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Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 11

FAITH IN PROPHECY.
Earlier text: RESIGNATION.

Conference Department.

By Wm. Johnston

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. Johnston.

BRO. SMITH: Since I last wrote to you, I have delivered two of the four lectures I compiled on the prophetic chart, to the entire satisfaction of nearly all that attended at the Bethel to hear them. I should ere this have given them all, if I had not attended the Ohio State Conference at Lovett’s Grove. The delivery of the lectures has caused quite a stir. Some of them think (or say they do) that “the old doctor is getting crazy.” Hence, they do not call on brother Johnston to “lead us in prayer” as they used to do. Nevertheless, the truth is steadily gaining ground; and one young man of good parts, and sterling integrity, has laid hold of the subject with a determination to make himself thoroughly acquainted with all the points of truth embraced in the third angel’s message. There are also several aged men, of high standing in society, who stand aloof from all denominational organizations, that are very anxious to hear a course of lectures by some of the approved ministers of the S. D. A. brethren. I hope their desires may soon be gratified.
As stated above, I attended the Conference at Lovett’s Grove, where I got well paid for my time and expenses, in gospel measure, “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” There I found our divine Advocate more precious than gold, yea, more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir. There were several lone ones present, who with me could say,
“My willing soul would stay, In such a frame as this; And sit and sing herself away, To everlasting bliss.”
Oh! “it was good to be there,” to hear the jewels of my Master tell the kind dealing of the Lord with them, and what great things he had done for them.
The preaching, too, was plain, practical, pointed. Bro. Waggoner delivered a discourse on the law, such as I never heard before. Oh! “that it was written in a book!” Bro. Loughborough gave us a physiological discourse on Temperance, appropriate and timely. I hope to receive the substance of it shortly when his work on that subject is ready for delivery. And Bro. Van Horn proved himself “a workman, that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and giving to each a portion in due season.” May the Lord bless these dear brethren, and send them down into these dark regions. Oh! that they may come, in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of peace.
Then the testimonies of the brethren and sisters were soul-cheering, encouraging, and refreshing. Oh! if we can enjoy such happiness while worshiping together in this vale of tears, what will it be when we meet in God’s everlasting Kingdom on the earth made new, where we shall see the King in his beauty, where sickness, sorrow, pain and death, shall be feared and felt no more! The thought of such amazing bliss, should constant joys create. Oh, that we may ever remember the Saviour’s promise, “He that overcometh shall sit down with me on my throne” as I have overcome and am set down with my Father on his throne.” May the Lord enable us to be overcomers, and commandment-keepers, so that we may have a right through Jesus to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Yours in hope of everlasting life. WM. JOHNSTON. Wayne Co., Ohio.

SONS OF GOD.

By F. W. MORSE

God scourges every son; and if we are without chastisement then are we not sons. We are spurious Christians.
The privilege of being a son of God is as great a favor now as in patriarchal times. We often wish we had lived in those ancient times when worthy ones were called “the sons of God;” but in coveting the good of other days, it is possible that we may neglect and mis-improve the favored advantages of our own. “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when rebuked of him,” is a gospel admonition, and belongs to us. Let us not forget it.
F. W. MORSE.
From Sister Carter.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it my duty to speak of the goodness of God to me, as manifested in the light of the third angel's message. When I study this blessed truth, I feel to praise God and press on in the way that leads to the kingdom of eternal rest. Although myself and husband are alone in the truth in this place, yet we are not weary in trying to follow in the path of our dear Saviour. Although it may be rough, it cannot be long, before we shall all be gathered home if faithful. When I read in the paper of the good meetings others are enjoying, I cannot refrain from weeping to think that I am deprived of all these privileges and means of grace; but I can meet with my Saviour. He is all in all to me. I am trying so to live day by day, that I can feel his approbation.
It is about ten years since I commenced to keep the Sabbath. The third angel's message found me in the M. E. Church. It was a heavy cross for me to leave them; but when I saw where I was, how gladly did I turn to the Lord with all my heart, and try by his grace assisting to keep all his commandments. Surely he has led me in a way that I knew not of. As fast as I receive light, I am willing to walk therein, though it should separate me from all that I hold dear in this world. I realize that it is a straight path that leads to the kingdom; but the blessed promise is, "My grace is sufficient." That is all I want. It encourages me to hold on to the promise, to be ever on my guard, and strive so to live that I shall not reproach the cause. Strengthen us by your prayers that we may be overcomers and inherit eternal life when Jesus comes.
MARY J. CARTER. Vernon Co., Wis.
BRO. J. CARTER, writes from Vernon Co., Wis.: About fourteen years I have been trying to live up to the light of the third angel's message, by keeping the Lord's Sabbath. The Review comes to us every Thursday evening. We are glad to have it to read. The paper is much improved by the enlargement. The sermons are worth what the paper costs a year. If we could have a preacher come this way and give us a few lectures on the coming of the Saviour, there are a few who I think would keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. We are trying to live out the Health-Reform. We want to stand with the remnant people when the Lord Jesus comes.
SISTER MARY BEACH writes from Cayuga Co., N. Y.: I desire to write a few lines in favor of these all-important truths which we as a people believe. I am much comforted and encouraged by the excellent sermons the Review contains each week. I thank the Lord for the light of present truth. I am trying to spread the light as God gives me ability and opportunity. Two of our neighbors read my papers. They seem much interested in them. I am trying to live out the Health Reform in every sense of the word. Over a year ago last March I left off the use of swine's flesh, and now have renounced flesh-meat of every kind. Tea and coffee are useless articles, for which I have no desire. I am striving to watch and pray without ceasing, that I may be prepared for the times of refreshing, pass safely through the perils of the last days, and meet Jesus in peace.
BRO. O. DAVIS writes from Fairhaven, Mass.: The church here and in Dartmouth have of late been making an effort to come up to duty and get into a better place spiritually than they have been for some time past. Meetings are now well sustained. May the Lord help us to be where he can abundantly bless us.
SISTER A. R. KELSEY writes from Steel Co., Minn.: As I read from time to time the reports from the tried and tempted ones, I ask myself the question, Can I pen a word that will benefit any one? I have been thinking upon the Christian warfare, and I am led to ask,
"When will love freely flow, Pure as life's river, when will sweet friendship glow, Changeless forever?"
It seems that we are a long time bringing our wills into subjection, and getting rid of all that is offensive in the sight of God. I realize in some degree God's goodness to us in not cutting us off in our sins years ago. Truly he is longsuffering, desiring to save us from the wrath to come. Oh! our unbelief, and stubborn hearts! When shall we get rid of them? We are called upon to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and live in peace, not contentious for the honors of this world, but contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. But let us not be discouraged because we make slow progress. That we are weak; that we inherit unevenly balanced minds, is true. Hence, if we are going through to the kingdom, there must be the more effort on our part. May we all with the help of God, which he has promised, go forward, and be prepared for our last and great change.
SISTER B. A. SMITH writes from Newton, Wis.: As we are among the lonely ones and know not whether there are any near us of like faith, we would like to inquire through the Review if there are any in this vicinity. If so, we would be glad to form an acquaintance with them. Our P. O. address is Harrisville, Marquette Co., Wis. We live three miles north and east of Harrisville.
We would say to those we formerly associated with in Michigan, that we are still striving to live out the truth. At times we earnestly long for communion with those of like faith, and look forward with pleasure to the time when the dear people of God will be gathered home to part no more. We earnestly desire your prayers that we may be able to meet you there. Through the blessing of God and the Health Reform, I enjoy better health than I have for years past. Truly in mercy and wisdom the Lord is leading his people.
SISTER J. MERRY writes from Minnesota: I am thankful for the light that shines daily on our path. It comes as it is needed. Now light on the Health Reform has come in due season and will help on the work of the Lord among his people. Step by step he leads us on, and I want to follow as he leads. May we all who love the Lord live in such a manner that others will be compelled to believe that we are walking with Jesus.
If none were to reprove the vicious excepting those who sincerely hate vice, there would be much less censoriousness in the world. Our Master could love the criminal while he hated the crime, but we his disciples, too often love the crime but hate the criminal. A perfect knowledge of the depravity of the human heart, with perfect pity for the infirmities of it, never co-existed but in one breast, and never will.
SISTER E. L. WHITE writes from Saginaw Co., Mich.: I have been reading the Review awhile, and now wish to become a subscriber. I believe that it teaches us the plain and blessed truths of the Bible. I rejoice today that God in his mercy sent his servants here to proclaim the truth to us, that we might be awakened out of our coldness and stupor, and be brought to see our condition as it was, and what it must be if we are ready when Jesus comes. Each one of us has a work to do, in order to hail the coming of our Saviour with joy, and not with grief. May the Lord help me to be one of his meek and humble followers. I want to keep all of God's commandments, and love him with my whole heart. I can say I love my Bible more and more; for it seems so plain to me now. I would that others might believe the present truth.

THE DRESS REFORM.

Fashion seems just now to be paving the way for this reform, and bidding fair to make it, so far as length of skirts is concerned, of easy adoption. The editor of Harper's Weekly says that long dresses are “happily” seldom seen at the present time in the streets of N. Y. city; and Prof. O. W. Holmes, of Cambridge, a name with which most of our readers are probably familiar, thus speaks of this encumbrance:
“Why, there isn’t a beast or bird that would drag its tail through the dirt in the way these creatures do their dresses. Because a queen or duchess wears long robes on great occasions, a maid-of-all-work or a factory girl thinks she must make herself a nuisance by trailing through the streets, picking up and carrying about with her—bah! that’s what I call getting vulgarity into your bones and marrow.
“Show over dirt is the attribute of vulgar people. If any man can walk behind one of these women, and see what she rakes up as she goes, and not feel squeamish, he has got a tough stomach. I would not let one of them into my room without serving them as David did Saul at the cave in the wilderness—cut off his skirts!
“Don’t tell me that a true lady ever sacrifices the duty of keeping all about her sweet and clean, to the wish of making a vulgar show. I don’t believe it of a lady. There are some things that no fashion has any right to touch, and cleanliness is one of them.”

REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.

By James White

The General Gathering convened at Greenville, August 10 and 11, was a large and exceedingly interesting meeting. Brethren were present from Wright, Orleans, Vergennes, Orange, Greenbush and Bushnell. Bro. Strong was also with us.
We were all exceedingly gratified to see Bro. Amadon from Battle Creek, at this meeting, a part of which he enjoyed much. On arriving at this place Bro. A. became suddenly very sick. By remaining so long at the Office he had become bilious, and the change from shade to the sun, from soft to hard water, from the printer's life to that of a traveler, from mental to physical labor, caused a complete rebellion in his system, and during the night he was in much distress. Soon, however, his stomach cast off the undigested food he had the day before eaten, and through the pores of the skin and other channels, matter nearly as yellow as saffron, was cast off. The application of baths helped nature do her work well. He became exceedingly weak, yet ate no food for nearly two days, and then but a taste of the simplest. Soon his appetite came. He took food, and was strengthened. And this morning, only the fifth day from his sickness, he left us at 4 o'clock as well as ever, on his way to meet his wife at the depot to join us at the Orange grove meeting.
Sabbath morning I spoke to the people one hour and a half. In the afternoon spoke an hour, Mrs. W. spoke an hour, then we continued in conference meeting two hours more, in which most present took part. Bro. Strong spoke the following evening, much to the edification of the audience.
We all felt greatly disappointed in not hearing Bro. Amadon's testimony on the Sabbath. Bro. Strong, Root and McPherson were with him through most of the hours of the entire Sabbath, and to their intelligent hygienic nursing, he owes his speedy recovery.
First-day morning we assembled at the house of prayer for social meeting, Bro. Amadon with us. The season was refreshing. At half past ten I spoke to the people till twelve, upon the second advent. Mrs. W. spoke half an hour. In the afternoon spoke upon the resurrection and saints' inheritance, for one hour. Then Mrs. W. spoke for one hour. This was the freest day we have both seen for months. Speaking of Mrs. W.'s testimony, Bro. Amadon said, “It seemed to have the good old ring in it of former days.” Many of our good neighbors were in, and showed by their tears, and kind expressions that they were deeply affected.
One feature only in the meeting seemed saddening, and that was the lightness of some of the young people who took this occasion to enjoy each other's society in a rude way. And these were church members. Parents, keep all such children at home unless they come to seek the company of the good, and grow better. We protest against all such conduct, however near its actors may be to our own family. And when it comes to this that we cannot have a general meeting without the young people taking the advantage of it to have a holiday, we shall hold no more. It is proper here to state that most of those in the wrong were merely drawn in and were comparatively innocent.
Singing is an important part of worship. And when the young can pray in the Spirit and the understanding also, talk in the Spirit, and sing with the Spirit of God, then let them sing. But it is not proper to submit hymns to be sung by careless, rebellious, rude young men and women, though they may be members of the church. I have no objections to the tones of the organ, or of the softer notes of the melodeon, when employed to make sacred melody. But when rude professors choose popular songs, and become crazed with the spirit of such music, gather around the instrument, filling up the intervals with the careless joke or flattering compliment, and shallow laugh, they please the Devil and grieve the Spirit of God. Such music grates upon my ear, my nerves and my very soul. Through one channel, innocent if kept within proper bounds, has instrumental music been brought to our doors, brethren, and now bids fair, unless restricted properly, to prove the greatest evil that ever visited us. Oh! how we long to see the return of former days, when at our General Conferences the brethren assembled at Battle Creek to worship God in singing as well as other exercises. Everybody said the preaching was good, that the social meetings were better; but such singing they never heard before. But God no longer owns our songs of praise as then. He is grieved that in young circles the Devil takes the lead. Our songs are powerless. Let ministers speak out upon this subject, and let us return to that spiritual singing enjoyed by us when there was not an instrument in any of our houses. I do not say we should put these instruments from our houses; but let them rest for awhile till we can recognize the spirit of worship in our singing, and our young people give evidences of returning sanity.
The meeting had a most cheering, refreshing influence upon me, and decided the matter of visiting the West. Bro. Amadon is to go with us to Orange, Greenbush, Ithaca, Wright, Monterey and Battle Creek. This we prize exceedingly. Last evening I went to Greenville for my teeth, and was glad to find that I could immediately speak with nearly my former distinctness.
And now we wish to say to our brethren, we are both worn, and must labor under the most favorable circumstances. We cannot ride in a springless open wagon. We cannot be up to late evening meetings. We cannot sleep on hard beds, or sit on hard seats. We cannot when weary from preaching, converse upon different subjects of little or no interest all the time we are out of meeting. Most of the brethren know how it is with me. Some do not know that I am but a shadow of what I once was.
The preachers in Wis. and Iowa know how I am. I must have a well-ventilated sleeping room, and air when I speak. I say these things that brethren may know what to expect. I do not go to see the country or to please the people, but to declare the truth faithfully. Pray for us. If the Lord be with us, I can be a fraction of a laborer, and Mrs. W. one and the remaining fraction. Will brethren write to us at Battle Creek, stating the best connections of through trains. Again we say, Pray for us. JAMES WHITE.
Since the foregoing was put in type, we have received another report from Bro. White, from which we give the following particulars concerning the meeting in Orange.
Sabbath, Aug. 17, according to appointment, we met in a beautiful grove at Orange, with brethren from Windsor, Oneida, Portland, Matherton, Orleans and Greenville. Bro. and sister Amadon from Battle Creek were with us, heart and hand, ready to work. A good social meeting was held in the morning.
At half past ten I spoke to the young, from Ps. cxix, 9: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” The discourse was considered timely for those present of all ages, especially to the dear youth, nine of whom rose for prayers, and one spoke for the first time. Parents and children wept together, and some who were far upon the back ground were much aroused. In the afternoon I continued the same subject for nearly an hour, and Mrs. W. spoke for an hour or more. Her testimony was most pointed, especially to some who were still addicted to the use of tobacco, and who by the influence of this meeting, and the faithful exhortations of their brethren, were enabled to resolve in the strength of the Lord never again to indulge in the injurious habit.
Bro. and sister Howe, who have been almost discouraged about the cause in that place, felt that they had something still to live for in Orange. May they never be disappointed on this point. Two united with the church. Our congregation on first-day was about two hundred, the largest Advent meeting ever held in the town.
In view of Mrs. W.'s poor health, I decided that we could not go West unless we had company on the journey. This we stated to faithful brethren around us, and we now expect to have the company of several brethren and sisters from this State, at our western meetings.
Second-day, in company with Bro. Amadon, we came to this place. To-morrow we hold meeting here, then go to Ithaca to hold meetings Sabbath and first-day. We then return home, where Bro. and sister Amadon will join us for Wright, Monterey, and Battle Creek. May the Lord go with us.
JAMES WHITE. Greenbush, August 21, 1867.

REPORT FROM BRO. BYINGTON.

By J. Byington

SINCE Conference I have met with the churches of Jackson, Convis, Greenbush, Ithaca, Seville, Alma, Burlington, Otsego, and Windsor. Bro. Cornell filled my appointments at Hillsdale and Ransom Center. In meeting with the above-named churches, I have felt blessed while talking to them the precious truth that so much concerns us in this day of peril. At most of the above appointments I have requested brethren to give notice or report the interest of the meetings. In every place I have found good and tried ones who are practical reformers. Health reform and dress reform are becoming matters of deep interest. Some are slow to move, but I trust with a little patience, all will be united.
I am now at Burr Oak. We had meeting here yesterday, Aug. 17, and the Lord's supper and washing the saints' feet. We felt it good to be here. I leave to-morrow for South Bend. The first quarter of the Conference year is now past. May the Lord direct us to future labor. My strength has held out far beyond my expectations. A brother said to me a few days since he did not expect to see me alive now. My lungs are weak and my cough somewhat troublesome. Will the Lord be pleased to raise up strong men in Israel to do the work. J. BYINGTON. Burr Oak, Mich.

MONTHLY MEETING IN MICH.

By H. H. Bramhall

By request of Bro. E. P. Giles, I send the following report of our last Monthly Meeting, which was held at Bro. C. Weed's, in Tompkins, Jackson Co., Mich., Aug. 3d.
There was no ministering brother with us; but some of the brethren and sisters from Jackson, Parma, Leslie and Onondaga were present. In the morning the meeting was not as spirited as it is sometimes, which I think might be attributed more to the fact that several rode quite a distance through the heat to get there, than that they had lost their interest in present truth.
In the afternoon the blessing of God seemed to descend in answer to prayer, and our meeting was very interesting. All present who professed the truth gave in their testimony, many speaking the second time. Our next Monthly Meeting will be held at Bro. A. L. Burwell's, Parma, Sept. 7. Let us all try to so live that we may have a good meeting then.
H. H. BRAMHALL, Ch. Clerk.
Parma, Mich.

MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.

By H. C. Blanchard; R. F. Andrews

We labored with the church at Rockton, Ill., till the 22d of July, visiting from house to house, and preaching the word of God among them. The brethren and sisters here mean to be faithful; but we think all are not as earnest in the work as they ought to be; our prayer is that God may arouse them to a more thorough consecration in his service. Two were added to the church by baptism. We would here gratefully acknowledge the privilege of preaching twice in the Methodist church while we remained in the place.
July 23d, left for Monroe. Staid there till the 30th. We think the cause is still onward here. During our stay we held eight meetings and visited sixteen families. Two were added to the church. Some are almost persuaded to cast in their lot with God's people, who, we trust, will soon fully decide so to do. We enjoyed some of the blessing of the Lord, while we tarried with these dear brethren and sisters, and look back upon this meeting with a degree of satisfaction.
July 30th, left for Sand Prairie. Staid at Bro. Stowell's, at Darlington, all night, and resumed our journey next morning, to Mifflin, where we found a brother from Coles Co., Ill., who kindly entertained us for the night. This dear brother has become discouraged on account of the trials and discouragements he has had to meet with by the way. We tried to encourage him all we could, and left him considerably comforted. Right here we would say, that we are more convinced than ever, that it is unwise for brethren to move away from a place where they have any help, to where they can have none, and would here admonish our brethren to be careful on this point. Traveled from Mifflin to Port Andrew Aug. 1st, over the most broken country we ever saw, part of the time without any road, with hills and rocks on either side of us from two to three hundred feet high. Arrived at Bro. Demmon's a little before dark, hungry and tired, where we met a hearty reception and kind treatment. The little church here is rising above the trials they have had to bear. The cause of truth has been shamefully reproached in this place, but God has graciously commenced to wipe away the reproach from his people here. Though in rather close circumstances, the brethren have succeeded in erecting a neat and comfortable house of worship, 22 by 24, which they design completing this fall. They have manifested a spirit of sacrifice truly commendable. We held twenty meetings and visited from house to house among the brethren and those interested in the truth. The Lord gave us a spirit of labor for the people. Through his goodness five were rescued out of the enemy's ranks, and are now rejoicing in the truth. On first-day, Aug. 11, the largest concourse of people (declared to be so by the oldest settlers) ever assembled on Sand Prairie, met together at the house of worship. By request we took up the subject of the Sabbath, and presented some of the evidences in favor of it, in the forenoon. In the afternoon, we examined the arguments offered to sustain Sunday-keeping, and contrasted them with the example of the apostles on this question.
After this we repaired to the water where six willing souls were buried with their Lord by baptism. Oh! that they may be faithful to the end, and at last receive a crown of life.
In the evening we examined some of the many objections or rather cavils, urged against God's holy Sabbath. We had freedom trying to stand in defence of God's down-trodden law and Sabbath. What the further result of these meetings may be, we cannot tell. There are quite a number that have acknowledged the truth; but we fear that the “cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the love of pleasure, will choke the word and cause it to become unfruitful.” God grant that this may not be the case.
As we go from place to place, we become more convinced, that a great responsibility rests upon the brethren, to live out the truth before their neighbors. One unguarded act, or the manifestation of a covetous spirit, will give the enemies of the truth a chance to reproach. One may injure the cause more in a few minutes, by a selfish, covetous course, than can be remedied by weeks or even months of faithful labor to build up the cause; and besides all this, unless we have the pure principles upon which the law of God is founded, deeply implanted in our hearts, and exemplified in our lives, we can have no place in the “Kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Then suffer a word of exhortation, dear brethren. Let us try harder than ever to carry out these holy principles, and show to the world that we are in earnest, in seeking a place in the Kingdom of God; and this we can only do, by doing to “others as we would they should do unto us,” and loving God with all our hearts. Oh! that the Lord may help us thus to do. Then when the truth is presented it will take effect. God will be honored, his cause will be advanced, and precious souls saved from the pains of the second death. Brethren pray for us.
H. C. BLANCHARD. R. F. ANDREWS.
P. S. Since writing the above, we held what we calculated would be our last meeting. Spoke to the people from Num. xi, 29. The Lord owned his truth, and worked powerfully upon many hearts. Nine more came forward and gave us their hand in token of their acceptance of the invitation given, to go with God's people to mount Zion. We but seldom see such a manifestation of God's power, such weeping and confessing among sinners, and rejoicing among the saints. To God be all the praise. After considering the matter, we concluded that duty demands that we stay here another week. Consequently could not fill our appointment for Mauston.
H. C. B. R. F. A.
Sand Prairie, Aug. 14, 1867.
The Pope's Concordat with Austria, which became a law on the 5th of November, 1855, has been abrogated by the Austrian Diet, by a vote of 130 to 24. By the terms of the Concordat, every person, institution, and thing in Austria, were submitted to the Church, education was confided to her, worship was confined to her, every grand transaction of life—birth, marriage, burial—could be legalized only by her assent. Every hospital was surrendered to nuns, every school to the fathers, every charity to an affiliated order. All the German Representatives in the Diet voted for the abrogation except one, and this one refused to vote with the majority because the act was not radical enough.
The Prospect.—Under the heading, “The Republic Safe,” a heading taken, we presume, on the principle of whistling to keep the courage up, the Springfield Republican says:—
The general aspect of public affairs is not altogether pleasant to contemplate. During the war the patriotic devotion of the people elevated the tone of politics, and led to the hope that they had been lifted permanently out of the slough of small partisanship and personal self-seeking. But disappointment has fallen upon these hopes, and at this moment we seem to be in danger of sinking back into worse degradation than that from which the war lifted us. The contest between president and Congress is not wholly wanting in earnest convictions as to principle and policy, on either side, but the means and the spirit in which the controversy is waged shame the moral sense of the country. What more monstrous could be conceived than public charges against the president of the United States by members of Congress that he procured the assassination of his predecessor; or the hurling back by the president of counter charges that these men have been trying to suborn false witnesses to fix the terrible crime upon him. And all this for party ends and against the peace and honor of the government and the country. The disgraceful violence connected with the close of the Surratt trial, and the spirit of partisanship so often seen cropping out in the trial itself, are smaller exhibitions of the same degeneracy, which seems to mark everything at the national capital.
Yet the Republican is disposed to take a hopeful view of events, as every one is bound to do who has committed himself to the doctrine of a good time coming. Ingeniously admitting that there are troublous times which raise the scum, and stir up the sediment of evil, it continues:—
Yet we must not despair of the Republic. In spite of all perversions and hindrances, the restoration of the national unity is assured, and with it eventually the freedom and equality of all citizens. The scum that always comes to the surface in troublous times will be thrown off and leave the body politic sounder and purer. The people are quiet, but they are not indifferent spectators of events; when their forbearance reaches its limit they will move with irresistible force and sweep away at once the whole swarm of plotters, of whatever party, who would keep the country in perpetual turmoil in order to promote their petty ambitions or gratify their personal revenges. These are dog-days in Washington politics—and the dirtiest dogs must have their day—but the cool breezes of autumn will drive away the fog and fetor, and bring clean and invigorating air once more. Deep in the heart of the people there is a sound basis of honor and patriotism, and while that lives the republic cannot die.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Indian War.—From reports constantly being received from the far West, it would seem that a war with the Indians is unavoidable. They are engaged in plundering and burning railroad trains, killing and scalping the employes of the road, and committing such outrages as their cruel and blood thirsty ingenuity suggests. If the government does not at once interfere, the people will organize, and wage a war which cannot come short of a war of extermination.
Political.—Affairs at Washington still remain in an unsettled condition. The President seems bent on making a thorough renovation of his Cabinet, desiring for his advisers, men who will not oppose his policy, nor prevent the accomplishment of his designs. It is believed that Sheridan will be immediately removed, together with other officers who are in sympathy with his plan of reconstruction.
Contempt for Traitors.—MR. JEFFERSON DAVIS with as little good taste as sound judgment, has left the home in Canada in which he decided to pass his self-inflicted exile, and paid a visit to the loyal region of Northern Vermont. With some show of discretion, he entered the State at a point as remote as possible from the line of march taken by the Saint Albans raiders a few years ago. His experience in the village of Newport was hardly of a character to tempt him to call again; the incidents which transpired did not give his ride through the streets, in the best turn-out which a few obsequious sympathizers could afford, the semblance of a triumphal march. Boys and men hooted at him as he passed; crowds on the corners sang the refrain made familiar in war times, beginning with “We'll hang Jeff Davis on a sour-apple tree;” loyal gentlemen residing in the suburbs of the village declined in gentlemanly but emphatic terms to permit him to drive through their parks or to enter their houses; and one, a woman, bitter with the recollections of a boy lost at Andersonville, hurled a stone at him as he dashed through the streets.—Harper's Weekly.
Cabinet Meeting.—NEW YORK, August 23. A special from Washington says: A meeting of the Cabinet was held to-day, but no further action was taken in relation to the removal of district commanders. The President, however, expresses his determination to remove Gen. Sickles. The Intelligencer, to-day, calls upon Secretary Seward to resign.
—The Pope has sent some valuable presents to the Sultan and the Viceroy of Egypt for protection accorded to Catholics in their dominions.

The Trial of Surratt.

The Surratt trial is closed, the jury have been unable to agree upon a verdict. It has been one of the most remarkable criminal trials of this country or age; remarkable alike in the magnitude of the crime and the dramatic development of the very singular testimony.
It is impossible to lay before our readers all the details of the testimony which form the very singular chain of evidence against Surratt so ably developed by Mr. Pierpont. His connection with the other conspirators was clearly proved; that he was in Washington at the time of the murder, as charged in the indictment, appears to have been doubted by the majority of the jury, and hence the disagreement. That Surratt’s part in the conspiracy was as important as that of the other murderers is made equally clear. It was shown, by statements carelessly made by Surratt long before the assassination as well as afterward, that the abduction or murder of Lincoln occupied his thoughts. It is true that Booth intimates in his diary that the idea of murder had not been entertained before the 14th of April. But facts are more significant than the statement of a flying murderer, who would naturally desire to make it appear that his act was the result of sudden impulse rather than of a premeditated plan. It is clear that Harold was brought into the conspiracy because he was clerk in a drug-store, and in connection with an attempt to poison the President. That such an attempt was made and failed is shown by the following words found inscribed in Booth’s handwriting on a window-pane in the M’Henry House, in Meadville, Pennsylvania: “Abe Lincoln departed this life August 13, 1864, by the effects of poison.” The abduction scheme was plainly given up at an early period of the conspiracy. It is an unquestioned fact that Mrs. Surratt’s house in Washington was the principal rendezvous of the conspirators. This woman also owned a tavern at Surrattville. In 1862 the husband died, leaving his family in poor circumstances, and in 1864 the removal to Washington took place. Some time before the assassination Harold deposited some carbines in the house at Surrattville, then kept by a Mr. Lloyd. Afterward John H. Surratt came to the house and concealed these weapons. And on the day of the assassination Mrs. Surratt undertook a special journey to inform Lloyd that these weapons would be called for that night. It was proved moreover, that Surratt was in Washington on the 14th of April. He was seen by Cleaver fitting the bar behind the door of the President’s box. Cleaver knew Surratt, and, though a reluctant witness, testified that he certainly saw him. Others who knew Surratt saw him on that day in Washington, and some of them talked with him. A servant of the family testifies that she saw him at home on that day. Sergeant Dye saw him from the steps in front of Ford’s Theatre just before the murder, calling out the time for Booth. Surratt’s face made so vivid an impression upon his mind that it appeared to him afterward in his dreams. In the evidence, as presented, his route to Washington was clearly traced from Elmira by the testimony of several witnesses. Immediately after the murder, Surratt flies. His name is registered in Montreal on the 15th of April, but he did not venture to stop there. Then we find him concealed with Boucher, a Romish priest, while his mother and fellow conspirators were on trial in Washington. Here he remains until September, when he again resumes his flight. He embarks upon a steamer under an assumed name. After relieving his natural anxiety by finding that there is no American detective on board, he grows bolder and tells his secret. He lands at length in Ireland, and is thence traced to Liverpool. Then he flies to Rome and enlists in the Papal Zouaves under the name of Watson. But even Papal Rome will not shelter him, and his flight is continued to Malta, and thence to Egypt, where he is captured and brought back to the city of his crime.
The testimony for the defense was not so voluminous nor so positive; the lawyers of the prisoner appear to have based all their hopes on proving an alibi, and little of their evidence went to clear the prisoner of the alleged connection with the conspiracy.
A new trial will doubtless follow at the next term of the court; which will doubtless result as all new trials do—in nothing.—Harper’s Weekly.
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