I LEFT Appleton on Monday morning the 11th, to fill my appointments for Quarterly Meetings. On arriving at Mansfield, I was detained by not making immediate connection with trains on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne, and Chicago R. R. for about ten hours, but was kindly entertained by my friend Mr. Ditwiler, who keeps the hotel opposite the station house. His wife embraced the Sabbath and present truth at Bellville. On Tuesday I arrived at Gilboa. Our meeting in this place was not as interesting as we had hoped on account of the stormy weather, and the snow leaving so as to spoil the sleighing. I gave three discourses to the few that came out to hear, and on Thursday morning preached the funeral sermon of Bro. Phillip Radabaugh. The cause of present truth is in a very low state in this place, yet for all this they are now having regular Sabbath meetings. I hope and pray that they may persevere in their efforts to keep up an interest in the truth here till they become more united.
Sabbath and first-day, 16, 17, I was with the church at Lovett’s Grove. I found them moving on with a steady pace toward the kingdom. I enjoyed a free and happy time with them. I gave them five discourses, and enjoyed one good social meeting. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us, and we all felt to renew our covenant with him and try to serve him with faithfulness and zeal in the future. While here I preached the funeral discourse of Sr. Ralston. Her place is vacant in their gatherings for worship and they greatly feel her loss.
I went from Lovett’s Grove to West Townsend, where I have just passed through an excellent meeting. The little society here is composed of six members who are quite aged and infirm. I with them was glad to meet the brethren and sisters from Jackson, Green Spring, and Clyde. On Tuesday we had two meetings which seemed to be a kind of introductory to the meetings of the next day. Wednesday morning, at 10:30, we all gathered at the place of meeting, and we all engaged in a season of prayer. The blessing of the Lord came upon us and we all felt to speak forth his praise with heart-felt joy. After our season of prayer, I spoke for an hour with freedom on the Bible view of Health. This was followed by a free social meeting in which all the dear brethren and sisters spoke very highly of the Health Reform, and declared their determination to live it out more strictly. We were made to rejoice as we met with our dear Bro. Guilford formerly of St. Charles, Mich., at this meeting. He has moved near this place. May God bless him, that he may be a blessing to the little company here that they may all pass safely through the perils of the last days. The Lord is good, we will praise his name.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Vermont and Canada East.
By A. C. BOURDEAU
Owing to existing circumstances in my affairs at home, the Quarterly Meeting for the church at Enosburgh, Vt., was held Jan. 26 and 27, one week later than I appointed in the Review. Elder A. Stone was present and gave two discourses. The church appreciated the word spoken by God's servants; and the prayer and social meetings were made interesting to the aged, middle-aged, youth and children, who all felt to rejoice for the good work that had been wrought in them, and freely expressed their determination to follow on with the remnant in the Christian race, till they obtained the prize. We were especially blest evening after the Sabbath in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and felt to appreciate the following words of the Saviour: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John xiii, 17.
Arrangements were made for Bro. Stone to meet with the brethren and sisters in North Sutton, C. E., Jan. 31, and Feb. 1, 2, and 3. Myself and wife traveled eighty miles with our own private team, and on Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 2 and 3, met with the few who assembled at the house of Bro. Hool's, in Compton, C. E. The Sabbath-keepers in this section are in a scattered condition and do not often meet together; yet their hearts are in the good work, and they have an increasing interest in the progress of truth.
During the meetings in this place I gave four discourses, organized Systematic Benevolence for three families, amounting to about $68.00, mostly in Canada currency, took in one share for the Health Institute, $4.60 for the Publishing Association, and got one subscriber for the Health Reformer, and one for the Review.
On our way to our next meeting, Feb. 6th, we visited at Bro. Steele's, in Derby, Vt. We were happy to find this aged brother and his companion considerably advanced in the Health Reform, and having an increasing confidence in the present truth. May God bless them, and enable them to so advance in the good way that they may soon identify themselves fully with the people of God.
Feb. 8 and 9, we held six meetings with the church at Irasburgh; and although it rained and the roads were bad, yet a goodly number attended. On the Sabbath we enjoyed usual freedom in dwelling upon our present position, and the counsel to the Laodiceans. Then the brethren and sisters followed with cheering testimonies, and earnestly expressed their determinations to practice the truth on all points, that they might have a gathering influence, by their lives as well as by their words. In the evening we dwelt nearly one hour upon the proper manner of celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house, after which the church enjoyed a profitable season in attending to the ordinances, which they had not had the privilege of doing for one year.
The day following, at 10 A. M., I made miscellaneous remarks, nearly two hours, relative to the Western Health Reform Institute, the S. D. A. P. Association, Systematic Benevolence, and church order; which resulted in having two shares taken in the Institute, and $12.50 donated to the Association. Then we examined the standing of the church, appointed a church clerk, invited the brethren and sisters to raise their figures on s. b., and at half past 2 o'clock, P. M., I gave a closing discourse from the words, “To him that overcometh,” etc. Rev. iii, 21.
The church at Irasburgh number about thirty members, and their figures on s. b. amount to nearly $200. per year; yet they are in rather a scattered condition. Families live far from each other, and they are deprived of many privileges which they might enjoy if they were differently located.
Something has been said, with reason and propriety, against having leaders, or prominent members of a church, move away, thus leaving them perhaps in a distracted condition. But I see no harm in having the members of quite a large church situate themselves so as to have more than seven or eight of them meet together for worship from Sabbath to Sabbath.
If the brethren here pursued the course that the brethren in Enosburgh and vicinity did three years ago, it would not be long before they would have a house of worship, which would be not only for their convenience, but also for the convenience of churches and scattered brethren around them. Then they could hold weekly prayer meetings, besides those on the Sabbath, have an interesting Bible Class and Sabbath School; and this would help to keep their children from being drawn away into the world, and have the tendency to win them to Christ and to the love of the truth. Under the good influence that they might shed in this way, others would be induced to examine the truth, and we have reason to believe that there would soon be an ingathering of souls in Irasburgh, of such as should be saved.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Barton, Vt., Feb. 18, 1867.
The Growth of the Cause.
By GEO. W. PARKER.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The subject of the enlargement of the Review and Herald I see is again submitted to our consideration. Our paper is a silent messenger which comes to us weekly, heavily laden with a rich store of knowledge. It contains many cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters, which brace us up to renew our watchfulness; and by heeding its teachings, we as a people are enabled to grow in grace, the love of God, and a knowledge of his truth. Our paper is also an intellectual bond which gives those of like faith a mutual acquaintance with one another, and increases their love and respect for those of the household of faith. At the same time it increases their desire to see the salvation of sinners.152
The word “enlargement” sounds well when it is applied to our love for God and his cause. But this is to no purpose if we do not put our hands into our purses and ask ourselves how much we will do to give it a growth. Let the paper grow ten dollars’ worth for me; and if by God’s blessing, I am better able when it is called for, I will make it more.
Enlarge the paper? Yes. For the time for mercy is narrowing down. The vials of wrath are coming nearer day by day. The long dark night of desolation will soon begin, and the saints occupy the thrones of righteous judgment. In consideration of these facts, let us pour into the treasury of the Lord a recompense as near as we are able, for that which he has given us. Let us not withhold our hand in the evening of the day of mercy.
The paper is a messenger which has brought joy to many a bleeding heart, and such a rejoicing as money without the paper could not have brought. A small sheet may show the excellent capabilities of editors or publishers; it will show also, if we suffer it to remain small, how much we are inclined to support it by subscription or otherwise. I bless the Lord for his bounty in giving us so good a one. But let us enlarge our hearts with love to God, and love to our neighbors as ourselves. Then will our purse strings be unloosed to supply the necessary means for the growth of present truth.
Yours in the hope.
GEO. W. PARKER.
Chicago, Ill.
The Laodicean Message.
By M. E. Cornell
In my meditations to-day, the question came home with force, Have you ever fully heeded this message? and I was compelled to answer, No! There is yet a greater work to be done for me. I must be more zealous in repenting. I must die a greater death. I mourn that I have so little power in preaching and in prayer. It must be I have failed to lay aside every weight. My mind has been too often diverted from this great and solemn work.
I much regret having taken any part in the Photograph business. I now see it was a waste of time and means, and that it was setting a wrong example. I see that the fact that many of my friends requested my Photograph, and that others had engaged in the business, was a poor excuse. I hope to overcome, fortify the weak places, and henceforth to keep to my legitimate work as a messenger of the present truth. I am distressed at the thought of my past indifference, and I now feel that I can never rest till I have the gold, the eye salve, and the white raiment. In the strength of God I would make this last resolve. Brethren, pray for me. I look back and wonder that my labors have not been entirely fruitless. Many times I have been blessed for the truth’s sake, and thus I have kept up courage until now. But when, oh, when, shall this lukewarmness be overcome? My soul longs for gospel freedom. For this I wait, and watch, and pray.
M. E. CORNELL.
Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. LAWRENCE
My last report was from Belleville, Ohio, Dec. 19. I remained there until the 22d, holding meetings and visiting. Then I returned to Fredricktown, arranged my box of books, and Tuesday, the 25th, went to Appleton, Licking Co., where I commenced a course of lectures in the Christian meeting-house, with the understanding that we should have it until we finished our lectures. But after four weeks, they started a protracted meeting in the house without saying a word to us about it; hence, Jan. 29, we moved to a school-house, one mile and a half out. The same evening I received a letter from home, summoning me there in the shortest possible time. Accordingly I started on the morning of the 30th, at four o'clock A. M., and arrived at home the 31st, at ten A. M. My wife had been suddenly and violently attacked with inflammation on the lungs and pleurisy. She was better when I reached home, and is now recovering.
I am holding meetings every other evening in Oakland. I find the state of religion low here. I shall do all I can for them while I remain, and would be glad if Bro. Loughborough or some other efficient laborer could come and spend a little time with me here.
Yours in harmony with all the truths advocated by this people under the third angel's message.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Rochester, Oakland Co., Mich., Feb. 19.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
The Year 1866.—The year 1866 will stand conspicuous in social history for its fatal accidents and melancholy disasters. Storms by land, storms by sea, desolating hurricanes in the tropics, fearful shipwrecks in all parts of the globe, famines in the far East, conflagrations in the far West and Japan, our flocks desolated by murrain, crops destroyed by rain, a bloody war begun and finished in Central Europe, increased armaments and threats of war, rumbling in the crater of the volcanic Eastern question, floods sweeping with destructive violence over whole counties; and finally a succession of colliery explosions, following each other like claps of thunder, and all attended with the most frightful havoc—these are the striking incidents which have gloomily illustrated the story of the expiring year.
Earthquake.—According to a cable dispatch, a terrible earthquake has occurred in the island of Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian group, on the west coasts of Greece, destroying every town.
Senator Wilson succeeded in getting the West Point appropriation bills amended so as to prohibit drills and parades on Sunday, and to make it the duty of the chaplain to organize a class for Biblical instruction and give his whole attention to the religious welfare of the cadets.
Permission has been given by the French imperial commission to the Bible society of France to have its stand in the park surrounding the Paris exhibition. The Bible committees of England propose to unite in the movement, and to make the occasion one for the wide distribution of the whole Bible, or the New Testament, in many different languages. It is thought that some 2,000,000 copies may thus be disposed of, and the sum of $30,000 is now being raised by subscription in England to aid in this enterprise.
Luxury.—At this present moment luxury in France, America, and even England, has advanced till it is becoming mischievous. Men, and still more women, make of outward luxury a passion, till they expend toil and mental force and life itself to gratify it, feel delight when their equipages are the finest, their plate the heaviest, their wines the most expensive, till in fact, mere surroundings have become part of themselves, absorb and stifle all that is nobler in them. To “rise” is to have rich things, to “shine” to have their richest things, to “succeed” to have immensely rich things, and to “fail” to give up rich things, or153not to get them. There is no harm in the rich things, any more than there is in pigs' food, but to want them as pigs want swill is to be piggish without the excuse of a pig's nature; is to the individual, degradation; to society, an injury.—Spectator.
How to Take Cold.—As the thaw has come, the doctors are looking for an increase of business, and as every trade must live we offer a few hints upon the readiest methods of gratifying the fraternity. Persons who are partial to rheumatism should wear thin boots and be careful to keep them well soaked in snow water. A quick fever can be secured by leaving off overcoats. Neuralgia complaints are open to all who walk till they become heated, and then stop at the corner of a street and cool off by a genial chat with some good fellow. Coughs are free to all who will insist upon throwing open their coats in order to catch the gentle south breeze which prevails. The ladies are such thorough experts in this art that we need not offer them any suggestion, but by abandoning their cloaks and rubbers and resorting to their boots and shawls, they will reach a gruel diet by a short cut.
Two boys aged 17 have been arrested at Rochester, N. Y., for a wild but apparently deliberate attempt to kill the first man they should meet on the highway.
Impeachment.—The Judiciary Committee will report on the impeachment matter as soon as certain witnesses in the South sent for have been examined.
London, Feb. 23.—The news from Spain is of exciting interest. Though the Spanish government endeavors to keep the public ignorant of events, there is no longer any doubt that the outrages and high-handed proceedings of the Spanish Queen have at last culminated in the insurrection of many of her disaffected subjects.
Spain.—Spain is a unique country. Whatever despotic measures other governments may have adopted against Liberal representatives of the people, it has been reserved to Spain to exile by one stroke of the pen all the opponents of a new ministry. Still more exceptional (in the Nineteenth Century) is the exile of the nearest relatives of the sovereign, such as the only sister of the Queen, her sister's husband, the Duke de Montpensier, and the brother of the King. But the exile of the Queen's husband “crowns the edifice of the Bourbonic state.” Only one exile now remains to be made, that of the mad Queen herself—and this we shall probably not have to wait for long.
The Eastern Question.—A European correspondent of the N. Y. Tribune writes:—
The organ of Ali Pasha in Constantinople has an article almost every day to show that Europe must not meddle any more in the East, that the only hope of the East is in her being left to decide her own destiny. The Greeks, singularly enough, are crying out for non-intervention as loudly as the Turks. A very able pamphlet has lately been published in Syria showing that this is the only hope of the Christians of the Levant. The same cry of non-intervention is re-echoed from St. Petersburg itself, and declared by the official organs to be the policy of the Russian Government. The Russian Ambassador here professes to hold the same view, and I am inclined to think he is sincere.
If non-intervention were possible, I fully believe that this is the best thing for the East. Turkey wishes it because she thinks that if left to herself she can manage the Christian races as in years past, and hold them under her sway. Greece wishes it because she believes that if left to themselves the Christians will drive the Turks out of Europe, and that Greece will take their place. Russia wishes it because she expects that if left to themselves, Turks and Christians will cut each other's throats, until the Empire is so thoroughly weakened that it will naturally and easily fall into her hands. My impression is that all of them would be disappointed; that if left absolutely to itself the Turkish Empire would gradually disintegrate, without any great amount of confusion or bloodshed, and that within twenty years European Turkey would be divided into four respectable Christian kingdoms, one of which would be Greece, one Roumania, one Bulgaria, and the other Servia. But I fear that non-intervention is not possible, and that we have before us nothing better than war, rebellion, and general confusion, until the Turks are crowded out of Europe.
A Year's Work of Dram-selling.—Carefully compiled statistics show that sixty thousand lives are annually destroyed by intemperance in the United States.
One hundred thousand men and women are yearly sent to prison in consequence of strong drink.
Twenty thousand children are yearly sent to the poorhouse for the same reason.
Three hundred murders are another of the yearly fruits of intemperance.
Four hundred suicides follow these fearful catalogues of miseries.
Two hundred thousand orphans are bequeathed each year to private and public charity.
Two hundred million dollars are yearly expended to produce this shocking amount of crime and misery, and as much more is lost from the same cause.—Young Reaper.
Southern Presbyterians and the Negroes.—The Presbyterian Index, published at New Orleans and Mobile, says: “We honestly believe that the true policy of the Church, having in view the true elevation as well as the salvation of the colored race, is, so far as their ecclesiastical relations are concerned, to keep them as nearly in their former position toward us as their changed social condition will admit. Therefore, instead of repelling the charge made against our General Assembly of trying to hold the colored man in the Church just as he was before his emancipation, we confess it and glory in it.”
The Enlargement.
By D. Hildreth
The question has been asked through the Review in relation to the enlargement of the paper. What shall be done? I would say first of all that I am willing to do my part as a subscriber to have the paper again enlarged at the commencement of the next volume. We are all gratified at the good appearance and intrinsic worth of the paper issued in its present form; but who would not be willing to do something to have it enlarged to sixteen pages, and rank as a first class religious periodical in every respect? To have the Review double its size in the short space of six months, would be a matter of encouragement to every lover of present truth; and I think it can be done. Cannot a sufficient number of subscribers be obtained, at three dollars a year, letting the terms of the Review stand as they are, to meet the additional expense? I will pledge myself to be one of them provided the paper is enlarged. The subscribers should pay in advance; and that it may be known how many can be obtained at this rate, let them send in their pledges to that effect, before the close of the present volume, June 4, 1867. What say you, brother subscribers, to this suggestion?
D. HILDRETH.
Lisbon, Iowa.
"Be Ye Therefore Ready.
By Mary E. Guilford
"The great day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly." The signs which Christ gave of his second coming have been fulfilled, and we are living near the close of time. The few remaining hours of probation are fast passing away; and whatever remains to be done, to be ready for the coming of Jesus, must be done quickly. Now is the time for preparation; the time in which to form holy characters for eternity; that we may be sealed with the seal of the living God, and be able to stand before the Son of man at his appearing.
Truly, we are living in solemn times. The Judgment hour has set. The last message of mercy is being given to the world. Soon will the loud cry go forth in mighty power, to gather up the honest-hearted and bring them into the fold of Christ. Then, speedily will the work be closed up. Jesus will leave the heavenly sanctuary, where he now stands interceding for us. The door of mercy will be closed, and there will be no more pardon for sin. "He that is filthy," must so remain and receive the reward of his iniquity. The wrath of God will be poured out upon the wicked.
But, for those who have kept the law of God and done righteousness, there is laid up a "crown of life," which the Lord will give them at his appearing. Oh, who would fail of being ready in that day, to meet his Lord in peace? Then, if we desire to have a part with God's people, and be accounted worthy to escape those plagues which are coming upon the ungodly, let us make haste to get ready while the hours of probation still linger.
The Lord will have a pure people, "in whom is no guile." Then, let us earnestly seek after godliness, purifying ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, by a proper living, that we may be able to present our bodies to the Lord, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable; and having our conversation pure and holy, free from that spirit of levity and jesting which is unprofitable and savors too much of the world. And may we be daily found walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless.
The perils of the last days are upon us. The world is full of iniquity. We need to guard every avenue of our hearts and souls against the temptations and allurements which surround us. Oh, then let us "watch and be sober;" be fervent in spirit; and diligently serve the Lord, that we may "be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due time we shall reap if we faint not." Jesus will soon come. Let us "watch unto prayer," be faithful to the end, and receive a crown of life.
MARY E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.
A Word to the Friends of the Review.
By H. F. PHELPS
I PRIZE the paper highly; and I think I have good reasons for so doing: It teaches the truth, the present truth. It never sets stakes saying, "Thus far and no farther," as many have done. It is in favor of progress; going from one point to another, one step at a time, progressing all the while. Its columns are ever open to Bible truth. As fast as new truth is developed it accepts it. It never stops to ask if it is popular; never asks, Have any of the chief priests believed it? but as soon as convinced that it is truth, and truth that belongs to this age, it accepts it, and is bold to teach it to others. It never fears persecution. It is bold upon the side of truth; bold, but yet humble; firm and decided, but not self-willed.
It speaks openly, freely and frankly, yet is not hasty. It is patient toward all. It denounces error in the strongest terms, and offers truth in its place. It exhorts sinners to repentance, and points them to Christ. It offers consolation to desponding ones, and points the afflicted to the great Physician. Is ever ready to feed the hungry with the bread of life. Those who are thirsty, it points forward to the river of life, where they can drink and never thirst again. Those who fall into temptation and yield thereto, it exhorts faithfully to return to the fold where the great Shepherd is ready to heal the wounded. It is diligent to visit the poor as well as the rich. It travels far and near, seeking to console and if possible to save some. The lonely ones, who scarce ever have the privilege of attending meeting and hearing the living preacher, can through its columns hear the gospel preached and can have the benefit of a social meeting. All can receive some good. None need look amiss.
Who would not like to have such a paper visit their firesides, or the homes of some of their friends? Who would not wish to have its circulation extended? And who will not promise with me, to secure at least one subscriber if it will by this means be enlarged? It ought to be enlarged. It is not large enough to satisfy us yet. I should rejoice to see four more pages added; and I will be one who will add one subscriber if I have to send it to some friend. Who will be another, and another, till a thousand new subscribers are obtained? Let us see what we can do.
H. F. PHELPS.
What Are We Doing?
By H. M. Killgore
WHAT are we doing in the Sabbath Schools to benefit the children? Are we doing anything to encourage them to form habits of overcoming? Or do we feel, that if we are successful in our efforts to have them get good lessons, our responsibility is ended? Good lessons are indispensable; but they are not all that is necessary. Cannot something be done to throw around them a restraining influence, during their absence from the school?
In thinking over these things at the commencement of the new year, I thought of a plan (which has been adopted by the school here,) that perhaps may be of some benefit. It is this: Every Sabbath let the teachers ask each scholar three questions. 1. Have you used any profane language during the past week? 2. Have you told any falsehoods? 3. Have you spoken any cross words to any one? Let their answers be recorded, and once in three months reported to the school. Then let the scholar whose record proves the best, receive a present of a Bible, or some other good book, as a reward for their efforts. The brethren and sisters can give five or ten cents apiece, the superintendent purchase and present the book.
Perhaps there would be more than one worthy of the prize. If so, more prizes can be given. It would be money well expended. At the close of the year, let the superintendent of each school give a report through the Review, of the number of children in the school, the number of prizes given, and the names and ages of the scholars that received them.
Perhaps some one that has had more experience can suggest something more beneficial than this. Will they please do so; and then let us adopt the plans which shall seem best calculated to promote the future usefulness of the schools.
H. M. KILLOGORE.
South Norridgewock, Me.
THE GLORIOUS GIVER.
How good is He, the Giver,
Whose mercies fail us never,
Whose bounty large is ever
Loving and free, and free
From Him the bright sun shineth,
And soft at eve declineth;
His power the seasons changeth,
Summer and winter, autumn and spring,
And each his praise proclaimeth;
Ever the bountiful Lord and King.
For everything he careth,
His notice nothing spareth;
Not e'en the sparrow falleth,
Without His kind regard,
And here His love has brought us,
His goodness here hath taught us,
That we with one accord
May praise, may praise the Lord.
“To Him who made us, and whose power upholds,
Whose bounteous hand our every want supplies,
Be endless praise:
Whose wondrous love our erring way enfolds,
And night and day with goodness crowns our lives.
To Him whose power the changing seasons bring,
The seed-time, harvest, gentle dew and rain.
For mercies now let our glad voices ring,
And high o’er all exalt and praise his name.”
American Topics in Europe.
The following is from the European Correspondent of The Methodist, dated Bremen, Jan. 26, 1867. We received the paper containing it, just too late to give it an insertion in our last issue. The italic in the last paragraph, we give as we find it. The article is important as showing how strictly true it is that the future actions done by this “two-horned beast,” will be done in the sight of the first beast. The writer says:—
The extent to which every measure of importance that transpires in America is discussed in Europe is remarkable: even the resolutions that are offered in the State Legislatures are sometimes found in the Continental papers, with lengthy editorial remarks thereon. You never do anything that you would be either glad or sorry that the world should know, that is not known here in course of time, and discussed too in all its bearings. Your secrets can not be permanently kept. There are two topics which have engaged universal attention here of late. One is your neighbor Maximilian. It is surprising how much interest has attached here to that representative of European despotism and Catholicism on American soil. Can the plant be made to grow in such republican atmosphere?—that is the question which the monarchists of the old world have been asking ever since Maximilian first set sail on his hazardous enterprise. The general impression here is, now, that the undertaking will prove a failure in the end. If so, what a lesson it will be to every future would-be propagandist of despotic ideas and Roman Catholic error on the American Continent! I suspect it is because the whole affair is an experiment of such vast significance in both religion and politics, that Europeans clothe it with so much importance, and never grow weary of talking about it. The most dignified and stately reviews in Europe regard the subject as worthy of their best pens; and the cheapest and poorest journals are not behind in paying due attention to it.
The other topic lies a little nearer home—I mean the impeachment of President Johnson. One day we are informed that he has been impeached, and the people are left for a day or two to picture to themselves the unprecedented scene of a President of the United States on trial before his peers. Suddenly the news comes that it is decided that he will be impeached! Do not imagine that some of the New York papers are the only ones in the world that set a rumor afloat for the luxury of contradicting it by another on the next day. These conflicting reports on the impeachment of President Johnson are often of the most ridiculous nature. He has been impeached and unimpeached a great many times in all our principal languages, and at the present writing we have no idea of what has become of him.
But the question of speedy accuracy of information in Europe concerning congressional action on President Johnson is a matter of much less moment than the opinions expressed by the best representatives of the foreign press on the propriety of the measure. They discuss the subject in a most serious manner, and evidently regard it as one of great gravity. As far as I have been able to become acquainted with the opinion of the class of journals which are in heartiest sympathy with the United States, I find it to be one of profound regret at the proposed impeachment. They concede that the President has far transgressed his functions, but they say that more must be lost than gained by pressing the impeachment beyond mere debate. This opinion is expressed with the best of feeling—with a love, in some instances, almost amounting to veneration, and with a sincere hope that the American shadow may never grow less.
I might mention other domestic questions which you discuss with natural enthusiasm, while the Babel of Europe takes part in the debate. The general interest which is here felt in all that you do, and the force of American example throughout Europe and the world, lead to the very natural conclusion that no country has more eyes upon it than the United States, nor is there a government on the face of the earth whose measures have a greater potency for good or evil on a larger number of human beings.
A Plea for Restoration
By E. O. Meacham
From Bro. Meacham.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Some years have passed since I have spoken to you, although the Scriptures enjoin it upon us to speak often to one another. I have been slow to believe in God's promises. But “the Lord is not slack concerning his promises as154some men count slackness,” and I begin to see that I have done wrong in distrusting Him whose goodness and mercy has ever followed me through life. Looking from the stand-point which I occupied, I thought our heavenly Father had no more a people on the earth. The church and the world seemed to me alike. All for self, and all seeking the mammon of unrighteousness. So I stood aloof from them. I was bitter in my denunciations against them, and turned from them in disgust.
I became indifferent to religious duties—having the form of godliness, but not the power. Thus I lived until my lot was again cast among Sabbath-keepers. My lot was next cast among the despised in Clyde, and here I found the good Samaritan—a people zealous of good works—a neighborhood of Sabbath-keepers who had not forgotten the new commandment to “love one another.” They appear to be living in the abnegation of the self-hood, cherishing the Health Reform, and patiently waiting for the kingdom of God. May the Lord bless and prosper them.
As I have been so derelict in duty, and by my wrong course of action wounded the feelings of my friends, I ask to be forgiven, and restored back to the fellowship of the church, and may we so live as to be accounted worthy to suffer shame for His name, and ultimately have a seat in his kingdom.
Yours striving for the truth.
E. O. MEACHAM.
Morrison, Ill., Feb. 18, 1867.
Murder of Union Soldiers in South Carolina.
The Washington correspondent of the Detroit Tribune under date of Feb. 23, 1867, writes:—
The report of the committee on the murder of Union soldiers in South Carolina, which was made last night, will startle the country as it has Congress. No really new facts are presented, but heretofore they have rested upon newspaper statements alone, and the Copperheads were at liberty to denounce them as false. Now, we have a series of facts sworn to before the committee, and presented over the names of some of the best members of the House. To state the result with brevity, three Union soldiers were murdered in South Carolina with the most atrocious cruelty, their murderers were apprehended, but through the connivance of prominent rebels in South Carolina, leading rebel sympathizers here, including the President, and Judge Hall, of Delaware, they were set free, and are now at liberty in South Carolina.
Perhaps the most striking fact stated by the report is this: That those villainous murderers were received by their neighbors with “an ovation!” The President and his friends may well grow nervous over this report, for it gives an unanswerable reply to all their delusive argument respecting the “tyranny of the Reconstruction bill.” The President told a New York gentleman who called on him the other evening, that the Reconstruction bill just passed by Congress was the most tyrannical act ever passed by that body. Doolittle, in the Senate, has the effrontery to get up in his place and pronounce the accounts in the newspapers of outrages at the South upon Union men and freedmen as “falsehoods,” and this for the simple reason that he, a rebel sympathizer, a traitor to his party and principles, could travel on the main lines of railway without trouble! The report replies to all such loose statements and denials with a decisiveness that leaves no further room for argument.
Conference Department.
By M. S. CLYDE.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Bro. Clyde.
BRO. SMITH: It is now six years since I first heard the third angel’s message. With that message I received a love of the truth. So convincing was the testimony and harmonious the word that I was amazed, yea, confounded; for I was thus brought to understand what I must do to be saved. I have great reason for gratitude to my heavenly Father for showing me the light of present truth; and now while struggling with the powers of darkness on my way to the kingdom, every day gives me new reason for thanksgiving to God for his sustaining grace.
I look upon the move made in the way of Health Reform as a very important step. And I firmly believe that those who adopt the hygienic mode of living will on trial become convinced that they have been seriously abusing their bodies, and consequently in a measure injuring themselves for God’s service. Let us make haste to deny ourselves of all useless and injurious articles and practices, which hinder us from getting ready to meet Jesus when he comes, that we may become blameless in our spirit, and soul, and body; and then we can pray to be thus “preserved” until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I love to contemplate the results of the reform movement; for I believe that it will bring us upon higher and holier ground, and help us to open our hearts for the full outpouring of God’s Spirit.
May we have a willingness to improve every means of grace, is the prayer of your unworthy brother.