While sojourning in Constantinople we have endeavored to learn some particulars about the Armenian question, but have found this a poor place to gain information as to what is taking place in the government. There is a strict censorship of the press, every article having to be submitted to the government censors before its publication. As a result, the public is kept in almost entire ignorance of what is going on in the government. People in Europe and America know a great deal more about what is being done here than people in Constantinople itself.
Although not finally disposed of, the Armenian question has already led to the improvement of the condition of Armenians. They now enjoy more liberty and can travel about with fewer obstructions. It is hoped that still more good will result, and that Armenians will yet have the same liberty as they enjoyed in the past.
For a number of years Turkey has been steadily turning down the screw of oppression on the Armenians, and the greater the tension, the greater and more desperate the resistance of the oppressed. Of course it is a bitter pill for the Turkish Government now to relinquish her pressure, and even work for the improvement of the Armenians. It is like compelling a man to turn about and bless them that he has been persecuting with all his might. That is why the question hangs fire so long.
Just after writing the above, there has been an Armenian demonstration here in the city. Sunday, September 29, it was decided by Armenians to gather next day at the Sublime Porte, and demand that the sultan sign, without longer delay, the reform proposition of the powers. On attempting to carry out this purpose, they were met by Turkish soldiers and police. A riot ensued, in which some on both sides were killed. This kindled afresh the fanaticism of both Turks and Armenians, which has led to some violence among the populace. Since the outbreak, many soldiers, mounted and foot, are patrolling the city night and day. Large numbers of Armenians are held up on the streets and searched for arms, those with arms being at once imprisoned.
It is reported that many hundreds have been imprisoned and several hundreds killed, but it is impossible to know the truth, as all sorts of stories are circulating. The Armenians generally believe that the Turks are killing and secretly disposing of those arrested; and this greatly excites the people. Last evening the church of the Armenian Patriarch, in this quarter of the city, was filled with several hundred who were determined to go to the prison to liberate their brethren, but the Patriarch has so far succeeded in keeping them from an effort to execute their purpose.
It is generally believed by the common people that the British fleet is on the way here and will soon arrive; in fact, this belief seems to have had much to do with their attempted demonstration. But there is scarce a limit to what the imagination may produce when fired up by the fanaticism of a false religion; still, casting aside all floating reports, the situation is grave enough. Most of the stores of Armenians are closed through fear; many have been arrested, some of them being severely beaten by the officers, and some killed on the streets.
This ill-advised and rash act of the Armenians will only make their situation worse; it will make it more difficult for the powers to settle the question to their advantage. If the Armenians have acted as rashly and foolishly in Armenia as here in this present act, they can not be regarded as martyrs to their faith. If they had more of the spirit of Christianity and less of the spirit of revolution, their cause would be much more hopeful and manageable.
This is the third day of the present troubles, and the state of affairs continues about as at the beginning. It is impossible to foresee what the result will be; but this will doubtless be known by telegraph before these lines are read. To-day an earthquake shock was felt in this part of the city; it is hoped that this solemn reminder of the great earthquake which destroyed so many buildings and lives last year may dampen the fatal zeal of the people. H. P. H.
Constantinople, October 2.
TRAINING THE YOUTH IN THE ART OF WAR.
By W. N. G.
The final resort of the civil power is military force, an appeal to carnal weapons, for the enforcement of its decrees. Hence, in these days when the church is appealing to the civil government for aid in the support of its institutions, it is not surprising to find a growing disposition to drill the youth and children in the military art. When we hear leading churches talk confidently of an approaching universal peace among the nations, and hear them loudly proclaiming a “gospel of peace,” we are constrained to ask, What meaneth the organization of these Boys’ Brigades, Cadets of Temperance, and military schools for boys under denominational auspices? It would seem that, after all, the dependence of this “Christian nation” for the furtherance of its peculiar style of Christianity is in the arm of man. On this subject Rev. H. H. Hinman contributes an article to the Cynosure, of Chicago, from which we cull a few points:—
“The papers inform us that the School Board of Chicago has voted to introduce military drill into the public schools of that city. This is what might be expected since the introduction of Boys’ Brigades into the churches, and it is an example likely to be followed in other large cities. Nevertheless, it is greatly to be deplored, as indicating a sad decline in civic and Christian morality. It is one of the signs of the times, and signifies that an essential part of the education of each boy shall be instruction in the art of deceiving, overcoming, and killing his fellow-men. It means a lessening of value of human life, and the deprivation of public and private morals, such as always accompanies and results from militarism. It means that the military profession (which is none other than the profession of robbery and murder) shall be put on a par with the learned and peaceful callings of the law, medicine, and the ministry.”
“I do not mean to prophesy that all these evils will result from the introduction of military drill in the public schools, but that the tendencies are all in the direction I have indicated, and if we are spared so great a calamity, it will be because of providential intervention. One thing is certain, that we can not expect the protection of the Prince of Peace so long as we foster the spirit of war.”
When Peter essayed to defend the cause of Christ with a sword, the Master said, “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Matt. 26:52. The apostle Paul also gives us the true principle of Christian warfare: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4. Again he tells us very explicitly what is the only and sure defense to which the Christian may resort: “Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:13-18.
Then would it not be better for all Christians, both old and young, to be drilled in the use of the armor which God has specially prescribed for their continual use, than to spend time with the carnal weapons which he has positively forbidden, and with which those who use them are to perish?
W. N. G.
THE “PERILOUS TENDENCY” OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
At the recent Protestant Episcopal General Convention, held at Minneapolis, Bishop Littlejohn, of Long Island, read a pastoral letter in which occurred the following significant expression:—
“We are, indeed, between two perilous tendencies. On the one hand, there is a demand for concessions which will make it easy for members of Christian bodies, not in communion with the church, to enter her ministry, to transfer them bodily as congregations, with faint and feeble guards of soundness in their forms of worship; on the other, there is a plea put forth by some to enter into negotiations with the bishop of Rome, with a view to reunion, which is now known to be possible only by absolute submission to his unscriptural and unlawful demands. The wise thing for us to do is to hold fast to our position.”
On this sentiment the Catholic Mirror comments as follows:—
“Certainly, there is no great danger from the source first indicated—namely, an inroad of members from other Christian bodies. They do not like the Episcopal Church, and lose no opportunity to signify the fact, and the members of the Episcopal Church, except a very few, do not like them.
“The other ‘perilous tendency,’ however, is of a genuine and formidable character, and with every passing year destined to become more so. Ritualism is becoming such a force that soon the policy of discretion now pursued will be no longer possible; it must be reckoned with, and there must come settlement. Plainly, Bishop Littlejohn perceives that the day is not far away.
“It is useless to talk about the ‘bishop of Rome,’ and to allude to his ‘unscriptural and unlawful demands.’ There is a large body of members in the Episcopal Church who, as the bishop reluctantly admits, know and feel in their hearts that the bishop of Rome is the visible head of Christ’s church on earth, and who would be easier in mind if that reunion which is spoken of could only take place.”
LITTLE THINGS.
By Mrs. B. Hagle
BY MRS. B. HAGLE.
LIFE is made up of little things. Discoveries are made mostly by means of little things. The art of printing owes its origin to rude impressions (for the amusement of children) from letters carved on the bark of a beech tree. It was a slight matter, which thousands would have passed over with neglect. The steam engine may all be attributed to an individual observing steam issuing from a bottle just emptied and placed casually close to a fire. He plunged the bottle’s neck into cold water and was intelligent enough to notice the instant rush which ensued from this simple apparatus. Pendulum clocks were invented from Galileo’s observing the lamp in a church swinging to and fro. The telescope we owe to some children of a spectacle maker placing two or more pairs of spectacles before each other and looking through them at a distant object. The glimpse thus afforded was followed up by older heads. So trifling a matter as the sight of seaweed floating past his ship enabled Columbus to quell the mutiny which arose among his sailors at not discovering land, and to assure them that the eagerly sought New World was not far off.
There is nothing so small that it should remain forgotten. From an anecdote from Randall’s “Life of Jefferson” it seems that flies contributed to hasten the American independence. When the question of independence was before Congress, it had its meeting near a livery stable. Its members wore short breeches and silk stockings, and, with handkerchief in hand, they were diligently employed in lashing the flies from their legs. So vexing was this annoyance, and to so great an impatience did it arouse the sufferers, that it hastened, if it did not aid in inducing, them to promptly affix their names to the great document which gave birth to our country.
It was said of Nicholas Poissin, the painter, that the rule of his conduct was that “whatever was worth doing at all was worth doing well,” and when asked late in life by what means he had gained so high a reputation among the painters of Italy, he answered, “Because I have neglected nothing.” We but recollect that trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle. When Franklin made his discovery of the identity of lightning and electricity, it was sneered at, and people asked, “Of what use is it?” to which his apt reply was: “What is the use of a child? It may become a man!”
The greatest and best of men have not been above caring for the littles. Of what is the happiness of our life made up?—Little courtesies, little kindnesses, pleasant words, genial smiles, a friendly letter, good wishes, good deeds. The little things that make up our life come every day and every hour. If we make the little events of life beautiful and good, then is the whole life full of beauty and goodness. So if children think they can not become great rivers bearing great vessels of blessing to the world, they may be little springs by the wayside of life, singing merrily all day and all night, and giving a cup of cold water to every weary, thirsty one who passes by.
Battle Creek, Mich.
TOBACCO—A PARABLE.
THEN shall the kingdom of Satan be likened to a grain of tobacco seed, which, though exceeding small, being cast into the ground, grew, and became a great plant, and spread its leaves rank and broad, so that huge and vile worms formed a habitation thereon. And it came to pass, in the course of time, that the son of man looked upon it, and thought it beautiful to look upon, and much to be desired to make lads look big and manly. So they put forth their hands and did chew thereof. And some it made sick, and others to vomit most filthily. And it further came to pass that those who chewed it became weak and unmanly, and said, We are enslaved and can’t cease from chewing it. And the mouths of all that were enslaved became foul and were seized with a violent spitting; and they did spit even in ladies’ parlors and in the house of the Lord of hosts. And the saints of the Most High were greatly plagued thereby. And in the course of time it came also to pass that others snuffed it, and they were taken suddenly with fits, and they did sneeze with a great and mighty sneeze, insomuch that their eyes filled with tears, and they did look exceedingly silly. And yet others cunningly wrought the leaves thereof into rolls, and did set fire to the one end thereof, and did suck vehemently at the other end thereof, and did look very grave and calf like, and the smoke of their torment ascended up forever and ever.
And the cultivation thereof became a great and mighty business on the earth, and the merchantmen waxed rich by the commerce thereof. And it came to pass that the saints of the Most High defiled themselves therewith; even the poor who could not buy shoes, nor bread, nor books for their little ones, spent their money for it. And the Lord was greatly displeased therewith, and said; “Wherefore this waste, and why do these little ones lack bread and shoes and books? Turn now your fields into corn and wheat, and put this evil thing far from you, and be separate, and defile not yourselves any more, and I will bless you and cause my face to shine on you.”11
But with one accord they all exclaimed:— “We can not cease from chewing, snuffing, and puffing—we are slaves.”—Christian Secretary.
CONSTITUTION AND CALOMEL.
By H. C. Stewart
BY H. C. STEWART.
When I was a boy, in the days of yore,
When doctors doctored as they doctor no more—
For the people they doctored are most all dead—
Then the treatment for fever, for gout, and for biles,
Was repeating big doses of calomel,
To be followed later by "caster ile;"
If the patient lived through it 'twas usually said
He or she had a strong constitution.
In those good old days I had a brother
Who was sick of a fever of some kind or other,
No matter what name, he was a very sick man;
Two doctors were called, his case diagnosed;
The cure was a plain one as to remedy and dose;
They quickly decided that calomel be given
Every two hours, at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11,
For the man had a strong constitution.
The treatment decided, the next thing to do
The sick man's surroundings were carefully looked to,
No fresh air must be permitted to enter the room;
So the windows with quilts were carefully covered,
Likewise 'round the door more quilts gently hovered;
The nurse was cautioned with hot tea to fill him,
One drop of cold water would certainly kill him,
Though the man had a strong constitution.
The time in the year, as I now remember,
There was snow in abundance, late in December.
My brother was a very sick man;
The doctors both said so, he certainly looked it,
The skin hot and dry, the fever had cooked it;
The doctors were learned, both very wise,
If you tried to deceive them you had to tell lies,
Though the man had a strong constitution.
My brother was red hot; without limitation,
The fever ran on its full time and duration,
Notwithstanding the calomel, large doses, specific.
The market for calomel steadily advanced;
The value of oil as steadily enhanced;
The patient grew weaker, the doses grew stronger;
The doctors both said, "He can't last much longer,"
But my—what a strong constitution!
It happened one day the nurse wanted a nap;
I was to watch brother; if needed, I was to rap
On the door, but I was admonished to keep wide awake,
And to call the nurse when time to give the specific;
If I failed to do it, I'd be paddled terrific;
I was to give him hot tea—sheep sorrel I believe,
I may be mistaken, I don't wish to deceive—
But the man had a strong constitution.
I gave him the tea, and a little while later
He begged me to get him one sup of cold water;
Of course he was wrong, for he wasn't a doctor;
Still he begged and promised great reward
If I'd go to the old-well down in the yard
And get him one sup of cold water;
I told him I mustn't, for the doctors had said
If he drank the least bit of water he'd surely be dead,
Although he had a strong constitution.
Still he begged and he coaxed; I said, "I won't;"
He answered, "If I die if I get it, I'll die if I don't."
Now here was a fix for a boy to be placed in;
If I got him the water, a murderer I'd be;
He'd certainly die if he got only one;
To do it or not, the question I faced;
If I was to get the water, I'd no time to waste,
While the nurse was repairing her constitution.
I took a small pitcher, went quickly and filled it;
Returning, I stumbled and partially spilled it,
But enough remained for a good, solid drink;
I trembled with fear lest the water would kill him,
But there wasn't enough left completely to fill him;
So of leakage the danger seemed small,
And I hoped that I'd not be found out at all,
For the man had a strong constitution.
The effect of the water was quite unexpected,
And my murderous deed went undetected;
The nurse found the patient quietly sleeping;
The water brought sleep, strange story to tell;
The sick man got better, finally got well.
The doctors took credit for wonderful skill,
And claimed a great cure for old calomel,
Omitting to mention his strong constitution.
—Pulse Quarterly.
“LET US QUARREL TO-MORROW.”
By N. H. Junior
MY wife is one of the sweetest little women in the whole world, and I am not considered peculiarly cranky, but sometimes differences would arise, beginning with the most trivial things, which, however, being duly nursed, became of monumental proportions, and often threatened the peace of the family. Of course, I was commonly the one to blame; in fact, as I look back on it now, I am sure I was always to blame, for I should have had the wisdom to give way on the non-essentials, and by a little restraint and gentle talk win my little wife over to my way of thinking. But, instead of that, I feared I should sacrifice my dignity (!), as head of the family, by yielding. So sometimes I went to business without my good-by kiss, and two people were miserable all day.
But my little wife had an inspiration (most women have when things comes to the breaking point), and the next time our argument was drifting near the danger line, she turned aside the collision by this womanly suggestion, “Howard, dear, let’s quarrel to-morrow!” This was a proposal for an armistice. What husband could refuse? “All right,” I said, “we will put it off till to-morrow,” and we laughed and talked of other things. But to-morrow did not come. Indeed, to-morrow never comes; it’s always a day ahead; and if we can only keep our quarrels until then, there will be no more heart-broken little wives at home and fewer blue husbands at the store or office.
“Let’s quarrel to-morrow!”—N. H. Junior, in New York Evangelist.
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MATABELELAND AND COUNTRIES NORTH.
By S. N. H.
BY S. N. H.
In some respects this portion of South Africa has an interest which no other portion has at the present time. It is now fairly opened to direct missionary effort by Seventh-day Adventists. It is an entirely new country. The natives who occupy the territory were once among the fiercest of the tribes in South Africa. They knew but little, if anything, of God. They were cruel in their habits, and had given themselves up to war and robbing the Mashonas of their cattle. The plea for subduing them was their inroads upon the Mashonas, who were under the protection of the English.
Two considerations have led the British to take active steps to secure the northern territory up to the Zambesi. First, when some of the European powers developed colonial aspirations, and proceeded to partition Africa, Britain began to realize the importance of securing, before it was too late, a portion of the regions which these other countries were rapidly appropriating. Second, it was soon ascertained that there were mines in this country, and for the gold the territory was secured, and the Charter Company was organized. It was in 1883 a treaty of peace was entered into with Lobengula, the king of Matabeleland, which treaty, it is claimed, he violated in several ways, which finally caused his overthrow.
In 1889 and 1890 a pioneer expedition of about two hundred Europeans and one hundred and fifty native laborers, went to Mashonaland. They reached the objective point, a high eminence on the plateau, which was named Mount Hamden. These were accompanied by about five hundred mounted police, equipped with arms, mountain guns, electric lights, and other appliances of modern civilization. After a march of 1,000 miles, fording streams, cutting their path through bush and forest, on the 12th of September, 1890, they reached their destination, where now is the town of Salisbury, the capital of Mashonaland. There was not a single shot fired, or the loss of a single life. This country is well watered and timbered and a greater portion of it adapted for colonization. It lies at an elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level.
For two-thirds of the year the climate is said to be invigorating and the temperature ranging from thirty-six to eighty-six degrees. The native inhabitants, chiefly belonging to the tribes named Makalakas and Bunyai, but generally known as Mashonas, proved a peaceable and tractable people. It soon had a population of about five hundred European persons, and hotels and stores were erected. A newspaper, the Rhodesia Herald, is published weekly, and communication by telegraph is open to all the world. At the time of the Matabele subjection, many left Salisbury and went to Matabele, thinking the country more healthy. On the east coast route there is a Beria railroad of two feet gauge about seventy-five miles through the “fly country,” to a point where a good transport road leads to Salisbury.
The total extent of territory within the domain of the South African Company, south and north of the Zambesi, is estimated at about seven hundred and fifty thousand square miles, an area equal to that of France, Germany, and Italy combined. At present friendly relations are established with the different tribes, and several valuable concessions in trading and mineral rights, as well as considerable tracts of land, have been secured. Missionaries of various denominations, including representatives of the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, the Wesleyans, Dutch Reformed Church, and the Salvation Army, have established themselves at Salisbury and other places.
Much has been said and written upon the relics found in this country, which is said to be conclusive evidence, and not without reason, that from this section of country the gold of Ophir was brought in ancient days. It would require too much space to give the argument, or even the substance of it, here. But it is founded on the relics, identifying them with ancient people who once inhabited this country before the present races of natives. Enough has already been said to show that importance attaches to the mission now established in that country.
A few words might be said respecting the country northwest of Matabeleland. There is a belt of country, that will be seen on some of the maps, known as the “fever belt.” It is supposed to be impossible for a European to live in it. But natives live there, and there is a French mission in it. It will also be noticed by the map that this belt separates the country where our brethren now are from the Kongo state. So, sooner or later, there will be a connection of the truth through the northwest to the Kongo and to the west coast. At the present time all of South Africa is virtually open to the truth of God. There never was a time in the history of the world that open doors were so extensive for the heralds of the cross of Christ as at the present. The sound of the truths which have made Seventh-day Adventists so separate in the United States of America, has gone into fields where there are open doors, which, if entered and developed, would herald its light to the world. It lies before us; the doors are open; the fields are white and ready for the harvest. There is now peace in the lands far off from the home field. Shall these fields be entered and golden grain be gathered for the Master?
There is a corruption of the Christian religion manifest among many of these tribes. Circumcision is practiced among many of them. There are also customs which show that sometime in the past the people have been acquainted with the Christian religion. Sabbath observance is not of so very recent date with them. We can only say, as we look at this northern field, Surely the Lord has gone before us and opened doors for his people to let their light shine both at home and abroad. “The field is the world.” And now for the heralds of the cross of Christ to enter these fields is a solemn problem that should engage every heart looking for the soon-coming Redeemer.
We have said nothing of Bulawayo, the capital of Matabeleland. This is becoming a great center at present. It is an English city, and is on a “boom.” It rises and falls according to the season of the year and the prospects of gold and crops. It must be admitted that it is the gold that is the great attraction to these countries. That moves more12people than a love for souls. But who can not see that all of these moves are bringing to these places a class of men whom the Lord would have hear the truth? Who can not also see that a mixture of this class of people, notwithstanding the reckless character of many who go to these fields, opens doors for the truth of God?
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS.
By Talmage
The world needs more careful ablution. Taking our nose for a witness in the case, we judge that many do not wash themselves often enough and thoroughly enough. In city houses with bath rooms and water pipes running every whither, there is no shade of excuse for lack of cleanliness. Indeed, there is no excuse anywhere for neglect of ablution. You answer that you wash your hands and face every morning. What of that? Your hands and face could get along without immersion easier than the rest of your body, for the dirt would rub off by contact with fresh air and the implements of your occupation. You need frequent application of water from the top of your head to the end of the long toe. Once a week will not do. God washes the flowers every night with dew, and you are certainly no purer than the jasmines and verbenas. Three-fourths of the world do not wash often enough either for health or decency, and could apply in a physical sense what Paul said in a spiritual: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of dirt and death?” If only one-half of the world had been water, the divine meaning might have been doubtful, but with three-fourths of the earth water, the doctrine of frequent purification ought to be every way adopted and acted on. The tarrying of some people in your room for half an hour necessitates a fumigation.—Talmage.
ORIGIN OF “AMERICA”
That America was named after Americus Vespucius is an error. Vespucius was called Americus just for the same reason we say Chinese Gordon, namely, to distinguish him from others of the same patronymic. Vespucius’ first name was Alberico. Nor is there any such name as Americo or Amerigo or any like name to be found among the Spanish or Italians. Our Columbus and Vespucius both coasted along the Mosquito at the foot of the Sierra, called in the Indian language “Amerikay,” written by the Spanish Amerique, meaning the “region of winds.” Only one edition of Vespucius’ letter on his third voyage has the name Amerigo in place of his real name, Alberico, which nineteen editions had. This was in 1506, and was done, no doubt, to distinguish him. The great Sierra was the conspicuous point seen by explorers up to 1507; and officers and men telling their stories, spoke of the country Amerikay, or Amerique, as the Spaniards write it. So says the Paris Geographical Society on the strength of profound researches.—Capital Journal.
CHRIST AND THE SABBATH
Or Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New, by Elder James White. Paper covers, fifty-six pages, sent post-paid for ten cents.
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GIVING
By James Russell Lowell
He gives nothing but worthless gold
Who gives from a sense of duty;
But he who gives a slender mite,
And gives to that which is out of sight,
That thread of the all-sustaining beauty
Which runs through all and doth all unite,—
The hand can not clasp the whole of his alms,
The heart outstretches its eager palms,
For a God goes with it and makes it store
To the soul that was starving in darkness before.
—James Russell Lowell.
HOW TO KEEP FROM SIN.
The Gospels tell us that this is done through the cleansing of the heart by God’s grace working therein. But a certain Mohammedan in India, who had been very wicked and wished to give up his wickedness, thought to keep himself from evil by chaining himself so that he could not move freely. He loaded himself down with 600 pounds of chains, and carried also large iron pins and a heavy iron mallet so that he could be fastened to one spot. But still he sinned; and so he added chain to chain, and then proposed, with his load upon him, to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. When riding upon the train to Bombay, he was charged partly as a passenger and partly as freight; but the steamship company of which he sought to engage passage from Bombay refused altogether to take him. What has become of him we have not heard. O, that he might learn of the Fountain open for sin and uncleanness!—American Board Almanac, 1895.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
THE enrollment of students at Walla Walla, (Wash.) College is now upward of 180.
ELDER OSCAR HILL left College Place, Wash., on the 5th inst., for Boise, Idaho, where he will labor during the coming winter.
ELDER J. S. WASHBURN has removed from Southampton, England, to Kettering, and, together with Brother H. Champness, of London, began meetings September 29, with a good interest. His address is 86 Broadway, Kettering.
AT Bladensburg, Iowa, Brethren L. F. Starr and Wm. Guthrie report twelve keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, as a result of recent labor, and a Sabbath school of twenty-three members has been organized. At Delta they report five additions to the faith.
A CARD from Elder J. W. Scoles, dated West Salem, Illinois, November 8, says: “The trial of Brother J. F. Rothrock, of this place, takes place at Albion, next Tuesday. Also the trial of John Foll, Ross Foll, George Dunlap, J. C. Schnell, and Charles Schnell, will come off the next day at Olney, Richland County.”
AT Long Creek, Or., Elder S. H. Kime met a decided opposition lately, and a certain church building where he had been holding meetings was closed against him. But a number of people secured the town hall for his services. He was agreeably surprised soon after to find, where he expected about eight to take their stand on the commandments of God, that twenty were ready to obey the truth.
THE Southern California camp meeting was one of the best ever held in the state, and the largest ever held in that section. About five hundred Sabbath keepers were in attendance. The attendance from the outside was good. The last Sabbath of the camp meeting was a remarkably refreshing season. There was an earnest seeking of God on the part of almost the entire camp. Old soldiers were encouraged, backsliders reclaimed, and there were many hopeful conversions. May God help them all to prove faithful to the blessings bestowed. That will be to go on to greater blessings.
ALL the cases against our brethren in Rhea County, Tenn., for Sunday labor, have been disposed of. At the present term of court there were five cases—one against E. R. Gillett, one against Wallace Ridgeway, one against N. B. England, and two against E. S. Abbott. The case against Brother Gillett was dismissed for want of a prosecuting witness, and the others were found “not guilty.” Ex-Senator H. C. Snodgrass and Judge Lewis Shepherd, two eminent lawyers, volunteered to defend the prisoners, and did so in an able manner, showing that there was nothing in the work done that could be construed as a “nuisance” within the meaning of the law, and that quiet work done without intent to offend never can be a “nuisance” when done on Sunday any more than when done on any other day. A report of Brother D. W. Reavis, in the Review, says of the plea that the counsel Entered upon the question of Sunday laws in no mild manner, showing thoroughly, though briefly, their evil effects, also showing the origin of Sunday observance and the folly of the American courts forcing its observance upon Christians in the face of the positive command of the Lord Almighty. In doing this they traced the life of Christ and his experience with the Pharisees upon the Sabbath and its observance, showing that the Pharisees were doing no more than those people in Rhea County, Tenn., are doing now, who are prosecuting the Adventists simply because they do not observe the Sabbath according to their straight-jacketed ideas.
THE following item of interest is from Elder H. P. Holser: “In company with Elder A. T. Jones, I came to Constantinople to hold a Bible school with believers who reside in Turkey. The school is held in that portion of the city called Stamboul, which is the same as ancient Byzantium. The attendance is composed of Greeks and Armenians from the city, from Nicomedia and from Cilicia. Although the school is not yet closed, there is good prospect that a number of new workers will be sent forth in this field.”
In a later note Brother Holser adds: “Our school still continues, except evenings, as our brethren fear to be on the street after dark. We close here next week, and adjourn to Bardizag, a village in Nicomedia, where the last week of the school will be held. Matters are pretty unsettled here, and ready to tumble to pieces as soon as the Lord’s work is done.”
ELDER A. T. JONES, editor of the American Sentinel, and another American brother, together with six Armenian brethren, were recently arrested by the police in Constantinople, and their valises searched. Of course the American brethren were arrested because they were in company with Armenians, all of whom are now under suspicion in that city. In a short time, however, an officer came along who recognized the Armenian brethren, and at once vouched for the orderly character of the “Sabbatarians.” On reporting the situation to police headquarters, the prisoners were ordered released, and they were treated with the utmost respect. It is well for those who profess to “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” to live blameless lives, so that their enemies may “not find any occasion” against them, except, as in the case of Daniel, it be concerning the law of their God. But it is a significant omen when the Christian people who uphold the law of God are respected in Mohammedan Turkey, while the same class are persecuted and imprisoned in the so-called “Christian nation” of the United States.
