SOLUSI MISSION.—To the glory of God we can report the work onward at this place. Another year has rolled around, and now we have fully entered our winter. Frost has caused the leaves to turn yellow, and many are falling. Yet you would not call this winter in the home land. The days are hot, but the evenings and nights are cool, and a fire is very desirable, to drive off the chill. Our harvesting is done, and we are now shelling and putting into bags, the accustomed way of getting ready for market here. Each bag of shelled grain is to weigh two hundred pounds. We count our crops light, and yet we have much more than many around us. Many of the natives will have to buy grain before the next crop comes. I am sure we will not have to buy any, and will have enough to sell to supply the needs of our mission. We do praise God for his blessings upon our fields the years we have been here. In the beginning of planting the locusts lay all around us as the sand of the sea. But the government furnished all the farmers spray pumps and poison needed to destroy them. The boys and I went to work at it, and we destroyed twenty-seven swarms—twelve swarms more than any around us. The result was we have had no more locusts to bother us up to the present.
We are reaping between seven and eight hundred bags of corn, fifty-eight bags of peanuts, and nineteen bags of Kafir peas. Pumpkins and small stuff were a failure this year, because of the drought.
Our school work is truly onward, mostly in charge of Victor Wilson, with our native help. I teach only three classes a day. This has given me more time to look after our four outstations, taught by seven native teachers. The number of students is not large, but I can see the boys are trying to do faithful work. It is very evident that our schools must have more of our care, if we expect them to be fruitful in the right kind of results.
April 4 we baptized eighteen more precious souls. It was said by one present that this was “the most enlightened class we have baptized.” For many weeks we had a special study with them on this question before baptizing them. We have felt that we should go very carefully in this matter. We are encouraged by the word that we are to have more help soon to connect with us here. “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 are still of good courage. Pray for us.
M. C. STURDEVANT,
M. J. STURDEVANT.
The South Dakota Camp-Meeting
By FREDERICK GRIGGS
The South Dakota Conference has a membership of about one thousand. Of this number about six hundred were in attendance at the annual camp-meeting, which was held at Woonsocket. This is the third camp-meeting held at this place. Our people were very cordially received by the citizens, who gave tangible evidence of their good will by subscribing very liberally to the expenses of the meeting. Their gifts, together with those of our people, enabled the conference to gain about five hundred dollars above the expenses of the meeting. While considerable wet weather was experienced, the interest was not materially affected.
During the past year two churches have been added to the conference. The conference adopted the plan of each17member's paying ten cents a week for the increase of mission funds. About five thousand dollars was also raised in pledges and cash for missions. The pledges included land to be sold, and the returns from certain lots of grain to be harvested.
Elder J. W. Christian was again elected president of the conference. Elder E. G. Hayes was released by the conference to respond to a call for evangelistic work in Kentucky. The conference is to supply a tent, and support him in his new work for at least two years.
One of the most important matters brought before the conference for its consideration was the moving of the conference school from Elk Point to a place to be chosen. This move seems necessary, owing to the fact that it is now in the extreme southeastern portion of the State, the buildings are not well adapted to school work, and would require a large outlay of means were the school to continue in its present location. Again, the encroachment of the Missouri River, which runs near the school, makes possible a loss of property. A committee was appointed to select a site, and if possible arrange for the transfer of the school during the coming year. There are a large number of young people in this conference, and we can but believe that the conference will shortly have a very strong school. Prof. J. B. Clymer, who has for years been connected with Mount Vernon (Ohio) College was chosen principal for the ensuing year.
The spiritual interests of the meeting were good. A spirit of seeking the Lord was present from the very first. On the last Sabbath forty-two were baptized, and on Sunday following a number more. Brother N. J. Ronlund was ordained to the sacred work of the ministry on the last Sabbath afternoon of the meeting.
Altogether the meeting was most profitable, and the conference enters upon the new year with a splendid spirit of courage. FREDERICK GRIGGS.
The Manitoba Camp-Meeting
By Wm. C. Young
THE Manitoba Conference closed its camp-meeting held in a beautiful grove at Carmen, June 23-28, with a large interest among the people of that town. The night following the taking down of the large tabernacle, although wet and muddy, the German tent (a forty-foot round tent) was packed, some standing outside. It was felt by all that it would not be wise to drop such an interest, so Brother and Sister E. R. Potter, with Sister B. Purdon, were left to visit the interested ones, and do Bible work among the people for two or three weeks until ministerial help could be sent to carry on a tent effort.
The workers who were there before the meeting, enjoyed the series of consecration services held twice a day, and expressed themselves as much benefited. These meetings prepared the workers to meet the campers with a helpful spirit.
Elder W. A. Colcord, of Washington, D. C., spoke several times on religious liberty with telling force; and Elder Geo. Wagner, of North Dakota, helped the work among the German brethren.
Elder M. J. Fritz was ordained during the meeting; Elder Colcord read the charge in English, Elder Wagner in German; Elder E. L. Stewart led with prayer in the English language, and Elder Wagner followed in German. This was a joint meeting of both the German and English brethren, and followed a powerful presentation of the tithe and our relationship to it by Elder E. L. Stewart. Some who never had paid tithe before came forward, and pledged faithfulness henceforth.
The afternoon meetings were largely joint meetings, so as to bring the German and English-speaking brethren closer together, and at these times the canvassing, educational, and young people's work were presented, each subject upon its separate day, after an opening address upon the topic of the day, a number followed with short talks. This kept the interest up, and as the afternoon is usually the sleepy meeting, this plan was found very helpful.
The baptism of nine souls in the River Boyne, which skirted the camp-ground, seemed to encourage all. It was felt that more family tents will be needed before the next annual meeting, as quite a number had to secure rooms in the town.
All seemed to look forward with encouragement to the prosperity of the third angel's message in Manitoba during the coming year.
WM. C. YOUNG.
West Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting
By B. G. WILKINSON
FAVORED by beautiful weather, the West Pennsylvania Conference held its session in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Oil City, June 18-28. The attendance was not so large as that of the previous year, but what was lacking in numbers was more than compensated for by the quality of the meeting. It marked a decided advance forward for the work in this field, many of the brethren declaring the services to have been the most spiritual they had ever attended.
Foreign missions received good attention, the whole camp not only voting heartily in favor of the ten-cent-a-week plan, but also testifying individually of their purpose to carry it out. About one hundred fifty dollars was raised to help the Hazel Academy, at Hazel, Ky. This was done although the State had been heavily affected by the financial depression, as shown in a slight decrease in the total amount of the tithes for this year as against the previous year. The conference also voted to raise two cents a week per capita to assist in the educational work.
The closing Sabbath and Sunday were good days for the camp. The blessing of God upon the revival service of Sabbath morning was followed in the afternoon by the setting apart of Brother E. N. Dirkee to the gospel ministry. Sunday morning, contrary to the general expectation, the camp enthusiastically raised $443.50 for the tent- and camp-meeting fund.
On the closing Sunday afternoon a grand temperance rally was held. The pastors had invited their congregations to be present, and a large crowd came out to the meeting. Addresses were given by the writer, who acted as chairman, by three pastors of leading city churches, by three lady officials of the W. C. T. U., and by the Y. M. C. A. secretary. We believe this meeting did splendid work in behalf of the temperance cause. The speakers on the program who were not of our faith, repeatedly expressed their thanks for the holding of such a meeting. The audience gave a liberal donation which was divided between the W. C. T. U. and the camp expenses. A large part of the congregation stayed over to the evening meeting and responded heartily to the presentation of the subject, “The Change of the Sabbath.”
The officers elected for the coming year were: F. D. Wagner, president; I. N. Williams, vice-president; A. V. Williams, secretary and treasurer; Miss Fannie Fondersmith, Sabbath-school secretary; F. H. Robbins, educational secretary.
The visiting brethren present at all or a part of the meeting were: Elder E. E. Andross; Brethren I. D. Richardson and Morris Lukens, representing the book work; in the interests of educational work, S. M. Butler, of Mt. Vernon College; C. S. Longacre, of South Lancaster Academy; and Brother Thomas D. Rowe, of Hazel Academy; also Elders H. W. Carr, J. M. Rees, and the writer. Fourteen precious souls followed their Lord in baptism at the close of the meeting.
B. G. WILKINSON.
Spain
By Frank S. Bond
VALENCIA.—We are thankful to be able to report advancement in the work in Spain. Last Sabbath morning at nine o’clock, the few brethren in Valencia and other believers assembled in our meeting hall. From here we went about two miles into the country, to a pretty little grove of poplars and bamboo, on the banks of the River Turia. After my brother had, in a few words, presented the significance and importance of baptism, it was my privilege to administer this sacred rite to eight precious souls. We believe these arose to walk in newness of life. Most of this fruit is a direct result of the series of meetings which my brother and I have carried on here during the past two months. There18are several others who have expressed a desire to unite with God’s people and to obey his truth.
We are convinced that a new era has dawned upon this work in Spain, and that hereafter we shall see much greater advancement in this field. Our constant and earnest prayer is that more ministerial help may soon be sent to us, to assist in opening up the work in the numerous big cities. Here is a population of about eighteen millions, with only two ministerial laborers to present the truth to them. To carry on a series of meetings successfully here, at least two must work together. So you can easily understand that with our present force we can not get over the country very rapidly. Of the recent converts, seven are adults, and one a girl thirteen years of age.
Our courage is good, and our determination strong to press the battle with greater diligence than ever before. We ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people for the success of his work in this idolatrous land.
FRANK S. BOND.
The Gladstone (Mich.) Camp-Meeting
By C. A. HANSEN
This meeting was held on the shore of the DeMoquette Bay, where there was plenty of shade, and the place was of very easy access to the citizens of Gladstone. We had about thirty families represented; and as most of these live in a territory where they have but little ministerial help, the camp-meeting was to them a real feast.
Some of these members had been doing missionary work for their neighbors during the past year, and those who had accepted the message as far as they understood it, were further instructed at the camp-meeting and baptized. About eleven were buried with Christ in baptism on the last Sunday, making a most solemn impression on the large crowd that had gathered for the occasion.
Our young people all took an active interest in their meetings, and pledged themselves for the Master's service in finishing the work. We believe this was a most profitable meeting, and one that will long be remembered.
The meeting was carried on by our local help, assisted by A. C. Bourdeau, O. Soule, and J. B. Blosser.
C. A. HANSEN.
The Saskatchewan Camp-Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
A CAMP-MEETING for the believers in the Saskatchewan mission field was held at Lumsden, twenty miles north of Regina, July 1-5. The camp was conveniently located in the village on a nice plat of ground, protected by foliage from wind and storm,—a provision which is essential to the success of a camp-meeting in this field. There were about seventy persons encamped. This was a good attendance, when we remember that there are only about one hundred Sabbath-keepers in the field.
Services were held daily in both English and German. Though the meeting was short, it did much to strengthen and build up the work in this field. Those who attended were greatly blessed. A good work was done for the young. At the Sabbath services nearly all on the ground, both old and young, gave their hearts to God. Six were baptized, and others will be at their homes.
The interest shown in missions was an encouraging feature of the meeting. Though this of itself is a mission field, we were anxious to have a part in building up the work as a whole. And as God has blessed this field with great material resources, they purpose, if possible, to do more than raise a sum for missions equal to ten cents a week per capita. The last day of the meeting, after the needs of the world-wide field and in view of the rapid progress of the work had been considered, a collection was taken for the work at home and abroad, and more than twenty-three hundred dollars was received in cash and pledges. All but about two hundred dollars of this, which will be used to purchase needed tents, will be given to missions as fast as received.
The presentation of the plain truths of the message awakened an interest in the village, and some are carefully considering the truth. Opposition was also aroused. The last evening of the meeting, after a sermon on the Sabbath question to a full tent, the pastor of the Presbyterian church, who was present, reassembled the congregation in the street, and delivered a tirade against us as a people. He gave vent to many assertions calculated to stir up prejudice, from the ascension-robe falsehood to intimating that those who came across the line with this heresy might be properly classed with outlaws. But man can do nothing against the truth. His diatribe helped to awaken an interest, and it was thought best to leave a strong tent company to develop the interest awakened. There is a good prospect that a company of believers will be raised up here.
The reports given indicated progress in all lines of work. Those selling our publications are having splendid success. While this field presents some real difficulties not found in other places, the workers are loyally standing by the work, and are of good courage. They were all present at the meeting. Elders E. L. Stewart, president of the Union Conference, W. A. Colcord, G. F. Haffner, and the writer were also present, and shared with the local laborers in the burdens and blessings of the meeting.
I was greatly impressed with the resources of this field, and the progress seen everywhere in the development of the country. Saskatchewan alone contains two hundred forty thousand square miles, being larger than several of the union conferences in the States, and is rapidly being filled up with a thrifty, enterprising class of citizens. Immense fields of grain are to be seen on every side, as far as the eye can reach. Great plows, drawn by an engine, and capable of plowing forty acres of prairie in a day, are seen at work. The whole country is one vast granary. Great trunk lines of railroad cross the country to carry the products of the land to market.
We are glad that the last message of God to sinful man has a secure foothold in this field, and we are encouraged to believe that a strong conference will soon be organized here.
G. B. THOMPSON.
Central New England Camp-Meeting
By K. C. RUSSELL
This meeting was held June 18-28 at West Newton, Mass., a beautiful suburb of greater Boston, at the Junction of two street-car lines. The location of the camp was ideal, lying next to a beautiful grove of trees on two sides of the encampment; and the street which passed the ground was lined with stately elms. The camp-ground was covered with grass, which enhanced the beauty of the location.
We were also pleased with the order and arrangement of the camp, as well as with its sanitary condition; we appreciate the fact that it is not always possible to secure an ideal site for a camp-ground; but the nearer we can come to the ideal, the greater the influence that will be exerted for good upon those who attend the meetings.
There was an excellent attendance of our people at this meeting. It was only a few years ago that the New England Conference was divided; but it appears now that one division of the conference is as large as both were formerly. This meeting was also free from the routine business which has formerly occupied the time and attention of those in attendance. It is encouraging to observe that the plan of conducting the regular business of the conference at another time is being followed by many of our conferences.
One of the leading features of this meeting was the study given to the question of healthful living. Each afternoon at four o'clock, except Sabbath and Sunday, a school of health was conducted. This was well attended by our own people, and by some from the outside. The instruction was chiefly given by the physicians of the Melrose Sanitarium, Drs. W. E. Bliss and Nina Case Baierle, the sanitarium cook, and a number of nurses from the institution.
The various departments of our work received a share of attention during the meeting. On the last Sunday afternoon a temperance rally was held, at which a large audience was in attendance. Those who spoke upon this occasion were a prominent Methodist minister of Auburndale, Mass., the recording secretary of the W. C. T. U. of Massachusetts, and the director of the gospel work of the Y. M. C. A. of Boston, besides a number of our own speakers. We are confident that an excellent influence has gone forth as the result of this meeting. We would recommend, however, in the future, that a temperance rally be held on the first Sunday afternoon of the meeting and that on the last Sunday afternoon a religious liberty rally be conducted. Thus at these important gatherings a warning note could be sounded against the two great evils,—intemperance and religious legislation.
Both Sabbaths of this meeting were characterized by a special manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the converting of souls and the reviving of those who were in a backslidden condition. It was remarkable to observe on the last Sabbath that so large a number of those who came forward had decided for the first time to give their hearts to God.
Elder A. G. Daniells was in attendance during the closing days of the meeting, and gave the people some most valuable and timely instruction concerning different phases of our work for these times. His recital of the wonderful providences in the onward march of the third angel's message proved to be a most encouraging feature of the meeting. All were pleased with the visit of Dr. D. H. Kress, of the Washington Sanitarium, and his talks on the principles of healthful living were much appreciated. Elder E. W. Farnsworth, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, was in attendance during the entire meeting, and rendered valuable help in counsel as well as in speaking. Prof. B. F. Machlan, principal of the South Lancaster Academy, was also in attendance, and gave an interesting report of the work of the19academy during the past year. Certainly the Lord is blessing in this department of the work in the Atlantic Union. Every young man and woman in the territory of the Atlantic Union Conference should take advantage of the opportunity afforded in obtaining an education at this institution.
I was indeed glad to attend this meeting, as it was the first camp-meeting I have attended there since leaving that field several years ago to join with the general work in Washington. It was gratifying to meet those with whom and for whom I had previously labored. Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless Elder H. F. Ketring, the president of this conference, and his committee in their efforts to develop the work in that important field.
K. C. RUSSELL.
South Africa
By J. V. Willson
South Africa
Brother Homer C. Olmstead and wife and Brother J. H. Campbell and wife left Cape Town, May 31, for their mission stations, Brother and Sister Olmstead going to the Barotseland mission, N. W. Rhodesia, to join Brother W. H. Anderson, and Brother and Sister Campbell to the Solusi mission, near Buluwayo, Southern Rhodesia, to join Brother M. C. Sturdevant. Brother S. Konigmacher and wife expected to sail in the steamer "Windhuk," June 18, for Chinde, en route for Malamulo mission, Nyassaland. We hope all these devoted missionaries will have a good experience in their several fields.
J. V. WILLSON.
Good News From West Pennsylvania
By C. S. Longacre
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Ps. 110:3. I was forcibly reminded of this text while in attendance at the Oil City (Pa.) camp-meeting, and again at the dedicatory services of the church at Erie, Pa., as I witnessed the liberality of our people in response to the needs of the message at this time. Surely we have reached the day of God’s power, and the willingness of the people to co-operate with the mighty power of God to carry the third angel’s message to final triumph.
On July 5 I had the privilege of assisting in the dedicatory services of the first Seventh-day Adventist church of Erie, Pa. I felt deeply impressed, as I looked over the past year’s work in Erie, that the day of God’s providence is not in the past. The lease was about to expire on the ground upon which our church stood, and as it was impossible to move the building, the brethren were forced to sell it. It was sold for seventy-five dollars. This was all the capital the church had in sight one year ago. Just at this time the providence of God presented a comfortable church building that was for sale, together with a fine pipe-organ. The congregation were forced to sell this comparatively new church, which cost five thousand dollars, on account of an increase of membership from two hundred fifty to six hundred. Our people bought the whole for the small sum of $470. This was only one of many providences that might be mentioned as the work progressed till the dedication.
The church had to be moved at once, so a house and lot were purchased in the central part of the city, on one of the finest thoroughfares, for $2,350. We excavated for a cellar and foundations at the rear of the lot, moved the house over it, and put new walls under the whole house, which was also painted, papered, and plumbed for gas and water. The front of the lot was excavated for the basement of the church. The excavation cost $180. The moving of the house and church cost $235. The basement floor was laid in cement, and is well suited for a large church-school room, 66 x 34 feet.
The interior of the church is well finished, and presents an artistic appearance. The pipe-organ is as good as new, and has been refinished and gilded. The old pews were polished, and four large pulpit chairs were purchased second-hand at less than the price of one. The church is carpeted and painted, and the wood-work is grained. The yard was leveled, fertilized, and sown, and is now a beautiful lawn. The exterior of the church was also painted, and looks fresh and new. Nearly all this work was done by the pastor, Elder F. H. Robbins, whom the Lord sent to this place to carry on this work. I am confident that he has saved the church at least two thousand dollars by his personal labor and his ingenious planning.
It is conservatively estimated that the property is worth over eight thousand dollars. Until the dedication the debt on the property was $2,830. Over half this amount was raised in cash and pledges at the dedication. Our brethren and sisters responded beyond our expectations. The Lord has done wonders for the church in Erie. A year ago they were worth only seventy-five dollars; now they own a piece of property that is worth over eight thousand dollars, with a monthly rental of fifteen dollars, and a debt of only fourteen hundred dollars stands against it, after the pledges have been paid in.
The Erie church has nobly supported the pastor in this great undertaking. Some with whom the Lord has entrusted much of this world’s goods have taken evident pleasure in helping at every step of the way; others have sacrificed comforts that they might have a part, and some have solicited from the public. The money received in this way, together with donations of material, amounted to nearly a thousand dollars. Besides the financial prosperity that has attended, the Lord has greatly blessed the presentation of the Word, and precious souls have been added to the church.
The dedicatory services were well attended. Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, of Washington, D. C., delivered the dedicatory address. Elders L. N. Williams, F. H. Robbins, and the writer assisted in the services.
C. S. LONGACRE.
Field Notes and Gleanings
Six persons were baptized by Elder Fred Johnson recently at Sebeka, Minn.
Three new converts have recently been added to the church at Royalton, Wis., where Elder T. G. Lewis has been holding meetings.
Elder S. B. Whitney reports the baptism of five persons at Saranac Lake, N. Y., on June 28. This addition to the church at that place has been a great encouragement to them.
A church of twelve members has been organized at Pine Bluff, Ark., where last year there were but two persons keeping the Sabbath. Elder J. W. Dancer has been in charge of the work at that place.
The Wisconsin Reporter of July 8 announces the fact that in the Wisconsin Conference, summer schools for church-school teachers are now in session at Clear Lake, Bear Lake, Raymond, Bethel, Merrill, Oneida, Grand Rapids, and Almond.
The clerk of the Columbus, Ohio, Seventh-day Adventist church reports the baptism of four persons at that place on June 20 who have united with the Columbus church. Six others are keeping the Sabbath, and expect to join the church later.
Elder W. W. Stebbins recently organized a new church at Iron River, Wis., the membership being composed almost wholly of new Sabbath-keepers, who came into the truth under the labors of Elders S. F. Shadel and P. C. Hanson last winter.
Elder W. M. Healey in a report to the Pacific Union Recorder, says: “Sabbath, June 6, I baptized six of the older pupils of the Escondido church-school. I have reason to believe that the school did much toward bringing these young people to take their stand on the Lord’s side.”
Elder L. L. French, reporting the work in Roanoke, Va., states that eight new converts to the faith have joined the church at that place since last fall. Among these are two young men, who have gone into the canvassing work, and expect soon to enter one of our schools to prepare for the ministry.
Elders Meade MacGuire and E. E. Farnsworth have been holding a series of meetings in Boulder, Colo., as a result of which twenty-nine persons have been baptized and united with that church. These, with other recent baptisms, make thirty-five additions to that church by baptism during the one month.
The work done at Alexander, Tex., by the opponents of the message has resulted in a number taking their stand for the truth. Meetings were being conducted in the place by Elder G. A. Lagrone, when ministers of other denominations were invited to hold opposition meetings, with an idea of preventing any favorable results of Brother Lagrone’s work. The results, however, again prove the truth of the statement that “we can do nothing against the truth but for the truth.”20
Elder William Guthrie reports the baptism of six persons at Hopewell Cape, Nova Scotia, on a recent Sunday.
Elder C. H. Miller reports the baptism of five persons at Tekamah, Neb., one at Calhoun, and four at Platte Center.
Elder W. H. Thurston reports three new Sabbath-keepers near Waterville, Quebec, another at Fitch Bay, and two at Montreal.
At the Melrose (Cal.) camp-meeting, June 4-14, there were 2,475 copies of Liberty sold. Let other conferences do the same at their camp-meetings.
The president of the Mississippi Conference reports that they have four tents in the field this season, two for the white and two for the colored people.
As a result of meetings conducted by Elder M. H. Gregory at Lincoln, Ark., four converts to the faith have been baptized, and others are on the point of deciding.
The church at Cedar Grove, Tex., has more than doubled in membership in the last three years. Elder E. B. Hopkins reports the recent baptism of four persons at that place.
The Columbia Union Visitor reports the baptism of four persons at Columbus, Ohio, and states that six more who are keeping the Sabbath there are expecting soon to go forward in this ordinance.
Elder C. Leer reports that the little company at Rosehill, N. D., consisting of six persons, has recently been increased to twenty-nine as a result of a series of special meetings held at that place.
Five adults have begun the observance of the Sabbath at Hawarden, Iowa, where Brethren L. P. Syp and Ross Syp have been holding meetings. Indications are good for further additions to the faith at that place.
Ecuador
By THOS. H. DAVIS.
LAST week I took a trip to Latacunga with several books and papers. The people received me much more cordially than the last time, about a year ago, when the cura (priest) preached against my work. Before twelve o'clock I had sold thirteen copies of "His Glorious Appearing," two Bibles, one "Gospel Primer," and a number of the Señales de los Tiempos. On this week falls General Alfaro's birthday. The inauguration of the arrival of the train to Quito, the capital, also takes place on the same date. As a large crowd is expected there, I am arranging to take a lot of our Spanish papers to sell during that time.
To-day the Americans of the railroad buried one of the conductors who was killed on the line. I was asked to preach the funeral sermon, and as there was a large crowd of natives present, it was necessary to conduct the service both in Spanish and English. They gave excellent attention, and I was glad to have the privilege of speaking to the people of this town, for the first time on the precious theme, the resurrection of the dead. These people, bound down by superstition, have never heard of the second coming of Christ to resurrect those who sleep in their graves. If they have heard anything of the subject, it has been perverted.
THOS. H. DAVIS.
Current Mention
— Reports gathered by the Chicago Tribune show that 71 persons were killed and 2,624 injured by fireworks on July 4.
— Twenty-three persons lost their lives in New York City during July 6 and 7 as a result of the excessively high temperature and humidity on those dates.
— On July 8 a fire swept a large portion of the waterfront of Boston, causing a property loss of over a million dollars. Several large vessels and lighters narrowly escaped destruction.
— In view of the charges of political corruption that have been made during other national campaigns, the presidential nominees for both Republican and Democratic parties have declared that the books of the campaign committees must be open to inspection of the public. The nominees hope thus to eliminate from the campaign all charges of the use of political corruption funds.
— Two hundred and twenty-eight dead bodies have been recovered from a coal-mine at Yusovo, Russia, where an explosion occurred on July 1.
— At Pottsville, Pa., on July 15, seven mine workers were killed, and ten others injured, by an explosion of gas in the Williamstown colliery of the Summit Branch Mining Company.
— The Mexican authorities have recently condemned to death fifty men charged with the crime of rebellion against the government, or with aiding those who were in rebellion.
— The representatives of the Prohibition party in convention at Columbus, Ohio, on July 16, nominated for the office of president of the United States, Eugene W. Chafin, of Chicago, and for vice-president, Aaron S. Watkins, of Ada, Ohio.
— Fighting between the Persian government and the supporters of parliament has ceased, due largely, it is said, to the influence of Russia and England. Russia is especially active. Her soldiers have occupied Teheran and assumed control of the situation there.
— Advices from Chile state that a terrific earthquake occurred in the provinces of Tacna and Arica in Chile, and in the southern portions of Peru and Bolivia, on July 16. These localities being sparsely settled, accounts for the fact that no loss of life has been reported.
— New York hospital surgeons have discovered that in the most acute attacks of peritonitis the application of pure oxygen to the seat of the difficulty will generally effect a cure. An incision is made into the abdominal cavity, and a tube inserted, which is connected with a tank of oxygen.
— The revolutionists of Paraguay have succeeded in overturning the government and setting up a new one. Former officials and friends of the former government have taken refuge at the Argentine legation, and the government of Argentine is taking active measures to insure their safety.
— The great German firm of war-implement builders known as the Krupps has purchased of a Swedish inventor all the rights, outside of Sweden, to a weapon of war known as an aerial torpedo. It is claimed for this torpedo that it can be directed with great accuracy, fired without noise, and that it will completely demolish any vessel or fort upon which it may fall.
— Manuel Bonilla, former president of Honduras, has precipitated a revolution in that republic, and captured the city and province of Gracias. During the week there have been conferences at Washington between the acting secretary of state and the representatives of Mexico and all the Central American states except Honduras concerning the new revolution and plans for maintaining the neutrality of all the other states. In view of the revolution in Honduras, the United States cruiser “Albany” has been sent to Amalpa, the Pacific port of Honduras, to guard American interests. Reports from Honduras state that the government forces have retaken the town of Gracias, recently captured by the insurgents, and are moving upon other positions held by the latter.
— The United States battle-ship fleet arrived at Honolulu, H. T., on July 16, and received an enthusiastic welcome from the islanders.
— A disastrous and extensive oil-field fire occurred at Ozuluama, Mexico, on July 5, continuing several days. The actual blaze was a mile square, and the flames penetrated to the oil-measures below the surface, causing a terrible explosion and an upheaval of a considerable portion of the surface of the oil-field region. It is estimated that millions of barrels of oil have already been destroyed.
— Much has been said recently in the public press in reference to a noiseless gun perfected by the well-known inventor, Maxim. The danger to the general public in the manufacture of such a weapon was generally admitted. But now comes the invention of a gun which is both noiseless and powderless, thus as a weapon of war practically eliminating all possibility of ascertaining its location at any considerable distance. At an experimental test conducted at New York on July 13, this gun was operated at the rate of one hundred shots a second. The only noise heard by those who witnessed the test was the noise of pouring the bullets into the hopper of the gun, and the patter of the shots as they struck the target.
A Warning to Rulers and Their Subjects
HERETOFORE David's record as a ruler had been such as few monarchs have ever equaled. It is written of him that he “executed judgment and justice unto all his people.” His integrity had won the confidence and fealty of the nation. But as he departed from God, and yielded himself to the wicked one, he became, for the time, the agent of Satan; yet he still held the position and authority that God had given him, and because21of this, claimed obedience that would imperil the soul of him who should yield it. And Joab, whose allegiance had been given to the king rather than to God, transgressed God's law because the king had commanded it.
David's power had been given him by God, but to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. “The powers that be are ordained of God,” but we are not to obey them contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, sets forth the principle by which we should be governed. He says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 719.
Christian Liberty
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertainingto the Current History of theRights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL. Chairman
W. A. COLCORD. Secretary
Sunday Closing in Arizona
By K. C. R.
WE are in receipt of interesting information from Elder H. G. Thurston, president of the Arizona Conference, regarding the Sunday-closing movement in Phoenix.
The Arizona Democrat, in an article with the title, “Local Reformism Given Solar Plexus,” announced that the city council had tabled the proposed Sunday-closing ordinance.
This solar-plexus blow was evidently the result of the vigorous efforts exerted by our people in the distribution of our religious liberty literature. It will be remembered that Arizona is the only territory that has no Sunday law. May she long be preserved from such an evil!
Let others strike telling blows against the Sunday-closing crusades by the distribution of our religious liberty literature.