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Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 17.

CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
Earlier text: THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE

The Jubilee Song of Freedom.

By Percy T. Magan

When the children of Israel permitted the Lord to work out his own plans for them, peace and happiness filled their borders. Every fiftieth year they hallowed the year of jubilee, and the jubilee years were the most joyous in the annals of Israelitish story.
“Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession. AND YE SHALL RETURN EVERY MAN UNTO HIS FAMILY. A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you. . . . In the year of this jubilee ye shall return every man unto his possession. And if thou sell aught unto thy neighbor, or buyest aught of thy neighbor’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another.”
Now the trumpet of the jubilee was to be sounded “on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement.” The day of atonement was the day on which sins were blotted out. The year of the jubilee was the time when debts were blotted out. And the time during which they should become free from sin and free from debt could not help but be a time of jubilee in Israel.
Had the Lord had his own way about it, man never would have sinned. It is equally true that had God had his own way about it, man never would have known what debt is. Consequently it was fitting that freedom from sin and freedom from debt should go hand in hand.
To borrow—to be in debt—was not contemplated in the system of political economy that God laid down for Israel. “Thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow,” were the words of Jehovah. But if they did borrow; if, on account of sickness, calamity, or any other poverty-producing reason, they failed to follow this wise mandate, then the year of jubilee provided an infallible plan of redemption for the borrower. For in that year every man was to return unto his possession, every man unto his family. Every vestige of oppression, one of another, was to cease.
The plan of God in this matter was complete and perfect. It provided for absolute release: “If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold. And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it; then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession. But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubilee: and in the jubilee it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.”
The remnant church is now living in the antitypical day of atonement, in the time when sins are being blotted out. We are living in the time when the loud cry of the third angel is to sound; when the latter rain is to fall; when the “jubilee song of freedom is to be sung throughout our borders.”
When the notes of the “jubilee song of freedom” rose from the lips of Israel’s hosts, it was because a real experience had taken place in their lives. It was because they had a definite knowledge that their sins had actually been forgiven, and their debts of every name and nature had been blotted out. Thus they stood free and clear before God and man.
From this a lesson is to be learned for these last times. The remnant church live not only in the antitypical day of atonement, but also in the great antitypical year of jubilee. As men and women watching and waiting for the coming of our Lord and Master, we will sing “the jubilee song of freedom,” only as our sins are forever washed away, and our debts of every name and nature wiped out to be again no more. All of this must be to us a real, live experience—a fact in our lives.
To-day we stand confronted with the burning questions, Have we sins to be blotted out? Have we debts to be wiped out? We do have both of these.
How stands the case? Almost, if not quite, every one of our larger enterprises and institutions is loaded down with debt, fettered with obligations, which it finds almost impossible to meet—chained, manacled, and muzzled, on account of the sums of money which it owes.
You and I know all this. We have known it to a greater or less extent for several years. We pray for our institutions, for our publishing houses, our sanitariums, our colleges and academies, for the General Conference Association, and the Foreign Mission Board. Some of us nearest to the institutions, stand aghast with bated breath, as we see them toil under their burdens, in their desperate attempts to go forward and do their God-appointed work. Year by year this state of affairs is becoming worse and getting more intolerable. God himself is calling upon us to stop and seriously consider where it will end.
Thank God, the Lord himself has set his hand to it that his work shall go free. This is destined to be one of the most remarkable movements of the latter days of our work. The Lord is now speaking through his servant the prophet upon this matter. He himself is moving in the matter, and he is calling upon all those who love him, the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, to move in unison with him.
Percy T. Magan.

Progress at Trinityville

By H. F. Humphrey

TRINITYVILLE.—The truth for these last days is becoming better known and better understood in this parish, St. Thomas. Many in the other churches confess that their consciences are troubled, and they are now halting between the Sabbath and Sunday. The week of prayer was indeed a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. December 30, eight persons were buried with the Lord in baptism, six of whom were old members who became dissatisfied with their former baptism. Others will follow soon in baptism. The little flock at Trinityville is undergoing a spirit of contrition, and there is a thirsting, and a panting, and a longing after the likeness of Christ.
The times are hard, but we are not discouraged. The day-school that has been started by Sister Mina Harper has an enrollment of thirty-five. But on account of the scarcity of money and food, many have been kept away. We need suitable books for beginners, and grammars, etc., for the more advanced. H. F. HUMPHREY.

PORT ANTONIO, SWIFT RIVER.—

By GEO. F. ENOCH

We are grateful to be able to report that the work of the Third Angel's Message is onward in this part of Jamaica. Elder F. I. Richardson was with us February 10, 11, and we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house in Port Antonio and Swift River. Just at sunrise Sabbath morning, February 10, seven persons were buried with their Lord in baptism in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, at Port Antonio. The next day fifteen more followed their Saviour in the same rite at Swift River, thirteen miles to the west. A few more are in full harmony with us, and desired baptism, but were still suffering from the fever that began its ravages in October.
Those in Swift River accepted present truth as a result of tent-meetings held last summer. We began to build our chapel in September. We have struggled against fever, heavy rains, severe wind storms, and lack of money, and yet we can report our building nearing completion. We are holding the Sabbath-school and regular services in our partly finished building. In Swift River our Sabbath-school has thirty-five members, in Port Antonio thirty. Still the good work goes on, and there is a good outside interest in both places. Satan has tried hard to stir up prejudice against the message, but the Lord has given the victory to his cause all the way through.
Our hearts are cheered as we see the many omens of our soon-coming Saviour, and we are constrained by his love to greater activity; for we know that soon the sowing and the weeping will be over, and the harvest will be gathered home. GEO. F. ENOCH,

ONTARIO

By J. F. Ballenger

BRANTFORD, LONDON, AND INGERSOLL.—I spent Sabbath and First-day, February 3 and 4, with the church at Brantford, and was glad to find that through the faithful labors of the Bible readers, the Sisters McKinnon, several persons have been added to the company. Four were taken into the church by vote. They celebrated the ordinance of humility for the first time. All present seemed to enjoy the occasion.
I was with the brethren at London, February 24 and 25. I found some unpleasant things had crept in on account of a bad use of that unruly member, the tongue, which James says “is set on fire of hell,” “a world of iniquity, full of deadly poison.” How careful we ought to be to keep such a dangerous thing chained, lest it destroy much good.
The enemy was laying his plans to overthrow some of these brethren, but through the blessing of the Lord he was defeated. I presented the exalted character of the work in which we are called to engage, and referred to the course of Nehemiah, who, when invited to come down from his calling, refused on the ground that the work was so great that he could not leave it. The Spirit of the Lord came in in great measure, hearts were humbled, confessions were made, and love and union restored. God forbid that in this solemn judgment hour we should allow the devil to drag us down from our high and holy calling, and get us to throwing mud and dirt at one another. How unlike “Him in whose mouth was found no guile”!
As a result of labor, especially of our Bible worker, Sister Allems, additions are being made to their numbers.
We have an excellent church school in London, where the children are indeed being “all taught of God.” If any of our isolated Sabbath-keepers, or any who have not the advantages of such a school, have children they wish to send, they will find that board and tuition are very low. This school is sustained by contributions from its friends; and if there are any who are interested in this good work and wish to assist in bearing the expense, their gifts will be thankfully received. For information in regard to the school, address T. H. Robinson, Health Food Factory, London, Ontario.
About seventeen reliable persons have accepted the message at Ingersoll. Several others are much interested. The canvassers’ institute, which has been in progress here for four weeks, closes tomorrow. About twenty, mostly young persons, have been in attendance. The blessing of the Lord has been with both the instructors and the instructed. All feel that they are having a “closer walk with God” as the result of the school. Elders Starr and Howe had charge of the educational work. About nineteen young men and women go forth to scatter the light of the message, with good courage and a firm reliance on the promise of God.
J. F. BALLENGER.

GENERAL CONFERENCE DISTRICT 4.

By J. H. Morrison; E. L. Stewart

The first meeting of District 4 of the General Conference was held in the Tabernacle, at College View, March 2, at 10:30 A. M. Elder J. H. Morrison presided, and after prayer by Elder G. A. Irwin, made a few introductory remarks. E. L. Stewart was chosen secretary pro tem.
Elder Morrison then set forth the situation in the world generally and among God’s people. While men cry Peace, they are preparing for war. Everywhere prophecy is fulfilling; but the clearest fulfillment is seen among the people of God. The great crisis is upon us. The lines are rapidly being drawn. While some are approaching God in character, others are separating from him. The peculiar features of our faith are becoming indistinct, and we are gradually drifting away from the old landmarks. A work has been done, but a far greater work must be accomplished. The canvassing work must be pressed. Only five persons have received ordination during the year, and two of these have gone into the medical work. We are behind in this branch of the work. Men must be educated and encouraged to enter the ministry. We have grown weak upon tithing. There is danger of the wonder-working power taking our people. We do not clearly discern between this and the work of God. This subject should be thoroughly studied in all our Conferences. Church schools must receive consideration. Organization, system, and order are among the most important matters, and must be thoroughly understood. We see perfect order in all God’s creative work. There are two extremes in this question. Men are not to go from Conference to Conference independently, neither are we to be moved constantly by the Conference Committee. God has special messages at this time through the Testimonies and through his servant Elder Haskell.
Elder G. A. Irwin said: The District Conference is a creature of the General Conference, to facilitate the work. As the message increases and spreads, the responsibility must be divided and subdivided. More local matters are considered by those more directly interested. Our great danger is from within, not from without. Unity must characterize the people of God. The only basis of union must be the three messages as brought out by the early work. This is a platform not a pin nor a timber of which is to be moved. The enemy will bring in minor parts, and attempt to make them the tests. But the Sabbath is the great test. This is to test every soul. “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be the burden of our message.
A simple organization is to be effected, consisting of a secretary pro tem., who shall keep a record of the proceedings and a constitution defining the basis of representation. It was then suggested that a committee for drafting a constitution, and a Committee on Distribution of Labor and Resolutions be appointed.
Elder Morrison said that we must sense the shortness of time and the necessity of doing, not resolving only. We are to come to this Conference as learners, as little children, not with set ideas. It is a solemn sinking into God that is needed now. We are to so conduct ourselves in the meeting and bring it about that men will realize that we have a life-and-death message.
Elder Geo. M. Brown moved that the Chair appoint the committees mentioned. Carried. The following committees were then appointed: Committee on Organization: Brethren Stevens, Stewart, Everest, Kneeland, and Olsen. The Committee on Plans, Distribution of Labor, and Camp-meetings: Brethren Santee, Nelson, Flaiz, Millman, and Johnson.

SECOND SESSION, MARCH 4, 10:30 A. M.

After prayer the subject of organization was taken up, and its importance and principles clearly set forth. Elder Morrison spoke as follows: The heavens declare the perfect work of God. The church of God on earth requires the most perfect order and system, since it is as an army in warfare. Just in proportion as we work in perfect harmony will the co-operation of heavenly agencies prove successful.
Elder Irwin said: The last days require more perfect unity and order than any other period. The constant tendency in these days is to spring something new; but we are not to begin now to tinker the work of God. Each is not to do as he pleases in all things, but we are to work in harmony. God is leading out a people, not simply an isolated individual here and there. The organization of the church in the wilderness, with its perfect order and system, is set forth as an example for us in these last days.
Elder Santee read from “Spirit of Prophecy” and from the REVIEW AND HERALD, illustrating these points. Remarks were also made by Elders Hill, White, and Phelps.
The meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THIRD SESSION, MONDAY, MARCH 5.

After prayer the report of committees was taken up. The Committee on Organization recommended a constitution for adoption, as follows:—
“ARTICLE I.—This Conference shall be known as District Conference 4 of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, comprising the Conferences of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Dakota, and the mission field of Manitoba.
“ART. II.—The object of this Conference shall be to facilitate the work of the General Conference in local matters, such as the distribution and exchange of laborers within the District, the arrangements of camp-meetings, the united study of the Third Angel’s Message, and the transaction of such other business as may come under its supervision.
“ART. III.—The officers of this Conference shall be a President and a Secretary. The General Conference superintendent of the District shall, by virtue of his office, be President of this Conference. The Secretary shall be chosen at each regular session.
“ART. IV.—The regular sessions of this Conference shall be held biennially, alternating with the sessions of the General Conference. Special sessions may be called if deemed necessary by the President, in conjunction with the presidents of the Conferences.
“ART. V.—Each Conference or mission field shall be entitled to one delegate, and one additional delegate for each three hundred membership.
“ART. VI.—This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all the delegates present at any regular session.”
It was moved to adopt the report by considering each article separately.
Article I was spoken to by Elders Nelson, Santee, Brown, and Thompson, and others. Elder N. P. Nelson offered an amendment, naming Wyoming and the Dakotas. The amendment was lost, and Art. I, as read, was adopted; also articles II, III, and IV in succession. Article V was read, and a motion to amend was offered by Elder V. Thompson, and supported by Elder C. Santee, so as to read, “two hundred membership.” This was spoken to by Elders Phelps, Hill, Millman, and Boynton. Article V as amended was then adopted; Article VI was also adopted.
It was moved by Elder G. M. Brown to ask the Committee on Organization to prepare an article stating the duties of the President and Secretary. Supported and carried.
Elder G. A. Irwin moved that this Constitution be operative in the future, and that all present be considered delegates. Carried.
The Committee on Plans presented a partial report, as follows:—
“Whereas, The prosperity of the cause is endangered from the innovations coming in on the subject of gospel order, we therefore—
“(1) Recommend, That all our workers make an especial effort to inform themselves in regard to the teaching of the Bible and Testimonies on the subject of organization, with a view to instructing our churches in the same.
“Whereas, The Spirit of God has indicated that this is the most favorable time we shall ever have for prosecuting the work in our large cities, and—
“Whereas, The present method of work by our city missions falls far short of reaching the people, and bringing much-desired results, we therefore—
“(2) Recommend, To the several Conferences here represented, the advisability of entering such cities with a full corps of laborers, including ministers, Bible workers, and colporteurs, in order that the work may be prosecuted with vigor; also that young persons of Christian experience and deportment be encouraged to connect with such work, and labor from house to house under the counsel of the one in charge, thus gaining a practical experience in Bible work and other missionary effort.
“Whereas, The Spirit of God has urged the importance and necessity of establishing church schools; and,—
“Whereas, There are those of our denomination teaching in the public schools of our Conferences who, with proper training, could, and would gladly, take up the church school work, we therefore—
“(3) Recommend: (a) That the churches in this District take immediate steps to prepare suitable places for such schools to be held, and also that an effort be put forth by the officers of the church to interest the whole church in the work, thus making it a church school; (b) that a suitable person be selected who, under the direction of the Conference Committee, shall labor for the educational interests of the Conference; (c) that institutes be held where teachers may be called together to receive special training for this work; (d) that we urge suitable persons to attend the teachers’ training class in Union College, with a view to fitting themselves for this work.”
The first recommendation was then read, and spoken to by Elders C. W. Flaiz and G. A. Irwin, bringing out some valuable instruction on organization of churches, and showing the dangers coming in among us at this time, and how these dangers may be headed off. Quotations were read from “Early Writings,” pages 12, 13, under the head of “Gospel Order.” J. H. MORRISON, Pres.
E. L. STEWART, Sec. pro tem.
(To be concluded.)

FIJI

By C. H. Parker; M. G. Parker

Suva Vou.—By his stately steppings the Lord has been going out before us, and his arm has brought salvation time and again. Many perplexing questions arise, but the Lord is mighty in counsel, and we have many precious experiences in allowing the counsel of heaven to prevail. The Lord is using Brother Fulton with power. Searching messages have been borne, and as a result hearts have been turned to the Lord, and filthy and evil habits have been cast aside. Eleven Fijians and one white person have been baptized, and eight more will be buried with their Lord this coming Sabbath. A week ago last Sabbath, Dec. 9, 1899, the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and it was an occasion of deep heart-searching, refreshing, and outpouring of the Spirit of God. The ceremony was very touching. The roko (a leading king of Fiji) washed the feet of some of his servants. His heart was overflowing. A high chief's wife, who had never heard a sermon from one of our ministers, was in; and, after hearing the Scripture read concerning feet-washing, she wished hers washed. Everything passed off pleasantly.
The mission house becoming too small to accommodate all who attended service, Brother Fulton, on moving his house here, rebuilt it so that the main part could be used as a church. This has been dedicated, and it affords a pleasant place of meeting. Our Sabbath-school numbers forty.
Brother Cole, who was our first missionary here, with the help of some of our brethren on the coast, has given us a hand printing press, which is now set up; and when we receive more type from Sydney, we shall begin printing leaflets for the work here. Brother Fulton has composed a few hymns in Fijian, some of which he has set to tunes in "Hymns and Tunes." These will be put in book form as quickly as circumstances will permit. We see many promising openings for work; but, as in all other parts of our Master's vineyard, the cry comes, Where are the men and the money to enter them? Brethren, much rests upon you at home. The Lord keeps a faithful account with each of us, and he expects us each to do all we can. Nothing less will fulfill the requirements of the present hour. Are there not many times when, in your household expenses, attire, etc., you could save a penny, a nickel, or more? Shall we who are pledged to God for life and eternity, we to whom has been committed the most solemn message that mortal lips have ever uttered, see the cause of God lack for men and money? May God help us all to put an emphatic No to this question, in every thought, word, and action. Come, brethren, let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a lift, and continue so doing till the Lord says, It is enough. Jesus is soon coming. Every circumstance in the world emphasizes this fact. May God help us to show our belief by our everyday example. C. H. AND M. G. PARKER.

News and Notes

— Boxing will be prevented by the French police, at the Paris Exposition.
— The New York Times will be published daily on the grounds of the Paris Exposition.
— The United States squadron in Chinese waters will have its headquarters at Hong-Kong.
— An orchid from Venezuela, valued at $5,000, is being exhibited in London, England.
— Arrangements have been made to secure a complete census of the Chinese in the United States.
— A consignment of 1,000,000 pounds of meat has left Chicago for United States soldiers in the Philippines.
— It is claimed that there are, in the United States, more than 5,000 theaters, of which 2,000 may be classed as legitimate.
— The editorial staff of El Cubano Libre has been imprisoned by the mayor of Santiago, Cuba, for publishing an offensive article against the present government there.
— The Ohio statute prohibiting an employer from discharging a workman because of membership in a labor union, has been declared unconstitutional by a common pleas court judge.
— It is estimated that almost a third of humanity speak the Chinese language, that the Hindu language is spoken by more than 100,000,000, the Russian by 89,000,000, while the German is spoken by 57,000,000, the Spanish by 48,000,000.
— Attorney James R. Dill, of New York City, is said to have received $1,000,000 in return for his services in bringing about an amicable settlement in the Frick-Carnegie lawsuit. This is said to be the highest lawyer’s fee ever received for a single case.
— The general freight agent of one of the largest railways in the country gives the following statements: “Among the 200 clerks in my office, thirty-two are cigarette-smokers. Eighty-five per cent of the mistakes occurring in the office are made by the thirty-two. The cigarette-smokers average two days off each month, while others but half a day off.”
— The Burlington Railroad officials think that “when the present war in South Africa is ended, in the subjugation of the Boers, thousands of the people of the Transvaal will be desirous of getting away.” Accordingly, they are preparing to send agents to induce them to come to the United States, settle in the undeveloped portions, and engage in stock raising or farming.
— The temperance people of Aurora, Ill., are planning to rid their city of the saloons by paying into the city treasury the amount usually paid into the treasury by the saloon keepers for their licenses. The question is to be submitted to the popular vote at the annual city election in 1901, the money to be raised before that time. There are at present thirty-seven saloons in the city, each paying a license tax of $1,000.
— Official reports show that there are now in Siberia 300,000 ex-convicts. Of these 30,000 are settled as peasants, 70,000 are laborers without permanent residence, and 100,000 are paupers, while 100,000 more are gathered in camps, awaiting return to Russia or other disposition. “This,” says the Northeastern Christian Advocate, “represents the last chapter in the Russian system of penal deportation, which has been in operation since about the year 1600.”
— A new device has been invented by a Frenchman, whereby the entry and departure of employees in large establishments is automatically registered. Each employee, upon entering the establishment, steps up to a camera fitted with a time-clock arrangement, presses the button, and the result is a photograph in miniature of the employee, together with a small clock dial showing the exact time of entry or departure. Only one half a second is required for the taking of the photograph. Although the price of the apparatus is relatively high, it costs much less than a timekeeper of flesh and blood, and guarantees much greater impartiality and exactness.
— Chief Willis L. Moore, of the United States Weather Bureau, has issued an order prohibiting employees of the service from using cigarettes during hours of duty, and warning them that those who smoke them at all will be mentioned in the confidential reports made to him by the heads of the several offices and departments. Replying to criticism of his action in this matter, he said: “Some of our men who were regarded as the most reliable and competent, became careless and lax. I sent inspectors to investigate, and in almost every case it was found that this state of affairs was directly attributable to excessive cigarette-smoking. Men who use cigarettes appear to become deadened to the fact that neglect of duty means removal, suspension, or dismissal. In a word, these investigations convinced me that cigarette-smokers are not to be trusted with important work.”
— A well-defined earthquake occurred in Berea, Ohio, April 11.
— The wharfs at Victoria, British Columbia, were recently destroyed by a tidal wave.
— Because of the limited supply of yellow pine, Georgia mills will run only two-thirds time.
— The Boers are reported to have succeeded in getting at least thirty large guns through Portuguese territory.
— Canada has been asked to send fifty more officers, with men, to fill vacancies in the British army in South Africa.
— President Steyn, of the late Orange Free State, prophesies that foreign powers will stop the South African war.
— Costa Rica and Nicaragua will cede territory ten miles wide, between Greytown and Brito, to the United States, for canal purposes.
— Ann Arbor, Mich., has a fine flowing well, from which the purest water gushes forth in umbrella shape, at an estimate of 400,000 gallons a day.
— Eleven places in Mindanao, and three in Jolo Archipelago, Philippine Islands, have been occupied by United States troops without firing a shot.
— Because of the small audience, Paderewski recently refused to appear in Sacramento, Cal., and his piano was attached for rent of the opera house.
— By a recent fire in Greenpoint, Greater New York, nearly 1,500 men are idle; lumber factories, iron foundries, and the Church soda plant were destroyed.
— Post office clerks will hereafter not be held responsible for delay in transmission of mail when stamps are in any position except the upper right-hand corner.
— The Michigan Central Railroad shops will be moved from Michigan City, Ind., to Niles, Mich., forty acres of land having been purchased by the company.
— For the second time within three years, the fine dry-goods store of Joseph Horne and Company in Pittsburg, was destroyed by fire, April 9, at a loss of $1,000,000.
— The annexation law has passed both branches of the Ohio Legislature, by which Cincinnati will be able to annex twenty-six villages, increasing its population to over 500,000.
— William Booth, general of the Salvation Army, was presented on his seventieth birthday, April 10, with a purse of $200,000 from the army, as the result of the self-denial week just concluded.
— By a new and secret combination of chemicals, an iron wrench six inches long and one-half inch thick, was melted in five seconds, in Thomas A. Edison’s laboratory. The inventor of the powder is an American.
— By order of the emperor of Korea, the members of the Korean legation in Washington, D. C., must hereafter wear clothing required by the custom of this country. Hitherto they have appeared in Oriental garb.
— The bark “Ancona,” laden with 18,300 bales of hemp, reached Boston from Cebu, Philippine Islands, April 9, after a nine-months’ voyage. The delay, however, doubled the value of the cargo, which is now worth $8,000,000.
— The United States Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections voted unanimously that Senator-elect Clark, of Montana, is not entitled to occupy his seat, owing to the prevalence of corrupt methods in Montana that tainted the election.
— The Paris Exposition will be open on Sunday, the French authorities having decided that all exhibits are to be open to the public on all First-days. The United States pavilion is not thus regulated, the question of its being opened or closed on Sunday being left “entirely to Commissioner Peck’s desire.”
— It is reported that “Mayor Maybury, of Detroit, Mich., has announced a proposal that he thinks will prove effective in suppressing improper dramatic entertainments in the leading cities of the United States. It is to have a decision by the American league of municipalities to prohibit all such plays in the 200 cities represented by the league.”
— The weight of the great Atlantic steamer “Oceanic” is equal to the weight of two trains, each of 433 cars and three miles in length. It would take eight mammoth railroad locomotives, such as are used on the Illinois Central Railroad, to haul the steamer on the level, on rails, at twenty-two miles an hour; and it would take sixteen such locomotives to develop the horse-power developed by the “Oceanic” when steaming at twenty-two miles an hour.
— A gigantic coal trust, which will virtually control the transportation and production of coal in this country, is said to have been completed by the great Eastern railroad magnates, W. K. Vanderbilt, J. Pierpont Morgan, and A. J. Cassatt. This brings into the combine the New York Central, with its allied roads, also the Reading, Erie, and Lehigh Valley, together with the Pennsylvania and its recent acquisition, the Norfolk and Western. It will constitute one of the most formidable monopolies in existence, and one which menaces the public interest in many ways, by its ability to control the price of a product so essential to domestic use and to the maintenance of many kinds of industry.

ARIZONA

PHOENIX.—The week of prayer of 1899 is now in the past, but the results of its hours of searching of heart, and humbling of soul before God, we trust have only begun to appear. If those who have received the rich blessings of God continue to walk by faith in the power of the Spirit of God, their path must shine more and more unto the perfect day. From the first meeting, it was plain to all that the Holy Spirit had come to take charge of the meetings. At each service some who had not confessed Christ were present. So many and so great were the rich blessings of God poured out upon us that different ones were heard to say, “I am afraid to stay away lest the very blessing I most need might be poured upon the church when I am absent.” From the first, the attendance was good. Some who had battled for some time with trials and perplexities found victory through completely surrendering to God. Oh what victory there is in this! Oh what rest! “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Every reading spoke this. It was heard in every song. It was the breathing of every prayer. And every scripture pressed home to hearts the necessity of obtaining a personal knowledge of that truth.
For myself and family I can say that this was the best week of prayer in all our experience.
The church has had a mission school since October, and preparations for this, besides the church building not yet finished, have called for considerable money, still the annual offering was nearly as large as it was a year ago. J. E. EVANS.
AFTER Elder Kilgore’s visit with us, I decided to take a trip to the lower altitude, as I had been in this high altitude for over a year, and it was telling on my nerves. January 29 I left Flagstaff on my wheel, with a good supply of tracts. The first day I rode over fifty miles, through a pine forest the most of the way. There was not a house inhabited for the whole distance, and only one place where there was water. The roads being rough, it was after nine at night before I reached a settlement. I was, however, made welcome. When I gave the people a few tracts to read, they told me that they had attended one of my meetings in Flagstaff. The next morning I passed by the noted Montezuma well. This well is formed by nature, and is, I should think, about two hundred feet wide, three hundred feet long, and two hundred feet deep to the water. Some say that the depth of the water has never been sounded. It is surrounded on all sides with a perpendicular wall, and on one side there is a small outlet at the bottom, where a small stream of water flows out to a creek near by.
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