European War and Revolution
Dr. Cheever writing from the continent of Europe, speaks as follows about the state of things there. Everywhere there is expectation of a general war. Men say that if Garibaldi's successes continue, Italy will be so united and so strong that France will be jealous, and the emperor will step in to prevent the accomplishment of her freedom. On the other hand, if Garibaldi and the cause of the Italian patriots meet with reverses, Austria will rush in and renew and strengthen her despotism. If Hungary rises, Austria will have enough on her hands then. If Garibaldi still is successful, Hungary will probably be roused into revolution. Meantime the king of Sardinia's invasion of the Pontifical territory is a new complication of affairs. None can tell what will come of this step. Perhaps war with France—one might almost suppose it already determined by the threatening tone of some French journals. On every side the lines are drawing closer and closer against the Pope, and all things seem in perfect readiness with the greatest ease to sweep him and his whole remaining authority from existence. Take out the cancer at Rome, and Italy will be restored to health and freedom, but never till then. Now God's surgeons seem about to operate, but, nevertheless their knives may be sheathed for a season, and the decisive operation deferred. God hath put in their hearts unknowingly to fulfill his will, but not yet to agree; but the predicted final treatment of the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, is that they shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire.