Here a sad pilgrim I wander alone,
My heart oft bleeding, feet weary and torn,
And often I list through the breakers' wild roar,
For the sweet voice of hope from the evergreen shore.
And oft her glad notes, my sinking heart thrill,
As sweetly she bids me wait on, and be still.
My grace is sufficient, the Father has said,
Be faithful, and gladness shall rest on thy head
When the time is fulfilled; my promise is sure,
Be patient lone pilgrim, in meekness endure,
My love I have freely shed forth in thy heart,
The sword of the Spirit my grace will impart,
That charity which suffereth long and is kind,
The comforter too, to strengthen your mind.
All my sweet mercies most freely are given,
And ever unsleeping, the Father from Heaven
Watches his own, with pitying eye,
And hourly when tempted the angels are nigh,
To bear up your hands, and strengthen your heart.
O then, weary pilgrim, bid doubting depart,
And trust the kind Father; his promise is sure,
The reward is for those who patient endure.
M. A. HOLT.
Wolcott, Vt.
TIME is the only gift in which God has stinted us; for he never entrusts us with a second moment till he has taken away the first, and never leaves us certain of a third.—Pawles.
PRESERVE self-possession, and do not be talked out of conviction.
SISTER L. H. EASTMAN writes from Vermont: As I read the cheering testimonies in the Review, it revives and strengthens me, and I feel encouraged to keep all the commandments of God, and to live a self-denying life. Though my heart often shrinks in view of my weakness and unfaithfulness, and though I am very sensible that I am a great sinner, yet I feel like striving more to overcome through the help of Him who is faithful and true. His word assures us that if we trust in Him we shall be strong as Mount Zion. I am one of the lonely ones, living far from the people I most love and that are most like the first disciples, believing in the power of God to heal the sick. How consoling that we have a Great Physician that can cure all diseases of body and mind, and one we can always trust. Earthly friends may fail us, but He never will. Thank His dear name.
Bro. E. G. Dodd writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: Shall we, brethren and sisters, like some of the professed religionists of the day, fall from our steadfastness? Shall we like them become converted by the world so that none can distinguish between us? God forbid! While we feel sad and mourn over their fallen condition, let us take warning lest the love of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pride of life draw us away from God, so that when the Lord shall be seen coming in the clouds of heaven we shall be unprepared to meet him in peace. Let us heed the last warning message to man, live up to all the light of present truth, overcome the sin which doth so easily beset us, run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, that we may with him have a place at the right hand of the throne of God.
BRO. H. C. JEWELL writes from Fowler's Mills, Ohio: I wish to speak of God's great goodness to me. Although I am afflicted, I trust that my afflictions are sent for my good. I am deprived of the use of my limbs, and confined to my room; but in my confinement, I can hold sweet intercourse with my Heavenly Father. Blessed be his holy name for opening my eyes to the light of present truth. I feel very thankful for the weekly visits of the Review. I am trying to live in accordance with the Health Reform. If any of the brethren should come this way I should be pleased to have them call and see me; for I am one of the lonely ones.
PRESENT DUTY.
By Isaac Sanborn
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.” Mal. iii, 16, 17. What is the fear brought to view here, and how shall we know that we possess that fear? David says, “Come and hear all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity [that is, transgression or disobedience] in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. lxvi, 16–18. According to this definition, those who have this godly fear will cry unto God in prayer, and if they are not living in known transgressions, or indulging in some lust to the gratification of their appetite, the Lord will hear them; and Jesus said, Whatsoever ye ask, it shall be done unto you, if ye abide in me and my words abide in you. Jno. xv, 7. We inquire further, What is it to have the words of Jesus abiding in us? He says, Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. Verse 14. Again he says, If a man love me he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Jno. xiv, 23. What a blessed union, this! but in order to secure this union, I understand that we must remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and if we, defile the temple, God will destroy us. 1 Cor. iii, 16, 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. vi, 17, 18, and vii, 1.
Here we see that everything that takes the form of an idol, defiles the body. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry. We all know the tenth commandment says, Thou shalt not covet. By this we can see why the Lord destroyed the Israelites that lusted after evil things, such as the flesh pots of Egypt, the onions and the garlics, which the Lord has forbidden us to do, saying we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 1 Cor. x, 6. That is, we who, like them, have started to the promised land, must not lust after the evil things of these days, tobacco, tea, coffee, pork, jewelry, long trails, &c.; for those that love the world, love and seek after these things, and John says, Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.
Now if we are the children of God, then do we fear the Lord, and call him our Father? But if he is our Father, “where,” says he, “is the fear wherewith you fear me?” Is it not in that we walk in perfect obedience to the requirements found in his word, and in the teachings of his Spirit? When we do this, then like David we will often cry out, Oh! how love I thy law. It is my meditation all the day. Then, and no, till then, can we have our wills perfectly swallowed up in the will of God, so that we can say like Jesus, Not my will but thine be done.
Perhaps the first real struggle we had with our wills was to decide to keep God's Sabbath, and through his grace we brought our wills into subjection. Then for a time we felt as though our wills were all swallowed up in his; but by and by the Lord showed us that we must put away that filthy habit of using tobacco, or that habit of using tea or coffee, or all of these together. Here we had another trial with our will that we previously thought was subdued.
Well, through grace we got the victory over these. Then many of us thought no doubt that we were about ready for the loud cry of the third angel's message, and the coming of Jesus. Just then the subject of Health Reform came up to prepare us for the latter rain. And who ever heard of, or ever saw, such an uprising of wills since the days of ancient Israel in the wilderness? But thanks be to the Lord for the grace that he has given many by which they have again overcome their wills, and are free in the Lord. Praise his holy name for ever and ever for his loving kindness and tender mercies thus shown to his people.
But are there some who read these lines, whose wills are yet unsubdued, and they therefore in a lukewarm condition? Dear souls, Jesus loves you; and therefore has rebuked you for your wrong habits. Behold, says Jesus, I stand at the door and knock. If any man will open the door. Yes, dear brother or sister, he has stood there at the door of your heart knocking, and this moment while you read these lines, he is asking you, it may be the last time, to let him in and he will sup with you and you with him. How can you treat him so cruelly? Look at his bleeding hands and feet! See the blood streaming from his side, and the tears like a fountain from his eyes; And while the just and holy law of God says, Slay that sinner, that dear, bleeding, weeping Saviour says, Spare a little longer! My brother or sister, I beseech you to obey him now, and be saved from your sins to rejoice in a Saviour's love, and be saved in Heaven at last.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Johnstown Center, Wis.
REPORT FROM IOWA.
By D. T. Bourdeau; Geo. I. Butler
Our last report brought us to the review of Mr. Anderson on the Sabbath question. It became evident soon after its conclusion that our audiences were not to be so large as before, and one member of the Methodist society stated that their members had been warned away from the tent. From this time onward it became more and more evident that false reports and ridiculous stories were to be among the weapons used to keep away those who did desire to hear and learn more of the doctrines put forth in the tent.
We continued to preach upon subjects connected with the Sabbath question through the following week till Sunday evening, when we introduced the views of our people upon the state of the dead. It caused much feeling among our hearers. In the first discourse we were interrupted five or six times, and one old gentleman went so far as to get up and show his determination of having his points answered at once; but we calmed him down at last, and finished the discourse. We gave five discourses on this part of the truth, which made a good impression upon some in the community, and we trust will, with the blessing of God, have a good influence.
We have tried not to shun to declare the whole truth, and have raised the standard higher than it has been in some instances in this State where great crowds have come among us only to leave us again when the straight truths of the third angel’s message were brought to bear upon them, causing discouragement to some who were trying to live. So much has this been the case, that in several instances churches of thirty to sixty members, when they first came out, have been in a few months reduced to a dozen, or have even totally disappeared. Part of this should, no doubt, be credited to a lack of judicious labor afterward, to instruct and build up; but much of it is owing to the fact that the gates have been opened so wide that many came in who never would had the truth been brought closer home. This in the long run is the best way. Better have a dozen good, faithful men and women brought into the truth, knowing what they are about, and loving the pure truth of God’s word, than fifty of a mixed multitude who come in with a rush, because the current sets for the time being in that direction; and many of whom, as soon as the excitement dies away, will draw away, causing a feeling of despondency upon those who remain.
We cannot tell how many will come out as the result of our labors in Fayette. A half dozen have already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and as many more seem to be very favorable, while many more are interested and hardly know what to do. These we trust are reliable people, not led by excitement, but who have taken this step calmly and in the fear of God. May the Lord help them to move out in the whole truth.
August 26, we started for Waukon. Wednesday evening, we met the church, and after some appropriate remarks by Bro. Bourdeau, proceeded to the election of an elder. Bro. C. A. Washburn was unanimously selected by the church to fill this important office, and was set apart by the laying on of hands. We felt that the Spirit of the Lord was present to sanction this important step. Thursday we started again for Fayette, and held meetings there over Sabbath and Sunday, and closed our labors there by baptizing three from the West Union church. We then took down the tent, and closed up our labors in that place for the present, having given in all over forty discourses. Hope to return there again after the Convocation Meeting, and see what interest there may be in these precious truths.
Monday, Sept. 2, started for Laporte City, where we arrived the following morning. Had meetings that evening, and the following day, and attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house, the first time they were ever celebrated in this church. As we humbled ourselves before the Lord, we felt his blessing especially present, for which we would praise his holy name.
This little church have passed through some very heavy trials in the past. A large church came out here at first, and many fell off, which of course caused discouragement, until within a few years a great effort has been made to alienate their minds from the testimonies, and cause them to lose their hold upon the body. But, thank God, a little band still hold on, and will, we trust, till the Master shall call them away from all their sorrows and trials. We believe better times are before the little band at Laporte City, if they will hold fast to the whole truth and be alive in the work of God. May God help and strengthen them.
D. T. BOURDEAU, GEO. I. BUTLER.
Marion, Iowa, Sept. 6, 1867.
THE SEVENTH AND FIRST DAY.—The Journal and Messenger presents an original view of the reason of the change from the seventh to the first day of the week as the Sabbath. It is certainly novel, if not convincing. As nothing is said about a patent-right or copy-right of this theory, we print it.—Sabbath Recorder.
“We believe that all time is estimated by its relation to the work of redemption. This world was made by Jesus and for Jesus, as the theater of human redemption. Hence when Jesus lay dead full twenty-four hours in the grave of Joseph of Arimathea, that day was dropped from God’s record of time; the clock of the world stood still while its Creator lay in the icy embrace of death. When Jesus arose, on the first day of the week, time began again. Hence, if our theory of the case be a true one, there was no necessity for legislation. The old law was still in its inherent force; but if that Saturday in which the world’s Maker lay dead, dropped out of time, then that Sunday morning on which he rose was the true successor of the old Sabbath day. There was no need of a new command. ‘Six days shalt thou labor, and the succeeding day shalt thou hallow unto the Lord,’ is all that is needed; only now it acquires a new value and splendor as the anniversary of the resurrection of the Lord of time.”
These are days of inventions! Where is the next genius who has some device to propose by which the claims of the true Sabbath can be avoided and those of the counterfeit sustained? Let him step right forward. He need have no fears. His scheme however chimerical will find plenty of advocates; for Sunday-keeping is beginning to labor under a terrible pressure.
NEVER be in a hurry.
The President.
By Editor
It is not our design to print in the News or any other department of our paper, political articles written merely for political effect. We however give the following from the N. Y. Tribune, as being simply a record of facts to which all must subscribe. It gives a clear and comprehensive view of the present political situation of our country. As such it will be of interest to all. The Tribune says:
The President must stand and fight. We have been advancing and retreating long enough. Too many white flags have been exchanged. The President means war. War be it, then, and God speed the right!
Nearly five months since, the regular session of Congress was adjourned. The winter had witnessed an angry contest with the President. There were three parties: 1. The Democratic fragment, which gave the President undivided allegiance. 2. The moderate Republicans, who, trusting in his honor, endeavored to make his duty so plain, and his responsibilities so exact and limited, that he could not escape them. They hoped that the nation might be reconstructed without violent appeals to the law. 3. The earnest and extreme Republicans who felt that we could not reconstruct the country without the impeachment of the President. The counsels of the moderate Republicans prevailed. They carried the Reconstruction bill. With the aid of one of these parties they prevented impeachment. This was accomplished by the assurance that the President, having protested against the action of Congress, would consent himself to have the law quietly carried into execution. He appointed generals in command of the military districts who were most acceptable to the country. In the case of Gen. Sheridan, at least, we know that some of these appointments were made against his own judgment, and in deference to the wishes of Congress. The Senate and House adjourned. It was felt that the virtual acquiescence of the President would make an extra session unnecessary. Summer would see the States reconstructed. Universal Suffrage would be tested. The States would gradually drift back into the Union. When Mr. McPherson called the roll of the House in December, all the States would answer, and once more a full American Congress would sit in an American Capitol.
Then came the first crime. This law of Reconstruction, duly considered and well approved was assailed by Mr. Stanbery. We give Mr. Stanbery the credit of being an able lawyer and an upright man. But the President wanted an opinion that was not upright, and in an evil hour his Attorney-General wrote it. Ingenious and subtle, the country did not fail to see that it was a fraud, and that the President, in inviting its publication was dishonest. It cut the heart out of the Military bill. Reconstruction was brought to a dead lock. The opinion, to use the figure of Gen. Sheridan, was a broad, macadamized road to fraud and perjury, and the Southern States were thrown into chaos. Congress was hurriedly assembled. A bill was passed which even the subtlety of Mr. Stanbery could not misconstrue. The extreme Republicans contended that even this would not do, and that to have Reconstruction, the President should be impeached. The counsels of such men as Mr. Fessenden and Mr. Wilson, Mr. Colfax and Mr. Sherman, prevailed. It was held that with a law thus plainly written the President would walk directly, and the South would be restored. This assurance, indeed, was given by men who claimed to speak for the President, Congress believed it, and again adjourned over until winter.
Now comes the second crime. Stanbery cannot explain the law. Blue is so palpably blue that there is no making even the President believe it to be gray. The President has the best part of a year before him. Since he cannot nullify the law, he persecutes its ministers. Stanton is stricken down. The War Secretary, who has been retained two years for his disagreeable qualities, is removed for his virtues. Because of the only quality which the Republican party honors in Stanton, he is disgraced. Then comes Sheridan. This glorious soldier simply performs a soldier's duty. He executes the law in its true spirit. He does the work which the country expects him to do, and he is dismissed. A few days pass and Sickles is removed for loyal devotion to the Congress and the country. A Tammany Democrat is placed in New Orleans, while a soldier without a record goes to Charleston. In a few days Pope will be ordered back to the Indian country, to assist Sheridan in guarding sutlers' posts and baggage trains. Grant has served the President's turn in removing Stanton, and his excellency is impatient already, calling the General of our armies “A radical spy and traitor.” He will no doubt speedily be asked to retire in favor of Steedman or Black. That Christian gentleman and soldier, Howard, who has shown in his high place the philanthropy and piety of the fine great name he bears, is written upon the slate of degradation. Holt will follow—and with these men every soldier or civilian who will not aid the President in his treason.
Where will this end? The President means war; the country must stand and fight or be defeated.
We admonish the people to prepare for a stern and high responsibility. It is nearly a hundred days till Congress meets. Till then we are powerless. We can only bow to this dreadful tyranny.
OUR EXPERIENCE.
By JOS. CLARKE.
If one lesson were well remembered, it would save us much sorrow and anguish of heart; but how often it happens that memory fails to treasure up the impression of past experience, and we must go through another, and perhaps another, before we learn how evil and bitter a thing it is to wander from the path of humility and wisdom.
Our besetments are strong, and we battle them awhile, but soon wearying—we rest in the enchanted ground, and darkness comes on, and we stray from the way, because darkness enshrouds us; and darkness envelops the mind because of our lingering upon enchanted ground. Thus dullness and apathy beget darkness, and darkness makes way for great errors and heinous sins.
This should be the Christian's aim, to fully understand his own heart, that he may be able to meet the suggestion of Satan, and the motives of the carnal heart, and the effect of worldly influences from without.
The more clear and decided the experience, the better its effect; but if when repentance is experienced, alloy is allowed in the heart, and mental reservation mingle with the bitter cup, and we justify ourselves in part, then the work is but partly done, and another scourge is necessary to prevent ruin.
Self-complacency, and self-adulation, and self-commendation, and self-justification, come in often to hinder the work of true repentance; but if, when the bitter cup is presented to us, we could bear the bitter and wait its effect, all would be well; but in order to sweeten this cup, we partake of some of the selfish ingredients mentioned above, and our repentance is made of but little if of any avail; and if we stand in the favor of God, it is only by means of another severe cross, and more painful conflict, until we drink the bitter cup without the sweetmeats of Satan.
JOS. CLARKE.
A Hint to House-keepers.
By John Matteson
The following note from Bro. Matteson is without date; hence it will not be known at what time this item in his experience took place, nor to whom he refers. We give it, as containing suggestions worthy the consideration of all whom it may concern, adding only that he writes from the West:
Bed bugs, wherever they are found, are a great annoyance. They are plenty in this western country; and but few houses are free from them. I cannot sleep in their company. Night after night, for several weeks I have obtained only from two to four hours' sleep. Such loss of rest is very weakening. I would be very thankful, and no doubt others with me, if the brethren would kindly make some faithful efforts to rid their houses of them. A solution of vitriol in hot water, is a very good exterminator.
John Matteson.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
The Spiritualist Convention.—The National Convention of Spiritualists, which was in session at Cleveland during several days of last week, finally adjourned on Friday under very remarkable circumstances. On Friday morning resolutions were adopted recommending local societies and organizations to celebrate the anniversaries of the Rochester rappings; an amendment of the National Constitution so as to place all adults upon an equality regardless of sex or color; denouncing the present style of women's dress, and the extermination of the Indians, and favoring the establishment of children's lyceums, and benevolence toward the poor and vicious. Resolutions were also adopted for collecting accurate statistics of the number of Spiritualists, and favoring the meeting of a World's Convention of Spiritualists in London, in 1868.
A report from a number of leading Spiritualists was read before the meeting, denouncing the greater portion of the physical manifestations, such as the performances of the Davenports, &c., as the tricks and deceptions of cunning knaves. Great excitement followed the explosion of this bomb-shell in the camp. The report was violently denounced and rejected; and the Convention broke up in disorder.
The Late French Election.
The elections, in France, of the councils-general of the departments, which have been held during the last month, cast ominous conjecture on the future of Bonaparte. Their direct influence on the administration of affairs is not great; but the change which they indicate in the public opinion of the nation as to the way in which they are administered, is most marked. These councils-general answer in some faint measure to our State governments, and have the control of the internal affairs of the departments, under the superintendence of the prefects, who are appointed by the emperor. The result of the elections in the departments, therefore, is significant of the feelings of the inhabitants as to the public policy, much in the same way that those in our States are as to the conduct of our national affairs. They have no direct effect in confirming or changing it, but they are of pregnant import as to the state of mind of the electors toward the national as well as toward the local government. These late demonstrations show the existence of widespread discontents in the most important centers of the divisions of the French Empire, which are only waiting for a fit occasion to break forth into revolution.
In France there is no decent disguise, even, thrown over the interference of the government with the elections. The prefects plainly tell the electors whom it is the wish of the emperor that they should choose. And, knowing as we do in this country how potent is the intimation of the pleasure of the men who have the strings of the purse, the distribution of offices, and the promotion of favorite schemes in their hands, it may be easily imagined how doubly potential is the voice of power in a despotism like that of Bonaparte. Therefore, when the elections in many of the towns of the first consequence go directly in the teeth of the dictation, it is a fact full of meaning. In the Cotes du Nord M. Glais-Bizoin, who is the very arch type of a French radical, and one of the most prominent members of the opposition in the Corps Legislatif, has prevailed over the government candidate by a majority of four hundred. In Nantes, Dieppe, Lille, Limoges, and many other places of importance, the government suffered defeats more or less signal, in spite of the employment of all the corrupting influences of intimidation and the temptations of interest. Perhaps the most significant of these signs of the times was the election of M. Morin, at Lyons, over M. Dufour by a majority of two to one, and this though the defeated candidate was personally popular, very rich, an extensive manufacturer, and against whom there was no objection, apparently, excepting that he was the nominee of the prefect. Now Lyons, next to Paris, has always been the most important center of revolutionary movements.
The iron hand of Bonaparte still keeps the control of the action and the utterance of the French people, in the main. But wherever he has been obliged to allow any freedom of expression, either by words or deeds, it has been growing more and more emphatic in its condemnation of his reckless tyranny. The crushing speeches in the Corps Legislatif of Thiers, and the other members of the Left, were brilliant flashes of the volcano, prophetic of future eruptions and earthquakes. And these elections show as clearly, if not as loudly, the combustible and explosive elements which sleep under the dead level of despotism, ready to burst forth when the fated time shall arrive. The grounds of these discontents are such as touch the interest and the pride of the French people. The public debt doubled; the annual deficits growing larger year by year; Mexican loans devouring the savings of the industrious; monopolies multiplied and given to favorites; taxes growing heavier and heavier; and the conscription more and more exigent—all these things come home to the business, and bosoms, and pockets of every Frenchman. And, in return for all these sacrifices, nothing at home but a hollow and factitious prosperity, and abroad a rival kingdom created in the Italian Peninsula, and a rival empire erected in Germany, growing out of the intermeddling with Italy, Poland given up to Russia, and Denmark to Prussia—old allies both of France—and last of all, the great and crowning disgrace in Mexico. All these things have been undermining the throne of Bonaparte, which rested only on the belief of the masses in his skill and sagacity. This support lost, it will need but the first rude shock to send it crumbling into the abyss beneath. A Sadowa defeat would be the Waterloo of his dynasty. And the chance of such a defeat it seems to be his inevitable destiny to run. A month before their fall Charles X. and Louis Philippe seemed as firmly seated on the throne as he. A day may yet bring forth changes as sudden as these revolutions, and which can hardly fail to be more beneficent.—N. Y. Independent.
Austria and Prussia.
The following interesting view of the present situation of these two European powers, we copy from the Editorial correspondence of the Scientific American:—
BERLIN, July 23, 1867.
In the show window of one of the numerous shops in the beautiful street called “Unter den Linden,” is a characteristic double picture. One represents a solitary mounted figure clothed in the splendid uniform of an Austrian Hussar. Underneath are the words, “Who is Prussia?” The other represents two mounted cavaliers—one an Austrian, the other a Prussian. The latter answers laconically, “Here is Prussia,” having, in the mean time, drawn his sword and knocked off the Austrian's cap in the coolest manner possible.
Such, at this moment, is the situation of the two nations which the group represents. Austria seeking to control the destinies of the German Confederation, finds in Prussia a power to dispute her claims, and in the seven weeks' war of 1866, the former inquires “Where is Prussia?” One year ago, on the sanguinary fields of Koniggratz and Sadowa, the question was answered, “Here is Prussia.”
Germany has always puzzled me a good deal—and when the question has been asked, “Where is Germany?” the answer has been: Austria, Bohemia, Bavaria, Westphalia, Wurtemberg, Saxony, Prussia, Hanover, Hesse Cassel, Saxe-Coburg, Saxe Weimar, besides a score of other petty Dukedoms—a sort of mosaic work of little states—so that a traveler is fairly bewildered by their number. At one time the provinces of Rhenish-Prussia could not be reached from Berlin, in a direct route, without passing through territories governed by other rulers. The success of Prussia in war has altered this state of things, and now she has a free pass to go in a straight line. The king of Hanover has voluntarily exiled himself rather than to yield his regal rights, but his queen refuses to go, and is compelled to submit to the authority of the king of Prussia, who, it is said, appoints her household servants. The duke of Nassau, for the same reason, takes up his abode in the mountains of Switzerland, and reminds his people that for six years his father was wrongfully deprived of his ducal rights, and if need be, he can stay away as long. It must not be supposed that the success of Prussia in war has made a homogeneous people. On the contrary, while the population on the lower Rhine shout lustily, “God save the king and Bismark,” up the Rhine, and much nearer to this capital, there is a sullen bitterness of feeling which often vents itself in language of unmistakable disapprobation, and the presence of the most loyal troops are required to secure obedience.
Military surveillance, however, is not so rigidly exercised over the people in Prussia as it is in France. The Germans are a brave and well-educated people, and it would not be safe to undertake to reduce them to a position of military vassalage such as exists in Russia, Austria, and, to a great extent, in France, where the masses are unlearned, and by long habit have bowed the neck to the most grievous burdens.
It is said that every soldier in the Prussian army is able to read and write. By law all the children, male and female, between the ages of six and fourteen, are compelled to attend school. They are taught reading, writing, and the elementary studies generally, to which is also added singing and religious instruction. It is not at all strange, therefore, that in time of war an army so composed should be strong and reliable—a band of Spartans who fight for “God and Fatherland.” The whole population is trained for war, but not for the army, so that when the war-cry is sounded the people drop their implements of peace and seize the musket, to the use of which they are thoroughly well skilled. Two years ago king William and Bismark were very unpopular, but the events of 1866 have rendered them both objects of mingled pride and popularity. Had they failed, a fearful retribution would have covered them with oblivion and contempt.
King William is in one sense an accidental Sovereign, for although of the royal family, he succeeded to the throne in 1861 upon the death of his brother, who left no heirs. The show windows of Berlin testify to the general admiration in which the king is now held by the people. The photographic art seems to have exhausted itself in presenting him in almost every posture that befits his position, and the chisel is now being employed to mold the kingly features into comely form, though it must be confessed that His Majesty is by no means a poor subject. He has a somewhat commanding figure, a bright blue eye, with a smiling, open countenance, which reveals a great deal of the bon homme, while his habits are very simple and correct. At his summer residence of Babelsberg, in Potsdam, either himself or some one else has shown a great deal of excellent taste and good judgment. It is not exactly a palace; on the contrary, it has the outward air and style of a fine place upon our own romantic Hudson. The gardens are very beautiful and well kept, and but for a knowledge of the fact beforehand, nothing inside would indicate to the visitor that it might not be the residence of some private gentleman who had plenty of money to purchase fine pictures and other rare and beautiful objects of art and vertu.
The bed-chamber of the king is a curiosity, for instead of finding richly-carved furniture, garnished over with tinselry, the visitor sees a small, plain, cottage bedstead made of maple wood, and provided with a blue cotton chintz curtain and a leather pillow, while upon the walls of the room there are no ornaments other than some neatly-framed, steel engravings, chiefly of battle scenes. The sitting room adjoining is also quite simple, and with the exception of many beautiful small articles, it is less elaborate, and much more sensibly furnished than would satisfy some of our would-be nabobs who ape the manners and customs of aristocratic wealth. The king was at one time excessively fond of the chase, and the halls of Babelsberg, in the number of mounted stag and deers' heads, abundantly testify to the skill of the royal hand.
Bismark is the power behind the throne—“an iron man”—who, destitute of that magnetic influence which draws the multitude—insensible to fear, and courting not the eclat of popular applause—furnishes the State with cold, calculating brains. Gen. Moltke, a name but little known in our country, is regarded by the Prussians as entitled, more than any one else, to the credit of the military plans of the campaign of last year. The royal family, in the persons of the Crown Prince and Prince Frederick Charles, distinguished themselves as commanding generals. They both exhibited the characteristics of Frederick the Great, who could play the flute, write poetry, and fight a battle.
To speculate upon this future of the nation is useless; but certain it is, that the people so suddenly expanded are by no means free from apprehension that in some way a new war is approaching; but I trust that human sacrifice to elevate and maintain kings and emperors, who seem to be a great set of commercial and political robbers, may finally come to an end in the universal peace and brotherhood of nations. I cannot, however, dismiss this subject without expressing a word of commiseration in behalf of the present king of Saxony. He was just stupid enough to sympathise with Austria. The result has been, that though occupying his royal palace at Dresden, he has really none of the attributes of a king. His army is commanded by the king of Prussia, and he has not even the poor privilege of controlling his own telegraphs, post-offices, and railways, and even his custom-house appears to have disappeared, as no examination of baggage took place on the Saxon frontier. The Saxons say he is still king; but ask them how, and with a shrug and a grunt they answer, “we don't know.”