Earlier text: Armstrong's Deceptive ArgumentMeeting of Healdsburg College Stockholders.
PURSUANT to the call of the trustees, the stockholders of Healdsburg College assembled in the college building April 27, 1883, at 9 o'clock, A. M. The meeting was called to order by the president, W. C. White. After the opening exercises, the secretary called the roll of stockholders present, and thereby ascertained that there were seven hundred and forty-six shares represented in the meeting, thirty-six of which were by proxy. This gave a majority of two hundred and ninety-six shares of all the stock thus far issued. The minutes of the meeting for incorporation held at Oakland, Sept. 11, 1882, were then read by the secretary. The treasurer's report was read as follows:— S. Brownsberger in account with Healdsburg College, | To cash received on sale of Stock.... | $9,256 35 | | " " " " Donations...... | 1,107 25 | | " " " " Loans........ | 12,610 00 | | " " " " Deposit....... | 1,087 12 | | " " " " Tuition...... | 2,203 71 | | " " " " Book Sales.... | 618 76—$26,883 19 | | By amount paid for Real Estate....... | $5,079 90 | | " " " " " College Repairs.. | 191 61 | | " " " " " Furniture | 631 65 | | " " " " " Library.. | 410 14 | | " " " " " Museum.. | 21 55 | | " " " " " Supplies.. | 465 68 | | " " " " " Gen'l Ex. | 1,165 21 | | " " " " " Books etc., for Book Stand....... | 1,061 06 | | " " " " " B'dg H'se Material | 8,810 43 | | " " " " " Labor.. | 4,722 10 | | " " " " " F'rnit're | 293 90 | | " " " " " Gen'l Ex | 827 40 | | " " " " " Supplies | 72 45 | | " " " " Teachers' Salaries | 2,875 00 | | " " " " Interest on Loans | 96 06 | | " " " " Janitor's Services | 132 00 | | " " " " Rent........... | 15 75 | | " Cash on hand..................... | 11 30—$26,883 19 | | Real Estate (land)................. | 3,000 00 | | College Building................... | 4,500 00 | | Boarding House..................... | 15,077 96 | | College Furniture.................. | 1,000 00 | | " Supplies and Fixtures........... | 815 68 | | " Library " "................... | 410 14 | | Museum............................. | 75 00 | | Books and Stationery............... | 538 75 | | Boarding House Furniture........... | 293 90 | | " Supplies......................... | 125 64 | Assets.................................. $25,837 07
Liabilities.............................. 14,263 74
Assets less Liabilities.................. 11,573 33 The president made some remarks explanatory of the report, commenting upon the liabilities of the college. He said that the liabilities were nearly covered by the unpaid pledges, and that the salaries of the teachers for the past few months had been nearly met by the tuition. A verbal report of the management of the college during the year was then read by Prof. S. Brownsberger. He said that in many respects the success of the past year was even greater than the most sanguine friends had expected; that the enrollment had reached 152, the greatest number in attendance at any one time being 110. But attendance is not the chief point to be sought. The main effort is the bettering of the life and character of young men and women, and to prepare them for active service in the cause. The president appointed as Committee on Resolutions J. H. Waggoner, S. N. Haskell and Wm. Saunders; as Committee on Nominations, W. M. Healey, Wm. Ings, and E. J. Waggoner. Adjourned to two o'clock, P. M. After the opening exercises, the minutes of the morning meeting were read225 and approved. The Committee on Nominations recommended the following persons for Trustees of the college for the ensuing year: W. C. White, J. H. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, M. C. Israel, J. Morrison, Wm. Saunders, and S. N. Haskell, who were all elected. The question of so amending the By-Laws as to change the time of our annual meeting was discussed and referred to a committee consisting of S. N. Haskell, S. Brownsberger, and W. M. Healey. Adjourned to Sunday, April 29, at 9 A. M. Met according to adjournment in the College chapel. Elder S. N. Haskell was requested to act as chairman. The report of the committee appointed to consider an amendment of the By-Laws pertaining to the time of holding the annual meetings was called for. Elder W. M. Healey reported that the committee recommends that Sec. 1. of Art. II. be so amended as to read, " * who shall be elected annually the first Friday after the fourth Monday of April." This report was adopted after some discussion. The Committee on Resolutions reported through their chairman, Elder J. H. Waggoner, the following resolutions:— Resolved (1) That we view with great pleasure the success of the school in the first year of its existence, and we recognize with gratitude the hand of a kind Providence, in every step in establishing this important work. Resolved (2) That we approve the management of our Building Committee in the erection of the boarding-house; that we are pleased with the manner in which the work has thus far been done, and believe it is just what is required to carry out the design of the College. And we also feel that the faithful performance of the work is worthy of commendation. WHEREAS, There being a scarcity of laborers in the California Conference, and our churches cannot often be visited, which renders it impossible for our ministers to do much for the interest of the college during the summer, therefore, Resolved (3) That it is advisable for the Professors of the College to labor among the churches during the summer vacation, to become more acquainted with our people, and to present the claims of the school as far as possible to the people of the State. Elders S. N. Haskell, W. M. Healey, and G. D. Ballou made remarks in favor of the adoption of this resolution. Resolved (4) That we recommend to those students who are trying to fit themselves to labor in the cause of present truth, to spend the summer vacation in canvassing or in missionary labor under the advice of the officers of the Conference or of the Missionary Society. This resolution was discussed by Elder S. N. Haskell, Prof. Ramsey, and Mrs. E. G. White. As the hour for preaching service had arrived, the meeting adjourned to 2 P. M. After prayer offered by Elder J. H. Waggoner, the following resolutions were introduced:— WHEREAS, One of the chief objects the founders of the College had in view in the establishment of this institution of learning was to educate and prepare the young so that they can engage in the cause of God by furthering the proclamation of the Third Angel's Message, therefore, Resolved (5) That while it is necessary that pupils should obtain all they can so as to prepare themselves to engage successfully in the affairs of life, it is far more important that they prepare themselves for the ministry and for colporteurs and missionary laborers, and we urge upon our young people to keep this object specially in view in securing an education. This resolution was discussed by W. C. White, Prof. Ramsey, S. Brownsberger, and Elder Haskell. WHEREAS, Experience has shown that physical labor is essential to health and strength of mind to those who are acquiring a knowledge of the sciences, therefore, Resolved (6) That we fully indorse the plan of uniting study and labor,—of making this, as far as practicable, a manual labor school. And we ask parents and all patrons of the college to co-operate with us in our efforts to bring about the desired result. Elders Waggoner and Haskell, and Sister White, made remarks in favor of this resolution. WHEREAS, The character and success of any school are so largely dependent upon the order and government by which its students are controlled, and in view of the special object for which this school has been established, therefore, Resolved (7) That we recommend on the part of the Faculty the enforcement of such discipline as will best accord with the spirit of the truth we profess. To effect this object, we shall expect the Faculty to see that the students maintain a correct deportment at all times, and exert an influence in favor of all the regulations by which they are governed. WHEREAS, Healdsburg College has been established by the S. D. Adventists for the special benefit of their children, and the advancement of the cause of present truth, Resolved (8) That we earnestly solicit all our brethren on the Pacific Coast, including Oregon, Washington Territory, and Nevada, to exert their influence to secure the attendance of all worthy persons, and to discourage the coming of all insubordinate and disturbing elements. Resolved (9) That we specially invite all our ministers, colporteurs, and traveling brethren, to be active in interesting all those who may become useful in the cause after receiving such additional preparation for their work as shall be provided at the college. Resolved (10) That all our brethren in the adjoining Conferences, as well as those in California, be invited to take sufficient interest in this branch of the cause to take some stock, and thereby aid in its support. Resolved (11) That our traveling brethren be requested to act as agents to solicit pledges to the college. The last five resolutions passed without discussion, after which the meeting adjourned sine die.
S. BROWNSBERGER, Sec. W. C. WHITE, Pres. I LEFT home Feb. 13, 1883, to labor a few weeks in Aroostook County, and that evening met with the brethren and sisters in Eddington. It was a refreshing time; the Lord by his Spirit met with us. We visited some Sabbath-keepers at Passadumkeag, and arrived in Houlton the 15th. Our people are scattered in this county, and Sabbath-keepers can be found in many towns. God has blessed in the presentation of his word, and the solemn message which he has reserved for this generation has found a hearty reception in many hearts. Precious souls have been converted to God, from the youth to the man of gray hairs, and they have come out from different sects and orders and taken their stand to keep all of God's commandments, and the faith of his dear Son. Skepticism has given way before the clear, plain, solid truth of God's word, and churches have been raised up, and Sabbath-schools and meetings have been established where no meetings existed before the truth was presented there. Infidels have acknowledged the Bible to be a book of truth and perfectly harmonious with itself. And yet ministers in opposing the Third Angel's Message will publicly state that our work is that of division and not of conversion; to such I would recommend a careful reading of Rev. 22:15. I thank God for a message that calls for separation from sin in all of its forms. If there ever was a time when God's servants should cry aloud and spare not, and lift up their voices like a trumpet and show people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins, it is now, when crime is on the increase and sin abounds everywhere. Our meetings have been very well attended in this county, and some more have decided to keep the Sabbath and live out the truth. Some children of Sabbath-keepers have taken up the cross to live Christians, and some that were backslidden have taken hold anew. Two united with the Tract and Missionary Society, and fourteen the Health and Temperance Association, and some of our brethren and sisters have done nobly in that they have not forgotten the cause which they have embraced, but brought in their tithes to help sustain the work, and this is just as it should be. "Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Prov. 3 : 9, 10. I praise God for the truth. Hartland, April 15. J. B. GOODRICH. Report of Labor.
By N. C. McClure
Since our last report we held a two weeks' meeting at Port Kenyon. While presenting the Sabbath question we were met with considerable opposition from the M. E. minister from Ferndale. He reviewed us, and after our answer the following Sunday afternoon, he spent three hours trying to show a change of the Sabbath, using Dr. Benson's book and tradition, asking his audience to take suppositions and assumptions instead of "Thus saith the Lord." His efforts but made the truth shine brighter, deciding honest investigators on the side of God's commandments. Six signed the covenant, all heads of families; others are fully convinced, one or two of whom are keeping the Sabbath. Last Sabbath we held the first Sabbath meeting ever held in this county. Seven adults and six children were present. The good Spirit was with us and God's blessing rested on this first effort in Humboldt. Our Port Kenyon meetings closed with a temperance lecture using Dr. Kellogg's charts. Forty-nine signatures were obtained, forty-four of which were to the Anti-Rum and Tobacco Pledge. One man signed who had used tobacco fifty-six years. We closed with good interest, being compelled to do so by influence brought to bear shutting us out of the public school-house, excepting for Sunday meetings.
N. C. MCCLURE.
Ferndale, Humboldt Co., Cal., May 4, 1883. From Wisconsin.
By George C. Tenney
For a few weeks I have been at work in Fort Howard, assisting in finishing their house of worship, which has been under way for about two years. We have been enabled to do this quite successfully, much to the satisfaction of the friends of the cause. The house will be dedicated upon the occasion of a general meeting to be held May 26, 27. April 21 I attended quarterly meeting at Milton, in company with Elder W. W. Sharp. For the first time in several years the ordinances were celebrated with this church. The meetings were of an encouraging nature, and the prospects seem better than for some time in the past. Two were received as members of the church. In accordance with an action of the Conference, the name of the church was changed from Johnstown Center to Milton. May 5 and 6 we were at Flintville, Brown Co., where, through the labors of Brother E. E. Olive, a company of believers have been brought out during the past winter. Three were baptized on the Sabbath, and on first-day a church was organized, consisting of ten members. Four were taken under the watch-care of the church until the battle with tobacco shall have been decided. There are still others who we have reason to hope will soon identify themselves with this work. Our meetings were attended by a good measure of the blessing of God. Especially was this the case while the subject of organization and fellowship, and the requisite qualifications, was being presented. A good field for labor is being opened in this part of the State, from which we hope a large harvest for the heavenly kingdom will be finally gathered. G. C. Tenney. Report of Milton V. M. Society from Oct. 1, 1882, to March 31, 1883.
By M. L. Hughes
Families visited.......................... 19
Letters written........................... 22
“ received ........................... 2
SIGNS mailed.............................. 190
“ given away.......................... 37
Other periodicals......................... 42
Pages loaned.............................. 1,068
“ given away.......................... 1,584
Subs. obtained............................ 5
Paid on V. M. pledge ..................... $1.30
M. L. HUGHES, Sec. The Revised New Testament’s Declining Sale
Dr. Schaff gives the following explanation of the great falling off in the sale of the Revised New Testament: "A reaction was sure to come. It is estimated that about 3,000,000 copies were sold—2,000,000 in England and 1,000,000 in America. That is not a small sale for a book which may be called a new edition of an old work. "Another obstacle to its immediate acceptance by the public is that the work has no sanction of authority as yet. The convocation of Canterbury will not pass upon the revision until both Testaments are finished. Then it may authorize it, reject it, or recommit it to the hands of the revisers for further consideration. At present the revised Testament has no standing as compared with the authorized version, and, of course, its sale suffers in consequence." The Bible Has Stood the Test
The Bible has been tried in the ages of the past by godless men, like Voltaire; it has been tried by the best classes, like Wilberforce; it has been tried by educators, like Alexander; it has been tried by men in every conceivable position, in prosperity and in adversity, and it has stood the test. You need not be afraid to build your hopes upon it for time and eternity. Report of Walla Walla V. M. Society for Quarter Ending March 31, 1883.
By Mattie Rulaford
Families visited............................ 369
Letters written............................. 203
" received............................. 27
SIGNS mailed................................ 261
" given away............................ 116
Other periodicals distributed............... 148
Pages loaned................................ 1,498
" given away............................ 2,042
Paid V. M. donation......................... $5.00 THERE is one particular class of home memories of which a few words must be said. These are the memories we make in our intercourse one with another. Washington Irving wrote: "Ah! go to the grave of buried love and meditate. There settle the account with thy conscience of every past endearment unregarded of that departed being who never, never can be soothed by contrition. If thou art a child, and hast ever added a sorrow to the soul or a furrow to the silvered brow of an affectionate parent; if thou art a husband, and hast ever caused the fond bosom that ventured its whole happiness in thy arms to doubt a moment of thy kindness or thy truth; if thou art a friend, and hast ever injured by thought, word, or deed the spirit that generously confided in thee; if thou art a lover, and hast ever given one unmerited pang to the true heart that now lies cold beneath thy feet,—then be sure that every unkind look, every ungenerous word, every ungentle action, will come thronging back upon thy memory and knock dolefully at thy soul; be sure that thou wilt lie down sorrowing and repenting on the grave, and utter the unheard groan and pour the unavailing tear—bitter because unheard and unavailing." The continual remembrance of this truth would sweeten all our tones and give gentleness to all our actions in our home intercourse. If we only could keep in mind all the while how the memory of unkindness, bitterness, or selfishness, one toward another, will pain our hearts when one is taken and the other left, it would be one of the mightiest of all motives for members of a family to dwell together in unity. A personal friend relates this incident: It was on a bright winter morning that a young man remarkable for gentleness of manner and kindness of heart, went out from his father's house to his daily occupation. Within half an hour, suddenly and without warning, he was called from time to eternity; and before a third of the time he was usually absent had passed, his lifeless form was carried into the home he had left so happily a few hours before. Parents, brothers, and sisters comforted each other as best they could, but the sister nearest in age to the dead brother, whose love and gentleness toward him none would question, seemed to have a sorrow peculiar to herself which found vent to one who sought to comfort her in the bitter and regretful words, "I was not kind to him as he left home this morning." No one ever knew to what she alluded. It may have been too keen a sense of delinquency which caused the bitter pain in her heart, or it may have been a playful word spoken, or perhaps the mere absence of the usual tenderness. With her loving nature and her unfailing gentleness toward this brother it could have been nothing really unkind. Yet it caused her sore pain as she looked upon the dead face. He could not hear her request now to forgive her, nor could any lavish tokens of love now atone for that which caused her pain. She had not been so kind as usual to him at parting that morning, and the memory added much to the grief of her loving, tender heart over its sudden loss. One bright summer morning a young man bade his wife and babe good-bye and went away to his work. Before midday there was an accident on the street; the scaffolding on which he was working gave way, and his lifeless body was carried back to his home, from which only a few hours before he had gone out so happily. The shock was terrible, though the news was broken as gently as possible; but there was one comfort that came with wondrous power to the crushed heart of the devoted young wife. The last hour they had spent in each other's company, in the morning, had been peculiarly happy, and their parting at the door had been unusually tender. She had not dreamed at the time that it would be their last talk together, yet there was not a word spoken which caused one painful memory now that she should never see him more nor speak with him again in this world. Every memory of that quiet talk at the breakfast-table, of the morning worship when they knelt side by side in prayer, and of the tender good-bye on the door-step, was full of comfort. Through years of loneliness and widowhood the remembrance of that last hour has been an abiding source of gladness in her life, like a lamp of holy peace. These two incidents illustrate the importance of unbroken tenderness and affectionateness in the family intercourse. In each moment of our home fellowship we are making memories which may become to us a source either of pleasure or of pain through long future years. We never can tell when we are having our last talk together, or our last meal, or when we are parting at the door never to meet again. Suppose, then, that as you go out in the morning you have a little strife or quarrel with one of the household whom you truly love, and you part, perhaps in anger, with sharp, stinging words, perhaps only in sullen silence. Do you not see how that parting may become a life-long bitterness to you? Death may come to one of you to prevent your ever meeting again, and then the last memory will be one of pain. What a motive this should be to make the household intercourse tender and loving without break or interruption, so that any word spoken, if it should prove to be the last, would leave a hallowed memory for the lonely years!—From "Home Making." It was twenty-five minutes past seven. The buggy was at the door to take him to the train. His hand was on the knob. "Good-bye," he called out. There came from somewhere upstairs, through the half-open door, a feminine voice, "Good-bye;" then he had gone out into the glad spring air, odorous with the foretokens of coming life, and musical with the songs of the nest-builders. But there was no song in his heart, no spring of hope and light in his life, as he took the reins out of his groom's hand and spoke to his impatient horse a sharp "Get on!" And as he rode through the royal avenue that led up to his house, this is what he thought:— If I had been a guest, Martha would have been up and dressed. She would have had a spray of fresh flowers at my plate. She would have sat at the table and seen that my coffee was good, and my eggs hot, and my toast browned. And I should have at least a parting shake of the hand, and a hope expressed that I would come again, and perhaps a wave of the handkerchief from the balcony. And I should have carried away with me that smile that is brighter than the sunshine, as the last gift of her gracious hospitality. It is a chance if she would not even have proposed to ride to the station with me, to see me off. For she knows, if ever woman did, how to welcome the coming and speed the parting guest. But I am only her husband; and I can eat my breakfast alone, as if I were a bachelor; and get my coffee muddy or clear, hot or cold, as Bridget happens to make it; and take eggs hard or soft, and toast burnt or soggy, as it chances to come from a careless cook. And nobody cares. And when I go, "Good-bye" is flung after me like a dry bone after an ill-cared-for cur. Heigho! What's the use of being married, anyway? And this is what she thought as she put the last touches to her hair before her glass, and tried hard to keep the tears back from her eyes before she went down to see that the family breakfast was ready:— I wonder if Hugh really cares anything for me any more. When we were first married he never would have gone off in this way, with a careless "Good-bye" tossed upstairs as he might toss a well-cleaned bone to a hungry dog. He would have found time to run up and kiss me good-bye, and tell me that he missed me at his breakfast, and ask was I sick. He is gracious to his friends; a perfect gentleman to every one but his wife. I believe he is tired of me. I wish I could let him go. It would be hard for me; but if it would be better for him!—Well! well! I mustn't think such things as these. Perhaps he does love me after all. But—but—it is coming to be hard to believe it. And so with a heavy heart she went to her work. And the April sun laughed in at the open windows, and the birds chirped cheer to her all day, and the flowers waved their most graceful beckonings to her in vain; all for want of that one farewell kiss. Oh! husbands and wives, will you never learn that love often dies of slightest wounds; that the husband owes no such thoughtful courtesy to any other person as he owes his wife; that the wife owes no such attentive consideration to any guest as she owes to her husband; that life is made up of little things, and that ofttimes a little neglect is harder burden for love to bear than an open and flagrant wrong.—Christian Union. MRS. DOLEFUL went out to make a few calls. It was a long time since she had been in to see Mrs. Merriweather, so she thought she'd just drop in and have a chat with the cheery little woman, who made the world brighter for every one who came in contact with her. Finding her in the midst of baking, she said she'd only stay just long enough to rest a moment, she was so "overcome by weakness" since Melindy had had the measles. "I've never felt so thankful, I believe, for health and comforts, as I have this winter. Sit right down and tell me about your family, Mrs. Doleful." "There's nothing to tell, but just sickness, sickness all the time, and doctor's bills piling up to the moon," said her visitor, as she sat down and glanced about her. She was a large, and would perhaps have been called a handsome woman, had the corners of her mouth had an upward instead of a downward inflection, her eyes been less drooping, and her general appearance more sunny. As it was, no one thought her attractive, and as the thought of all her troubles swept over her, she continued:— "When Pelatiah Doleful married me I was an invalid, and I've been sick ever since. I was saying to my next neighbor only yesterday that I did not see what I was living for, I was no good to anybody; and when she said I ought not to say that, for the children would miss me, I told her I guessed they'd only miss the grunts and groans. Dear me! what is life worth, Mrs. Merriweather, if you don't have your health?" "I know a woman who has been shut in her room for years, who does more good than a dozen strong, healthy women. You would never know she had a pain, from anything she said, and every one felt blessed just to be in her presence, but she was poor, a great sufferer, and alone in the world. Now you have a good, kind husband, nice children, and are able to walk out in God's sunlight; see how much more you have to be thankful for and rejoice over." "Yes, I know I'm ungrateful and complaining, but how can I help it? it's my nature. Some folks are naturally cheery and others are born under a shadow—I'm one of the latter. I sometimes think if I could forget myself, and laugh and talk when Pelatiah came in, he would not care to go around to neighbor Smith's so often, and I make up my mind to try; but as soon as he227 comes in I start off on the same track, until he takes up his hat and goes out." "Try once more. Make yourself a promise that you will be cheerful, and see how much happier your husband and children will be." "Never can do it, I know. Our home is like a prison, and every one hates it, and I'm too miserable to make it any different. If I had your disposition, now, I could do so perhaps, but as it is, it's no use for me to try. I must be agoing now. My bones ache fearful, and I'll go home and grunt it out," and Mrs. Pelatiah Doleful went home to tell her husband and children how pleasant Mrs. Merriweather's home was, and how she had hated to come back to her own; and then wondered and grieved that she was such a wretched woman. SOMETIMES I am tempted to murmur
That life is flitting away,
With only a round of trifles
Filling each busy day—
Dusting nooks and corners,
Making the house look fair,
And patiently taking on me
The burden of woman's care. Comforting childish sorrows,
And charming the childish heart
With the simple song and story,
Told with a mother's heart;
Setting the dear home table,
And clearing the meal away,
And going on little errands
In the twilight of the day. One day is just like another!
Sewing and piecing well
Little jackets and trousers,
So neatly that none can tell
Where are the seams and joinings—
Ah! the seamy side of life
Is kept out of sight by the magic
Of many a mother and wife! And oft when I'm tempted to murmur
That time is flitting away,
With the selfsame round of duties
Filling each busy day,
It comes to my spirit sweetly,
With the grace of a thought divine:
"You are living, toiling for love's sake,
And the loving should never repine. "You are guiding the little footsteps
In the way that they ought to walk;
You are dropping a word for Jesus
In the midst of your household talk;
Living your life for love's sake,
Till the homely cares grow sweet—
And sacred the self-denial
That is laid at the Master's feet."
—Methodist Recorder. —A church is being erected by the Baptists of Salt Lake City. —Mr. Spurgeon says: "If men get a firm hold of Bible truth nowadays they are called bigots." —The Pope has given his sanction to the project of starting a Catholic university in the United States. —The Sunday Law was successfully enforced at Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 22, for the first time in six years. —It is estimated that there are 1,200 towns west of the Mississippi River without churches or regular preaching of any kind. —Doctor Cuyler truly says: "It is not every faith that saves the soul. There may be a faith in a falsehood which leads only to delusion and ends in destruction." —The Congregationalist says: "The Church of Christ is on every side yielding to the pressure of a Christless world. It is adopting the customs and habits of a thoroughly worldly society. —The pastor of a church in the West is said to have refused an addition of $100 to his salary, for the reason that the hardest part of his labors had been to collect his salary, and it would kill him to try to collect $100 more. —The Christian at Work says: "The grapes are purple for the vintage of the world." On reading the statement we involuntarily turned and read Rev. 14: 15–20. The C. at W. came nearer the truth than it was aware of. —The Bishop of Gibraltar, in a letter to the London Times, states that "the moral condition of Monte Carlo, containing as it does the very scum of all Europe, is so bad" that he declines to give his sanction to a scheme for the erection of an English church there. —The Mormons have recently obtained toleration for their sect in Norway. A council of bishops decided that they were not Christians, and hence not entitled to toleration, and thereupon an Act was passed by the Norwegian Parliament, liberalizing the laws sufficiently to include the Mormons. —In a religious journal of California we find a column and a half devoted to a stale, fictitious story puffing a quack medicine, and on the opposite page a half-column article on "The Higher Life." It is a paper that believes that men go to Heaven at death, so perhaps there is a fitness in it after all. With few exceptions the publishers of religious papers print that for which they are paid the most. —We lately read of a "Holiness Band" in the East, whose members were so excessively "holy" that they refused to repeat the prayer, "And forgive us our trespasses," etc., because that would imply that they had sins which needed to be forgiven. We cannot vouch for the truth of this, but we are inclined to believe it, for we have seen persons just as self-righteous as that. Besides we read in Luke 18: 11, 12, the account of a "holiness" man of old which is exactly parallel. The Pharisees as a class are by no means extinct. —The New York Examiner (Baptist) says: "There can be no doubt that there is a serious decline of religious and moral sentiment among the people of New England. Church membership has become too much a thing of conforming to respectability, and too little a thing of deep, inward experience. The religious life has been first reduced to a round of outward observances, and these have been gradually dispensed with. In short, what is needed is Christianity." The Examiner says that it is not comparing New England with any other part of the country, but with itself of a generation ago. —A Boston minister, writing of the death of his wife, says that she has "ceased to draw that breath on earth, which mortals ignorantly call life." Why "ignorantly"? The Bible calls it "the breath of life," and that ought to be authority in such matters. Such expressions, which are by no means uncommon, show that the Bible is no longer relied upon, even by its professed expositors, as a sure guide. There is a drawing away from the Bible, and a longing after some revelation or testimony that the Bible does not afford. We can assure our readers that the devil will not leave such longings unsatisfied. —Rev. Hugh McKay, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church of Canada among the Indians at Manitoulin Island, says that when he and other missionaries arrived, not long since, at an Indian settlement, they found fifty Indians waiting in the house to hear the word. At the close of the service an old Indian spoke in feeling terms of the change God had wrought in their midst. "Thirty years ago, we were sounding our war-cry, and fiendishly counting the scalps of our enemies; but now we are sitting at the feet of the Prince of Peace, and doing all we can to make known his name. Three years ago there was not a single person in this settlement who professed to love Jesus; to-day there is worship in every family."