BRO. SMITH: The truth looks good to me, and I prize it far above all the things of this world. It has done a great work for me, and I love and believe it in all its parts, the Health Reform not excepted. I am trying to live it out as well as circumstances will admit. I am afflicted with poor eye-sight and am unable to see to read, but my kind brethren and sisters write and read for me, for which I feel very thankful. They often read to me the precious truths of the word of God which testify of Christ's second coming to gather his jewels. I want to be ready in that day to meet the Lord in peace. I feel that I have great reason to thank the Lord for what he has done for me, unworthy as I am. He is still merciful to me, and desires to heal me, but I must come to him and buy the gold tried in the fire, and the eye-salve that I may see, and the white raiment that I may be clothed.
Yours seeking eternal life.
GEO. WALLING.
BRO. P. PALMISLA writes from Laporte: With many others I can say, the Review is a welcome visitor to me, as it is the only preaching we have here. For some time past I have thought how glad I would be if there could be a sermon in every paper, and I thank God that we have it now, with the addition of much more, as the paper is now double in size. I am an old and feeble man, but so long as it is possible to sustain this mortal life, I desire that spiritual food which will enable me to obtain eternal life in the kingdom. The Review is a great help to me, and the sermon alone is worth more than the cost of it. I pray the Lord to bless the publication department, that those who read the books and papers may be made wise unto salvation. And may I so live before the Lord in fullness of obedience, that he may grant me a place among the redeemed, for Jesus’ sake.
SISTER SARAH BROWN, of Barry County, writes: I am very much interested in your papers and know how to prize their weekly visits. I never have heard any of the Adventists preach, but have read the Review nearly two years, and so far endorse its doctrines as to wish to learn more of your people. I am not a member of any church, but can truly say I love my blessed Redeemer. I have long been convinced that it was right to keep the seventh day as the holy Sabbath, but have not been able until lately to rest on that day. Oh! how I would like to hear some of your people preach.
The moment a man gives away to inordinate desire, disquietude and torment take possession of his heart. The proud and the covetous are never at rest; but the humble and poor in spirit possess their souls in the plenitude of peace.—Kempis.
"THOUGHTS ON THE REVELATION."
By John Nevins Andrews
I DESIRE to express my appreciation of this excellent work. I have examined many commentaries on the book of Revelation during the years in which I have been trying to search the Scriptures. Some of these I regard as valuable for the light which they shed upon many portions of the book; but it is my decided conviction that none of them give the mind of the Holy Spirit so fully as does this work of Bro. Smith’s. Some points of minor importance I have regarded in a different light, but with the general exposition of this important portion of the Bible I do most heartily concur. I desire to see this work placed in every Advent family. I also desire that those who are not acquainted with our faith may be benefited by its valuable instructions.
1. The book sets forth truths of inestimable value.
2. The style of the book is such that it will be interesting to every class of readers.
3. It presents the whole matter in so brief a form that all can find time to read it. Perhaps its brevity will be regarded by most of its readers as its chief fault.
4. Finally it is offered at a moderate price. One dollar will procure you this excellent commentary on "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." Take my advice and furnish yourself with this modest and invaluable help to the better understanding of this part of the holy Bible. Help others to its instruction who know not its worth, and you will have cause to bless God for the result in the coming day.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Washington, N. H., July 29.
EDDINGTON, ME.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
JULY 26, Bro. Goodrich and myself came from Hartland to Bangor, intending to walk to Eddington, seven miles. But it rained so that we stopped in a barn to wait till the storm was over. It being after dinner time, we thought we would call at the house and get some dinner. While we were talking the man of the house came out, and we told him what we wished. In a very crusty manner, he replied, “If you had asked a little sooner, I don’t know but what you might have got something; but I don’t know whether you can now or not.” After this he walked around the barn and eyed us very sharply as though he wished we would leave. We, in short, got no dinner there. We concluded that he was a relative of ancient Nabal. 1 Sam. xxv.
At length we met the friends from E. and so arrived there just before the Sabbath. Here is a church of about fifteen members, besides several Sabbath-keepers who do not belong to the church. They have had but little labor here for a long time. We enjoyed a good season with them in their Bible Class and Sabbath School. All seemed much interested in it.
We had some freedom in speaking the word. We found the most of them pretty well out on the Reform. Four of the sisters had on the reform dress, and the others intend to put it on now. They like it very much.
We re-organized a s. b., raising it some, though it is not very heavy now.
A difficulty between two or three members of the church, in which, of course, all sympathized more or less, has for several months thrown darkness and discouragement over their meetings. Our principal object in coming was to try to settle this. We spent all of Sunday afternoon investigating it. Then, after consulting about it, in the fear of God and love of the truth and our brethren, we plainly told them our decision. At first it was hard to see it and hard to submit. But when the church unanimously sustained the decision, the will gave way and confessions were made. We closed with a season of prayer. Then what a scene followed! I shall never forget it. As they began to confess to each other and forgive one another, the tears began to flow and they all began to weep and cry aloud and embrace each other. It was as affecting a scene as I have witnessed for a long time. It was a sweet place.
Thus we trust that harmony is once more restored among them. May the Lord bless them is our prayer. After this, it seemed to me that I loved the erring ones better than I could if they had never done wrong. I heard others say, “I shall love you now better than ever before.” It is noble to repent, to confess our errors, and to ask pardon for them. It is humiliating to pride, but it is blessed to do it. Then I thought that the reason why Jesus loves his people so much, is because he has forgiven them so much. This trial also shows the use of organization. May the Lord now keep them in union. D. M. CANRIGHT.
A PROPHECY FULFILLED.
PAUL gives the following plain description of professedly Christian people in the last days: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lust shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim. iv. 3, 4. We claim to have reached that time, and that the disposition which Paul describes is plainly exhibited on the part of most of the churches of the land. This is why it is so hard to gain the ears of the people for the proclamation of the truth. They are turned away from it to pleasing fables which suit them better. Hence it is at this time that the ministers of God are reined up by the charge of the apostle in view of the impending advent of the Lord Jesus, to preach the word.
But when we apply this language to the popular churches, we are accused of being captious and uncharitable. Well, will they receive it any better from one of their own number? If so, we have the testimony. The celebrated C. H. Spurgeon will not be accused of any sympathy with the Adventists or their views; yet he bears the following unwitting testimony to the fulfillment of Paul's language at the present time. We italicise a few words for the special consideration of the reader:—
“It is, I think, a matter for very deep regret that this is not an age in which Christian people want to be edified. It is an age in which they like to have their ears tickled, and delight to have a multiplicity of anecdotes and of exciting matter; but they little care to be well instructed in the sound and solid doctrines of the grace of God. In the old Puritanic times, sermons must have been tiresome to the thoughtless, but now-a-days I should think they are more tiresome to the thoughtful. The Christian of those days wanted to know a great deal of the things of God; and provided that the preacher could open up some point of Christian practice to make him holier and wiser, he was well satisfied, though the man was no orator, and might lead him in no fields of novel speculation. Christians did not want a new faith; but, having received the old faith, they wished to be well rooted and grounded in it, and, therefore, sought daily for an illumination, as well as for quickening; they desired, not only to have the emotions excited, but also to have the intellect richly stored with divine truth, and there must be much of this in every church, if it is built up. No neglect of an appeal to the passions, certainly; no forgetfulness as to what is popular and exciting; but with this, we must have the solid bread-corn of the kingdom, without which God’s children will faint in the weary way of the wilderness.”
THE EFFECT—“HE GOT MAD.”
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
I HAVE been acquainted with some professors of the truth who are always ready to talk in its favor (and such generally do nothing in its favor but talk), who often boast of their success in advocating its claims. Their opponents cannot stand a moment before them; and their uniform testimony is that after talking a little while with a man he gets mad and leaves them. To get their opponents real mad seems in their minds to indicate a complete triumph. But what good has been accomplished? Has the truth triumphed? No; the truth only triumphs when men yield to its claims, and the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts. The only victory in such cases is a triumph of selfishness, and the gratification of a contentious spirit. If such persons had even a little judgment, they would know that they would serve the cause of truth far better by holding their peace, and letting their neighbors alone. What would the same persons think of the success of our ministers if their preachers had no other effect than to make the hearers mad? There are some foolish and unreasonable men who have no more sense than to meet argument with anger; but they are not met with every day, and the man who has prudence enough to be trusted to advocate the truth will have discretion enough to leave them before they get very angry. This self-conceited style of talking the truth which stirs up a spirit of strife and contention is a great evil in some places. It begets prejudice, and shuts up minds against the claims of God's word. The Scriptures say we should “study to be quiet,” and I recommend this text to those whose friends and neighbors are apt to get angry at their conversation.
J. H. WAGGONER.
TO THE BRETHREN IN IOWA.
By James White
There is no State that I have had such interest for as your State.
We have visited you several times.
We have urged others to visit you.
When you stood in greatest doubt of us, then has our interest deepened, and in your darkest hour we went to you ourselves and fought the battles of truth with you, which proved to us a dear visit. The sickness that followed cost us $3000, and nearly two years of precious time, and still we cannot do one-half we could before.
But God has not forsaken you. We are happy to learn by brethren Butler and Bourdeau that the condition of things in the State has greatly improved, so that if we should visit you this Autumn at your Convocation Meeting, it would be to enjoy victories with you rather than to engage in battle, and that your meetings will be large.
They also state that if we do not meet with you, your general State gathering will be given up. We say, Hold your meeting the first of October, and if possible we will meet with you. But should we come to you, do not expect too much of us. Last Sabbath and first-day I spoke in a grove four times. Mrs. White was not able to go so far. This was too much after riding fifty miles sixth-day. It poorly fitted me to ride in the extreme heat fifty-four miles second-day. Here were four days’ work sufficient for a week’s work for a well man. I have since been resting preparatory to our meeting here Sabbath and first-day. Brethren pray for us.
JAMES WHITE.
To the Brethren of the Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference.
By ISAAC SANBORN
As Brn. R. F. Andrews and H. C. Blanchard have urgently called our attention to the importance of making proper preparation to attend the Convocation Meeting that is to be held at Johnstown Center, Rock Co., Wis., ten miles east of Janesville, and eight miles south of Milton Junction, I hope no pains will be spared in preparing to attend this feast of Tabernacles. We expect to pitch the large tent in a beautiful grove within fifteen rods of my house; and we would like to see forty tents around it. Eighty yards of factory will make a tent fifteen feet long, and nine feet wide, with a wall six feet high, and a fly, that is a double top, which makes it perfectly dry in time of rain. Such a tent will not cost more than $16.00, and they should be made and kept to attend these large meetings. We hope to see the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers at this meeting—that has ever met in this Conference. The Johnstown church especially invites the lonely and scattered ones to come and bring all their interested friends. Those who come by railroad should be at Janesville the day before the meeting, where teams will meet them. Should they reach there on Monday night, they will please go to the American Hotel. May the Lord grant a general interest in this meeting, is my prayer.
ISAAC SANBORN.
CONVOCATIONS.
By H. C. Miller
Long time ago there was on the other side of the sea of Tiberias a convocation of people seeking Jesus, whom when they had found they hailed, calling him “Master.” They were ignorant of their own hearts. They thought they were true disciples. But our Lord discerning their motives answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat that endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” The account of this meeting is found in John, chapter six. In consequence of the straight testimony there given we read that “from that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” Let us take heed to ourselves lest love of the loaves and fishes so occupy our hearts that we stumble at the word of Jesus.
The season of our convocation meetings is near at hand, and a few thoughts relating thereto suggest themselves. First, let us who intend going to those meetings examine ourselves that we may know the motives which lead us to go. Whether curiosity, pleasure, gratification of appetite, &c., may not be what leads us; or whether we are going sincerely desiring the word of the Lord, the bread of life. Let us settle this before we start, lest the testimony we hear when there cause us to go back and cease from following Jesus.
Again, secondly, Our meetings are not for the purpose of having a picnic. Therefore let our preparations for the body be of the most simple kind. In the past I have noticed the food most commonly brought and eaten. Rich pies, cakes made of fine flour, sugar, eggs, butter, saleratus, &c., saleratus biscuits, fine flour bread, cheese and such like, composing the bill of fare, and being partaken of heartily. Now I do believe that pies and preaching will not do well together. I do believe that the good word has failed to reach the heart in the past because the senses were clogged as the effect of eating such—I was about to say food,—unnecessary and unwholesome articles. Let us therefore, as I said before, make our preparations in this respect with simplicity, with an eye single to the glory of God and the actual wants of our bodies.
A suggestion or two may not be out of place. Hard and soft graham bread and crackers will keep sweet and good longer than any other bread, and is the most wholesome and nutritious. Let the bread then be of this kind. This, with the addition of fruits of some kind, will be amply sufficient to sustain the body. We might refer to the example in the chapter where Jesus, having compassion on the multitude because they had continued with him “three days and had nothing to eat,” would “not send them away fasting lest they faint in the way,” and fed them with bread and fish, of which we read “they did all eat, and were filled” (satisfied, Gr. chortazo). Matt. xiv, 32–39. Let us in the fear of God be thus simple in attending to our bodily wants. Let us come so hungering for the word of life that we may forget the body in a measure, and Jesus will feed us so that when we return we may go in the strength of that food to meet our temptations, and to do the will of God even like Elijah, until our work here is done,—return with body rested, not wearied and worn, and soul refreshed. Again I would say, Let us be temperate in these things. Let our convocations be a feast of unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Let us repent and put away all our lusts, and get ready for the Lord’s coming.
H. C. MILLER.
Monroe, Wis.
The War Rumors.—A despatch from London, July 26th, says that there is much caution shown by capitalists and business men in that city, the feeling having become general that war between France and Prussia is imminent. A private despatch from Berlin, of the same date, also makes mention of the general opinion that war is certain, and adds that Prussia is actively urging forward her preparations for such an event. Still greater sensation was created by a Vienna telegram, stating that the Emperor Napoleon had sent a note to King William of Prussia, urging him to surrender the Danish districts of North Schleswig to Denmark, but that the Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria declined to interfere in the matter at all. The truth of this statement, as far as France is concerned, was positively denied by the Moniteur, on Saturday July 27th. Nevertheless, the semi-official journal of Berlin continued to urge King William to repel the intrusion of the French Emperor in the political affairs of Germany. More important than these vague war rumors is an official statement in the official Gazette of Vienna, saying that it is the right and interest of the Emperor Napoleon to enforce the treaty of Prague. The same paper also says that the Czar of Russia has sent to King William of Prussia a note to the foregoing effect. If the sense of the official paper is correctly given by the cable despatch, it is clear that Austria means to pursue a foreign policy hostile to Prussia.—Methodist.
Mormons.—Late advices from Utah indicate that an irrepressible discord has broken out among the Saints, and that the problem of Mormonism will soon solve itself. Large numbers of anti-polygamists have left Utah, bound for Nauvoo, Ill. Brigham Young is being boldly denounced by many of his followers, and the sect is becoming rapidly demoralized. Two or three Sundays ago, Young, in a sermon at Cottonwood, denounced William Howard, a distiller, who immediately rose in the audience and branded Young’s statement as false. Young then ordered Howard put out of the house, which was done, and subsequently told his hearers to tear down Howard’s house and distillery, which, however, they failed to do. A day or two afterward, Howard sent Young a letter, demanding a retraction of his personal statements, or he would hold him personally responsible. It is said that Young intends to move to the newly-discovered gold mines.
The London Standard says: “Experiments show that the American 450 pound gun is fatal to the invulnerability of the present British ship armor. We have not a vessel afloat that could stand the shock at close quarters.”
The Movement Against Rome Abandoned for the Present.—Florence, August 5. Garibaldi has come to the conclusion that, considering all circumstances, it is best to abandon for the present the movement against Rome. The volunteers who had begun to collect from all parts of Italy, and who had already invaded the Papal territory at various places, will disperse, but the movement will be kept up with great activity. Garibaldi himself expresses his firm belief in the success of the next movement.
Coolies to Take the Place of Slaves.—A cargo of coolies has lately arrived at New Orleans from Cuba, to be used as laborers on the Mississippi sugar plantations, and it is stated that Ah Yue, a commissioner from the Chinese government, has concluded a contract with a number of Louisiana, Alabama and Texas planters, to bring 5000 Chinamen to this country for their use, and that they will soon arrive. We suppose, as in the West Indies and other places, these laborers are bound out to serve for a term of years, for stipulated wages, which are of course very low, and under certain conditions. What the conditions may be in this case we do not know, as the only one announced is that, in case of the death of any of the laborers, their remains shall be returned to China at the expense of their employers. What the other conditions of the service are, however, we do not care; whatever they may be nominally the coolie system is only a modification of slavery, and even worse in some of its features, and we protest in advance against its introduction into the United States.
The experiment of coolie labor has been thoroughly tried in the West Indies, in some of the South American states, in Australia, and elsewhere. Everywhere it is found as bad as slavery, both for the masters and the laborers, who are brought across the ocean much as cargoes of slaves were in old times, and when they reach their destination they are regarded as chattels, without any rights that anybody is bound to respect.
—London, August 3—2 P. M. Dispatches received to-day from Athens bring intelligence that the Grecian government has announced its determination of declaring war against the Sublime Porte on the 1st of September should the hostilities against the Christians of Candia not be ended by that time. Great military preparations are being made for such a contingency, and orders have been issued calling out the entire reserves of the kingdom.
—The total exports of tea from China during the season just closed, were to the United States 29,242,800 pounds, and to Great Britain 109,483,100. In the season of 1864-5, the exports were to this country 10,280,400, and to Great Britain 112,500,700.
A Phenomenon.—The people of this locality were favored last evening with a view of a phenomenon of a somewhat rare occurrence. At 9½ o’clock, during one of the slight showers, a fine lunar rainbow made its appearance in the western sky and continued quite brilliant for about fifteen minutes. The moon was just rising and the bow was consequently very large. It presented faintly, the more prominent colors of a solar bow and gradually faded into a streak of white light, traces of which remained for nearly half an hour.—Troy Times.
NOTE FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
To my numerous friends I would say, that I am doing the best I can to regain my health, and have some reason to hope that the efforts in this direction will not prove unavailing; though it must be borne in mind, that one so completely broken down in health and strength as myself, and especially one whose digestive organs can perform their office no better than mine, must have time to accomplish any very favorable change. Therefore it will be necessary that I remain here longer than I contemplated when I left home.
Myself and companion hope to share in the prayers of the dear saints at the throne of grace, that God's especial blessing may attend our efforts to recover our health. If we are in the way of duty, it is certainly proper to seek the blessing of Heaven to rest upon us, and though unworthy, it is our privilege to believe he will direct our paths, if in all our ways we acknowledge him.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Health Institute, Battle Creek, Aug. 8, 1867.
A GOOD MOVE.
By L. L. HOWARD
I AM exceedingly glad that our brethren and sisters are taking hold of the matter of the reform dress. I have long felt that our wives and daughters needed just this. How much nearer it comes to living out the apostle's instructions to be clothed in modest apparel than the long dresses, heavy skirts, and indecent hoops, which they have worn in the past.
I am happy to say that a large number of our sisters in Maine have adopted it and I do most heartily commend them for their willingness to bear reproach in this respect, and I sincerely hope none will shrink from this most healthful duty. I do trust that the time will shortly come when we shall all eat, drink, and dress to the glory of God.
L. L. HOWARD.
Washington, N. H., July 29.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Gen. Grant has been nominated by the Union committee for the next President of the United States. President Johnson is working to remove Mr. Stanton, Secretary of War, preparatory to the removal of Sheridan. The Union men of the South express great indignation over the threatened removal of Sheridan. The election in Tennessee has gone Republican, Brownlow for Governor, securing a heavy majority. The Kentucky election has gone as heavily Democratic.
Freedmen's School.
THE report of the Superintendent of schools for the Freedmen's Bureau for six months, ending with the 31st of December, shows the whole number of schools officially reported, 1,207, with 1,406 teachers, and 75,456 pupils; the number of industrial schools and schools not officially reported, is 192, with 228 teachers, and 12,514 pupils, making an aggregate of 87,871 pupils, of whom only 2,302 were free before the war. The freedmen own 286 school buildings, and sustain wholly or in part 623 schools, of the pupils, 15,248 pay tuition, which amounts to $11,377 per month. Of the teachers 400 are colored persons. The number of Sabbath schools is reported 782, with 70,610 pupils. The Superintendent says these figures are very satisfactory. In addition to those in schools, thousands of scholars who have made some progress, are now teaching parents, brothers and sisters at home, so that nearly every freedman's house in the land has become a school house, and families in every section have become pupils. To say that half a million of persons liberated by the war are now studying the spelling book, would be a very low estimate.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. The Association has now a large and well-furnished Office of publication, established in Battle Creek, Mich., and employs two steam-power presses in carrying on its business. A meeting of the stockholders is held each year, at which a board of trustees is elected to manage its business, and editors chosen to conduct its periodicals, till the ensuing meeting. All persons employed in the publishing department, are engaged at stipulated wages, and all profits accruing from the business, are strictly applied by the Association to the carrying out of the object of its formation, and to its charitable uses and purposes. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a large sixteen-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Pub. Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $3.00 per year, or $1.50 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor—free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the143Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
A Traveler's Opinion.
By B. T.
“An American has good reason to be weary of war, and the excitements which precede and follow war. The grand and terrible epidemic moves now against the course of the sun. It leaves our tired but not exhausted republic to threaten the half of Europe with even fiercer fires.
“Whether it bursts out this year or the next, the poison is in the air; everywhere there is a hot, lurid, oppressive atmosphere—the smothered, formless fear, the expectancy, the constriction of respiration among the people, which foretell some certain catastrophe.”—B. T. in New York Tribune, of June 5, 1867.
The Political Situation in France.
The political agitation continues and increases. The speech of Thiers was followed on Friday, July 12, by M. Emile Ollivier, one of the French Liberals who “accept the situation” and give a qualified support to the Emperor. M. Ollivier attacks the Minister of State with great force, and opinion gains ground that a change of ministry is imminent, or, at least, that it is deliberated upon by the Emperor. Certain revelations were expected from Ollivier in regard to a conversation between himself and the Emperor on the liberal decrees promulgated on the 19th of January, legislation upon which has now been postponed by the ministry until the November session. None were made, but M. Ollivier directed all his eloquence against the failure of the Ministers, and especially of M. Rouher, to carry out the good intentions of the Emperor. He is reproached with having deceived the nation by failing to proceed with these reforms which were to “crown the edifice,” as the Emperor said, and M. Ollivier boldly asserts, what many think in silence, that the Government might long since have carried the laws for the press and public meetings, had it really desired to do so. M. Rouher is further accused of having deceived the country in his statements about the Mexican Empire, and upon the condition of the finances as well. Nevertheless, M. Rouher declined to reply to M. Ollivier, and his imperial master replies for him by the gift of the diamond cross of the Legion of honor. In respect to M. Ollivier, it is further to be remarked that his abandonment of the Liberal minority with which he had so long acted is attributed by his enemies to a desire for a place in the ministry, and that he regards Rouher as a successful rival not less than an unsuccessful Minister.
The speech of M. Glais-Bizoin on the same day was one of the most open attacks yet made upon the Emperor, full of genuine devotion to liberty, accompanied by a biting wit and a power of sarcasm, which elicited roars, alternately of laughter and of anguish, from the majority of the Chamber. He declared that in every country in Europe where a constitutional government exists, except in Spain, there is more real liberty than in France. Every other representative assembly, even that of Austria, has the right of choosing its own President, of publishing its own reports, of initiating measures, of questioning the government; and all those countries have a freedom of the press unchecked by humiliating restraints. France has none of these. “Never was liberty so great in France as after the Revolution of 1848; never was its fall so great as after the blow which destroyed the work of that revolution. On the morrow of that catastrophe [i. e. the coup d'etat] the nation woke without rights, without freedom, and without dignity or security!” The demonstration of this proposition occupied the greater part of this speech, which was continually interrupted with cries and exclamations from the benches, and by warnings from the President; by none of which did M. Glais-Bizoin appear to be disconcerted. “Do you wish,” asks M. Glais-Bizoin, “a real stability? Do you wish to put a stop to those distant expeditions which give to the waves the blood and treasure of France? Do you wish to see unjust taxes disappear? Do you wish that impartial justice shall reign throughout the land? Then let the winning of liberty be the business of your life. Like that Emperor who, sleeping and waking, demanded of Varus the legions he had squandered, do you, in season and out of season, demand our liberties. Have but one cry: Give us back our liberties! This nation is indignant that you keep it so long, in the face of the civilized world, on the stool of penitence and with a fool's cap on its head!” The Chamber burst into a torrent of outcries, and M. Glais-Bizoin was called to order by the President, on the curious ground that he was attacking the whole country, to which he gravely responded, before taking his seat, “I bow with the profoundest respect to the President's call to order, and I declare to him, also, if he like, that I am flattered by it.”
Obituary Notices.
By Joseph Clarke
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, at Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, July 20, 1867, sister Amy Ridgeway, in the 44th year of her age. On Sunday, July 28, Bro. I. D. Van Horn preached her funeral sermon at the Presbyterian church, in Tontogany, to a large and attentive congregation, from the words, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor. xv. 26.
Sister R. was one of the lonely ones, yet she was faithful to her trust in God. Her life and example told for the good of the cause of present truth among her friends and neighbors about her. Those who mourn her loss may have good reason to believe that she rests in hope. JOSEPH CLARKE.