Earlier text: **“WATCH THE WAY.”** Nahum ii, 1.A few days since, we saw a lot of tobacco flourishing in all its rank and nauseous growth. This, though a common sight, was disgraceful enough in itself considered; but there were other circumstances tending to render it more than ordinarily so. In the first place, it was growing in a graveyard. A person, it appears, owning a lot in the burying-ground, with a purpose to let nothing run to waste, had thought to draw therefrom a little gratification for a depraved appetite. But this was not all. The lot contained two graves. And more than this, it did not seem to be the property of a common sinner, whom we might expect to see following the world and reveling in its lusts, but of a reverend gentleman; as the gravestones proclaimed that two women lay buried there, who died within two years of each other, wives of the clergyman aforesaid. Nor are we permitted to stop here in our record; for, apparently that the space might all be utilized, and the rows of the disgusting tobacco plant not be broken, the graves were leveled off and some of the plants stood directly upon them! Strange place for such a sight! and stranger sight for such a place!! Were those women when in life so fond of tobacco that they would consider it an honor to have the vile plant draw nourishment from their ashes? We do not believe it. Rather we are to suppose that the use of the noxious weed has so depraved the living as to paralyze his moral and mental faculties, destroy all his sense of propriety, blind him to everything but the gratification of his inordinate lust, and lead him to openly proclaim his shame upon the graves of the dead. Like one of old, he is possessed of an unclean spirit that does not scruple to invade the sanctity of the tomb. As to the tobacco itself, it would perhaps be proper enough that a weed by which so many are laid in the grave, should draw its nourishment from that sepulchral source and become a living embodiment of the charnel house; only it is an outrage upon the dead, and shocking to the sensibilities of such of the living as think that the resting places of the departed should not only be free from sacrilege, but should be treated with respect. MEETINGS AT ROCHESTER, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrill
This Quarterly Meeting being on my way to my new field of labor, I arranged to attend it by the way. Was happy to meet again with those made nigh by the blood of Christ, and by a long acquaintance and experience in the vicissitudes of our earthly pilgrimage endeared to me. We had the privilege also of meeting Bro. Andrews again, and hearing from him words of admonition, exhortation and comfort. Our social meetings were deeply interesting, and I trust the church here are making some advancement in the great work of preparation for those labors and trials that lie before us. On first-day the financial interests of the cause were taken into consideration, Bro. Andrews stating the present condition of the publishing interests and the Health Institute, and showing very clearly how there is an opportunity to honor the Lord with our substance and the first-fruits of our increase. And there was generally an interest, a deep interest, manifested among the few that were present, to act the part of faithful stewards in the use of the means the Lord has put into their hands. Stock was taken in the Health Institute to the amount of twenty nine shares or $725.00, and this mostly from those who had liberally subscribed before, doubling or more their former subscriptions. And I am happy to believe that the yearly dividends of the Institute were not so much the moving power in this, as a desire in the final reckoning to hear it said, as Christ said of the woman in the gospel, “She hath done what she could.” May all the church of God take hold of the work of transferring their treasures to heaven, so that when they leave the earth they may feel they are going to, and not going from, their treasures. Brethren and sisters, there is a way open to invest means in a way that God approves. And in doing so you show your faith in the present teachings of the Spirit of God. Those who, with no sordid motive, but a pure purpose to glorify God, invest means in this cause, will not regret it. You can now, before your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them becomes a witness against you, provide you bags that grow not old, a treasure in the Heavens that never faileth. But the time is coming when the stock-books in Heaven, if I may so speak, will be closed, and it will be too late to transfer our interests thither. In so saying, I wish not to excite or alarm, but to impress our minds with the truth, that now we may offer an acceptable sacrifice, and that the time is at hand when we cannot do it. Let us be zealous in following the light fully.
R. F. COTTRILL. EXTRACTS AND COMMENTS.
By Wm. S. FOOTE
The Independent of May 9, contains an editorial article from which we make the following extract: “Our epitome of theology is short,—consisting simply of the two tables of stone,—love to God, and love to man; but we beg to remind our brethren, that, ‘on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ Since the founder of Christianity thought this simple creed, an amply sufficient statement of Christian doctrine and duty, we have not the hardihood to make any unnecessary additions to this perfect rule of faith and practice.” Harper’s Magazine of March, 1863, has the following: “A continental bill, issued by the city of New York, Sep. 2, 1775, has on the back a representation of the tables of the decalogue. Over them lies a naked sword; and around them, the significant words, ‘Lex regit arma tuentur,’ or, ‘The law governs, arms defend.’” Bishop Griswold says: “The Scriptures are in no point more express than this: ‘If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.’ Ps. lxvi, 18. Prayer is a pouring out of the heart; if iniquity be found there, prayer is obstructed; . . . ‘He that turneth away his ear from the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.’ Prov. xxviii, 9. Great reason that God should refuse to hear him, who refuses to hear God. The prevalency of prayer is this, that it is the prayer of a righteous man. Jas. i, 16.” These witnesses to the perpetuity of the law of God, when making the above assertions, undoubtedly were honest in so doing; but how it could be so when all of them were, and some of them still are, violators of that holy law, is strange indeed; violators of the law which says, “The seventh-day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” the Sabbath “made for man,” Mark ii, 27, “holy of the Lord, honorable.” Isa. lviii, 13. These witnesses (when we compare their theory and practice together) are laboring under a darkness of mind, or do not express their honest sentiments. We think they have never given the subject as thorough an investigation as they are in duty bound to do. Does the law say that the first-day of the week is the “Sabbath of the Lord thy God?” Wm. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O. DOES THE REVIEW SEEK THE IMPROVEMENT OF ITS WRITERS?
By M. W. HOWARD.
I think it does. It is a silent teacher however, upbraiding not the lack of knowledge; but nevertheless an effectual teacher, leading onward and upward, those who are willing “to follow on to know the Lord.” Who has not in times gone by, often had their attention directed to some point, desirous of greater information, and observed how soon that needed information would develop, either from reading or from social intercourse. How gratefully that instruction is welcomed, when it comes so unostentatiously, that our own lack of knowledge is not exposed, thereby wounding that self-love inherent in every breast. Two little instances of the kind now occur to mind and I will go into detail to illustrate what I mean. Long years ago in my school-days I was reading a paragraph in which occurred the word, sword. In pronouncing it, I gave the full sound to the w (which I still prefer.) The teacher made no correction to interrupt me; but when the class was through, he made several general corrections among which was this—“The word sword was pronounced sword which is a very vicious pronunciation.” Few of the class noticed it, perhaps, or knew to whom the correction applied, but to my sensitive heart the word vicious so grated, that its memory is daguerreotyped there forever. Not long since in penning an article for the readers of the Review, I used the expression, “The great arch-angel who kept not his first estate in Heaven,” &c. I did this in ignorance, having often heard of the “arch-angels”—yea, with some a common favorite expression of prayer in addressing God is, “Thou before whom angels bow and arch-angels veil their faces.” Sometimes in hearing this, I have advanced so far as to query, “From what authority comes the last assertion?” for I have always questioned the propriety of informing God, (I speak reverently) of what he has no where informed us.93When the article was published the prefix arch was dropped. There was significance here, I was confident; but what, came not to my dull comprehension. Still the absence of the little prefix made me think; and when enlightenment came it was indelibly fixed. But did I solve the little problem alone? Oh no! A kind judicious teacher came to the rescue, giving the desired intelligence through a few lines inwrought into an editorial, showing us that Christ is the arch-angel and there is but one arch-angel;—even as the name would indicate, but for my ignorantly preconceived opinions. The chord was struck and it has vibrated to many a pleasing and profitable thought. It is thus the Review seeks the improvement of its writers, as well as its readers. And last but not least do I feel another help. We may not seek after praise, but who is not encouraged by a degree of approbation? Indeed this is needful to our full development, and very gratefully do I acknowledge the measure of this granted me from the readers of the Review. REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
When I came home from Battle Creek, I intended to lay aside all cares, and thus obtain that rest of mind which I so much needed; but I met with urgent calls for help which I could not pass by. I have been at home about five weeks, and start to-morrow for Poy Sippi, Providence permitting. I intend to remain there three weeks, and then go to New Denmark. We have some good meetings here with the brethren and friends who have met with us. We feel the importance of humility, repentance, and zeal, that we may share in the latter rain, and swell the loud cry of the message. The Lord has met with us and blessed on the Sabbath and week days, as we have called upon him, and by faith tried to draw near to God. The church is encouraged to go forward with the remnant, and help bear the cross, that they may at last obtain the crown. At our Quarterly Meeting we were truly refreshed. Two were added to the church. We enjoyed a Bible-scene and Bible-blessing as two willing souls were immersed in the waters of the beautiful lake Koshkonong. A large crowd of spectators had gathered on the shore, and we had good liberty as we endeavored to preach the word. When the weather permits, I like no temple so well as nature, fresh and blooming, undisturbed by the hand of man. God is seen in all his works. With reverence I must bow before nature’s God, and sink into insignificance before the hand that holds creation up. May the Lord bless my brethren, and help us to live as for eternity. Remember that every word and action weighs in the final decision. Be sober. Weigh well your words and actions before you act or speak. Live for the glory of God. Cling by faith to Jesus. And the God of peace sanctify you wholly unto the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Oakland, Wis., July 14, 1867. OH! WHO WOULD SEEK FOR REST BELOW!
By Susan Elmer
Where truth is forgotten and error bears sway,
And those who live godly themselves are a prey,
Where those we would profit here, treat us with scorn,
And in gathering flowers we are pierced by the thorn; Where the rich and the proud are sumptuously fed,
While the poor man works hard for his pittance of bread,
Where the covetous wring from the laborer his due,
And the friends whom we trusted oft prove most untrue; Where the statesman goes forth with a bribe in his hand,
And crimes of all kinds are flooding the Land,
Where the wicked bear rule and unjustly prevail,
And the cry of the bondman is heard on the gale; Where the murderer aims at his victim the blow,
And the heart of the mourner is stricken with woe,
Where the soul of the widow with anguish is riven,
And the cry of the orphan ascends up to heaven. But there is a place where true rest can be found;
It is not here on this low earthly ground;
But in yonder bright world where all is so pure,
Is rest for the weary and a treasure secure. SUSAN ELMER.
Ashfield, Mass. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” 1 Pet. v, 6. Very prominent among the means to bring about this glorious end, is the Bible duty of fasting. Our Lord clearly intimates that the time would come when his disciples should fast, and he taught that it did not consist in formal sanctimony. Matt. vi, 16. The Pharisees never had a divine warrant for disfiguring themselves, and coming before God with disregard to neatness; Ex. xix, 10; also the following from “Facts of Faith,” Vol. iii, p. 263. “Those who worship God with unclean garments and persons do not come before him in an acceptable manner. He is not pleased with their lack of reverence for him, and he will not accept the service of filthy worshipers, for they insult their Maker. The Creator of the heavens and of the earth considered cleanliness of so much importance that he said, “And let them wash their clothes.” Our Saviour gives a divine authority to fasting as a means of grace, and teaches what kind of fasting would be acceptable with God. He points to the future and says, “Then shall they fast.” Matt. ii, 20. Accordingly we find Paul “in fastings often,” 1 Cor. xi, 27, approving himself as God’s minister, “in labors, in watchings, in fastings.” Thus we have gospel precept and gospel example, for this ancient custom of those holy men who “obtained a good report through faith.” But Paul gives this inspired charge, “Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Cor. x, 31, also chap. vi, 9–20. It could never be to the glory of God that we should take such a course in fasting as to damage our system. In ordinary cases, entire abstinence from nourishing food, would impair our strength and energy. There is no Bible example of such fasting, except in the case of a direct miracle. Three instances of this kind are found upon record. Moses, Elijah, and our Redeemer. In all fasting, except that which is miraculous, we have direct Bible example in reference to taking food. See Dan. x, 3. A day of fasting is also called a day of restraint. Joel i, 14. This term throws some light upon the nature of the sacred institution. We are to restrain, keep back all animal lusts, doing all that lies in the range of our performance to bring the entire nature under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. Bodily conditions have a great influence upon the mind. God is a friend to all his children, and knows just how to direct them to do everything the best way. The divine purpose in regard to fasting seems to be that we may engage in holy meditation, study of the Scriptures, and confession of our sins. We are to restrain from all physical labor, care and anxiety, and work zealously in self-examination, and sanctifying ourselves to God. In doing this a laboring man should make a corresponding change in taking food: if he does not, physical inactivity will bring mental dullness, a stupor of the faculties, under a cloudiness of mind, that will effectually hide the sun of God’s love and mercy from his view. There is a special importance attached to humble self-examination at the present time. We are in the day of God’s preparation. Nahum iii, 3. If we move in concert with interested Heaven, we shall manifest great vigilance and activity, exhibiting holy fervor and devotion, laying hold upon all the blessings and privileges that are to be enjoyed by the remnant people of God. Deerfield, Minn., July 4, 1867. —The receipts of internal revenue for the fiscal year just closed are reported at nearly $266,000,000. —Mississippi sent 75,000 men to the rebel army, losing 27,500. Her colored population is 50,000 in excess of the white. —Telegraphic announcements to July 20, state that the President has vetoed the Supplementary reconstruction bill, recently passed by Congress, but that both houses have passed it promptly over his veto. Senators Sumner, Butler, and others utter strong sentiments relative to impeachment. A fight is reported between the Garibaldians and Italian troops. President Juarez declines to be re-elected as President of Mexico, and, it is said, favors a project now on foot, of annexing Mexico to the United States. —Dispatches from Madrid announce that Gen. Prim, the noted revolutionist, who has been for some time an exile from Spain, has landed in the province of Catalonia. Though nothing is definitely known of his destination, fears are entertained that he designs an insurrection in that province. —The Papal Government is much alarmed by the menacing attitude of the Garibaldians, and the batteries around Rome are to be put in an effective condition. The Pope has asked aid of France to protect the city of Rome, and Napoleon has consented to give it. —The appointment by the House of Representatives of a Committee to investigate the conspiracy which led to the assassination of Lincoln is an event of no slight importance. The chairman of the committee is Gen. Butler, whose lifelong experience as a criminal lawyer eminently fits him for such a task. The other members of the committee are Shellabarger of Ohio, Ward of New York, Julian of Indiana, and Randall of Pennsylvania. James Redpath, of Boston, has been appointed secretary of the committee. —It will surprise no thinking citizen to know that negotiations are in progress for the transference of the Sandwich Islands to the United States. Mr. Harris, the chief minister of the government of the Islands, has lately come hither on a special mission; and if the truth were known, we suspect it would appear that our naval authorities on the Pacific Ocean have been for some months under secret instructions, in case of the death of the present king, he having no legitimate successor or heir, to seize the islands in the name of and for the United States. The native race is rapidly dying out; civilization is fatal to them, and by the year 1900, at the present rate of decrease, they will all be gone. The white population is several thousand, chiefly American, who are the principal business men, planters and government officers. By location, by commercial association and use, and by the right of conversion to Christianity, the islands are fairly ours; and in one way or another it has been for some time evident that we shall speedily inherit them. The sugar for the Pacific states is chiefly raised there; they are half way across the Pacific ocean to China and Japan; and our whalers make them a common rendezvous. “Manifest destiny” must have its way, and the Sandwich Islands be ours in fact and form, as for long time in tendencies and spirit.—Springfield Repub. —D. D. Home, the spiritualist, who began his curious career in this city, is undergoing another singular experience. Mrs. Lyon, the rich convert he made last fall, who adopted him as her son and heir, and gave him $120,000 in hand as evidence and foretaste of her good intentions, has now turned against and disowned him, and commenced suit for the recovery of her gift. She had him arrested and thrown into the Whitecross prison, London, on a charge of obtaining money by undue influence, and though he was bailed out the next day, the shock to his delicate nervous system is said to have been so great that it made him seriously ill. The case is a singular one, and the trial of it before the courts will be of great interest, as the nature and reality of spiritualism itself will be investigated. Mrs. Lyon still believes in spiritualism and does not charge Home with deception or fraud, but alleges that he has “a familiar spirit,” by whom she was practiced upon and induced to part with her money. Home will now drop the suffix of Lyon, which he had attached to his name in honor of his munificent disciple and patron.—Springfield Repub. —The amendment to the constitution proposed by Mr. Ashley of Ohio has several good features. It apportions representatives in Congress according to population, declares all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction to be citizens, forbids any State to make laws abridging the rights and immunities of citizens, and declares all male citizens twenty-one years of age to be qualified electors, with a provision that after the 4th of July, 1876, they shall be required to read and write the English language as a qualification to vote. This, at the right time, would have been the best basis of reconstruction. It will be a good thing any time, and its adoption in substance is essential to the perfection of the constitution. Pestilence in China.—San Francisco, July 16. The ship Chelsea, from Hong Kong, with dates to the 24th ultimo, had arrived. Steamer Ajax, from Liverpool, arrived at Hong Kong, May 24, and brought intelligence of a dreadful pestilence at Maneylus. It was first confined to the natives. It is supposed to have originated in unwholesome food. When the Ajax left, the people were dying at the rate of 200 a day of the disease and bilious fever, similar to that seen in the West Indies. The state of the Island was dreadful, people lying in scores dead and dying. Nearly every other house was closed and hospital accommodations were insufficient, and miserably neglected huts were erected for temporary hospitals, into which the sick went to die. Quinine was seventy-five dollars an ounce. There was great and complete panic among the people. Sunday Preservation.—The following notice appeared in the Chicago Journal of July 6, 1867:— MEETING ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.—A meeting of the citizens of Chicago in favor of the preservation of the Sabbath, will be held in Crosby’s Opera House tomorrow, the 7th inst., at 7½ P. M. The meeting will be addressed in German and English, by Rev. Philip Schaff, D. D., of New York, Rev. Joseph Hartman, D. D., H. G. Spafford, Esq., and other distinguished speakers of this city. The music will be led by the German and English choirs of several churches. The attendance of all our citizens, of every sect and nation, who desire the preservation of the right to rest on the Sabbath is earnestly requested. Seats free. Protestant and Catholic Councils. The fifth general assembly of the Congregational Alliance will be held at Amsterdam, Holland, from the 18th to the 28th of August. Prof. H. B. Smith of New York has been appointed to make a report to the alliance on the state of religion in this country. Rev. Mr. Spurgeon of London, Dr. Krummacher and Dr. Kregel of Germany, and Grandpierre of Paris, are a few of the many celebrities whose presence is promised. All the Protestant countries and denominations of the world will be represented, and a hall that will seat 1600 persons is engaged for the meetings. Some of the topics named for discussion are the relation of Christianity to society, to human misery, and to heathenism. Protestants are urged to make this a great and influential meeting that it may counteract the grand Catholic council at Rome, which has been attended by more than 400 bishops, who brought contributions to the pope amounting to nearly eight million francs. The pope intends to call together soon a grand ecumenical council to declare the infallibility of the pope, which has been a belief, but not an authoritative doctrine, of the church hitherto. The Catholic church is making vigorous efforts to strengthen itself everywhere, and its unity gives it advantages over the fragmentary Protestant churches. To bring these fragments into working unity is one great object of the evangelical alliance. Enlarging our Territory.—A treaty has recently been ratified between Russia and the United States, by which Russia cedes to this country all her possessions in the north-western part of this continent, including the strip four hundred miles long between the British possession and the Pacific, and the adjacent islands, for $7,200,000. This is the largest amount of territory ever annexed to the United States, comprising an area of 480,000 square miles, about equal to that of all the country east of the Alleghanies, and when added to our present territory, will make our country as large as all Europe. One-third of the country is north of the Arctic circle. It has a scanty population of about 54,000, largely Esquimaux, and is particularly valuable for its furs, fisheries, and timber. The treaty declares that the cession is made to strengthen, if possible, the good understanding between Russia and the United States. It is stated that Russia will take her pay for the territory in American iron clad vessels-of-war.