p. 63 | Review and Herald, Vol. 33, No. 8. (2/16/1869)

Earlier text: THE RETURN OF THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT

A TIMELY REBUKE.

The London Saturday Review, which is certainly—whatever else may be said of it—one of the ablest and most thoughtful of the English journals, has these reflections:

“In the United States we see the influence of money in its worst and most unblushing form. Of all the dangers to which the great democracy is exposed, none is so conspicuous, and none so generally recognized by all thinking men, as the danger of downright pecuniary corruption. An effort is being made in England to bring to justice men who are accused—rightly or wrongly—of having defrauded the shareholders of a great financial company. Whatever the result, no one doubts that the case will be fully investigated, and that the Judges will do their duty without fear or favor. But in New York the leaders of commerce appear to be above the law. They use their power without restraint or concealment for transactions in shares which fairly astonish the enterprising British financier, and when an appeal is made to the law in consequence of a quarrel between the conspirators, it turns out that each of them has a judge in his pay, and is able to drag the machinery of justice through the dirt of the most unblushing corruption. Certainly no spectacle has been exhibited in England half so demoralizing to the public mind as the whole course of the rival manipulators of the great Erie Railroad. Money has doubtless great influence upon the British Parliament, but at least it does not influence members in the repulsive form of direct bribery. The taxation of the country is doubtless determined in a great measure by rich men; but at least we are not told here that more than half the revenue escapes through mysterious leaks between the contributor and the national exchequer, and we are entirely free from such mysterious but powerful agencies as the notorious “whiskey ring.” The influence of money in England acts through what, by comparison at least, may be called legitimate channels; and we are not disgraced by paying one set of taxes to the public and another to the plunderers of the public revenue. The wealthy classes may be powerful, but they have not the power to mould tariffs with an exclusive view to their own pockets.”

It is lawful, says the Latin proverb, to learn from an enemy, and though the Saturday Review is not a special friend of this country, we may acknowledge the truth of this statement, even if it were made in an unfriendly spirit. We may not only acknowledge its truth, but confess that it is not the half of it. Unhappily, in the largest and most influential city of the country, both commercial and political affairs are rotten from core to skin. There is not only the hidden gangrene, but the hideous and disgusting corruption which there is no attempt to hide, but there is not honesty enough left even to be ashamed of it. From primary meetings to national elections is an unbroken chain of bargains, of buying of votes and selling of legislation. Laws are made, not for the public welfare, but to subserve private interests, and are bought by the purchase of members at so much a head, either in money or office. The rule is universal, with only here and there a few honorable exceptions of individual men. The “Ring” is King, and Legislatures are only its ministers, to give a legal sanction to whatever legislation it chooses to be paid for, at such a price as the interest in question warrants. Office is sought and accepted, whether legislative or executive, not with any purpose of faithfully discharging its duties at a fixed emolument, but for what can be made out of it by wholesale theft or plundering the public. The Bench is no better. The man who goes before a Judge elected by popular vote, in the hope of a just judgment according to the merits of his case in law or equity, is a fool. The Judge is bought by money, or interest, or political considerations, and he who cannot count one or the other on his side, will, if he has ordinary common sense, keep out of court and save his costs.

From the corner grocer who sells fusil oil for whisky, peach leaves for tea, chicory for coffee, or marble-dust in four parts to four of sugar, up to the millionaire in Wall street who waters stock, makes a corner on Erie or a corner in pork—and the category covers the greater part of them—all are knaves alike, great rascals or small rascals, according to their opportunity. At the Bar men reach distinction who, fifty years ago, would not have been permitted to practice in any court, and because of that bad eminence and influence it gives them among thieves and pimps, and other beastly elements of society, are raised to Chairmanships in State party committees and command the nominations to the highest offices. It is only among the old-fashioned lawyers of a past generation or the few young men who cling to the old traditions that that high sense of professional honor which once distinguished the legal calling is clung to and held as more precious than all fee or reward. The greed of gain has eaten out all purity; honor is a romantic notion, and honesty a weakness which only fools believe in or practice.

This is not an agreeable picture; but who can say that it is not a true one? True, that is, of the dominant influences that govern society in New York, that shape its ends and mould its various public relations. There would be little hope for us, as a people, if we did not see and acknowledge that this is a true statement of the case there, and that contagion is showing itself in other places. * Never before in this country has there been such a destitution of public morality, or any such well-grounded reason for fearing that we may not be able to get back to a healthy state without serious convulsions. New York, as the metropolis, sets the example to the rest of the country, and has long done on a large scale in her municipal affairs and local politics what is done on a smaller scale, and, as yet, with less boldness, in some other sections. And in New York the reaction seems likely to first show itself. “When these Yankees,”—said one foreigner to another in the silent crowd that awaited around the San Francisco jail the bringing forth of the first criminal to be hanged by order of the Vigilance Committee,—“when these Yankees take a “Bible in one hand and a musket in the other they “are the Devil.” They are getting their Bibles and their muskets ready in New York.

Shall we take warning in time? Or are we to go through another ordeal of civil convulsion and of blood? The work of purification is enormous, but it must be begun and persevered in or the whole political fabric which it has cost so much to rear will tumble into ruins. Party names and party interests are less than dust in the balance where the stake is the welfare of a whole people and the existence of a republican form of government. We are in greater danger of destruction now from the want of morality and any sense of honor in our public affairs than we have ever been from foreign or domestic enemies, and our only salvation is in that private virtue of the people which, when they see the danger, may apply the remedy.—Chicago Tribune.

M. P. STILES

By M. P. Stiles

From Sr. Stiles.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I had been striving for some time to realize a perceptible growth in grace, but found it hard advancing; and when I read what a brother said a few weeks past in the REVIEW, about having a system, I eagerly seized the idea, and acted upon it, and have been so strengthened and blessed in it that I am convinced that God is pleased with order, even in secret worship. If our design and determination is to have all our thoughts and actions to the glory of God, it will be a pleasure to review them several times in the course of the day, especially if we have done some good work, or spoken some good word; and if some evil has been done, the sooner we repent the better.

Oh! when shall we be perfect enough to keep the “acceptable fast,” to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to deal our bread to the hungry, and to bring the poor that are cast out to our homes? &c. The promises look so precious to me this morning, I feel that I will keep the fast that the Lord will accept.

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord will answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.” Oh! to live so near to the Lord as this, would be a fullness of enjoyment that would compensate for all the sorrows and perils of the “narrow way.” Let us hold fast the “cord.” It will surely hold, but we must hold it with both hands. We cannot carry our treasures in one, and hold safely to the cord with the other; but if we have been good stewards, our earthly treasures with our hearts will have passed before us to the beautiful land.

We have been scattering books and papers lately, and are surprised to find those who have formerly been prejudiced, take them gladly, and say they are not afraid to investigate. One commenced to keep the Sabbath with the new year. It is a noticeable fact that the newly converted find just what they need in Spiritual Gifts and Life Incidents, and prize them highly.

It is quite sickly here this winter, which has moved the minds of the people, reminding them of their mortality, and causing them to feel the need of a well-ordered life, and a religion that will carry them over the dark valley. We humbly and earnestly pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into his harvest, and to send one here as soon as agreeable to his holy will. Some desire baptism.

M. P. STILES

Cedar Springs, Mich., Feb. 2, 1869.

A Letter from Minnesota

By S. E. Gibson

SR. S. E. GIBSON writes from Minn.: I see in our REVIEW of Jan. 19, that the duty of writing to the letter department is enjoined upon the believers in present truth. I have often thought I would tell the readers of our paper my hopes and fears and determinations, for I have often been greatly cheered and strengthened by reading their epistles. I thank God to-day that he did incline my heart to obey him, and turn from keeping the traditions of men to the commandments of God. I determined to walk out in the light as far as it shone upon my pathway, and I feel that God has blessed me in so doing.

It is my determination, God being my helper, to so live that I may be numbered among his remnant people. We read that if we acknowledge God in all our ways he will direct our paths; and also that with every temptation he will make a way of escape. What precious promises! Why may we not claim them as ours?

“Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of our Father which is in Heaven.” Shall I be left out? Will any that are trying to keep God’s commandments, and the faith of Jesus? God help us to be right in his sight! How plainly that passage shows that we must watch as well as pray; that we have duties to do to God, to each other, and to ourselves. May the Lord strengthen us each to do our every duty in his love and fear.

DANIEL W. BARTHOLOMEW

By Daniel W. Bartholomew

From Bro. Bartholomew.

To all to whom it may concern, I wish to say through the REVIEW, that for some time back I have borne the name of a Seventh-day Adventist; but I have been a disgrace to the cause and dishonored my profession in my life, and deal with my fellow-men, and I wish to say to all, that by the assisting grace of God I intend to start anew; and wherein I have wronged any one in word or deed, or by my influence, I am sorry and as far as is in my power I will make satisfaction, and where I am owing I will turn out any thing I have to pay up, or as fast as I can get money I will pay, and restore. I believe that time is short and I want to make thorough work, and get right that I may stand with the redeemed on Mount Zion at last.

Yours in hope.

DANIEL W. BARTHOLOMEW

Otsego, Mich., Feb. 9, 1869.

Obituary Notices.

By C. O. Taylor

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

Died, at the residence of Bro. L. Lowry, in Mannsville, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1868, Orson, son of Silas (deceased,) and Calista Lowry, aged 2 years, 8 months, and 10 days. For about twenty days, little Orson suffered under the cruel power of disease. Warm hearts and kind hands administered to his wants; yet the enemy was permitted to prevail. As we loved him in life, so in death.

“How vain is all beneath the skies, How transient every earthly bliss.”

Sermon by the writer. C. O. TAYLOR.

Note from Brn. Howard and Putnam.

By L. L. Howard; Wm. W. Putnam

THE work goes well. Those who have started seem to be willing and obedient, and cheerfully take up their cross. It is good to see old men sixty-four or five years old taking up their cross. Two among our number are of that age, and three others are more than fifty. They seem very earnest to be saved. A number of middle-aged persons give promise of being useful in the work of present truth. We have sharp opposition from the Methodist minister in charge, but in the midst of it all the work goes steadily on. Pray for us, dear brethren, that we may have wisdom to do our last work faithfully, that when the Master cometh he may say, Well done.

Your brethren in the Lord.

L. L. HOWARD. WM. W. PUTNAM.

Hymn Book and Daniel Article

By Editor

Having been engaged most of the past week on the new Hymn Book, we have not had time to prepare the usual article on Daniel. Shall endeavor to resume the subject next week. The Hymn Book is progressing quite rapidly, and in a manner which we think will give general satisfaction.

Testimony No. 17 will be ready for mailing in a few days. It contains 196 pages of most valuable matter. There are two pieces of touching poetry on the cover, worth to any Christian reader the cost of the book. Price of the book, post paid, 25 cents. Let the orders come in, and let the edition go out to the churches east, west, north, and south. J. W.

General Conference Missionary Funds

By James White

The General Conference Missionary Funds are low. We have quite a number of able and faithful missionaries in the field—two in California, two in Maine, and several in other States. These must be sustained. Brethren who have offerings for the Lord should remember the cause of Missions as well as the Book and Benevolent funds. Come, brethren, bring your offerings, as well as your tithes, into the Lord’s store-house. JAMES WHITE.

JAMES WHITE

By James White

Those who have received the Book Fund report should see that the fund we commenced to raise at the Wright camp-meeting for the circulation of Life Incidents, and other works, is not the same as the fund we commenced to raise, January, 1868, to circulate Spiritual Gifts, and similar works. The first fund is in the hands of the Publishing Association, the other is in my hands.

The money received for the first fund has been once receipted in REVIEW, and should not be receipted again in the Book Fund report. The money pledged and paid since the Wright camp-meeting to assist me in circulating such works as Life Incidents, Law and Gospel, God's Memorial, is acknowledged in the report.

JAMES WHITE

Book Fund Report

By James White

Some are drawing back from the figures suggested in my report of Book Fund, while most of the brethren are expressing entire satisfaction. Of course, all shall have this matter their own way. But those friends of the cause who are wealthy, and feel anxious to swell the Book Fund, so that they shall be able to furnish the books, pamphlets, and tracts to suitable persons to circulate, and yet have not the ready cash at their command, can have all the time necessary to dispose of real estate or personal property. We shall not change their figures because of the want of ready cash. But if any are too poor, or too covetous to assist in this work, we shall be glad to put their figures very low. God loves the cheerful giver. He accepts freewill offerings. We hope all the friends of the cause will be represented in the corrected edition of the Book Fund report which we wish to issue in a few weeks. JAMES WHITE.

Circulation of Books

By James White

Our preachers, east and west, should interest themselves in the circulation of books. They should interest the brethren in their duty, and assist them in forwarding tangible help. Then these ministers should send in their orders for books to give when they cannot sell them. JAMES WHITE.

An Excellent Article.

By John Nevins Andrews

I HAVE rarely read so good an article on the subject of our stewardship as that in the REVIEW for Dec. 1, entitled, “Giving.” Do not fail to give this article a careful perusal. If the ideas are new and strange to you, read them over till you drink in their spirit. Then devote your life to carrying them into practice. It is in my opinion a good exposition of Paul’s words of entreaty that we present ourselves a living sacrifice to God. Rom. xii. Do not pass this article without giving it a careful perusal. J. N. A.

Note from Bro. Cottrell.

By R. F. Cottrell

My labors for the past five weeks have been divided between two places, consequently I have not got along so rapidly into the burden of the work. Now we are in the important, deciding time. Three or four have embraced the Sabbath, and others are deeply interested. My congregations are yet good, though some have drawn off. I hope yet to have something to report from this vicinity that will be cheering to the lovers of truth. Pray for me and for the interests of the cause here. R. F. COTTRELL.

Cottage, Catt. Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1869.

Mortality Among the Bees.

By Wm. Cottrell

THE nearer we approach the end, the more visible the effects of the curse appear. All things that we look upon seem to be affected. A great mortality among the bees has occurred here such as was never known in our country before. They commenced dying early last season, and have continued until most men have lost all that they had—one farmer losing to the amount of 30 or 40 stands. They have quite an amount of honey, and it is said that it is not fit for use. A nephew of mine told me that the honey that was left in his stands could not be eaten at all; that it did not taste like honey. Some men who were in the bee culture say that a honeydew fell last summer, and that killed the bees in his neighborhood. Some call it bee cholera.

WM. COTTRELL.

Greene Co., Ohio.

Monthly Meeting at Exeter, R. I.

By C. L. SWEET

SABBATH evening, a few of us met for a social meeting. Twelve bore testimony. We had a profitable season. Met Sabbath morning again for social meeting, and brethren from different churches came in. Our meetings were very interesting. Met again first-day at the school-house. The house was well filled. The time was well taken up in bearing testimony to the goodness of the Lord, and in speaking of their determination to live more consecrated lives than ever before.

This monthly gathering has proved a blessing thus far. I hope that each brother and sister will not forget the determination made there. May the Lord help us all to keep his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. C. L. SWEET.

Slocumville, Jan. 26, 1869.

The Lord at Work in East Otto

By Bro. E. B. Saunders

BRO. E. B. SAUNDERS writes from East Otto, N. Y.: The Lord is at work here and some precious souls are falling in love with present truth. May his name be glorified.

Gal. V, 18.

“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

The reverse of this declaration is, If ye be not led of the Spirit, ye are under the law.

BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.

A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.

A FARM FOR SALE—Twelve miles from Battle Creek City. A rare chance for purchasers. Farm belongs to a widowed sister and must be sold. For particulars Address A. A. DODGE, Battle Creek, Mich.

WANTED.—A single man to do farm work. Address LATHROP DREW, South Pultney, Steuben Co., N. Y.

WANTED.—A man by the month or year to work on a farm. Single man preferred. Address GEO. T. LAY, Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich.

FOR SALE.—A house and two lots in Battle Creek, small barn, plenty of fruit, good location. Price $2500.00; $1000 or $1200.00 down. Address A. GRAHAM. Battle Creek, Mich.

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Mt. Pleasant Quarterly Meeting

By A. A. Fairfield

The next Quarterly Meeting for the Mt. Pleasant church and vicinity, will be held at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sabbath and first-day, March 6 and 7. The help of Bro. Butler, Bro. Mitchell, or any other brother, would be very acceptable, and is earnestly desired. A. A. FAIRFIELD.

Iowa Church Meetings

By GEO. L. BUTLER

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches in Iowa as follows: Mt. Pleasant, Sabbath and Sunday, March 6 and 7; Brighton, 13 and 14. We hope there will be a general attendance. GEO. L. BUTLER.

Northern District Monthly Meeting

By Chas. Stratton

The next Monthly Meeting in the Northern District in Maine, will be held with the church in Cornville, March 13 and 14, commencing Sabbath evening. Come, one and all, that can, in this vicinity. Come to work, that we may see reformation. CHAS. STRATTON.