarcity of money, we are doing but very little in the way of book sales. But there seems to be an interest on the part of some to read, and we could distribute any amount of reading matter. Will all those in this part of the Conference who have reading matter on hand bring it with them to the quarterly meeting, for distribution? Our address for the present will be Slick Rock, Barren Co., Ky. S. OSBORN.
Notes of News.
—A reign of terror is reported from the city of Mexico.
—At Liverpool, July 7, 1,300 diseased sheep from Boston were slaughtered.
—Two hundred and fifty Icelanders have arrived in England, en route to Minnesota, U. S.
—Cincinnati estimates that $350,000 was spent for beer in that city during the Sangerfest.
—During the session of congress just closed, a grand total of 3,287 bills was introduced.
—A church at Cynthiana, Ky., gave a grand picnic and horse race last week, for the benefit of its fund.
—A Nihilist fire at Iskutsk, Russia, burned 400 houses on the 4th. The burning of Tula is also threatened.
—Bad crops will necessitate the purchase by France of $100,000,000 worth of foreign grown breadstuffs and produce.
—The yellow fever has again appeared in Memphis, Tenn., and crowds are leaving the place in every kind of available conveyance.
—Paris, France, July 6—By a hurricane on the River Doubs, a steamer with fifty-three passengers was sunk, and only five persons saved.
—Two young ladies, one at Poughkeepsie, and the other at Newcastle, Pa., were burned to death, July 4, their dresses having been ignited with firecrackers.
—There was a severe frost in some portions of the province of Quebec, July 5. In Eastern Hants, beans were killed, and potatoes in bloom were cut down to the ground.
—A dispatch, dated July 8, says that Port au Prince, Hayti, is in flames. Blocks of buildings are in ashes, the custom house is closed, and business suspended, owing to the revolution.
—A correspondent at Berlin draws a gloomy picture of the state of Russia, owing to the Nihilists, the failure of the crops, and the ravages of the corn-beetle. Fifty thousand rubles have been appropriated to exterminate the beetle.
London, July 11.—A Berlin correspondence says there are marked symptoms of estrangement between Germany and Russia. Prince Bismarck will meet Archbishop Masilla, the Papal Nuncio to Bavaria, at Kissengen in July, when it is thought a final understanding between Germany and the Vatican will be reached.
London, July 6.—The Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage, of Brooklyn, preached at Agricultural Hall this afternoon to two congregations of 20,000 people each. Thousands upon thousands of persons thronged the streets leading to the hall for miles, almost blockading the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Many people were severely crushed, and Dr. Talmage’s carriage was almost demolished by the crush of the great crowd, every individual of which was anxious to see the distinguished American preacher. His presence here is creating a furore through Great Britain. The press comments deal with him daily from various points of view, as preacher or lecturer, but all admit his power and originality.—Bismarck.
—A terrific storm swept over a large portion of the country, Friday, July 11. In eastern Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the damage was very great. The storm in Detroit was the most severe that city has ever experienced. The sewers were utterly inadequate to carry off the water, and cellars were flooded in all directions. At Pontiac, crops, orchards, and buildings were greatly damaged. Every building on the fair-ground was blown down, the spires of the Congregational and Episcopal churches were blown off, and chimneys strewn over the roofs of houses all about the city. At Port Huron the storm was still more severe. A brewery, photograph gallery, and new Methodist church were entirely demolished. The enormous roofs of the Grand Trunk freight houses at Fort Gratiot and Point Edwards, were blown off. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, the damage has also been severe. Several lives have been lost, and others seriously injured.