Our meetings are now closed at Mankato and Eagle Lake, after a continuance of about twelve weeks. As the result of our labors, thirty have joined the Mankato church. Two members who had through discouragement given up the Sabbath, have taken a new start to serve God and keep his commandments. Several of those who joined the church were children of Sabbath-keeping parents; two or three were before keeping the Sabbath; the others came from the different sects and from the world. Seven adults that have begun to keep the Sabbath have not as yet fully connected themselves with us. We have had peculiar difficulties to contend with in these meetings, yet the Lord has blessed the word spoken. The brethren at Mankato helped us much in our labors. We are of good courage.
Sept. 23. W. B. Hill. L. H. Ells.
Grant City, Ind.
By J. M. Rees, J. S. Shrock, V. Thompson
HAVE been in this place five weeks, and have spoken thirty-six times. The interest is still good. Among the interested ones are the best people of the community. Over fifty were present at our last Sabbath meeting. Nine have signed the covenant, and we have hopes of several more. Have sold $6.00 worth of books, and our donations amount to $4.40. Shall remain here this week, and then take down the tent and go to our Conference.
J. M. Rees,
J. S. Shrock,
V. THOMPSON.
Sept. 25.
Brushy Knob and Turner's Point, Texas.
By Robert Miller Kilgore
Our second arbor meeting at Brushy Knob was successful beyond our expectations. A larger number of our own people were present, and a much larger number from without. Twelve tents were pitched. My brother and Bro. Daniels were present, and assisted in preaching. At our Sabbath morning prayer-meeting, one hundred Sabbath keepers were counted. Denison, Plano, and Dallas were represented. Bro. Jenson came with three others from Bosque Co. Besides a few scattered brethren, the churches of Peoria and Cleburne, were nearly all present. The preaching was both doctrinal and practical. The social meetings were spiritual and excellent. Many were convicted, several were converted, and nineteen were baptized. Such was the interest that it was thought best to continue another week, which we did. We sold some books, and obtained ten subscribers for the Review. Closed the meeting Sunday night, Sept. 8.
Friday, Sept. 13, we met again with the friends at Turner's Point, under the arbor. About twenty are holding on, and growing strong in the truth, amid bitter opposition. Organized a Sabbath-school, and appointed a leader for the class. R. M. KILGORE.
Attica, Wis.
By N. M. Jordan, A. W. Fuller
WE closed meetings in this place yesterday. The attendance has been good when the weather was favorable. As the result of the meetings here, some have decided to keep all the commandments of God; some have been reclaimed, and others encouraged. We organized a church here, to embrace the Sabbath-keepers in Albany, Monticello, and others in this vicinity. As a church, they voted to adopt the plan of S. B. A leader was chosen.
N. M. JORDAN, A. W. FULLER.
Sept. 15.
Cicero and Arcadia, Ind.
By William Covert
WE have closed tent labor for the season. Six or eight are now keeping the Sabbath at Cicero, where we last labored. We have organized a church of thirteen members at Arcadia. The S. B. pledged to the Conference amounted to $42.00, and we are confident that this sum will be increased. At this place twenty copies of our papers were subscribed for, besides a club of ten Instructors for the Sabbath school. Have sold about $40.00 worth of books during the season.
Arcadia and Cicero are only three miles apart, so that the members constitute one church now, numbering twenty-four. Three of these were keeping the Sabbath before we came here. WM. COVERT.
Sept. 25,
Corydon, Penn.
By William B. Knapp
AFTER S. A. H. Lindsey had labored in the vicinity of Corydon, Warren Co., Pa., a few weeks, and meeting with opposition from the M. E. Church, four of their number, all heads of families, took a decided stand for the truth. One brother, a Sunday-school superintendent, and a leading member of the church, has fully embraced the truth, and is now superintending a Sabbath-school of about twenty members. A sister began the observance of the Sabbath by reading, just previous to Sr. L.'s labors with us. And since her departure another person, a man of good morals, but a non-professor, has commenced to observe the Sabbath. The little company here are encouraged, and feel to give God all the praise.
WM. B. KNAPP.
Greenup, Ill.
By Dennis Morrison
WE have just closed a series of meetings at this place. The Lord has greatly blessed our labors, for which we feel thankful. Six were added to the church, two by vote, and four were buried with their Lord in baptism. There are others here who are almost persuaded. May they seek wisdom from God, and decide aright.
DENNIS MORRISON.
Sept. 22.
Coopersburg, Rice Co., Kan.
By R. F. Barton
I BEGAN meetings here the 11th inst. The interest has been increasing. The school-house was filled last evening, and many were unable to get in. The Lord has blessed in speaking his word. Four have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and we hope for others. Pray for the work here.
Sept. 22. R. F. BARTON.
Vansville, Ohio.
By G. G. Rupert
MEETINGS still continue with good interest. Two families have lately resolved to keep God's commandments. The Sabbath-school numbers twenty-four, mostly grown people. I have obtained a few more subscribers for the Review.
G. G. RUPERT.
Sept. 23.
The Penalty of too Much Brain Work.
Dr. PARKER, of New York, delivered a lecture in that city, in which he showed the evils proceeding from the transgression of the limits of their physical powers by literary men, etc. He said: “No man can do head work faithfully for more than four or five or six hours. If that time is exceeded, all the phosphorous is carried off, and the man becomes irritable, broken down, and has softening of the brain. I have seen this overwork in lawyers, doctors, clergymen, and merchants, who have worked the brain for ten hours. They have dropped under the burden. You cannot violate the law of God with impunity. Sir Walter Scott did a large amount of brain work in his day, but he did not overwork himself. In his latter days, however, he became pecuniarily embarrassed, and resorted to his literary pursuits to save himself; but he worked too hard and completely broke himself down. One of the best scholars I ever knew broke himself down in his younger days, but he lived on to seventy, though he could only work some four hours a day. After these hours he engaged in vigorous exercises to keep him out of the house as much as possible, and he continued one of the best professors in the country.”
Sleeping Under the Clothes.
By Miss Nightingale
THERE is reason to believe that not a few of the apparently unaccountable cases of scrofula among children proceed from the habit of sleeping with the head under the bed clothes, and so inhaling air already breathed, which is further contaminated by exhalations from the skin. Patients are sometimes given to a similar habit; and it often happens that the bed clothes are so disposed that the patient must necessarily breathe air more or less contaminated by exhalations from the skin. A good nurse will be careful to attend to this. It is an important part, so to speak, of ventilation. It may be worth while to remark that when there is any danger of bed-sores, a blanket should never be placed under the patient. It retains dampness and acts like a poultice. Never use anything but light Whitney blankets as bed covering for the sick. The heavy impervious, cotton counterpane is bad, for the very reason that it keeps the emanations from the sick person, while the blanket allows them to pass through. Weak persons are invariably distressed by a great weight of bed clothes, which often prevents their getting any sound sleep whatever.— Miss Nightingale.
Fresh Air and Sunshine.
Dr. Young says: "A professor in one of the medical schools in San Francisco, in a lecture, describing the case of a young lady, pale, sickly, with headache, nervous, unable to study, in short, 'going into a decline,' said to the students: 'Now, what shall be done with such a case? Tell her parents to take her out of school, and give her, in place of school books, a skipping-rope, rolling-hoop, and a pony; to give her plenty of fresh air and sunshine, to give her good wholesome food and a loose-fitting, comfortable dress; tell them that for want of these she is sick, and it is only by them that recovery can be hoped for; that, with these conditions, she will recover without medical treatment, and that, without them, medicine will be powerless. This you must tell them, though you might as well talk to the wind; they will not heed a word you say. She is a young lady, and will be fashionable, IF SHE DIES FOR IT.'"
A Lesson From O'Leary.
The Philadelphia Sunday School Times draws a temperance lesson from O'Leary's failure: "Here is a Mr. O'Leary, the champion footman of the universe, striving against new competitors for the belt of honor he has won so proudly. While in training and wanting strength he adopts the liberal view of alcohol, and takes whisky. Of course, he is at disadvantage in a contest with total abstainers—for the time being. When he has failed ignominiously, all his old backers denounce him because he would not abjure liquors long enough to win the prize he would strive for. If you would have strength and keep it, let liquor alone."
Testimony Against Wine.
THE historian Smollett states that he observed in his travels among wine growing nations that when the vintage was poor, the health of the people was better than when there was an abundant crop, making wine more plentiful. He considered that “for the preservation of health and proper exhilaration of the spirits there is no beverage comparable to simple water.”
Secular News.
—There is prospect of the abolition of slavery in Cuba.
—A strong alliance has been formed between Germany and Austria.
—Work on the Northern Pacific Railroad commenced at the mouth of Snake river.
—Wm. R. Cooper, an extensive forger, has been arrested in London. He will be returned to San Francisco.
—Forty buildings were lately consumed in a fire at Des Moines, Iowa. A large part of Gloucester, Mass., has also been destroyed.
—The State Democratic Convention of Minnesota voted its endorsement of the unlimited coinage of gold and silver. This would be effective if they would vote an unlimited supply.
—While business is reviving, and the outlook is promising in the United States, the reverse is the case in England. The outlook seems to increase in gloominess to both farmers and artisans.
—One-third of the voting population of Kentucky cannot read, the ticket they vote, and 150,000 children in the State are growing up in ignorance of the mere elements of the English language,” says the Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal.
—Ex-Senator Mitchell, who has lately traveled from ocean to ocean, says he finds the sentiment of the Republicans throughout the country, on the next Presidency, to be, “Grant, first; Blaine, a strong second; and Sherman, a good third.”
—An influential English journal says that a Baptist minister has been elected Governor of California, helped by the attempt of one of his opponents to murder him. The English are apt to get just such clear ideas of American matters. A London paper said the Chronicle advocated the election of Mr. Bilks, the Republican candidate.
—It is rumored that the Russian government has demanded from Constantinople reparation, within twenty-four hours, for insults to which the Russian Consul-General at Salonica was recently subjected by the populace of that city, threatening to send a war-vessel to Salonica if the demand is not complied with. The other foreign Consuls at Salonica have asked their governments for instructions.
—The war with the Utes in Colorado threatens to be formidable in its proportions. The country is rough and well suited to Indian warfare, and the Indians prove to be well armed. Gen Merritt rescued the besieged soldiers, but he was not successful in a later battle. No blame can attach to Agent Meeker, who was a genuine philanthropist—always a friend of the weak and the oppressed. The Indians have grown jealous of the encroachments of miners and settlers. They are a war-like tribe, and it will no doubt be difficult to subdue them.
—A Memphis special says:—The yellow fever is now confined principally to colored people and those whites who have returned to the city. Hundreds of houses are dangerously infected, persons having been sick and died in them this year. The Board of Health system of fumigating and disinfecting with sulphur has no effect in stopping the spread of the disease. Our best and most scientific physicians look upon disinfection, fumigation, and quarantine as nonsense. The fever breaks out among the best and the worst of the population, regardless of cleanliness and filth.
—The city of Kiev, on the Dnieper, in Russia, of 80,000 inhabitants, was lately fired by incendiaries. An eye witness writes:— “While a furious storm was raging the fire broke out in seven different places. The offices of the fire brigade and chief police station, a gunpowder magazine, and four petroleum stores were simultaneously set on fire. The whole city was wrapped in a thick, black cloud of smoke, and every now and then the people were threatened with a series of detonations and loud explosions. The entire garrison and the firemen of the suburbs, and many of the inhabitants, labored indefatigably to extinguish the fire; but despite their efforts it continued until the morning of the second day after it broke out. The loss was enormous. Many lives were lost, including those of several children.” There was no reason for the foul act, but a malicious love of evil. And such are the Nihilists of Russia.
—One of the most terrible railroad accidents on record happened at Jackson, Mich., on the Mich. Central R. R., on the night of Oct. 9th. The Pacific Express, bound west, left Detroit 45 minutes late. The telegraph operator at Jackson reported the train 45 minutes late to the yardmaster, who tried to occupy the time in making up a freight train. But the express made up her time, and ran into the yard non-stop at fast speed. The train was made up of seven Wagner sleepers, four passenger coaches, and mail and baggage cars. The tender of the express engine was telescoped into the baggage car about half its length. This car in turn forced its way into the mail car, and these crowded the first passenger coach to the sight of the embankment, and crashed back through the two following. Passengers in the first coach were comparatively unharmed, the harvest of death being reaped in the second and third coaches. The fourth coach escaped with slight damage, and none of the Wagner coaches were injured. Twenty-five to thirty were killed, and as many more wounded. The killed were mostly immigrants and second-class passengers.
Religious News and Notes.
By Editor
—Opposition to the English in Afghanistan is being advocated on religious grounds, thus intensifying the war spirit.
—A "Conditional Immortality Association" has been formed in England. A meeting was recently held in London.
—The Grand Jury has indicted Charles Demond for embezzling $229,000, the property of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society.
—Dean Stanley clearly shows that "missionary religions" flourish, while non-missionary religions do not. A hint to Christians and churches.
—Dr. Talmage has returned from England to the United States. Some of the English religious papers praise him, while others criticize him severely.
—The floor of a synagogue at Szolnok, Hungary, gave way on Sunday, Sept. 28, from overcrowding, and eighteen women were killed, and eight seriously injured.
—The Rev. I. M. Kalloch has been invited, and has accepted the position, to become Associate Pastor with his father, the Mayor-elect of San Francisco, of the Metropolitan Temple.
—The Catholic religion is gradually losing its hold in Honduras. The Government has taken control of collegiate education, and taxes of one-tenth are no longer levied for the support of the Church.
—The largest church in the United States is the First African Baptist Church of Richmond, Va. It has 3,300 members. On one Sunday its pastor baptized 598 persons, and added nearly 900 to the church.
—The Congregationalist says that nine ministers came to Boston one Saturday to "supply" on Sunday, and this is a common practice, though they seldom find employ. Let them go to Nevada—plenty to do there.
—One Christian paper numbers up those who have favored its complaint against long sermons, and another with the same "given name" says:—"At least fifty discreet laymen might forcibly censure the 20-minute sermons which are delivered in some quarters."
—The Independent says:—"The ministers who are always preaching at infidelity, and virtually assuming that their audiences are for the most part made up of infidels, when the fact is exactly the reverse, waste a large amount of ammunition to but little effect," which we fully endorse.
—The Lutherans estimate that they will gain this year, in Nebraska, not less than 1800 communicants by Scandinavian immigration into that State. The immigration into Minnesota is also very large. In one month 1170 Scandinavians passed through St. Paul. A wide field is opening among that people.
—Zion’s Herald, speaking of a "lively camp-meeting" at Des Plaines, Ill., says:—"We have no idea that religion, or the Holy Spirit, was responsible for all that was said, or all that was done, during the exercises of the meeting." And we have no idea that the cause of Christ is benefited by camp-meetings which call for such remarks.
—The Christian at Work concedes the correctness of the position of the New York Evening Post, that those who choose to spend Sunday in recreation have the same legal right to do so that others have to spend it in religious exercises, so long as they do not interfere with the equal rights of others, and says:—"While it is assuredly neither practical nor desirable to force the religious duties and observances of the Christian Sabbath upon the whole public, neither is it permitted those having no sympathy with the religious observance of the day to interfere with it." The right to keep and also not to keep Sunday religiously must be respected.
—Dr. Prime, editor of the N. Y. Observer, in the Presbyterian General Assembly, on the question of recognizing the Church of Rome as a Christian church, spoke as follows:—"I have seen Rome and Romanism as it is, was, and will always be while its power lasts; a gigantic one-man despotism, an organized conspiracy against the liberties and rights of the human race. Her agents have been expelled by the governments of Europe, because no people are safe where the Romish religion rules. I have stood at the foot of precipices down which she has cast the loveliest women in the world; and by the pits, still yawning, into which unsuspesting Christians stepped from the presence of inquisitors. . . . Is this all past and gone? Are these tales to frighten children out of fable-books of old? No! Give it civil power, and the same spectacle would appear in New York and Philadelphia as delighted the priests and people in the balconies of Spain when the saints of God were burnt to make a Roman Catholic holiday."
Obituary.
By James White
DIED, in San Francisco, Oct. 10, 1879, Magreta Rasmussen, daughter of August and Cathrine Rasmussen, aged 6 years, 7 months, and 12 days. Little Magreta was a great sufferer, having been sick about a year and a half, her sickness terminating in hip disease. She was a good girl, obedient to her parents, and beloved of all. Our brother and sister have the blessed hope to sustain them in affliction, hoping to meet her where there is no sickness and death. Funeral services at the house of worship, Sunday, 12th; text, Jer. 31:15-17. J. H. W.
The Very Latest Abomination.
By Editor
MANY times we are exceedingly pained to read the accounts of doings at church fairs, festivals, and donation parties. But this time sad feelings give way to indignation. A church fair is written up in a splendid style of laudation in a daily paper; the heading of "the wheel of fortune" is suggestive of lottery schemes; but the following paragraph proves that some churches are utterly lost to shame.
"The grab bag was in the vigilant charge of the Misses T., who initiated the hands of childhood in the wonders of the grab game. The box is of original design with a conic shaped canopy, and standards trimmed with evergreens on a red ground."
Travel over the whole United States and it is likely that in no place but a church—a professed church of Christ—will you find little innocent children instructed in gambling! It is about thirty years since the grand jury of Albany, N. Y., warned the churches of that city to desist from all practices which were violations of the laws of the State against gambling. This ought to have brought the churches of the land to a sense of their degradation in the sight of the world, and of the pernicious influence of their example, but it did not. About ten years ago Governor Washburn, of Wisconsin, called the attention of the Legislature to the subject, saying that the laws of the State were sufficient for general purposes, but special legislation was needed to reach the churches, where so many took their first lessons in gambling. This did not stop the practice, but Gov. W. failed of reelection by a large majority against him, while his party had a large majority in the State. So strong is the tide in this direction that a city in Illinois, passing an ordinance against all games of hazard, made an exception in favor of churches, or games carried on to raise means for religious purposes! Are such the light of the world, and the salt of the earth?
The grand jury of Albany gave the churches warning but made no presentment, saying they did not wish to single out any church as an example where all were alike involved. So we do not consider the particular church here noticed as alone in the guilt of this transaction; the custom prevails, and all are partakers of the guilt who practice anything which in any wise leads in the direction of this evil.
A writer in a California paper, three years ago, on the subject of "Chinese gambling," spoke of a certain game, and said it was unnecessary to describe it, as it was similar to a certain game well known in the fairs of the churches! "Babylon is fallen!" How long before it will be necessary to sound the cry, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins?" We would that the churches would be warned, and reform. But we have no hope of it. They have had sufficient warnings which they refuse to hear. The terrors of the last day alone will arouse them to a sense of their condition, when it is too late to escape.
Missionary Work.
By William Covert
As an item of encouragement for T. and M. workers, I send in the following report of labor. Having learned last winter of a few individuals near Frankfort, in Madison Co., Ind., whose interest was awakened on the Sabbath question, I determined to visit them for the purpose of getting reading matter before them, and also to speak in their neighborhood if opportunity offered. I soon found it convenient to put my resolutions into operation, but the heavy rains and deep mud made it impracticable to continue meetings as was desired; so I turned colporteur, and prevailed on the interested ones to buy books and subscribe for the Review, and Good Health (which I regard as the pastor and deacon of our churches), and left them to keep up the interest, assisted by a monthly visit from the writer during tent season.
And I can heartily thank God that I am now able to report at least ten of them keeping the Sabbath. I would advise all missionary workers to engage in a special effort to obtain subscribers for our periodicals. They are weekly reminders of many things of great importance, and will materially aid in keeping up the interest awakened by preaching.
WM. COVERT.
Tithing Boxes.
By Editor
WE have just been shown a very neatly gotten up box for family use, whereby each one can securely "lay by him in store as God hath prospered him." These boxes will be sent by mail for 25 cents each, or by express, 20 cents. We will give a particular description of them next week. The Secretary of the Conference is taking steps to introduce them everywhere in the State. We hope he may succeed.
One-Talent People.
J. N. Hallock, A. M., publisher of the Christian at Work, delivered an address to the students of Eastman College at its anniversary, in which he said :—
“We are told in a certain old Book, that the Lord called unto him his stewards, and he gave to one, one talent, and to another, ten talents. But the fact is, this poor, miserable sinner who received one talent did not use any talent at all, and the knowledge—foreknowledge—that he was to act in just this way, is undoubtedly the very reason why he did not receive more.”
This may be considered a rather novel way to treat this subject, and hard on the one-talent men; but many of them do show that it would not have been wise to have entrusted them with more,—and perhaps just as well not to have given them any. But they should not forget one thing: their responsibility is proved in the gift, and their character made manifest in their neglect.
Not Religious Persecution.
By Editor
THE government of Luxembourg has been so much annoyed with attacks from the Roman Catholic clergy that it proposes a law for the punishment of ministers of religion who, in writing, or in speeches, or in pastoral instruction, criticise or censure the government. That looks like intolerance, from an American standpoint; but its appearance is changed when we consider that "pastoral instruction," in Catholic countries, is of more authority than the laws, over Catholics; that a law may be counteracted, and the action of government effectually obstructed by clerical censure. The fetters of the dark ages are only partly broken where the papacy has control of the minds of the people.
Danger in and to Society.
It is not pleasant to think that society is permeated with evil to its core, but it is impossible to shut our eyes to facts, however unwelcome. The N. Y. Tribune, speaking of the prevailing and unseemly boldness manifested by the girls of this age, says :—
“Why do these passions then dominate our social life, like the seven devils who found the house swept and garnished, and entered in to take possession? We believe one reason to be that the barriers are lowered in domestic life to allow them to come in. Matters are discussed in the presence of young girls which once matrons blushed to mention. There is a familiarity with vice, an acceptance of it as a matter of course, shown in our newspapers, in our ordinary talk, in our pulpits, which debases the minds of the young. The very air is poisoned in which our children live. No legislation, no single reform can touch this disease, any more than it could cure the malaria which slays its victims by the thousand. It is for each family, each clergyman, each mother to clean and sweeten their own household.”
Temperance Reform in California.
By Stephen N. Haskell
It will be seen in this week's SIGNS that the friends in California are moving forward in the Temperance work. There are scores among the hundreds who have signed the teetotal pledge that previously were users of tea and coffee, and some of them tobacco, and a few who occasionally drank wine. But when they saw the evil effect of these stimulants upon the system, and the moral influence they might exert by presenting a temperance front to the world, they cheerfully took their stand, and signed the pledge. In some communities their influence is already being felt outside of our ranks. The H. and T. Constitution, adopted by our people, has been called for in a few instances by leading men of other denominations, to see if the same cannot be effected in localities outside of our ranks. Local Clubs have already been organized in Napa, St. Helena, Healdsburg, Woodland, and Oakland. Returns from other Churches we shall soon receive. We thank God for the good we have already seen accomplished in this State, and the good omens we now see. May God speed the right until it can be truly said we have cleansed ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and are sanctified, soul, body, and spirit, being preserved blameless till the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
S. N. HASKELL.
The Organization of the Oakland H. and T. Club.
By Barbara C. Stickney
THOSE interested in temperance reform among us, together with other citizens of this place, met at the Seventh-day Adventist church, Tuesday, Oct. 7, for the purpose of organizing a Local Health and Temperance Club; The business proceedings connected with the organization were very happily interspersed with singing and with brief, stirring addresses from those present who were well acquainted with temperance work.
The exercises of the evening were introduced by music from the Pacific Press band. D. S. Hakes, who has written many of the beautiful pieces in "The Song Anchor," led a select choir, by whom the anthem, "Wine is a Mocker," was well rendered. Prayer was then offered by Eld. J. H. Waggoner, after which the audience joined in singing "Lift Him Up."
Eld. Haskell then made the opening address, stating the object of the meeting, and why we as a denomination, have a temperance organization of our own; that while we are in sympathy with nearly all the temperance movements as far as they go, we believe in raising the standard still higher; and for this end we have the teetotal pledge for those who will renounce all stimulants; alcohol in any form, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc. We also have the anti-rum and tobacco pledge, and the anti-whisky pledge; the names of these fully explain the grounds they cover; thus provision has been made for the most degenerate, who step by step may raise themselves out of the slimy pit of inebriety. Besides all this, in order to make this work effectual, there should be a connection with God, that He may give strength and enable poor fallen man to overcome the power of appetite, even as our Saviour, who lived our example, overcame when he was tempted of Satan in the wilderness. Temperance reform should be so extended that it will cover all things which disturb the circulation and unfavorably affect the human system. Temperance is one of the Christian graces, and the original Greek word, from which it is derived, signifies self-control. "Look not upon the Wine" was then sang by the choir.
A very pleasing address was then made by Rev. John Thompson of this city; laying much of the burden of temperance work upon the ladies, who, by using their influence, especially against the ungodly tobacco quid, might almost wholly eradicate this vile thing from our midst. The body should be a fit temple for the Holy Ghost, which it certainly is not with all that stench and filth which arise from tobacco using.
The constitution for Local H. and T. Clubs was then read; and it was unanimously voted that such an organization should be effected. The nominating committee, appointed by the chair, consisted of W. H. Glenn, P. M. Partridge, and Mrs. L. M. Hall. During the time in which the committee was deliberating, and the pledge papers were being circulated among the audience, "Dare to be a Daniel" was sung, accompanied by the band. A part of this time was well occupied by remarks from J. E. White. The number of signers obtained at this meeting was seventy; which with others who had previously signed, makes a total of eighty-six members in this place.
The nominating committee reported as follows: For leader, J. E. White; secretary, C. H. Jones; the committee of discipline comprises, beside the leader and secretary, W. N. Glenn, G. A. Baker, and J. Dimmick. The solicitors chosen for this place are Mrs. O. F. Metcalf, Mrs. E. L. White, J. I. Tay, and W. J. Bostwick. After the officers were duly elected, the choir sang, "Labor and Wait." remarks that we need temperance among other graces, to be acceptable in the sight of God and workmen that He will approve.
The closing piece, "For God and the Right," was sung by all.
We hope that this encouraging meeting may be only one of the many that shall be held throughout the State, and that its influence may be wholly beneficial to the temperance cause.
BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Sec.
Christiana, Norway.
By John G. Matteson
WE are deeply interested in Bro. Loughborough's mission in England, and rejoice in the success which so far has attended the truth there. And our prayers ascend for our dear Bro. Andrews, as he has once more reached Switzerland. May the Lord comfort him in all his sorrows, and give new strength after so much sickness and affliction. It is wonderful to hear from the southern countries, of Italians and Greeks and Arabians who are stretching out their hands to the Lord, and studying the truth for our times. Soon the Lord will unite them and us (Scandinavians of the northern countries) with our dear American brethren, from whom the Lord has been pleased to cause the light to shine forth.
Bro. Jasperson has returned from Denmark. He with another young brother will enter a new field next week, the Lord willing. The mission here is onward, and the light goes out from here to many other places. Some more have been added to our numbers since last report.
The tract society is at work so successfully that we have reason to hope for like societies in other places as the truth shall spread. It is started on a cash basis. Tracts are bought at a low rate with all the means that are obtained by membership, donations, and sales. The last three weeks they have sold tracts and papers for about $5.33 each week. Last Sabbath we rejoiced in greeting four new Sabbath-keepers gained directly by the tracts. One of them joined the society next evening, and is at work among his Christian friends. A number of tracts are sold to people on the steamers and ships in the harbor.
Last Sabbath our Sabbath-school numbered more than 120 members, 113 being present. The interest is increasing as well as the membership. This blessed interest is due, with the help of God, to the American Sabbath-school system. We have never before had suitable lessons in our language. In fact, we have never had any lesson books at all. For this reason the Sabbath school work has moved languidly among the Scandinavians.
We are now situated so that we can print our own tracts and papers; and although we have but an old, cheap hand press, and it takes more time, yet we can do the work ourselves without asking help from those outside.
After having tried for about eight months to get the truth published by unbelievers and handled by unsanctified hands and prayerless hearts, I consider it a very great favor of the Lord, that we now are able to send out tracts and papers from this office, and do all the work ourselves. We printed 3,000 small tracts (2 pp. with notice of our tracts and papers as well as meetings) three weeks ago. They are all sold. The next week we printed 2,000 four-page tracts. Of these we have 800 left. We send out and sell more than 800 copies of Tidernes Tegn every two weeks when it is published.
J. G. MATTESON.
Appointments.
Stony Point, Sabbath Oct. 18. Will meet the Petaluma and Stony Point Sabbath-schools.
J. E. White.
Oakland—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:30 o'clock Sabbath morning.
San Francisco—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church.
Business Department.
By Editor
$2.00 EACH. Rozinia Schoonover 6-39, M A Bishop 6-39, Mrs Candocia Ross 6-35.
$1.50 EACH. J S Wimbish 6-14, Mrs John Hyde 6-39, Carrie V Prior 6 39, John Nicho's 6-39, L J Flowers 6-39, Martha Gibson 6-39, Mrs Margaret Chitwood 6-39.
$1.20 EACH. Armon Warner 6-39, Mrs H E Depue 6-39, Severrie Marlow 6-39.
$1.00 EACH. Sarah A Rogers 6-11, E F Canfield 6-19, G M G'eason 6-16, D W Bartholemel 3-16, W G West 5-38, Fred Mason 6-11.
MISCELLANEOUS. Miss E E Cason 25c 6-1, Mrs H T H Sanborn (9 copies) $10.00 6-39, G D Hager 4.00 6-39, Dr F O Barstow 75c 6-14, A Ogsbury 50c 6-7, I D Van Horn 5.75 7-24, Ann Taylor (2 copies) 44c 6-1.
CAL. CONFERENCE.
Andrew Mims $25.00
CAL. PUBLISHING FUND.
Peter Scazighini $20.00
DONATION TO SIGNS.
Peter Scazighini $3.00.
BRITISH MISSION.
Henry Wallace $5.00, Mrs H Wallace 2.50.
Tithing Boxes
By Editor
WE have received some interesting notes of some of the eastern camp-meetings, but too late for this paper.