Come, reason, saith the Lord; though now
Your sins like scarlet glow,
My grace hath all-sufficient power
To make them white as snow.
Though now with deepest crimson dye
They stain your inmost soul,
My blood can make them soon to be
Fair as the purest wool.
Then put far off despondency,
That cheerless, gloomy foe;
The light of heaven departs, where’er
Is heard its wail of woe.
Rouse every power of heart and life,
To stem this mournful tide;
There is a fountain whence our wants
With bounty are supplied.
Sink not within the reach of hope,
A Mediator’s plea,
An Advocate who now invites,
Come, weary one, to me.
Be one resistless effort made,
The victory to gain,
Remembering how in love for us
The Lamb of God was slain.
Haste from this dreary, darkened place;
Mark where the Saviour trod;
Trace there his footsteps and you’ll see
The boundless love of God;
That love with which he first loved us,
Which bids us still to come,
Which waits to fit us, one and all,
For Heaven, our final home.
In view of love like this, dispel
Each unbelieving thought;
We’re not our own, but with the blood
Of Jesus Christ are bought.
Plead then his merits, though oppressed;
On him your burden cast;
He’ll be whatever here you need,
And bless and save at last.
REBEKAH SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H., June, 1872,
Michigan Church Visits and Meetings, June 1866
By John Byington
Michigan.
The long, cold winter was a heavy tax on my health, and prevented my being from home some of the time. May 11, 12, by request, I held a meeting with the brethren in Walton near Olivet. Eleven gave in their names for church organization. I ventured to this place June 8, 9, when further steps were taken for church organization. Bro. Murray was chosen leader. These brethren have most of them moved from other churches to this place, and have now no other place for meeting. May they prove united and faithful. One received baptism.
June 1, 2, I was with the church in Alaiedon. They had not been visited by any of our preaching brethren for several months. The late death of my son, Dr. J. F. Byington, prevented my staying longer with them.
June 22, 23, I was with the church in Wright. Four were baptized. The quarterly meeting of the tract society was held on first-day, Bro. Root being present. Our meetings were interesting.
June 29, I was with the church in Allegan. Six were baptized and the ordinances were administered. A good interest through the day. Three of the youth united with the church.
The loss of my dear son has brought deep sorrow and affliction upon me, but I sorrow not as those that have no hope. “Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” He very earnestly requested his parents to live near him, that he might care for them in their old age; but now he has left a widow and five small children, to be cared for. “The Lord’s ways are not as our ways.” J. BYINGTON.
Flushing, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn; S. H. Lane
We commenced meetings in this place June 22. This is a beautiful village of about six hundred inhabitants, situated in a fine farming district. The truth has never been presented at this place or in the immediate vicinity.
At our first meeting, about one hundred were present. The congregation has increased from the first, ranging from one hundred to four hundred. The best of attention is paid to the word spoken. The ministers of the various denominations represented here are using their influence to keep their church members from hearing; but notwithstanding this, many attend and seem deeply interested. People treat us kindly and are quite friendly, although strangers. We trust the Lord was in our coming here. Thirteen discourses have been delivered. We have just introduced the Sabbath question which, as far as we are able to judge, has made quite an impression on the minds of those who heard. We trust, with the blessing of the Lord, to follow and set home the truth, a good work will be accomplished and our labors not be in vain.
I. D. Van Horn, S. H. Lane.
West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio, July 1, 1872
By H. A. St. John
Ohio.
LEFT home for Ohio May 27. Commenced meetings June 1, in Hancock Co., five miles west of McComb. Had fifteen meetings, when the house was closed. Some interest, but no immediate result. Evening after Sabbath and Sunday, the 15th and 16th, held three meetings in a school-house two miles north-east of Gilboa. House well filled each time with attentive listeners.
Monday, 17, in company with Bro. O. Mears, went to seek for a place to pitch the Ohio tent. Wednesday, 19, according to our best light, decided upon the village of West Unity, Williams Co. The way opening favorably, the tent was immediately ordered and pitched, and Bro. A. A. Hutchins and self commenced meetings, Friday night, June 28. This is a growing village of about nine hundred inhabitants, and surrounded by a fine farming country, with good improvements. Up to the present writing we have had four meetings, with attentive audiences, increasing from about two hundred the first night to about five hundred last night. Interest appears to be quite good; but haying and wheat harvest is just commencing, and this, we fear, will materially affect the interest for a time. We expect Bro. Waggoner to join us soon.
We trust that the Lord has directed in the choice of a field of labor, and we earnestly solicit the prayers of our people, especially in the State of Ohio, for the success of the tent enterprise. Pray that many true friends to the cause we love may be raised up the present season in the State. It seems to us, brethren, that above all men, we need your earnest prayers and co-operation. H. A. ST. JOHN.
West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio, July 1, 1872
Northern N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
March 16 and 17, was with the friends in North Creek and Chester, and assisted them what I could to get the tract-society matters arranged. They showed a commendable zeal, and a disposition to share in this branch of the good work. The evening of the 17th, preached, by invitation, in the place of the Methodist minister, who failed to meet his appointment.
Returned home the 19th, and spent several weeks in that vicinity, as Providence seemed to indicate duty in that direction. During the time, held quarterly meeting with the church in Keene, and assisted them also in starting their tract-society arrangements.
April 27 and 28, was with the friends at Vermontville. As it was necessary for me to visit St. Lawrence County on business, attended monthly meeting at Chase’s Mills May 4 and 5. This meeting was a success. The subject of the tract society received a considerable attention, and a good interest was manifested in it. This company have been severely tested by opposition from without, and those who were once friends; and have at times been almost discouraged; but of late they have been rising. At this meeting they were greatly encouraged by the apparent change in the feelings of the community. There has been, for a long time, no interest to hear preaching, but the evening after the Sabbath we had a meeting appointed for business; and about the time for assembling we were notified that a public meeting was expected and desired. We immediately repaired to the school-house, where I spoke with freedom to an audience of respectable size. The 11th, was at Buck’s Bridge, and the evening of the 12th, at Norfolk. 18th and 19th, was again at Vermontville. This company are doing well, and some preliminary steps were taken toward organization, arranging S. B., &c.
The 30th, came to Chester. Here I found a very encouraging state of things. Several additions have been made to the number of Sabbath-keepers since I was there before, and the interest is still on the increase. Their meetings are characterized by spirituality and deep feeling. Came to this place June 7, and commenced holding meetings the 9th. Find quite a strong opposition, and the weather and roads have been unfavorable, so that the attendance is small; but five have embraced the Sabbath as the result of my visit here last fall, and a few others are interested; and I consider it duty to remain with them awhile at least.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Indian Lake, June 17, 1872.
Danger of Backsliding.
By Mayland J. Pierce
Who can say that there is no danger of losing strength and going back into the world after they have started for Mt. Zion? Who can say there is no danger of being deceived by the enemy and led to doubt God's holy word? He is a happy man who knows his sins forgiven, but what would be his joy could he also know that he was henceforth free from the bewitching snares of the world and the power of Satan?
But there is something to do besides just taking a step in the pathway to life. I find many hard battles to fight, and many times my feet well-nigh slip, and I fall under the influence of the enemy. But I make one struggle more. I ask divine assistance, and find Him who hath promised, a present help in every time of need. If we repent of our sins and look to Jesus for strength to overcome, it will be given.
He stands knocking at the door of our heart, but it is for us to unbolt the door and let him in. How strange that any should refuse the hand of such a friend. No earthly friend is like him. He will never forsake us in time of trouble except we forsake him and fall into the wickedness of this world.
We have need to watch and pray continually, lest we enter into temptation. I sometimes fear that I shall not be counted worthy of a place in the kingdom, but I have a strong desire and determination to press my way through the darkness, and share at last with God's people in their glorious rest. I desire their prayers, that my faith may not fail.
I wish to say to all who have started in this good cause, Look up! trust in God. If we do our duty faithfully, we shall reap a rich reward in a little while. I want to meet you all in the kingdom.
MAYLAND J. PIERCE.
East Richford, Vt.
Snakes in the Grass.
By D. F. Newton
“Serpents with their venomous stings,
Or bright angels, crowd around us.”
A WORD TO STUDENTS IN COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES.
Upon no class of persons does the habitual reading of this branch of our literature exert a more pernicious influence than upon the young men connected with our colleges, and other institutions of learning. We have heard it asserted by those whose positions enable them to judge intelligently in this matter, that there is scarcely an instance on record where a young man, who habitually and regularly peruses works of fiction during his undergraduate course, ever received that degree of mental discipline which is necessary for a successful entrance upon the great duties of life, and which it is the aim of a collegiate course to furnish. And, indeed, it is hard to conceive how the case should be otherwise, for, besides the enormous waste of time, which is a necessary consequence of any considerable indulgence in novel reading, the mind, accustomed to follow some sentimental hero or heroine, through all sorts of silly, unheard-of adventures, and to revel amid scenes of fancied pleasure and happiness, takes little delight in attempting to grapple with the more profound truths of philosophy and mathematics, even when it is not wholly incapacitated to do so.
It is a lamentable fact, that at least half of the young men who graduate each year at our colleges, hardly possess even the rudiments of a sound and substantial education. Many, after spending three or four years within the walls of a university, possess, in return for their time and money, little besides their “diploma,” to which, certainly, in our day, no great importance can be attached. We hazard little in saying that the evil in question may, to a very great extent, be traced to the “popular novels,” which form so important an element in the composition of the student’s libraries in many of our colleges. And so long as our young men are content to spend the precious moments which ought to be devoted to the acquisition of substantial knowledge, and to fritter away the knowledge which God has given them, in poring over books worse than profitless, to the neglect of all that is useful and instructive, just so long are we to expect superficial thinkers, instead of profound thinkers; mere triflers instead of men.
The indirect tendency of nine-tenths of the popular novels of the present day is to inculcate false views of life, and to corrupt instead of cultivating the imagination. They weaken the judgment, the reasoning powers are unhinged, and all the perceptive faculties destroyed or greatly vitiated. More than this, all the generous affections of the heart, and all the noble sensibilities of human nature, become blunted and seared under their blighting and withering influence! The intellect is greatly injured by their creating a distaste for nobler and more solid reading. Men do not like to go from the palaces of kings—from the soft and lascivious saloons and drawing rooms of dukes and counts, into the common walks of life—no, they would rather luxuriate amid the splendid castles and enchanted scenes of the novel-writer! It is truly painful to see in some reading-rooms popular works of fiction, novels and romances, and works positively infidel in their tendency. Such libraries and reading-rooms are a curse instead of a blessing to the community. Many a young man has been ruined for time and eternity by this corrupting literature.
No book or periodical, whatever its merits in other respects, which takes the name of God in vain, or uses it profanely or irreverently, which contains a profane oath, an impure or libidinous thought, or speaks lightly of the word of God, should ever be allowed in a family or reading-room. A parent ought never to allow a fascinating writer to say that behind the screen to the eye of a child, which he would not permit any one to breathe into the ear.
Byron, Scott, Shakspeare, are more or less defiled by profane and impure allusions, dashes or exclamations, that offend the ear of modesty and virtue. What Christian father or mother would allow Shakspeare, if he were now alive, to associate with a blooming circle of sons and daughters, or read his plays, just as they now stand in the best editions? Is it possible for them to pass through the youthful mind and not leave a foul stain behind? Read the “Personal Recollections of Charlotte Elizabeth,” and see how narrowly she escaped the loss of both body and soul by poring over Shakspeare’s corrupting fascinations.
Says the Rev. O. B. Waters: “Shakspeare’s morality seldom rises above the supreme selfishness of the heartless world, and often sinks into its grossest forms. He has exhibited ambition, avarice, revenge, jealousy, and all the grovelling passions of the human soul, with all the skill of art, but where are those opposite graces of the spirit which alone can antidote their influence?”
The tendency of nearly all his writings is to quicken into inordinate and morbid activity that faculty which phrenologists term amativeness, already strong enough to need firm and wise restraint. No one can deny, moreover, that with all his excellences there is among his plays a great amount of senseless frivolity, unworthy of a thoughtful, earnest mind.
Besides, who has counted up the passages where he is positively vulgar and covertly, or openly licentious? Not a few there are, I am sure, that are most grossly so. While no one of his plays, even the best, can give you a model, and scarcely an instance, of those exalted and self-denying virtues which spring only from a heart-felt sympathy with the spirit of the Bible.
His powerful and exciting delineations of love have, without doubt, ruined many a soul. If those instances were recorded where the works of Shakspeare have had an influence, either directly or indirectly, in exciting the passions to such an ungovernable strength that men have been led into crime and misery, what an account would be placed to their score.”—D. F. Newton, Author of Home Thrusts.
A Biographical Incident.
By G. W. Amadon
OR IMPROVING OUR TALENTS.
The all-wise Creator has kindly bestowed on his creatures, talents few or many. And it is wholly at our disposal whether we make a wise use of these gifts or not. The Saviour, in one of his parables (see Matt. 25:14-30), speaks of our various abilities under the figure of the “talents;” and we there learn that a reckoning time is coming, when every one must give an account for the talents which the Lord has lent him.
How awfully solemn will that time be when assembled creation shall be required to give an account for their talents! Some, having wholly and totally perverted the gracious gifts of their Maker, in neglecting to cultivate their talents, will, for it, be cast into “outer darkness;” while others, having made a good use of their abilities, will have the privilege of entering into the “joy of their Lord.”
I have lately read the memoir of a young lady (Miss Elizabeth Smith), who, not under circumstances very favorable, greatly enriched her mind with stores of useful knowledge, thus placing herself in a position where she was a far greater blessing to mankind. It is here presented, hoping it may lead some of the clear-minded, youthful readers of this paper, to thus early consecrate their faculties and powers to the Lord who has made them. In so doing, a right use will be made of their talents. Here is the sketch referred to:
“Miss Elizabeth Smith was born in December, 1776, in the county of Durham, England, where her parents then lived in affluence. She was remarkable, in her early years, for a thirst after knowledge, for regularity, and reflection. During her youth she did not seem to have enjoyed any peculiar advantages, except in the instruction of her mother, who appears, from some of her letters, to have possessed an elegant and cultivated understanding. In 1785, Mr. and Mrs. Smith removed to Piercefield, a celebrated and romantic seat on the Wye, where, in the summer of 1789, Elizabeth became acquainted with the lady who published her life. In 1793, a bank in which Mr. Smith was engaged, failed; and this unexpected stroke at once reduced Elizabeth and her family from affluence to very narrow circumstances.
“From that time till the summer of 1801, Miss Smith had no certain home. Some part of that period she passed with Mrs. H. Bowdler, at Bath; several years were spent in Ireland, where Mr. Smith was quartered, amidst the inconveniences and distractions of military cantonments: and the rest, at the houses of friends, or in a hired house on the banks of the Ullswater. During these years, and under such disadvantages, Miss Smith acquired that variety and depth of erudition, which justly rendered her an object of admiration to all who know her. After the year 1801, Miss Smith principally resided at a small farm and mansion seated among the lakes; where, in the summer of 1805, she caught a cold, which, though at first it seemed trifling, terminated her life on the 7th of August, 1806, at the age of twenty-nine.
“Her person and manners were extremely pleasing, with a pensive softness of countenance that indicated deep reflection; but her extreme timidity concealed the most extraordinary talents. With scarcely any assistance, she taught herself the French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages. She had no inconsiderable knowledge of Arabic and Persic. She was well acquainted with geometry, algebra, and other branches of the mathematics. She was a very fine musician. She drew landscapes from nature extremely well, and was a mistress of perspective. She showed an early taste for poetry. With all these acquirements she was perfectly feminine in her disposition; elegant, modest, gentle, and affectionate; nothing was neglected which a woman ought to know; nor was any duty omitted which her situation in life required her to perform. The only monuments of her talents which survive her, are a translation of the book of Job from the original, a translation of the Life of Klopstock, and Fragments.
“Although Miss Smith shone pre-eminently as a literary character, yet she appeared most brilliant and endearing when viewed through her exalted piety and sincere religion. It was this that raised her above the world, and taught her, at sixteen years of age, to resign its riches and its privileges almost without regret, and to support with dignity a very unexpected change of situation. It taught her seriousness and humility, kindness, resignation, and contentment. It sustained her through the trials of life, and cheered her dying hours.” Life of Miss Elizabeth Smith, by Mrs. Bowdler.
Dear youth, may you all store your minds with useful knowledge. Christ will soon come. Our time to do is brief. But many who read this paper have not yet given their hearts to Christ. This is the first step. Such should “redeem the time.” We must work while the day lasts. Yes, as the poet says,
“There is work to do for Jesus,
And the harvesters are few.”
Who will use his talents aright? Who will be a blessing to others? Who will lead precious souls to Jesus? Who will gain eternal life?
G. W. AMADON.
“Search the Scriptures.”
By Albert Weeks
In what way shall we search them? If we are skeptical we must lay aside previously entertained views and prejudices, and weigh the ideas found there in the balances of reason; for prejudice will blind our eyes so that we cannot see where a reason exists. We must be sure we are willing to know the truth, then let nothing interfere with a candid investigation.
If we believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, we should collect all passages on the subject under investigation, and take a position that will produce harmony. If any passage of Scripture conflicts with the position we have taken, we may know that our position is not correct.
This idea of a harmony of the Scriptures is not much thought of at the present time. A single text is selected while there are many more on the same subject which are passed by in silence. It was this way of dealing with the Bible that originated the saying that “the Bible is like a fiddle, you can play any tune on it you please.”
It is even said by professors of Christianity that you can prove anything by the Bible. This they say to quiet themselves in thinking they “are as near right as any body,” and therefore safe. In this they virtually say that our Saviour did not understand what he was doing when he prayed that his disciples might be one even as he and his Father were one.
The truth is, if all possessed the same honesty of purpose, and would get the aid of the Spirit that dictated the sacred record, they would be of one mind. Discord is because of a lack in these things.
The Bible is not responsible for the discord that exists in the religious world. It is that waywardness which has always attended the human family that occasions the departing from simple truth.
ALBERT WEEKS.
Why Don't you Submit?
By A. P. Lawton
WHY are we so long in learning that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and that exalted angels forfeit Heaven by an unyielding spirit? Many, with this warning before them, will run the fatal risk, rather than yield their own will, or concede a point.
It is a mark of a noble, generous, and cultivated mind, to investigate, and cheerfully yield, when in error. Large fortunes have been sunk and many valuable lives sacrificed, when a little yielding would pacify great offenses. Jealousy, envy, and self-dignity cause impatience under needed reproof. There is a cause, and our work is not to add to our sin by insubordination. We should not be offended, but deeply humbled.
God knows when there is entire submission and no mental reservation. Many who will have an exalted place will be excused from having any part in the matter. I must have a place, though ever so humble, with the people of God in the closing work.
A. P. LAWTON.
West Winfield, N. Y.
Not Very Hurtful.
By Amanda Warren
THESE words were spoken by a friend when discussing the merit and demerit of a certain article of food. In other words, it will be only a small transgression, and we shall not feel the bad effect very much. No doubt Eve reasoned much in this way when she partook of the forbidden fruit. The tree was beautiful. She looked at it and said, or thought, What handsome looking fruit! Surely it must have a delicious flavor. Now there is not enough in one taste to do much harm if it should not prove to be good; and besides I will give part of it to Adam. With these thoughts, she picked one, only one. Not of very much importance, was it? But the Lord, who can read the heart, looked not with any allowance even at this supposed small sin. His law stood as ever, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Not necessary, then, that they should eat all of that forbidden fruit. Just one piece was enough to forfeit their right to their Eden glory, and bring upon them ruin and death. We may wonder at their folly and mourn over their loss when, in our own hearts, there is a greater desire to eat forbidden fruit than there was in theirs. And can we hope that that God who is no respecter of persons will deal more leniently with us than he did with them? If for only one sin Eden was lost, shall we hope to regain it while one sin lies buried in our heart even though it be comparatively small?
AMANDA WARREN.
Chastening Better Than Self-Inflicted Torment
It is better to be chastened by God than tormented by ourselves. There is a balm on the point of his sword, and poison on the points of our pins.
Obituary Notices.
By J. C. Tucker
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Rocky Brook, R. I., June 22, 1872, in a paralytic fit, sister Mary Johnson, widow of Bro. Abraham Johnson, aged fifty-six years, eight months, and sixteen days. Sister Johnson commenced keeping the Sabbath with her husband two years ago last winter, under the labors of Bro. S. N. Haskell. Since that time she has maintained a consistent Christian character. She rests by the side of her husband, who died about two years since.
We leave them to await the sound of the trump to awake them, when they shall come forth robed in immortal beauty. Words of consolation were spoken by Eld. A. Warren, first-day Adventist. Text, Rev. 14:13. J. C. TUCKER.
Vermont Camp-Meeting
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Vermont Camp-Meeting.
After a careful examination of all the openings worthy of attention, the Camp-meeting Committee decide that the best place for our meeting this year is at Richmond, Vt., near the village, about one mile from Richmond station, on the same ground that we occupied a year ago.
We earnestly desire the labors of Bro. and sister White, and Bro. Geo. I. Butler, and we trust not to be disappointed. We invite our brethren from all parts of our Conference, and those from other Conferences, who can do so, to attend this meeting.
An effort will be made to have passengers coming by railway returned free, as in the past. Bring tents. We should have not less than thirty tents besides the large tent. Every family that is able, should have one to accommodate themselves and as many of their friends as they can induce to come to the meeting. Yet none should stay away because they cannot bring a tent, for such can have a place in the large tent. Come with your bedding, prepared to take care of yourselves. There will be a provision stand on the ground.
Brethren, come to this “feast of tabernacles” prepared to work for the Lord. Let us begin now to prepare our hearts to seek God. Our meeting will be held Aug. 14-19, according to appointment of General Conference Committee. LEWIS BEAN, H. N. AUSTIN, H. W. BARROWS, Vermont Conference Committee.
Vermont State Conference.
The Vermont State Conference will hold its next annual session at Richmond, Vt., in connection with the Vermont Camp-meeting, Aug. 14-19. We hope all will try to be on the ground at the commencement of the meeting and stay till it is closed. All the churches and unorganized companies within the limits of this Conference are invited to send delegates, and to report their standing as required by the constitution of the Conference. Systematic Benevolence should be paid up to July 1, 1872. Brethren and sisters, let us not do the work of the Lord negligently. LEWIS BEAN, H. N. AUSTIN, H. W. BARROWS, Vermont Conference Committee.
N. Y. and Pa. State Conference.
The N. Y. and Pa. Conference will hold its next annual session in connection with the N. Y. Camp-meeting to be held at Kirkville, N. Y., Aug. 6-12, 1872. We hope all the churches will immediately take the steps necessary to represent themselves fully at this meeting. Churches wishing admission should present their requests, and send their delegates. Let all the reports required by the constitution of the Conference be prepared by ministers, licentiates, and delegates. And especially we urge that every church in the Conference be prepared with its pledges for the coming year, by, at once re-arranging their S. B. Let all the churches represent themselves by delegates, if possible; if not, by letter. Delegates should be on the ground as early as Monday night. P. Z. KINNE, E. B. GASKILL, HARMON LINDSAY, N. Y. and Pa. Conference Committee.
Quarterly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist church at Bowersville, Ohio, July 27, 28, 1872. Come, brethren and sisters, and let us unite our voices once more in worshiping the God of Heaven. Absent members are expected to report as usual. J. Q. A. HAUGHNEY, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting at Monroe, Green Co., Wis., commencing Sabbath, July 12, and holding over first-day. We invite all to attend this meeting. Come prepared to work for the Lord. Bro. Sanborn is expected to attend this meeting; also we expect to form a Missionary and Tract Society. O. H. PRATT, Eld.
Bi-monthly meeting for the S. D. Adventists of Saginaw Co., Mich., at St. Charles, July 13 and 14, 1872. Preaching by A. N. Fisher. JOEL GULICK.
Quarterly meeting for Orange, Vergennes, Greenville, and Bushnell, will be held in Bushnell, first Sabbath and Sunday in August. This meeting will be a grove-meeting. The Michigan Conference Committee will provide ministerial help. The Matherton brethren are invited to attend. WM. E. ALLCHIN.
With the church in Wright, July 13, 1872. Cazenovia, July 20, 1872. Will remain in that vicinity two weeks. Friends will arrange for meetings as thought best. H. S. GURNEY. CHAS. JONES.
BURLINGTON, July 13. At this meeting I will attend to baptism if desired. J. BYINGTON.
Monthly meeting for Western New York will be held at Olcott, July 13 and 14, 1872. T. H. LINDSAY.
Monthly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and vicinity, at Cottage, the third Sabbath and first-day in July. B. B. WARREN.
News and Miscellany.
“Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”
Crime in New York.
During the week which ended yesterday, eight dead bodies were found floating near our city docks, an unknown woman was found dead in the street, and a prominent German citizen mysteriously disappeared. In nearly every instance these persons were foully murdered, else their bodies would not have borne the marks of the bludgeon, the knife, or the pistol. If we add to this list two cases of murder in which the antemortem testimony of the victims has already proved the guilt of the murderers, and the numerous murderous assaults which have occurred during the past week, some of which may yet end fatally, we have a record of crime and violence which hardly any other city of Christendom can parallel.—New York Times, 27th ult.
The French-German Treaty.
In military strategy, he who gets the start of VON MOLTKE must rise betimes in the morning; while, in political strategy, he who bamboozles BISMARCK must be born of other than French parentage. In the new treaty, just concluded between France and Germany, by which the French diplomats attempted to hurry the evacuation of France by the German army, on condition that France would hurry the payment of the vast war indemnity she owes to Germany, the acute Prussian general and statesman have won another triumph. They agreed that, on the payment of a stated instalment of money, Germany would evacuate the departments of France held by German troops, nearest to Paris. On the payment of another instalment, the German troops would evacuate another department; and so on, until all France was released as soon as all the money was paid. But, if French statesmen dream of revenge, as it is pretty certain they do, right here BISMARCK and VON MOLTKE have slyly defeated their hopes; for, by the terms of the treaty, it is not stated that the evacuating German troops shall go back to Germany. Consequently, when they evacuate the department nearest Paris, they will, it is now known, simply fall back to the next department, reinforcing the German troops there, and taking up the strongest positions on that line. When that department is evacuated, they will simply fall back to the next one, making its garrison three times as strong as it now is. And so that process will go on, there remaining in France, to the very last, just as many Germans as at present, while as they fall back the German armies will constantly concentrate, thus showing a stronger and more threatening front continually to the last moment, instead of growing weaker, as the French hoped they would. And finally, when they quit French soil, they will go no further than the new line of Metz and Strasbourg, which is being doubly and trebly fortified, upon which they will face France once more in a concentrated, impregnable wall of bayonets and steel guns.
No wonder there was a bitter disappointment felt in the French National Assembly when this treaty was discovered, by the German military orders, to be susceptible of this interpretation. It shows, plainly, that BISMARCK and VON MOLTKE do not propose to be caught napping; that they appreciate the motives of revenge which have led M. THIERS to strain every nerve of already overloaded France to re-organize and increase to gigantic proportions the French army; and that they also appreciate the plots of the Jesuits to form a “holy alliance” against Germany and in favor of France: and that they propose, as a measure of safety, to retire from France only as a cat retires from its wounded prey, with its claws sheathed, and a demure look, but ready for another deadly spring on the least motion of the victim. All the advantage of the treaty thus remains with Germany, which will receive the indemnity money sooner, and grow stronger and stronger as the moment approaches which the French have looked forward to as their time for revenge.—Detroit Post.
HORSE RACING IN PARLIAMENT.—One of the worst features connected with horse-racing and other disreputable sports and games, is the custom of many persons high in public and social life, who attend them. It is therefore pleasing to notice a protest by Tom Hughes, in Parliament, against the adjournment moved by Mr. Gladstone for the Derby races last week. Here is the cable dispatch:
“Mr. Hughes, on rising to oppose the motion, was received with ironical cheers and laughter. He pointed to the fact that the house adjourned only two hours on Ascension day for divine worship, and now proposed to adjourn twenty-four hours for the Derby. It was incompatible with the dignity of the commons to recognize horse-racing. The English race course had introduced the most corrupt and insidious system of gambling which had ever disgraced any country. While he was opposed to this species of amusement, he believed in manly sports like international boat-races, cricket, and other salutary competitions of human strength and pluck, and thought they should be encouraged. The motion for an adjournment was carried by a vote of 212 to 58.”
South America.
THE SPANIARDS TO SEIZE THE VIRGINIUS AND EDGAR STEWART.
NEW YORK, June 25.—A Washington dispatch states that the Spanish war vessels have been instructed to seize and sink the American steamers Virginius and Edgar Stewart whenever found outside of neutral ports. The Virginius, as appears by a letter received here from her captain yesterday, was at Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, the latter part of May, very leaky, and would be unable to receive the necessary repairs there, and be obliged to leave for Martinique. Two Spanish war vessels were in the port. Their officers were enraged at the refusal of the Venezuelan Government to deliver the Virginius up to them, and threatened to cut her out, whereupon the Venezuelans trained the guns of their fort upon the Spaniards, and the latter quieted down. The Virginius is also out of coal.
A PROTEST FROM THE POPE.—Rome, June 19.—The Pope has addressed a letter to Cardinal Antonelli, deploring the approaching enforcement of the law suppressing convents in Italy as a violation of international law. He says the constant encroachments on the rights of the Church by the government of Italy violate morality and justice, and only a regard for the highest interests prevents the head of the Church from leaving Rome. A conflict between the Holy See and Italian Government is inevitable, and a reconciliation impossible. The Pope cannot submit to such usurpations, and he requests Antonelli to protest against them to foreign powers.
Minnesota Tent Meeting at Albert Lea
Bro. Canright writes us that the Minnesota tent was to be pitched in Albert Lea, Freeborn Co., Minn., July 3. He designs to continue there three or four weeks, and would like to have those within reach, visit them. His address and that of Bro. C. A. Russell will be at that place, till further notice.
Monthly Meeting at Parma, Michigan
Sabbath, July 6, we attended the monthly meeting at Parma, Mich. A good representation of brethren and sisters were present, all but four of whom took part in the meeting. Some who have embraced the truth by reading, never before having heard a discourse, testified to the joy they have experienced since they commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath. There is a healthy influence and a steady growth, among the churches in that vicinity.
Book Notice.
OUR esteemed friend, D. F. Newton, 303 West 20th St., N. Y. city, sends us the prospectus of a new volume, entitled “Digging Roots,” in allusion to the expression in Matt. 3:10. “And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” In the same forcible manner he exposes folly and rebukes sin, in this volume, as in his other volumes, “The Sword that Cuts,” “Home Thrusts,” &c. This volume is illustrated, and contains between two and three hundred pages. Price, per copy, gilt, $1.50; plain, $1.00; paper covers 75c. Postage 15 cents.