Earlier text: Notes on GenesisLABORS IN NORTHERN MICH.
By Merritt E. Cornell
I CLOSED my labors in Saginaw and Midland counties the 28th of April, having given in all, forty-one lectures. Considering the extremely bad going and my feeble state of health, the lectures in Saginaw county resulted far better than we had expected. The people were very eager for the truth, having never heard any lectures on present truth. Upwards of sixty are now keeping the Sabbath, in the place where I preached. Before I left, they had a business meeting and resolved to build a meeting-house 36x50. The site was located and the work was commenced immediately. I assisted them about commencing Sabbath School. They organized with seven classes and thirty scholars. They will also have a large Bible Class. The second course of lectures, ten miles further up the river, in Midland Co., was cut short for want of time, but circumstances over which I had no control, prevented further labor there at present. Twenty-five decided to keep the commandments in this place, making in all over eighty new Sabbath-keepers in these two places. About fifty of these have been church members, but there is yet much for all of them to learn. Much labor is yet needed in these places, and until I can visit them again I hope they will continue their investigation with the aid of our books and the Advent Review. Let all remember our last request that they should note down all their objections that may arise, and give us a chance to answer them when we return. In due time all will be clear and plain. Opposition will arise, and there will be difficulties not foreseen, but it is safe to stand firm on what has been made plain, and hold fast that which has already proved to be good. I cannot forget this dear people that have so gladly received the word of God, and until, in God's providence I can visit them again, my feelings toward them are expressed in 1 Sam. xii, 23, 24. BABYLON IS FALLEN.
By J. H. Waggoner
THERE was a time when all Adventists were agreed in the belief that the term Babylon in the book of Revelation included the Protestant churches, and that the fall of Babylon announced in Rev. xiv, 8, signified a change in the moral standing of those churches consequent upon their rejection of the judgment-hour message of verses 6, 7. But as it soon became apparent that this belief must lead to the reception of the third angel's message, those whose prejudices of feelings led them to reject this message were led to deny the above point of Advent faith. I do not intend to judge harshly, but am led to believe by facts which have appeared, that prejudice against the message has led to their denial of this view. Thus, I know a professed Advent preacher who strenuously urged that the churches were Babylon, and pointed to their low condition as a fulfillment of the prophecy, who yet, in a sermon against the third angel's message said he had looked with favor on our exposition of prophecy till he came to our view of the fall of Babylon, and there he had to leave us, not being able to endorse it! Other instances equally glaring have been presented to our notice. There are now three opinions on this subject held by Adventists: 1st. That the cry of the fall of Babylon is far in the past; 2d. That it is in the present age, and denotes its present low state of the churches; 3d. That it is in the future, and that Rev. xiv, 8, and xxiii, 1–8 are synchronic, both referring to the future destruction of Romanism. With the first I cannot agree, for several reasons. And 1. The order of the angels in Revelation forbids it. The events of that book are presented in lines or series. Chap. viii, 2, presents seven angels with seven trumpets; these continue to the close of chap. xi. These angels are always referred to in numerical order, and as there are only seven in this order, when other angels are introduced they are spoken of only in their relation to each other, not in their relation to these seven. Thus in chap. viii, 13, after the fourth angel had sounded, the record says, "And I beheld and heard an angel flying." But this was not "the fifth angel" though succeeding the fourth, as it was not one of the seven. The sounding of the fifth and sixth is recorded in chap. ix; and in chap. x, 1, it is said; "And I saw another mighty angel come down from Heaven." This word another, refers to one which had preceded it; but not to the sixth, for the next in that order is in chap. xi, 13. It of course refers back to the angel of chap. viii, 13. From this point on, no angel is mentioned till we come to chap. xiv, 8, where the same word is used to introduce the judgment-hour cry; "And I saw another angel." As the angel of chap. x, 1, is not called another in distinction from the sixth else it would be the seventh, which is not, so that of chap. xiv, 8, is not another in distinction from the seventh, as there are not eight of the series, but it refers to the angels of chap. viii, 13, and x, 1, as its precedents. Now no Adventist will contend that the angel of chap. x, 1, had its fulfillment prior to the days of Luther, but for this side. How then, as that of Rev. xiv, be fulfilled in his days? To what does the word "another" stand related? That the line of events in chap. xii–xiv is not fulfilled subsequent to that ending in chap. xi, does not discredit this argument. These chapters contain a consecutive series of events, commencing even before the sounding of the first trumpet. But having traced them down with unmistakable certainty to the action of the Papal power in chap. xiii, we then find no angel or angels as the antecedent of the other in chap. xiv, 8, but those of viii, 13 and x, 1, as before stated. Except in this view I have never seen any harmony of these chapters and of the angels introduced. 2. I cannot agree with that opinion, because I have no evidence that such a message was given, or that it could have been timely in any past age, according to the Scriptures. And the judgment standing in such close proximity to the coming of Christ and the harvest of the world, forbids the idea of the term being used in any but its general, obvious sense. 3. Though it is claimed that the Reformers considered the Romish church the Mystery Babylon of the Revelation, that does not show that Rev. xiv, 8 was fulfilled by them, for they never gave such a message as is contained in verses 6, 7; and never till the present day has there been an exposition and proclamation of the first and third messages. Hence to claim the fulfillment of the second in the past is to disregard all order in the fulfillment of these messages. And I cannot believe it belongs to the future: for 1, It does not synchronize with the angel of Rev. xviii, 1–8; as that not only announces the fall of Babylon but relates what takes place after her fall even down to her destruction, proving that her fall and her destruction are different events. The first only is brought to view in chap. xiv, 8—but both in chap. xviii, 1–8.260 The destruction of Babylon will take place in the great battle, which will be at the coming of Christ. Comp. Rev. xiv, 14–20; xvi, 14–21; xix, 11–21; and 2 Thess. ii, 8. But the third angel's message is a conditional warning, given before the coming of Christ, and before the pouring out of the plagues. Comp. xiv, 9–12, and xvi, 1, 2, 15–21. And therefore the second angel's message cannot be given at or after the coming of Christ. That it is fulfilled in the present day, we might bring arguments to prove, from the harmony of the messages; from their relation to the facts connected with the two-horned beast; and prove the relation of these to the plagues and the battle of the great day. But we pass by these at present, and only take up one question, namely, Does the present condition of the Protestant churches justify the application? Evidence on this point has been given sufficient to prove any position, and this by all classes, even by the churches themselves. Scarcely a number of any religious journal can be taken up without reading evidence on this point; and sometimes their remarks and reports strongly resemble a caricature of religion, and would appear like an attempt to ridicule the whole subject if found in papers of a different class. Thus, a report of a Missionary meeting held in St. Louis, given in the N. Y. Independent, says it was almost a failure for want of numbers, and this the writer would fain attribute to the rainy evening, had he not learned that hundreds had failed to get seats at the opera that night, and that a party given by one of the church members the same night was numerously attended. He goes on to suggest that hereafter when important religious meetings are appointed it be first ascertained if a popular actress or lecturer or a fashionable party is anticipated, and to govern the religious appointments so as not to interfere with these! In the same paper lately, referring to the mania for fashion in the churches were the following words: "Alas! shears and needles have become reverend evangelists and pew-offers." But it is not the purpose to add to the general evidences coming from every quarter. Both time and space would fail us; but to give a few extracts from one of the most prominent, if not the leading Adventist paper of those denying that the Protestant churches are represented by Babylon of the Revelation. I refer to the World's Crisis. The following appears in that paper as a quotation, but endorsed because fully sustained by original articles: "There appears to be an active competition between the church and the world, as to which shall furnish for unsanctified human nature, the most attractive amusements. In appeal to taste, the church may justly claim the verdict. In but few communities can the other resorts of fashion vie in magnificence with the so-called houses of worship. In exclusiveness, the latter clearly have the precedence. The right of admittance depends upon the possession of the monied qualifications. Instead of being an earnest effort to offer acceptable worship to God, the services are evidently intended to gratify the worldly, the cultivated and the refined. The sermon is carefully written, and the gestures studied before the mirror; and the singing is conducted by the best musical talent that money can command. With the avowed design of keeping the young people under the influence of the church, the weekly sociable is instituted, and fun and frolic prevail. To pay the preacher, a donation party is held, and the old and young, professor and worldling, devote the evening to feasting and merriment. Festivals and excursions, oyster suppers and lotteries, are resorted to, for the purpose of replenishing the funds, or reviving the flagging interests—not religious—in the prosperity of the church." The following is an extract from a letter of Hiram Munger to the Crisis over date of Jan. 1st.: "On returning home, our sister had lost the key to the house, but another one being with a person at the Methodist watch-meeting, at eleven o'clock, some of us went over to see the old year prayed out; but no praying, as usual. A few, dry, formal remarks, with a house full of people, and a fashionable band of music to make it interesting. Those that went to the love-feast in the fore part of the evening said there was a great band of music there also; wicked and thoughtless men piping and fiddling to entertain the people at a love-feast! How does it look? And then when the clock struck twelve, a sudden bright light dazzled the eyes of the people, and the greatest sound of pretended music struck up at the same time. Terrific was the scene; but few nerves could stand the shock. This ushered in the welcome of the New Year. No sinners invited forward to prayers, as formerly on such occasions in this church, but all formality and show, instead of godliness and good religion. The Protestant churches have gone so far over the rapids, there is no possible chance for them to recover. If we wish to enjoy religion, the more secluded from the world we are, the better. I tell you, brethren back in the country, you are the best off to stay where you are. This world is ripe for destruction. I never want another glimpse of the fashionable religious societies. Pen and ink cannot describe the sin and wickedness of this generation. It is time to pray for the kingdom to come." The following is from D. T. Taylor, Corresponding Editor of the Crisis:— "In San Francisco, a few years since, a ball was gotten up, with all its accompanying fun and pleasure, and tickets sold at one dollar each—the object being to obtain money for the purpose of paying up the cost of the church edifice, and supplying funds for the minister—all of which was done by the church. This, though it was an astounding occurrence, was nevertheless a fact. It was but a few years since, that the grand jury of Albany county, in New York, threatened to indict all the churches within their jurisdiction for their persistent excesses in having lotteries at the church fairs. It was by the authorities viewed as no better than gambling. An astonishing instance of a church lowering its standard of piety to suit the perverted tastes of the pleasure-seekers of the age, has lately come to our knowledge. A large and influential denomination, having an organized existence of sixty-four years, experienced an outpouring of the Spirit, followed by a revival. More than one hundred persons shared in the blessing. The whole community was powerfully stirred during an entire winter. The period drew near when ninety-four persons, who had professed conversion, were to be baptized and admitted to full membership. Of these more than a score were young people, who had followed the custom of attendance at balls and dancing. This pastime, the rules of the church for two-thirds of a century had strictly prohibited its members. The converted dancers were bent upon joining the church, but how were they to meet the prohibition? For they were determined to dance on, whether connected with the church or not! A concerted plan was formed. They would answer the official questions affirmatively, and openly promise not to dance—but with a mental reservation. The dodge—which was decidedly jesuitical—succeeded. An official, leading member, overheard the words. The rulers of the church were instantly summoned in secret convention. The pastor was in the chair. The official member who had got wind of the plan, stated the young convert's scheme (!) to the assembled leaders. He then demanded that to save the young people about to join them from direct lying on the day of their admission to membership, the prohibition against dancing should at once be stricken from the rules of the denomination. 'He believed in dancing, and should the request fail to be complied with, he would join another religious body, whose members were not forbidden to dance.' The deed was done; the obnoxious rule expunged; the dancing converts won the day; received the ordinances and the hand of fellowship. Which, in them, has the greater fascination, the prayer-meeting or the ball-room, we have not learned. And the pulpit of that same church warned the community not to go and hear the Advent preachers! Alas, alas! No comment but this is needed." The following appeared in an editorial article in the Crisis, Feb. 15, 1867:— "Protestants seem to think that whatever is opposed to Papacy must be Christian; but even Protestantism has departed widely from the simplicity of the Christian religion. Its power to reform the world appears to be well nigh spent. It has become too much conformed to the spirit and manners of the world, ever to be removed into primitive Christian life again. 'Ichabod' is written on its walls. Its vitality is fast departing. Instead of being more opposed to 'the mother of harlots,' it is imitating her customs and manners more and more, and going further from the true standard of 'pure and undefiled religion.' If we would be ready for the coming of Christ, we must come out from the world and be separate." The following from D. T. Taylor, of the same paper, is calculated to impress all as deeply as the writer seemed to be. It is from an article on "the Holy Spirit." "We are very much impressed with this subject. And the more as we feel compelled to believe that the great mass of the people in our land have grieved and resisted the unutterable and silent admonitions of this celestial visitant, and steeled their hearts under its repeated calls, until, wearied with rejection and insult, it has mournfully turned away and there is but little of its restraining, converting influence left in community. Hence the lack of revivals, the prevalence of worldliness, the carnival of pleasure and crime everywhere." How could this be, if the salt had not lost its savor, and the light of the churches become greatly obscured? The Protestant churches control the religious influences, and regulate the religious standard of the land; and they alone are answerable for the prevailing recklessness in morals and religion. Now we believe, in common with our opponents, that true Christianity fled from the darkness and persecutions of the old world to this continent and set up its banner in the American Protestant churches; that here and in them for the past generation it has erected its highest altars and sent forth its purest light. But can that be said of the churches in their present condition? Look at the picture as drawn and given in the above extracts. Of a truth "the glory is departed." And our opponents, with us, believe that the changes and vicissitudes of the cause of Christianity through this dispensation to the end are marked out in Revelation, which is given as the name imports, to make known to God's watching, faithful people, the appearing or coming of the Lord. Admitting all that is or has been claimed for these churches, we look at their present fallen condition, and ask, Has this change, the greatest that has taken place in the moral world since the fall of "the first house of Israel," received no notice in the prophecy of the "Revelation of Jesus Christ?" Will our opponents make it appear reasonable to the world that the coming of the Lord is near, and this great revolution in the religious world, more important and significant than any revolution in the political world, has no place among the "waymarks?" The age is full of wonders; but if that be true, no greater wonder of the age can be shown. The churches of them that believed of the Gentiles, had full warning by the great apostle sent to them. He warned them to take heed lest God spare them not as he did not the "natural branches" for their unfaithfulness; to not be high-minded, but fear. They rejected the warning. They have grown arrogant, proud, not worldly; they reject truth and follow their own ways; indeed, they as completely ignore Bible religion and Bible authority as if they had a "plenary indulgence" to that effect. And the only place where this is marked out in this great prophecy is Rev. xiv, 8. We would greatly rejoice if a different state of things existed in the churches of the day, but the facts are before us; and any effort at concealment will not alter them. Better by far take heed to the lesson which the facts inculcate, and prepare to escape the plagues threatened and soon to come on those who "draw back to perdition." Battle Creek, May 3, 1867. REPORT FROM BRO. SANBORN.
By Isaac Sanborn
My last report closed with my labors at Clyde, Ill., March 3. On the 7th I commenced a protracted meeting at Elkhorn Grove, which I continued about two weeks with good success. There was a large attendance all the time, and some good done. A few commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others were fully convinced of the great importance of keeping it, but had not yet decided to do so. We trust that they will decide before it is too late. The church was also blessed and encouraged to press on in the narrow way to life. March 22, I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Johnstown Center, Wis. It being a very stormy bad time, our congregations were small, yet the Lord met us according to his promise. One was received into the church, and all were encouraged. On Wednesday, the 26th, I commenced a protracted meeting at Monroe, Wis., in which I gave twenty-three discourses to large and interested congregations, with increasing interest to the close. Four publicly expressed their desires to keep the Sabbath, while a number of others were fully convinced that they ought to do so. The church also was much encouraged to faithfulness. Two were received by baptism. There has been a growing interest in Monroe ever since the Convocation Meeting. Indeed, I think the interest has not been so great since the message was first preached there, as now; and if the church will only live faithful, and let their light shine, they will yet see many souls added to their number in Monroe. The same may be said of other churches also. I trust the Lord will stir us all up to still greater diligence in his work. April 27 and 28, I spent with the little flock in Chicago, where I had four interesting meetings. Several persons who had never heard our views before, became deeply interested, and I think will embrace the truth in the love of it. Here I became more thoroughly acquainted with our dear Bro. G. W. Parker, who I think is trying to do all he can to advance the truth, by taking a consistent course and letting his light shine through his good works. May God bless him and all the faithful in Chicago, is my prayer. The 29th, I came on to the Health Institute in Battle Creek, where my wife has been taking treatment since last December. I expect to remain here and rest till after General Conference, and then return home. I find this to be a good place to rest. ISAAC SANBORN.
Battle Creek, Mich. —New Haven, Conn., manufactures the fish-hooks. There are turned out every year, by the American Fish-hook and Needle Company, not less than 180,000,000 fish-hooks. —The Catholics held an immense Fair in New York city the 1st of May. Considerable feeling has been excited by the fact that the city government granted permission to erect buildings for the purpose at Union Square, a favor which would not have been granted to any Protestant denomination. Jefferson Davis.—Mrs. Davis went from Fortress Monroe to Washington, Thursday evening for the purpose of applying to President Johnson for the release of her husband. On Wednesday last, Mr. Geo. Shea, of counsel for Jefferson Davis, presented a petition to the U. S. Circuit Court of Virginia, and moved upon it before Judge Underwood for a writ of habeas corpus directed to General Burton, commanding at Fort Monroe, to have Jefferson Davis before the court at Richmond on the second Monday in May. The judge after hearing the argument from Mr. Shea, and some deliberations, granted the writ, which was placed in the hands of a U. S. Deputy Marshal for immediate service. If Mr. Davis is not released on bail by Judge Underwood next week, the President, it is said, will order his liberation. Chief Justice Chase sees nothing, it is said, in the condition of Virginia under the Military act to warrant him in departing from his former course of declining to preside at the trial of Davis. He will hold no court in the South until civil authority is so far established as to cease being dependent on military power. The Union Pacific Railroad.—The cars of this road are now running three hundred and five miles west of Omaha, and the work of grading and laying rails has recommenced. The Rocky Mountains will be reached this summer. The company then propose to put a second force to work at Salt Lake City, building the road eastward. The distance from Sacramento to Salt Lake, along the proposed route, is about 625 miles; from Omaha to Salt Lake, 1,055. The distance from New York by the railroad route is 3,129 miles, of which 1,887 miles have been completed and are now in successful operation, leaving but 1,252 miles yet to be built. Studying these figures, the Salt Lake Vedette is confident that the road will be completed within two years.261 —The receipts of customs at New York for the month of March foot up sixteen millions of dollars—five millions more than any month for a year past. —The last dispatch from the English Government to our Government in reference to the pirate Alabama claims is very unsatisfactory. The Indians on the Hoop[a] reservation, California, have declared war against the whites, killed Sub-agent Robert L. Stockton and two employees, and burned all the Government property. The whites on Klamath River are fortifying and preparing for defense. —During the next month so many United States Senators have taken berths for Europe, that should there be necessity for a special session in July, it is probable that there would be no quorum of that body in the country. —The New York Tribune’s Washington special says: “The Department of State to-day received voluminous dispatches from our Ministers in England and France. While they do not contain as late advices as are daily brought by the cable, they represent pretty fully the condition of affairs, and show conclusively that a general European war can scarcely be averted. The Emperor Napoleon has been engaged for several months making gigantic naval and military preparations, and it is alleged that the feeling is now so universal among the French people for a collision that it has passed beyond the Emperor’s control.” Earthquakes.—A severe shock of an earthquake was felt at St. Joseph, Mo., at three P. M. Buildings shook and swayed with a rapid motion, causing much alarm, but no damage, so far as known. Two distinct shocks were felt at St. Louis about five minutes before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The vibration was from north to south, lasting about five seconds. Articles of furniture, crockery, etc., were shaken quite vigorously, but no harm done. A severe shock was felt at Junction City, Kansas, at half past 2 o’clock. A heavy shock of earthquake, lasting half a minute, was felt at Kansas City, Mo., at 2:40 yesterday afternoon, causing people to rush out of their houses in alarm. A portion of the plastering was shaken off in one or two houses, but no serious damage was done. The shock of an earthquake was felt April 24, throughout Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin, extending even to Chicago. —Late advices from Mexico state that Maximilian and his garrison at Queretaro had attempted to cut their way through the Liberal lines, but were repulsed. Vera Cruz is strongly invested by the Liberals, and all its communications cut off. Provisions in the city are very scarce. Beef was selling at a dollar a pound. What is the matter with the Animal Creation? The careful observer must be struck with the frequent instances reported in almost all the papers of the day, of fatal maladies now prevailing among different classes of animals. Within six months past we have had the cattle plague in Holland, the cattle plague in England, disease and death among cattle in various parts of this country, the hog cholera, disease among horses, chicken cholera, the oyster plague, &c. We now have a new sheep disease, and trouble among the chickens in Iowa. We commend a careful consideration of the question how long it is proper to make use of that which is so rapidly falling into disease, as an article of food. New Sheep Diseases.—Some of the best sheep raisers of Mayfield are losing large numbers of valuable sheep by a new disease hitherto unknown to this section of the country. Its symptoms are not unlike those of the hog cholera. Mr. Colton lost thirty; Mr. Jesse Allen, Mr. Hubbard, Henry Joiner, and others, have lost considerable numbers.—Sycamore (Ill.) Republican. The Cedar Rapids Times says that the poultry of that region is dying off with the chicken cholera, and adds, very significantly, that the “market is at present well supplied with dead poultry.” Exegetical Nonsense.—The following is another specimen of the wild fancies of some professed expositors. With such as this, the people are, or ought to be, disgusted; but the evil of the matter is, that by these exhibitions, they lose confidence in those prophetic expositions which are sound and reasonable. “According to a new book on the prophecies by Rev. Mr. Baxter of Canada, the time is near when Napoleon is to unite under himself the ten kingdoms of Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Algeria, Tripoli, Egypt, Greece, Syria and Turkey. Napoleon will capture Jerusalem, commence a general persecution of Christians, confiscate the Romish church property, institute public worship of his own image, imprint his name on the people’s foreheads and hands; then famine for eighteen months, a great smoke for three weeks, five months of locusts, horsemen and horses breathing brimstone, and various other equally probable events too numerous to mention.”—Springfield Republican. England.—Minister Adams has been instructed to decline the offer of the British government for arbitration on the Alabama claims. This leaves the whole matter open again, with no proposition pending from either party. Hints are said to be given out from the British legation at Washington that the next proposition may be to trade off British Columbia for the claims. If Mr. Seward can bring this about, and so secure our entire control of the Pacific coast, and at the same time settle all outstanding accounts with Great Britain, he will be ready to retire with honor from the state department. France and Prussia.—A late paper speaking of the prospect of war between these two powers, says, that in strength and resources they are about equally matched; and when the contest comes it will be one of giants which will shake the world. Drunkenness in the U. S. Senate.—The following paragraph indicates the painful necessity for such efforts to promote temperance among congressmen as Senator Wilson and others have engaged in during the past winter:— Mrs. Saulsbury appealed personally to senators not to press the resolution expelling her husband, promising to take him home to Delaware. No man could resist such an appeal. It is impossible to think of such an incident without emotion. Mr. Saulsbury is a man of very marked abilities,—one of the ablest, most cogent and effective speakers in the Senate, of fine personal appearance, tall, erect, dark complexion, with piercing black eyes and jet black hair, courtly and impressive in his manner, and of noble and generous impulses. But for the disease which afflicts and overmasters him, he would be one of the most influential public men of the Senate and the country. Yet he is saved from ignominious expulsion only by the sympathy felt for his noble and devoted wife. Another senator, whose term has just expired,—a man of clear intellect, finished culture and fascinating manners, but turned by the same affliction, was tolerated in the Senate only from a similar motive. One of the most touching sights to be seen in Washington during the session, was the presence in the gallery of his wife and daughter, waiting night after night, often till long past midnight, anxious and distressed, to accompany him to their home. It may be said to his credit, that whatever he may have been to the rest of the world, he was never anything but respectful, obedient and tender to them. The Indians on the Plains.—Gen. Wessel, who is at Fort Phil. Kearny, thinks the Crow Indians can be kept quiet by the presence of the large force of troops now at that point. A large number of Sioux are encamped on Powder River, opposite Fort Reno. A correspondent says the Cheyenne village, where our troops have been camped for several days, was burned on the 20th inst., involving a loss of about $100,000. Gen. Custer was still pursuing the Cheyennes, who had fled northward. The Public Debt—Another Reduction.—The workings of the Treasury for the month just closing will show another large reduction of the National debt. In the next statement, Secretary McCulloch hopes to reduce the total debt to about $2,500,000,000, at which point he believes it must remain stationary so long as the present rate of Government income and expenses is maintained. Peace Conference in Europe.—London, April 29.—The European conference, which is to meet in London next month to settle the dispute between France and Prussia in regard to Luxemburg, will consist of representatives from Great Britain, France, Austria and Russia, and the king of Holland, as Grand Duke of Luxemburg. It is understood that the following terms are agreed upon as a basis for the deliberations of the conference: 1st. France is not to enlarge her present boundaries. 2d. The fortifications of Luxemburg are to be evacuated and dismantled. 3d. The future political status of the Grand Duchy is to be ascertained and determined by the conference. 4th. The final decision of the conference is to be guaranteed by all the governments participating therein. France.—The panic among the working men still continues. The tailors’ strike has not succeeded in producing as yet any very beneficial results to that class of operatives, and the subject is still bitterly agitated between masters and employees. In all cases where a man dares go to work at the old price, he is hardly dealt with by his comrades, and it is only a day or two since one unfortunate man carrying to an employer a new coat which he had made, was set upon by an enraged group, beaten, and his piece of work torn into shreds, and scattered in the street. It was thought the discharge of the 10,000 workmen from the Champ de Mars last week, would cause trouble, but Napoleon has set them all at work upon the city improvements. New strikes are occurring constantly. In many cases, too, whole quarters of the city are the scenes of violent protestations against the raising of rents. Two days since, there was a meeting of 4,000 students in the Latin quarter, and the whole body threatened to leave their apartments at once if their “layer” was augmented. So the proprietors are compelled to leave students and grisettes in undisturbed possession. The South.—THE POLITICAL PERIL OF THE FREEDMEN. An estimate of the voting population of the ten reconstructing states gives an aggregate of 661,000 white and 412,000 colored voters. In Mississippi and South Carolina the negroes are in the majority, the former having 58,000 black to 56,000 white voters; the latter 50,000 black to 44,000 white. In the other eight states the white voters decidedly outnumber the black; in Alabama 81,000 to 56,000; Arkansas, 51,000 to 14,000; Florida, 12,000 to 8000; Georgia, 90,000 to 58,000; Louisiana, 48,000 to 23,000; North Carolina, 94,000 to 45,000; Texas, 80,000 to 35,000; Virginia, 105,000 to 66,000. These figures make it clear that we cannot leave out of account the white population of the South in our party efforts and our calculations for the future. It is important to secure the colored vote, but we want also a large share of the white. If parties should divide in the South on the line of color, or so nearly there that only the few whites who call themselves radical, vote with the freedmen, there would be a chance that the colored voters would control the elections only in South Carolina and Mississippi. It will be unfortunate for the colored voters and for the republican party if the line is thus drawn. For this reason every intelligent republican must depreciate the evil influence of the white men who are instigating the negroes to demand confiscation and the division of the property of the South among themselves, as at the Richmond convention of Thursday. No such measure could be adopted without establishing perpetual war in the South, certain to end at last in the destruction or expulsion of the weaker race. But it will not be attempted, and it is a cruelty to the negroes to delude them with such false hopes. Politically nothing more mischievous can be conceived, for the threat of such agrarianism will tend to consolidate the white vote in hostility to the freedmen and the republican party. Of similar influence is the demonstration at Mobile, where thousands of freedmen went armed to a political meeting, and defiantly fired off their guns and pistols at its close. Gen. Wilson and other republicans who take the stump at the South, and the congressional committee conducting the canvass, should use their influence to counteract these tendencies to wild and violent measures, and to save the freedmen from the control of the narrow-minded and fanatical men who are misleading them. The freedmen must be assured of equal rights and protection in person and property, but they must not be deluded and led into excesses by the false notion that it is now their opportunity to avenge centuries of wrong by the robbery and humiliation of the white population. Only by the establishment of mutually just and friendly relations can the highest welfare of the freedmen be secured, and those who stir them to hostility and vengeance are their worst enemies. The republican party cannot countenance any course so false and ruinous.—Springfield Republican.