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Review and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 13.

OBJECTS OF WORSHIP.
Earlier text: THE SABBATISM OF HEB. IV

COME QUICKLY.

By W. C. G.

TUNE.—“Ring the Bell, Watchman.”
O’ER all the land have the signs now appeared, Telling us soon our dear Saviour will come; Long has the worn pilgrim watched, hoped, and feared, Waiting for “that blessed hope,”—O come, Saviour, come.

CHORUS.

Sound forth the tidings, long, loud and clear, Jesus is coming and soon will be here; All hearts respond, as we long for our home, “Quickly come, O blessed Jesus, come, Saviour, come.”
Signs in the sun and the moon and the stars, Faithfully show that the great day is near, Nations distressed by the rumors of wars, And the hearts of wicked men are falling for fear.
Chorus.—Sound forth the tidings, &c.
These, to the pilgrim, are omens of cheer, Toiling and sighing in life’s gloomy way, All, all proclaim that the Saviour is near, And the light is dawning of that soon-coming day.
Chorus.—Sound forth the tidings, &c.
Then let us rally and fresh courage take, Soon will we hear our dear Lord’s loving voice, Those who will now all their errors forsake, Soon the pearly gates will enter,—sing and rejoice.
Chorus.—Sound forth the tidings, &c.
W. C. G.

SARAH GORTON

By Sarah Gorton

From Sister Gorton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often been enabled to take new courage when reading the testimonies of those who are seeking for a home in our Father's house. It seems to me that I, too, ought to be ready and willing to say a few words in favor of such a good work as the Lord is doing for us. Since I became a follower of my Saviour, I have learned that my heart is exceedingly rebellious, and that nothing but the grace of God can fully subdue it and make me fit for my Master's use. My prayer of late has been that I might be led in a plain path, and be willing at all times to yield my will to the will of my Heavenly Father.
But when his will I know, how long I shrink from duty, until I find I can advance no further unless I bear every cross and do every duty willingly. Pleading my lack of talent does not please my kind Master, nor bring peace to my soul; therefore I am resolved to bring all into the storehouse of the Lord, and with all the faithful, self-denying ones try to help on the great cause which is so faithfully carrying redemption's plan to a sinful world.
It is three years since in the providence of God, I was permitted to hear, and enabled to embrace, the third angel's message, which was faithfully proclaimed at Greenwood Prairie, Minnesota. Most of the little band that started with me then are still striving for the victory, and others have been added to our numbers since then. As far as I know, they are also trying to live out the health reform.
I have met with much opposition from the church of which I was a member, yet I have not for a moment been sorry that I did not allow sectarian principles to prevent me from hearing and deciding for myself whether the truths that we profess to believe, are in accordance with God's word or not. My father, when living, was a minister of the Episcopal Methodist church. I became a member of that church at the age of sixteen. My father taught me in my childhood days to believe that the coming of the Lord was near, even at the door. He also believed that the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, according to Matt. xxiv, were all fulfilled. But how very differently had I been taught after his death, until I was permitted to listen to the third angel's message. Oh! how thankful we all ought to be that we have been delivered from such a delusion as the belief in a temporal millennium, and that we are not left to believe such false doctrines as prevail at the present day. I, with the multitude, had forgotten the parable of the wheat and the tares, and other like teachings, until I was aroused by our faithful messengers. Truly, may it be said of them that the Lord will reward them an hundred fold in this life, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Why may they not take courage, and press their way on?
Have we not, also, one in our midst upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests, and enables to show our faults and also the errors of false teaching, and point out a course to pursue that will enable us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God? Can there be any who are professing to keep the commandments of God, who are unwilling that God should choose his own instruments to proclaim his truths, or point out our wrongs? Rather let it be the cry of every heart, Speak by whom thou wilt, Lord, thy servant heareth. I can truly say that I have not a doubt but that the cause we have espoused, is all of God, and that if I but prove faithful to the grace already given, I shall be enabled to overcome. I feel very weak, but am striving to rely wholly on the merits of my blessed Saviour, and to walk in the path that he is marking out for his humble followers to walk in.

SARAH GORTON

Oswego Co., N. Y.

Rejoicing in Present Truth

By Eliza L. White

From Sister White.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel to rejoice when I read over the cheering testimonies of our dear brethren and sisters, in the Review. How I love to read its pages, so laden with the blessed truths of the Bible. I do bless God for his goodness to me, that he ever gave me a willing ear to listen to the warning of the third angel's message. I want to live out the whole truth, that I may be able to stand when the day of trouble comes. Oh! that I may lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset, and lay hold upon eternal life. I am striving to overcome. I have a great work to do, and but little time to do it in. My heart is prone to wander, and had it not been for the mercy of God, I should have been left in the dark.
I thank our Heavenly Father that he ever sent Bro. Cornell here to preach the plain and pointed truths to us; and now we are under renewed obligations to praise God for his goodness to us here, for the timely visit of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews. It has resulted in much good. Some fifteen have resolved to live Christians, and showed their faith by being baptized. I feel that indeed the blessings of the Lord have been with us, and as I listened to the straight testimony of the servants of God, I was led to exclaim, O Lord, make me pure in heart, that I may see thy face in peace. Pray for me.
Yours truly, ELIZA L. WHITE. Saginaw Co., Mich.

PHREMON & POLLY ROBINSON

By Phremon Robinson; Polly Robinson

From Bro. and Sr. Robinson.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We take this opportunity to write, notwithstanding we feel our unworthiness to speak through the Review. We have kept silent, hoping some others of the church would write, but seeing nothing from this church for some length of time, we thought there were those who would like to know how we were progressing in the cause of God. We feel that the Lord is blessing us here in Caitlin with his Spirit, unworthy as we are. We feel that the church here are trying to reform and get just where the Lord can work for us.
The youth are giving their hearts to God, and we feel the need of living very close to God, and setting a good example before them, and trying to strengthen and encourage them to press toward the kingdom.
When we see what the Lord is doing for his remnant people, we feel to rejoice and thank God that he ever opened our eyes and unstopped our ears, to hear the truth, and gave us hearts to obey. We will praise God for what he is doing for his people everywhere, and for what he is doing for this little church.
Pray for us, that we may be overcomers, and sit down with the Saviour on his throne.

PHREMON & POLLY ROBINSON

Chemung Co., N. Y.

Punctuality and Method in Business

Be punctual and methodical in business, and never procrastinate.

Comfort in Affliction

By Sister M. Dutcher

SISTER M. DUTCHER writes from Westchester Co., N. Y.: I think with pleasure upon the campground at Pleasantville, N. Y., the place where first I confessed my Saviour before mankind, where first I felt his sweet peace settling down upon my soul. It is some six months since I first determined to love God and keep his commandments, and to try and walk in that blessed narrow way that should at last lead me to eternal life. Since that time I have been called upon to pass through deep afflictions. The Lord has seen fit to call to rest my dear companion. Day after day did I try to minister to his comfort while the fell disease, consumption, preyed upon him. At first I felt unreconciled, but I can now say, Thy will, not mine, be done. I thank God that he spared him to me so long, and above all do I thank him that through the atoning blood of our dear Saviour, he fell asleep in the blessed hope. Is it not good to feel that we can praise the Lord even in affliction; good to feel that we can heartily say, He doeth all things well; and that though he slay us, yet will we put our trust in him. There never was a cloud without a silver lining; and though we may be almost sinking, still if we call upon our dear Saviour, we hear his voice speaking comfort to our aching hearts, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I. I feel that I must weep, not for the dead but for the living. Remember me and my two little orphan ones before the throne of grace, that we may so spend our lives in God's service here, as to be found worthy at Jesus' coming to share in his blessed kingdom.

A Growing Sabbath-Keeping Community

By Sister S. A. Jessup

SISTER S. A. JESSUP writes from Grant Co., Wis.: I feel truly thankful for what the Lord has done for me and my family. I have been keeping the Sabbath for fifteen years almost alone. My family took no interest in the truth until last fall when Bro. Sanborn came here and gave a course of lectures. My two eldest daughters then embraced the truth, and were baptized. My husband has since embraced it. There are now about one hundred Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, where a few months ago, I was the only one. I feel to rejoice greatly for what the Lord has done for this people. The brethren are building a large meeting-house here. We expect to hold meetings in it this summer.
Let us not sleep, but let us watch and be sober. Let us gird on the whole armor, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. When we see the great sin and wickedness there is all around us, how careful ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming day of God wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. We have prayer-meetings here once a week, and we feel that the Lord truly meets with us. Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due time, we shall reap if we faint not.

SIN IS UNPROFITABLE.

By R. F. Cottrell

It is a vain idea, and not only vain but wicked, to think we gain anything by spending our lives in sin till we come down to the verge of the grave, and then hope for pardon by saying a few words of penitence, and thus be prepared for the bliss of Heaven. Some have hoped that after they had chosen this world and enjoyed the pleasures of sin, that they might give a small remnant of their time, the very refuse of their lives, to the service of the Lord, and gain the world to come; and thus secure both worlds, the present with its sinful pleasures, and the future where there is no sin. Hence we hear the wish expressed that they may not die suddenly, but by slow disease, giving them time for repentance and preparation for death.
Do they think they can deceive the Searcher of hearts, and cheat the Most High out of the service and devotion of their whole lives, which is his due, and be accepted of him at last, and hear the Saviour say, Well done? Such thoughts are deceptive and vain. Such persons are deceived by the sophistry of Satan and their own wicked hearts, and are hastening in the downward road to perdition. Their very thoughts are an insult to God the Father, our Creator, and a wound to the Son of God, our Saviour.
God knows our inmost hearts; and he that is willing to give his heart and life to Him, need not be afraid of sudden death; but those who deliberately choose to serve the world, the flesh and the Devil, may hope in vain that God will accept of the refuse of a life spent in sin, and take them to the joys of Heaven.
Such persons are deceived with the thought that there is some gain, some real profit, in sin. This is the “deceitfulness of sin.” The sinner thinks he shall really gain something by a life of sin. Hence he determines to enjoy himself, to live to gratify his appetites and passions, and to heap up treasures from the industry of the poor, and finally, by a coup de main, to prepare himself for the sinless bliss of Heaven. God is merciful, he thinks, and so he fancies that he may spend his life in sin and still escape the consequences.
God indeed is merciful; but there is nothing gained by sin. He pardoned the grievous sins of David in the matter of Bath-sheba and Uriah the Hittite; but he was doomed to see the death of his child, the progeny of his sin, and to endure the rebellion of Absalom, being driven out of his own house, followed with the curses of Shimei, leaving his wives to be polluted by the usurper in the sight of Israel. The language of God to him, by the prophet Nathan, was this: “Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly; but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before this sun.”
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”
These predicted evils came upon David with all their weight, and he gained nothing by his sin, but on the contrary suffered great loss.
Saul of Tarsus, who was a persecutor of the church, and injurious, gained nothing by his sin, though he did it ignorantly in unbelief. On this account he received pardon; but the language of the Lord to Ananias, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake,” was fulfilled in the experience of the apostle, in the persecutions and sufferings he endured for the cause of Christ. This chosen vessel of the Lord had to pass through the furnace of affliction.
They certainly are deceived who think they will be profited by a life of sin; even if it were possible that they may find pardon and life. There is nothing gained by overreaching and oppression. Unlawful gain is a great loss. There is nothing gained by doing our work upon the sacred hours of the Sabbath. It may seem profitable for a time; it may be imagined that something is gained; but it will be found in the end that it is a great loss.
May God help the writer and reader to fully believe and act upon the truth that there is no profit in sin, and not be taken in the snare of its deceitfulness.
R. F. COTTRELL.

REPORT OF LABORS.

By N. Fuller

SINCE my last report, I have labored as follows: Jan. 11, 12, attended Monthly Meeting at Niles Settlement.
The Lord gave freedom in preaching the word, and I had great hope that the church would “awake and put on strength.” There was but one thing they lacked, and that was faith enough to arise and assert their freedom in Christ. Those who expect eternal life, must take every advance step, and hold it; and if others will hold on to their wrongs, we must not tarry, if we do we shall perish with them.
The 14th, went to Deer Creek and held a few meetings. There seems to be some interest to hear the word.
The 24th, went to Roulett, Pa., to hold a two-days’ meeting with the friends in that place. Bro. John Barrows attended the meetings and helped in preaching the word. Brn. were there from Port Alleghany, Niles Settlement and Deer Creek. The blessing of God attended the meeting, and we all felt to say, “It is good for us to be here.” Bro. Lacey Lyman opened as usual, his pilgrims’ tavern; and it was well patronized during the meeting.
The 31st, went to Ulysses, Pa., and held meetings with the Brn. and some others who attended with them. We had the blessing of God with us as usual when we meet with these old tried friends of truth. If faithful we shall no doubt meet where long miles over snowy mountains and through freezing valleys will not separate us.
Feb. 7th, went to Niles Settlement to attend the Monthly Meeting for Allegany Co. Here we found some who stand in the way of the work of God rather than to confess their wrongs. Oh! may God anoint their eyes with eyesalve, that they may begin to see, before they fall into the ditch of destruction.
The 13th, went to Farmington, Pa., to hold a two-days’ meeting with friends of truth in that vicinity. The church was in good condition. The Spirit of God was felt by all, or nearly all present. The house was crowded full at every meeting. Souls felt the need of salvation. Some resolved to seek the Saviour. I was sorry to leave so soon on account of appointments ahead.
The 17th, went to Wheeler to hold meetings for the special benefit of the church. Satan had been doing his work of death. And let me here say that the Devil never comes into our hearts unless we first open the door. He has no power to open the door of our hearts. God help us to bolt them against him forever. We have the power, let us use it.
The 20th, went to Catlin Center, Chemung Co., N. Y., to hold meetings with the church. Found the church in good spiritual condition. Here we worked unitedly for the salvation of souls. Two had lately found the Saviour. Two more found a pardon of their sins, and confessed their Saviour. Others still were seeking the Lord, and I trust they will find him precious to their souls. The snow was so drifted on the hills that most of the roads were impassable, making it bad getting out to meeting.
I would acknowledge with heart-felt gratitude the following amounts given me to help bear my expences, besides what I received from S. D. funds.
Lacey Lyman $10.00, Eli Kent 4.00, Friends outside the church at Farmington 6.00, John Woolsey 2.00, Joshua Baker 2.00, Hannah Beecher 1.00, Erastus Dayton 3.00.
On returning home I found a draft of $25.00, sent by Bro. White, given as follows: Eld. J. N. Andrews $5.00, Sr. Jeffrey 5.00, Sr. White 5.00, Bro. White 5.00.
Bro. W. proposes to collect $5.00, which he sends me. May God bless these dear friends. Friends in need are friends in deed.
Yours striving for victory.
N. FULLER.

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By George I. Butler

After the close of the Sandyville meeting, I gave one discourse at the request of Bro. Morrison, at the school-house near his residence, upon the signs of the times, to quite a fair-sized audience. They gave good attention, and seemed interested. I think there is a good opening for a course of lectures at some future time.
I remained over the following Sabbath at Knoxville to attend to some writing, and also for the purpose of speaking to the church upon important subjects. I was happily surprised to see quite a number of the Sandyville brethren at the Sabbath meeting, coming about twenty miles for the purpose of hearing the word. It shows that some have an interest in the truth, and are willing to take some pains to obtain the blessing of God.
How many will wonder in the day of judgment when the cloud is removed from their eyes, and they see things in their true light, and the value of what they have lost forever, and the trifling nature of those things they labor so hard to obtain, that they took no more pains in their days of probation to attend meeting, and other helps which God has given for their good, and that they were so eager to devote every moment they could to their worldly business, fearing lest a little time or property should be lost, thus neglecting the very means that God has ordained for their furtherance on in divine life. The thought of these things will then, as they see their miserable folly, burn deep into their very souls. Yet we see many taking this very course. They can hardly stop a moment lest the little profits slip through their fingers. May God open their eyes before it is too late.
I gave one discourse at Knoxville upon church government, and the relation the officers and members of a church sustain to each other, and when some mistakes have been made in the past, &c., as God has revealed in his holy word. Good attention was paid, and I trust it was well received. As it seems a favorable time now to commence the work of church discipline, as all see the importance of it, and a man is placed at the head of things in whom the church generally have confidence, it is to be hoped that there will be a forward movement in the right direction. Two were admitted to the church, and others also stand outside whom we believe ought to and will come in if they see the church taking a high position morally, and raising up the standard where it should be.
This is one bad effect of a lack of church discipline and watchcare of members. When things are left at loose ends, those who would really be an honor to the cause, and cast a healthy influence around, have no desire to unite themselves to a church where things are all in disorder and confusion. They know the church would be no particular help to them, and that many unpleasant things would arise. Therefore some will stay outside; and thus the church loses the very members who would be a help, by assisting to raise up the standard high. But we look for a better state of things in K. than has existed in the past. It can be brought about by the elder moving out humbly but firmly for the right, and by the members rallying around him, and supporting him in all things that are right; but in no other way can it be accomplished.
Since the Knoxville meeting, I have commenced a course of lectures near Unionville, Appanoose Co., in Bro. Howell's neighborhood. Bro. H. was formerly the elder at Eddyville. Have now got into the midst of the Sabbath question. Have generally had nearly a school-house full, and some seem interested. What the result will be I cannot tell. I desire to give at least one course of lectures this winter besides going through the churches in the State, partly to gain an experience by trying it alone, so that I might be fitted to labor on in the good cause in which we are engaged. I have felt the solemnity of the work since commencing here, as never before. Truly a mighty work is committed to our trust as a people. May the Lord help me to ever realize it.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Unionville, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1868.

TESTIMONY NEARER HOME.

The first illustration of a tree, such as the tree of life is described to be, a tree with many trunks united in one top, was found in the Banyan tree of India. In Review No. 8, present volume, we adduced another instance from the West India Islands. And now it appears, we have an illustration even in our own State. Bro A. Smith of Ottawa Co., Mich., thus writes concerning it:—
To the article headed, “The Tree of Life,” in Review, present Vol. No. 8, the following might with propriety be appended: In a swamp, about ten miles south of Grand Rapids, is an elm tree with one large top, and two trunks, each about fifteen inches in diameter, and standing at the base about one rod apart. Their trunks are quite bare of limbs, as is also the body for a short distance above the junction, which is about forty feet from the ground. The trunks appear to be perfectly joined, and the tree in a healthy, thriving condition. If nature, in this imperfect state, can produce so strange an anomaly, what cannot nature’s God produce in Paradise?

Names of the Days of the Week.

By A. S. H.

THAT these are of heathen origin, every well-informed person knows; each day being named for some Pagan deity.
The Phrenological Journal of Sept., 1867, gives its readers the name, with a description of each one of these gods.
The article commences as follows: “The idols which our Saxon ancestors worshiped, and from which the days of the week derive their names, were various, and the principal object of their adoration.”
Of Sunday, it says, “The Idol of the Sun.—The idol which represented the glorious luminary of the day, was the chief object of their worship. It is described, like the bust of a man, set upon a pillar, holding with out-stretched arms a burning wheel before his breast. The first day of the week was especially dedicated to its adoration, which they termed the Sun’s Day; hence is derived the word Sunday.” A. S. H.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
“FOUND DROWNED” is oftener seen on the police records as we plunge deeper into this dismal Winter of retrenchment. The Examiner and Chronicle says that mothers make way with their offsprings rather than see them starve. Drowning is, they say, an easier death than wasting away of hunger and cold; and when once the idea gets possession of them, it works in the brain until it drives them mad, and in this delirium they fling their little pinched and crying babies into the broad, deep river. No more hungering after that. Babe and mother are both relieved, the one of suffering, the other of a burden.” The Sunday Times on this self-same subject, says that children are flung away in the streets of New York like cigar-stumps.
—At Lexington, Pa., the other day, a man was engaged in building a bridge. A clergyman happening along, he remarked to him that he was going to see the bridge up. “Yes,” replied the minister, interrupting, “if Providence permits.” His reply was “Damn Providence,” and at that instant a rope broke, and down came a stone that was being lifted to its place, and crushed the man to death instantly.
The Pope still for War.—The Pope is the only sovereign who still cries war in the midst of this concert of pacific pauses. Whether it is that he has no confidence in the bucolic future of his neighbor, the excommunicated Victor Emanuel, or that he fears the sudden abandonment of his ally, Napoleon the Third, once excommunicated, but now brought back to the fold, the pontiff of peace still cries “to arms” with all the force of his evangelical lungs. Every mandate, every Papal reunion, every allocution, every sermon or article from any one of the members of the sacred phalanx, contains, under some form, an appeal to arms. His Cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, and even his Sisters, poor women, who are unwillingly drawn into this struggle, ask for alms, arms, and above all, for soldiers for the Father of the Faithful. To listen to them, the whole world has but one thing to save itself from the impending cataclysm of battles, and that is to send the Pope all their temporal possessions, and thus earn those eternal riches which are alone worth having.

Indecent News Papers.

In an article on this subject, the Methodist says:—But while we note the growing demoralization of the stage, and the increased allurements to evil which it presents, it nevertheless has this in its favor—that it obtrudes its disgusting representations upon none. Shut up within the walls of a theatre, licentiousness can be suggested to those only who voluntarily subject themselves to its exhibitions. Another evil, however, has obtruded itself upon society, which admits not even of this poor palliation. The outbreak of indecency upon the stage has been followed by the invasion of literature, and the promoters of licentiousness have stepped beyond their hitherto limited sphere, and are using the press—especially the pictorial press—for the diffusion of impurity.
This new enemy does not wait to be sought out; it refuses to be avoided. It meets us on the street-cars, in the boats, is before us as we purchase our morning newspapers, and stares at the passer-by from every news-stall, around which groups of young men and boys may hourly be seen, eagerly feasting their fancies on scenes of debauchery. We may keep our children from the theatre, and so train them that they shall never desire to frequent it; but there is now an educator presented within their reach which soon may undermine all the home lessons of purity, and by easy steps, lead them to perdition.
The teachings of our schools and our churches must be to a great extent in vain while these wretched panders to depravity are undoing the work of the school and the church. One such periodical may do more evil than many pulpits can correct. If this raid of license remains unchecked, preaching, teaching, and warning, will be alike in vain. There is a way in which it may be checked—and but one way. The law is explicit in its prohibition of indecent literature and in the penalties affixed to its publication and sale. But in a city where the grossest violations of public decency pass daily unrebuked, some more than ordinary force must be brought to urge and aid the arm of justice. This aid should be given readily by the many Christian men who desire to stem the torrent of corruption which threatens to engulf the land, and from which no family can be certain it is safe.
—Newman Hall says of American preaching: The sermons are too precise, too elaborate, too argumentative, too essay-like, too much like books, and too little like earnest talk. Moreover, they are too often read with strict adherence to the prepared manuscript, and thus, though if reported verbatim, they would be read as finished treatises, as heard, they are frequently unimpressive.
—Tobacco chewers are not always aware of the character of what they may put in their mouths. It is reported that in the city of New York over two hundred persons manage to earn a livelihood these hard times by picking up the ends of cigars that have been thrown away and are found lying in the muddy streets and gutters. These again are sold to the penny dealers in tobacco “bits,” and afterwards are manufactured into fine cut chewing tobacco, or are turned into the best imported Scotch and other snuffs.
—In bringing his 10th course of geological lectures to a close the other day, Prof. Sedgwick, who now numbers 82 years, warned his pupils against the heterodox character of modern science. Pointing his discourse with quotations from Holy Writ, ad libitum, he proved that “the Heavens declare the glory of God.”
—Rev. Henry B. Smith, of the Union Theological Seminary, presented to the General Conference of the Evangelical Alliance, recently in session at Amsterdam, the following statistics of the various churches in America:
Churches. Communicants.
Roman Catholics, 3,800 4,000,000
Methodists, 10,460 2,000,000
Baptists, 17,220 1,690,000
Presbyterians, 6,000 700,000
Lutherans, 2,900 328,800
Congregationalists, 2,780 267,400
Protestant Episcopalians, 2,300 161,200
German Reformed, 1,169 110,000
Dutch Reformed, 440 60,000
The Tax on Distilled Spirits.—From the following returns we can judge of the amount of ardent spirits consumed in this country. Over twenty-eight millions of dollars simply as a tax, besides the vast amount on which the tax is fraudulently withheld. The figures are appalling.
The following statement of the collection returns on distilled spirits during the fiscal year ending June 30, has been sent to the House by the Secretary of the Treasury, in compliance with a resolution of that body:
State Amount State Amount
Alabama, $158,201.61 Missouri, $1,153,205.89
Arkansas, 484,150.00 Montana, 80.00
California, 1,789,559.24 Nebraska, 6,915.37
Colorado, 15,525.88 N. Hampshire, 1,234.00
Connecticut, 185,462.58 New Mexico, 5,736.04
Delaware, 4,423.73 N. Carolina, 73,326.42
D. Columbia, 9,260.27 Ohio, 5,651,056.93
Florida, 802.00 Oregon, 11,161.34
Georgia, 284,846.87 Pennsylvania, 2,864,993.36
Illinois, 3,788,985.34 Rhode Island, 69,067.00
Indiana, 1,452,689.31 S. Carolina, 18,778.70
Iowa, 777,477.25 Tennessee, 425,442.87
Kansas, 14,624.78 Texas, 21,812.00
Kentucky, 1,928,?00.09 Utah, 18,101.67
Louisiana, 456,?00.08 Virginia, 450,425.54
Maryland, 1,056,?00.84 Wash. T., 14,365.87
Massachusetts, 602,110.00 W. Virginia, 73,619.30
Michigan, 88,?74.94 Wisconsin, 475,379.58
Minnesota, 60,750.55 New Jersey, 227,997.39
Mississippi, 240.00 New York, 4,313,626.21
Grand total, $28,296,264.31
From the above statement it will be seen that Ohio returns nearly one-fifth of the entire revenue on distilled spirits, giving $1,888,380.72 more than New York. The following States show the largest returns, and are set down in the order in which they relatively stand: Ohio, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri, Indiana, Maryland and Kentucky. New York, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania give as much as all the other States together. Arizona, Dakota, Idaho, Maine, Nevada and Vermont give no returns.
Congressional Temperance.—The Congressional Temperance meeting held last night in Representative Hall was a great success. Every body must have noticed the fact that the Senator who made the most brilliant speech at a similar meeting a year ago was not present. I allude to Mr. Yates, of Illinois. All understood why he was not present, and one of the orators alluded to it sadly when he remarked that some who started out nobly in the good cause could not endure unto the end.
There never was a greater need of reform of this kind in Washington than now. I do not speak in the interest of any “cause” or as the result of a belief of the overwhelming importance of any “theory,” but some of the living facts of the social life of Washington convince me that our public men must learn sobriety and temperance. Saulsbury came here from Delaware the other day and remained sober for a few days and then had “a terrible drunk,” and has gone home probably never to return. And why shall I stop with Saulsbury? There are other Senators I might name who are not always sober, and there are still higher men than Senators who get tipsy at receptions. Mr. Seward was so exhilarated at Senator Morgan’s reception the other night, that he grossly insulted a member of Congress who was present. If Gen. Grant had been in a similar condition, every Copperhead in the city would now be busy retailing stories of his “beastly drunkenness.” Yet he was not drunk—only visibly affected by something he had been taking. Every honest lover of his country, Republican or Democrat, is deeply interested in this matter. Our public men must be sober, and it is very dangerous to look lightly upon such offences as I have alluded to.

REPORT FROM WIS.

By H. C. BLANCHARD; R. F. ANDREWS

According to appointment, we commenced meetings with the church at Little Prairie, Wis., Jan. 3, 1868, and continued laboring with them till the 21st. We found this church in some trial; but the truth took effect, and wrongs were confessed without any perplexing church meetings. How much better for brethren and sisters to settle their own difficulties than to burden others with them.
The meetings were held in their new meeting-house. These brethren have set a worthy example in the building of their house of worship. It is 28x40 feet, neatly finished, painted inside and out, costing the sum of $1500, and is entirely paid for. Bro. Sanborn was with us Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 4 and 5, and preached the dedication sermon. The result of the meetings was as follows: First, the brethren were united together and encouraged. Second, eight started in the service of the Lord, seven of whom were buried with their Lord by baptism, and added to the church. God grant that they may walk in newness of life. Third, others were convinced that they ought to serve the Lord, who, we hope, will ere long come out decidedly on the Lord’s side.
We left for Hundred Mile Grove, the 21st. Were entertained over night at Madison by Bro. Hiestand. Here, Bro. Holliday met us, and carried us to Bro. Smith’s, the 22nd. We labored together till the 29th, when I left to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Sand Prairie, while Bro. Blanchard continued laboring at Hundred Mile Grove.
The meeting at Sand Prairie was truly a cheering one. There were several brethren and sisters present from Waukon, Iowa, who added greatly to the interest of the meeting. We had a refreshing season while attending to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The brethren and sisters were much encouraged, and five made a start in the service of the Lord at this meeting.
Returned to Hundred Mile Grove, Feb. 4. Our meetings here were not as interesting as we desired. This was attributable in part, to coldness and lack of energy on the part of the brethren. Still there has some good resulting from this meeting. One brother that had been in despair for some time, and, thinking he had committed the unpardonable sin, had given up trying to serve the Lord, was extracted from the net of the enemy, and is now putting forth efforts to overcome. Four others commenced to keep all of God’s commandments. Oh! that they may be faithful and endure to the end.
Feb. 5, we left for Mauston. Staid over night with Bro. Kelly of Baraboo. Held meeting in the evening. Next day, went to Kilbourn City where we were kindly entertained by sister Linnell. Feb. 7, arrived at Mauston. Bro. E. R. Tillotson took his team and carried us all the way, a distance of seventy miles, for which he has our thanks.
We found the church in a very low condition, and we were fearful that our labors would be fruitless in the place. We remained with them till the 19th. The result was that the brethren and sisters were revived, humble confessions and new determinations were made, which, if carried out, will be a lasting blessing to the cause and themselves.
Some that had been in a backslidden state for years, and had given up the truth, were reclaimed, and a number have made a start in the service of the Lord. Five were added to the church by baptism, and we are satisfied a much greater work would have been done, if the church had set the example they ought to have set in the past. We ardently desire that our brethren may speedily realize the solemn responsibility resting upon them, to exemplify before all with whom they have to do the sacred truths they profess to believe.
The 19th and 20th, we visited and held meetings with the brethren at Dell Prairie. Sister Linnell’s husband took a decided stand on the Lord’s side at our first meeting. We pray that he may endure to the end, and at last receive a crown of life.
The little company here are still trying to march toward Mount Zion. God grant that their union, love, and zeal, may abound more and more, and that they may be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Feb. 21, came to Trenton Center where we write this report. Have held four meetings with the brethren. There are but few Sabbath-keepers here, but all seem to be engaged in the work. Owing to a severe wind and snow storm on first-day, the 23rd, we had but one meeting, and but few attended that. The roads are drifted full, and it now snows. We calculate to go to Mackford as soon as the roads are passable. Brethren, pray for us.
H. C. BLANCHARD. R. F. ANDREWS. Trenton Center, Wis., Feb. 24, 1868.
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