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Review and Herald, Vol. 30, No. 4.

ELIJAH THE PROPHET
Earlier text: SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

THE BIBLE A GOOD DETECTER.

By ALDEN GREEN.

“THE Bible is my guide,” is the answer we sometimes receive from believers in the popular theology of the present day, when we request them to read our publications, and investigate our position in regard to the state of the dead, the Sabbath, prophecies, &c. Now I wish to say to such who may chance to read these lines, Do you realize what you are saying? Are you really guided by God’s holy word in all essential matters of faith and practice? If you think you are, there is one Bible injunction to which I would in the first place call your special attention. It is this: Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Are you willing to obey this? You will say, How am I to do it when there are so many false doctrines taught in these days, each class thinking they are right? Very true; there is also a great deal of counterfeit money in circulation; how can we distinguish it from the genuine? By making use of the counterfeit detector, and comparing it with that which we know to be genuine. Let us apply the same rule to religion. The Bible is our standard, the great detector; and the doctrine taught and practiced by the Saviour and the apostles and prophets of old, is the truth, or genuine religion.
Let us apply the above rule to some of the doctrines taught by the popular churches of the present day, and see if they will stand the test.
They teach that Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Sabbath. The Bible plainly says, The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt not do any work, &c. The reason assigned is this: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is; and rested the seventh day; wherefore, God blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
They have a great deal to say about our immortal or never-dying souls, deathless spirits, &c. There is nothing in the Bible to warrant the use of such language. They tell us that when we die, we go immediately to heaven or hell, and will thus live on to all eternity. The Bible plainly says, The dead know not anything; at the day of death the thoughts perish; that there is no device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave. It teaches that God only hath immortality, and speaks of man as mortal; as a being that shall die. I know that the devil, speaking through the serpent as a medium, told Eve that if they did partake of the forbidden fruit they should not surely die, but should be as gods, &c. Let us remember that the Devil is the father of lies. But if a man die, shall he live again? Yes, there shall be a resurrection of the body. Of this there is abundant Scripture proof. But when will this be? Paul teaches that it will take place at the second coming of Christ. “When he who is our life shall appear, then shall we (meaning the righteous) also appear with him in glory.” Blessed promise! Surely, then, we ought to love and long for his appearing.
It is also a very popular belief that the wicked as soon as they die, are sent to hell, and there suffer the most excruciating torments through the never-ending cycles of eternity.
Dear reader, there are more than two hundred passages in the Bible that speak of the wicked in the following manner. The soul that sinneth it shall die; shall perish; shall be consumed; be cut off, &c. Many now believe that the millennium, a time of universal peace and righteousness, is soon to dawn upon the world. But facts and the Bible are against them. For many are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, being covetous, proud, lovers of pleasures, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, turning away their ears from the truth unto fables.
And now, dear reader, in conclusion let me entreat you to investigate our position in connection with God’s holy word, carefully and prayerfully, and see who has the truth, or are guided by the Bible.
ALDEN GREEN.

NONCONFORMITY TO THE WORLD.

By George C. Tenny

THE idea of a difference between the true people of God and the world is not simply the teaching of a single precept in God's word, nor is it confined to the instruction of our divine Teacher alone; but from Genesis to Revelation, we find the path and character of God's people marked out in plain distinction from the ways of the world. The writers of the Old Testament agree with the teachings of our Saviour and the apostles that it is impossible for men to conform to the world and be the servants of God. Says the Saviour, “No man can serve two masters; for he will love one and hate the other.” In accordance with this is the declaration of the apostle John, “If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.” Paul in his epistle to the Romans says, “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds.” But, says one, how are we to separate from the world? We are placed here and must have much to do with the world. This is not the idea. We are not required to live entirely secluded from the world, but we are warned against being conformed to, and setting our affections on, the world, or the things of the world. We should keep in view as the object of our lives the glory of God, the salvation of souls, and the joys of the coming kingdom. We should seek to honor God in all our dealings and conversation with the world, by letting our light shine so that they may take knowledge of us that we have learned of Christ, and we are living in accordance with his teachings. What is there to induce us to love the world or the things of the world? Not only the word of God but our own experience and observation teach us that all here is fleeting, and will soon fail us; empty, and cannot satisfy the soul. But to have our affections set on things above, to love God with all our hearts, and to have a hope beyond this vale of tears, is a constant source of happiness. It affords a balm for every sorrow; a light for each cloud of darkness; and we know when we fail on earth we have a treasure eternal in Heaven. How necessary, then, that we give our undivided attention to obtaining that hope. We are placed here to fit and prepare for the eternal kingdom of Christ, and not for our present pleasure or enjoyment; not to gain the riches, honor, or applause of this world, but the approbation of our Saviour who has lived on earth as a pattern for us, and who died to redeem us from our sins. God forbid, then, that our life should be a failure, that we should come short of doing our part in securing the redemption of our souls when Christ our Saviour has done so much for us. Oh may we fully awake to the importance of the work before us, realizing that the time of probation is almost ended, and what we do we must do quickly; for the night cometh when no man can work.
GEORGE C. TENNY.
Dell Prairie.

THE JUDGMENT.

By J. Wisel

[As the following lines by Eld. Ira Bonnar have never appeared in print, I send them for insertion in the Review, if you think proper. J. WISEL.]
An awful vision comes in view, Assembling nations gathering round; The great and small, the high and low, At Gabriel's trumpet's awful sound.
No room to quibble, nor deceive, No mask will screen the guilty now; A just reward must all receive, And all to God in silence bow.
No false pretense can screen the vile, No hypocrite can stand the test; No false deceiver with his smile Can claim a mansion with the bless'd.
None but the pure can share the smile Or hear the welcome plaudit given; None but the man that's free from guile, Can ever take a seat in Heaven.
All high professions, now are weighed; The dross is sifted from the gold; The Son of God is now arrayed; And all must hear the record told.
The hireling priest must mount the scale, While “Mene Tekel” marks his garb; High sounding words will not prevail, The truth will pierce his glossy robe.
The vain professor too must swing, The beam declares him wanting there; The sifting season now will bring Division of the wheat and tare.
The chaff consumes away like smoke, The tares in flames must melt away; The wicked quail beneath the stroke, The just shall dwell in courts of day,
That awful time at length has come. The filthy shall be filthy still; The righteous, too, shall reach their home; And holy joy their bosoms fill.
The righteous gain that glorious crown, And with their Jesus mount the skies. The wicked ’neath his dreadful frown Are bid depart in sad surprise.
O God, thy servants now inspire, To speak the truth, and point the way That leads from earth to mansions higher, That thoughtless man may learn to pray.
And with the Saviour share a part, And bear the cross that he may gain A shield to screen from Satan’s dart, And reach at last fair Canaan’s plain.

WHICH WILL YOU HAVE?

By A. O. Torrey

Dear reader, life or death lies before you, and it remains for you to choose which one of these shall be your portion. The issues depending on your choice lie just before you, glorious beyond conception on the one hand, fearful beyond description on the other. The glories of the New Jerusalem, so beautifully portrayed in Revelation but just await the people of God—while the threatenings uttered against the wicked will soon be visited upon them.
The time for the continuance of the world in its present state is just expiring. Earth, weighed down by corruption, crime, disease, famine and pestilence, is entering its death throes, and soon, very soon all will be over. Your destiny will then be forever sealed. Oh! will you shout with the ransomed of God on the heights of Zion, as they ascribe, “blessing and honor and glory and power unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever”—or will you join in the prayer of the wicked, as they cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of God and the Lamb? Will you have your portion here, in the poor, vain, delusive pleasures which this world offers you for a brief moment, which must end in eternal night—or do you prefer the pleasures and glories of Christ’s eternal kingdom? Say, sinner, which will you have, life or death—time or eternity? Now you may choose; soon it will be too late. Mercy’s door is now open; soon it will be closed. The stream of salvation yet flows, though it will soon cease. “Then seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God for he will abundantly pardon.” Choose this day whom you will serve, God or Satan,—which you will have, life or death. Be wise, and choose that better part, which shall not be taken from you.
A. O. TORREY.

Conference Department.

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.
Sister Beckwith, of Ohio, writes that the pastor of a Baptist church in her vicinity called at her house collecting for the Bible cause. He introduced the subject of religion. She told him she was a believer in the Advent doctrine, and showed him her books. He wanted to buy them; said he was well acquainted with Wm. Miller’s doctrine, and liked it very much, but knew nothing about the messages. His wife was an Adventist and his pulpit free to any of the Advent preachers. Should any of the preaching brethren or any brethren or sisters pass through Bedford, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, call on sister Beckwith. She thinks there is a good opening for a course of lectures in Cleveland.
Sister A. M. Preston writes from Ogle Co., Ill.: I am thankful that I have a place with the people of God though so far away that I cannot meet with them often. The sermons in my paper are most all the preaching I have, and they are a feast to me. I could hardly live without them. I am striving to overcome all my wrongs so that I may meet my dear Saviour and his children on Mt. Zion. Brethren and sisters let us be faithful a little longer. Let us not fall out by the way, nor be discouraged if we have trials; for they are to purify us. I trust we, the lonely ones, have your prayers, though unworthy.
Sister M. M. Sarchet, writes: I can look back on my past life and see where I have gained victory over some of my besetments. I have bid adieu to tea, coffee, and meats of all kinds, and am feeling much better in health. I want to be able to bid adieu to sin in every shape and form and be one of that tried and faithful company that have come up through much tribulation. I have many things to contend with, but am willing to battle on through this world of sin and sorrow, and say in all things, Thy will, O Lord, be done, if I can only gain an eternal inheritance with Christ and his saints.
Bro. M. H. Brown, of Minnesota, writes: I thank the Lord for present truth, the truths of the third angel’s message. How I love to see the commandments of God lived out. If we, as a people, could, or did, realize the responsibility that rests upon us, how careful should we walk. I fail many times, but I do not feel like giving up. I know that this life is soon to pass away, and I want eternal life. I am thankful for the Health Reform. It is what we want to fit us up for the time of trouble. The Lord is helping me to overcome. I believe the Lord will lead his people now as he did anciently, until they are sealed and able to stand without a mediator. By the grace of God I will be among the number.
Sister C. I. Pierce, of Iowa, writes: I am thankful to my heavenly Father for the preservation of my life. On account of poor health I have not been permitted to meet with the brethren at Pilot Grove, but once in four months. During this time the testimonies in the Review, from the brethren and sisters, have given me strength, and cheered me on in the good way. I praise the Lord for the health and dress reform. I am trying to live it out. How good is the Lord in being mindful of us poor, weak, imperfect beings, to give us information how to live so as to become strong. I am determined, the Lord being my helper, to live up to all the light, that I may be prepared to receive the “latter rain” when it shall come from the hand of the Lord. I want to live so as to be free from the blood of all, and have a clean white robe when Jesus comes. I desire to lead my dear children in such a way that they may be gathered as little lambs when the great Shepherd shall appear.
Sister C. H. Chaffee, of Indiana, writes: My heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that I may so run as to obtain the prize at the end of the race. I deeply mourn over my wanderings, my distance from God, and greatly desire to renew my covenant with my heavenly Father daily, and arise from this lukewarm state, and put on the whole armor of God, that I may resist the enemy, steadfast in the faith.
“Oh, for a faith that will not shrink, Though pressed by many a foe; That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe. “That will not murmur or complain Beneath the chastening rod, But in the hour of grief or pain Can lean upon its God.”
As I am one of the lonely ones, I can well sympathize with such. I would say to them, Be not weary in well doing. God is not slack concerning his promises. If we do not receive the promises of God, it is because we do not comply with the conditions on which the promises are based. May the Lord help us to be faithful, that his word may abide in us and we in him, that we may ask largely at his hands, and receive as our circumstances require.

I Guess not; for the S. D. Adventists don't use Tobacco.

By Charles L. Boyd

While walking along the sidewalk, looking for a certain Sabbath-keeper, I observed to my friend, who was in company with me, that I thought such a man was the person we were in pursuit of.
So accustomed was I to the sight of the use of tobacco, that I did not observe the pipe in his mouth, or the cloud of smoke, as its columns encircled his head, and then ascended to the lighter regions of air.
My friend, although not a Sabbath-keeper, knew of our fixed principles in regard to the use of tobacco, and gave the above reply.
Young men, dear brethren, do you have your feelings often hurt by seeing the finger of scorn pointed at you, and hearing the contemptuous names which are heaped upon those who are striving to keep the commandments of God?
I know, by experience, that this is very unpleasant; but is it not pleasant to hear it said, when we see a person using tobacco, or indulging in other filthy habits which tend to demoralize man, I guess he does not belong to the S. D. Adventists, for they do not countenance such habits? Let the standard be raised, and let us press steadily forward, ever keeping the prize in view, and striving to win souls to Christ.
Let us show our faith by our works, so that it may be said of us as a converted infidel said of a devoted Christian whose arguments he had often baffled, “He lived me to death.”
CHARLES L. BOYD.
Yama Co., Iowa, June 23, 1867.

THE ANGEL GUARD.

By Wm. Pepper

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them.” Ps. xxxiv, 7.
What a glorious consolation this is to know that we have for our companions holy angels of God, who are always ready to defend and deliver us. However poor and humble we may appear before the world, we are the objects of God’s care if we are only followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, doing and obeying the will and commandments of our heavenly Father. And in doing so we have this assurance, “He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” When we compare God in his great glory to puny man who is so prone to sin and to do that which is evil, we are led to exclaim with the Psalmist, “What is man that thou art mindful of him and the son of man that thou visitest him?” Truly it is the pure love of God which he has had for us from the beginning, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Oh then let us always strive to win the approving smiles of our heavenly Father, doing and obeying his will and requirements with all godly fear, lest we at any time grieve from us those dear companions who though invisible are to us a strong and powerful guard.
“He shall charge his angel legions Watch and ward o’er thee to keep; Though thou walk through hostile regions, Though in deserts wild thou sleep.”
Wm. Pepper.
Alton, Ill.

The Best Theology and Philosophy

A firm faith is the best theology; a good life the best philosophy; a clear conscience the best law; honesty the best policy; and temperance the best physic.

The Road to Ruin

The road to ruin is always kept in good repair, and the traveler pays the expenses of it.

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau; George I. Butler

FROM the Iowa Conference we came to Marion, and the evening of the 11th ult. we met with the church in that place and labored to bring before them the principles by which we are to be governed in our business dealings with each other and with unbelievers. Among other things we encouraged a spirit of accommodation and benevolence, disapproved of slackness in deal, which perhaps causes more difficulties among brethren than many are aware, and showed the importance of so conducting ourselves in our business transactions with unbelievers, that the good way will not be evil spoken of. Our labors were appreciated. The church here have good meetings, and are pressing together.
Sabbath, June 15, after a wearisome journey of two days, and having traveled four days in all since leaving Pilot Grove, we met with the church at West Union, and tried to show how we should let our light shine before men, to benefit them. Our text was Matt. v, 14–17. We dwelt especially on the necessity of those professing to believe the truth, to come up to every point of their faith, that those embracing the truth may not be hindered in their progress by their example. The evening of the 16th, we spoke to the church on the proper course to pursue to have good prayer and social meetings. First, get into a proper frame of mind by strictly attending to secret prayer, meditation, various family duties, &c. Second, be sure to not get so weary by worldly labor that you will not be in a condition to enjoy the meeting. This rule is just as good for prayer and social meetings, as it is for the proper observance of the Sabbath. Some come to meeting late, with the poorest of their strength, and with the world in their hearts, and wonder why they are not blessed. It perhaps takes them till near the close of the meeting to get into the spirit of worship, if they reach that point at all. How unwise this course. How much better it would be to meet earlier, before you have used up your best energies, to come to meeting with your minds engrossed in contemplation of the worship of God, to not dwell upon your own business before meeting, but to postpone such matters until you have attended to the Lord’s business.
Sabbath, the 22d, spoke twice to the church at Waukon on the subject of humility, and had a good social meeting in which several took part, endorsing the truths spoken. The reform on dress is being adopted by quite a number of the sisters in Waukon and West Union; not by compulsion, but because it is understood in its true light, and appreciated as a part of the Health Reform.
D. T. BOURDEAU. G. I. BUTLER.
Clermont, Iowa, July 1, 1867.

A BROTHER IN MISFORTUNE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

LOVERS of the truth are bound together by ties stronger than any worldly considerations, or even the bonds of blood relationship. The world is full of its fair-weather friends. They flatter around the child of fortune so long as his prosperity continues; but when that leaves, they too are gone, leaving the unfortunate one ten times more desolate than as though he had never enjoyed their false smiles and hypocritical friendship. Not so among brethren. No loss of fortune or fame can change the feelings of those toward each other whose hearts are imbued with the love of Christ. They know that though poor in this world's goods, a person may be rich in faith and an heir of the kingdom. And wherever they see the image of the Master reflected, there they bestow their heart's best sympathies and love. A brother writes:—
“About twelve years ago, I became acquainted with the Review. I was then prospering and getting rich. But oh! how changed now! Health is gone, property is gone, and with it the multitude of friends that seemed as pleasant as the summer breeze during the sunshine of prosperity; but who, when the clouds of adversity came, turned as cold as the snow that flies before the wintry blast. Will the Review that I have clung to during these long years of trials, now forsake me? Or shall I as during the times of plenty, find it every week ready to cheer and console me, by pointing away from this dark, inconstant world? But oh! the bitter cup of having to say that I cannot pay for it now, or to receive favors for which I cannot make any remuneration. It causes bitter hours of weeping.”
No, brother, the Review will not forsake you. Even more gladly will it try to encourage and help you now than in the days when you had not the weight of misfortune to press you down. And may you find in it each week, something to comfort you here, and aid you in laying up treasure in Heaven, and securing a title to the better land.

IS IT RIGHT?

Is it right to bring anything into a prayer-meeting or social meeting that will cause people to laugh? It seems to me that in any meeting, when we are in the presence of God, and when we are worshiping him, every thing like mirth and lightness, and trifling, should be strictly avoided. Some persons who bring in their testimony speak in such a manner as to provoke a smile or laugh. What they say seems to be good enough if it was only said in the right way. I have carefully noticed its effects and am satisfied that it is never good. It destroys that solemn feeling which becomes the house of God. It leads them into a light, irreverent spirit. I think that we should be very careful of our words, both in praying and speaking in meeting.
The following testimony from the word of God on this subject seems to be to the point. Eccl. v, 1, 2. “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in Heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few.”
I am satisfied that the same thing is true in regard to preaching. As a general rule, any illustration given, or anecdote told which causes the congregation to laugh, has a bad effect. It destroys the solemnity and reverence which is expected and should always be found in the house of God. Sinners are never converted by such preaching; if they are, they are only trifling and joking Christians who are a disgrace to the cause. I intend to be more careful myself, in this respect in the future.
D. M. CANRIGHT. Cornville, Me.

REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.

By P. Strong

June 1st. At Allegan, at the Monthly meeting, as reported by Bro. Bates.
June 2d. In company with several brethren we started for Manlius. After passing over a number of miles of barren waste, which reminded us of the desert places that are soon to blossom as the rose, we came to a halt in the tall pines before taking the parting hand, and sang that cheering hymn, “Sweet hour of prayer.” And while our voices mingled in love and harmony, our hearts were made to rejoice in hope, and we wished ourselves in the better land, where prayers are lost in praise.
We found the brethren all ready for meeting, and trying to live out the truth. They have been laboring under some clouds of darkness, caused by suffering an outside influence, or those that do not stand in connection with them, to bear them down. If such have any love for the truth, and for the salvation of others in that place, it would be well to change their course and exercise more of a forgiving spirit.
Always tearing open a sore, never will heal a wound, but will prove death to the patient. Seeming molehills sometimes grow larger than mountains. Press together. Let brotherly love continue, brethren, and the Lord will give you grace to overcome.
Held four meetings with them, in which humble, cheering testimonies were given by most present. They feel in unison with the resolutions passed at Conference, and will try to live them out.
Returned home to make preparations for the north, and June 13th, came to Caledonia; held six meetings with them, re-organized Sabbath-school, and Bible-class which had gone down. There was good interest manifested in all the meetings. The resolutions of Conference were brought before them, and all appeared to realize their importance at this time and resolved to humble themselves with God's people, in order to gain the blessing.
The necessity of Health Reform is finding a lodging place in their minds, and there is a settled determination to have love and union prevail. Three were baptized, and seven united with the church.
Sabbath 22nd. met with the friends in Duplain; find them trying to hold on. The lock-out argument is being successfully carried out here, and our meetings are being held at present in a barn. If Bro. Byington could give them an appointment on his way from Gratiot, it would do them good and would not be much out of his way. If he can will he please give it through the Review that they may get it in time.
P. STRONG.
Duplain, Clinton Co., June 26, 1867.

FINDING FAULT.

By Jos. Clarke

How natural it is to find fault! Ever since our mother Eve found fault with the Creator for placing a forbidden tree in paradise, it has been the practice of our race to find fault with some one, and as often with wise and good arrangements, as with those that are faulty.
The parent freely spends his life for his children, who very often repay the debt by finding fault with their best and truest friend, whose soul is bound up in them, but who dies of grief and sorrow, because those for whom his life has wasted away, are ungrateful.
Pupils sometimes plant a thorn in the pillow of the devoted teacher by finding fault. Benefactors are often saddened because their gifts have only sharpened the greed of those who partook of their bounty; and they are found fault with because their favors were not large enough. Novices find fault with men of tried experience, and the prophet whose intercessions weigh more with God than all the world besides, is blamed as being the troubler of Israel.
Finding fault with God and with his servants, Moses and Aaron, was the sin which brought much evil upon the host of Israel. Let us avoid this sin.
JOS. CLARKE.

OUR CORRESPONDENTS.

By Editor

We feel that we certainly have cause for congratulation, in possessing so large a number of so considerate, sympathizing, and indulgent correspondents. Our relations with them are, and have been, most pleasant. With almost every article that is sent in, we are freely accorded the fullest liberty in disposing of it as in our judgment shall seem best, and a guarantee given of perfect satisfaction in reference to the result. This relieves us of much that might be very unpleasant to both editor and correspondent. And this confidence reposed in us, certainly puts us under great obligations, which we in a measure feel, and shall try not to abuse. It is our object to do the best we can by each writer, giving as early an insertion as convenient to all, or as much as we feel that we consistently can, of each communication.
Several instances of the manifestation of what we consider the right spirit in this matter, we have already had occasion to refer to. We now call the attention of the reader to the following. A correspondent forwarding an article for the paper says in reference to it:—
“Whether you determine to use it or not, I should consider myself greatly obliged if you would give it a careful reading in order to the discovery of any inaccuracy in the statements therein made, or error in the views therein set forth. I make this request because, having recently come into the truth, I am anxious to disabuse my mind of any false notions which I may have brought with me, if any there be.”
The modesty and teachableness indicated in the above, we can but commend to all for imitation. And we believe that all will agree that such a position is far better than it would be for a person to constitute himself a censor of the press, and demand publicity for his own views, regardless of the conclusions wrought out by the long and prayerful study of others.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
The Festival at Rome.—A Rome special says the ceremonies of the 1800th anniversary of St. Peter’s martyrdom, signalized by the canonization of 25 Dutch, French and Spanish martyrs in Japan, and began with an illumination of the city, St. Peter’s appearing like a great church on fire. At 7 A. M. a grand procession marched from the Vatican to St. Peter’s, the pope being carried on his throne. The cathedral was decorated with cloths of gold and silver, tapestries, paintings, and 200,000 yards of crimson silk, and was lighted with many millions of wax candles. There were 100,000 people inside, among them the ex-King of Naples. The Pope celebrated Gregorian Mass. A curtain on one window took fire, but was promptly extinguished. A man became crazed by the splendor, and cut his throat. The Pope at once reconsecrated the church, which had been stained with the blood of a suicide. Litz composed the music for the grand mass, which was accompanied by chords reaching to the dome of St. Peter’s, and by the cannon at the Castle of St. Angelo. The observances continue a week.
Maximilian has been shot. The N. Y. Independent, though deprecating the taking of life by the State, either in Mexico or the United States, nevertheless says in relation to this event:—
This ambitious foreigner was no doubt an accomplished and amiable gentleman; but he was not shot for being a gentleman; he was shot for being a brigand, a filibuster, a pirate, a usurper, a despot. He was an alien who entered Mexico with an invading army, and sought therewith to overturn the Mexican republic, and on its ruins to erect an empire. The crime which he committed against Mexico was just as heinous as if he had attempted it against the United States or Canada. We admit that, if his villainy had been perpetrated against our own government, he would probably have been bailed; but if it had been against Canada, he would probably have been blown, like a Sepoy, from the mouth of a gun.
If Gen. Washington had any right to hang Major Andre, the Mexican Government had ten thousand times more right to shoot Maximilian:
The crack of the twelve rifles which uttered this Austrian’s death-warrant, and which we hope has forever put an end to “the divine right of kings” on this continent, is a needful proclamation to the Old World that crowned heads are intruders on North American soil; and that foreign bayonets, pointed against a North American people, shall be thrust back into the bosoms of those who bear them hither.
The army of Maximilian deserved defeat; and its leader deserved death. “Sic semper tyrannis!”
Paris, Jul. 3—Evening.—The news of Maximilian’s fate led to the countermanding of the grand military review ordered for the 4th with Imperial fêtes, which was to have taken place in honor of the Sultan of Turkey. The celebration of the 4th by American residents in Paris and visitors generally on the Continent, for which great preparations had been made, was also given up. The French Court has been ordered into mourning according to usual state form by Napoleon.
The Tennessee Election.—No good citizen should forget the vital importance of the pending election in Tennessee, nor suffer himself to be diverted from its significance by any distaste for Governor Brownlow’s rhetoric, or by Copperhead and rebel slanders about the loyal State militia. The question in Tennessee is simply whether the State shall remain under the control of those of its people who are unswervingly loyal to the Union and the Government, or fall into the hands of those who are as hostile to the Union as they ever were. In the remoter country districts of the State the rebel terrorism is as great as it was during the war. If a Union man informs a freedman of his rights he is in constant peril of his life. Men of the late slaveholding class openly threaten to shoot any colored man who votes the Radical ticket; and we understand that Emerson Etheridge, the rebel and Copperhead candidate for Governor, does not hesitate to declare that slavery is not abolished, and that any man deserves to be shot who says that it is. The Union men are literally working in this political campaign for home and property. Their opponents are called rebels because their spirit and conduct are precisely what they were during the rebellion. They apparently dominate public opinion as they did then. To be suspected of sympathy with Yankees is to be avoided and insulted. If a man would trade he must hang a picture of Lee in his counting-room. The feeling is intense and bitter; and if the rebels carry the State in the election of the 1st of August it will be too hot for loyal men, and there will be a vast emigration of them to States where they can live in peace. Tennessee will then be as “democratic” as Kentucky; and any intelligent man who knows what civil liberty is, may imagine what its security would be in a Union composed of such States. We can conceive of no misfortune so signal for this country and for mankind as that the Union should fall into the power of the “conservatism” which has lately carried Kentucky by twenty-six thousand majority, and which now disputes Tennessee with its loyal citizens.—Harper’s Weekly.
—We learn from a statement carefully compiled by the Commercial and Financial Chronicle that there are now in operation in the world 95,727.2 miles of railroad, of which the United States has 36,893.3; Great Britain and Ireland 13,286; France 8,982.5; Prussia 5,794.8; Austria 3,830; all of Europe 50,117.5; North America 39,414.1; Asia 3,660.3; South America 1,041.9; Africa 375; Australasia 607.7; West Indies 410.3.
—The estimated cost of the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is now being built on Fifth Avenue between Fifty-first and Fifty-second streets, is $4,000,000. The foundations of this building were laid in 1858. But for some time all work upon it ceased. It will occupy an entire block. The whole structure above the base course is to be of fine white marble. The towers will reach the height of three hundred and twenty-eight feet from the ground. There will be in all one hundred and three windows, set in double tiers at the sides—the lower thirty-two feet in height, and the upper twenty-eight feet, giving a lofty and grand effect. The glass will be stained in rich and varied patterns, giving to the interior a “dim religious light.” Every thing about this Cathedral is to be finished in the highest style of art, and when completed it will undoubtedly be the finest building of the kind in the country. It is said to be built by the free-will offerings of the Catholic community. This is probably true to a certain extent; but, if we are not misinformed, it is also true that the Catholic servant-girls in our city are required to give each month a certain portion of their wages to aid in building this Cathedral. The poorer classes generally among the Catholics are doubtless expected to do the same.
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