Earlier text: CHURCH AND STATEJAMES STANTON
By James Stanton
Raeville, May 26.—Last Sunday morning, Eld. Hyde preached a sermon in the S. D. Adventist meeting-house at this place, endeavoring to refute the seventh-day Sabbath, taking the position that the moral law is abolished, that it was nailed to the cross with Christ, There was a goodly number in, who were not Seventh-day Adventists. He seemed to have a great deal of confidence in himself, and said he knew he could convince the people that Sunday was the day to keep. The gentleman has fair ability and a good flow of language; but he does not possess a very thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He took history for his proof for Sunday-keeping, and quoted, among others, Mosheim. Bro. Daniel Nettleton reviewed him in the evening before a large audience, taking for the basis of his remarks Ps. 119:126: “It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law.” Bro. N. spoke with such convincing power that we feel sure our prayers in his behalf were answered. We have but recently joined the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists, and that may be the reason why we were so surprised that our brother could quote so many passages of Scripture with such accuracy, and turn to them with such ease. Mosheim’s contradictions were exposed with great clearness. We believe that Eld. Hyde felt somewhat chagrined, and also ashamed of his argument. He told Bro. N. that his argument was better than he thought he could produce. We hope that the truth spoken may be written indelibly on the Elder’s heart, and that God will eventually bring him into the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. “All members have not the same office. I could not do the work the reapers did,
Or bind the golden sheaves that thickly fell;
But I could follow by my Master's side,
And watch the marred face I love so well.
Right in my path lay many a ripened ear,
Which I would stoop and gather joyfully;
I do not know the Master placed them there—
“Handful of purpose” that he left for me. I could not cast the heavy fisher net,
I had not strength or wisdom for the task;
So on the sun-lit sands, with spray-drops wet,
I sat, and earnest prayers rose thick and fast.
I pleaded for the Master's blessing where
My brethren toiled upon the wide-world sea;
Or ever that I knew, his smile so fair
Came shedding all its radiance on me. I could not join the glorious soldier band,
I never heard the ringing battle-cry,
The work allotted by the Master's hand
Kept me at home, while others went to die.
And yet, when victory crowned the struggle long,
And spoils were homeward bro't, both rich and rare,
He let me help to chant the triumph song,
And bade me in the gold and jewels share. O Master dear! the tiniest work for thee
Finds recompense beyond our highest thought;
And feeble hands that work but tremblingly,
The richest colors in the fabric wrought.
We are content to take what thou shalt give,
To work or suffer as thy choice shall be;
Forsaking what thy wisdom bids us leave,
Glad in the thought that we are pleasing thee!
—Selected. Yankton, May 31.—Came to this place the 20th to obtain a location for the tent, which was effected without difficulty. As it was too late to pitch that week, I returned to Swan Lake and spent the Sabbath. Early last week the brethren brought the tent, which we erected on a fine ground in the heart of the city, only a block from the business center. Commenced meetings the 26th. The attendance thus far has averaged a hundred or more. Yesterday and last night our meetings were entirely broken up by a cold rain-storm from the northwest. The interest has been good, however, and we hope for our usual attendance, as the weather is fine again. Some members of a local liberal league have made a bold and defiant assault upon our work, but we have been helped to vanquish them to the entire satisfaction of the better part of the community. Our trust is in the Lord. S. B. WHITNEY. Ellicottsville, May 28.—Sabbath, April 24, I met the East Otto church in quarterly meeting at Ellicottsville. This was a postponed meeting; and after interesting Sabbath services, it was decided to postpone it for a second time, when there would be opportunity for baptism and other work which could not be attended to at this time. The week following I attended the State meeting and class in elocution at Wellsville. May 8, 9, I was with the church at Lindley, Steuben Co. Found the friends here somewhat discouraged, but holding on to the truth. We have reason to believe that the meeting accomplished much good. The brethren seemed encouraged. Nearly all signed the tithing pledge, four subscriptions for the REVIEW were taken, and some books were sold. I was especially rejoiced at meeting Bro. Henry Walker and wife at this meeting, and seeing them advance by pledging themselves to fully obey the truth. We have been very anxious that this dear family should be where they could use their influence in the cause of God, and receive his blessing. We had the evidence that God loves them, and is willing to bless them and all his people in that place, if they put their whole trust in him. I am now at Ellicottsville, arranging for tent and other labor. D. T. FERO. Isabella Co., May 30.—One week ago yesterday I reached the tent, which is five miles from Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of Isabella county. Bro. Kellogg had the tent up, and notwithstanding the very violent storms the night before, quite a number attended the service. The meetings have since continued with a growing interest. Yesterday at the close of the second sermon eighteen came forward for prayers, about one-half of whom were heads of families. Four of these parents took a stand for the present truth for the first time. This morning we took up the matter of building a meeting-house, and in a short time $880 was pledged; this sum will be raised to about $1000. Steps were taken to organize a legal society. Four united with the church, three of whom received baptism. Thus far we have obtained eight full subscribers for Good Health and two for the REVIEW, and sold $75 worth of publications. After the sermon to-night on the “Christian Sabbath,” others, by raising the hand, manifested a determination to keep the true Christian Sabbath. We expected to close our tent-meeting here to-night, but there seems to be such an interest that the tent will remain another week. Elds. J. Wilber and L. A. Kellogg expect to run this tent the coming season. Bro. W. was present on the Sabbath and to-day, and assisted in the services. I shall return on Thursday to remain until next Monday. The Lord has wrought a great work for us, whereof we are glad. A. O. BURRELL. MISSOURI
By George I. Butler
Salisbury, Macon City, and Green Top.—During the week between the Kansas and Iowa camp-meetings, Eld. Corliss and myself spent our time with three small companies of believers in Missouri. I visited the church in Salisbury, and found nearly all of them strong in the truth. I gave six discourses in two days. Two good souls joined the church, and all seemed encouraged. They had had no labor for about a year. Eld. Corliss visited the small company at Macon City. Several old Sabbath-keepers live here, and several others have recently embraced the truth under the labors of Bro. Wren. Eld. C. reports profitable meetings, although the weather was so rainy that but few could attend. Three were baptized; others will go forward in this ordinance at a more favorable time. We hope a church may eventually be raised up here. I spent Sabbath and Sunday with the company near Green Top, who have come out under Bro. Wren’s labors. These were all strangers to me, but we formed a very agreeable acquaintance. About fifteen have embraced the truth, and seem very strong in it. They have regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school, have nearly all laid aside tobacco, tea and coffee, and pork, and they are adopting the tithing system. Bro. Wren has done a good work here. Our meetings were profitable, though much hindered by the rain. On Sunday Bro. Corliss baptized five. It was a very pleasant scene. Quite a crowd collected at the water’s edge. We hope for a church here. Northeastern Missouri seems to be a good field of labor. It would be a good field for tent-labor the present season, if we had help to man a tent. The people are friendly, and manifest a desire to hear the truth. All seemed much encouraged. PENNSYLVANIA
By J. G. Saunders
Sunderlinville, May 18.—The two-days’ meeting appointed at this place May 1, 2, was postponed two weeks, as the Pennsylvania State quarterly meeting at Wellsville, N. Y., was held at that time. It is now just past, and was one of the most interesting meetings ever held in this place. The Sabbath-school is in a prosperous condition. For some cause the Lesson Sheet had failed to come, and they were taking a thorough review on the prophecies. It was interesting to see the earnestness with which they entered into the work. Their general exercise was the repeating of the names of the books in the Old Testament. I find that a live, wide-awake superintendent, with his heart all aglow with love for his work, and who is always on time, makes an interesting school. The teachers and scholars will soon catch his enthusiasm, and certain victory is the result. May the blessing of God rest on the Sabbath-schools all over the wide harvest field, and may they indeed become nurseries of the church. There were more than fifty Sabbath-keepers out at this meeting, and on first-day outsiders came in so that our congregation numbered nearly three hundred in all. Fourteen, whose ages range from ten to sixty-five years, were buried with Christ by baptism. The scene was made impressive by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Throughout, our public services were characterized by a feeling of deep solemnity. Oh that God would bless this branch of his Zion more and more, till others who are now halting between two opinions may take their stand with them, and help swell the loud cry of the third angel. Thus closes our labor with this dear people for the present; and as we seek a field elsewhere, we ask the prayers of God’s people that our future steps may be ordered by him. J. G. SAUNDERS. MASSACHUSETTS
By C. W. Stone
Boston, June 1.—Last Sabbath, I preached twice to the church in Boston. About forty persons were present. Their meetings are held in a convenient hall, at 176 Tremont street. This church has had but very little preaching, and it takes a faithful struggle for them to keep along. I spoke upon the harmony of the law and the gospel, and upon the work of Christ in the salvation of men. An excellent social meeting followed, in which all expressed themselves much encouraged, and several said that their faith in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts in the church was greatly increased. Next Sabbath I expect to be in Ipswich, and the next, June 12, in Newburyport. C. W. STONE. KANSAS CONFERENCE.
By Smith Sharp; W. E. Dawson
SIXTH ANNUAL SESSION, HELD AT WAKARUSA, MAY 20-24, 1880. MAY 20, the Conference assembled in the tent, and was opened with prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. Delegates representing eighteen churches were present at the organization. On motion, the churches at Caldwell, Sherman City, and Timber Hill were admitted to the Conference, and the unorganized companies at Plum Grove and Porter's Ranch were taken under its watchcare. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. On motion, it was voted to invite Elds. Geo. I. Butler and J. O. Corliss to take part in all the deliberations of the Conference. The President, having been authorized to appoint the usual committees, announced the following: To Audit Accounts of Ministers: A. G. Miller, J. M. Adams, Oscar Hill, John Heligass, J. W. Bagby, J. H. Baker; On Nominations: J. Lamont, John Gibbs, G. C. Beach; On Resolutions: J. O. Corliss, L. D. Santee, J. S. Osborne; On Credentials and Licenses: J. H. Cook, A. G. Miller, J. D. Rockey; To Audit Treasurer's Account: J. S. Osborne, Oscar Hill. Adjourned to call of Chair. SECOND MEETING, MAY 20, 3 P. M.—Conference opened with prayer. Eld. J. Lamont was elected Secretary pro tem. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, Smith Sharp, Ottawa, Kan.; Secretary, W. E. Dawson, Ottawa, Kan.; Treasurer, A. G. Miller, Topeka, Kan.; Executive Committee, Smith Sharp; J. H. Cook, Fort Scott, Kansas; W. E. Dawson. It was voted to consider each of these nominations separately. Eld. Sharp having strongly urged his desire to be released from duty as President of the Conference, his nomination was returned to the committee for further consideration. The other nominees were elected to the offices for which they were respectively recommended. It was voted that the name of the Bloomfield church be changed to Moline, that of the Canola church to Grenola, and that of the Solomon Rapids church to Beloit. Adjourned to call of Chair. THIRD MEETING, MAY 21.—The Conference was opened with prayer by Eld. J. H. Cook. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses submitted a partial report as follows: For credentials, Elds. Smith Sharp, J. H. Cook, J. Lamont, and L. D. Santee; for ordination and credentials, W. E. Dawson; for license, R. F. Barton, John Gibbs, Marshall Enoch, Hattie Enoch, Geo. H. Smith, and J. W. Bagby. The Conference proceeded to vote upon each nomination separately, and the recommendations of the committee were in each case adopted. The Secretary's report was read, showing that the membership of the churches from which reports were received last quarter is seven hundred and fifteen. It was voted that the name of the Empire church be changed to Canton; that the names of the Zion, Eureka, Uniontown, and Seneca churches be dropped from the Conference roll; also that the church at Coopersburg, Rice Co., and that at Noble, Rice Co., be admitted to the Conference. It appearing on examination of the minutes that no record of the admission of the churches at New Liberty and South Mound was made at the time of their admission, it was therefore ordered that the minutes of the annual Conference held May 22-27, 1878, be corrected so as to show that these churches were received into the Conference at that time. Adjourned to call of Chair. FOURTH MEETING, MAY 23.—Opening prayer by Eld. Corliss. The minutes of the last meeting were approved. The Committee on Nominations submitted their report, adhering to their nomination of Eld. Smith Sharp as President, whereupon he was unanimously elected. The Committee on Resolutions submitted the following, which, after due consideration, were unanimously adopted:— Whereas, Past experience has shown that some of our churches have suffered greatly from want of ministerial labor, until they have become enfeebled; and Whereas, In some of these places judicious labor would yet save to the cause those who are in danger of giving up the truth, and bring in others to unite with them, thus building up such churches; therefore Resolved, That we recommend our Conference Committee to instruct the experienced ministers in the several districts of the State to look after these weak churches, and that where there are reasonable prospects of success, efforts be made with tents and otherwise to strengthen the work by the preaching of practical godliness. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to all who labor in this work, to thoroughly develop every interest they raise, and not leave any place of labor until all who have listened shall come to a full decision, and those who have identified themselves with us shall be fully instructed in the practical duties pertaining to present truth. Resolved, That we recommend to the Auditing Committees of our Conference, that in their settlement with laborers they make a plain distinction between those who are thorough and efficient in their labor, and those who manifest no proper burden of responsibility in the work, and who, from lack of devotion to the cause, fail to show such fruit of their labor as ought to be expected, and that they make their award accordingly. Resolved, That the local elders and deacons in our churches should be elected annually, such election to occur in each church at a time set by the State Conference Committee, except in churches where dissatisfaction with the incumbent has been expressed by at least a respectable minority. In such cases it shall be the duty of the church clerk to notify the Conference Committee, and elections in such churches shall be deferred till proper help shall be provided by the committee. Whereas, The tract and missionary work is an important aid in the cause of present truth, and the publications thereby circulated contribute largely to our success; therefore Resolved, that we recommend all our members to take a lively interest in this work, and we also recommend our ministers to act as agents in the sale of these publications, and return the proceeds to the society from which they receive them. Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that all our brethren and sisters should regard it their duty to tithe their income at the time they receive it. Whereas, The committee appointed to audit the Treasurer's books experienced difficulty in their work, by reason of the orders' not being numbered; therefore Resolved, That we recommend the President to procure a blank order book, the same as is in use in other Conferences. The committee appointed to audit the Treasurer's books reported that they found the accounts properly kept, and that the receipts and expenditures had been as follows:—
Received during Conference year, $3018.82
Paid out “ “ “ $1897.17
Leaving balance on hand, $1121.65 The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented an additional report, recommending that G. H. Rogers and N. W. Vincent receive license for the ensuing year. By vote of the Conference, licenses were granted as recommended. Eld. Butler spoke of the value of the late Tract and Missionary Institute in Iowa, and advised that one be held in this State. After his remarks, the following resolution was presented, and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to correspond with Eld. B. L. Whitney in regard to holding a T. and M. Institute, and after such correspondence, to appoint an Institute at such time and place as may seem best. Adjourned to call of Chair. FIFTH MEETING, MAY 24.—The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Elds. Smith Sharp and J. H. Cook were elected as delegates to the next General Conference. On motion, the Conference adjourned sine die. SMITH SHARP, Pres.
W. E. DAWSON, Sec. NOTE.—The present membership of our Conference is greater than that given in this report. Several churches long connected with the Conference did not report during the year. Four churches have been organized since the last quarterly report. Our present membership is probably at least eight hundred.
W. E. D. MICHIGAN H. AND T. SOCIETY.
By M. B. Miller
You will notice that in REVIEW of last week an appeal is made to all friends of reform to engage more earnestly in the work of health and temperance. Nowhere should this appeal be heeded more than in this State, where the truth has long been proclaimed, where most of our institutions are located, and where all expect to see the first advance move in every enterprise. It cannot be denied that this is an important branch of the work connected with the third angel’s message, and every true Christian should heartily co-operate with those who are laboring for the physical as well as moral benefit of their fellow-men. In the article referred to above, a request was made that a health and temperance meeting be held in connection with the next T. and M. quarterly meetings, and an appointment for such meetings was given in the same paper by the President of the American H. and T. Association. In compliance with this, we suggest the following, hoping that not one director in Michigan will fail to hold said meeting:— 1. Every director who has not already decided where his quarterly meeting shall be held will please make the decision as soon as possible, and arrange that one meeting at this time be devoted to the interests of the health and temperance reform. 2. Where those attending the T. and M. meeting can remain, it will be best to have the temperance meeting on Sunday evening; but where a larger attendance can be obtained in the afternoon, it may be well to hold the meeting at that time. 3. The directors should, if possible, secure interesting speakers, and should spare no pains to make these meetings entertaining and profitable. They should also ascertain the names and addresses of the full members who have not received their certificates, and should forward a list of these to the State Secretary, Miss Jennie Thayer, Battle Creek, Mich. Elds. Jones and Burrill will take the general oversight of this work in their respective sections. TRANSLATED FROM THE “CHRISTEN BOTE.” [Republished by request.] On a pleasantly situated country-seat not far from the little town of B—— lived Herr L——, a very worthy Christian man. His wife was an estimable woman, who was his true helper in training up their children for the Lord; for they early led their little ones to the same throne of grace where they themselves sought from the Lord wisdom and strength. Those who saw the dear children could not doubt that this up-bringing had borne most blessed fruit. They were obedient to their parents, amiable to each other, and kindly and modest toward strangers. The house, too, was quite a model household. Everything was in its right place; order and cleanliness reigned everywhere. The servants, though they were strictly admonished to take great care over things, and to use their time well, yet knew how to value a good service, and seldom left but under circumstances of absolute necessity. For those who loved and sought after worldly amusements did not suit in Herr L——’s house, and would indeed soon have had warning to leave. The whole family was daily gathered to examine the word of God together; the morning’s work was begun by prayer, the evening was closed in the same way. These were seasons of real refreshing and strengthening. In such a house the Lord lingers lovingly; and if trials and provings are not wanting, still he does not let there be any lack of the needed strength. It was a truly happy family. The father took on himself the labor of instructing his children in all the various branches of knowledge belonging to a good education, while the mother took care that as soon as they were old enough, her daughters should be accustomed to all womanly handiwork. Some Christian friends who lived in the neighborhood came now and then to the house, and such visits only passed too quickly. On a stormy harvest evening a loud knocking was heard at the outer door of this peaceful house. The servant hurried to answer it, opened the door, and saw standing on the door-steps two uncommonly tall men, who handed him a letter, and said, with an insolent air, “Give this writing to your master, and bring us an answer as quickly as possible; we will wait for it. But look sharp!” The servant was not a little amazed at the big strangers and their imperious manner, but promised to obey their orders, and come back as soon as possible. He hurried to the sitting-room and delivered the letter, but remained waiting in order to read in his master’s countenance what all this could mean, and what might be the contents of the ominous letter. The mother, too, and the children surrounded the father, and felt not a little anxious when they saw how pale the master of the house became as he read the missive. “We have a letter here,” he began, “the contents of which are far from pleasant. But, my love, banish all fear; for in this case, too, we can say, ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ Arm yourself with courage, and I will read the letter to you:—” “Sir: The leader of a numerous band stands before your house, with the positive demand that you shall, before break of day, deposit 20,000 thalers (£3000) at the gate of your garden. In case of refusal, your beautiful house will this night be given up to the flames.—THE LEADER.” “O thou God in Heaven!” sighed the mother, when her husband had finished reading. The children wept in great alarm, and the servants, who had all by this time gathered together, trembled as if they already heard the crackling of the flames; only the father was again quite calm. After a little reflection, he took pen and ink and wrote:— “Sir: Your imperious command deserves a decided answer. I will not comply with your requisition. If it should be according to the counsel of God’s will that my house should be a prey to the flames, I hope to be able to say, ‘Lord, thy will be done!’ only it is certain that you have no power to accomplish this; God is almighty; but whatever godless designs you may have determined on, he reigns. Yours, L——.”382 At this moment there was again a loud knocking at the outer door, and the servant hastened to take his master’s letter to the strangers. They read the writing by the light of a dark lantern, and in a tone of utmost menace called out to the servant, “A friendly greeting to your master; we shall soon present our thanks to him in person.” With these words they hastened away. When the servant returned to the sitting-room, the master barred all in, and then said, “Let us kneel down and pray to that powerful One without whose will can no hair fall from our heads.” All obeyed, and followed with deep devotion their master’s words of entreaty, as he commended himself and all his household to the care of his God of strength. They were words that came from the depths of his believing heart, and they could not be unheard. All rose up strengthened, and now awaited their time of severe trial, with their eyes toward the Lord. “Now let us wait courageously, and see what the Lord will bring us,” said Herr L——. “Whatever he sends is good, and he will not let us want for strength; has he not said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee!’ so that we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’” Midnight had just struck. They could not go to the little town for help, because it was too far off, and they feared to meet the robbers on the way. The great bell, which they could generally use to call together the neighbors in case of any unexpected emergency that required their help, had been sent to the town a few days before to be repaired. In short, it was as if God would show them that from him alone help should come. The wind howled from time to time with great violence around the solitary dwelling, and it appeared as if the storm would increase the coming terrors of the night. But what happened? About two o’clock in the morning, loud peals announced a severe thunder-storm. Soon one flash of lightning followed another with great rapidity, accompanied with loud resounding thunder. If any one could have observed the little family now, they would have seen that they all appeared more calm. One danger seemed to have chased the other from their minds, and none of them thought any more of the robbers and their threats. Then suddenly a bright flash of lightning zigzagged through the air; a fearful crack followed instantaneously, so that all the windows rattled. “The lightning has struck!” cried one of the servants. “See, see, the hay-shed is burning!” It was true, and soon they saw the building of which he spoke in flames; it was a happy thing that it stood far enough off to prevent any danger of the house catching from it. That clap of thunder was the last. With distant mutterings the storm died away, and the wind calmed down. But still they did not venture to go out, for fear of the robbers. After a quarter of an hour had elapsed, a sound was heard outside, and soon they could distinguish the well-known voices of neighbors whom the sight of the flames had called together to help extinguish the fire. Now Herr L—— and his people all hurried out to the burning building. But imagine their astonishment!—still unconsumed by the flames, there lay at a little distance the body of a man, in whom the house-servant recognized one of the strangers who had the evening before given him the letter of which we have spoken. It was, in fact, the much-feared robber-chief, who had been struck by the lightning at the very moment when he was approaching to execute his cruel and desperate purpose of setting fire to the house. There he lay, a corpse, forsaken by his companions in evil, who had fled as soon as they saw their leader fall. The fire was soon quenched by the help of the kind neighbors, and Herr L—— related the remarkable circumstances to them. Deep astonishment seized them all. When they went to carry away the dead man, they found a paper on him which put them on the track of the other miscreants, who had, for a long time, made the neighborhood insecure. Thus had the Almighty God made evident that it is to him a light matter to bring to nothing the purposes of men.—Cor. of the British Messenger. —There is a prospect that the crops in Ireland will be good this season. —In the Peru-Chilian war the victory is still on the side of the Chilians. —The Porte now promises to carry out the terms of the Berlin treaty. —The decrease of the public debt during the month of May was $16,000,000. —The new railroad to the top of Mount Vesuvius will soon be opened to travel. —The British national debt is nearly twice as large as that of the United States. —The Czarina of Russia, whose health has so long been poor, died Thursday, June 3. —During the past four years, the net gain of the Methodist Church in this country has been 120,000. —A telegram from Havana states that the insurgent chief Cubergue has surrendered, with 30 followers. —During the week ending June 1, there were in Havana 10 deaths from yellow fever and 18 from small pox. —Lowell, Mass., sets its sister cities a good example by prohibiting the sale of police and sporting newspapers. —Before the Supreme Court at Boston, Mass., there are 207 divorce cases pending, 140 of which are uncontested. —About 70 buildings in Edinburgh, Pa., have been destroyed by fire, and over 100 families have thus been rendered homeless. —The Boston Y. M. C. A. has a membership of 2,367, representing 14 denominations; 56 of these members are Roman Catholics. —The Princess Louise and Prince Leopold visited Chicago for the purpose of attending the Republican convention which met there June 2. —It is now demonstrated that coffee can be raised in this country, the experiment recently made on a Florida plantation having proved a success. —The French government is about to commence the construction of a new harbor at La Rochelle, at an estimated cost of 15,000,000 francs. —The insurrection in the district of Bagdad is assuming serious proportions. The Arabs demand self-government under the protection of England. —On the 30th of May a destructive tornado passed through portions of Indiana, doing much damage to farm property. No loss of human life is reported. —There is a rumor that the Navajos and Utes, two Indian tribes of New Mexico, have held a grand council, and determined to make war on the whites. —The native delegate from India to the Methodist General Conference recently held at Cincinnati is a highly educated man, and speaks English with ease and purity. —A dispatch from Calcutta states that four companies of British troops have orders to be in readiness to take up positions for the protection of the frontier of Burmah. —A site has been given for the obelisk from Alexandria, now on its way to New York. It is a small knoll in front of the new building of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park. —The Edelweiss, the white Alpine flower which is such a favorite with tourists, is becoming so scarce that the Swiss government has prohibited its destruction, under strict penalties. —The Swiss Committee of the National Council have requested the Federal Council to take measures to prevent French Jesuits from establishing themselves on Swiss territory. —A terrible cyclone visited Savoy, Texas, May 29. The town was almost completely destroyed, only five buildings remaining uninjured. Nine persons were killed, and 60 wounded. —The South American Missionary Society has a mission among the Paraguay Indians, a warlike people numbering about 100,000 and having scarcely any acquaintance with Christianity. —The King of Greece is making the tour of the European capitals, with a view to hastening the settlement of the long dispute between Greece and Turkey. He has made his first visit at Paris. —On the 29th of March a fall of rain mingled with meteoric dust occurred at Catania, Sicily. The dust contained fragments of iron of many shapes and sizes, which were readily attracted by the magnet. —In Rashaleh and Alashgerd 245 persons have died of starvation; and 40,000 persons in Kurdistan, Armenia, and Western Persia are entirely destitute, and must be fed two months, if they are to be kept alive. —The Hudson River Tunnel has already advanced about 200 feet under the river. Should this tunnel be completed, it is fair to anticipate a continuation of the work entirely around the harbor, even to the Narrows. —An exchange mentions a new method of swindling which has been practiced in Indiana. Farmers who signed notes for $10 to pay for hay forks are finding that the decimal point was omitted, and the banks have their notes for $1,000 instead. —A six-foot granite wall, built to keep in place a porous white stone through which, at one point, the St. Gothard tunnel runs, is giving way. It is thought the tunnel will have to be reconstructed around the white stone, and this will take two years. —Atlantic Co., N. J., was pretty thoroughly devastated by the recent fires, 95,000 of its 120,000 acres being now a blackened mass. Of this, 75,000 acres were of woodland,— oak, cedar, pine, and holly. About 10,000 acres of vineyards and 9,000 of cranberry bogs were also destroyed. —The Presbyterian General Assembly, in their session recently held at Madison, Wis., ordered a copy of their resolution favoring the extirpation of Mormonism sent to the President of the United States, the presiding officer of each branch of Congress, and Governor Murray of Utah. —There is a prospect that the new Prussian church bill will be defeated. Bismarck has shown a willingness to modify the May laws, which gave the government control over ecclesiastical matters; but the church party refuse to accept the concession, and demand the abrogation of the offensive laws. —East of the Jordan there is an Arab tribe which has embraced the Catholic faith, and is ministered unto by a native Italian priest. These Arabs wander from place to place with their flocks of sheep, and wherever their tent is pitched a temporary church building is erected. Other Arab tribes, it is said, are disposed to follow their example. —On the 30th of May, four persons, two men and two boys, were amusing themselves in the oil-room of the ship Sophia lying in Philadelphia harbor, when one of the party thrust a red-hot poker toward a barrel of oil. An explosion took place, covering the party in the oil-room and the cook with burning oil. In attempting to escape from the flames, three of them were drowned, the other two were seriously if not fatally burned. The ship was not seriously damaged. —The Czar has commuted the sentences of the Nihilists recently tried in St. Petersburg. The two who were to be executed are sentenced, one to 10 and the other to 15 years' hard labor in the mines. The others have their terms of imprisonment shortened. There is a report that the Czar's birthday will this year be signalized by the publication of a decree granting equal rights to dissenters, and that an extensive amnesty will be proclaimed to political offenders, in which even Poland will share. We Kneel How Weak, We Rise How Full of Power
—We kneel, how weak; we rise, how full of power:
Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this wrong—
Or others—that we are not always strong;
That we are ever overborne with care;
That we should ever weak or heartless be,
Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer,
And joy and strength and courage are with Thee? —French. Forgiving Spirit of the Master in His Disciples
—An offending [church] member who is brought face to face with the tender, forgiving spirit of the Master in his disciples, will not often resist the power of such love.—Religious Herald.