Earlier text: Is the Soul Immortal?—No. 2The Eastern Question.
By John H. Waggoner
The question of the action of the nations, and especially of Russia, in regard to Turkey, known as the Eastern Question, is exciting very general attention. Statesmen ponder over it, the newspapers make frequent mention of it, and students of prophecy look toward it with much interest. To all classes it is becoming a subject of great anxiety. Turkey is one of the weakest of the nations. For thirty-five years her existence has been maintained by the united interference of the nations of Western Europe. These nations are professedly Christian, while Turkey persecutes Christians within her border with unrelenting ferocity. There is not a feeling in common between Turkey and the nations which uphold her. She is far behind—and determinedly behind—the civilization of the nations by which she is surrounded, and on which she depends for her semblance of power. The only importance which Turkey possesses in the eyes of the nations is this: She occupies one of the strongholds of the world, if not the stronghold itself. Constantinople, in the possession of a nation which could make use of the advantages of her position, would be invulnerable. It affords a complete protection to a fleet of any size in the Black Sea, which might be thrown out when the most favorable opportunity offered. Besides this, Turkey nominally holds a jewel which has long been coveted by the nations, namely, Jerusalem. This is only of a traditional or imaginary value; like any other jewel, it is for ornament rather than use. The nations which uphold Turkey have no interest in her welfare, or her existence, only as they are jealous of each other. They are anxious that she should retain her stronghold, each fearing that if she should lose it, a stronger and a rival power might gain it. At the close of the “Crimean war,” a treaty was entered into by Russia, England, and France, by which Russia agreed not to create a war fleet in the Black Sea. This assured Turkey in the quiet possession of Constantinople; for the length and narrowness of the Straits and the swiftness of the currents, render it next to impossible to successfully attack it from below. A fleet for the conquest of Constantinople outside of these straits would be liable to attack at any time; but in the Black Sea it would be secure. Taking advantage of the late war between France and Prussia, Russia repudiated the treaty of 1855, and appealed to the judgment of the nations at large for the justness of her course. The powers at war could not resist her action, and England seemed fearful even to protest against it without being backed by other powers. And thus peaceably the treaty became a dead letter. The wonder was that Russia ever entered into a treaty which cut her off from her most available Sea Coast, and she would not only feel that a heavy pressure was upon her. But this repudiation was really the death-knell of Turkey, and “the sick man,” as Turkey has long been called, was virtually given up by her doctors. Since that time Russia has been constantly extending her lines in Asia, not only threatening Turkey, but affecting the security of the British possessions. But England has purchased the Suez canal, thus securing control of an important passage to the far East. This is a matter of disappointment to all the world, for it was generally conceded that France had the first right to the Suez canal. Thus now stands the Eastern Question. To the nations it is constantly becoming more complicated and perplexing. It is safe to say that much of the present effort of the great European powers to arm themselves beyond all precedent, is in view of the possible developments of this question. We think we have stated the importance and bearing of the question in their strongest light; and while we would not underestimate its importance as a source of contention, or even as a cause for preparation of the nations for “the battle of the great day,” we do not hesitate to say there is great danger of our viewing the matter in a wrong light, and making a detriment to us as a people, as students of prophecy. We have several times been asked of late if we saw anything in the attitude of the nations to indicate that the end is very near. Our answer was and is that we are not looking in that direction for our evidence. Not that there is nothing ominous in the attitude of the nations. There certainly is. But we feel assured that they who look in that direction for their principal evidence of the near coming of the end, will become bewildered, and probably discouraged. We cannot wonder if they who reject the present truth of the third angel’s message take wrong views of our relation to the future action of the nations. But it need not be so with us. The light of present truth clearly outlines all these things, and it alone gives the relation of the several events which precede the battle of the great day of the Lord. Without regarding the order and relation of these events, we must become confused. “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.” Looking at the connection, we learn that this will take place just before the last battle; indeed, it is the first movement in that great conflict. It is generally understood that “the great river Euphrates” represents that power which flourished in the country watered by that river, namely, the Mahomedan power, of which the emperor of Turkey is the head. See Thoughts on Revelation, chapters 9 and 16. Therefore Rev 16 : 12 above quoted, describes the drying up of the power of Turkey. This is the issue of the Eastern Question. Now we are prepared to guard against erroneous views of this question. Many are looking to it as the deciding point of our message. They seem to think they must watch the progress of the nations, and that, when this question comes to a crisis, it will be time for us to arouse, for the close of our work will be approaching. But not so. It is under the sixth plague that this matter comes to a crisis; that is, after the work of probation is finished, and after five of the plagues of the unmixed wrath of God are poured out upon the world. They who reject the warning of the third angel’s message cannot locate these plagues; they have never been able to explain their meaning or give their place. Hence they are liable to mistake the chronology of the culmination of the Eastern Question. But not so with us. We know that the wrath of God threatened in the third angel’s message is that contained in the seven last plagues; and we know that these plagues are poured out after probation ends—after our High Priest has finished his work in the Heavenly Sanctuary, and the unjust must remain unjust still. Comp. 1 Kings 8 : 10, 11, Rev. 15 : 8, and 22 : 11, 12. Therefore to watch the Eastern Question as giving evidence of the termination of our work, is to follow a false light, and as a consequence to be led into confusion and darkness. Brethren, keep your eyes on the third angel’s message. The Eastern Question is a question for the nations to work out when probation is ended and the restraining influence of the Spirit of God is withdrawn from them. The third angel’s message is our work—the work of God for this time—to prepare us to stand in the battle of the day of the Lord. The nations will soon fulfill their designed work when the servants of God are sealed for translation. See Rev. 7. Let us see to it that we fulfill ours. This is the work in which Heaven is specially interested. On this work all other questions hinge. Do not lose sight of this for anything else. We cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude to God who has given us a truth which so fully explains all these things. They who reject this light and watch the nations for the evidence of the coming of the end, will not know when probation is closing, and that day will come upon them as a thief. “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” A light shines upon our pathway, guiding us in regard to the perplexities of the future, and its impending perils. Truly the word of prophecy is a light shining in a dark place. What so dark as the future, when we know not even what a day may bring forth. But the prophetic word, rightly read, lights up the future, and gives assurance as we tread the dangerous way. Only let us heed the admonition:— “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21 : 34. Spiritualism and the Devil
WHEN the late President Day, of Yale College, first had his attention called to Spiritualism, a quarter of a century ago, said he, “Either nothing is in it, or the devil is in it.” Dr. Day was generally right and we think he was not far from right in this instance. The subsequent history and fruits of Spiritualism confirm the soundness of his judgment. At a rehearsal for a Sabbath-school entertainment, some time since, a little five year old Bessie was placed upon the platform to recite a short poem. She commenced very bravely, but her eyes wandered all around the church, gathering more and more of disappointment into her face. Soon the lips began to quiver, and the little form shook with sobs. Her father stepped from behind a pillar, and taking her into his arms, said, “Why, darling, what is the matter? I thought my little girl knew the verses so well.” “So I do, papa; but I couldn’t see you. Let me stand where I can look right into your face, papa, and I won’t be afraid.” And is it not so with our Heavenly Father's children? We stand too often where we cannot look into his face. Darling sins, and our pride, like pillars, rise up between us and God, and disappointment and tears are ours, until, casting these behind us, we stand in the light of our Father's face.—Lutheran Observer. What Can I Do?
By S. N. Haskell
DIRECTIONS SUITED TO ALL CASES.
(Copied from Review and Herald.) LABORERS in the cause of God are needed everywhere. Satan has two methods of attack in his warfare against Heaven: First, he enlists the best talent in direct opposition to the work of saving souls. Secondly, he so stupefies or benumbs the moral sensibilities of God's people that their minds become engrossed with the cares of this life, and the talent which might be of service in the cause of Christ is not only rendered useless, but a real clog in the work. Therefore, laborers are wanted in every department of the work of saving lost men. There is not a tenth as many ministers as are needed to meet the calls for men to enter new fields and publicly proclaim the truth. Especial openings for the truth to go to almost every nationality under heaven, are coming to light. The Macedonian cry, “Come over and help us,” is borne upon every breeze. Colporteurs are wanted to enter thousands of towns, cities, and villages. And when individuals have entered the field as colporteurs, actuated by right motives, and possessing a love for souls which would lead them to sacrifice their ease, means, and personal interests, upon the altar of truth, God has most signally blessed their efforts. Through their instrumentality, large, healthy churches have been raised up, meeting-houses have been built, and an interest to hear has been awakened in all the surrounding country. Hundreds have been brought to receive the light of truth by the silent messengers—by tracts and periodicals alone. To my certain knowledge, there are scores rejoicing to-day in the Sabbath of the Lord, as the direct result of the trial volume of the Reformer, the Review, and The Voice Of Truth. But experience has taught us that judicious labor, by correspondence, and visiting families and praying with them, in connection with distribution of reading matter, is far more effectual in bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth than is the reading matter without this personal labor. We speak upon this point from what we have seen, and from facts that are continually coming to light, and with which we are personally acquainted. We have become thoroughly convinced that had more of this practical labor been expended in connection with the reading matter which has been distributed, far greater results would have been seen. I would not have the reader get the idea that we should curtail our efforts to scatter tracts and periodicals, not by any means. This work should be increased twentyfold; but there should be, in connection with it, prayers and such labors as will make the reading matter more effectual. We do not mean that we should contend over doctrinal points with those we would reach, but we should recommend the religion of the Bible in such a manner that it will reach the ears of the people. All who have received the Voice and Reformer on trial should be visited; the Reformer with the premium, and the SIGNS or Review, should be offered, and their subscriptions obtained if possible. Where this canvassing has been done it has resulted in marked success. Much of the first effort is sometimes lost, where good would have been accomplished had the work been followed up. There is another branch of this work to which we would especially call the attention of our brethren and sisters. There are many among us whose home duties are such that they cannot leave their families, or, from other causes, cannot go out to visit, or, if they do, it must be to a very limited extent. Many of these are sisters whose address is good, and who might write with a degree of acceptance. They would like to do something in the cause. Now what can they do? Perhaps I have heard the question asked more than one thousand times, after stating their circumstances, “Now what can I do? I am willing to do anything.” They have some time which they could devote, if they knew just what to do, or how to go about the work. To all such, and to those who do not seem to possess a faculty for getting people to subscribe for our periodicals and pay for them, and this class is quite numerous, we make the following proposition: Subscribe for five or more copies of the SIGNS at Tract Society prices. Do this through the proper officer of your Tract Society, as then there will be no risk in sending the money, and it saves much trouble. The money can be paid to your director or district secretary, stating the number of copies you wish, and he will forward to your State secretary. Then you will receive these copies weekly, to be disposed of. Do them up and send them to your friends far and near. Always write to them, stating your object in so doing; but do not mention any peculiar doctrine which they do not believe; let the paper advocate that. Invite them to read, and write you in return what they think of the paper, etc. If they like it, send another. Perhaps in time, if not at first, you will obtain a permanent subscriber. There is no reason why you should limit this kind of labor to your acquaintances and friends. Invite your friends and neighbors who may be interested for you to send you names. Make a business of it. Let no copies of the SIGNS remain on hand; for old papers are not as interesting to people generally as new ones, and you will have a fresh supply every week. The result of such a course is every way beneficial. First, you will get the truth before a large class of readers whom you may be the means of benefiting. Secondly, for those who have never investigated the truth, the paper has many advantages over a tract; for the reading matter is varied, and there will be something in every paper that will interest nearly every one. Thirdly, the experience it will give you, if the labor is prayerfully followed up, will be of more value than ten times its cost in means and labor. It will cultivate those nobler qualities of the soul which make men and women of use in society. It will lead you to meditate, and to study ways and means by which to dispose of your papers where they will do the most good, and it will lead your thought from self to those practical duties which are Christlike in their nature. Fourthly, it will help sustain the cause on the Pacific Coast. To the youth, who would do something in the cause of God, but have no definite object before them, we especially recommend this plan. Those young in experience should feel free to consult the more experienced brethren and sisters. Some of the members of the Vigilant Missionary Society at South Lancaster, Mass., enter largely into this branch of the work, and that, too, with marked success. Their correspondence at first was limited to but few, and those were individuals with whom they were personally acquainted. But now they correspond with individuals in almost, if not every, civilized nation on the globe. There are colporteurs to-day in Europe—men of means, who have reprinted our tracts in editions of five thousand. These persons embraced the truth by reading alone, and of some of them, I have yet to learn that they have ever seen a Seventh-day Adventist. And the late mail brings encouraging news from an active advocate of the Sabbath in Scotland, who has been reading our periodicals. After speaking of the discontinuance of the Voice and ordering certain publications, he proposes to obtain subscribers for the Reformer, thus showing the foothold the truth of God is gaining in the Old World through this kind of labor. These letters should be written with the greatest care, that prejudice may not be awakened, and the object you have in view defeated. No one should feel competent to write without much prayer. The heart should be full of tenderness and love. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently,” or we might say, carelessly. To those who are saved it is said, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” This plan of labor was suggested at our meeting at Adam's Center, N. Y., and within a few moments after an opportunity had been given to subscribe for the SIGNS over sixty copies were subscribed for. Some in New England who have received five copies, have since ordered five more. Bro. Palmer, of South Boston, to whom five copies had been sent, orders five more, making ten copies for one year. Here are faith, means, and works, all together. We are acquainted with Bro. Palmer. He has had experience in this kind of work a number of years, so this is not a bow drawn at a venture with him, but he knows what he is about in the matter. There are thousands of our people in trade, or working in shops, who are constantly associating with others, and they might find scores of readers in this manner. We want one hundred such men in New England, two hundred in New York, five hundred in Michigan, one hundred and fifty in Ohio, and so on throughout the country. Let our brethren and sisters put their hand to the work, and push forward with zeal in this matter. What is here proposed is not said to hinder in the least the canvassing for the SIGNS, which is now being done, but to call into exercise the gifts of those who feel that they cannot go out to canvass. From how many shall we have a hearty response in the manner above proposed, upon the receipt of this paper? The various Tract Societies will do all business pertaining to the SIGNS directly with the SIGNS Office, so there will be no delay. Shall we have a thousand men and women who will thus subscribe for five copies within the next three weeks, at Tract Society rates, viz., $7.50 for the five copies? Let the example set by the Adams' Center church be followed by every church this side of the Rocky Mountains. We expect a hearty response. We wish to see one thousand new workers thus enlist in the missionary enterprise for 1876 as never before. Treasure in Heaven.
By Ellen G. White
In Christ's sermon on the mount he says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven.” If you lay up treasures in Heaven, you do it for yourself, you are working for your own interest. The great leading temptations that would assail man, Christ met in the wilderness of temptation. There he encountered, single-handed, the wily, subtile foe, and overcame him. The first great temptation was appetite; second, presumption; third, the love of the world. Satan has overcome his millions by tempting them to the indulgence of appetite. Through the gratification of the taste the nervous system becomes excited, the brain power enfeebled, making it impossible to think calmly or rationally. The mind is unbalanced. Its higher, nobler properties are perverted to serve animal lust; and the sacred and eternal interests are not regarded. When this object is gained then Satan can come with his two other leading temptations and find ready access. His manifold besetments of sin grow out of these three great leading points. Presumption is a common temptation, and as Satan assails men with this, he obtains the victory nine times out of ten. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and claim by their faith to be enlisted in the warfare against all evil in their nature, frequently plunge without thought, into temptations that would require a miracle to bring them forth unscathed. Meditation and prayer would have preserved them and led them to have shunned the critical, dangerous position in which they have placed themselves where they have given Satan the advantage over them. The promises of God are not for us rashly to claim while we rush on recklessly into danger, violating the laws of nature, and disregarding prudence, and the judgment with which God has endowed us. This is the most flagrant presumption. The thrones and kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, were offered to Christ, if he would only bow down to Satan. Never will man be tried with temptations as powerful as those which assailed Christ. Satan came with worldly honor, wealth, and the pleasures of life, and presented them in the most attractive light to allure and deceive. “All this,” said he to Christ, “will I give thee, if thou wilt worship me.” Christ repelled the wily foe, and came off victor. Satan has better success in approaching man. All this money, all this gain, this land, this power, honor and riches will I give thee. For what? His conditions generally are, that integrity shall be yielded, conscientiousness blunted, and selfishness indulged. Through devotion to worldly interests Satan receives all the homage he asks. The door is left open for him to enter as he pleases, with his evil train of impatience, love of self, pride, avarice, over-reaching, and his whole catalogue of evil spirits. Man is charmed, and treacherously allured on to ruin. If we yield ourselves to worldliness of heart and life, Satan is satisfied. Christ's example is before us. He overcame Satan, showing us how we may also overcome. Christ resisted Satan with scripture. He might have had recourse to his own divine power, and used his own words; but he said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” With the second temptation he says, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Christ's example is before us. If the Sacred Scriptures were studied and followed, the Christian would be fortified to meet the wily foe; but the word of God is neglected, and disaster and defeat follow. Those with but small capacities, sanctified by the love of God, can do good for the Master; but they who have quick, discerning minds may employ them for him in his high, exalted work, with grand results. To wrap them in a napkin, and hide them in the earth, and deprive God of the increase of the talents he has intrusted to them, is a great wrong. We are probationers. The Master is coming to investigate our course, and he will inquire what use has been made of the talents lent us. Brethren, what use are you making of the talents God has placed in your care? Have you done what you could to enlighten the minds of men in regard to truth, or have you found no time from your business cares and perplexities, to devote to this work? It is a crime to use the bounties of God as many have done to diminish their physical strength, and separate their affections from God. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” You cannot love this world and love the truths of God. “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” “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.” Very many who are seeking for happiness in this life will not obtain the object of their search for they seek not aright. When the religion of Christ rules in the heart, conscience approves, peace and happiness reign; perplexity and trouble may surround, yet there is light in the soul. A young man came to Christ and said, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus bade him keep the commandments. He returned answer, Lord, “all these have I kept from my youth up, what lack I yet?” Jesus looked with love upon the young man, and faithfully pointed out to him his deficiency in keeping the commandments. He did not love his neighbor as himself. Christ showed him his true character. His selfish love of riches was his defect which if not removed would debar him from Heaven. “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, and follow me.” Christ would have him understand that he required nothing of him more than he himself had experienced. All he asked was that he should follow his example. Christ left his riches and glory, and became poor, that man through his poverty might be made rich. He now requires him for the sake of these riches to yield earthly things, and secure Heaven. Christ knew that while the affections were upon worldly treasure, they would be withdrawn from God; therefore he said to the lawyer “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me.” How did he receive the words of Christ? Was he rejoiced that he could secure the heavenly treasure? He was very sorrowful for he had great possessions. Riches to him were honor and power. The great amount of his treasure made such a disposal of it seem like an impossibility. Here is the danger of riches to the avaricious man. The more he gains the harder it is for him to be generous. To diminish his wealth is like parting with life. Rather than do this he turns from the attraction of the immortal reward in order to retain and increase his earthly possessions. He accumulates and hoards. Had he kept the commandments his worldly possessions would not have been so great. How could he, plotting and striving for self, love God with all his heart, and with all his mind, and with all his strength, and his neighbor as himself? Had he distributed to the necessities of the poor, and blessed his fellow-men with a portion of his means, as their wants demanded, he would71have been far happier, and would have had greater heavenly treasure, and less of earth to place his affections upon. Christ assured the young man who came to him, that if he would obey his requirements he should have treasure in Heaven. This world-loving man was very sorrowful. He wanted Heaven but desired to retain his wealth. He renounced immortal life for the love of money and power. Oh, what a miserable exchange! Yet many are doing this who profess to keep all the commandments of God. E. G. W. HERE—are flowers that fade and perish,
Treasures, moth and rust consume;
Brightest hopes, our hearts can cherish,
Sink at last in hope and gloom. There—are plants forever vernal,
Blooming on that peaceful shore;
There the tree of life eternal,
There are pleasures evermore. Here—we trill the sportive measure,
And we build our hopes so high;
But the sweetest song of pleasure
Bears the burdens of a sigh. There—no fears, no sighs can enter,
Where the nations glory bring;
There alone perfections center,
And the chief is Christ, our King. Here—we chase the gilded bubble,
Strange, delusive dreams pursue;
Few our days and full of trouble,
Full of sin and sorrow, too. There—the pure in heart and spirit
See their God, and near him stand;
There the ransomed souls inherit
Length of days at God's right hand. Shall we longer grope and grovel
With our hearts by sin ensnared?
Still abide in wretched hovel,
When those mansions are prepared? Shall we not, with souls awaking,
Strive to lay up treasures there,
And in earnest, sins forsaking,
For those mansions now prepare? Health as Affected by the Mind.
The sympathy existing between the mind and the body is so great, that when one is affected, both are affected. If a person imagine even that he is sick, he is pretty sure to be sick. If, while in health, he be told, and made to believe, that his countenance indicates illness, in a short time his whole system will be affected. Medicines have sometimes been known to produce their specific effect by the mere dread of taking them. Let the imagination be inspired with confidence that a certain medicine, or course of treatment, is going to perform a cure, and the cure is likely to follow. It is on this principle, that simple bread pills have sometimes performed great cures; and on this principle, doubtless depends, to a very considerable extent, the success of any practitioner. This state of mind has much to do with the healthy action of the physical system. A cheerful and happy mind gives a free and easy circulation in the nervous system; it aids in the circulation of animal electricity or nervous fluid, which gives support to the vital energies of the whole body. Cheerfulness, by its effect on the nervous system, contributes much towards a healthy and free circulation of the blood. It has to do, indeed, with the formation of the blood, by virtue of its influence on the process of digestion. A cheerful mind, especially during the hour set apart, particularly for the first effort of the stomach after a meal, is very important to an easy, thorough digestive process. If the mind be attacked with grief, the food is not digested as well; and consequently the system is not so well nourished. How commonly does lowness of body follow continued grief! Why this? Because grief hinders the process of nutrition. It does it in two ways: it hinders the thorough digestion of the food, so that nourishment cannot as well be drawn from it, and it retards the action of the absorbent vessels, which take up the nutritive part of the food, and convey it into the blood. Whatever, then, may be an individual's condition or circumstances in life, it will be great economy for him to make himself cheerful and happy. However bitter may be the cause of his grief, let him cultivate a spirit of resignation; however painful may be his condition in life, let him endeavor to be content with such things as he has; however dark his prospects, let him hope for good. While nothing is gained by despondency, much is lost. While cheerfulness helps others to be healthy and happy, it is of great benefit to one's self. Some have thought that much cheerfulness was contrary to true dignity and Christianity. But this is taking a narrow minded view of things. It is no more a sin nor a breach of dignity to indulge in real cheerfulness, than it is to take wholesome food. There is a distinction to be made between cheerfulness and levity. While levity may be undignified and unchristian, genuine cheerfulness may be a part of dignity and Christianity both. This affection of mind has an opposite effect on the general health to that of cheerfulness. Melancholy deadens the circulation in the blood vessels and nerves; and also retards the action of the liver. It hinders the process of digestion and of nutrition, and tends to dry up the fluids of the whole system. A state of despondency and melancholy is a frequent accompaniment of deranged digestive organs. It sometimes is found to be both cause and effect. It often causes dyspepsia, and whether it cause it or not, it generally follows it; and then operates both as cause and effect. When melancholy or a despairing state of mind once exists, whether as connected with deranged digestive organs, or any other state of ill health, the cure becomes very much more difficult and doubtful; and nothing, comparatively, can be effected by way of medication, for the benefit of the patient, till something be done for the mental affection. Some method must be had at once to attract the attention of the patient away from himself and his complaints. Hence, in selecting a method of cure, some exercise or employment must be chosen, which will interest and engage the thoughts, and prevent their being absorbed in himself, and those associated with him must put on the most cheerful aspect.—Philosophy of Health. A few months since, we procured a sheep from a flock which was being fattened for the market. Upon making a careful dissection of the animal, we found its body teeming with scrofulous and tuberculous deposits. The mesenteric glands were all enlarged, presenting to the eye great nodules of scrofulous matter. Throughout the whole contents of the abdomen, the marks of disease were evident. Suppose this animal had fallen into the hands of the butchers, as it would have done had we not procured it, who can tell the amount of disease which might have been communicated to the unsuspecting consumers of this diseased meat? It is well known that sheep die of themselves in a few years, being short-lived. They are especially liable to consumption. They do not usually die of acute disease, and must of course be more or less diseased for several years before they die. The owner of sheep usually exercises especial care to sell them for mutton before they are entirely disabled by disease, so that the butcher gets the start of nature a little in terminating the lives of the brutes, and human beings get the diseased carcasses as food.—Sel. —Dyptheria is causing alarm in different parts of the State. —The peaks of the hills surrounding Berkeley are covered with snow. —Kansas has expended $3,989,085 in school-houses, and has a school fund of over $1,000,000, and constantly increasing. —Nineteen car loads of material with which to erect the Japanese Department of the Centennial Exposition, have passed over the road to Philadelphia. About one hundred cars of Japanese articles destined for the Exposition, are expected. —Tweed’s attorneys and bondsman have begun a suit against the city and county, Jackson S. Schultz, Keyser, Garvey, Connolly, Ingersoll, &c., asking that a receiver be appointed, and all the other participators in the “Ring” spoil be compelled to refund. —Petitions are being circulated in Michigan, asking Congress to appropriate $150,000 for the survey of a ship canal from the mouth of the Kalamazoo river to Detroit, eighteen miles, and estimating that $800,000 will complete this great work. With this improvement wheat or corn can be delivered in Liverpool for fifteen cents per bushel. —Hon. E. P. Smith, late commissioner of Indian Affairs, has been invited by the American Missionary Association to visit Africa and inspect Missions of the Society; there to inquire into the best method of enlarging its work, and to find the most hopeful field for its further missionary operations among the Africans. The Trustees of the Howard University have granted leave of absence for this purpose, without salary, and Mr. Smith will sail in a few days. —The palace expenditure of the Sultan has been £2,000,000 a year ever since his accession. His servants number 5,500—the kitchens employing 500, the stables 400, the menagerie 200, while there are 400 Caikdjis, 400 musicians, 300 door-keepers of the 21 palaces and kiosques, and 100 porters. The harem has 1,000 inmates. The stables cost at least £40,000 a year, and the harem £160,000, while the pensions to the imperial family amount to £1,821,600, and repairs to the palaces and kiosques, £80,000, not to speak of the Sultan’s passion for building, which since his accession must have swallowed up at least £560,000. —At a meeting held on December 7, of the Regents of the University of California, a communication was received from Mr. Lick, apprising them of his bequest of the sum of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to be expended under his direction in the construction of an astronomical observatory and the purchase and erection of the largest and best telescope that art and science can produce. The spot selected for the placing of this telescope is upon the summit of Mount Hamilton, in the county of Santa Clara. This mountain is some 1,400 feet higher than Mount Diablo, and is said to be free from fogs at all times, of the year. The county of Santa Clara has charged itself with the building and maintenance of a good road to the summit; and the Regents of the University have made application for a section of the land, to be listed to the University, with a view of devoting it to the purpose for which it is designed by the generosity of Mr. Lick. It is estimated that the purchase and placing of the telescope and other scientific apparatus will cost about $300,000, leaving a fund of $450,000 for its maintenance and for instruction in this department of Science. —The Solano Republican makes a startling statement concerning the management of the State University. It says, as a measure of economy, the University is a signal failure. For tuition alone it costs the State $100 per month for each student. At McClure’s Academy, Oakland, students are furnished with tuition, board, room, lights, fuel and washing for $30 per month. At the Napa Collegiate Institute students are furnished with tuition in higher mathematics, ancient and modern languages, book-keeping and natural sciences, for $6 per month. This same paper says it is informed upon good authority that there is not a college or university in the United States supported by a church or private enterprise, in which the total expense for tuition exceeds $20 a month, while in State institutions of the same grade the cost is all the way from $30 to $100 per month. However, the cost of each student at the University is becoming less every year as the attendance increases. The State has founded an institution capable of receiving one thousand students, and it would cost but a trifle more to instruct that number than the 237 of the past year. The attendance is becoming greater every year as the following will show: Number of students attending in 1869–70, 40; in 1870–71, 78; in 1871–72, 153; in 1872–73, 185; in 1873–74, 191; in 1874–75, 237.—Solano Times.