Signs of the Times, Vol. 2, No. 15.
SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODYPage 1
Earlier text: Lamb-Like, but DangerousMANY authors of note make the antiquity of this denomination coeval with the apostolic age. The following is an extract from their confession of faith, which is said to have been copied out of certain manuscripts, bearing date nearly four hundred years before the time of Luther:— “1. That the Scriptures teach that there is one God, almighty, all-wise, and all-good, who made all things by his goodness; for he formed Adam in his own image and likeness; but that, by the envy of the devil, sin entered into the world; and that we are sinners in and by Adam. “2. That Christ was promised to our fathers, who received the law; that so knowing, by the law, their unrighteousness and insufficiency, they might desire the coming of Christ, to satisfy for their sins, and accomplish the law by himself. “3. That Christ was born in the time appointed by God the Father; that is to say, in the time when all iniquity abounded, that he might show us grace and mercy, as being faithful; that Christ is our life, truth, peace, and righteousness, as also our pastor, advocate, and priest, who died for the salvation of all who believe, and is risen for our justification; that there is no mediator and advocate with God the Father, save Jesus Christ; that, after this life, there are only two places, the one for the saved, and the other for the damned; that the feasts, the vigils of saints, the water which they call holy, as also to abstain from flesh on certain days, and the like, but especially the masses, are the inventions of men, and ought to be rejected; that the sacraments are signs of the holy thing, visible forms of the invisible grace; and that it is good for the faithful to use those signs or visible forms, but that they are not essential to salvation; that there are no other sacraments but baptism and the Lord’s supper; that we ought to honor the secular powers, by subjection, ready obedience, and paying of tribute.”—Hayward’s Book of All Religions. The Time of Reformation.
By Jos. Clark
“IMPOSED on them until the time of reformation.” Heb. 9:10. By reference to the chapter referred to, it will be seen that the time of reformation here spoken of began with the ministry and death of Jesus Christ. The day of Pentecost and the ministry of the apostles, ushered in this reformation with great power. Hundreds of churches arose in heathen lands, where idol worship had been universal; and everywhere throughout the world the gospel was preached, and innumerable hosts of witnesses came forward to hail the new and joyful tidings of salvation through a crucified Redeemer. This was the glorious beginning of the reformation above alluded to, and although Satan and his hosts of angels and demons have done all they could to block up the way, yet the reformation has progressed, and never has it made greater speed, than when it was most opposed. Martin Luther and others have labored in this great Reformation; and at different times Providence has raised up men, who have not scrupled to suffer torture, imprisonment and death, if they might but fulfill the work assigned them in the great plan of salvation. It was a time of reformation in the days of John the Baptist, in the days of Jesus Christ, in the days of Paul, in the days of Luther, in the days of Wicliffe, in the days of Wesley, and it still continues. Reform, reform, reform, has been the war cry of all God’s chosen messengers. The cry of peace and safety, will never be sounded by the ambassador of Christ, while the days above alluded to continue; but when the last trump shall sound, and the dead shall be raised, and the righteous living translated, then peace will be proclaimed to the host of ransomed ones. Jos. Clark. ONE of the most interesting things in the Holy Land is the fact that one meets everywhere in daily life the things that illustrate the words of the Lord. The streets of Jerusalem are very narrow, and no one is allowed to go out at night without a light. Throw open your lattice in the evening and look out, and you will see what seems to be little stars twinkling on the pavement. You will hear the clatter of sandals as the late traveler rattles along. As the party approaches, you will see that he has a little lamp to his foot to make his step a safe one. In an instant the words come to your memory, written in the same city three thousand years ago, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” FRETTING is a perpetual confession of weakness. It says, “I want to and I can’t.” Fretting is like a little dog pawing and whining at a door because he can’t get in. Teach Your Children to Be Honest
Teach your children to be honest, because it is right so to be; let sinners inculcate the quasi religious proverb of honesty being the best policy. Missionary Department.
By Elder Andrews
REPORT FROM ELDER ANDREWS. The coming of Bro. Bourdeau has brought timely and valuable assistance to the work in this country. He has now been here three weeks, during which time we have visited nearly all the Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland. Our meetings in each place have been very encouraging and profitable. But we have not counted this the work of chief importance. Our first business has been to prayerfully consider the proper method of bringing the great truths of our faith to the attention of the people of Europe. With the map of Europe before us, we have carefully considered the situation of the several countries in which we know Sabbath-keepers now dwell. At present we think to labor together; but after a few months we expect to separate. We wish to enter upon our work in such a manner as to give unity to all our future labors, and to enable us to put forth our strength to the best advantage. We have decided to make Bale or Basel (the French call it by the first name and the Germans the second) our center of operations; that is, if God shall bless our efforts there. This is the largest city in Switzerland, and it lies in the extreme north of this country, and actually touches Germany on the north-east and France on the north-west. Or, rather, this was the case till Germany in the last war seized a portion of eastern France. Bale is almost the geographical center of Europe west of Russia. It seems to us the most suitable center for our work. We shall be about one hundred miles from our Swiss brethren, but we shall be between them and the brethren in Germany, though at a greater distance from the latter. It seems to us that we could not select another point so advantageous with respect to avoiding national jealousy as is this point. Should we have an Office of publication hereafter we do not wish our friends in other countries to say, “It is the Swiss Office,” and to feel little interest in it because it is not in the country where they live. We wish if possible to forestall such feelings, and to give things such shape that there shall be little chance for this kind of trouble. When we are at Bale it is almost the same thing as though we were in France, Germany, and Switzerland at the same time. France and Germany are hostile to each other, but neither is hostile to Switzerland. It seemed to us the mind of the Spirit of God that we should visit Bale. We made this visit a few days since, and found that we could obtain a hall suitable for our work, and a house that would answer for a dwelling, both at prices within our power to pay, and that both would be ready for us the first of April. Though it seemed to us that this place is suited to the work upon which we wish to enter, we deferred a decision till our return. In Bale there is a printer who has printed for us five numbers of our tracts. He is an Italian, but understands also German and French, and can publish in all these languages. He takes some interest in our work, and I hope that he truly fears God. After returning and consulting the other members of the executive committee of the Swiss Sabbath-keepers, we have decided to remove to Bale about the first of April, and commence public lectures in that city. We have decided nothing as to the publication of a paper. We lay all before the brethren in America, especially before the General Conference Committee. We have no disposition to act in this matter without the approval and co-operation of those whose wisdom and experience qualify them to give counsel. What course shall we take with respect to a paper? The friends of the cause in Switzerland can meet the expense of a few numbers, but with the other burdens resting upon them they could continue to do this but a little while. If we commence to publish with the statement that our paper will appear from time to time as we have means, we may avoid the necessity of incurring much debt, but the friends here think that it will greatly injure the influence of the paper. They think it should be published regularly at least once a month. Of course we are anxious to get the truth before the people, and there is no means so potent as the publication of a suitable paper. As soon as possible after we commence a paper in French, we desire to issue an edition containing the same matter in the German language, and if God will, in other languages also. We feel deeply with respect to reaching the public. We hope to give the truth such prominence that it shall shine out to many people around. Our strength is not in ourselves. We are only earthen vessels; but the excellency of the power is of God. We may not see our hopes realized with respect to Bale, but we shall make an earnest, united effort, if God will, and we hope that he will be gracious to us in our great necessity. We shall be very near the places in Alsace where Bro. Bourdeau wishes to labor, and so we hope from this quarter the truth will find an entrance into France. The coming of Bro. Bourdeau has made some changes necessary in respect to my place of abode. It is important that we be able to spend the most of our time together, and as our friends at La Coudre were already crowded, it was plainly duty to find some place elsewhere. For this reason we have found a place among our friends in Locle till the time of our removal to Bale. In leaving La Coudre I wish to make grateful acknowledgment of the kindness and care extended to myself and children, by our friends in that place. It gives me great satisfaction to say that there is a decided advance in Christian experience in the case of our dear Swiss brethren. I have in time past expressed an earnest desire to witness a greater consecration to God. I think there is a marked change in this respect, and it brings great joy to my heart. God has chosen this people to fill an important place in the work which he designs to accomplish in the surrounding nations. There is no better material in any country, I am persuaded, than may be found in these little churches. I believe, notwithstanding all their discouragements in the past, they will yet stand in the front rank in this sacred work, and that the joy of the Lord will be their strength. The work of the Tract and Missionary Society, upon which our brethren here have just fairly entered, promises to be a success. Of this I will speak more hereafter. Bro. Bourdeau and myself are earnestly at work upon an abridged edition of the Three Messages which shall be specially adapted to the work in Europe. We also purpose to issue an edition of Bro. White’s exposition of Matt. 24, and one or two works on the Sabbath. These, with the works already printed, will give us an assortment of publications in French sufficient to meet our most urgent want in entering new fields of labor. Our brethren in Switzerland greatly need the practical instruction contained in the works of sister White. I have never been so sensible of the importance of these works as since living in this country. We hope soon to print some of the most necessary portions of these works. Bro. Ertzenberger is steadily pressing forward in the work at Solingen, Prussia. He has great difficulties to contend with, but God is giving him good success. Some who wish to send him German tracts have asked his address. It is Vohwinkel (bei Elberfeld) Prussia. To meet the present urgent wants, Bro. E., with his own means, has published in German small editions of four or five small tracts abridged to four pages each. He has certainly done what he could. We are of good courage in the Lord. We ask the prayers of the people of God. Locle, Switzerland, Feb. 4, 1876. REPORT FROM ELDER ERTZENBERGER
By Elder Ertzenberger
REPORT FROM ELDER ERTZENBERGER.
The Review of Dec. 16, 1875, reached me at the commencement of Sabbath, Jan. 1, 1876. Reading of the appointed day of fasting and prayer by the General Conference Committee, I entered upon it at once. I had thought of doing this for myself before I received the Review. Looking over the past, and considering the future, I found reasons enough for so doing. Seeing that the dear brethren in America would spend the first day of the new year in such a manner, I joined them the more gladly. And with gratitude to God I can say that it was a good day. At our Sabbath meeting in this place the melting Spirit of God wrought upon stout hearts, and they broke down before him. The next Review brought the cheering news that Bro. D. T. Bourdeau would come to Europe, to help in the good work this side of the Atlantic. My heart was lifted up to God in prayer that he might send his angel with this dear brother to go before him to open the way, and to prepare the hearts of the people for his sacred truth. A few days afterward, I learned by a letter from Bro. Andrews that Bro. B. had safely arrived with his family in Neuchatel. This intelligence created great joy. Praise and thanksgiving ascended to God for this great token of love towards us, that he has sent us one more of his servants. And thanks and gratitude be to you, also, dear brethren of America, for this sacrifice for the cause in the Old World. And may God reward you! I am happy to know that Bro. Andrews has the assistance of Bro. B. And may these brethren be guided by God’s Spirit in all their doings, and may their undertakings be crowned with great success. Concerning the work in Germany I can say, though the enemy is doing all he can to hinder it and perplex those who labor for its advancement, the Lord is establishing souls in his truth, and winning men and women to it. Though it is moving slowly it is making progress step by step; and although I wish to see much more accomplished I am grateful to God for what he has done in this part of the great harvest field. The lectures on the Sabbath question which have been held in Solingen have created a still greater sensation among the people of that city than any previous ones. Having advertised them in the newspapers, inviting the pastors of the National Church as well as the laity to attend them, there has been a general turnout to hear on this subject. However, not one of the pastors appeared. Since the introduction of this very important question, several efforts have been made by persons of rank to hinder the lectures and to drive me from the place. For this very purpose help has been sought from the highest authority of the city. But it was not granted. The Lord has not permitted it. To him be all the honor and glory! A very remarkable feature in these lectures has been the quiet and order observed by the large number of attentive listeners. No disturbance has taken place; for it has seemed that the angels of God prevented it. No doubt this was so. The tracts, which have been distributed freely at these lectures, have been taken very gladly. And they have brought light to those who had heard nothing on the subjects contained in them. There are many who are convinced of the truth; among the number are those who are excusing themselves because their labor in the factories interferes with the observance of the hallowed rest-day of the great Creator. But will this excuse them before the great tribunal of God? Never! There are others who find too much cross-bearing in following our divine Pattern; and but a small company are willing to keep all the commandments of God. There are fourteen adults who have taken a stand on the Lord’s side, and, as I have not closed up my public lectures, others I think will be added. May the Lord help. Sabbath, Jan. 8, was a day of great encouragement to the friends of the cause here. As baptism was desired, I notified the friends of the cause that it would be administered on this day. After the morning service, the examination of candidates took place. At three o’clock P. M., we met at the water, a small lake, for this ordinance. It was covered with thick ice, but a place having been cleared for the purpose, eight souls (four brethren and four sisters) followed the Lord in the ordinance of baptism. It was a very solemn scene, and the presence of God’s angels was felt. All the friends were favorably impressed by what they saw. This was the first baptism by S. D. Adventists in Germany. And the prospect is good that we shall have other seasons of this kind. And if one soul is worth more than the whole world, surely there are great reasons to toil on and to press forward in the work; and though we must sow in tears, a day will come when the faithful will reap with joy. I testify to the great goodness of the Lord toward me especially. I bless his holy name. The language of my heart is, “Nearer, my God, to thee!” I ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people. Vohwinkel, bei Elberfeld, Prus., Jan. 20, 1876. Nature All the God We Have.
By A. P. Lawton
If by this the Creator is meant, all right, but if, as it is usually understood, the thing created is meant, it is wrong. So says A. Let us see the consistency. Who made this earth with its accompanying spheres, which roll so regularly and majestically, hung upon nothing, kept in space each fulfilling its order, and balancing each other by mutual attraction? Will you answer nature? A child ten years old would say, that is impossible and contrary to nature. If I should tell you that nature made the house you live in, would you believe me? If not, how can I believe that these vast creations are conceived and brought forth by nature. But, says A., I have never seen God, and cannot comprehend him, and I am not required to believe what I cannot comprehend? Please define nature. So little do we know at best of even our own existence, that we are a mystery to ourselves. With just as much reason may we doubt our own existence because we do not understand it. But the Bible account of Jesus is unnatural and fabulous in the extreme. Because we cannot comprehend him, is it impossible or improbable with a power which could create and sustain all the worlds, to create Jesus according to the Bible? If poor, puny man could awake to his littleness and limited capacity compared with the great Architect of worlds, they would turn their backs upon themselves, and despise the narrowness of their own limited conception, and forever cease their unequal and unsuccessful warfare with the Bible. When we have established a creed built upon the overthrow of the Bible, what have we gained. Have we made ourselves or the world any better by this war, even though we should be acknowledged victors. Let the rack, scaffold, dungeon, and guillotine answer. France, for example. The fruit of her infidelity was so bitter and came with such a retort upon herself, that the municipal assembly was glad to restore the Bible, and declare in its favor, which three years and a half before it had so wantonly burned. Take from us the Bible and we are robbed of all the social ties that bind society together, the only chart and guide. Give us the Bible and all is made easy and plain. Think not of Self.
By W. Poole Balfern
Think not of self, but think of Christ,
And living thoughts will grow,
And words will start and run like fire,
With light and love aglow. Think not of self or human praise,
But of thy brother's woe;
And thy true words with love and speed
Right to his heart will go. Think not of self—what others think,
But what the people need,
So shall thy speech like dew distil,
And minister indeed. Think not of self or this world's fame,
But of thy Master's praise,
So shall thy words made like his own,
The fallen, broken, raise. Think not of self—of friend or foe,
The rich, the great, or small,
So shall thy words through God's own power,
Both awe and conquer all. Think not of self, for Christ's own love
Itself with grace fulfills,
Brings its own words and that sweet bread
Which this world's hunger kills. Think not of self or how to speak,
But of the Saviour's love,
So shall thy words that fragrance bring,
Which lures the heart above. Think not of self or thy own wounds,
But of the Saviour's blood,
So shall thy speech that unction bring
Which heals and wins to God. “Walk in the light.”—Bible. The man who gives unrestrained license to his violent passions must inevitably make a miserable end. “He that ill-treats his horses is insensibly led to ill-treat his wife and children.” There is much truth in this. If the people would learn to point to every man who abuses an animal of any kind as a brute, harsh and cruel to women, might he not be shamed into better action? One may be possessed of cruel instincts, but violence of temper and exhibitions of brutality are pretty much matters of education. If a man is early made to understand that his cruel propensities excite feelings of disgust in the hearts of those whose friendship he holds dear, he will try very hard to control himself. And if he seriously makes the effort, he will discover in the end that he is able to both speak and act with gentleness. But educate the child to acts of cruelty, and you make of that child a bad, unfeeling man, a man without charity or a spark of pity. A royal child, afterwards Louis XIII., once crushed beneath the heel of his boot a little sparrow which had taken refuge in his bosom, seeing which the good King, his father, Henry IV., exclaimed to his Queen, “Wife,” said he, “I pray I may outlive that son, else he will be sure to maltreat his mother.” And the prediction was verified, for that mother, Catherine de Medicis, died in poverty and exile, inflicted by that same son. Peter the Cruel, King of Spain; Peter the Cruel, King of Portugal; Peter the Great, as well as cruel, Emperor of Russia, prepared themselves for the crimes which soiled their reigns by the little cruelties inflicted on inferior animals. Fathers and mothers, teach your children to be kind to the brute creation, and you will make nobler and better men and women of them. Cruelty to the animal world is a species of savageness that should be blotted out of enlightened humanity. Some Causes of Nervousness.
IMPERFECT and insufficient sleep is one of the most frequent causes of nervousness. Next to air, sleep is the greatest need of man. “Who sleeps eats,” says the ancient proverb. Those who suffer from nervousness on account of insufficient sleep, should lose no time in correcting the evil. Everything calculated to excite the brain or disturb the nerves for two or three hours before bedtime, such as stimulating beverages, hearty food, exciting conversation or literature, should be rigidly avoided. Another fruitful cause of nervousness is bad air. Many a child grows pale and sickly from attendance, as is supposed, at school, and the parents think the child is studying too hard. In a large majority of such cases, the evil results are the consequences of the impure air the child breathes; and would not follow twice as severe mental application in a room thoroughly and constantly ventilated. Doubtless a large part of the teachers who “break down” in teaching, do so because of the bad air they breathe from day to day. Many a housekeeper would escape attacks of nervousness if she would keep the windows up and the doors open, and let the sunlight pour into the rooms with healing in its beams. Another cause of nervousness is indulgence in strong tea and coffee. The person who depends on his coffee as the main article of breakfast, will be sure to eat less nutritious food at that meal than if his beverage were cold water; the nerves, only stimulated, but not fed, will, by and by, mutiny. The strength which comes from stimulating drinks of all kinds is fictitious, not real; it is a draft on the future that will some time be presented for payment to an empty exchequer. Overwork often produces nervousness, and the cure is rest. Many people think they must go on killing themselves by slow degrees in this way, and when they have succeeded, lookers-on are no wiser than before, but keep on taxing themselves beyond their strength, and paying the penalty. Of all the causes of nervousness the most prolific is worry. If, having done our best, we could only leave the consequences to the Higher Powers; if we could but be content to take life as it is, and make the most of it; to do the duty of the hour promptly and with fidelity, and think no more about it; to open our hearts to all the gentle influences of nature that woo us, and enjoy without murmur or question, the good and the evil that fall to our lots, confident that they are alike beneficial; to live aright in the present, and leave the future to God, what a world of trouble and anxiety we would be saved! Plenty of sleep, plenty of air, plenty of food, and an abounding trust in the goodness of God, will keep those who enjoy these blessings from the torture of nervousness.—N. Y. Tribune. An Eloquent Preacher Made a Drunkard by His Cigar.
I KNEW a young clergyman, whose oratory obtained for him the admiration of many influential persons, among whom was a gentleman of fortune, who courted his company and taught him to smoke. The young minister was warned of his danger, but could not be persuaded to renounce what he considered a harmless indulgence, and claimed that his cigar soothed his mind and composed his feelings. A friend, in reply, told him the mind never wanted composing when in health, by artificial means, but only when discomposed by improper causes, or the feelings soothed but when they should not be irritated; and added, “Beware how you indulge in a bad habit.” Impatient under the rebuke, the clergyman rejoined, “I smoke but seldom, and could almost do without it.” Seldom and almost are two fatally ominous words. Seldom will become regular, and almost be converted into always. And as smoking and drinking are sworn companions, “Let me beseech you,” said his friend, “not to make them yours. Ministers should be a fence around the pit of perdition. Some inexperienced youth may see you smoke, and imitate your example, and become a confirmed smoker, and, sooner or later, a confirmed drunkard. The line of demarkation being once effaced, he may soon be lost in the vortex of sin.” Little did this young preacher suppose this to be a picture of his own mournful case. But, by his habits, his splendid talents soon became dim, his hearers forsook him. His wealthy host, who first taught him to smoke, witnessed his growing desire for stimulants, and with a look more expressive than words, would say of him, “that in spite of praying and preaching, professors of religion like the good things of this life, as well as others; and that, after all, saints and sinners were pretty much alike.” The days of this eloquent young clergyman were ended in ignominy. Around a once most promising, talented preacher, a gloomy curtain was drawn; and a life which promised to be happy and illustrious, was early brought to a miserable close. His intemperate habits, it was supposed, killed his young wife, and made a beggar of his child. He died in a madhouse, blaspheming the very Saviour he had preached. Avoid smoking. “It is the devil’s leading string, commencing with a hair and ending with a cable.”—Geo. Trask. Bad Effects of Beer Drinking.
In the London hospitals it is said that the draymen suffer the worst results from accidents. Though they are apparently models of health and strength, yet if one of them receives a serious injury, it is nearly always necessary to amputate in order to give him the most distant chance of life. The draymen have the unlimited privilege of the brewery cellar. Sir Ashley Cooper was once called to a drayman, who was a powerful, fresh colored, healthy looking man, and had suffered an injury in his finger from a small splinter of a stave. The wound, though trifling, suppurated. He opened the small abscess with his lancet, which, upon retiring, he found he had left. Returning for it, he found the man in a dying condition. The man died in a short time. Dr. Gordon says, “The moment beer drinkers are attacked with acute diseases, they are not able to bear depletion, and die.” Dr. Edwards says of beer drinkers, “Their diseases are always of a dangerous character, and in case of accident they can never undergo even the most trifling operation with the security of the temperate. They most invariably died under it.” Dr. Buchan says, “Malt liquors render the blood sizy and unfit for circulation; hence proceeds obstructions and inflammation of the lungs. There are few great beer drinkers who are not phthisical brought on by the indigestical nature of ale and porter.” These liquors inflame the blood and tear the tender vessels of the lungs to pieces. Mr. Maxson says: “Intoxicating drinks, whether taken in the form of fermented or distilled liquors, are very frequent predisposing causes of disease.” The hospitals of New York show an equally unfavorable record of the intemperate, and private practitioners everywhere have the same experience.—Sanitarium for January. —On the banks of the Iowa River, about seventy miles from the Mississippi, is a colony of people known as “Amana.” They number about 1300, and located there nearly twenty years ago. Originally they emigrated from Germany and settled near Buffalo, being known as the “Ebenezers”—a quiet, moral, industrious people, devoting their energies chiefly to agriculture. But about 1856 they moved to Iowa. All property is held in common by them, but each family has its separate dwelling. They appear to have no vices, commit no crimes, have built school-houses and churches, and made many improvements in the villages they have built. German is the language used in business and social life, but English is taught in their schools. Their religion is similar to that of the quakers. —The Catholic Review, in a recent number, calculates thus: “It seems to be merely a question of time when our numbers will preponderate over all other religious faiths. At any moment, if the Catholics move in a body, they can decide any election. They can make any party triumphant, or secure its defeat.” This is about as absurd as Father Burk’s statement that the majority of the voters of old Massachusetts were Irish and Catholic. There is great danger from the Romanists in sections where they are numerous, but for that church, which is not as strong as any of the leading Protestant denominations—not even as strong as the Methodists—to have the cheek to make the above statement, is simply absurd; and as silly as the infallibility of the old pope. —A Madrid letter states that Don Alfonso received recently a deputation of ladies, who presented to him a petition begging that Catholicism should continue to be recognized as the State religion in Spain. No less than sixty thousand names were appended to the petition, and among them were those of twelve duchesses, sixty marchionesses, and fifty of the lesser nobility. —The English Privy Council has reversed the late ecclesiastical decision that forbade a Methodist clergyman to put “Rev.” before his name. The ruling is that the prefix is a mark of courtesy, not an official title. —It is said that about 43 per cent of the families of St. Louis have not a Bible in them. The Bible society of the city is making an effort to remedy this sad case. —In Constantinople eighteen evangelical congregations meet every Sabbath, and about one-half of those in attendance are natives. —The Minister of Public Instruction in France has ordered the restoration of the Cathedral at Rheims, at a cost of $400,000. —The recent completion of a new Methodist Episcopal church in the city of Rome has attracted much attention in Europe. —Local newspapers published in the various towns of Colorado and Wyoming indicate that the Black Hills mining fever is raging high in that section of country, and appears to be affecting more or less the unemployed population of the whole West. Expeditions to the new land of gold are constantly being fitted out from St. Louis, Sedalia, Kansas City, Omaha, Denver, Cheyenne, Sioux City, St. Paul, etc. The mild winter has served to swell the throng of enthusiasts, to whom the idea that every man may dig out his own gold in dust and nuggets is a tempting, gilded picture. Many of the western papers fan the excitement by publishing statements purporting to be from successful miners who are taking out gold at a rapid rate. Evidently there is another side to the subject, which is not presented so fully, for there are private accounts of discouraged and disgusted miners who are begging their way homeward. Doubtless there are exceptional instances where a fortune is suddenly gained, but, on the average, more money would be made by steady, honest effort at home than in this hazardous venture. It is said that not less than a thousand men are now waiting in the single city of Cheyenne for transportation to the gold region. At Custer City and Hill City, the principal camping points in the eastern section of the Black Hills region, provisions are exceedingly high; and it is considered doubtful whether the supplies there are in any event sufficient to prevent great suffering among those now in camp and those on their way thither. —Among the gifts made by Mr. James Lick for public purposes was one of $150,000 for the erection of free public baths for the city of San Francisco. According to the plans which have been recently submitted by the architects, the building is to be constructed of iron and glass. The interior will be divided into three compartments—the middle compartment, 160 feet by 50, for the use of men; the south compartment, 80 feet by 50, for boys; and the north one, 80 feet by 30, for women. It is proposed to supply the baths with water from the bay, and to have it warmed by the employment of the heat of the sun’s rays. To accomplish this, fine jets will ascend to the roof of the building, and fall in almost imperceptible spray into the tanks, the sun’s rays meantime passing through it and warming it before it reaches the basin. This is the plan adopted at the public baths at Liverpool, England. —Some curious and startling facts, says the Sun, concerning the people who live on the canals are given in a recent English publication, entitled, “Our Canal Population.” It appears that on the canals and rivers in England there are not less than 22,400 men, as many women, and 72,000 children; and that 26,000 of these men and women are living as husbands and wives in an unmarried state, and have 40,000 illegitimate children. Mr. Smith says of these boatmen and their families: “Ninety-five per cent cannot read and write, ninety per cent are drunkards, sixty per cent are unmarried, but living as husbands and wives. Many of the boaters and their families have but one room, little more than one bed, and one suit of clothes, and these not much better than rags. Their cabin home is scarcely the size of an ash-box, but in this hole men and women live together, children are born, and families are ‘educated’ in vice and crime.” —A strange story comes from Minnesota. Two citizens of St. Cloud make complaint that the County School Superintendent permits the Catholic priest to teach the Catholic catechism in the schools of district No. 1 on two afternoons of each week. At 3 P. M. on Tuesdays and Fridays the Protestant children are sent home, and the school is given up to the Catholics. One of the text books used in these schools is a reader with this title: “The Biblical History of the Old and New Testaments for the Catholic People’s Schools of the United States of North America.” Prepared by a priest of the Diocese of Basel, with the approbation of the Right Reverend Bishops of Basel, etc. Published by Benziger Brothers.” Is this a sample of the changes which our Catholic friends wish to see effected in our public school system? If so forewarned is forearmed. —The Sultan offers amnesty to all insurgents who return to their homes within a month. The government announces that it will have all their houses and churches which were destroyed, rebuilt at its own cost, and will furnish the insurgents the means of resuming their usual vocations. The authorities on the frontier are ordered to acquaint the insurgents of the imperial decree, and afford them the necessary facilities for returning to their homes. The Vienna Presse says there are 28,000 Herzegovinian refugees in Dalmatia who are resolved to starve rather than go back to their homes. Another great battle has taken place in Herzegovina, near Vassovievich, in which the Turks were totally defeated. —Farmers throughout the State are rejoicing in the present prospects of a bountiful harvest. The recent rains having been in most localities a great benefit to the grain, it is expected that a larger crop will be harvested during 1876 than ever before. In low places on the stiff, adobe soil, where the water could collect and stand, some injury has been done, the grain being drowned out; but in other sections the growth has been so rank and thrifty that it was necessary to cut it down lest the top should grow too tall and heavy for the roots. A large fruit crop is also anticipated. —The latest dispatches from Spain report further disasters to the Carlist insurgents. It is stated that Don Carlos and Lizarraza, with 24,000 men without artillery or provisions, are in the mountainous districts of Amazcuas, endeavoring to reach the French frontier. Several divisions of the royal army are marching against them. —Recent reports state that the rails shipped for China, and the workmen that went with them from England, reached their destination last week, and that the work of plate-laying was at once begun. Within a few months railway traffic will begin between Shanghai and Woosung, towns twenty miles apart. —The crown of England is 3¾ lbs. weight. It contains 5 rubies, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 1,363 brilliant diamonds, 1,273 rose diamonds, 147 table diamonds, 4 pearl drops, and 273 other pearls. The jewels are all set in gold. —The trial of General O. E. Babcock, President Grant’s private secretary, for conspiracy in the whisky frauds in the West, ended on the 24th ult., in his prompt acquittal by the jury. —Last week 101 persons died in San Francisco; of this number 25 were natives of California; 16, of other parts of the United States; while 60 were foreigners. —The United States Senate on the 21st ult., passed the bill providing for the sale of United States timber lands in California, Oregon, and the Territories. —Parliament has promptly ratified Mr. Disraeli’s purchase of the Suez canal shares by voting the amount to be paid for them. —Lightning conductors to the extent of 800 have been ordered for the Vatican and St. Peters in Rome. —A very perceptible earthquake shock was felt at Detroit on Sunday, March 5. A Mysterious Case of Poisoning
A PARTY of convives at North Adams, Massachusetts, partook of pickled oysters, sliced lemons and custard, and then when they deservedly died of cholera morbus, their friends called it a “mysterious case of poisoning.”