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Review and Herald, Vol. 40, No. 14.

The Law of the Sabbath
Earlier text: Words from Alexander Campbell

The New England Conference.

By Stephen N. Haskell; F. A. Buzzell

The second annual session of the New England Conference of S. D. Adventists was holden, pursuant to notice given in REVIEW, at South Lancaster, Mass., Aug. 29, 1872.
The President in the Chair. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. Seventeen churches and unorganized bodies were represented by delegation, one by letter, and two were not represented.
Voted, To receive the church at Norfolk, Ct., into this Conference.
Voted, That Bro. S. H. Twing be received as delegate from said church.
Elds. J. N. Andrews, W. H. Littlejohn, and Geo. I. Butler, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference; also all the members present of good standing in our churches.
Voted, To omit reading the minutes of last year’s session.
Voted, That the Chair appoint a Committee on Nominations and Resolutions; also the Auditing Committee.
Voted, That the Committee on Nominations also nominate the Camp-meeting Committee.
Remarks were made by Elds. Butler and Andrews, with reference to the importance of responding to the call from Battle Creek for the removal of suitable persons to that place.
The Chair appointed the following committees, viz.: On Nominations, J. N. Andrews, L. W. Hastings, and C. L. Sweet; on Resolutions, W. H. Littlejohn, Geo. I. Butler, and L. W. Hastings; Auditing Committee, C. W. Comings, J. C. Tucker, Samuel Martin, C. L. Sweet, W. E. Landon, and Samuel Green.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.

SECOND SESSION.

Sept. 1. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler.
Voted, To donate to the General Conference the sum of six hundred dollars, previously loaned to it.
Committee on Nominations report as officers of the New England Conference: President, Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass.; Secretary, F. A. Buzzell, New Ipswich, N. H.; Treasurer, C. K. Farnsworth, Washington, N. H.; Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, H. B. Stratton, A. W. Smith; Camp-meeting Committee, H. B. Stratton, J. C. Tucker, Samuel Martin.
Report being accepted, the nominees were elected by a unanimous vote.
Eld. Geo. I. Butler introduced the following resolution:
Whereas, It has been thought advisable that each Conference should send to Battle Creek one or more families to represent them at that place in sustaining the work connected with the general interests of the cause, therefore,
Resolved, That we, as individuals, hereby pledge ourselves to respond to the call of the N. E. Conference Committee, providing they should at any time indicate that in their judgment it will be the duty of any one of us to move to Battle Creek, for the purposes above mentioned.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.

THIRD SESSION.

Prayer by Eld. J. N. Andrews. Remarks were made by Elds. Haskell, Butler, and Andrews, in regard to laborers in the N. E. Conference.
Voted, That we extend an invitation to all those who have a desire to labor in this Conference to confer with the Conference Committee.
Voted, To renew the credentials of Elds. Haskell and Rodman.
Eld. Butler made remarks explanatory of movements in reference to the school at Battle Creek, and expressive of the fact that it was in the providence of God, and therefore would prove a success, when regulated and sustained by right influences.
Elds. Butler and Haskell spoke of the importance of raising a health publication fund, and earnestly urged this Conference to contribute toward its accomplishment. In response, the brethren and sisters pledged the sum of $1162.50, and paid the sum of $350.00.
Voted, To purchase chairs and settees for the use of the feeble on the camp-ground. For this purpose, and to complete the payment for the ground, $153.50 were at once pledged, of which $65.50 were paid. Reports received from the several churches in the N. E. Conference show a net gain during the past year of twenty-one members; also one company has been admitted into the Conference.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
F. A. BUZZELL, Sec.

Milford, Barton Co., Mo.

By L. D. Santee

OUR meetings closed at Milford, Sunday evening, Sept. 1. The tent was pitched in this place Thursday, Aug. 1. Bro. Blanchard commenced the work, and gave five discourses on the prophecies, when sickness compelled him to desist. I arrived at Milford, Friday afternoon, Aug. 9. Found the meetings had closed for two evenings. I preached Friday evening, and Bro. Wood, from Nashville, who had come to spend the Sabbath with us, concluded to sacrifice personal interest and assist in preaching. Bro. Wood and I preached alternately until Tuesday, Aug. 20, giving eighteen more discourses to a well-filled tent, chiefly on the subjects of the law of God and the Sabbath. The interest was steadily increasing. Bro. Wood was then called home by the sickness of his family, since which time I have been alone with the tent.
Since Bro. Wood went away, I have preached nineteen times, on the Nature of Man, the Fate of the Transgressor, &c. The interest increased to the close, in confirmation of which I would state that over six hundred were in attendance during the three services that closed the meeting. We can report that nineteen are keeping the Sabbath in Milford. Four were buried with their Lord in baptism. Many more expect to be baptized when this place is visited again. May the Lord’s tender blessing rest upon those who have confessed him before the world.
I came to this place (Nashville) Sept. 2. Found that Bro. Wood had a deeply afflicted family. His oldest son died the evening before my arrival. I preached the funeral sermon, and fainted away immediately after I had pronounced the benediction.
I am now at the home of Bro. Wood, and enjoying all the attentions that his kind family can render me. I am slowly recovering strength, though I fear that I shall not be able to do much preaching at Georgia City. Bro. Wood’s family are still seriously ill, though we hope that he will be able to leave them to assist in preaching at the camp-meeting.
In looking back over our past month’s labor, we can see that the hand of the Lord has been with us. Oh! may he give strength to work in his vineyard. We plead with you in the words of the Macedonian church, Come over and help us. Many here are hungry for truth. Can this hunger be satisfied soon?
I visited Bro. Blanchard about two weeks ago. His lungs are very much diseased. I do not think he will be able to preach any this fall. Pray for us. L. D. SANTEE.

Maine Conference.

By GEO. W. BARKER; W. H. BLAISDELL

THE Seventh-day Adventists of Maine held their annual Conference on the camp-ground, near Skowhegan, Aug. 23, 1872.

FIRST SESSION.

Prayer by Bro. W. H. Littlejohn. Credentials of delegates were then called for.
The following churches were represented: Athens, Cornville, Canaan, Falmouth, Hartland, North Jay, and Norridgewock.
On motion, Voted, That Bro. George Umberhind act as delegate to represent the Richmond Sabbath-keepers in the sessions of this annual meeting.
On motion, Voted, That Eld. Geo. I. Butler, W. H. Littlejohn, and all other brethren in good standing, be invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
Voted, That the President appoint a committee to nominate officers for the Conference and for a Camp-meeting Committee. Geo. I. Butler, Joseph Hilton, and W. H. Blaisdell, were appointed. Also,
Voted, That the Chair appoint an Auditing Committee, consisting of six lay members, to assist the Executive Committee in settling accounts with ministers. Brn. Bryant, Morton, Hartford, Hilton, Rowe, and Davis, were appointed.
Voted, That all who desire a license, or credentials, make application to the present Conference Committee sometime during the holding of this Conference. Important remarks were here made by Elds. Butler and Littlejohn on the subject of granting licenses and credentials, and also in regard to settling with the preachers.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.

SECOND SESSION.

Prayer by Bro. W. H. Littlejohn. The Nominating Committee brought in their report which was accepted.
The following board of officers was elected: President, J. B. Goodrich, Hartland; Secretary, W. H. Blaisdell, Rome; Treasurer, W. J. Haynes, South Norridgewock; Executive Committee, J. B. Goodrich, Geo. W. Barker, Wm. Morton; Camp-meeting Committee, Geo. W. Barker, J. B. Goodrich, and T. S. Emery.
Credentials were granted by the Conference, to Bro. J. B. Goodrich, and a license to W. H. Blaisdell. The report of Bro. R. S. Webber, in regard to the arrears on publications, was read and accepted.
On motion, Voted, That Bro. Webber continue to take charge of the collecting of arrears on the publications for the ensuing year.
The reports of the Secretary and Treasurer showed the standing of the Conference to be as follows: Number of churches, 9; number of members, 178; commenced to keep the Sabbath, but not yet united to any church, 62; number paying s. b., 125; number of Sabbath-school scholars, 233. Amount of s. b. pledged to the conference, $802.13 Amount in treasury at the beginning of the year, $7.45 Paid into the Treasury during the year, $785.26 Paid out of Treasury during the year, $747.22 Balance now in Treasury, $45.49. The report of the Auditing Committee was read and accepted.
Voted, to donate to the General Conference the sum of one-hundred dollars.
Voted, That the doings of this Conference be forwarded to the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication. Adjourned sine die.
GEO. W. BARKER, President. W. H. BLAISDELL, Secretary.

Doing Daily Duty Faithfully and Patiently

Do daily and hourly your duty; do it patiently and thoroughly. Do it as it presents itself; do it at the moment, and let it be its own reward. Never mind whether it is known or acknowledged or not, but do not fail to do it.

Tract and Missionary Department.

By S. N. Haskell; M. L. Huntley

Quarterly Meeting of the New England Tract and Missionary Society.

Agreeably to appointment, the New England Tract and Missionary Society met at the time of the New England camp-meeting, Aug. 30, 1872.
The meeting being opened in the usual manner, the report of the preceding meeting was read and accepted. After some remarks, the report of missionary labor during the past quarter was called for and read, which showed the total distribution of publications to be 35,467 pages. Number of REVIEWS distributed, 155, Instructors, 15, Reformers, 112. Subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 19, Instructor, 11, Reformer, 112. Number of bound books presented to libraries, 149. Present number of members, 178. Number added during quarter, 25. The quarterly report of the Vigilant Missionary Society showed the number of letters written by its members to be 88, and 66 received. Distribution of publications, about 2,944 pages, also quite a number of subscribers obtained for periodicals.
Financial report of the Tract and Missionary Society.
Cash on hand, May, 1872, — $209.69 Rec’d for membership, — 25.00 “ on donations, — 19.75 “ “ sale of books, — 5.33 “ “ delinquent fund, — 6.70 $266.74 Paid for publications, — $59.52 “ on periodicals, — 43.01 “ widow and orphan fund, — 3.50 Freight, postage, &c., — 28.05 Am’t. on hand, — 132.39 $266.47
A statement of the standing of the periodicals in this Conference being called for, a report from the general agent showed 1132 subscribers, of which more than one-half have paid in advance; and of the remainder, only about thirty-seven are more than one volume in arrearage, and but very few more than one year.
Brief remarks were made by Elds. Littlejohn and Andrews with reference to their faith in the efficiency of Tract Societies, and the importance of carrying forward the work begun. Owing to the press of other important matter, it was impossible to devote that amount of time to this department, which would doubtless have been both interesting and beneficial.
S. N. HASKELL, President.
M. L. HUNTLEY, Secretary.

Appointments Withdrawn

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Appointments Withdrawn.

Bro. C. Stoddard of Jay, Saginaw Co., Mich., writes that he will not be able to fill his appointments, as given in last REVIEW. Circumstances have so shaped, that he will not be able to attend meetings abroad till November.
Smith's Creek, Mich., Sept. 28 and 29. Memphis, Oct. 5, “ 6. Greenwood, “ 12, “ 13. D. H. Lamson.
No Providence preventing, we will hold meeting in Flushing village, Sabbath and Sunday, Sept. 28, 29, 1872. I. D. Van Horn, S. H. Lane.
If nothing in the providence of God prevents, I will meet with the friends at Portland, Me., Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 21 and 22. The dedication of their hall is expected at this meeting.
Will also be at South Norridgewock, Sept. 28 and 29. S. N. Haskell.
The next quarterly meeting of the S. D. Adventist church of Ulysses, Pa., will be held at the Kibbeville school-house, Sept. 28, 29, 1872. The scattered members are invited to be present. Will the Conference Committee please send us some help on the occasion? A. D. Galutia, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting at Memphis, Mich., Oct. 5 and 6. A general invitation is extended. Let all our scattered members report in person, or by letter. Brn. Lamson and Kenyon are expected. H. S. Gurney.
With the church at Allegan, Oct. 5, and remain over the second Sabbath. Brethren there will arrange for meetings as they think best. H. S. Gurney, Chas. Jones.
Quarterly meeting at Sevena, October 5 and 6. Come prepared to seek the Lord. Bro. Marsh is expected. George Foreman.
Quarterly meeting of the church at Hundred-Mile Grove, Wis., Oct. 5 and 6, at which time all who wish will have an opportunity to join the Tract and Missionary Society. We hope to see a general gathering. N. M. Jordon.
Quarterly meeting of the church in Locke, Mich., Sabbath and first-day Sept. 28 and 29. Sister churches and scattered brethren invited. Albert Avery.
With the friends in Gratiot Co., at Ithaca, Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 21 and 22. Would like to see a general gathering at this time. Sabbath, Sept. 28, I will meet with the friends at Vernon, Isabella Co., and continue with them over two Sabbaths. J. O. Corliss.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the churches in Tract Society and quarterly meetings as follows:— District No. 3, Ransom Center, Sept. 28, and 29. East half District No. 4, Oct. 6, where Bro. E. P. Giles may appoint. E. H. Root.
Quarterly meeting for Oakland, Johnstown, Raymond, and Little Prairie, at Little Prairie, Oct. 5 and 6. Meeting to commence Sabbath evening. C. W. Olds.

Business Department.

Not slothful in Business. Rom. 12:11.

Business Notes.

The P. O. address of Eld. J. H. Waggoner is for the present, Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio.
A SABBATH-KEEPING blacksmith, one capable of doing general custom work, horse-shoeing a specialty, can find steady employment by applying immediately to J. B. Ingalls, Trempeleau, Trempeleau Co., Wis. References: Elds. Sanborn and Downer.
RUSSELL HART: Bro. Andrew’s revised edition of the History of the Sabbath is not yet printed.
MARY ZIMMERMAN: You can have the third volume for $1.00.
A. M. L.: Yes.
S. C. BUTE: Your communication we refer, and forward, to the Iowa Conference Committee.

RECEIPTS

For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money to the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$2.00 EACH. Wm Boynton 42-13, M P Robbins 42-13, J Medley 42-10, Wm Fenner 41-14, W Shade 40-1, P D Nye 42-16, H Phillips 42-18, Amanda Silver 41-1, I C Sanborn 42-13, G Lloyd 42-10, N Carryahoof 42-10, J T Richards 42-16, J W Price 42-14, H Spencer 42-13, C C Whitman 42-15, L Schellhouse 44-4, J Mott 42-14, A H Lewis 42-1, O Hoffer 41-9, C F Worthen 42-1, Daniel Straut 42-1, Dr J O Reynolds 42-14, M L Huntley 42-14, H W Simonds 40-10.
$1.50 EACH. J Broaders 42-13, J Traverse 41-16, E Bice 41-16, S Bice 41-16, D A Goff 42-14, Geo W Skinner 42-14, J T Maress 41-12, S Sargent 41-1, Wm Bailey 41-1, T D Varney 40-1, H B Chase 41-18, Anna Pond 42-13, A Ferguson 42-13, J S Waggoner 42-13, M J Mills 42-15, Wm Wood 42-13, W Millsap 42-13, Lucy Nelson 42-13, C L Beach 42-13, L A Rambo 42-13, F F Dopking 42-13, S A Cassel 42-13, C Williams 42-13, J W Phillips 42-13, J B Hewitt 42-13, M Mellor 42-13, D B Goode 42-13, A Weaver 42-13, T H Forbes 42-13, J W Wolgamott 42-13, R McClellen 42-13, R H Leland 42-13, G W Brown 42-13, M A Moore 42-13, Mrs N Grayson 42-13, Mrs S A Douglas 42-13, Mrs Bell Kinslow 42-13, Mrs E High 42-13, H F Goslin 42-1.
$1.00 EACH. Mrs I B Strong 41-14, Lucy Decker 42-1, J Harris 41-13, Chas Downs 41-13, M P Martin 41-1, A G Carter 41-10, J Kimble 42-1, W C Nichols 41-14, L N Lane 40-21, M A Green 41-9, J Burroughs 41-1, Chas L Preston 40-18.
Miscellaneous. H S Stipp 75c 41-31, J H Shortridge 2.50 43-10, G Sweet 9.00 45-1, P Strong 6.00 45-1, Mary Bice 50c 40-16, C J Burlingame 65c 41-10, Jos L Hakes 1.75 42-7, J F Porter 2.55 42-26, M Seeley 75c 41-14, Geo B Gaskill 2.50 42-14, M Cooley 75c 41-14, C W Fall 75c 41-14, M Sinclair 5.50 66-17, J Marvin 2.50 40-1, L A Kingsley 2.25 41-1, S Wanofsky 1.25 42-7, T M Preble 2.50 40-14, M Greenough 2.25 41-1.

Books Sent by Mail.

R F Andrews $6.45, J P Smith 25c, E P Giles 50c, J P Rathbun 50c, J Munger 50c, Chas Schaup 50c, Edward Schaub 50c, H M Johnston 20c, A G Carter 40c, O Hoffer 10c, M P Martin 20c, J L Hakes 25c, D E Carr 10c, T H Archer 25c, Wm Peniman 10c, M A Jeffery 50c, W A Raymond 25c, D B Welch 50c, A E Herrick 45c, Alonzo Haughey 15c, J B Dickinson 2.97, E H Sibley 10c, E B tearnes 10c, Edward Sage 10c, C R Knowlton 10c, F Warner 10c, T Barrett 10c, J C Nelson 53c, E S Lane 75c, T Bryant 10c, C F Worthen 10c, E B Carpenter 1.00, J W Palmer 35c, T H Purdon 40c, B Graham 50c, Mrs A C Bourdeau 53c, H B Hammond 2.00, J C Jones 4.40, L M Sheldon 50c, N B Hovey 20c, J F Porter 2.75, S M Holly 1.70, S Shafer 25c, E Lobdell 2.00, P Dun 12c, Lucina Gage 04c, S M Fuller 04c, E Cobb 25c, A F Ball 50c, W Bennett 25c, A H Clymer 2.00, S B Crandall 1.00.

Books Sent by Express.

Ambrose White, Ceresco, Mich., $7.02, Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., 55.77, A. C. Bourdeau, East Charleston, Vt., 8.36, Hans Shong, 82 Rucker St., Chicago, Ill., 10.00, D. H. Lamson, Memphis, Mich., care of H. S. Gurney, 26.15, David B. Geil, Pine Island, Minn., via Red Wing, 5.60, H. Bingham, Morrisville, Vt., 3.88.

Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.

Joseph Fieger, $10.00, George Lowree 50.00.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Received from Convis, $20.00, Memphis, 45.17, Mendon, Gabriel Langdon (s. B.), 5.20, Charlotte, 37.50. Battle Creek, $400.00.

General Conference Fund.

Geo. A. King (s. B.), $7.00. Mich. Conf. $1500.00.

Cash Received on Account.

D. T. Bourdeau $21.50, R. T. Payne 2.00, S N Haskell 228.73, Jacob Hare 15.00.

Book Fund,—$10,000 Wanted.

Amount previously acknowledged, $5264.88.
Five Dollars Each. Susanah Harman, G W Mills, Carrie Stipp, Joseph Fieger, A Lawson, Hannah L Sawyer (thank offering).
Miscellaneous. Wm P French $1.00, Thank offering from a friend 1.00, C A Towle 1.00.

Europe Preparing for War.

Rumors of coming conflicts, and, indeed, of a general war, have filled the atmosphere of Europe for some time past. It may be that great preparations to avoid war, or, at least, to be ready for any emergency, have given currency to these rumors, although the occasions for war are not wanting. But the state of things all over the continent, at the present time, is decidedly martial, and the peaceful but grand military displays that are taking place have a significance. The London Times says:
“The hosts of Europe are being marshalled in numbers sufficient to invade and conquer kingdoms. They are provided, at immense cost, with the full equipment and the most scientific apparatus of war; they are commanded by generals who feel, it is said, all the responsibilities of a campaign, and by officers earnest to obtain the practical knowledge of their profession; they engage in the most complicated operations, and all to prepare for that coming war which the policy of every European State assumes to be inevitable. The Russians commenced their grand maneuvers this week, and are still in the midst of them. It is to be hoped that in their northern latitude, the heats from which we are suffering are a little tempered. The Prussians enter into campaign on the 1st of August, and for nine days the operations will proceed with as much seriousness and precision as if the armies were once more marching on Paris. The great heat prevented the French review the other day, but the autumn will not have begun before the reconstructed army of the republic will be tested as openly as its chiefs can venture to recommend, considering the susceptibilities of Berlin. The Austrians, ever beaten, but ever confident, and with a military machine which, to the professional eye is always in perfect order, will not be behindhand. No State has labored more at army reform and organization than Austria during the last six years, and she will take her usual pride in exhibiting her new weapons and her new uniforms on the largest scale to military critics. Passing over minor continental States, which are all ready to spend their last shilling on soldiers, we come to a country in which there is more fuss about military matters than in any other, though the people, with the utmost sincerity, protest their peacefulness, and boast of their freedom from the warlike passions. We, too, shall have our autumn maneuvers to display, and instruct a select portion of the national force which, as far as numbers go, is really formidable, and which is certainly far larger than Great Britain has ever maintained in time of peace. Between the present time and the end of September, the governments of Europe will have set in the field whole armies, the choicest levies of a body which cannot be reckoned at less than four millions of men.”—N. Y. Observer.

Explanation of Delay in Publication

By Editor

Explanation.

THE delay of the paper last week and this, is owing to the fact that our printers were given the privilege of attending the good camp-meeting in this place, Sept. 4-10, and immediately after that meeting, we were obliged to leave for the S. D. Baptist General Conference, at West Hallock, Ill. We had designed to give some account of that meeting in this paper, but other pressing duties and a lack of time, prevent. We shall make up lost time as fast as possible, and hope after one more number, to be able to issue the paper again on time.

The School.

THE second term of the School in Battle Creek, opened Monday, the 16th inst., with forty regular scholars, besides others who attend the grammar class. As compared with the first term, which opened with twelve scholars, this is a gratifying advance. Others are expected to enter the school soon. Bro. Bell being temporarily indisposed, John Kellogg is conducting the school till Bro. B. shall be able to resume his charge.

Progress Department Overflows With Brethren's Reports

By Editor

Our Progress Department is this week so full, that some matter which properly comes under that head, is forced to find another place in the paper. This speaks well for the activity of the brethren in this direction. Let the good work go on. No more interesting matter can be furnished to the lovers of the cause of truth, than reports of its progress.

Christian Statesman Enlarged as Weekly Organ

The Christian Statesman, the organ of the Constitutional Amendment movement, comes to us this week under the auspices of the “Christian Statesman Association,” which has been formed for the purpose of prosecuting this enterprise more vigorously. The paper is considerably enlarged and is to be published hereafter weekly. This number announces subscription to the stock of the Association, amounting to $5885.00.

The Golden Censer Praised as Exchange

The Golden Censer comes to us this week, in a new dress, adorned with a border, and improved generally in appearance. It is published by John Lemley, Rockford, Ill., at $1.25 per year. For uncompromising war against intemperance, and for good practical Christian reading, we consider it one of our best exchanges.

Vermont and Canada East Conference.

By N. Orcutt

I desire to say through the REVIEW, to the S. B. Treasurers of the churches connected with the above-named Conference, that Section 4, Article III., of the Constitution, makes it their duty to report to the Secretary at the end of each quarter, the amount they have sent to the Treasurer during each quarter.
The financial year commences Jan. 1, and reports should be forwarded the first of Jan., April, July, and Oct. It is especially desired that this matter be promptly attended to.
If any Treasurers have not the blanks for reports, they will be supplied on addressing me at Jamaica, Windham Co., Vt. N. Orcutt, Conf. Sec.

The Papal Question.

The occupation of Rome by the King and Government of Italy was the first act of a drama which grows in intense interest with every month. It was a blow to the Papal temporality which, after the downfall of the “Eldest Son of the Church,” was inevitable. Ever since a secular arm thus possessed itself of the sacred city, the Pope has resided in sullen protestation at the Vatican, claiming, but still refraining from, the exercise of the sovereign power in Rome. Time has only rendered the situation of the successor of St. Peter more precarious and his ambition to recover the lost patrimony of the Church more hopeless; until now the Papacy is threatened with double evil of absorption by the Kingdom of Italy and the imposition of a nominee of Protestant State upon the throne of the Popes. An account has recently appeared of an interview with Prince Napoleon, in which that shrewd and brilliant Frenchman declares that the only true policy of the Holy Father is to come to terms with Victor Emanuel. Prince Napoleon is no ordinary man, and his words are not idly spoken. He is one of the most original and liberal of French thinkers, one of the most forcible of French orators, and one of the keenest of observers of the politics and public characters of the age. While a partizan of the Empire of his cousin, Napoleon III., he yet suggested reforms, and boldly favored a progress towards liberal institutions. An actor in many of the principal events of the last quarter of a century, he understands the complications and difficulties of European politics as thoroughly, perhaps, as any man living. He has peculiar qualifications for judging wisely of the Papal question, for while he is a citizen of the nation which above all others best merits the title of “defender of the faith,” his family connection with the King of Italy inspires his sympathy for the newly-created sovereignty of the House of Savoy. Prince Napoleon deplores the obstinacy of the Pope and his counsellors, and urges that unless some arrangement is soon effected with the Italian Government, it will be too late. The Pope may, by persistently shutting his eyes to things as they are, not only not regain Rome, but lose his present refuge of the Vatican.
Prince Napoleon’s advice to Pius IX. and his Ultramontane counsellors is all the more wise and timely because Bismarck is preparing to impose the will of a Protestant power on the College of Cardinals. It is his plainly declared intention to effect such an election to St. Peter’s chair, on the death of its present occupant, as shall be satisfactory to the Protestant Court of Berlin. He has gone so far as to propose a compact to this end to the principal European powers, and the remarkable statement is made that Italy, Austria and Spain—but a few years ago the three great pillars and bulwarks of the Papacy—have responded favorably to the German chancellor’s appeal. Bismarck intends to have a non-political, an exclusively ecclesiastical Pope; there shall be no Vatican influence to teach the Poles to be rebellious, or nourishing conspiracies in German convents. The war is not only declared by the great Pomeranian statesman, but it has begun in good earnest. Six months hence no Jesuit is to be allowed to breathe German air. Prelates and priests who refuse to accept the rule of Wilhelm I. as paramount to all authority, sacred or secular, whatever, are to be dealt with in the summary fashion which Bismarck has made an art. This danger which so seriously threatens the Papacy, of being forced to receive a head chosen by a Protestant and a persecutor of Catholics, can only be averted by the seasonable submission of Pius IX. to the inevitable. The conciliation of Italy is necessary, and might be efficacious in preventing the execution of Bismarck’s design; indeed, should the Papacy cease to be temporal, or to claim temporalities, this would to a large extent deprive Bismarck of the motives of his proposed action. These are truly troublous times for the Church; and the nineteenth century will be fatal to it unless its venerable head acknowledges and submits to the changes which the nineteenth century has wrought.—Ex.
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