p. 108, para. 1 | Review and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 7 (Third-day, January 28, 1868)

“PRAYERS vs. SERMONS.”

By M. W. HOWARD

A LITTLE article, not long ago, with the above heading, was so in accordance with feelings I have so often experienced, that I feel desirous of uttering a responsive word. Often in social religious meetings, there are some things so manifestly unsuitable, that one cannot avoid a consciousness of discomfiture in witnessing them, even while we do not question the good intentions of those from whom they come; while other things, that may fall far below a desirable standard, will startle us with their solemnity, and leave an abiding impression.

Whenever my thoughts turn in this direction, two little incidents of the memories of my youth stand out conspicuously. And I mention them before I pass to other criticisms, that the timid and hesitating may know, that however severe I may be upon those who seek display, I have still a vein in my nature, corresponding to that sentiment of my Master that would “not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.”

A timid, stammering, imbecile young man, half-rising from his seat said, “I love Jesus.” That was all, —yet it went to my heart with far more power than many a studied speech.

The other incident sends a tinge of lingering shame over me, whenever I think of it. It was a time of some seriousness, and in the interval of public services a few sisters gathered in a retired room, ostensibly to pray. But who prayed? I did not, nor do I remember who did, save one young girl. She knelt amidst older professing Christians, sitting around, myself at her side (I record it to my shame). A few broken expressions were all she could accomplish under the embarrassing circumstances, and she arose and again sat by my side. A sort of guilt for her ill success, kept me transfixed, but it burnt another salutary lesson into my dull heart.

But I set out to say some very different things, and among them this—a young brother arose and let off a beautiful apostrophe to faith! It certainly showed his skill at composing (if he himself composed it), but nevertheless an inclination to laugh, mingled with a sort of pity for the performer, made me afraid to look up for some minutes. But that was only a matter of bad taste, and really, no harm was done. But the prayers (?) sometimes seem such an affront to God, that a shiver will run over me, spite of all my charity for good intentions. Not that it is never proper to rehearse before the Lord. Far otherwise. For some of the most beautiful Scripture prayers are largely rehearsing. Daniel’s memorable prayer, recorded in the ninth chapter, is such. But here the true idea is given by himself, thus: “While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing,” verse 20. Also David’s prayer in 1 Chron. xxix. Yet here it is said, “David blessed the Lord before all the congregation.” And in Solomon’s prayer, 1 Kings viii, a distinction is clearly made when in verses 54, 55, it says, “When Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. And he stood and blessed, &c.”

Christ’s inimitable prayer, recorded in John xvii, partakes largely of rehearsal; but that model prayer, given expressly for our instruction and imitation, has only one assertion: “Hallowed be thy name.” And many prefer to regard that a petition also.

Self-seeking is one of the most subtle snares of the human soul, and when one leads off in prayer with the constantly recurring expressions: “Thou knowest, O God, this and this, Thou knowest, O God, thus and thus,” one cannot help feeling that it is not only a breach of that command, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain,” but also an effort to make the servant conspicuous, rather than the service acceptable. I know that I may sometimes seem uncharitable, and sometimes give way to censorious criticism; but it is not toward the timid and ignorant, but toward the designing, or those who pervert God-given faculties by adopting theories second-hand, and never investigate Bible truth sufficiently to know whether they are blindly following some accredited human authority, or the abiding truth of God’s word; whether they are receiving the teachings of God with humility, or telling back to God things contrary to his communications to us; or, what is more reprehensible, telling God, in professed prayer, of the great designs he intends to accomplish through mankind, as if it were not written of Christ, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

M. W. HOWARD.

Malone, N. Y., Jan., 1868.

Conference Department.

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.

This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Sister Bean.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel very unworthy to speak through the Review, yet I wish to say that ever since the conference at Enosburgh last September, I have been striving with more diligence than ever to overcome all my wrongs. That meeting was made a blessing to me, and I feel I have gained strength and have been very much blessed, yet I am not what I should be, but by the grace of God I do believe I shall yet overcome. The late meeting at Enosburgh that Bro. and Sr. White have attended, has been a blessing to me. Although I did not attend, feeling it a duty to stay and let others go, when my children came home I then heard how the Lord was at work with his people and for the children. My heart was made to rejoice and praise the Lord; and I thank the Lord that he has thus far restored Bro. White, so that he, with Sr. W., can be in the great harvest-field. I never shall forget how my heart leaped for joy when I saw the first report from Bro. White after his long confinement. My prayers, with the thousands of others, had been going up that he might be restored, for it seemed they were so much needed to help lead on the Israel of God; and now, when I realize our danger of falling by the way, like ancient Israel, I often fear and tremble; but thank the Lord, there is no need that any of us should fall, if we will only take heed to the word of the Lord, and to the Testimonies to the Church. How wonderful it is that the Lord speaks to us by vision, and how strange that we, as a people, do not take better heed. I feel that it is the duty of all the brethren and sisters under this last message, to have Spiritual Gifts and Testimonies to the Church, and read often, and practice and profit by them. If we do this, we shall never fall, and so an abundant entrance shall be administered to us into the everlasting kingdom. The Lord help us, is my prayer, to live out the whole truth and be sanctified by it. I long to love my Saviour more and serve him better.

“Do you love Christ? I ask not if you feel, The warm excitement of that party zeal, Which follows on while others lead the way, And makes his cause the fashion of the day; But do you love him when his garb is mean, Nor shrink to let your fellowship be seen? Do you love Jesus, blind, and halt, and maimed? In prison succor him? nor feel ashamed To own him, though his injured name may be A mark for some dark slanderer’s obloquy? Do you love Jesus in the orphan’s claim? And bid the widow welcome in his name? Say not, “When saw we him?” Each member dear, Poor and afflicted, wears his image here; And if unvalued or unowned by thee, Where can thy union with the holy be? And if thou thus art to the body dead, Where is thy life in Christ, the living head? And if dissevered from the living Vine, How canst thou dream that thou hast life divine?”

M. Bean.

Stowe, Vt.

Bro. C. Avery writes from Pleasantville: It is about five months since I embraced the Advent doctrine. I have many temptations, but I feel strong in the faith, and determined to press my way onward to the golden city which is just before us. I love the Review, with its testimonies, and the good sermons that it contains from week to week.

Bro. E. H. Van Ornum writes from Edwards, N. Y.: I have long delayed writing for the Review, but I know that if I had the privilege of meeting with those of like faith, I should give in my testimony. Then they that feared the Lord spake often to one another, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written. I would say for the encouragement of those who have done their duty to me, that I am very thankful, but regret that I did not heed their counsel before. But I rejoice that the Lord is so long-suffering and kind as to enable me to see my condition, and realize my need. To him be all the praise. I truly desire the eyesalve, that I may see, and the white raiment, that I may be clothed. He knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust. How kind, how merciful, how gracious, long-suffering and compassionate is the Lord toward his creatures! For this I would ever praise him.

Sister A. Mullen writes from Monroe Co., Wis.: I wish to say to the lonely, scattered ones, that I deeply sympathize with them in being deprived of the great blessing of meeting with Sabbath-keepers. I have not enjoyed the privilege of hearing a sermon on present truth for eight years, except through the Review; and I have often felt like giving up in despair; then the Review would come to me with so many encouragements to the sad and lonely ones, that I would still try to press onward. And I have felt more determined for the past year, with the help of the Saviour, to try to overcome my faults, that I may be numbered with the blood-washed throng and enter in through the gates into the city, than ever before.

My husband earnestly urges me to write for some of the preaching brethren to come here and give a few lectures. He feels very desirous to hear, as he has never had an opportunity to hear a sermon on present truth, and there are a few others here who have expressed the same wish. My earnest prayer is that the Lord may direct some one here, that the people may hear and believe. I feel sure that good might be accomplished, yet we know that the harvest is great and the laborers are few.

LINES

By Mrs. H. S. Troy

Composed on the death of little Robbie Langdon, by Mrs. H. S. Troy. The obituary was given in Review, No. 12, Vol. xxx.

I CAN but weep, my boy, for thee; For thou wert all so dear to me; Yet cannot wish thee back again, To this dark world of grief and pain, Where sin and woe luxuriant grow; And cares oft cloud the sunniest brow.

We sadly close the once bright eye, And press the brow so pure and high; We smooth the sunny curls of hair, With wonted tenderness and care, And clasp the dimpled hands to rest Softly upon the pulseless breast.

We clothe the form once blithe and gay, In burial robes with grief to-day, And place it in the silent tomb, Where flowers in early spring will bloom, Where wild birds build their grassy nest, We leave thee, little one, to rest.

The empty crib, the vacant chair, The little robes he used to wear, His playthings scattered on the floor,— Ah! will he never want them more? Be still, my aching heart, be still, But trust, nor murmur at God's will.

Farewell, sweet blossom of a day, I mourn, yet with bright hope can say, He will be mine in that bright home, Where blighting death no more shall come. And though no more thou'lt come to me, Through Christ I soon shall go to thee.

CONSTANCY.—Let our love be firm, constant, and inseparable; not coming and returning, like the tide, but descending like a never-failing river, ever running into the ocean of divine excellency, passing on in the channels of duty and a constant obedience, and never ceasing to be what it is till it comes to be what it desires to be; still being a river till it be turned into sea, and vastness, even the immensity of a blessed eternity. —Jeremy Taylor.

☞ The reader will find the present number of the Review full of interest. The original matter of which the paper is almost entirely composed, will all be appreciated by the reader. We wish to call attention to the beautiful extract entitled “Signs of the Times,” in our Historical Department. A more striking and convincing comparison between the days before the flood, and our own time, we have never seen. Read it carefully.

BOOKS! BOOKS!!

By James White

In our travels we find many of the houses of our people almost destitute of good books. Some parents have good libraries for themselves, and for their children; others have books mostly worthless, while still others are destitute of reading of any kind, excepting the Review, Instructor, and, perhaps, two or three pamphlets on present truth.

From some experience we can judge with a degree of accuracy as to the intelligence, moral worth, correct ideas, and the piety of families by looking over their book shelves. There is a power in books to those who cultivate a love to read. Novels craze the brain, and destroy the proper balance of the mind. Skeptical works placed in the hands of a young man are quite sure to make him an infidel. Books of a high-toned moral and religious character, are sure to mould the mind and religious experience of children, correctly, unless counteracted by poisonous teachings and influences. We would, in view of these facts, appeal to our people, as they value their own salvation and that of their children,

1. To banish from their homes all light, novel, skeptical, and other poisonous reading.

2. To seek for good books and obtain a good assortment.

3. To cultivate a love for good reading. The evenings in every family, when not otherwise employed, should be spent in reading. And we propose this plan. Let one of the parents or older children read aloud, while the entire family enjoy the intellectual feast of chaste, moral and religious thoughts. The books we would recommend, are

1. The Bible. Read the thrilling story of Joseph in Egypt, and many other sacred narratives found in the Old Testament, and you will see no lack of interest in a family circle of parents and children. Read at the proper time, and just long enough at a time to hold the increasing interest of all. Read one whole narrative at a time if possible.

Then read the story of Jesus recorded by the evangelists, and the history of some of Christ's first ministers in the Acts, and you will here see a love for holy things kindling in young hearts. Then come to the more practical lessons taught by Jesus and in the epistles. Here, dear brethren, in this holy book is a rich treasure for you and your children.

2. There are helps in the study of the Scriptures such as Cruden's Concordance, Bible Dictionary, Bible Atlas, &c., which every family should have.

3. The works on prophecy, and the various subjects connected with the present truth, for sale at the Review Office. These should be carefully studied and faithfully read by all, that each may be prepared and ever ready to give the reasons of their hope and faith. It is a discouragement to those who preach and write books to know that most of our people are really unable to give the reasons why they believe, much less to meet the objections of opponents, while the books written with so much care containing these reasons and the necessary arguments are lying at the Office. And it is a shame to those who profess our faith to remain ignorant of the reasons why they believe, and are an easy prey to wily opponents, when a few dollars will pay for the books, and study at proper hours would make them intelligent, strong in the faith and able to teach others. Every farmer and mechanic should devote at least two hours each day to reading and close study.

4. Every family should have the four volumes of Spiritual Gifts. Let the family gather around and listen to from five to ten chapters each evening. Those who have pursued this course testify that there is no lack of interest till all are read. These books contain lessons of theoretical, practical and spiritual importance, which should be regarded of the greatest interest to every Sabbath-keeping family at this time.

5. Appeal to the Youth. This book contains matter of the deepest interest to every youth. Thousands have been purchased or received as gifts, and have gone from house to house among all classes, being read by tens of thousands till literally worn out. The subject matter is as follows:

a. An able and affectionate funeral address of Henry N. White, who died Dec. 8, 1863, by the Editor of the Review.

b. A truthful and touching narrative of his worthy life, last sickness, and triumphant death.

c. His mother's letters to her three sons, Henry, Edson and Willie. These letters were by no means written for publication, but are the affectionate appeals of a tender mother to her children, written while traveling in different States from Maine to Iowa, and reveal a Christian mother's heart. The moral and religious lessons taught in these letters, the affection they show, revealing the strength of true family government, make this portion of the work of inestimable worth. No mother, who loves her children, and prays for their salvation, would delay to obtain this book at ten times its small cost, if she had any knowledge of its true worth. Ministers and members of the other denominations have pronounced this little book the best of the kind ever offered to the people. Especially have they prized the mother's letters.

6. Appeal to Mothers. The great cause of the physical, mental, and moral ruin of many of the children of our time. This is a faithful exposure of the ruin and sin of solitary vice, and an earnest appeal to mothers to be in season in teaching their children to shun it, and to those who are guilty, to immediately wash their hands from the crime of slow, yet terrible suicide. Mothers, as you value the salvation of your children in this world and in the next, let them have this little pamphlet.

7. Sabbath Readings. This is a work of 400 pages, containing 129 moral and religious stories for young men, young women, and children, and 25 pieces of first-class poetry of the same character as the stories.

The compiler of this work had in her extensive travels in different States during ten years, collected a great amount of books and papers from which she read to her three sons on the Sabbath, and was prepared to make the most valuable selections. Parents, this book is just what your children should have. You can sweetly, and most profitably entertain them on the Sabbath by reading to them these instructive and touching stories. The affection and love manifested in them, will soften the hearts of your dear children preparatory for the impress of the moral and religious principles taught.

And, lastly, but not the least, we recommend the two large charts with the key to the prophetic chart, advertised in the Review.

If the children of Israel were to teach their children diligently the commandments of God as follows: “When thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up,” “and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes; and thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates,” Deut. vi, 7-9,—what could be more appropriate in the discharge of your duty to your children than to hang in your house the beautiful chart on which is lithographed the ten commandments? This would assist you in giving lessons to your children upon the law of the great God.

The prophetic chart and key of explanations will be found of inestimable value in the study of the prophecies. Let these be in every house of those who wish to learn present truth and present duty. To those who feel able to purchase, we recommend the varnished, mounted charts, advertised in the Review. To others we would say there are 400 sets on cloth, just as they came from the lithographer, which can be sent to you with the key, post paid, for the small sum of $1.50. For the prices of most of the other works mentioned, see list in another column. Concordance, leather, $2.00, cloth, $1.50, postage 36c; Bible Dictionary, leather, $2.00, cloth, $1.50, postage 24c; Bible Atlas, $1.00, postage 20c.

And then there are medical works of importance which you should have, such as Jackson on Consumption, $2.00, postage 28c; Trall's Home Practice, just the book for every family, $1.75, postage 16c; and Sexual Organism, which every parent should have, $1.75, postage 16c.

Again we say, as at the heading of this article, Books! Books!! Get books, and get the right ones, and read up.

JAMES WHITE.

P. S. We shall keep a full assortment of books and charts at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. J. W.

MEETINGS IN BURLINGTON.

By A. S. Hutchins

Agreeably to previous notice, I attended the Monthly Meeting in Burlington, the first Sabbath in this month. We were very sorry that Bro. Byington was unable to meet with us, in consequence of the severity of the weather and the feeble state of his health.

I spoke to the brethren and friends on the importance of being decided to serve God with the whole heart, and of leaving no duty undone, or sin unconfessed, which should be attended to now. The brethren and sisters followed with good testimonies, expressive of a willingness to heed the word spoken, and a strong desire to overcome by bearing the cross.

On first-day the church met to renew S. B. pledges. In this direction, I thought the majority present showed a living faith in God.

On fourth-day a portion of the brethren and sisters came together to examine some matters of trial, which in a short time were harmoniously adjusted, and the parties concerned pronounced themselves reconciled with each other, and perfectly satisfied with what had been done to relieve their minds. Before entering upon the investigation of the matter of difference, I read the following scriptures: Matt. vii, 12; vi, 14, 15; Col. iii, 13; Jas. v, 9; by which the aggrieved agreed to abide in the settlement of the trial.

Did we all in our daily life, live in harmony with such scriptures, and were we as ready to accuse ourselves of wrong as we are our brethren, how much more peaceful, happy, and useful would be our lives.

On learning that Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews were to be at Battle Creek the next Sabbath, we felt that we could not deny ourselves the privilege of

meeting with them there. Therefore, we returned to B. C. on the 10th inst., though we had intended to remain at B. another Sabbath. The privilege of again seeing these beloved servants of God, and hearing the words of life from them, was sweeter than tongue can express. The angels of God and his Holy Spirit attended them.

Sabbath, the 18th, I was again at Burlington, where I met with the church in four meetings. Once on the evening of the Sabbath, twice on Sabbath-day, and once in the evening following the Sabbath. These meetings I trust were highly profitable to the cause here. A close, heart-searching spirit was in our midst, which seemed to be welcomed by old and young. And as these dear brethren and sisters reviewed their lives under its influence, they could call to mind past acts and words which they felt should be confessed, and especially did several of them most deeply regret having attended some places of amusement in the past, and promised to not grieve the Spirit of God in the future, by sanctioning such gatherings, either by taking part in them or being present. With such confessions I am confident God and good angels are well pleased. Our meetings closed by attending the ordinances, which was a refreshing season.

I feel truly grateful for the privilege of renewing acquaintance with these brethren on this occasion, and also of forming others.

May the Lord bless and strengthen each one of them to run with patience the race set before them, and so run as to obtain the crown of life.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Health Institute, Jan. 21, 1868.

P. S. It is due to the liberality of this church to say that I received at their hands $22.00 for my benefit. A. S. H.

REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.

By John Norton Loughborough

Since my last report I have completed, for the present, the series of meetings in Allegan, giving, in all, some sixty discourses. The interest and attention for the most of the time were good. A dozen, at least, expressed their determinations to obey the truth, and the brethren in the vicinity seemed to be encouraged to make more earnest efforts to arise with the work of the Lord. Sabbath, Jan. 4, I spoke with freedom at the Monthly Meeting in Otsego, which, notwithstanding the cold weather, was well attended.

On the 11th, was with the Manlius branch of the Allegan church, where, although the weather was very severe, there was good attendance to hear the word spoken. At my last meeting in Allegan, evening of Jan. 12, the Lord gave as good liberty as at any discourse in the whole series.

Of all these meetings, I can say, I have felt more sensibly the help of the Lord, than in any other three months of my life, for which I praise God. I have been spending a few days in Battle Creek, resting, and attending to home cares. Spoke to the people last Sabbath. I am glad to see the advancement that has been made by this church since last fall. Still we feel that we must strive to make still higher attainments. May we so move that the Lord's hand can ever go with us in the work.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Battle Creek, Jan. 21, 1868.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.

—A Roman Catholic paper of England makes the following statement on the Romeward movement in the Church of England.

Thirty years ago, with the exception of the late Bishop Bramston, Vicar-Apostolic of the London District, the late Hon. and Rev. George Spencer, and one other priest who is still alive, there was not a single Catholic priest in England who was a convert from Protestantism. But at the present time, in the diocese of Westminster alone, there are no less than thirty-nine priests who are converts from Anglicanism. Of these nearly all were formerly clergymen of the Established Church. In the diocese of Southwark there are also several priests who are converts. There are now in England about one hundred and sixty priests, and rather more than two hundred Catholic laymen, now following various avocations of life, who were formerly in orders of the English Establishment, but who have, at one time or other, formally renounced their heresy and joined the Catholic Church.

Fenianism.—There is no doubt that the public mind in England is seriously troubled by the Fenian operations. They show a deliberate purpose to inspire a general terror. The London Times denounces them as horrible and repugnant to every manly and generous soul. It speaks of the Irish, or of the Fenian Irish, as a race beyond hope of true civilization. A writer in the Pall Mall Gazette declares that it is impossible to content the Fenian Irish; that “you may satisfy material interests, you can never fulfill a romantic idea.” He contends that there are two nations of Irish in Ireland, that England could not leave one to the mercy of the other, and that nothing remains but to redress every real grievance and remove every rational cause of irritation, put down sedition and rebellion with promptitude and severe determination, and trust to time. Mr. Baldwin Smith, who, as a sagacious political observer, and an especial student of Ireland, must always command serious attention, writes that, in his judgment, the peril of Fenianism is great. “We seem,” he says, “to be on the brink of a sanguinary struggle with the Irish of two hemispheres, and this at a moment when English society itself presents some very sinister appearances, and when organic change, involving a great transfer of power, is being carried on by such hands as never before, I believe, held the destinies of this nation.”

What Railroads Do.—The Union Pacific Railroad has already reduced in point of time the overland journey to California one week. A notable instance of the value of this saving in time by reason of the railroad facilities which this company have made available, is just announced. Dispatches received in New York state that the mails from China and Japan, which have heretofore been sent from San Francisco by sea, and which have occupied from twenty-two to twenty-four days in transit from that city to New York, left the former city by the overland route on the 26th ult., and will be due in that city this morning, only fifteen days from the Pacific coast.—Such rapidity of transmission is unprecedented, and the fact that it is now possible is due to the energy which has been manifested by the Union Pacific Railroad Company in the construction of the great national line which that corporation has had in hand. The total time from Japan to New York is now reduced to about forty days, while the Liverpool merchants may receive their advices by this route in nine or ten days more.

Starvation in Algeria.—A letter from Paris, Jan. 6, says:

The poorer classes are now undergoing tremendous sufferings, not only in France, but in Algeria. In that colony, according to the Archbishop of Algiers, the Arab population are dragging out an existence of misery—feeding, like animals, on the foliage of trees, wandering almost naked (writes Monseigneur) along the roads, awaiting, in the neighborhood of cities and villages, for the emptying of household refuse, to quarrel over the filthy remains. To these starving, nay, dying, tribes, nothing that can be devoured is repulsive. So desperate is their condition (I translate the Archbishop’s words), that “they actually dig up the carcasses of animals that have died of disease. A heap of ten and twelve bodies of dead Arabs lying by the roadside is no uncommon spectacle. When these poor men feel the approach of death—the slow and terrible death of famine—they do not complain; they stretch themselves near some roadside, cover themselves as well as they can with the wretched rags they may possess, and, covering their faces, await their last hour, murmuring the name of ‘Allah.’ It is thus they died of cholera all last summer; it is thus they now die of hunger, literally mown down by this plague. Calculations, which are not exaggerated, bring the number of the victims within the last six months to above one hundred thousand.”

A Word from Laboulaye.—M. Laboulaye is so honored and beloved in this country for his intelligent comprehension of our late struggle, and his eloquent presentation of the interests of free society, which were involved in it, that his views of the present situation are peculiarly interesting. In a late private letter he says:

“I can not believe in the repudiation of your debt. The measure is too palpably unjust, and it would injure too many interests in America to be popular. The Democrats may feel their way by such propositions, but it is difficult for me to imagine that they can succeed.

“I see, with more concern, that there is a disposition to make the blacks a separate caste, and to establish two nations in America, one of which is to be free because they have white skins, and the other serfs because they have colored skins. This is to lose the result of the war, and to sow the seed of fresh divisions. The aristocracy of the South will reconstruct itself with the political serfdom of the blacks, and the struggle between the North and the South will begin again. To what purpose, then, will so much blood have been already shed?”

The Eastern Question.—Turkey has at length become frightened at the attitude of Russia, and her intrigues to foment insurrection among the Sultan’s Christian subjects, and diplomatists have been sent to England and France, to ask aid from those powers in the shape of a protest against Russian interference in the Cretan quarrel.

Multiplication of Sects.—According to the certified list of the registrar-general, there are in England 89 different religious sects, the names of many of which are entirely unknown in this country.

—The pleasure of doing good is the only one that never wears out.

—The Cyclone in India, recently reported, was one of the most destructive ever known. At Calcutta, the loss of life and property was fearful. It is estimated that in the city of Calcutta and vicinity alone, thirty thousand persons perished, and thirty thousand huts and habitations were utterly destroyed.

—Apples keep best when cool and dry. Sudden changes of temperature induce the collection of moisture on the skin, which dissolves the delicate varnish with which the skin of the apple is covered, and it soon decays.

—Five years ago, Ohio cheese was the only kind sent to Chicago. Now, Northern Illinois contains more cheese factories than Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some of the best butter reaching New York City this season is from this section and from Wisconsin.

The Thickest Iron Plate.—The greatest triumph of the iron-rollers was recently achieved at the Atlas Works in Sheffield, when 200 men, half clad in steel armor covered with wet sackcloth, moved an immense mass of molten iron, twenty tons in weight and as many feet in length, to the iron-rollers, where it was rolled, gauged, and manipulated, till in a quarter of an hour, it was turned out a smooth polished plate, fifteen inches thick. Four years ago it was thought impossible to roll a six-inch plate; but the demand for monster plates for iron-coated forts has produced this unparalleled production of modern skill.

Bridging the Channel.—The project of connecting France and England by a tunnel under the British channel has been discussed. A French engineer has published a plan, which is commended by the French press, of connecting the two countries by a bridge broad enough for a double line of railway, a carriage road, and a path for foot passengers, with shops and a restaurant. The bridge would rest on 32 iron piles, 335 feet broad and 670 high, or 635 feet above the sea level, the piles to be connected by wire cables. The cost of the bridge is estimated at $80,000,000.

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD.

On and after Monday, Dec 30, 1867, Passenger Trains will run on this road as follows:

GOING WEST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Detroit,	7:10 A.M.	11:00 A.M.	5:35 P.M.	10:30 P.M.
Battle Creek,	1:35 P.M.	3:48 P.M.	11:15 P.M.	3:40 A.M.
Chicago, Arrive,	9:00 P.M.	10:00 P.M.	6:30 A.M.	11:00 A.M.

GOING EAST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Chicago,	4:30 A.M.	7:00 A.M.	4:15 P.M.	9:40 P.M.
Battle Creek,	11:45 A.M.	1:05 P.M.	10:38 P.M.	4:50 A.M.
Detroit, Arrive,	5:45 P.M.	6:10 P.M.	2:45 A.M.	10:00 A.M.

☞ THESE trains all run by Chicago time, which is fifteen minutes slower than Detroit time.

The Basin of the Atlantic Ocean.

The basin of the Atlantic Ocean is a long trough, separating the Old World from the New, and extending probably from pole to pole. This ocean furrow was probably scooped into the solid crust of our planet by the Almighty hand, that there the waters which he called seas might be gathered together, so as to let the dry land appear, and fit the earth for the habitation of man.

From the top of Chimborazo to the bottom of the Atlantic, at the deepest place yet reached by the plummet in the northern Atlantic, the distance in a vertical line is ten miles. Could the waters of the Atlantic be drawn off, so as to expose to view this great gash, which separates continents and extends from the Arctic to the Antarctic, it would present a scene most rugged, grand, and imposing.

The very ribs of the solid earth, with the foundations of the sea, would be brought to light, and we should have presented to us at one view, in the empty cradle of the ocean, a thousand fearful wrecks, with that fearful array of dead men's skulls, great anchors, heaps of pearls and inestimable stones, which, in the poet's eye, lie scattered in the bottom of the sea, making it hideous with sights of ugly death.

The deepest part of the North Atlantic is somewhere between the Bermudas and the Grand Banks. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are held in a basin, about a mile deep in the deepest part. There is at the bottom of the sea, between Cape Rice in Newfoundland and Cape Clear in Ireland, a remarkable steppe, which is already known as the telegraphic plateau.

The Armies of Europe.

THE statement made the other day in the legislative body by M. Rouher, during the debate on the Army bill, to the effect that at any moment France was exposed to be menaced by 1,200,000 Austrians, 1,440,000 Russians, 1,300,000 Prussians, and 900,000 Italians, would, if well founded, be indeed alarming, and would justify the Government in all that it is doing for the national defense. The Minister of State added that it was too much to expect from the courage of the French soldiers and the power of the army of France, that a military force of 800,000 men could resist everywhere and at all times an army of 1,300,000 men. If the fears are well founded that France may have for enemies, and at the same time, Prussia, Russia, and Italy, an army of 2,000,000, instead of 1,200,000, would not be excessive.—Paris (Jan. 4) Correspondence of the London Times.

Obituary Notices.

By R. F. ANDREWS; R. F. CORTRELL

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, at the residence of Bro. Samuel M. Holly, Mount Pleasant, Whiteside Co., Ill., Dec. 26, 1867, in the 96th year of her age, Mrs. Phebe Ann Stone, mother of Bro. H. C. Stone. She was a praying woman from the earliest recollection of her grand-children to the day of her death. The funeral service was attended by the writer, Dec. 29, 1867. Subject, The Christian's Hope. R. F. ANDREWS.

DIED, in Tuscarora, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1867, sister Manervilla Marsh, wife of Bro. A. J. Marsh, aged 41 years, 11 months, 25 days.

She embraced the Sabbath of the Lord and the third angel's message under the labors of Bro. Van Horn and Canright in Watrousville, Tuscola Co., Mich. Soon after, the family removed to Steuben Co., N. Y., where they have lived about two years. Last summer, she united with the S. D. A. church in Farmington, Pa., when Bro. Whitney attended Quarterly Meeting there. She has never wavered from present truth, but was a strong believer in the soon coming of the Lord, and endeavored to sustain her profession by zealously engaging in the work of reform, into which God is leading his people. She has left four children, the youngest eight weeks old. Bro. Marsh needs the sympathy and prayers of the church. He mourns, but not without hope—the hope of meeting her in the morning of the first resurrection. The Lord grant that we may meet her in that glad morning. R. F. CORTRELL.

Continue reading: **Steam to the Rocky Mountains.**—Travelers from the Atlantic coast can now make