THE treasury of God was open, and,
Behold! with lofty step, on glory bent,
The mighty and the noble of the land
Drew near with offerings magnificent,
And human eyes looked on and loudly praised
The lordly givers for their work of good.
Had they not their reward in the amazed
And rapturous plaudits of the multitude?
They turned away, and with contemptuous eye
Regarded one, of poor and humble mien,
A widow to the treasury drew nigh,
And cast her all, two little mites, therein.
Two mites! and human eyes in smiling scorn
Looked on, and with disdain men coldly said,
"A gift of no account, poor soul forlorn;"
But Jesus saw the sacrifice she made,
And as she turned away she heard his word,
And saw his look of love upon her bent,
And all her soul with rapture deep was stirred,
That he knew all she gave, and was content.
For her a heaven of riches had been given,
And love gave back all of her little hoard;
Not for earth's glory had her spirit striven,
But think ye she had not a rich reward?
—New York Observer.
TRIALS.
By Ellen G. White
THE work of pruning and purifying to fit us for heaven is a great work, and will cost us much suffering and trial, because our will is not subjected to the will of Christ. We must go through the furnace till the fires have consumed the dross, and we are purified, and reflect the divine image. Those who follow their inclinations and are governed by appearances, are not good judges of what God is doing. They are filled with discontent. They see failure where there is indeed triumph, a great loss where there is gain; and, like Jacob, they are ready to exclaim, "All these things are against me," when the very things whereof they complain are all working together for their good.
No cross, no crown! How can one be strong in the Lord without trials? To have strength, we must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must be placed in circumstances where our faith will be tried. The apostle Paul, just before his martyrdom, exhorted Timothy, "Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." It is through much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom. Our Saviour was tried in every possible way, and yet he triumphed in God continually. It is our privilege to be strong in the strength of God under all circumstances, and to glory in the cross of Christ.—Mrs. E. G. White.
NOTICE TO TRACT SOCIETIES!
By W. Harper
Any person wanting a lot of missionary names to which they will send the Sentinel, also Signs to same parties, please write me, stating number of names wanted and how soon they will be used.
W. HARPER.
Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA.
In connection with the foregoing report of our Ornithological Chapter, says Dr. Harlan H. Ballard, president of the Agassiz Association, in Popular Science News, it is only right to call the attention of all lovers of birds to the magnificent work now being issued by the Natural Science Association of America, and entitled "The Birds of North America." Edition limited to 1,000.
It is emphatically an original work, original in design and execution, and whether in letterpress, illustrations, or price, it is unapproached by anything of the kind in existence.
It is recommended by the highest scientific, ecclesiastic, and educational authority as being the most attractive, meritorious, pure, and ennobling exposition of our ornithology yet given to the public.
Dr. Elliott Coues, author of "Birds of the Northwest," says, "It is a really notable work." Prof. C. J. Maynard, author of the "Birds of Eastern North America," says, "It contains the best pictures of the species which I have ever seen." Thomas G. Gentry, author of "Life Histories of Birds," and "Nests and Eggs of Birds of the United States," says: "It is the cheapest and best publication on ornithology in this country. The drawings are of a very high order, and rival in beauty of design and finish the more costly works published abroad or in this country. It should be found in our homes and in libraries generally." And, according to Dr. Theodore Gill, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, "It is not only a meritorious volume, but is altogether so handsome as to make it a very appropriate presentation book or ornament for the family table."
It is an imperial quarto volume of engraved figures of all our species, artistically reproduced, true in all hues of color to their natural plumage and botanical surroundings. It also includes a copious text description of their habits and characteristics, and embracing in general the observations made by the most eminent writers on ornithology, and a systematic table, arranged according to the classification adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union, includes all the additions and corrections of our North American species which have been made to date, with an index to page, plate, and figure of each species according to the A. O. U. number. It is illustrated with one hundred and nineteen full-page colored plates, each representing from one to thirty or more species. It is the finest book on American birds issued since Audubon, and is pronounced by some authorities superior to that now rare and costly work. It is issued in half and full bindings, Russia, seal, or morocco, at the net price of $40 and $45 respectively; but in response to a special letter, the association authorized me to say that a substantial discount will be made to such of our A. A. members and others as are working naturalists. We commend this work especially to members of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter.
It is also a very useful and appropriate addition to the home and reference library, and for presentation purposes generally. Address, regarding it, the Natural Science Association, 114 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Samples of plates and text can be had by sending twenty-five cents in postage stamps.
SHOULD SABBATH OBSERVANCE BE ENFORCED BY CIVIL LAW? An able negative argument delivered at the annual contest of the Philomath and Adelphic Literary Societies of Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., June 1891. 24 pp.; 3 cents.
These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray.
And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that anyone teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.
And now, my little children, abide in Him; that, if He shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every-one also that doth righteousness is begotten of Him.
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.
And everyone that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Concerning whom has this instruction been given? Verse 26.
What abides in the believers? Verse 27.
Of what have they no need?
What teaches them?
What will they do as a consequence of this teaching?
To what are the “little children” exhorted? Verse 28.
What will be the result of thus abiding in him?
What is the character of Christ? Verse 29.
What is true of everyone who does righteousness?
To what is especial attention now directed? Verse 1.
How is this love manifested?
What follows from this relationship?
When is this relationship entered upon? Verse 2.
What is not yet made manifest?
What change will take place “when he shall be manifested”?
What effect does this hope have upon its possessor? Verse 3.
What is the true standard of purity of character?
NOTES.
1. VERSES 26-29.—Paul warned the church of future trouble (Acts 20: 29), and this apostasy began in his14day (2 Thess. 2: 7). Jude writes very strongly concerning these deceivers (Jude 4: 10-13), who abounded before John's death (2 John 7). The Holy Spirit, which was promised by Christ (John 16: 7), and had been poured upon them (Acts 2: 33), would teach them the truth (John 16: 13), and would protect them from deceivers (Acts 10: 19, 20). Jesus says, “Abide in me.” These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. See the lesson in John 15: 4-7. Such a life brings conformity to the divine character (2 Cor. 3: 18) and confidence at his coming (Isa. 25: 9). “God is righteous. . . . And if so then the source of righteousness. When, therefore, a man doeth righteousness, we know . . . that the source of his righteousness is God: that in consequence he has acquired by new birth from God that righteousness which he had not by nature. We argue from his doing righteousness to his having been begotten of God. . . . The whole mass of Socinian Pelagian commentators have reversed the members of the argument, and made it conclude that doing righteousness is the condition, on our part, of becoming a child of God. Roman Catholic expositors . . . go equally wrong, in understanding hath been begotten, not as the statement of a past abiding fact, but as the ground of a confidence as to the future.”—Alford, Lee & Shepherd, edition 1883.
2. VERSES 1-3.—“It would require the language of the Infinite to express the love that has made it possible for us to be called the sons of God. Faith makes us children of God (Gal. 3: 26), and this is a present experience. The Holy Spirit belongs to the sons of God (Gal. 4: 6), who are also heirs (Rom. 8: 17) of the inheritance. In fact “all things” belong to them (1 Cor. 3: 21). The world knew not Christ (John 1: 10) nor the Father (John 17: 25), and for this reason (John 16: 3) will persecute true Christians (John 15: 18-20). This present life is the time for the perfect character. “If you give yourself to him and accept him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for his sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in the place of your character, and you are accepted before God, just as if you had not sinned.” The character is fixed at the coming of Christ (Rev. 22: 11), who “shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory” (Phil. 3: 21, R. V.), and thus shall we “appear with him in glory” (Col. 3: 4). So shall we be satisfied. Ps. 17: 15. Holiness is required of those who shall see God (Heb. 12: 14), and this privilege is promised to the pure in heart (Matt. 5: 8); but “who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Prov. 20: 9. It is by faith (Acts 15: 19) which works (Gal. 5: 6) in obedience (1 Peter 1: 22) that we are purified. “He who hath this hope in him learns from the Scriptures that he must be a worker together with God.”
3. WORD THOUGHTS.—Anointing . . . abideth (v. 27). See John 14: 16, 17; 16: 13, 14.—What manner (v. 1), how great and wonderful. See Matt. 8: 27.—Hope set on him (Christ), in verse 3, instead of “in him” in common version.—Purifieth, by faith (Acts 15: 9).
LESSON VI.—SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1893.
THE RESURRECTION.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]
Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised;
And if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain.
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised.
For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised;
And if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable.
But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the first fruits of them that are asleep.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.
Golden Text: "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15: 57.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
What was preached concerning Christ? Verse 12.
With what claim did some object to this doctrine?
How intimate is the relation existing between Christ's resurrection and that of the dead? Verse 13, first part.
How would this affect faith in him? Verse 14.
What character would it give to all who preached the resurrection? Verse 15.
What would the eternal sleep of the dead prove regarding Christ's resurrection? Verse 16.
If Christ is still dead, what hope is there for the sinner? Verse 17.
How would sleeping saints be affected? Verse 18.
If the righteous go to heaven at death, why are they dependent upon the resurrection in order not to perish? Note 1.
What would be our condition if only in this life we had hope in Christ? Verse 19.
What has Christ become by his resurrection? Verse 20.
What two things came by man? Verse 21.
By what two men come life and death? Verse 22.
What order is observed in the resurrection? Verse 23.
What comes at the end? Verse 24.
Give the paraphrase of verses 24, 25. Note 2.
Who will deliver up the kingdom to God?
What kingdom will he deliver up?
Who puts down all rule and authority?
Where does Christ reign till the Father puts all enemies under Christ's feet?
What is the last enemy to be destroyed? Verse 26.
NOTES.
1. Are Perished.—Paul's argument proves conclusively that there is no future life only through the resurrection from the dead. Man possesses no natural or inherent immortality. The dead know not anything. Eccl. 9:5, 6. In the very day that their breath goes forth, their thoughts perish (Ps. 146:3, 4), hence the "dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence." Death would be one long eternal sleep of oblivion to the dead were it not for the bright hope of the resurrection at the last day. At the resurrection morn immortality is bestowed. 1 Cor. 15: 51-55. If, as some teach, the righteous go to heaven at death, what care they about the resurrection of the dead. They are saved if there be no resurrection. But no, all who ever died must through the resurrection awake to life.
2. Verses 24 and 25 might be paraphrased as follows: "Then cometh the end, when he [the Son] shall have delivered up the kingdom [as priest] to God, even the Father; when he [the Father] shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he [Christ] must reign [as king and priest on the Father's throne, Ps. 110:1], till he [the Father] hath put all enemies under his [Christ's] feet."
When Christ ascended, he sat down on the right hand of God's throne. Heb. 8:1. While occupying that position he officiates as kingly priest, after the order of Melchizedek. As priest and king he is building for himself a house, a kingdom, a spiritual temple. By the exercise of grace and the offering of his blood he is calling from the kingdom of darkness all who will enlist under his banner. This work might be called the work of the kingdom of grace. After all who will have responded to the call of the Prince of Peace, the work of grace will cease. Christ will end his work as priest. Sin and sinners will be destroyed, this earth renewed to Eden beauty, and here will then be established Christ's kingdom, with Christ as King, this earth as the territory of his kingdom, and the saved of all nations the people over whom the scepter of love shall rule. See Dan. 7:27; Matt. 25:31, 34.
This same truth is taught in Zech. 6:12, 13: "Behold the man [Christ] whose name is The Branch; and he [Christ] shall grow up out of his [Christ's] place, and he [Christ] shall build the temple of the Lord [the Father]; even he [Christ] shall build the temple of the Lord [the Father]; and he [Christ] shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his [the Father's] throne; and he [Christ] shall be a priest upon his [the Father's] throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both [the Father and Christ]."
1. Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
2. How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3. For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
4. Beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints;
5. And this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
6. Inasmuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.
7. But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8. I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.
10. And herein I give my judgment; for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.
11. But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
12. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according to he hath not.
Golden Text: "He became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Verse 9.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1. What does the apostle make known to the Corinthian church? Verse 1.
2. How did their liberality compare with their poverty? Verse 2.
3. To what extent did they give? Verse 3.
4. Of what did they entreat the apostles? Verse 4.
5. What led these believers to give so liberally? Verse 5.
6. What was the apostles' desire regarding Titus? Verse 6.
7. In what did the Corinthian church abound? Verse 7.
8. What complementary grace were they enjoined to practice? Verse 7.
9. Did Paul thus advise by way of commandment or by exhortation? Verse 8.
10. What occasion prompted him to thus write to the Corinthians? Verse 8, second clause.
11. In so doing, what did he prove?—Id., last clause.
12. What great example did he set before them? Verse 9.
13. Why did Christ do all this?
14. How long before had the Corinthian brethren made a beginning in giving? Verse 10.
15. To what does Paul exhort them in verse 11?
16. What should accompany their readiness to will?
Everyone that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
And ye know that He was manifested to take away sins; and in Him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither knoweth Him.
My little children, let no man lead you astray; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous;
He that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:
Not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you.
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
What is the sinner's attitude toward the law?
What is the definition of sin?
For what purpose was Christ manifested?
From what is he free?
What insures freedom from sin?
What is the sinner's relation to Christ?
What is the character of the one who "doeth righteousness"?
What is the character of the one who "doeth sin"?
How long has the devil continued in sin?
For what purpose was Christ manifested?
What is the course of life of the one begotten of God?
What reason is given for this statement?
How are the "children of God" distinguished from the children of the devil?
What message has been heard from the beginning?
Whose case is cited as an illustration?
Why did he kill his brother?
What should cause no astonishment to the brethren?
What is an evidence of the change from death to life?
Who abides in death?
How broad is the meaning of the sixth commandment?
What character does not possess eternal life?
NOTES.
1. VERSES 4-6.—Unrighteousness, lawlessness, iniquity, and sin are the same (1 John 5 : 17), and are the result of being out of harmony with God's law, which is righteousness (Ps. 119 : 172). "The character of God is righteousness and truth; such is the nature of his law." The law detects sin (Rom. 3 : 20), and drives to Christ for justification (Gal. 3 : 24). "A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon." Christ came to take away sin and abolish death (2 Tim. 1 : 10), but not the law. "Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin." "A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and obligation of the divine law, has led to errors in the relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church." "It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among his professed people;" Christ bore the sins of the world (John 1 : 29, margin) in the sinner's place (Gal. 3 : 13); and, although free from sin (1 Peter 2 : 22), and "hating sin with a perfect hatred, he yet gathered to his soul the sins of the whole world." "Under the mighty impulse of his love, he took our place in the universe, and invited the Ruler of all things to treat him as a representative of the human family." "Though the guilt of sin was not his, his Spirit was torn and bruised by the transgressions of men." It was at such cost as this that "he was manifested to take away our sins." That vital union with Christ which imparts his nature (2 Peter 1 : 4) enables us to realize the fulfillment of "God's mighty emancipation proclamation" (Rom. 6 : 14).
2. VERSES 7-9.—Righteousness must be within before it can be manifested in outward works. "Genuine Christlikeness cannot be manifested in the character until Christ is received by faith and formed within the hope of glory." "The tree that bears good fruit is a good tree and has a living root; not that the fruit works the tree and its fruit to be good, but it shows that they are so."—Fausset. God condemned sin in the flesh once (Rom. 8 : 3), and "the union of divinity with humanity in Christ was to reveal to us God's purpose to bring men into the closest connection with himself." "He who lays hold upon the righteousness of Christ may become a perfect man in Christ Jesus." "The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts." Christ prayed in behalf of all his disciples that the Father might "keep them from the evil one" (R. V.), and that prayer avails now.
3. VERSES 12-15.—The cause assigned for the murder of Abel is really at the root of all injuries inflicted upon the righteous by evil men, and was illustrated in the death of Christ. "It was not so much because he appeared without worldly wealth, pomp, or grandeur, that the Jews were led to reject him. They saw that he possessed power which could more than compensate for the lack of these outward advantages. But the purity and holiness of Christ called forth against him the hatred of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people. It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God." "So in all ages the wicked have hated those who were better than themselves." "It is the spirit that through all the ages has set up the stake and kindled the burning pile for the disciples of Christ." The world hated Christ (John 15 : 24), and so would naturally hate his followers. "Love is of God. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it; it is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns."
Christ explained the spiritual nature of the sixth commandment (Matt. 5 : 22), showing that it is "exceeding broad." If it were the duty of the civil power to enforce the law of God, there would not be a sufficient number of innocent persons to inflict the penalty on those who are really guilty of murder. The spirit that leads to murder is not in harmony with the Spirit of Christ (Luke 9 : 56), and so shuts its possessor out of heaven (Rom. 8 : 9).
WORD THOUGHTS.—Sin (v. 4), error, a missing of the mark. The mark is the righteousness of God, the coming short of his glory (Rom. 3 : 23).—Lawlessness (anomia), against law, violation of law, iniquity, sin. All sin is included in this definition. Says Alford: "Every sin whatever, then, is a transgression of God's law; as indeed its very name implies; to sin being to miss a mark, and the mark being that will of God which is the law and aim to him who "doeth the will of God." Chap. 2 : 17.—Sinneth not (v. 6), it means just what it says. When Christ is in, sin is out.—Doeth righteousness (v. 7), doeth sin (v. 8). Two contrasts. The one of God, the root and source; the other of the devil, the root and source. Each indicate a state expressed by the word "abideth."—Begotten (v. 9) (better than "born"), denoting agency. We are said to be begotten of God through the word, but born of the Spirit. The life of God through the word is implanted in the soul, and sin cannot reign there.—Seed, the life of God given through the word.
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THE ATONEMENT. Part I, "An Atonement Consistent with Reason." Part II, "An Atonement as Revealed in the Bible." Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. Cloth, $1.00.
SECULAR.
—The Manchester Cotton Mills, at Fort Worth, Texas, were burned on the 12th inst. Loss, $100,000.
—In the past ten years the U. S. Government has expended over $61,000,000 in the improvement of the navy.
—Four blocks of business buildings, mostly wooden, in Sioux City, Iowa, were destroyed by fire on the 12th inst.
—The great Belgian miners' strike has ended, and all the men have returned to work at a slightly increased rate of wages.
—Thirty-two new cases of yellow fever were reported at Brunswick, Ga., on the 14th inst., and thirty-four on the 15th.
—Up to the 12th inst. 50,000 of the coal miners engaged in the great strike in England have returned to work at the old wages.
—From the Pall Mall Gazette comes the information that the old Clan-na-Gael is being reorganized in Ireland and Great Britain.
—While the Russian squadron is being fêted at Toulon, France, a portion of the British navy is visiting the Italian port of Taranto.
—An epidemic of diarrhea (suspected of being cholera) is reported at Greenwich, England, and 150 inmates of a workhouse are afflicted.
—Louisville, Colo., a coal mining town of 700 inhabitants, is said to be sinking into the earth. The undermined foundation of the place is giving way.
—It is announced that although the World's Fair will officially end on the last day of this month, it will be continued as long as the weather will permit.
—Fire in one of the Chicago City Railway stables on the 12th inst. destroyed the entire building and burned to death 481 horses. The loss is estimated at $120,000.
—The farmhouse of George Komatski, near Minto, N. Dakota, was destroyed by fire on the 12th inst., and his four sons, aged from 8 to 15 years, were burned to death.
—It has been decided that the last day of the World's Fair will be dedicated to Columbus, and arrangements for its celebration are being made on an extensive scale.
—The Russian Colonel Vannovisky, with a force of Cossacks attempting to cross the Pamir Country, has been driven back by the Afghans, but avows his intention to make another attempt.
—It is now expected that the astronomical exhibit of the World's Fair, as also the great Ferris Wheel and other leading attractions, will be transferred to the San Francisco Midwinter Fair.
—There was a great demonstration of laboring men in Hyde Park, London, on the 15th inst., at which resolutions were passed condemning coal mine owners for their treatment of miners.
—The Atlantic Coast experienced another West Indian gale last week. While it was especially damaging along the Florida Coast and at Charleston, S. C., its effect was felt as far north as the New England States.
—The U. S. steamer Mohican arrived at Port Townsend, Wash., on the 13th inst., from Bering Sea, with five officers and seventeen men sick with the grip. She will come on to Mare Island Navy Yard this week.
—The president of the republic of Guatemala has declared himself dictator and assumed absolute control of the government. He dismissed the extra session of Congress on the 12th inst., and ordered a new election.
—The National Irrigation Congress, now in session at Los Angeles, this State, is attracting extensive attention, and great results in the way of blooming deserts are predicted. Even foreign engineers are present taking notes.
—The Ultramontane party in Bavaria, in order to arrest the revolt of the peasantry led by Dr. Sigl, and in order to stay the progress which Socialism is making, has decided to pass legislation in the interest of the rural classes.
—A Rome dispatch of the 12th inst. states that a large dynamite bomb was exploded in the vicinity of the Florentine Gate, shattering all the windows in the neighborhood and injuring several people. It caused a great panic.
—A disastrous fire occurred at Allentown, Pa., on the night of the 13th inst., causing an aggregate loss of $300,000. It was caused by telephone wires coming in contact with electric wires, setting fire to the switchboard in the telephone office.
—Citizens of Cushing and Ingalls, Kan., have appealed to the U. S. Marshal at Guthrie for protection against the Dalton gang of robbers, who have threatened revenge on those towns because the citizens assisted officers against them some time ago.
—The Lower House of Congress has passed a bill repealing the Federal Elections Law, which was originally designed to protect the colored men of the South in the exercise of their rights at the polls at elections for Federal officers. The passage of the measure by the Senate is deemed doubtful.
—In our issue of the 2d inst. we published a current press item to the effect that John G. Wooley, one of Evangelist Moody's coadjutors, had become a defaulter in connection with funds of the Rest Island Retreat. We are pleased to note that he has been exonerated by a special investigation.
—The Union Pacific Railroad has gone into the hands of a receiver. On account, it is alleged, of a depression of business in the States and Territories through which it runs, the receipts have materially fallen off the past year. The earnings are not sufficient to pay the interest on the company's bonds.
—A police officer of New Orleans has been twice assaulted by Italians recently. His second assault is supposed to have been by friends of his first assailant, whose trial is soon to take place, the design being to get rid of the officer's testimony at the trial. Both assaults are thought to be the work of the Mafia Society.
—A dispatch from Ashland, Wis., reports that in the vicinity of Hurley, on the Golgobic Range, there is great suffering among the unemployed miners, and bread riots have already occurred. In Elmwood and across the line in Michigan at least 1,000 men, half of whom have families, are out of bread, with no prospect of employment.
—The Pacific Coast Steamship Company's steamer Newbern ran ashore in a dense fog a few miles from San Pedro, Cal., early on the morning of the 14th inst., and is a total loss. The cargo, excepting the bullion on board, was lost. The passengers and crew were all saved, as also $75,000 worth of silver bullion. Loss, about $175,000. The vessel was bound for San Francisco from Mexican ports.
—A railroad collision at the Michigan Central Depot, Jackson, Mich., on the 13th inst., caused the death of twelve persons, and the serious injury of twenty-two others. It was an excursion train from Watertown, N. Y., bound for Chicago, in two sections. One section was standing at the station, when the second dashed into its rear. The engineer saw the danger, but his air brake failed to work. The two rear cars of the standing train were telescoped by the engine and tender.
—The signification of the term “Mecca” has been reversed by the death roll of pilgrims to the Mohammedan Zion the present season. It used to signify, in common parlance, a place of supreme enjoyment, but hereafter it will rather imply the extreme of suffering and death.
—The Hungarian Diet is having a rather stormy session. Attempts have been made to pass resolutions censuring the government, and when the premier was making a speech, one day last week, in opposition to the resolutions, the opponents of the government left the house. The government party, of course, applauded the premier.
—There are now thirty-nine Chinamen in the Alameda County, Cal., jail, awaiting deportation to their native land, under the Geary Exclusion Act, for failing to register. Most of these have been convicted in Judge Ross' Court, Los Angeles. All the cases have been appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court, and the defendants will have to lie in jail until that tribunal renders a decision. Their expense to the government for board is forty cents per day each.
—Late advices from Rio Janeiro state that one adjacent fort had surrendered to the revolutionary navy, and that two regiments of soldiers had also revolted. The matter of foreign interference to prevent further bombardment of the city had called out a protest on the part of South American States against European powers taking any hand in the matter. They claim that American governments only have a right to interfere, and are amply able to do so. They were anxiously waiting for our government to assert its old-time contention for the “Monroe doctrine.”
—The United States Senate last week held a continuous session of thirty-seven hours. It was a test of endurance on the part of the silver and anti-silver factions. The anti-silver men, or those favoring the repeal of the act requiring the government to purchase a certain amount of silver each month, wanted to bring the matter to a vote, but the other faction talked, offered amendments, and otherwise filibustered until their opponents wearied of the contest and moved to adjourn. The motion was quite acceptable to the silver party, although determined not to make it themselves.
