Earlier text: Let Your Light Shine“Svensk Advent Herold.”
By George I. Butler
THIS is the title of our new Swedish monthly, soon to be published at this Office, for the purpose of disseminating the light of truth among that nationality. In plain English it reads, “Swedish Advent Herald.” May it ever be true to its mission as a herald of light and glad tidings, to a world lying in darkness, till the morn of deliverance shall break. It is now decided to issue this journal much the same as the Advent Tidende, that is, with a cover and in magazine form, and containing twenty-four pages of reading matter at first. Price $1.00 per year. This was the size of the Tidende when first issued. It will be noticed that this is not just as we stated in the REVIEW a few weeks since. We then expected it to be much smaller, and the price twenty-five cents per annum. Quite a number have sent in their subscriptions at that rate, and possibly some may be disappointed at this change. But after a little consideration, we think all who are interested in the truth to be advocated by this journal will be better pleased to have it commence as now proposed than they would if smaller. The impression upon the reading public will be better. The notices of the press will be more favorable. The variety of matter will be much greater, and the good that will be accomplished by it will be increased. In short, it will show that we have more faith in our work every way. All who have sent in their names already will receive it, and we do not doubt their readiness to send in what the additional price will make necessary. Bro. Chas. Carlstedt, of Chicago, a native Swede, and a teacher in that tongue, has removed to this place to take charge of the literary work connected with it. We are much pleased with him, and we trust he may see much accomplished among his people. The first number will probably be issued not far from the middle of January. We do not expect it will be self-supporting at first. But the time has come for us to strike out in earnest in the fulfillment of our mission, that “nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples,” shall be enlightened with rays of truth. It will not be long before journals in German and French will also be going forth from our Office. This work will not stop. It is soon to go forth with power. Our people will want to contribute toward a fund sufficient to help forward this enterprise among the Swedes everywhere. (See Bro. White’s appeal for $2500 for this object in The Missionary for January.) This journal must be sent to many poor families not able to subscribe, and introduced to many yet unacquainted with our views. We hope our Scandinavian brethren will respond to this call liberally. And we know we can depend on our American brethren to help forward in the good work. Let our people everywhere seek to introduce this monthly among Swedes of their acquaintance. Send in the names of honest, candid persons, from all directions, and this new herald of truth shall be returned to you. GEO. I. BUTLER. Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 28, 1873. “Doing Evil that Good May Come.”
By R. F. Cottrell
HAVE you read the short article with this heading in the REVIEW of Dec. 9, 1873, No. 26? If not, please read it; and if it has passed out of mind, please read it again with such deliberation and care as to take its full meaning. The idea should not be forgotten that to do good—to do the very things which are taught by the word and Spirit of God—is the only way that is calculated to produce good results. Those are deceived who yield to wrong and pernicious practices in order to conciliate and gain an influence over those that are wedded to these practices. The victory, in such cases, is always on the side of wrong. Those who do this, instead of gaining an influence over others in favor of the right, are themselves led and controlled by the influence of others to do wrong. Let those who would follow the example of Paul and his associates, so act in all things that any report of their yielding to wrong for good results can only be “slanderous.” Our National Debt.
By Jos. Clarke
FROM a speech of Gen. Butler at the New Hampshire State Fair, we glean the following items:— Our national debt amounts to about $2,000,000,000, on which we pay about six per cent, or about $120,000,000; our State debts are about $400,000,000; and our railroads owe about $600,000,000; besides the debts of educational and ecclesiastical bodies. Most of this is due foreign bankers and capitalists. At the same time, our imports exceed our exports, and the soil from which the debts must be paid is being rapidly exhausted by a bad system of tillage; and the waste matter of our cities, which should go to fertilize the soil, is carried by sewers into our rivers and harbors, there to corrupt the waters, and choke them with filth, thus inviting pestilence and disease. Our capitalists invest their capital where it will command the highest rate of interest, without regard to the manufacturing or commercial interests of our country; our pine forests have been recklessly wasted, until we are indebted to Canada for much of this article. Silks, satins, and broadcloths, says he, do not dress the land; and the effect is, that the wheat-producing region is rapidly receding westward, until wheat is brought from California around Cape Horn, 15,000 miles, and ground in the mills of Rochester, to feed the inhabitants of New York. Truly, our country is laying the foundation for future trouble; and far-seeing statesmen are full of gloomy forebodings. Jos. CLARKE. An Incident.
By E. Goodrich
A YOUNG man having been called up to the blackboard to recite and demonstrate a lesson, drew his diagrams, laid down his propositions, and produced his reasons to prove that the positions taken were true. Having done this, as he was about to lay down his chalk and take his seat, he turned to the professor to receive his approbation; but the professor being a very cool and practical man only shook his head, and said, “No.” This confused the young man, and, not knowing what to do or say, he took his seat. Another young man took up the chalk and proceeded to recite the same lesson. He drew the same figures, laid down the same propositions, offered the same reasons, and drew exactly the same conclusions as did the first young man, and received the same answer from the professor. But instead of becoming confounded, he responded, “Yes, I know I am right; figures do not lie.” The professor seemed pleased, and said, “All right; that will do.” At this, the first young man was displeased and said, “That is just as I presented it.” “Certainly,” said the professor, “you were right; but it is not enough to have the truth; you should know it for yourself, and then hold on to it.” Among the French.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Since writing my last report, I have endeavored to labor in the fear of God in Brown County, Wisconsin. I am thankful for being able to report some advancement among the brethren and sisters, who have all learned to take part in social meetings, have learned useful lessons on how to labor for unbelievers, have shown promptness in planning to meet their pledges on S. B., and made good progress in health reform. We are thankful for their kindness to us, and hope that they will not backslide, but that they may advance still farther in the great field of reform that opens before them. Aside from removing prejudice in some families, and thereby opening the way for our brethren to engage in missionary work, one item of interest in connection with our labor, was, the fact of Prof. Lévasseur, a French preacher, refusing to meet us in discussion, after expressing a desire to come to meet us on points on which we differed. We are now among France French in Illinois, who are scattered at different points, and seem to be intelligent, well informed, and in good temporal circumstances. Have held two meetings. Had an excellent meeting with the church in Sheridan, Ill., last Sabbath. Pray for us. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Sheridan, La Salle Co., Ill., Dec., 24, 1875. Church Organized in Kenyon, Minnesota Work Progresses
By Harrison Grant
I AM spending the most of my time this winter in looking after the wants of the cause in Minnesota, and in helping to carry forward the tract and missionary work here. Nov. 2, Bro. Pierce and myself met with the brethren and sisters at Kenyon, and organized a church of eight members. Others, I think, will join soon. Bro. Ells was chosen to lead the meetings. I have also attended the quarterly meetings at Concord, Pine Island, and Greenwood Prairie. Nov. 28, I went to Sauk Center. There I learned that the quarterly meeting would be held at Grove Lake. This is the place I visited last summer, and found a few keeping the Sabbath. They had never seen any of our ministers, but they had kept up their Sabbath meetings, been scattering tracts, and praying for the Lord to send them help. They felt and realized that they knew but little of the work and power of the third angel’s message. Bro. Dimmick and Hill have been laboring here for a few weeks. Twenty have commenced to keep the Sabbath. The interest is still good. I remained here over two Sabbaths, and the last evening the house was crowded. Others are making up their minds to obey the truth and keep all the commandments. I wish to say a word to the lonely, scattered ones here in Minnesota. If you want to see your neighbors take hold of the truth, be in earnest yourselves. Begin to scatter tracts which will open the way for the messengers to go to work. Become a member of the tract and missionary society, then send to the director or librarian for tracts which teach our fellow-men the way of salvation. I would say to all the members of the T. and M. society here in Minnesota, that we now have on hand plenty of tracts and reading matter for you to scatter in any town, village, or neighborhood. I hope you who have been praying that God would speed on the message will act your part in opening the way for the good work to go forward. Last Sabbath we held a quarterly meeting with the Crystal Lake church. We had an excellent meeting. There we met the director and secretary of district No. 2, with three boxes of tracts, looking after the wants of the missionary work in that part of his district. Labors in Michigan Since Last Conference
By J. O. Corliss
SINCE our last Conference, I have labored as follows:— Sept. 17, went to Antrim, Shiawassee Co., and labored in company with Bro. Lawrence one week. Sept. 24, we went to Williams, Bay Co., and spent another week. Two more embraced the truth at these meetings. Oct. 2, went to Clare County, and stayed one week. Here Bro. L. and I parted; he to return, and I to go to Grand Traverse County. Commenced meetings in Peninsular township Oct. 12, but was obliged to suspend them on account of the sickness and death of our child. Re-commenced meetings Oct. 26, and continued them till Nov. 10, which resulted in four embracing the truth. We found this a hard place to labor in on account of prejudice excited by injudicious labor and wrong influence. We were obliged to seek another field of labor on account of storms and bad roads. Nov. 21, came to Leroy, Ingham Co., and commenced meetings. Have given about forty discourses. Sixteen have embraced the truth thus far, and could some one of experience bestow some labor here, others might be brought in. The interest has been good to the last. Some opposition of an insignificant character has been manifested, which only tended to increase the interest. I shall remain here for a short time to visit and labor from house to house, and arrange for holding meetings in the future. May the Lord bless those who have taken their stand on the truth, and give them firmness, that they may be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. J. O. Corliss. Sins Multiplied.
By R. M. Kilgore
While riding on the cars, I overheard two men, who sat close by, talking about the “Chicago dailies,” when one of them remarked that one of those papers had become so foul that he would not introduce it into his family because of the reports of crime it contained. I supposed him to be a minister of the gospel. But subsequently I learned that he was a theatrical performer, and was then on his way to Burlington, where he was to play for the amusement of the multitudes, who love pleasure more than they love God. This looked to me like Satan rebuking sin. If men of this class are appalled at the corruption of the world, and their modesty is shocked as their eyes are greeted with the reports of the same, has not the time arrived for the true child of God to sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the land? That the world is in a terrible condition morally, is admitted by almost every one, and the facts have only to be referred to in order to be acknowledged. Surely, we have reached the days of which the prophet Isaiah speaks: “For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them.” Chap. 59:12. The public prints are teeming with their reports of crime, and those of the most atrocious character are all that merits a record; while more than as many others of a less shocking nature are passed by unnoticed. In a single daily may be seen the headings of a long catalogue of crime, such as:—“Murder,” “Infanticide,” “Abortion,” “Robbery,” “Burglary,” “Embezzlement,” “Fraud,” “Adultery” and its kindred sins, of which it is a shame even to speak. So frequent are these that we are no longer appalled at their recital, and only feelings of disgust come over us, while we hastily scan the black record in search of something good. This dark picture of our times is but a transcript of what the prophets have spoken and the poets have sung in past ages; and the curtain we now see lifted before our eyes reveals the same scenes which they saw with a great change in the background. Are not the days of Noah and Lot returning? We are informed that then “violence covered the earth;” and the righteous soul of Lot was vexed from day to day with the unlawful deeds of those around him. “Even thus shall it be, when the Son of man is revealed.” Because of this abounding of iniquity, do we not see the love of many waxing cold? Is there not a departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils”? Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse. There are more lovers of pleasures than lovers of God. The form of godliness is without the power. The watchmen, who should see the sword coming, are lulling their flocks into carnal security, with the peace-and-safety cry; and they lie dreaming of better days and the “good time coming.” And, in addition to this, are we not surrounded by those whom the apostle advertised centuries ago, saying that they should arise and scoffingly ask, Where is the promise of his coming? Upon this class shall the day of the Lord come as a thief in the night. “For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” Where are we? What do these things mean? Have we not reached the closing years of time? Do not the transgressions of the people testify against them? And, as for their sins, do we not know them? R. M. KILGORE. Victor, Iowa, Dec. 19, 1873. Is the Law Done Away?
By D. F. Quinby
THERE are many who affirm that the law is no longer a rule of life; that Christ is the end of the law, and that whosoever believeth in him is freed from the law. The effort of these persons is apparently to do away with the idea that the ten commandments are any longer obligatory upon the professed followers of Christ. Almost have they persuaded some of the children of God to adopt these loose doctrines. What is there in the commandments of God which should offend the renewed man? Did not Christ keep the Father's commandments and abide in his love? And is it possible to follow Christ and not walk as he walked? If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all unrighteousness.” How blessed is this fellowship! And how blessed the hope that animates the breast of him who tries to keep all the commandments. But we are told that it is impossible to do this. Why? Has God required us to have no other gods besides him? and can we not obey? Has he told us that we must not make any graven image, or attempt any likeness of God, or fall down before such likeness? and can we not strictly obey him? We might pursue this inquiry through all the commandments, and even those who are so23 zealous to destroy the law will confess that all can be kept but the fourth. And why not this? Is it any more difficult to keep the seventh day holy than the first day? If the man of sin had never put his foot on God's holy day, and substituted another day, this effort to do away with that which Christ came to establish would never have been thought of. Paul says, “Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good.” And again, “Do we then make void the law? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Could he do this and destroy it at the same time? Every one says, No! Then why try to make him stultify himself? Is it not far better “to look into the perfect law of liberty, and continue therein,” “being not forgetful hearers, but doers”? Turn to Rev. 22:14, and read: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.” The next verse shows that without are the vile and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Query, Did not Eve love a lie? and was not this the reason why she was compelled to go outside the garden, where she could not taste of the fruit of the tree of life? “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before our Maker.” Come to the place of prayer;
Parents and children, come and kneel before
Your God, and with united hearts adore
Him whose alone your life and being are. Come to the place of prayer,
Ye band of loving hearts; oh! come and raise,
With one consent, the grateful song of praise,
To him who blessed you with a lot so fair. Come in the morning hour!
Who, who hath raised you from the dreams of
night?
Whose hand hath poured around thee cheering
light?
Come and adore that heavenly power. Come at the close of day!
Eve wearied nature sinks in gentle rest;
Come and let all your sins be here confessed;
Come, and for His protecting mercy pray. Has sorrow’s withering blight
Your dearest hopes in desolation laid,
And the once cheerful home in gloom arrayed?
Yet pray, for He can turn the gloom to light. Has sickness entered in
Your peaceful mansion? then let prayer ascend
On wings of faith to that all-gracious Friend
Who came to heal the bitter pains of sin. Come to the place of prayer;
At morn, at night—in gladness, or in grief—
Surround the throne of grace; there seek relief,
Oh! pay your free and grateful homage there. So in the world above,
Parents and children all may meet at last,
When this your weary pilgrimage is past,
To mingle there their joyful notes of love. Wisconsin Missionary Work and Tract Fund Pledges
By I. Sanborn
I HAVE not been permitted to leave home but once for the last eleven months, on account of the affliction of my companion. During the four weeks I was gone, I preached forty-two discourses in six different places, and also held twenty prayer and social meetings. The meetings were held in districts Nos. 3, 4, and 5. The missionary work was set before the people from a Bible stand-point, and the result was, that $600 were pledged to the tract and missionary fund, making, in all, $1300 that have been paid to the tract fund in five districts in Southern Wisconsin. We humbly ask all the faithful to pray for us in a special manner, that we may be healed. I. SANBORN. SOME time has elapsed since my last report. This has not been because of inactivity. Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 25 and 26, at Salem Center. Held five meetings. The Lord blessed, and all seemed encouraged. An elder of the church was elected and ordained. Met with one of the directors of the Tract Society. The funds of the society were increased, and Systematic Benevolence raised. Nov. 1 and 2, spent with the church of Ervin. Found them encouraged on account of strength received at the camp-meeting. Nov. 6, commenced a course of lectures five miles from Rossville, at which point we closed tent labor. The citizens furnished a large church which is capable of seating four hundred. The interest became general, and often the house was well filled. After laboring week-day evenings for two weeks, the Christian denomination commenced a protracted meeting, which debarred me from the house for three weeks. I had just reached the testing points of our faith. Nearly all are anxious to hear still further. They furnished church, wood, oil, and defrayed my traveling expenses. Not wishing to remain idle while the house was occupied, I commenced a course of lectures at Mechanicsburg, Henry Co., Dec. 15. A church is granted free. The congregations thus far are large, and some are becoming interested. While laboring at new points, have endeavored each Sabbath and first-day to build up the cause where we labored with the tent last summer. Nearly all still love the truth. At Rossville, two more have taken a decided stand to obey the truth since my return. At Michigantown, organized S. B. Through the efforts of those who are laboring to build up the cause in this State, pledges on S. B. have been increased to the amount of $180 since camp-meeting. The cause seems to be progressing in this new field. To the Lord be all the praise. Among the Swedes.
By Chas. Lee
I HAVE NOW visited all the Advent churches among the Swedes in Minnesota; and my heart has been made to rejoice exceedingly over the tender mercy that God has bestowed upon this people. They have now all renewed their covenant with their God, and are determined, with a stronger will than ever before, to press forward toward their heavenly home. Two more have been added to the Isanti church. Besides the time I have spent among the brethren, I have labored a few weeks in a new field, where eight or nine have taken hold of the present truth. May they be strong, and lay hold on salvation. How the Truth May Go to Russia.
By Jos. Clarke
The following extract from the President’s Message goes far to show how Providence is opening the way for the light of truth to penetrate the vast empire of Russia. Should a colony of Russians emigrate to, and settle in, our country, no doubt the good among them would accept present truth, and at once publish the same in their native country. The following is the extract:— “The increased and steadily increasing facilities for reaching our unoccupied public domain, and for the transportation of surplus products, enlarges the available field for desirable homestead locations, thus stimulating settlement and extending year by year in a gradually increasing ratio, the ratio of occupation and cultivation. The expressed desire of the representatives of a large colony of citizens of Russia to emigrate to this country, as is understood with the consent of their government, if certain concessions can be made to enable them to settle in compact colony, is of great interest, as going to show the light in which our institutions are regarded by an industrious, intelligent, and wealthy people, desirous of enjoying civil and religious liberty; and the acquisition of so large an immigration of the citizens of a superior class would, without doubt, be a substantial benefit to the country. I invite attention to the suggestion of the Secretary of the interior in their behalf.” A. S. HUTCHINS
By A. S. Hutchins
It is far more natural for the fallen sons of man to cultivate a spirit of pride than to cherish a spirit of humility. Yet to enjoy the favor of God as it is the privilege of his children, and to be brought to that honor with which he will finally honor the overcomer, we must be free from pride, and be “clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.” “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” “Better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” The Saviour taught his disciples the necessity of humility when he took a little child and set it in their midst, and said unto them, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:4. The Saviour was a pattern of true humility in all his life and sufferings. Though enjoying the presence of the Father and the holy angels, he “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” As we desire honor, communion with God, and life in the kingdom of Heaven, may we all cultivate the virtue of humility: then may we heed the exhortation to walk “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:2, 3. IS PIUS IX. THE LAST OF THE ROMAN PONTIFFS?—ST. MALACHY’S STRANGE PROPHECY.
Is Pius IX. the last of the Roman Pontiffs? The curious prophecy attributed to St. Malachy, archbishop of Armagh in Ireland, and who died in the arms of the “last of the fathers of the church,” as the French proudly call Bernard of Clairvaux, distinctly asserts that he is. In that alleged inspired dream, the Irish patriarch gave the number of popes that remained yet to come, giving to each of them an epigrammatic mark by which he could be concisely distinguished, and the sign he attached to the pontiff who closes his hazardous enumeration corresponds, in a remarkable degree, with the venerable Holy Father, who, perhaps at this instant, has the death rattle at the door of his chamber. That sign is the three Latin words, “Crux de Cruce,” which is interpreted by some Catholic authorities to signify the persecution of the cross from a cross—that is, that the pope suffers crucial affliction from a royal power, which has the cross for the chief emblem on its escutcheon of authority. And this, as has been said, points the finger at Victor Emanuel. In his kingly emblems, the cross surmounts everything. If we mistake not, Father Garesche, a learned Jesuit priest, in a lecture which he lately delivered not far from New York, gave this interpretation, as explicitly as fine language could make it, to the “Crux de Cruce” of the ancient metropolitan of Armagh. The Herald does not pretend to settle the authority of St. Malachy’s prophecies. But it is as clear as the sun in the meridian that the words “Crux de Cruce” are in singular agreement with the relations between Pius IX. and the first monarch of United Italy. And, that being the case, it is an interesting and serious question. Is Pius IX. the last of the Roman pontiffs? It is a startling question. Its proper form is, Is the great Roman Catholic church sentenced to death? For, no pope, no Catholic church. Catholicity cannot survive the papacy for one second. And Catholicity is a thing of no small radius, diameter, and circumference. St. Malachy, therefore, or whoever wrote in his name, gave ground for putting a question of tremendous magnitude. A short time, however, will quite solve the curious interrogation, for it cannot be long before the holy see will have a new occupant, or cease to be the great central religious altar of more than three-fourths of the vast population of Christendom. In the meantime, Pius IX. is, in all human probability, on his death-bed; and the noble old man—with face one of the finest Rome has witnessed for many a day—has the world watching at his couch. Let us see who these watchers are. The king of Italy has his mind on the spot with particular anxiety of manner. Prince Bismarck, who, by recent statutes, has made the emperor the high priest of the German people, and who ardently wishes that there may never be another supreme head of the Catholics, is attending to the Roman telegrams, to the exclusion of every other duty. M. Thiers, [late] President of the French Republic, and, though a Protestant, a firm upholder of the papacy, is on the qui vive with all the activity of an aged statesman of genius for the first intelligence of an event which he knows will move Catholic France to floods of tears and sighs of true devotion. Francis Joseph, of Austria, is in constant communication with his ambassador at the Vatican on the fluctuations in the health of the illustrious patient. The Count de Chambord, who once had impassioned hopes that Pius IX. would place the crown of St. Louis on his temples, and the sword of Henry the Great in his hand, is in unfeigned grief over the apprehended dissolution of one for whose rights the royal blood in his veins was always ready to flow. The Turk at Constantinople—the Prince of the Crescent, the successor of Mohammed—esteemed this octogenarian primate of the cross as if Rome had never inspired crusades to fight against Saladin for the recovery of Jerusalem, as if there never had been a battle of Lepanto, as if there never had been a Charles Martel and plains of Poictiers, and he is listening for the first intimation of his death, that he may honor his memory by putting crape on the standards of the Ottoman Empire. The Czar of Russia, it is said, hated Pius IX. with a bitter hatred, and he is impatient to be informed that the pontiff has breathed his last. Victoria, Protestant queen of a great Protestant nation, whose first kings are saints in the Roman calendar, has her tender ears open for the sad news that the Holy Father is dead. She congratulated him on the day he was fifty years a priest; she congratulated him on the day he was twenty-five years a pope; when she learns he has expired, she will give to his name, and to his virtues, and to the great office he so filled, the good private homage of her heart. Finally, all the churches feel the most intense interest in this death-bed. Around it, it is easy and just for the imagination to conceive clustered all the great leaders of the Protestant forms of faith, anxious with the conjecture and ready to seize the hope that with Pio Nono the “scarlet woman of the Apocalypse” may die, and give up her soul forever. But in a particular position and with pre-eminent right, and, though last in the enumeration, yet the most natural in it, around this memorable death-bed stands the whole Roman fold, 300,000,000 in number. Never was sovereign pontiff so loved by Catholics as Pius IX. He was and he is to them no self-made cleric, but the very vicar of God; grand to look at; most noble in his disposition; an angel in every virtue; a second Prince of the apostles in all respects; the most outraged of all holy men, and the very ideal of their hearts and understandings. Whether the Catholic faith is true or not true, this is the way the Catholic people of all the earth have centered their fondness on Pius IX.; and sore are they within at learning that his long reign over them is at last at its end; and when they shall read that he is no more, copious will be the tears that will flow from their eyes, broken will be the sobs with which they will pronounce his name, and ardent will be the prayers that will penetrate the clouds for the sanctification of his spirit. It is a splendid mark of religious faith, and a splendid tribute to illustrious worth. Far be it from all to give it a wanton insult. These facts give an idea of the interest that is concentrated on the sick couch or the death-bed of Pius IX. But there is one watcher of this death-bed who is entitled to special consideration. It is the king of Italy. He has long wished for the death of the pope; for the pope kept him long out of Rome, on which he set his heart, and now that he has Rome, he is filled with uneasiness while the pope lives. Well may he wish that the mediæval prophet of Armagh, or whoever wrote in that ascetic metropolitan’s name, issued a true prophecy when he made the pope of the “Crux de Cruce” designation the last of the Sovereign Pontiffs.—N. Y. Herald. Jacob’s Ladder.
By H. A. St. John
“AND he dreamed, and behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.” Gen. 28: 12. In a lonely place, with stones for a pillow, and no covering but the broad canopy of heaven, Jacob sweetly slept, and while sleeping, had this remarkable dream. How wonderful, and yet how encouraging! A channel of communication constantly open between Heaven and earth. Divine beings, heavenly messengers, angels of light and strength, continually acting an important part in the affairs of earth and Heaven. That impressive dream expresses a reality but little appreciated by the children of men. The ladder that Jacob saw represents Christ. In John 1:51, he says: “Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” The Lord, the Creator of all, stands above the ladder, it rests securely by his throne, while the other end is firmly fixed upon the earth. The eternal Father dispenses heavenly benefits to poor, fallen man through Jesus, and through him alone. Jesus with his divine arm lays hold of heavenly treasures, and with his human arm reaches down to the very depths of human degradation. The name of Jesus is the only name whereby we can be saved. He is the only way, the true and living way. Through him, we may have peace with God. Through him, we may have pardon for sin, and clean hearts. Through him, we may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. By him, we may become the adopted sons and daughters of the Almighty. Through him, angels come to minister to the truly humble. Through him, we may have access to the realms of eternal blessedness at the right hand of the Father, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. The most lowly are invited, earnestly and lovingly invited, to come and ascend the shining course that ends only in felicity inexpressible. And the high and famous of earth can reach eternal joys in no other way. All that would be saved must come to the foot of this ladder, where they are converted, or become as little children, and then climb upon the merits of Jesus Christ to a place at the right hand of God. When we come to Christ and find his pardoning love, we enter upon the way. Our work is not done, but just begun. Jesus is our example; we must walk as he walked; we must follow in his steps; we must overcome as he overcame; we must climb. Thus our pathway will shine more and more, because we will be constantly nearing the great Fountain of light. That awful chasm between God and man made by transgression is bridged over by our adorable Redeemer. Dear reader, are you on your way to the eternal city? Are you seeking salvation through Jesus? If not, now is the accepted time. Be entreated to set out at once, with diligence and great earnestness, for the Father’s house of many mansions. A heavenly message announces, in tones of awful moment, that the ladder that has stood so long will soon be taken down. Jesus will soon cease to plead, the heavenly court of mercy will soon cease its sitting, and then the filthy must forever so remain. Heed the last call of mercy, and very soon you may share the joys of the redeemed. H. A. St. John. Birthday Musings.
By S. O. James
How few seem the days since I was a little child! The good old patriarch’s answer to Pharaoh, when asked his age, comes to mind. It seems true in my case. How little I have accomplished! God has been near me all the days of these years to bless me, and, by his Spirit, has sought to wean my heart from this world, that I might place my affections upon him; and yet how slow I have been to heed the kindly admonitions. I have felt to-day that he is worthy of my best affections and efforts to advance his cause. I will no longer withhold them from him. I will not serve self as I have done at times in the past. In his strength, I will live a new life. I must realize a nearness to him daily. I must feel his sweet smile in my soul as in days that are past, when I sought him constantly with all my heart. My hope is that I may be saved, and live so faithful that I may be the means of saving other precious souls. Some there are who are very near and dear to me. How can I bear to see them living away from Christ? and should they stay away and be lost, what would be my soul anguish to feel that I might have been instrumental in leading them to Jesus? Dear Saviour, nerve me afresh for the conflict. Let me enjoy a full salvation. Give me complete victory over self, that I may win precious souls to thee, and at last hear the blessed words from thy lips, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Warren Co., Iowa, Dec. 5, 1873. He Careth for You.
By L. S. Carpenter
“CASTING all your care upon Him, for he careth for you.” What a precious promise to the humble, trusting child of God. No reserve! Whatever our circumstances in life, whether passing through trials, discouragements, or anxiety of mind, to the weary soul just ready to faint beneath its weight of temptation and care, how sweet, how refreshing, the thought that we may come to One who is faithful and true, drop our burdens at his feet, and find relief—such relief as no other can give but that loving Saviour who forgiveth all our iniquities and healeth all our diseases. Whom need we fear while trusting in the arms of such a faithful Friend? He will shield us from temptation and from the fiery darts of Satan. Oh! let us be faithful in submitting our all to the will of our Heavenly Parent, present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to him, that we may have his heavenly care and guidance in all that we do. L. S. CARPENTER. Candor and the Danger of Being Deceived
It is a mistake to suppose that those who, themselves, are perfectly candid and artless, are easily and frequently deceived. Such a notion is a delusion. Candor is as undeceived as it is undeceiving. And although those who are true to themselves and to others, may be occasionally even duped by their confidence in those who do not deserve it, still they are usually free from that blind partiality or aversion for men and things which is satisfied with the most hollow appearance. Riches Cannot Relieve Trials and Troubles
By Brooks
A PHILOSOPHER has well said, Though a man without money is poor, a man with nothing but money is poorer still. Worldly goods cannot bear up the spirits from fainting and sinking, when trials and troubles come, any more than head-ache can be cured by a golden crown, or tooth-ache with a chain of pearls. Earthly riches, as Augustine truly said, are full of poverty.—Brooks. Nothing can be very ill with us when all is well within; we are not hurt till our souls are hurt. If the soul itself be out of tune, outward things will do us no more good than a fair shoe to a gouty foot.