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Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 35.

A Good Conscience.—
Earlier text: The Power and Victories of Faith

CHRIST IN THE SCRIPTURES; THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES

Lesson XII.—Sabbath, September 19, 1896.

CHRIST IN THE SCRIPTURES; THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES.

Lesson Scripture, John 5:39 to 6:14, R. V.
39 “Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life. 41 I receive not glory from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not; if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not? Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? 1 “After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. And Jesus went up into the mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him; for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would. And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost. So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten. When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.”

QUESTIONS.

1. What testimony did Christ bear to the outward show of regard which the Jews had for the word of God?
2. What reason was given for their attention to it?
3. What connection did Christ declare that there was between the Scriptures and his work?
4. How did Christ show the emptiness of the Jews' religion?
5. Did Christ receive the honor which was due him?
6. What essential thing did he say that the Jews lacked?
7. What does he say in proof of this statement?
8. What does he set forth as the root of their unbelief?
9. Who is mentioned as their accuser?
10. How is it shown that they really did not believe the Scriptures?
11. What followed as a consequence of this unbelief?
12. What body of water did Jesus now cross?
13. Who followed him? Why?
14. To what place did he and his disciples go?
15. What feast was soon to be held?
16. In view of the place and the number, what natural inquiry did Jesus make?
17. What was the real intent of the inquiry?
18. What reply was given to him by Philip?
19. What information did Andrew give? What question did he ask?
20. What preliminary arrangements for a meal were made? How many sat down?
21. What did Jesus do with the small supply of provisions?
22. After the meal was finished, what command did he give?
23. What quantity of fragments remained?
24. What effect did this miracle have upon those who saw it?

NOTES.

1. His rejection by the Jews is still the theme of Christ's discourse with them, and he shows them that, although they pride themselves upon their study of the Scriptures, through their knowledge of which they expect to have salvation, yet they reject that very word when it is made flesh, and are “not willing” to come to him who is the Life both of the Scriptures and the believer. “The whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation . . . to the closing promise, ‘Behold, I come quickly,’ we are reading of his works and listening to his voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.”
2. “The Scriptures are unfolded, not so much to the intellect, as to the heart, of man. . . . The Bible is a sealed book, so far as its spiritual treasures are concerned, to the man who brings only his intellect to the study of it. . . . The intellect is but the handmaid to the heart in Bible study. . . . The Bible is a book addressed to the heart rather than to the head. . . . Men generally do not understand the Bible, because they seek to understand it with their heads, rather than with their hearts. The word of God is to be heard with our ears or seen with our eyes, but it is to be understood with our hearts.”
3. “Jesus came by the authority of God, bearing his image, fulfilling his word, and seeking his glory; yet the leaders in Israel did not recognize or accept him; but when others should come assuming the character of Christ, but actuated only by their own will, seeking their own glory, they would be received. And why?—Because the teachings of these pretenders were in harmony with the traditions and prejudices of the Jews. The Jewish leaders were destitute of the love of God; and while their hearts were filled with envy, prejudice, and self-righteousness, they could not distinguish the voice of God. They were not acquainted with God. To them his voice through Jesus Christ was the voice of a stranger. Does not the same danger still exist? Are there not still those, it may be even religious leaders, who, by indulging pride, self-righteousness, or prejudice, are hardening their hearts against the influence of God's Holy Spirit, and making it impossible for them to discern his voice? It is thus that many reject the messages of truth that God sends to them.”
4. “It is ‘a desert place’ (Mark 6:32); but this is simply the country as opposed to the city, an uninhabited place, and so there was ‘much grass’ there. Philip's liberal expenditure of money would only provide ‘a little’ for each one, but Christ's blessing upon, and ministry of, the little which they had, made it possible for all to be ‘filled.’ A little of this world's goods, with Christ, is better than all that the money of the world can buy, without Christ.”
5. The instruction in verse 12 is of general application. “Every gift of God is to be made the most of. Fragments of time, money, opportunity, influence, are not to be flung away, but used.”
6. This lesson brings out the truth that Christ is the Sustainer of spiritual life, as well as the Giver of it, and he would teach that he sustains this life by imparting himself. The full import of this miracle is set forth by Christ himself in his discourse upon the bread of life, which will be studied in later lessons.

Suggestions for Further Study.

1. Christ said to the Jews, “Ye have not his word abiding in you,” and, “Ye have not the love of God in you.” How are the “word” and the “love” manifested in those who possess them?
2. God put his own name in Christ from the first (Heb. 1:8; Ex. 23:21; Isa. 9:6, etc.), and Christ “was manifested to take away our sins” (1 John 3:5), by manifesting that name (John 17:6) without which there is no salvation (Acts 4:12). That name written in our foreheads (Rev. 14:1) is a sign of the completed work. It is a fulfilment of the new covenant promise. Heb. 8:10.
3. Verse 44 brings out the lesson of “self-seeking a hindrance to faith.”
4. Were any delicacies, merely to please or to tempt the appetite, provided in this meal?
5. Compare the effect of this miracle upon the people with its effect upon the rulers.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

On the 8th ult. five persons were baptized in San Francisco by Elder E. E. Andross.
Elder N. W. Allee reports the recent addition of five members to the church at St. Cloud, Mich., and two at Lake Eunice.
Three adults have recently accepted the Bible Sabbath in the vicinity of North Wheeler, Mich., where Brother Albert Weeks has been holding meetings in a schoolhouse.
The tent work in Baltimore has been removed to the northern part of the city, entering what is practically a new field. Elder S. B. Horton has joined Elder Hottel in this work.
Elder V. H. Lucas, whose recent field of labor has been in the west, has joined Elder O. O. Farnsworth in tent labor at 137th Street and Lenox Avenue, New York City. They report encouraging success.
The Gleaner, published by the Australian Tract Society, notes the fact that a Wesleyan minister and a local preacher of the Primitive Methodist Church have accepted the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists, and were both baptized in Melbourne, July 28.
Book sales by canvassers in Australia during the month of June amounted to $5,730. The canvasser has penetrated as far as the famous Coolgardie mines, in West Australia, a region deemed almost inaccessible to civilization until the discovery of some rich gold mines.
From the Bible Echo of July 27, we learn of the death of Brother J. H. Stockton, who was the first in Australia to embrace the views held by Seventh-day Adventists in Australia. The same paper tells us that a new brick church was then nearing completion in North Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne.
Of the Scandinavian tent work at 28th Street, 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., Brother S. F. Svensson says the congregations are composed of Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, and Finns. They pay good attention, and quite a number are interested in the truths presented, some having already decided to accept it.
Selling our papers is increasing in importance as a means of disseminating the Gospel message. A young lady engaged in selling the Bible Echo reports 112 regular customers, besides a number of others who buy occasionally. She also reports five persons who have begun keeping the Sabbath of the Lord from reading the Echo.
September 19 has been set apart as a day of fasting and prayer throughout the California conference. The fast-whitening fields are constant reminders of the great need of laborers to gather the harvest, and means to sustain the work. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”
We have known professed ministers of the Gospel to do some pretty small things by way of opposition to those who teach men to observe the commandments of God, but it has been reserved for some at Bushy Run, Pendleton County, W. Va., to throw eggs at such teachers, and hire men to take the burrs off their wagon wheels. It requires no conjurer to tell what spirit inspires that kind of argument, but it is not the Spirit of Christ, or of the Gospel. It is needless to say that a deep interest in the cause of truth called forth such a measure of wrath on the part of the enemy.
In urging the brethren and sisters of West Virginia Conference to attend the camp-meeting at Point Pleasant, September 17-28, President D. C. Babcock gives this good counsel: “Count the actual cost of attending the meeting, ask the Lord to help you to go, and you will go. But do not ask him to help you to get fine clothes so you can go. Three days the children of Israel had in which to wash their clothes (not to make new and fine ones), and prepare for one of the grandest meetings ever held. That was at Sinai’s mount. Clean garments, a sanctified people, and a sanctified mount, was what God called for then. Every Seventh-day Adventist in West Virginia can have this preparation, let him be ever so poor. If you look at the question from this standpoint, you can ask God to help you to attend this meeting, and know that he hears you.” This is good counsel with reference to our general convocations in all parts of the great field.
Brother S. Thurston writes concerning the church at Santa Barbara: “This church, although small, manifests a desire to work which is commendable. Within the past few months they have lifted all old debts off the church, and raised their club of Signs from ten to one hundred.” This is a good report, and if all the churches would give some attention to selling the Signs, they could easily raise enough means to greatly enlarge their clubs, and make the papers more than pay their way.
M. Kakichi Ohara, of Otsu, Omi, Japan, writes to the manager of the Echo Publishing Co., Melbourne, Australia, in the following encouraging strain: “I am proud to say that I am the first Seventh-day Adventist in Japan, and am doing all I can for the propagation of the knowledge of the true God. As I am intending to form a library here, some books in your catalog would be very, very acceptable. I should like to get your Young People’s Library, series one and two, but as they are too expensive for me to buy, they must remain unordered. Through the good use of such books I can do much for the spread of the word of God.”

ATTENTION, TEXAS!

By T. T. Stevenson

Miss Hattie E. White has been appointed secretary of the Texas Tract Society. All business pertaining to this branch of the work should be addressed to her at Keene, Texas. All tithe and conference donations should be sent to me as heretofore. T. T. Stevenson.

CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR

This work is written in clear, comprehensive, yet simple language. The narrative style is followed, thus making the story real, and the lessons practical. It is beautified by the use of

74 New and Appropriate Engravings

which help to impress the lessons of truth.
First, we enter our Saviour’s home, and learn of his child-life. We see him in his early ministry, in his acts of mercy and love. His sufferings are recounted, and the closing work of our Saviour reveals through his death his wonderful love for man. His resurrection inspires faith and courage in the heart of every believer.

LARGE, CLEAR TYPE

The book contains 160 large octavo pages. It is printed in large, clear type, on heavy calendered paper, and substantially bound in the following styles:—
Presentation edition, two colors vellum cloth, embossed in jet, green, and gold, beveled edges, gilt top . . . $1 25 Fine English cloth, embellished aluminium cover . . . 75 Cloth back, board covers, in fine colors . . . 50 Heavy tag-board covers, in colors . . . 35
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Christ in the Gospels

By James P. Cadman

Christ in the Gospels, —or— The life of our Lord in the Words of the Evangelists

By James P. Cadman, A. M.
Is, as its Name Indicates, a Compilation in which the four Narratives of THE LIFE OF CHRIST ARE WOVEN INTO ONE CONNECTED STORY, MAKING A COMPLETE HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS IN THE EXACT LANGUAGE OF THE SCRIPTURES.
The text is that of the Revised Version, and while every word in the four Gospels appears, the work is so arranged that the reader can tell at a glance the words used in each Gospel. Those who have tried to gather all the facts concerning some miracle, or other event, and at the same time properly locate and credit the various parts of the narrative, will appreciate this book, which is the very best of its kind and gives evidence of an immense amount of careful and painstaking labor.
The book is fully indexed so that any text or subject can be readily found; and the maps, notes, and diagrams which it contains are alone well worth the price of the volume. The following partial (less than half) TABLE OF CONTENTS will give an idea of the scope of the work:—
Index to chapter and verses; Life of Our Lord (333 pages); Index of persons, places, and subjects, with dictionary of proper names; Explanation of maps and diagrams; Map of the pathway of Jesus; Diagrams illustrating the principal events of the crucifixion week.
This work is invaluable, and all who love the Bible should have a copy. It contains 394 pages, is well printed on good paper, and is neatly and substantially bound in cloth.
Price, post-paid, .......... $1.50
With gilt edges, .......... 2.00
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LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1896

“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”

LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1896

DESTRUCTIVE VICES.

Lesson Scripture, Prov. 16:22-33.
22. UNDERSTANDING is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. 26. He that laboreth, laboreth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. 27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil; and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28. A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29. A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things; moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. 31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Golden Text: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 16:25.
NOTE.— Altho this lesson has little apparent connection with the history which we have been studying, yet the principles inculcated are principles whose violation is responsible for many if not all of the vicious and intemperate acts brought out in previous lessons. This scripture may be used as a temperance lesson, especially total abstinence from all things harmful. Among these things may be enumerated undue ambition, an unbridled tongue, an untamed temper, love of money, gossiping, fretfulness, and criticism.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Unto what is understanding likened? Verse 22. (2) What is the meaning of “understanding”? Note 1. (3) What is the result of its opposite, as shown in verse 22? (4) What is recognized as the seat of true instruction in man? Verse 23. (5) What does it do for him? Ib. Note 2. (6) What effect have pleasant words on those to whom addressed? Verse 24. Note 3. (7) What is the result of relying upon human wisdom? Verse 25. Note 4. (8) In what work are the ungodly engaged? First clause verse 27. (9) What is said of the speech of such? Last clause verse 27. Note 5. (10) What wickedness is due to the froward man? What to the whisperer? Verse 28. Note 6. (11) What charge is laid at the door of the violent man? Verse 29. (12) How intently is he given over to his work? First clause verse 30. Note 7. (13) What, in consequence, transpires when he speaks? Last clause verse 30. (14) When may a hoary head be fitly called a crown of glory? Verse 31. (15) What position does the man really hold who is slow to anger? who ruleth his spirit? Verse 32. (16) What illustration is given to show God’s ruling hand in the lives of men? Verse 33. Note 8.

NOTES.

1. Understanding.—Synonyms of the word are discernment, apprehension, and appreciation; intelligence, or the knowing power in general. The source of understanding is shown in Ps. 147:5; and Ps. 111:10 tells us who may be regarded as having it. True understanding includes both the knowing and the desire to act in accordance with the knowledge. It includes not simply a knowledge of the natural sciences, but of God, his law, the heart of man, and the principles of true living.
2. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth.—As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he,” and so he will speak. The heart surrendered fully to the will of God may be a spring of water, refreshing, and imparting new life; but the heart unsanctified is filled with darkness and vain imaginations, a vitiated stream, poisoning where it should nourish and polluting where it should purify.
3. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb.—This comparison is a common one in all languages. Those who are suffering under the hard hand of adversity bear witness to its truthfulness. It includes the kind word to the afflicted, the encouraging word to the despondent, and the “soft answer” that “turneth away wrath.”
4. There is a way that seemeth right.—This may be due to the man’s ignorance, or to judgment perverted by yielding to unholy desire and prejudice; but no amount of reasoning can make wrong right, or right wrong. A man may soothe or stifle a troubled conscience, until he comes to believe that his course is right; “but the end thereof are the ways of death.” This is a strong, convincing, and Biblical refutation of that doctrine that “it matters not what you believe so long as you are sincere.”
5. In his lips . . . a burning fire.—Compare with this James 1:26; 3:6-8; Rom. 3:12, 13; also Prov. 18:21; 21:23.
6. A froward man.—One who is perversely inclined, wilful, petulant, caustic, wanting his own way instead of God’s. Of such natures are those who seek ways of injuring or overthrowing others. They are like the porcupine, never coming in contact with you without leaving a rankling quill—and always giving the impression that they have been “stroked against the fur.” The “whisperer,” or talebearer, or gossiper, is a polished and slyer species of the same family, working to the same end.
7. He shutteth his eyes.—That is, he allows nothing to interfere with his mischievous devices that might have a tendency to tone down the frowardness of his acts. If taken literally, it would mean a concentration of all his powers to accomplish his wicked designs.
8. The casting of a lot was an ancient custom, prevalent among all nations. Jonah was cast into the sea on account of a decision by lot. The goats for the cleansing of the sanctuary were selected in this way; and the Romans cast lots for the raiment of Christ.

NEW BOOK!

By W. M. Healey; W. B. Dillon

Discussion of the Sabbath and Nature of Man

By Elder W. M. Healey, President of the North Pacific Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and Bishop W. B. Dillon, Bishop of the United Brethren Church.
This book is just issued and contains
230 Large-sized Pages
And gives the speeches of Mr. Healey and Mr. Dillon in the discussions of the above questions, at Oregon City, Oregon, during six sessions of two hours each. The debate was reported by shorthand reporters, and is given nearly verbatim. The investigator has in this book the advantage of having both sides presented together.
The Bible was the only evidence adduced on either side. Many points are brought out in the book not often presented.
Bound in Cloth, embossed in black and aluminum, $1.00
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ADDRESS.
Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.

BIBLE SANCTIFICATION: A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.

By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

News and Notes

FOREIGN.

—Bolivia’s new president assumed the duties of his office on August 23 with good prospects for a long-continued peace.
—The French fishing vessel Monotte was sunk in a collision with an Italian ship, on August 20, and fourteen of her crew were drowned.
—The Matabele rebellion is at an end, the principal chiefs having surrendered, and Cecil Rhodes having promised some of the reforms asked for by the natives.
—The Spitzbergen exploring party report having discovered a mountain in the southern part of the island, nearly 5,000 feet in height, which is composed almost entirely of marble.
—The British steamer Moldava struck an iceberg in mid ocean on August 19, and went to the bottom almost immediately. The crew took to the lifeboats, and were rescued by the Circassia.
—It is feared that Italy and Brazil may take up arms against each other in the near future, on account of attacks and insults upon Italian residents in Rio Janeiro and other places in Brazil. An Italian squadron sailed for Rio Janeiro on August 28.
—Re-enforcements for the Spanish army in Cuba embarked at Barcelona, on August 23, after several serious encounters between the police and the inhabitants of that place. The demonstrations by the female portion of the people were with difficulty suppressed.
—The steamer Laurada succeeded in landing on the Cuban coast recently the largest filibustering expedition which has yet reached that place. It consisted of 200 men, 53,000 pounds of dynamite, eleven field guns, seven Gatling guns, four cannon, and a large quantity of ammunition.
—The Methodist Episcopal Missionary Society is contemplating the establishment of leper asylums in India, expecting to receive government aid in this work. It is said that lepers can be seen almost everywhere in that country, and the care of them has become a very grave question.
—It is reported that Prof. Andree has abandoned his aeronautical expedition to the north pole for the present year. He has been waiting for a favorable wind on which to be wafted poleward, but as none such have blown over his proposed starting-point, he must wait for another year and another midnight sun.
—Captain General Weyler has forbidden Consul General Lee to visit the Americans who are confined in Spanish prisons on the island, and has ordered his arrest in case he shall attempt to gain admission to the prisons. The prisoners are huddled into a small, foul-smelling room, and a most execrable class of food is doled out to them.
—American explorers on the site of ancient Babylon claim to have discovered evidences that this historic city is built over the ruins of another city of much greater age. They also claim to have discovered inscribed tablets and inscriptions on vases which will carry written history back 2,500 years farther than anything previously known.
—The National Armenian Relief Committee, whose offices are at 59 Wall Street, New York, reports that Miss Barton, who has charge of the relief work in Armenia, is now in Germany taking a much-needed rest, preparatory to taking up again the arduous work, which the cold winter will make necessary, among the starving and persecuted Armenians.
—M. Bazin, a French inventor, has constructed a novel sea-going craft. It is termed a roller steamboat, the object of its construction being to increase speed by reducing the friction of the water. The hull is a sort of platform supported over the water by six large hollow revolving lenticular-shaped wheels, and is driven by a propeller. Thus the boat rolls over the water instead of plowing through it. It is expected that this contrivance will increase the speed of ocean travel by one-half.
—On the death of Hamid bin Thwain bin Said, sultan of Zanzibar, on August 25, Said Khalib bin Bargash, at the head of 3,400 followers, took possession of the throne. Zanzibar is an English protectorate, and Admiral Rawson ordered the would-be sultan to surrender. Upon his refusal so to do, the palace of the sultan was bombarded. At the end of forty minutes it was reduced to a heap of rubbish, and many of its defenders slain. Said Khalib took refuge with the German consul, and Said Hamoud was escorted to the throne by the English admiral. It is believed that England will take permanent possession of Zanzibar, and thus abolish the last stronghold of the slave trade.
—On August 30 the Armenian insurgents of Constantinople captured the Ottoman bank. A riot was at once precipitated and 2,000 of the Armenians were killed. The Cretans on August 24 had a pitched battle with the Turks and defeated them with heavy loss, capturing much ammunition and supplies. The Turkish Government has now definitely accepted the proposals of the powers for the governing of Crete.

DOMESTIC.

—Ontonagon, Mich., a city of about 2,000 population, was almost completely destroyed by fire on August 25. The loss is estimated at $1,500,000.
—David R. Francis, of Missouri, has been appointed Secretary of the Interior, vice Hoke Smith, whose resignation goes into effect on September 1.
—The Spang Steel and Iron Company’s works at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, have shut down indefinitely, throwing 700 men out of employment.
—It is rumored that sailors and longshoremen are planning an international strike for better wages, better conditions, and a guarantee of protection.
—The Stoneman Hotel, in Yosemite Valley, was burned to the ground on the night of August 24. It was built by the state in 1888, at a cost of $50,000.
—Boston was photographed on August 25 from an altitude of 1,800 feet, the camera being attached to a team of eight tailless kites, the invention of W. A. Eddy.
—A cave has been discovered near Madison, Wisconsin, which it is believed explorations will prove to be a successful rival to the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky.
—A heavy wind accompanied by rain and lightning visited Ohio on August 23. In the Bowling Green oil field alone the damage is estimated at over $100,000.
—Extensive forest fires are raging in Oregon along the Columbia River. Millions of feet of timber have been burned, and many cattle have succumbed to the heat and flames.
—The organization of a military balloon corps of the United States army has been intrusted to Capt. W. H. Glassford, who has spent a number of years abroad studying aerial navigation.
—A Chinese Christian minister recently brought to this country thirty Chinese boys, ranging in ages from twelve to sixteen years, to be educated in the Christian schools of this country.
—The great forty-inch lenses for the Yerkes telescope at Chicago have been completed, and will be shipped to their destination as soon as the building is finished which is to contain this greatest of all telescopes.
—On the evening of August 23, a trolley car on a down grade at Frederick City, Maryland, became ungovernable, and after an exciting run of about two miles, jumped the track, seriously injuring forty of the passengers.
—Rev. Lorenzo Waugh, the founder of the Band of Hope work, celebrated on August 29 his eighty-ninth birthday anniversary. He is hale and hearty, and hopes to be able to devote many more years to the work of temperance reform.
—United States Minister Terrell has notified the Turkish Government that the latter’s answer to the demand of the United States for indemnity on account of the burning of the American missions at Kharput and Marash, is not satisfactory.
—A passenger train and two freight trains collided at Canea, Pennsylvania, on August 24, resulting in the serious injury of twenty-five persons, five of whom may die, and the destruction of three passenger coaches and eighteen freight cars.
—Major William McKinley issued to the people of the United States, on August 26, his formal letter of acceptance of the trust imposed in him by the representatives of the Republican party, in calling him to the presidency on the platform of that party.
—Li Hung Chang arrived in New York on the American liner St. Louis, August 28, amid the flying of bunting, the booming of cannon, and the tooting and screeching of steam whistles. The following day he was given a reception by President Cleveland at the residence of ex-Secretary W. C. Whitney.
—The two young Chinese ladies who entered Ann Arbor four years ago, have completed the medical course at that institution, and are now on their way to China to carry the Bible and medical assistance into the homes of their heathen sisters. The customs of China do not permit a woman to consult a male physician, and these young Christian physicians expect, therefore, to administer to their suffering sisters the help which for ages has been denied them. China has one physician to each 2,500,000 of her population.
—An ancient burying ground has been discovered near Oakland, California, in which are found skeletons of a supposedly prehistoric race of people, whose skulls indicate a low degree of intelligence, being very low above the eyes and retreating far back across the crown of the head. Scientists manifest much interest in the discovery.
—An Oklahoma stage was held up on August 24 and the passengers robbed. One of the passengers, a lady schoolteacher from Philadelphia, on refusing to deliver her money, was shot by the leader of the gang, Bill Doolin, outlaw and multi-murderer. The following day the band of outlaws was overtaken by a posse, and Doolin’s body was literally riddled with Winchester bullets, while the remainder of the ruffians made good their escape.
—On Tuesday, August 25, there started from San Francisco a bicycle relay race to New York City, under the auspices of the San Francisco Examiner and the New York Journal, the participants carrying a letter from the postmaster of San Francisco to the postmaster of New York, and also a U. S. army despatch to Gen. Nelson A. Miles, of New York. The race will be a race against time, and will be continued day and night until the destination is reached and the packet delivered.
Continue reading: The Story of PITCAIRN ISLAND