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Review and Herald, Vol. 29, No. 4.

The Sermon
Earlier text: Reply by Eld. Lewis

AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS.

By Jos. Clarke

One would suppose that the human race would joyfully accept the conditions of salvation as offered in the gospel, all of them so reasonable and just.
When God offers pardon to rebellious man, on condition that the offender forgive his enemies, or those who have injured him, the condition seems so fair, and the requirement so reasonable, and the self-denial so small, that it is surprising all do not accept the offer.
Look at the position of the offender; belonging to a race in open rebellion against the Creator, a race of men actually in league with Satan against Jehovah, and by their daily practice, ratifying their first parent's act of allegiance to the enemy.
Does the sinner realize that every act of disobedience, every neglect of duty, every slight of God's goodness, every murmuring word or thought, is, in fact, an additional evidence of his loyalty to Satan, and his disloyalty to God? And when he realizes how many affronts and slights he has thus offered to God; how in a lifetime his disloyal acts have accumulated against him, and yet God is so indulgent, so condescending as to say to the convicted sinner, forgive your enemies, and I will forgive you, one would hardly expect any hesitation on the part of the offender.
Is there one of us who will harbor an unforgiving spirit a moment? Indeed, how pleasant it is to forgive those trifling offenses we have received, comparing them with ours against God.
JOS. CLARKE.

INCREASING LEGAL RESPECT FOR SUNDAY.

By Roswell Fenner Cottrell

FOR more than fifteen years, we, as a people, have held that the United States is the government described in prophecy under the symbol of a beast with two horns like a lamb, but speaking as a dragon. Rev. xiii, 11–18. And as this beast is particularly to be distinguished by his enforcing by law the mark of the first or papal beast, we have held that the enforcement of the observance of Sunday—the Sabbath of the apostasy—upon all, without exception, would here be attempted.
Every movement in favor of Sunday serves as a confirmation of this faith. A seemingly pious respect for Sunday is gaining ground. As indications of this I give the following items of news from the Sabbath Recorder.
“The lower house of the Georgia Legislature has just passed a bill prohibiting railroad trains and steamboats from running on the first day of the week.”
“SUNDAY CAR RIDING.—A man who rides on the cars in Massachusetts, on Sunday, must do so upon his own temporal as well as eternal risk and responsibility. Judge Ames, of the Superior Court, last week gave a decision in the case of Patrick Stanton, who sued the Metropolitan Railroad Company for damages in the sum of $2,000 for injuries received by being thrown from defendants' car on Sunday, the 10th of November, 1865, whereby one of his legs was broken, owing, as was alleged, to the carelessness and neglect of defendants' agent. The Judge decided that the plaintiff was not lawfully riding on the 'Sabbath' in question, his mission not being one of necessity or charity, but only one of pleasure; and hence he would not be entitled to recover damages.”
These instances are only samples of what is being done in various parts of the Union in behalf of Sunday. The movers in these efforts in behalf of Sunday, at least many of them, are not aware of what will be the result, when they shall succeed in their efforts. Many think that they are doing God service, but the mere tendency of it is to exalt the Sabbath of the apostasy at the expense of the Sabbath of the Lord; and the result of it will be a persecution against those who keep the commandments of God. The agitation will go on, while the light on the true Sabbath is increasing, till the matter is brought to a crisis, in the great time of trouble after the close of probation; then the decree of death will be given against all the loyal people of the Lord; for they will, by that time, be all united in one faith, and that the true faith once delivered to the saints. Blessed indeed will they be who are fully prepared to meet the trial, having their sins blotted out and their names retained in the Lamb's book of life.
R. F. COTTRELL.

THE HEALTH INSTITUTE.

By J. F. Byington

The truths which have been developed within the last few years, on the subject of health, have an importance attached to them fully equal to any branch of present truth which has ever been held dear by Seventh-day Adventists. Our people, as a general thing, have yet but a feeble comprehension of this work. It has, it is true, in some form, been presented to most who are believers in the truth as held by our people; and to a very limited extent, most have taken some steps in the Health-Reform movement. A few scattered all over the country, from Maine to Minnesota, are zealous and energetic in this work, so much so that they have full confidence in it, and believe it has come as an “angel of mercy” to relieve the sufferings of all who feel willing to be benefited by it. But it is yet in its infancy, most regarding it as problematical, querying whether indeed great importance attaches to it, or whether it will not prove a sort of failure after a few years’ trial. It seems to me of great importance at the present time, to bring it before the people in a comprehensive manner, showing them the benefits which will arise from it. I have been surprised of late to listen to the experience of some who have regained their health by a strict adherence to the principles of the Health-Reform system. So afflicted and feeble were some of these, that life was almost a burden to them; but now their bodily sufferings are nearly all gone, and as one man expressed it, he has been “growing younger for the last four years.”
Since the adoption of the plan, by a few at our last General Conference, to establish a Health Institution, untiring efforts have been made to carry this plan into successful operation. A very favorable site for its location, as our readers have heretofore been informed, was secured, and by much labor, perseverance, and energy a home for invalids was got in readiness by the 8th day of September last, at which time enough had come to avail themselves of its benefits to make a fair commencement; and every week since that time, others who were seeking health, have been added to the number, till now the family at the Health Institute is quite numerous. Quite a number have returned to their homes, some of whom have entirely regained their health; those, too, who were seemingly almost too far gone to have any hope. Others have returned partially restored, not feeling able to remain longer, but determined to carry on the work at home.
Six new patients arrived within the last three days, and we hear from many more who probably will be added to our numbers very soon. Good cheer prevails, and all who have a home with us are buoyant and hopeful. The determination and general feelings of all are to seek for health and learn how to preserve it, and they consider that here they have found the right place to secure these blessings.
A favorable impression exists almost everywhere concerning this method of curing disease. Letters of inquiry are received from all quarters, expressing dissatisfaction with present popular methods of treating the sick, and in favor of the means we employ. In our own city there are quite a number of zealous Health Reformers, who carry these principles into practice; some of our wealthiest merchants belong to this class. The Institute is regarded with much favor by the citizens of our own community, all wishing it success.
The present prospect is that our great difficulty will be to accommodate all who wish to avail themselves of the benefit of the Health Institute. But we hope the time is not distant when our accommodations will be sufficient to receive all who may wish to come.
Those who have invested means in this cause have aided in a good work. There are hundreds of others who, if they understood the harmony and beauty of the Health-Reform system, would lend a helping hand. We ask you, friends, to investigate it. Although at first it may seem to you of little importance, you may learn that a thorough knowledge of this system is worth more to you than all other known means, for curing the sick, and preserving health.
J. F. BYINGTON, M. D.
Health Institute, Battle Creek, Dec. 28, 1866.

FREEMASONRY.

By R. F. COTTRELL

“An extraordinary celebration of the Freemasons took place at Baltimore recently, the President of the United States appearing in Masonic regalia.”—Sabbath Recorder.
This awakens the memories of the past. The mention of the Freemasons calls to mind what was enacted here in Western New York in 1826, when Morgan was kidnapped, and doubtless murdered, for revealing the secrets of the order.
I remember, too, though many seem to have forgotten it, that while the people were highly excited upon the occasion, and anxiously desiring to ascertain the fate of Morgan, quite a number of lambs, I cannot say how many, were brought forth in different places in this part of the State, having the appearance of a fresh cut across the throat, and the tongue and under jaw entirely wanting. The apparent wound, however, was not real; no blood had been shed in making it; for it was closed over by the skin like a person's lips. Probably thousands saw these lambs while they were fresh. Some of their skins were stuffed and preserved for years. I saw two of these at a museum at the falls of Niagara, on the Canada side, nearly twenty years after. I was not here at the time; but there are many living witnesses who saw them at the time, one of whom is present where I write.
These things were ridiculed by some of the papers of the times. One editor suggested that it would be a greater improvement to have the lambs come a year or two old, well dressed and baked. Thousands called it a hoax, and did not credit it at all. Nevertheless it was true.
I remember, too, of reading Morgan’s book. According to that, when a person joins the Masonic lodge, he is required to take an oath of secrecy, “binding himself under no less penalty than to have his throat cut from ear to ear, his tongue torn out by the root, and his body buried in the rough sands of the sea,” &c.
Place this by the side of the miracle I have related, and what further proof do you want concerning the mysterious fate of Morgan, or what further arguments concerning the “nature and tendency” of speculative Freemasonry? When God speaks, the people ought to remember. But in a few days they seem to forget it. Scarcely does the sound of his voice die away, ere they are dancing around some molten image.
R. F. COTTRELL.

Reputation.

By R. F. COTTRELL

The object of the ambition of a great number is a high reputation among men. But this is not the ambition of the Christian. His highest aspiration is to please God, and enjoy his approbation. Christ is the pattern of his people; the example which we are taught by apostles to imitate. And it is said of him that “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” Phil. ii, 7. The follower of Christ then cannot seek the applause of men; if this be the object at which he aims—if he seeks to please men, he is no longer the servant of Christ. Gal. i, 10. Said Jesus to the Jews, “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?”
The Christian should, however, “have a good report of them which are without.” 1 Tim. iii, 7. This is not his privilege merely, but his imperative duty. He “must have a good report.” This good report he does not obtain by seeking to please men, but by seeking to please God by obedience to his law. We can, by the favor of God, compel a good report from our neighbors. If we live up to the requirements of the law of God, they can have no evil thing to say of us. We may be slandered by false reports. This may affect our reputation with those not personally acquainted with us; but those with whom we daily associate, though they may despise us on account of our religion, will be constrained to say, They are honest people; their word can be depended upon, and you can trust them in any place.
But the friendship of the world is enmity against God. And he who seeks the applause of men, will fail to please God and to be honored of him. If he succeeds in gaining the applause he seeks, he has his reward; but he who obtains honor from God will find his reward in the world to come.
Let us be content, brethren, to follow Him who made himself of no reputation among men, but was despised and rejected. If we are misjudged by the world, or even by our brethren, the time is coming when all things will appear in their true light. “Before honor is humility;” or, in the words of our Saviour, “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Jesus, the Son of God, he who knew no sin, humbled himself, and was despised. Shall we, so unworthy and so sinful, refuse to drink of the cup? He laid aside his untarnished glory for our good. Shall we refuse to be humbled on account of our sins? It is all for our good—the humiliation of Christ in our behalf and as our example, and our own humiliation to prepare us for glory. Nothing is against us, but all things work together for our good.
If we are esteemed lightly, it is all right; it is as good as we deserve. And if we are so happy as to secure the favor of God, the loss of all things on earth will be our incalculable gain. He who was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. And shall we, who are poor indeed, be unwilling to acknowledge our poverty, and accept of the riches so freely offered us? Shall we, who have nothing to lose, stand upon our dignity and demand the esteem of our fellows? Let us rather humble ourselves, count earthly reputation as nothing, and humbly hope for a portion with the redeemed in glory. Could we see ourselves in the true light, humility, and not pride, would fill our hearts. Shame and confusion of face better becomes us than our pride. But glory and honor are in reserve for those that bear the cross. The poor in spirit shall yet be rich; and those of “no reputation” here, shall be “highly esteemed” in the kingdom of God.
R. F. COTTRELL.

The Work of Reform.

By R. SMITH.

The dearest joys of earth can ne’er One solid pleasure give, We’re only blest when we can know That ’tis for God we live.
We love by nature what he hates, We shun ourselves to see, We love our appetites and pride, Ease and carnality.
The strife must come, and self must die, Our idols all be slain; How sad should they o’er us at last Their cruel victory gain!
Too soon we cannot overcome Our every sin and wrong. Through Jesus let us conquer self, And join the blood-washed throng.
Our wings of strength and zeal we plume, And rouse the dormant will, To yield our hearts to Nature’s laws, And all their claims fulfil.
This move in heavenly wisdom made, To fit for trouble’s hour, Has blessings for the willing heart, Of health and strength and power.
That all around may see the light, Let’s raise our banner high, And be epistles known and read By all who may come nigh.
The platform for us now is laid, Reform is on the sign; We’ll rally round, resolving each, Its blessings shall be mine.
R. SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H., Oct. 8, 1866.

The Pity of the Lord.

By H. C. MILLER.

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Ps ciii, 13.
By comparison does the Lord often give us instruction. By the comparison in the text he teaches us how he looks upon us in our weakness. When the child, who loves his parent and tries to do his will, has, through weakness, or ignorance, done contrary to the parent’s wishes, how does the father manage? As the little one in sorrow comes sobbing to its father’s arms, is not his heart moved with pity and compassion? Does he not consider the child’s inexperience, weakness, and youth? Does he not see the penitence and tears, and does not his heart melt? Does he not kiss away those tears of sorrow, and yield to the plea for forgiveness? And does he not patiently counsel him how to do next time? “So the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”
Christian brethren, you who have tried hard to do the will of God, and have felt his love moving your heart to do his will, who have retired to your closet at night, sobbing over some failure during the day, and feeling that you would like to go to his arms and tell your sorrow, but who yet doubt your acceptance, be encouraged; let your hearts be cheered, your doubts be removed, your faith increased, by the thought that, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” “He knoweth our frame: he remembereth that we are dust.”
H. C. MILLER.

Passing Events.

John Bright’s message, intended for the recent banquet to Cyrus Field, but which somehow failed of being sent in season, was in these words:
“It is fitting you should honor the man to whom the whole world is debtor. He brought capital and science together to do his bidding, and Europe and America are forever united. I cannot sit at your table, but I can join in doing honor to Cyrus W. Field. My hearty thanks to him may mingle with yours.”
Mr. Bright, in a note to Mr. Field himself, says:
“The world does not as yet know how much it owes to you, and this generation will never know it. I regard what has been done as the most marvelous thing in human history. I think it more marvelous than the invention of printing, or, I am almost ready to say, than the voyages of the Genoese. But we will not compare these things, which are all great. Let us rather rejoice at what has been done; and I will rejoice that you mainly have done it.”
Gold Medal for Cyrus W. Field.—Mr. Morgan, of New York, on the 12th inst., introduced in the Senate the following resolutions, which were referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs:
“Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be and hereby are presented to Cyrus W. Field, of New York, for his foresight, courage, and determination in establishing telegraphic communication by means of the Atlantic Cable traversing through mid-ocean and connecting the Old World and the New, and that the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be presented to Mr. Field.
“Resolved, That when the medal shall have been struck, the President shall cause a copy of this joint resolution to be engrossed on parchment, and shall transmit the same, together with the medal, to Mr. Field, to be presented to him in the name of the people of the United States of America.”
In retaliation for the talk of certain leading Paris papers about the downfall of the Pope, the Unita Catholica of Rome has a few words to say of the fall of the second Napoleonic Empire. It says:
“Napoleon the Third has fallen back; he is lost. He has retreated from Poland from fear of Russia; he has retreated from Germany from fear of the needle-gun; he has retreated from Mexico from fear of the United States; he has retreated from Rome from fear of Orsini and Mazzini.”
Storm in San Francisco.—A storm Thursday night culminated in a gale which has not been equaled since the memorable gale of New Year’s, 1855. A number of casualties occurred among the shipping in the harbor. The steam tug Columbia was sunk, and several small sailing craft were capsized, while quite a number of large vessels were injured by the storm, waves undermining crib work the whole length. Parties interested in the lumber trade are fearful of serious losses at lumber ports north of that city, quite a number of vessels being away at present. Telegrams from Sacramento and Stockton state that quite a severe shock of earthquake was experienced at three o’clock yesterday morning, while in San Francisco the vibration was scarcely felt. A heavy fall of rain, a violent gale, wind, thunder and lightning, with earthquake thrown in, made such a night’s entertainment as is rarely offered the people of San Francisco.
Fenianism.—Fenian preparations are progressing at head-quarters here with secrecy and expedition. Contributions of funds are larger than usual and the supply of arms much greater. It is stated that Stephens has arrived at Dublin. It is a well-known fact in New York that ex-Fenian Senator Stephen J. Meany had not been connected with the brotherhood for a considerable time previous to his departure for London and recent arrest.
The New Orleans Riots.—The committee appointed by Congress to investigate the New Orleans riots commence their work in that city to-day. They expect to complete their labors in about two weeks.
By a dispatch received at the State Department it appears that Mr. Burlingame, our minister to China, narrowly escaped perishing in a typhoon off the coast of Japan on the 15th of September. The storm was the most violent known for years.
Dublin, Dec. 21.—Large seizures of arms and ammunition for the use of the Fenians continue to be made by the police in various parts of Ireland.
Paris, Dec. 21.—As a manifestation of the cordial relations existing between France and the United States, the dinner of Minister Bigelow yesterday was a very successful affair. Mr. Kellogg, in his speech on the occasion, declared he was glad to say that the traditional friendship between the two nations had been restored.

Omens.

By D. T. T.

A MARKED and wonderful year is this 1866. The hundredth birth year of the most numerous Protestant church in America; the advent of the cholera and its fearful ravages in Europe and on this continent; the terrible cattle plagues in England; the laying of the Atlantic cable; the frightful and sweeping cyclones or revolving hurricanes on the sea and land; the disasters by flood in France and our own country; the prostration of over twelve hundred vessels in the same storm; the foundering of the Evening Star at sea, with three hundred souls on board; the drowning of ninety-five abandoned females by this catastrophe; the shaking of the whole north-west coast of North America by an unprecedentedly severe earthquake: the rapid and fierce war of the great nations on the continent of Europe; the liberation of Italy; the singular and sudden abasement of Austria, the right arm of Popery; the dreadful famine in India, which has destroyed two-thirds of the lower and laboring class of the population; the subversion of an empire in Mexico; the consumption by fire of two very large and crowded cities on this continent, causing the burning of over four thousand dwellings and a loss of over six millions of property; storms at sea destroying over two hundred vessels in one gale; the burning up and utter disappearance of a star in the heavens, supposed to be a central sun with all its satellites; the wane of Mohammedanism in Turkey; the visible decline of Popery, and the expected downfall of the Papal temporal and civil power at Rome; the menacing attitude of Fenianism; the increasing infidelity and anti-christianism of Spiritualism; the general lack of revival everywhere; the potato rot again wide spread and ruinous; the perpetual wars and rumors of war rife in all the world; the universal foreboding of coming evil among the nations; the increasing expectation among prophetic students and pious Christians generally of the nearness of the consummation; all, all go to render this year one of the most remarkable years of our time, a year of wonders, a prophetic year, a year worth living to witness. The safe position for every soul is to be ever ready for a change of worlds. Some great event is evidently at the door.—D. T. T.—in World's Crisis.

The Papacy.

In an article on “The Pope and his Territories,” the N. Y. Tribune of Dec. 21, says:—
“We are far from believing, however, that the downfall of the Papal civil power is to be the downfall of the Roman Catholic religion. On the contrary, we have little doubt that out of her worldly losses the Church will reap spiritual profit. She has never been so glorious as when she gathered together her children in the darkness of the Catacombs, gave up her ministers to be scourged, and burned, and torn by wild beasts, labored in poverty and disgrace, and imitated the divine Master who was despised of men, and had not where to lay his head. She is nowhere so prosperous to-day as in our own country, where the State gives her no help but an equal and just toleration. There is a contamination in the atmosphere of courts which always affects religion, and the corruption of politics spreads itself even to a State Church. Relieved from the incubus of an effete and odious political system, the Roman Catholic Church may be again in the future, as she has sometimes been in the past, a leader and guide of the people in some of their noblest aspirations.”

Items.

Garibaldi, according to the Athens correspondent of the Levant Herald, has offered his services to the Cretans who are in revolt from the Turkish government. Six hundred rifles have already been sent, to be followed by a still larger number; and the N. Y. Tribune thinks that, if in addition to this, the General himself appears upon the scene of action, “the worst of Mustapha Pasha’s troubles may yet be to begin.”
London, Dec. 24.—The Times of to-day considers the affairs of the Holy See in a critical condition in spite of the tranquil appearances.
The 71st regiment has left Rome for France. The Pope addressed the officers of the 85th regiment on their departure from Rome. He said, Your flag left France to restore the Holy See. The flag now returns to France, but many consciences will not be satisfied. Revolution will come to the gate of Rome. Italy is not complete, as has been said, because this scrap of territory still remains. When this no longer remains, the flag of revolution will float over the Italian capital. I pray for Napoleon for his tranquillity, but he also must do something. France is the eldest daughter of the Church, but it does not suffice to wear the title. The right to wear it must be proved by deeds.
The New York Herald’s Madrid correspondent, writing on the 6th of December, expresses a conviction that the sudden appearance of Queen Christina in Spain from France may be accepted as a certain indication of the rapid maturing of the revolutionary movement, the liberal tendencies of her ex-Majesty being well known.
Telegraphic advices from Alexandria say that the prisoner Surratt has been placed on board the United States steamer Swatara, which sailed for the United States on Friday last.
A paragraph is going the rounds, which reads: “New Paris fashions: No crinoline, short gown, and large bonnets.”
The Winchester rifle company of New Haven has contracted to furnish 100,000 of its weapons for the Swiss government, and to manufacture them in that country.
The Jackson Citizen says there are now 502 convicts in the State Prison, being an increase of 187 the past year.
No less than 16,000 revolvers made in England, are said to have been distributed in Ireland during the last few weeks.
Kansas cattle are dying by the hundreds of Spanish fever.
The importation of woolen goods into this country this year amounts to seventy-six million dollars, against twenty-six millions in 1866. Is it any wonder that the woolen market has broken down with such an immense amount of foreign goods?
Churchmen in Canada are beginning to be alarmed at ritualistic tendencies there. One clergyman had actually officiated at a marriage attired in a white silk gown, and another had defended the doctrine of absolution. A third clergyman has published a book called The Priest’s Prayer Book, in which the doctrine of confession, plenary absolution, and prayers for the dead, are maintained. To make the matter worse, the Bishop of Toronto declares that he sees nothing of serious importance in these innovations, and he is suspected of being more than half ritualist himself.
A union religious convention was called at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 19th, by clergymen of several denominations, for conference in respect to practical effort against Sabbath [Sunday] desecration, intemperance, injurious amusements, immoralities in rulers, and conformity to the world among professing Christians.
The length of railroad routes in the United States is thirty-two thousand and ninety-two miles, and the annual transportation thirty million six hundred and nine thousand four hundred and sixty-seven miles. The length of steamboat routes is fourteen thousand three hundred and forty-six miles, and the annual transportation three million four hundred and eleven thousand nine hundred and sixty-two miles.
THE Lynchburg Republican says: Tobacco manufacturers make use of a flavoring oil, known as oil of mirbane, which is said to be made of the oil of bitter almonds, angelica seed, and other ingredients. In the composition of the almond seed, prussic acid enters—a poison summary and deadly in its effects upon animal life. Some negro men working in a factory in Danville recently partook of a bottle of this liquid, two dying in consequence and the third barely escaping.
The Government have given up the steamer Bolivar, suspected as a Fenian privateer, to the Colombian Minister.

The Temporal Power of the Pope.

Sixteen years ago, the Sardinian Premier, Massimo D’Azeglio, gave popularity to the cry of “Rome for capital;” and Cavour and his successors have followed that policy cautiously and patiently, till now the Frenchman goes home to an inglorious reception, and the Government of the Cardinals awaits reconstruction. The person most in the way is Pio Nino, whose stereotyped reply to all movements for regeneration is, non possumus. Two years ago, Pius IX. was thought to be near his reward, and Louis Napoleon sent to the Vatican a couple of medicine-men to look at him, who pronounced his physical possibilities to be one twelve-month. Had not the Pope defied the doctors and overstepped his term, another pontiff might have proved more tractable. But there he sits, solemn and obstinate. Never before has the papal dynasty faced such an ordeal. There have been exiled Popes, and captive Popes, and anti-Popes; Popes besieged in their own palaces, and Popes besieging free Italian cities; Popes murdering the faithful, and Popes murdered by the faithful; but never yet has the Papacy been brought to stand before the tribunal of the free public opinion of its own subjects. Baron Ricasoli, in his recent official circular, admirably puts the issue upon the inconsistency of the temporal Papacy with the modern political system which now prevails in Italy. The temporal power must be held by the sufferance of the Italian people, or the Pope must rule, like the Stuarts, by divine right, or he must give up the sovereignty. He cannot obtain the vote of the people, for they are not fond of his tyranny. He cannot hold the throne by divine right, for that claim has fallen into disrepute. The Pope must therefore, climb down from his throne.
Eminent sight-seers from all parts of the world have for some time been flocking to Rome. They are anxious to see the show. The curious Englishman went every night to see Van Amburg play with the lion, for he knew the tamer’s head must be bitten off at last, and he would not miss seeing the thing done. We believe the adventurers will be disappointed. The French troops will, after much talk and waiting for the opinion of Europe, take leave of their ward; and Victor Emanuel has pledged himself not to interfere, and not allow any one else to do so. But what the Romans may do for themselves we know not. The Italian King will put a garrison over the city to preserve the peace; and if a too excitable monk quarrel with a tipsy soldier, no man can tell what havoc may prevail on the Seven Hills, and what degree of excitement may spread through the Catholic world. If the Pope were capable of viewing things from the stand-point of an ordinary human being—if he were not wrapped up in an atmosphere of infallibility, through which everything is discolored and distorted to his vision—he would perceive that his temporal power is by no means essential to his spiritual supremacy in the most numerous church in Christendom; and he would accept his fate without an unnecessary and fruitless struggle. The people of Italy are entirely willing that the Pope should be infallible, if he will desist from worrying them with his kingcraft. —Chicago Tribune. Dec. 22.

The Disloyal States.

In regard to the terms upon which these States shall be re-admitted to the Union, and the leaders of the rebellion be permitted to again take part in our national deliberations, “The Methodist” says:—
As to the proposal of “impartial suffrage and universal amnesty,” we most seriously hesitate before any measure which shall re-admit to power the leaders of the rebellion. What a spectacle it will be to see these men again in Congress, with their fiery resentments, their (at heart disloyal) violent passions, their unmitigated arrogance, their souls stained with the darkest political crime of all time, and their hands stained with the blood of half a million of their fellow-citizens! Can a people prosper, can they maintain a wholesome respect for justice (which more than mercy is the basis of a State), a popular dread of crime, with such an example in the highest places of the land? These are reflections to be entertained in view of such a possibility; but there may be other reflections, we admit, hardly less relevant, and we hope Congress will, with more than its wonted self-possession, proceed with all deliberation and dignity to settle thoroughly and finally this question, and give the country rest. Whatever it decides, in accordance with the late expression of the popular will, will be inexorably maintained by the people.

Stirring Times.

According to the Court Journal, Monseigneur-Dupanloup has issued a remarkable pastoral letter. He says that the time spoken of in the Scriptures, in which there should be wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes and famines, appears to have arrived. He denounces, with great energy, the impiety which prevails, and the atheistical teachings of many writers: “War on God and on religion becomes fiercer every day. Atheism marches with the head erect. In this respect the eighteenth century is far exceeded.” As Fenelon predicted the great Revolution, so he anticipates the “gravest calamities” before the end of this century. “What is preparing in Europe is frightful to contemplate. I shall perhaps not see it, but I announce it!” The letter will certainly create a sensation on account of the high position which the Bishop occupies in the Church—he is unquestionably the foremost ecclesiastic of the day in France—of his literary renown, and of his high political character.—The National (Eng.) Reformer.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Chesaning, Saginaw Co., Mich., Dec. 10, 1866, sister Prudence McCormick, aged 47 years 6 months and 9 days.
She was among the first that embraced present truth in this place, under the labors of Brn. Cornell and Lawrence, nearly six years ago, and has ever walked very consistently. Though dead, she yet speaketh. We shall miss her pleasant society, yet mourn not as those that have no hope. She leaves a husband and three children, besides many friends, to mourn their loss. May their bereavement be sanctified to their good. Already has the daughter decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. May the Lord strengthen her resolutions.
A discourse was given on the occasion by Elder Clough, Methodist, from Matt. xi, 28.
D. W. MILK.
DIED, in Monroe, Wis., Oct. 3, 1866, our little Willie, aged 1 year 2 months and 11 days.
It was very hard to part with our little one, and no more hear his sweet voice, nor have his pleasant smiles to cheer us in this world of trouble; but the hope of soon meeting him again where these partings are over, sustains us in this time of deep affliction.
H. S. and H. A. GIDDINGS.
DIED, of consumption, Nov. 27, in the town of Vevay, Ing. Co., Mich., Abraham Diamond, aged 60 years the 15th day of Oct. last. His heart was with this people. He kept the Sabbath, and lived up to all the light he saw. Bro. Byington visited him some few days before his death. He was resigned to the will of the Lord, and fell asleep in peace. He leaves his companion, two sons, and one daughter, to mourn their loss.
Services at his house Nov. 28. Text, Rev. xxi, 4.
J. B. FAUBRIE.

Patience in the Christian Journey

By Simon Patten

From Bro. Patten.

BRO. SMITH: I still love the cause of present truth, and am striving to keep pace with the work of God. I have chosen my part with the people who are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I am determined to keep with them, and though trials, many and bitter, befall them here, I look forward, knowing that final victory awaits them hereafter. I have no desire to turn back; for where should I go? The pleasures that the world holds out to view, glitter in the distance, but examine them closely and they are counterfeit. They leave a sting. They are not lasting. Where shall I look? Riches take to themselves wings and fly away. Where then? Not in this world, surely; for all is fleeting. But by faith we can view the home of the faithful. There what do we see? Joy unending; pleasures that do not leave a sting. Our hopes and anticipations are not raised high, and then we are doomed to bitter disappointment. Oh! no. And as I draw the contrast, my heart cries out, “Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Deliver us from this sin-cursed earth. Take us home to dwell with thee, that we may enjoy the glories of that place. They are beyond description. My heart thrills as I think of those mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. I long to be there, yet I would not be impatient.
“We’ll wait till Jesus comes, And we’ll be gathered home.”
“Here is the patience of the saints.” Then brethren and sisters, let us be patient. Let not courage abate for a moment. In a little from this we shall enjoy the reality of what we now see by faith in the distance. But I would not overlook the trials and tests of the way. At every advance step we see God testing his people. How important it is, then, that we move forward as the Lord leads, or we shall soon find ourselves enshrouded in darkness, self-deceived, and left to follow our own ways, and see our mistake when it is too late. May I not take this course, is my prayer. But Satan is working, and how cunningly! I desire to keep on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to resist all his temptations, and at last be among the overcomers.
I believe the Health Reform is designed of God to bring his people up where they can serve him better; where they can have clearer minds, and more strength of body to devote to his service. I am thankful for the light that has shone upon my pathway on this subject. It has done much for me already, and I feel encouraged to persevere, knowing that I shall be well repaid in strength both of body and mind. I am determined to endure to the end; for the same shall be saved.
Yours in Christ, SIMON PATTEN. Shields, Wis., Dec. 10, 1866.
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