Earlier text: THE TESTIMONY CONFIRMEDMEETINGS AT PETERBORO, N. H.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In company with Bro. Haskell, I came to this place, Sabbath, July 11, where I have spent three weeks in holding meetings, and visiting from house to house. Peterboro is a manufacturing village of about 1500 inhabitants, situated 60 miles west of Boston. It is 11 miles from the railroad at Mason, to which place the stage runs daily. It is a very good farming country around for New Hampshire. The truth was presented here some five years ago, by Brn. Hutchins and Bourdeau, at which time there was a good interest, and a number embraced the Sabbath. But, as the work was not followed up, the interest has since all died out, and many have given up the Sabbath, and some who still profess to keep it have little or no interest in the message, do not attend meetings, nor take the REVIEW. There are some 25 or 30 who occasionally meet together here; but they are scattered over eight different towns, so that it is very inconvenient for many of them to get out on the Sabbath. Many of these have kept the Sabbath since 1844. Three years ago Bro. Huntley, their elder, died. This was a great loss to the church, as it left them as sheep without a shepherd. I conclude that the church has been losing ground ever since. Some have had a great trial over the health reform. It has been very hard and slow doing anything for this church, as they are so scattered; yet I have tried to have patience and diligence, and to do the best I could. It is also now in the midst of haymaking, and is a bad time to hold meetings; but I have succeeded in visiting nearly every one, and I think that some little good has been done by the help of the Lord. Some have had their doubts and objections to the reform removed, and have decided to go forward with the body. But there is much to be done yet. After looking the matter all over carefully, I am satisfied that it is the duty of some of those living off several miles from the center, to move nearer the village. This would accomplish several objects. 1. They themselves could get out to meetings easily every Sabbath. This would certainly be a benefit to them. 2. Their children could then go every Sabbath. This would enable them to have a Sabbath School and Bible Class, and perhaps be the means of interesting the children, and saving them. 3. This would encourage and strengthen the few who usually meet together here. 4. It would give us a chance to have Monthly Meetings and general gatherings here, by furnishing a home for those who would come. 5. When a minister comes here he would do much more with half the amount of labor, if they were nearer together. 6. In this condition they might have a good, gathering influence on the community. Some might then be gathered in. It seems to me that these reasons are sufficient to move these scattered ones a little nearer together, if they love the truth enough. If this can be done, we can have a good little church here of about 25 members. I do not think that any great sacrifice need to be made in buying and selling, if they will move in the fear of God. I hope yet, by the blessing of God, to see a flourishing church here. Brethren and sisters, shall it be so? Where is the man who has the ability, and who feels the burden of the work, who will lead this little flock through into the kingdom? May the Lord raise them up such a man. There are some things in this church that please me much. There are no divisions nor quarrels among them; they all seem to love each other. This made me love them very much, and the Lord will bless them for it, too. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another." May this always be so. Then, with a very few exceptions, and these are coming along, they have confidence in the whole message, and in those whom God has chosen to lead out in the work. I thank God that I have once more got where it is not a crime to say that I believe the Testimonies. Nearly all the Sabbath-keepers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts have a strong faith in the Testimonies, and love for them. They have seen their fruits in the past, and know that they are good. Pecuniarily, this church is poor, yet some of them have sacrificed nobly for the cause. Bro. Daniel H. Gould, a short time since, gave $500 into the cause. The other day his wife and daughter gave me $25 for the California Mission, &c., and now Bro. Gould has another $100 ready to put into the work. This they have done besides paying liberally on the S. B., &c. Bro. G. must be a rich man then? Yes; rich in faith and treasures in Heaven; but, as to this world, he is only in comfortable circumstances, and works with his hands for his living. I know men in Maine who are worth two and three times as much as Bro. G., who have money and notes at interest, who think they are very liberal in giving $30 or $40 per year, in all they give in S. B., &c. They take no shares in the Health Institute, no shares in the Benevolent Association, no shares in the California Mission, and, I fear, but few shares in Heaven. God will reward every man according to his deeds. Others in this church have sacrificed much in times past. There are some who do not give what they ought to. They have been prospered, and they are becoming worldly. I fear for them. Their souls will soon become barren, unless they cherish a spirit of sacrifice. May God save them. There are some ten children and youth here, who have never taken up the cross. We tried to help them. Some of them have some interest, and some feeling. Some are careless, and without any interest. We still hold on to them by faith and prayer. I sold a large number of Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, &c., here, so that I believe all are well supplied. Those who are without these works are neglecting light from Heaven. While here, as I was riding one day, the horse became frightened by a dog, and ran out of the road, and threw me from the wagon. Sr. Huntley was in the wagon, and the reins were on the ground. But the horse soon stopped, and I picked myself up uninjured. I felt that the Lord had preserved us. July 26, 1868. D. M. CANRIGHT. MEETINGS AT ROULETTE, PA.
By Sarah A. H. Lindsey
As it was our privilege to attend these meetings, it is with gratitude that we acknowledge the reception of God's signal blessing. Our dear Bro. Fuller met with us, and, although very much worn by previous labor, he was enabled, by the blessing of God, to speak to the encouragement and edification of the church. Our prayer and conference meetings were interesting and profitable. On first-day, at 4 o'clock, P. M., we gathered together on the banks of the Allegany River, where we witnessed the interesting ceremony of baptism. The Lord solemnized the place by his unmistakable presence. As Bro. Fuller stepped upon the shore, with his garments yet dripping with the emblem of purity, the Holy Spirit indited a good matter while he spoke of the final separation of the righteous and the wicked. Conviction reached the hearts of some, who returned from the water's side weeping because of their sins. A season of prayer was held for them at the house of Bro. Lyman. Here they found relief. This, I was about to say, was the best meeting we had. Truly, Jesus manifested his power on earth to forgive sins, and when we remembered that he said, “Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance,” there was joy among the saints on earth, too. This was a blessed season to all present. Our reflections since these meetings have been thus: That our God has in store for us still greater blessings than we have yet enjoyed, but whether we receive them or not depends entirely upon our compliance with the conditions, the keeping of the commandments of God, and having the “testimony of Jesus Christ” (“the spirit of prophecy.” Rev. xix, 10). The church of God is evidently rising, and where the “spirit of prophecy” has been readily received, the power of God has been manifested to such a degree that at our meetings at Niles Settlement, July 4 and 5, a certain wicked, insubordinate spirit was bound in chains, and so evidently that all were able to see that it was indeed the work of the Lord. There was no excitement, but a deep solemnity rested upon the congregation, and a burden of soul in behalf of “the lost sheep.” Some of the straying ones confessed their backslidings with feelings of deep contrition. God is reviving his people according to his word; (Hosea vi, 2.) and may we not expect if we follow on to know the Lord, that “His going forth is prepared as the morning? and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” May the Lord help us to quicken our pace, and faithfully bear our part in this eventful hour. Soon, very soon the sinners in Zion will be afraid, fearfulness will surprise the hypocrites, and the hopes of all the wicked will perish. But when desolation and ruin finish the history of our sin-cursed globe, “The Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel iii, 16. Ulysses, Pa., July 21, 1868. REPORT FROM BRO. BLANCHARD.
By H. C. Blanchard
My last report ended April 14. I remained at home until June 3. During that time I preached to the church at Princeville occasionally. Held a Quarterly Meeting with them May 30 and 31. Had good meetings; the Lord met with us. On first-day, two were baptized and united with the church, my own dear boy being one of them. June 3, started for little Prairie, Wis., to attend our Conference. This Conference was the best I ever attended. We had the labors of Brn. Andrews and Cornell, which were very practical and instructive. May God abundantly bless the labors of these dear servants of the cross. Sabbath and first-day, 13 and 14, met in Quarterly Meeting with the church at Gridley, Ill. Spoke to them four times with freedom. On first-day, three were baptized, four united with the church. We visited every Sabbath-keeping family there but one, and they were living too far away for us to see them. This church needs faithful and patient labor. They are trying to follow the good Shepherd, but in consequence of their opposition to the reform that is going on among us, I fear that some of them are a long distance behind God's people, but I trust they will soon see their way clear, and keep pace with the remnant. Dear brethren and sisters at Gridley, may God enable you to walk in the light while it shines. June 16, arrived at home again. Remained at home until July 15. Labored some for the comforts of my family, and preached to the church at Princeville part of the time on the Sabbath. July 15, started for Dell Prairie, Wis., to attend the Convocation appointed at that place. When I reached Rockton, on my way, I learned that the meeting was postponed. Sabbath and first-day, 18 and 19, attended the Quarterly Meeting at Avon, Wis. There were brethren from Rockton and Monroe present. We had a refreshing from the Lord. Spoke Sabbath forenoon from Luke iv, 7. Bro. Steward spoke at 3 P. M., from Rev. xii, 17, after which we attended to the ordinances, and we felt to realize the truth of the Saviour's words, “If ye know these things, happy are if ye do them.” We bade the brethren and sisters farewell, and started123 for Rockton. There is a little handful of faithful brethren and sisters here, still holding on to the truth. When we came into the meeting-house Sabbath, and looked over our little congregation, we felt sad. Seven years ago we met in Conference here. This church was then prospering. “The candle of the Lord shone around them;” but there has been a shaking among them. Some have given up the truth, many have moved away, leaving but a small remnant. This is the oldest church in the State, being the first organized. They also built the first meeting-house. From what I learn of their history, they are beginning to prosper again. Much depends upon their leader. May he be guided by the Spirit of the Lord. May they all “walk in the light,” and such be added to their number as shall be saved. July 20, came in company with Bro. Steward to Dell Prairie. Was much disappointed in not meeting Brn. R. F. Andrews and I. Sanborn, this being one of my objects in coming on here, but it seems almost providential that I missed Bro. Andrews, as I should probably have gone home had I met him. But I am here, and I conclude from the circumstances that I am where the Lord would have me labor for the present, so we are holding some meetings at this time with the church here. They are very much disappointed in not having the Convocation as appointed, but they feel that their loss and disappointment is somewhat made up in the faithful labors of Bro. R. F. Andrews, during his stay with them. We are trying to do them some little good, while we tarry, waiting to get some appointments ahead of us. Bro. Andrews has given us an account of the dry weather and early harvest. They have since had a good rain, for which they feel grateful to God. That will save their later crops. I should agree with Bro. White that the meeting for this year was in the wrong time, their harvest being at least two weeks earlier in consequence of the drouth, but as a general thing, it is the only time you can have a Convocation in this part of the State. Dell Prairie, July 24, 1868. If thou and thy brother have aught to decide,
And fail at the last to agree,
Ne’er bring to another thy cause to be tried,
As erring and selfish as he.
No; judge for thyself by this rule ever true,
Ere thou dost a brother condemn:—
“All things that ye would men should do unto you,
Do ye even so unto them.” If a dark wave of trouble has swept o’er a soul,
And a cry has gone forth for relief,
Ne’er pause ere you give, nor thy charity dole,
Lest thou add a new pang to the grief.
Still follow the rule that is changeless and true,
And ne’er will thy conscience condemn:
“All things that ye would men should do unto you,
Do ye even so unto them.” REPORT FROM IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell; Geo. I. Butler
Since our last report we have continued to labor as well as we could, considering the hindrances in our way, for the good of souls in this community. But the exceeding heat and the arrival of harvest have been drawbacks in the way somewhat. So we have not had meetings all the evenings through the week. Those in the country were very anxious to attend and hear all the lectures, and it seemed impossible to come in after toiling all day in the harvest field. The harvest is a very heavy one, and the weather has been showery, so that we have been delayed longer than we expected. But our meetings, when held, have been well attended, and the interest has not subsided. At the earnest request of many, we have concluded to give the second course of lectures, commencing next Friday. During this week we have omitted the lectures in the tent, and had prayer and conference meetings, night and morning, in the Baptist meeting-house. They have no minister here, and they have kindly permitted us to use their house for this purpose. Last night, some thirty expressed a determination, by vote, to go forward with us in obedience to the truth and make a new start in religion, quite a number of them non-professors. This morning some sixteen spoke. Our object in these meetings is not merely to bring people to a theory of the truth, but to have the work deep and abiding—the heart converted as well as the head. The interest is encouraging. An old settler said in one of the meetings, that he attended the first meeting ever held on this prairie, and now he was at the last, and never had he seen such a religious interest here before. Our devotional meetings are increasing in interest, and we hope much good will arise from them to others and ourselves. We feel the need of more of the power. The enemy is very much enraged here. Reports of every conceivable kind are abroad in the community. All the denominations that have ministers stationed here are against us, doing all they can to impede the cause of truth; and yet it moves on, and will move on, to final victory. Satan presses in his darkness upon us, and we do not feel all that liberty we desire; but we are struggling hard for it, and expect by the grace of God to get it. When Satan works so hard, we are sure he is afraid of losing his subjects; therefore we are encouraged to labor on. How the battle will turn, we cannot tell; but shall put our trust in the living God, and do what we can. Pray for us. M. E. CORNELL,
GEO. I. BUTLER. THE CLOSING HOURS OF TIME.
By Jos. Clarke
How solemn the thought, that we are living in the period spoken of by the prophet Daniel, as the time of the end. The earth makes its accustomed daily revolution, and its annual circuit. Moons wax and wane, and, to the careless observer, it appears it will always be the same. As the seasons regularly recur, and crops are yearly gathered, as merchandise and commerce, and the arts and sciences flourish and increase, men's hearts grow callous, and they say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” Startling signs in the heavens are viewed from the scoffer's seat, and prophecy is neglected or disbelieved, and faithful warnings are despised by most. A few look up with faith and humility. Heaven grants them a view of the sacred truths of inspiration; in the sanctuary they view the solemn work now in progress. Oh! solemn work, the closing up of this dispensation! Can I realize it? Oh! my hardness of heart! Can I be indifferent now? As a people, what indubitable evidence we have that Jesus is soon coming to save the faithful and pure, who have heeded all the testimonies. Yet are we all heeding them? Oh! how often, in the wearing labors and cares of life, do we forget the solemnity of the time, and become stupid and lukewarm. Shall I forget? Shall I for a moment forget the dread reality? Awake, oh! my soul, and let the spirit of truth sink deeply into thy heart. Oh! solemn, gathering time! The scattered, the straying, ones are now being sought. Soon the last sheaf will be gathered home. Rejoice oh! humble, contrite one, and praise God that not a grain of wheat will fall; not a jewel will be lost. In view of the solemn work now going on, in view of the terrible distinctness of prophecy, Why is not Christendom hushed into silence, on every recurring Sabbath? Why are not all ears and hearts open and attentive to the words of truth? Simply because men are skeptical, and do not, in fact, believe. A few believe; they become more considerate, and solemn; yet they are inwardly joyous; but it is associated with such weighty considerations, that joy is mingled largely with solicitude and pain; not the pain of a troubled conscience, but the throes of an agonized world are in prospect; friends, relatives, neighbors, are interested in this matter, but refuse, in many instances, to interest themselves about it; and even the righteous often fear lest they be carried away by the current. Evil influences all around conspire to afflict, to seduce the righteous from his steadfastness, and, like Lot, from day to day his soul is vexed within him. That day approaches, oh, my soul! bear it constantly in mind. It will make thee solemn, but thy solemnity will, ere long, be turned into joy, if thou art faithful. Lonely one, thou who, from week to week, and, perchance, from year to year, sittest alone, with no fellow-pilgrims to cheer thy lonely way, encourage thyself in the Lord. Soon the work will close; be faithful unto the end. Sorrowful, fatherless, and orphan, homeless, and destitute, crippled, deaf, dumb, and blind, look up, your redemption draweth nigh. Even now relief is speeding. Even here homes and warm hearts await you. Oh! my friends, is not this a joyful, yet solemn, time? Oh! let all prove worthy of such love and kindness. Mercy calls for the last time, in this third message. Who will heed the last, gathering call? DAVIESS COUNTY, MISSOURI.
By J. H. Rogers
Since first calling the attention of our brethren to this part of the State, I have received numerous inquiries and letters respecting the same. Some of them I tried to answer through the REVIEW. To those who still are inquiring, I would say, The natural advantages of our county are good, so that persons of small capital and moderate economy can live comfortably. Prices of land vary from five to twenty-five dollars per acre, owing to location and improvements. The country is filling up fast with Eastern and Northern men of enterprise and industry. Should any more brethren choose to come, let them come prepared not only to be recognized as Sabbath-keepers, in union with the body, but to be real burden-bearers, who can be a help instead of a hindrance to the cause of present truth; for we have been deceived in some. Let those who ramble about from place to place, without aim or object, understand they are not needed, nor encouraged to come. Such as can better their condition, with the cause of the message at heart, we welcome, we say, “Come over and help us.” Moses Hull’s Claims in Vineland
BRO. LAMB writes from Vineland, N. J.: Moses Hull is lecturing here and divulging his private interviews with the brethren in Michigan. I encountered him yesterday. He wants them to organize a secret society; boasted of his powers to mesmerize people's voices, and of having the power to bring down fire from heaven superior to Elijah!! Dear Brethren and Sisters: Do not let your time be so taken up with worldly matters that you can find no time to occasionally say a cheering word in the “Conference Department.” This department presents rather a bad show this week for 10,000 believers who are looking for the coming of Christ, and who are exhorted to “exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.” Let us be faithful. G. W. A. Washington Co., R. I
By Jabez C. Tucker
BRO. SMITH: I have wanted for some time to speak to the brethren and sisters through the Review. But the church in this place have been having some severe trials, and I could not report as encouragingly as I would wish, so I thought I would wait until things were in a more prosperous condition. But I can say that I am not discouraged in trying to obey God by keeping all his commandments. I have trials sometimes that seem almost insurmountable, but by grace we can overcome. It is the overcomer's reward that we want. Unless we have trials we shall have nothing to overcome, and so we could not have the overcomer's reward. So I say, Come trials if it need be, but give me grace, O Lord, to do thy will. Dear brethren and sisters, I can say, Praise the Lord for the light of the third angel's message, which is a message of reform. He that does not receive the light that is being shed forth by the Spirit of prophecy, is not really in the message. For the Testimonies teach humility and consecration to God, which brings a separation from the world and its fashions. Let every dear brother and sister have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that will manifest itself by keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Yours in hope of eternal life. WANTED,
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Homes and employment for about fifteen or twenty Sabbath-keeping widows, orphans, and homeless children in N. H. and Mass. I know of about the above number of this class of persons who are able to work, but they have no place to earn anything without going away from those of like faith. This they do not wish to do, nor do we wish to have them do it if possible to prevent it. Many of the young, however, are compelled to do it. As they become of age, they leave home as they can have employment there no longer; they go out into the world, get away from the influence of the truth, get ensnared in the world, give up the truth, and are lost forever. This is sad, very sad. What shall be done? If we had means, and men of the right ability, and men who had enough of the spirit of sacrifice, and patience enough, and enough of the grace of God, we might set up some business that would employ them all. But we have not got them at present. We must first use what we have got. I know of several families who are comfortably well off, are not in debt much, if any, have comfortable homes, good health, and are adding something to their property every year. Can not these persons do something? Most of them never dream that they have any duty to do in this matter. If they were only rich, they say, they would do wonders! We should have more confidence in this if they would do a little with the little they have now. “Oh! we have; we gave $5 or $10 to the Benevolent Association.” This they think frees them from all further responsibility in the matter. What a mistake! what a narrow idea of benevolence! This costs them no care, no burden, no trial of their patience, no sleepless nights or broken rest, no tears, no aching heart, no responsibility. Who shall look after the poor, get them clothes, provide them a home? Who will have a father’s care for the orphans, counsel them, admonish them; correct their faults, teach them virtue and usefulness? Who will take that neglected, poor, ignorant child, and patiently, prayerfully train it up in the fear of God? Oh! some one else must do that. They have given their money, that is all they can do. They have all they can do to live now. I fear that such know but little of the Spirit of Jesus which led him to humble himself and suffer as he did for ungrateful man. See that humble minister as he goes out to win souls to Christ. If he feels the burden of the work, ask him how much he would give, if money would discharge his duty, and he would tell you, all he has got. He must leave his wife and children whom he loves as well as other men love theirs, he must bid adieu to his home and all its comforts, though as dear as other men’s homes; and as with a trembling voice he says “Good bye,” he knows that long weeks and months of toil must pass before he can view that loved place again; where now blossoms the flower, the cold snow will lie when he returns. He goes as a lamb among wolves. How often his mind is pressed down with cares, his heart burdened with grief, and his eyes run down with tears! See the Son of God. He gave for us something more precious than money; he gave a heart burdened with sadness and grief, long nights of pleading with God alone in the mountains; he gave tears and groans and sighs of grief; his back to the rod, his cheek to the smiter, his face to be spit upon, and his head to be crowned with thorns; and at last he gave his life for us. Will then a few dollars in money discharge our duty? Never. We must feel some of the sufferings of Christ, or we are none of his. Brethren and sisters, let the Spirit of Christ enter your hearts, then open them and open your doors to some of these needy lambs of Christ’s who are bleating around the fold for shelter. Take them in, in the name of Jesus, and God will bless your dwelling with such light and joy as never entered it before. It is more blessed to give than to receive. If you cannot make it pay to hire some of these young brothers or sisters, give them a home with you where they may come often and find counsel, light, and encouragement. Try it a spell and see what God will do for you. Oh! that God would raise us up some fathers and mothers in Israel who will work and sacrifice and suffer for Christ’s sake. It has been well said, “Eternal vigilance is the prince of liberty.” Not vigilance for a day, a month, or a year, but vigilance all the time is demanded, in order to conserve liberty. When victory crowned our arms, and when the shackles were struck from every slave within our borders, many thought liberty was assured, and that they might rest in peace and enjoy the fruit of their long and weary contest for the rights of man. But they had scarcely begun to rest when the truth of our motto became very manifest in the condition of our land—the thief of liberty was only chained, and a few months were only needed by him to file his chains asunder; and now he is at his old trade. Under pretence of upholding the Constitution and conserving old usages, he is forging shackles for his fellows. Witness the doings of the Ku-Klux Klan in the South. The following from the correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette will be sufficient as an illustration: An extra session of the Legislature of Tennessee, as the Gazette has already been informed by telegraph, will assemble at the Capitol on the 27th of the present month. The present condition of things in the State is too bad to be endured. I speak the sober truth, and without exaggeration or coloring. Many months since a secret society was organized in Giles County, called the Ku-Klux Klan. They always appeared in the dead hours of the night, and in deep disguise. For some time they claimed that the society had no other object than mere sport, but it soon became apparent that it was a military organization, made up chiefly of discharged Confederate soldiers, and that its object was revolution. During the pendency of the trial of Andrew Johnson, the operations of this secret rebel army were suspended; but on the very day his acquittal was announced, their depredations were resumed, and with wonderfully increased vigor. It is now a fact, which no honest man will dispute, that thousands of young men in Middle and West Tennessee have organized themselves into a secret military force, for the purpose of overthrowing liberty in this State. I have it on the very highest authority that some of the cooler-headed Democratic politicians have taken great pains to persuade these men to abandon their organization, but without effect. The Ku-Klux have replied: “We committed the cause of Southern independence to you, during the late struggle. We obeyed your commands, and, when you surrendered, we acquiesced. Now, all we ask of you is to let us alone, and we will manage the contest to suit ourselves.” To notice and record the instances of diabolical cruelty and outrage perpetrated by these scoundrels would be impossible. One day they take out a white school-teacher, strip him and beat him into a jelly. Another night they warn a radical citizen that his presence in the community is not desired—that, in fact, his political opinions have rendered him odious, and that, if he does not leave the community within so many days, he will be visited. Again, they go to a negro’s house, take the man out, put a chain about his neck, mount their horses, and lead him about the neighborhood, and when he is exhausted with fatigue and fright, compel him to dance and sing before them. The next night they take a white man—an officer of the State—drag him from his affrighted wife and children, take him into the woods, tie him to a tree, and then riddle him with bullets, as they did James L. Frances, of Overton County, a few nights since, poor Mrs. Frances following the scoundrels who had her husband in charge, and finding him tied to a tree, a cold corpse, riddled with twenty bullets. It is folly to deny these things, for they are vouched for by the members of the various churches from the North engaged in the Freedman’s Mission, and show the determination of the late rebels to control the institutions of the South in, if they cannot do it out of, the Union, and also their determination to rule the colored people as serfs, if they cannot do so as slaves. The Lost Cause is as dear to them as ever, and what is still more to be wondered at, and what calls for increased vigilance, is the fact that so many in the North now, as at the beginning of the war, are urging them on in their unholy work. Take, for example, the letter of Frank P. Blair, written as a bid for the nomination of Vice President, which nomination he obtained; and doubtless, if he should secure votes enough next November to elevate him to that position, he would do what he could to make his bond good. We lay it before our readers as another proof of the necessity of again renewing the conflict in behalf of liberty: Washington, June 30, 1868. Dear Colonel,—In reply to your inquiries, I beg leave to say that I leave you to determine, on consultation with my friends from Missouri, whether my name shall be presented to the Democratic Convention, and to submit the following as what I consider the real and only issue in this contest: The reconstruction policy of the Radicals will be complete before the next election; the States so long excluded will have been admitted, negro suffrage established, and the carpet-baggers installed in their125 seats in both branches of Congress. There is no possibility of changing the political character of the Senate, even if the Democrats should elect their President and a majority of the popular branch of Congress. We cannot, therefore, undo the Radical plan of reconstruction by Congressional action; the Senate will continue a bar to its repeal. Must we submit to it? How can it be overthrown? It can only be overthrown by the authority of the executive, who is sworn to maintain the Constitution, and who will fail to do his duty if he allow the Constitution to perish under a series of Congressional enactments which are in palpable violation of its fundamental principles. If the President elected by the Democracy enforce, or permit others to enforce, these reconstruction acts, the Radicals, by an accession of twenty spurious Senators and fifty Representatives, will control both branches of Congress, and his administration will be as powerless as the present one of Mr. Johnson. There is but one way to restore the Government and the Constitution, and that is for the President-elect to declare these acts null and void, compel the army to undo its usurpations at the South, disperse the carpet-bag State Governments, allow the white people to reorganize their own Governments, and elect Senators and Representatives. The House of Representatives will contain a majority of Democrats from the North, and they will admit the Representatives elected by the white people of the South, and with the co-operation of the President, it will not be difficult to compel the Senate to submit once more to the obligations of the Constitution. It will not be able to withstand the public judgment, if distinctly invoked and clearly expressed, on this fundamental issue, and it is the sure way to avoid all future strife to put this issue plainly to the country. I repeat that this is the real and only question which we should allow to control us. Should we submit to the usurpations by which the Government has been overthrown, or shall we exert ourselves for its full and complete restoration? It is idle to talk of bonds, greenbacks, gold, the public faith, and the public credit. What can a Democratic President do in regard to any of these, with a Congress in both branches controlled by the carpet-baggers and their allies? He will be powerless to stop the supplies by which idle negroes are organized into political clubs—by which an army is maintained to protect these vagabonds in their outrages upon the ballot. These, and things like these, eat up the revenue and resources of the Government, destroy its credit, and make the difference between gold and greenbacks. We must restore the Constitution before we can restore the finances, and to do this we must have a President who will execute the will of the people by trampling into dust the usurpations of Congress, known as the reconstruction acts. I wish to stand before the Convention upon this issue, but it is one which embraces everything else that is of value in its large and comprehensive results. It is the one thing that includes all that is worth a contest, and without it there is nothing that gives dignity, honor or value to the struggle. Your friend,
FRANK P. BLAIR. Of the same tenor is part of the Platform adopted by the Convention at New York, where it declares the reconstruction acts of Congress null and void. Truly, the times call for increased vigilance lest, after all, the rebellion succeed.—Christian Press. —OUR camp-meetings have been marred, and the good done by them thrown into doubt, by the Sabbath-breaking which they occasion. The Reading Railway ran Sunday excursion-trains, and carried thousands of passengers to the ground at Manheim, and at the Long Island Camp-meeting it was discovered, late on Sunday, that huckstering had been going on within the precincts under the control of the Committee, as on a secular day. Are Methodists, who profess to be devout Christians, about to become notorious as Sabbath-breakers?—Methodist. What We've Bought and What We Paid for It.
SINCE the present Government was established, the United States have acquired the following territory, on the terms named: - The purchase of Louisiana and Mississippi Valley, in 1803, from France, for $15,000,000.
- The purchase of Florida, in 1810, from Spain, for $3,000,000.
- The annexation of Texas, in 1845.
- The purchase of California, New Mexico, and Utah, from Mexico, for $15,000,000, in 1848.
- The purchase of Arizona from Mexico, for $10,000,000, in 1854.
- The purchase of the immense Russian possessions, running down on the Pacific coast from the North Pole to fifty-four forty north latitude, at which line it strikes the British possessions, for $7,200,000.