THE day of rejoicing over the fall of Richmond, and the surrender of Lee, and the apparent near end of the rebellion, April 14, had scarcely closed, ere the terrible announcement was flashed over the land that President Lincoln, and Secretary Seward had fallen by the hands of assassins. No tragedy in our nation has ever equaled this. It falls upon the country as a new development in the annals of crime. We have been wont to think of such scenes, as confined to the old world, and reserved for monarchs and tyrants. But the murder of our own humane and amiable President, has scarcely a parallel in the dark annals of any nation. Nothing could exhibit in a more vivid light, the diabolical spirit that lies at the root of the rebellion. No one act could show more clearly the perilous times that are upon us. By this event, a veil of uncertainty is thrown over the future condition of this country. We are reminded by this that we are not to settle down in the idea that peace with flowery wings is here, and harmony and prosperity are before us. When we have reached a time in which the chief magistrate of this nation, and his prime minister, can be assassinated in cold blood, whether instigated by the leaders of the rebellion, or by the individual wickedness of the perpetrators of the deed, may we not fear that the quiet and happiness of the nation are gone forever.
But though this prospect is dark, there is light beyond. We have this consolation, that One still lives above the reach of the assassin's knife, who holds all nations in his hands, and who will ere long bring in his own glorious reign of righteousness and peace. And however dark may be the scenes that intervene between us and that time, the bright prospect of the soon-coming reign of the King of Heaven remains before us, permanent and eternal. To that we look forward with joy, and pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
We give the following from the Detroit Tribune, touching the dreadful event of the President's death:
"A most fearful calamity has fallen upon the nation! On Good Friday night, just after pious hours all over the land, in solemn litany, had prayed for deliverance from 'all privy conspiracy and rebellion, from battle and murder and sudden death,' the president of the United States was shot by a bold assassin, while witnessing the performance, at Ford's Theatre in Washington. In all aspects the tragedy is appalling. But it does not stand alone. Horror is heaped on horror. In another part of the same city, the distinguished Secretary of State, confined to his bed from a painful and dangerous accident, was attacked by another assassin, and stabbed three times in the neck. The President died to-day, April 15th, at 22 minutes past 7 o'clock. And the Secretary of State also expired this morning, at 9 o'clock and 45 minutes. Thus, almost simultaneously, the nation loses two of its greatest and purest men.
"What shall we say of such an event as this, which has plunged the whole people into sincere sorrow? Never did a nation have a more manly, pure and magnanimous ruler, than Abraham Lincoln. A child of the people, simple in his tastes, void of selfish ambition, not of great intellect, but possessing strong understanding and sagacious perception, with a kind word and a smile for everybody, patient under irritation and disaster, conspicuously faithful to principle, and incorruptible as St. Paul, bending in modest service to hear and obey the real voice of the people, he will live in their affections as long as our history shall stand. No wonder the tears came into the eyes of strong men, and their voices quivered, as they met on the street, and spoke of the murder of these men in cold blood. In the very hour of proudest triumph, just when he had returned from the conquered capital of the insurgents, where one might have thought his real peril lay—just on the threshold of a second term of the Chief Magistrate, which his countrymen by an overwhelming majority had given him—just when the grim clouds of war were breaking away, and the glorious sunlight of Peace was cheering every household in the land—just when a stricken race, lifted by his mandate into Liberty, was pouring benedictions upon his name, the brutal assassin took his life! With Abraham Lincoln, falls the great central figure of this most remarkable era in our National history. Others are more eminent than he, in particular walks: but as the Chief Magistrate, by virtue of his important public acts, and the many peculiarities of personal character and administration, he stood out to the view of the world more than any other. All men now mourn him as a sincere, good man. His frailties were amiable, and will be even dear to his countrymen, who will venerate him next only to Washington among our public men.
"If Wilkes Booth be indeed the assassin, as seems most probable, we have in him concentrated the hellish spirit of the slaveholders' rebellion—the spirit that made trinkets of the bones of our dead heroes, and drinking cups of their skulls—that left torpedoes in deserted fortifications—that butchered our negro soldiers captured in battle—that starved our prisoners at Andersonville—that sought to lay our Northern cities in ashes. We have no doubt that this most foul and unnatural murder will be traced to the arch-fiends who have just fled from the rebel capital. Those men are equal to any crime in the bloodiest calendar of human wickedness. They began in perjury and robbery—have waded deep in patriotic blood shed by their treason, and they will close their career in a mere revengeful tragedy of poison and assassination. Did the nation in its ecstasy of victory, forgetful of the true character of these men, and threatening to fall on their necks in unconditional forgiveness, require this dread tragedy to arouse it to just efforts for its future safety? God forbid! But it is not for us to fathom the arcana of Divine Judgment.
"Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward, thus fearfully murdered by the assassins of Rebellion, would have been in all probability more kindly disposed to repentant insurgents, perhaps even to contumacious rebels, than any other two men in high public positions. Mild and affable in disposition, generous and highminded, we cannot recall a harsh expression ever uttered by them as to future pains and penalties. Rebellion has assassinated its most kindly and lenient judges. It may now look for the lightning and the whirlwind—the faggot and the scourge. It will by its own act have brought upon itself a retribution that the people in love and hope of fraternity in the future might have put to rest.
"This dreadful affair seems to have been planned for execution last March, but miscarried from some cause. There is, however, great significance in the occurrence of the assassinations at this time. As we know, negotiations of an important character are pending at Richmond, in which the President and Secretary Seward were to bear the principal part, and which might have borne important results for the Union cause. In view of this event, may not the calamity to the country have been precipitated in order to secure the advantage of time to the rebel leaders?"
Another daily paper has the following:
"The assassination of President Lincoln and Secretary Seward last evening has thrown an impenetrable gloom over the nation. Had the first-born of every household been struck down in death, the grief and sorrow could scarcely have been more universal. Every one feels that it is no ordinary calamity which has overtaken the nation; every one in vain tries to penetrate the future, and divine, if possible, whether this is but the opening scene of horrors which will appal the world."
God Recognized.
It is to be very generally observed in all the rejoicings for the late Union successes, that God is recognized as the giver of all our victories. In the former part of this contest but very little was said about God in the matter, and the contrast between the language used to-day, and that of those days of peril and disaster, cannot fail to be noticed. It is right and appropriate that God should be recognized in the national gratitude; for he it is who has given the victory. But to see so general an acknowledgment from the official under his seal of authority, to the humblest citizen, is more than could have been expected.
The Chicago Tribune in its first jubilant announcement of Grant's victory, closed its remarks with the exclamation of "Glory to God."
Again in complimenting the different generals for their gallant services, it looks to a higher than any human arm, and ascribes the victory to them, only under Providence.
A prominent speaker in Detroit in a speech on the occasion of the public and impromptu rejoicings in that city, said:
"This is a day of delirious joy, and we do well to be glad. Richmond and Petersburg are ours, and Lee has surrendered. [Cheers.] How the heart leaps at the announcement, and with what grateful aspirations to Almighty God, who with us and on our side has at last guided our gallant hosts to the victory."
And this sentiment that Almighty God was the leader of the hosts to victory, was received by the assembled multitudes with cheers.
The Detroit Tribune speaks as follows:
"All hail, then, this last most glorious victory of all! All hail blessed Peace, which rises from her157long sleep to shelter the nation beneath her snowy wings! To God be the glory for the end that draweth nigh!"
The Secretary of War in a despatch to Gen. Grant says:
WAR DEPARTMENT,WASHINGTON, Apr. 9—9:30 P. M.
To Lieut. Gen. Grant:
Thanks be to Almighty God for the great victory with which he has this day crowned you and the gallant armies under your command. The thanks of this Department and the Government, and of the people of the United States—their reverence and honor have been deserved—will be rendered to you and the brave soldiers and gallant officers of your army, for all time.
(Signed) E. M. STANTON, Sec. of War.
The World Growing Better.
A PARAGRAPH published in the Independent of April 6, contains the following declaration:
"We believe that the literature of the present is far in advance of the preceding age in every moral quality. It belongs to, and is illustrative of, a better civilization, and shows that the world and its writers are slowly but certainly advancing toward a purer light and divine life."
This declaration is based on the fact that the eminent writers of this generation, Dickens, Thackeray, Stowe, Browning, Longfellow, Lowell, Whittier, Holmes, Bryant, &c., present a morality and purity in their writing, whereas three eminent writers of a past age, namely, Fielding, Sternes and Byron were far otherwise. It illustrates how easy a thing it is to deceive ourselves in that which we would very much like to have true. So far as these individual writers are concerned the remarks are doubtless correct. Those occupy a higher plane than their predecessors. But does this prove that the world is growing better? Do the works of these writers form the staple literature of the masses? Are there not thousands of under currents more vile and corrupting than ever before? Does not the press teem with degrading fiction? Is not the land flooded with works of a low and corrupting tendency? Are not the morals of the masses deteriorating? Is not licentiousness and every evil everywhere on the increase? It cannot be denied. The pure word of prophecy informs us that evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, and that even those having a form of godliness, shall in the last days be guilty of a catalogue of sins of the deepest dye. It is in vain to point to a few eminent writers who maintain a high moral tone, and fancy that on this account the world is growing better. Alas for the world, if this is the only evidence of its improvement. Alas for the credulity of mankind if they will be beguiled into pleasing dreams of peace and safety by such means as this. Thank God we may look for a better world than this, far sooner than it could be brought about by any human efforts, were they to be crowned with the utmost success. But it will not be in this state of things. It will only be in the new earth wherein righteousness shall dwell, where the Prince of peace shall reign, and the saints of the Most High shall possess the kingdom under the whole heaven.
A Girdle Round the Earth.
THE following interesting article is from the N. Y. Independent, of April 6. It shows the mighty achievements of science which will probably be realized in 1865, in connecting the eastern and western hemispheres by telegraph, both by an eastern and a western rout, thus encircling the globe with the electric wire, and sending the lightning on its mission of intelligence around the world. It also shows how readily such events are impressed into the service of the popular delusion respecting the universal spread of peace and Christianity. The telegraph poles, says the writer, will stand like so many sentinels "to repress disturbance." Here is the peace side of the prospect. And in another place he adds that religion with other things "will naturally cluster about the track of the magnetic intelligence." This is the religious side. But it will take something more than telegraphic poles and telegraphic dispatches, to maintain peace and establish Christianity in all the earth. Men have tried for 6000 years to reform the world by such illegitimate means; but the means are not adapted to the end, and will not accomplish it. So long as the world neglects or resists the means that God has ordained to purify the heart, and so work true reformation in the earth, its progress will be downward and not upward. Nevertheless the popular hope runs in the channel that is set forth as follows:
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE may claim in its last moments to have done something memorable for the liberty, equality, and fraternity of the human race. Foremost of its achievements will be reckoned the overthrow of slavery in America, and the vindication of republicanism—the beginning of the abolition of all servitude, and the subversion of every throne. The reign of a true peace will have been inaugurated, for revolutions which uproot the ancient wrong are processes in the universal pacification—most perfect when the laws of God are most exactly obeyed. Especially will a good understanding among the nations have been promoted by the telegraphic circling of the globe, and the establishment of daily intercourse throughout the northern belt of civilization. The continents will clasp hands under the seas by cable, and the wire-bearing poles that stalk across the land like so many gendarmes, will report and repress disturbance along their beat.
This is not speculation. A telegram which started from Bombay in India on the 3d of February, was received in this city by steamer on the 21st. By July next the Atlantic telegraph is expected to be laid, and Calcutta can then converse directly with San Francisco. Before the expiration of the year, it is probable the Russian overland telegraph to the Pacific will have been completed, and India and China united, so that the round of intelligence will be without a break, even if the material circuit be wanting. Meanwhile, however, a line is creeping northward from California toward Behring's Straits, and a cable to China via the Sandwich Islands is contemplated. The Southern hemisphere presents peculiar facilities for telegraphic connection whenever it shall seem remunerative, and the time may well come when Napoleon, if he were to revisit St. Helena, would find it a station between South Africa and Brazil, and might send a message to his ancient capital.
Recent files of the London papers describe at length the operation of laying the final link in the chain of Indian communication. The problem was in effect to sink a thousand miles of cable from the mouth of the Persian Gulf to the muddy delta of the Euphrates and Tigris at its head. This was accomplished, of course, under British auspices, and seems to have been a trying and a gallant performance. A telegram from Calcutta has already traveled in twelve hours to London, and a higher degree of efficiency is expected, with a little experience on the part of the operators. It is curious to trace the line from the Gulf, running thence as it does to Bagdad, through Mesopotamia and deserted Nineveh to Aleppo, and thence to Constantinople. Hannibal would not be more astonished at being treated to a ride on the proposed railway over and under the Alps, than would the despots of Babylon at talking with the world's ends from their sumptuous palaces. Fancy Artaxerxes telegraphing to his satraps in Ionia, the defeat of his brother Cyrus at Cunaxa; or Xenophon announcing to the Spartan harmost at Byzantium, the safe arrival of his command at Trebizonde!
To have extended a telegraph successfully through a barbarous country is a triumph which augurs well for the future of the tribes through which it passes. Religion, letters, the arts, and traffic will naturally cluster about the track of the magnetic intelligence, and a singular chapter be opened up in colonization and the mixture of races. Explorations of the venerable ruins which are so tempting to our research will be rendered more feasible, and the cosmopolitan tourist will devise new paths for his wandering footsteps. Yet for the present, it must be confessed, the bond between England and her colony is precarious, and neither she nor mankind will be satisfied till many lines insure perpetual interchange. When we shall have become accustomed to read at breakfast, advices from all quarters of the globe, we shall ill endure to learn that by the snapping of a wire, some land that was158yesterday at our doors has been suddenly thrust back into its primitive remoteness; nor shall we grumble less at losing the market reports from the coast of China, because of wars which are devoid of principle, even though they be waged in the interest of trade. The filaments must multiply till ignorance can find no corner where she may rest undisturbed, and until the brotherhood of man is wrought in an unfading texture upon the loom of time.
Waning of the Pope's Power.
They shall take away his power, says the prophet, to consume and destroy it unto the end. The following sets forth a singular movement that is on foot even in Italy itself, which must be as humbling to the papacy as anything that has ever happened. We look for this man of sin soon to plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain, Jerusalem, and come to his end with none to help him. Dan. xi, 45. He is asked to resign the patrimony of St. Peter as follows:
“The petition which has for many months been circulating among the Roman Catholic priests of Italy, asking the Pope, as spiritual head of the church on earth, to resign his temporal power, has been sent to Pius IX, signed by 8,943 Italian priests, or about a fourth of the whole number, 2,000 of whom are of the highest clergy and dignitaries. Though the object of the petition was not opposition to the Papacy, to which many of the signers are still bigotedly attached, but rather a patriotic desire for the union of the different States of Italy under one king, the Pope regards it as a serious and wicked insult, and has directed the bishops of the different dioceses to suspend all the signers from their priestly functions. Many of the bishops hesitate to execute this order of the Pope in the present state of the popular mind.”
The Vatican.
THE following is a description of the place where the Mother of harlots has lived deliciously and glorified herself; where she has arrayed herself in purple and scarlet, with gold and precious stones, committed her abominations and become drunken with the blood of the saints. A magnificent palace with only four thousand four hundred and twenty-two apartments is the humble abode of the professed vicegerent of the Son of God, who when he was upon earth had not where to lay his head:
The Vatican, or Pope's palace at Rome is said to be the most splendid palace in the world. It is said to be more than one thousand feet long, nearly eight hundred feet wide, and has eight grand staircases, two hundred smaller ones, twenty courts, 4,422 apartments, a library of 387,000 printed volumes, and 23,000 manuscripts. But all these riches must "come to nought," as declared by the angel in Revelations. The day of Babylon's destruction is at hand, and consequently, the deliverance of the saints from the power of the grave must soon take place. The period in which we are now living is one of thrilling interest to the people of the Lord; but the wicked are very careless relative to the awful situation. They seem to be totally blind to their dangerous position, and are dreaming of the good days to come.
All the prophetic streams are about to meet in one grand focal point, hence the end of the present dispensation must soon come.
Sir Mathew Hale’s Rule
The rule of Sir Mathew Hale was, "Eight hours are for work, eight for meditation, eight for sleep, and all for God."
Abundantly
ABUNDANTLY use God's promises and he will abundantly ratify them.
Increasing Responsibility.
By R. F. Cottrell
EVERY increase of light brings a corresponding increase of responsibility. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." Jno. iii, 19. The reason why the last generation of men will prove to be more vile and abominable in the sight of the Lord than any preceding one, will not be on account of their barbaric ignorance and dark, uncivilized heathenism; but it will be because they sin against greater light. They may have an exterior polish, and sin more genteelly than those who have not been favored with equal opportunities. But the more favorable opportunities they have enjoyed, will only sink them lower in the scale of morality. There can scarcely be a greater sin than despising the light. It is the condemnation of the world. If light, when given, had been cherished, the world need not be in its present dark and deplorable condition. The light of the gospel might have been in every land at the present day, but for the fact that men, sinful men, love darkness rather than light.
But leaving heathen lands and directing our attention to Christendom—to those who have the Bible, and how few do we find who so far value the precious truths it reveals as even to make any profession of faith and obedience. What an account of slighted mercy is accumulated against their names!
But let us come nearer still. How few that make the profession of religion are willing to correct their faults and errors when they are pointed out by the word of God. How few that will leave the path of traditional and fashionable error and turn their feet into the testimonies of the Lord, when increasing light from the word of God makes the path of duty clear. How few are sufficiently converted to God to leave the doctrines and commandments of men, and yield to the plainest requirements of that Bible which they profess to believe and follow!
But yet a little nearer. We, brethren, who profess to be reformers, who have taken our stand upon the highest platform of truth, who profess to keep all the commandments of God and thus make a profession almost infinitely higher than the professed Christian world around us, how is it with us? We acknowledge that God has highly favored us with light. Are we walking in the light? Do we let it shine? Are we as much in advance of others in moral duty, as our superior illumination demands? If we are not, let us reform, and reform now! We shall not be excused if we do not live up to our light. Let us know and realize that light unheeded will only increase our condemnation. The interests of our own souls and of those who are perishing around us, demand that we should walk in the light, and there is no excuse.
R. F. COTTERELL.
Sabbath Meditations. No. 9.
By Jos. Clarke
The truth of God is full of power, it is mighty, and will prevail. The power of truth in our courts, when by competent witnesses it is made to appear, often puts to shame the corrupt judge and the pliant jury; how much more the truth of God will, when made to appear, bear down opposition, and triumph in the vindication of justice.
How does the power of truth appear, when he who formerly sought the destruction of the church, becomes at once its mighty advocate and friend.
How clearly is the power of truth brought to view, when on the day of Pentecost, a great company of the priests, perhaps some of those who insulted Jesus on the morning of his crucifixion, became obedient to the faith, and how well it sustained them afterward in trial and persecutions.
The power of the truth, how shall it be told? Shall we consider Noah against the world? Did it fail him? Did it fail any one of its votaries in the long catalogue of saints and heroic martyrs? Not one.
The truth, how it refines and ennobles; often when weary and tempted, how mightily it sustains the soul, when darkness encompasses the mind, how quickly it is dissipated by the truth; when difficult questions arise, with what artlessness, and yet with what decision and clearness does truth respond.
Often when wearied and distracted with labors and cares, how sweetly does the truth comfort, and heal, and fortify the soul.
"Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings,
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings."
Yes it is the truth of God of which we speak, present truth, applicable to us and to our times; these are the truths we ask for, the truths we need, which will sanctify and purify the soul.
These are the truths we have longed for, truths which bring us back to the good old paths, truths which draw us closer to God and Heaven. Some of us had become old in error before we saw this glorious light; others in youth are rescued before they had drank so deeply of the wine of Babylon, but all rejoice in its power.
When we look at our own weakness and unworthiness, our hearts fail in discouragement, and we look at ourselves as well nigh lost, but the truth of God presents itself to our view, and self vanishes, and while our eyes are fixed upon the truth, our hearts dilate with love and joy and holy anticipations. Then it is, we find duty clear, and all our besetments overcome. A way is opened through the gloom, and light illumines our path. Then our despair vanishes, and we almost forget that we ever had a doubt or sorrow.
Envy and bitterness, distrust, murmuring, selfishness, covetousness, are scattered as mists before the morning sun, and childlike simplicity and sincerity, fill the place of these dark passions, the gentle Christian graces press in, and displace those evil emotions; and the heart, before bowed down with contending powers, now looks up to Heaven with confidence and humble faith; not because it has become better, but because the truth is now the subject of thought, and the present truth has a power with it, a power to drive out evil and introduce good.
Truth brings with her a noble train of virtues, and never stays long in evil company.
Then let us ponder much upon the truth, as it is by the truth we are to overcome. Let not the cold-hearted wonder that he is easily overcome, when his heart is a receptacle for every thing that presents itself, while the truth is forgotten and neglected.
No generation in the past has had such an array of truth to meditate upon, as ours; never had a people so many errors to unlearn, so many false doctrines to combat as the present, multiplied errors, complicated, interwoven, wide-spread, everywhere, and on every moral subject; errors deep and dark; errors subtle and dangerous, and the more dangerous because they come as genuine Bible truths.
The complete moral deceptions under which a false Christianity sits benumbed, spell bound, is indeed appalling, especially when we consider how extensive and fatal this deception is; hence the importance of present truth, and only those who are interested deeply, and well informed in regard to it, can expect to pass the test.
Let us not flatter ourselves that we have escaped the influence of even those errors we have abjured; the effects of moral intoxication, are not quickly eradicated.
Jos. CLARKE.
Portage, Ohio.
Moving West.
By J. H. Rogers
Bro. White: Since my note appeared in the Review, headed, Moving West, I have received quite a number of letters from brethren of the States of Ill., O., Penn., Wis. and Mich., anxiously inquiring about our country, the price, prospect of homes, &c.
I would esteem it a favor to answer those inquiries through the Review, presuming there may be others who are also desirous to know of these things:
1. The number of Sabbath-keepers here is about twenty. The number of us organized, is fifteen. We are in unity with the body so far as we have knowledge. It is our "manner" to meet every Sabbath.
2. Society, politically, has undergone great changes. Even sympathy for slavery is regarded as disloyalty. Morally, it is about the same as elsewhere, I suppose. Religiously, the fall of "Babylon" is plain to be seen.
3. You ask for a description of this country. It is high and gently rolling on the prairies, a little more broken among the timber (as it is found on the water courses) but not mountainous in North Missouri. We are situated about half way from the Iowa line to the Missouri River. The soil is rich, and very productive. Limestone is abundant, and the country is tolerably well watered, Grand River runs through this country with its numerous tributaries.
4. The Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad runs near the south line of our country. Kidder is our nearest station, ten miles distant. Our facilities for market, are very good. We can sell every thing we raise at a good price.
5. Farms can be bought at from ten to twenty dollars per acre, "Southern" men are selling and leaving, and "Yankees" are coming in. There is but little government land in our country, though a great deal is yet unimproved.
6. All kinds of grains and vegetables in common use, grow here.
7. This is a good fruit country.
8. This is decidedly a good stock-raising country.
9. Stock is not so high here as you represent it there.
10. The opportunities for mechanics of all sorts here, are good.
11. As to guerillas, our part of the country has never been troubled with the presence of such bands, but we have had to go and protect other parts against such.
12. This is a very healthy country.
Now if such a country as this seems to suit your minds, we would gladly welcome you in our midst. I am aware I have not answered all inquiries. That would be difficult to do in one letter. I hope this may be satisfactory.
Seeing this "world is not our home," let us use it in securing to ourselves and others present livelihood, and everlasting happiness in the earth made new.
Yours striving to overcome.
J. H. ROGERS.
Allovista, Daviess Co., Mo., April 4th, 1865.
Note. We would caution Bro. Rogers not to encourage Sabbath-keepers to settle in his place, unless they can give good reference as to their standing with this people. Otherwise he will be liable, at least, to be visited by some uneasy disaffected ones, who would be glad to run away from their restraint at home, and move in there and impose upon his liberality.—Ed.
How to be Miserable.
Sit by your window and look over the way to your neighbor's excellent mansion which he has recently built, and paid for, and fitted out. "Oh, that I was a rich man!"
Get angry with your neighbor, and think you have not a friend in the world. Shed a tear or two, and take a walk in the burial-ground, continually saying to yourself, "When shall I be buried here?"
Sign a note for a friend, and never forget your kindness, and every hour in the day whisper to yourself, "I wonder if he will ever pay that note?"
Think everybody means to cheat you. Closely examine every bill you take, and doubt its being genuine until you have put the owner to a great deal of trouble. Put confidence in nobody, and believe every man you trade with to be a rogue.
Never accommodate if you can possibly help it. Never visit the sick or afflicted, and never give a farthing to assist the poor.
Buy as cheap as you can, and screw down to the lowest mill. Grind the faces and hearts of the unfortunate.
Brood over your misfortunes, your lack of talents, and believe that at no distant day you will come to want. Let the workhouse be ever in your mind, with all the horrors of distress and poverty.
Follow these recipes strictly, and you will be miser159able to your heart's content—if we may so speak—sick at heart and at variance with the world. Nothing will cheer or encourage you—nothing throw a gleam of sunshine or a ray of warmth into your heart.—Sel.
A Little More.
By W. S. Foote
BRO. WHITE: I send you the following, clipped from an old paper, thinking that it may be worthy of a place in the Review; and if the reader thinks that it refers to his neighbor, he is mistaken. W. S. FOOTE.
(At Thirty.) Five hundred dollars, I have saved—
A rather moderate store—
No matter: I shall be content
When I've a little more.
(At Forty.) Well I can count ten thousand now,—
That's better than before;
And I may well be satisfied,
When I've a little more.
(At Fifty.) Some fifty thousand—pretty well—
But I have earned it sore,
However I shall not complain
When I've a little more.
(At Sixty.) One hundred thousand—sick and old—
Ah! life is but a bore;
Yet I can be content to live
When I've a little more.
(At Seventy.) He dies—and to his greedy heirs
He leaves a countless store;
His wealth has purchased him a tomb—
And very little more.
Our Friends After Death.
A FATHER once related to his children the following story:
"The governor of an island was once called to appear before his king to give an account of his stewardship. Those friends in whom he had most confided, parted with him at his house; others went with him to the ship; while many in whom he had placed but little trust, and scarcely recognized as friends, much to his surprise escorted him on his journey, went with him to the king's throne, there spoke for him, and secured him the favor of the king.
"So man," continued the father, "has on earth three kinds of friends, whom he only learns to know aright when he is called to leave this world and render his account to God. The first of these—gold and lands—remain behind; the second—friends and relatives—go only to the verge of the grave; the third—his good deeds—accompany him in his journey to the better land, and are with Christ his advocates before the throne, and purchase for him favor and pardon. How foolish is man to prize so little here what will constitute his wealth hereafter!"
WM. RUSSELL
By Wm. Russell
From Bro. Russell.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: On my way from Mauston, Wis., to Findlay, O., I visited the brethren in Chicago. I stopped with Bro. and sister Place, No. 40, Griswold-st., who took pleasure in making me comfortable and happy while sharing their hospitality. Sister Place is firm in the truth. Bro. Place has not fully recovered from the influence of military life, as he has been in the service for some time; but he is reading the Testimonies to the church, and I trust will soon be in the fellowship of the saints, rejoicing in the whole truth.
I formed a happy acquaintance with Brn. Miller and Rust, and several others of whom we cannot particularly speak. These young men are doing a good work in searching out those who have ears to hear the truth in the dark and sinful place in which they live.
Through their efforts many of the soldiers have become much interested in present truth. I held several meetings while there. All seemed much refreshed, and expressed a determination to enter that "rest that remains for the people of God."
After many solicitations from the soldiers and friends of the cause there, I held one meeting in the hospital. My subject was the perpetuity of the Sabbath, as many wished to hear on that subject. There seemed to be a heart-felt interest among many attentive hearers. No doubt God has many jewels in the camps and hospitals. I left, feeling encouraged to press on in the good cause. Dear brethren, be faithful, for our redemption is drawing very near.
Yours in the blessed hope.
WM. RUSSELL
Report from Brother Allen
By W. M. Allen
From Bro. Allen.
BRO. WHITE: It has been some time since I have made any report, as I have had but little to report. I have of necessity kept at home most of the winter, yet I have visited Greenwood Prairie and attended a few meetings with Bro. Bostwick. He has been doing a noble work there. By his labors many have been led to take a stand on the side of truth in that place. May the Lord more abundantly bless his labors and strengthen the lambs of the flock is my prayer.
From thence I attended the Quarterly Meetings at Pleasant Grove and with the Oronoco church at Cherry Grove, and also with the Deerfield church, all of which were profitable meetings. Each church received additions to their number; and there seems to be a general desire to raise the standard of love and truth a little higher.
Since then I have given a few lectures at Eagle Valley which resulted in confirming some that were desirous of a better understanding of the truth. Four followed their Saviour into the water and were buried in baptism. Others acknowledged the truth, some of whom I have hopes will find salvation through obedience.
I would say in conclusion that my course is onward. I love the Lord: I love his people. I love the sacred truths that make us free. I long for the coming of Jesus, to reward his saints with a crown of life. W. M. ALLEN. Steele Center, Minn.
The Wonders of Redeeming Love
By Payson
"I SHALL not wonder if you think me mad. I have been mad and I am just beginning to see my madness. Oh, how little zeal, how little love, have I manifested! How madly have I misimproved my time and talents! how wretchedly neglected the all-important work to which I am called; how ungratefully requited the best of Saviours! How often have I called his love and faithfulness in question, at the very time he was taking the best possible measures to promote my happiness; now he returns to humble me, and shame me for my folly and ingratitude. Oh, I know not how to bear this astonishing overwhelming goodness! Methinks I could bear his anger—but his love cuts me to the heart. Oh, that I may be dumb, and not open my mouth any more, since he is pacified toward me for all that I have done! Oh, that for the remainder of my life, I could hear of nothing, speak of nothing, but the wonders of his person, his character, and redeeming love! But unless he prevents, I shall wander again and act over, not only once, but often, my past sins. It seems now infinitely better to die, than be guilty of this; but he knows, and will do, what is best."—Payson.
Letters.
By Editor
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.