Green-Mountain freeman. [volume], March 21, 1883, Image 1

About Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884

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CItEEN MOUNTAIN FREEMAN,
MONTPKLIER, VT.
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OL. XL.
MONTPELIER, VT., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1883.
NO 12.
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MONTPBLEB.VT.
WEDNESDAY. MARCH 21, 1883.
Letter from Texas.
Palestine, Texas, March 1st '83.
Deak Mb. Editob: As I see the farm
ers busily engaged putting in their crops,
notice that gardons are already made nnd
see the peach trees in full bloom I can
hardly realize how different the scene must
be in Vermont. Spring has opened later
than usual. It has been an unusual winter
and the 'northers' have been very severe.
Eastern Texas is much like Louisiana the
surface of the country being covered to a
great extent with vasts forests of pine, oak
cypress eto. From Longviow to Palestine
the International & Great Northern It. R
crosses the fruit belt of the state. Palestine
the headquarters of the I & G. N. R. 11.
is an enterprising town of between four
and five thousand inhabitants, Going west
on the above road the scene does not
change much until wo reach the vicinity
of Taylor in Williamson county. The
timber disappears thoro and we pass
through an open, rolling prairie country
thowli covered to some extent with nies.
quite and cactus or prickly pears. Taylor
is admirably situated at the junction of the
Missouri Pacific R. 11. with the I. & G. N.
R. R. This town has had quite a boom In
tho last year; town lots having doubled
and trebled in value in a short time. The
soil is much different from the countn
previously doscribed. In tho timbered
country the soil is of a sandy nature, but
here it is black and waxy and during the
rainy season the mud is terrible, and as a
person remarked : "One might carry off a
small business lot on his feet if he had any
where to put it." Passing on wo reach
Austin, tho state capital, a beautiful city,
situated on the Colorado river. A new
capitol building, of which any state might
be proud, is in course of construction
The surf ice of the co'intry is somowhat
broken nnd hilly in tho vicinity of the
lattorcity. Crossing-Ihe Colorado river,
we enter the cotton belt j broad fields stretch
away as far as the eye can reach covered
with the fleecy staple. Hurrying on we
pass S in Mascos, a fine city, situated on a
river of the same name, thonoe to New
Braunfcls, a thriving German town. Pass
in? swiftly on we arrive at San Antonio,
tho great winter resort for northern
people. From San Antonio to the Rio
Grando is a wild frontier country. The
rail roid has been completed about a year
through this section; already towns of
considerable size have sprung up along
its line. This va3t region is, to a oortain
extent, covered with rnesquite, chaparral
and cactiH and is divided into immence
stock ranches; game is abundant; it is no
uncommon sight to seo deer, wolves, wild
turkeys, etc., from the car window. At
one place I saw a detachment of U. S.,
cavalry on the trail of some Indians,
Mexican Lipaus, who had been murder
ing stcckm in. Passing on we arrive at
last at Leredo, on the Rio Grando, the
present terminus of the I. & G. N. R. R ,
though it is expectod the road will soon
bs pushed forward to the city of Mexico
Until the advent of the rail road, Leredo
wis almost exclusively a Mexican town.
Its population, Jof about eight thousand,
cjnsists mainly of Spaniards and Mexi
cms, tln.uh considerable numbers of
Americans are moving to the place. It is
situated about one hundred miles farther
south thau the mouth of the Mississippi
river, has a dry healthy climate and is the
starting point of the Mexican National
nil road, which is already constructed
beyoud Monterey on Its way to the
Mexican capital. New Leredo on tho
Mcxicnn side of the river is a placo where
seve:. hundre 1 .Mexican troops are quar
tered. They receive a bit and a half
(18 3-4 cents) per day, and, according to
the estimate of some of our regular
soldiers, their soldierly qualities are in
proportion to their pay.
Tho streets of New Leredo aro most
of them very narrow and many of them
very filthy, but there is one pleasant fea
ture which is to bo found in every true
Mexican town, that of tho open plaga
Tho buildings are built principally of
ntlobes. Tho Mexicans with their broad
brimmed hats and wearing gay blankets
ovor their shoulders, present a striking
contrast to Americans.
Hoping to make a more extended visit
fit some fulure time to the land of the
Aztecs, I remain
Yours, etc. T. D. h
Sunday (School Lesson .Notes.
11V REV. J. O. SIIERBURN.
Apr.1 1 : Siniou, tlie Ho-c;Ter Acts 8:14-25.
We como in the study of to-day's lesson
to view another of tho deplorable result
coming from the love of money. Moved
by this same passion Judas became the
traitor. Ananias and Sapphira became
the basest of hypocrites. Now Simon
craves tho supremo gift of God to man,
that he might enrich himself thereby.
Such debasement follows Inst of gain!
Philip, it would seem, soon after bit
appointment to the deaconary, developed
a gift for evangelistic work, and oom
monced preaching Jesus in Siimaria. It
has often been the case that laymen and
irregular agents have gone before and
performed I ho pioneer work for tho
church; and generally when such work
has becomo developed, the church has
been willing to take it up and care for
It Philip's preaching had been very
successful at Samaria, it would appear. It
could not bo otherwise where the people
witn one accord gave heed to the things
that were spoken. Hut thero is always
danger when such popular interest is
evoked. It is likely under such circum
stances that many will manifost nn interest
in religious matters through a kind of
natural desire to go with the multitude
Such results have been quite constnn
attendants upon great religious awaken
ings. Simon was most likely one of thh
class before he had been very influential
with tho Samaritans. If he would retain
that influence to any extent he must now
identify himself with the Christians. We
need not, howovor, consider that he wa
influenced altogether by sinister motive
in professing faith In Christ. Ho bad ye
clinging to him much of the old man aftei
professed regeneration. Who does notP
Simon had been accustomed, doubtless, to
communicate the secret of his tricks 01
jugglery for money, having first bough'
the same of others; so in his ignorance
and spiritual blindness be thought to .buy
of the apostles, Poter and John, the ability
to communicate the wonder-working
power of the Holy Spirit.
It is not definitely stated here what were
tho special signs following the impartation
of tho Holy Spirit to these Samaritans, bui
it is to be presumed that thoy were like
what followed bis first coming at the day
of Pentecost. We cannot suppose that
there had been no work of tlie Holy Spirit
in the conviction and conversion of these
Samaritaus, but up to this time he had not
come to them, bringing those special gifts
which were tho sign of his larger outpour
ing. The Spirit came upon these believers in
answer to the prayer of tho apostles. The
laying on of hands had no real casual
relation to the impartation of the Holy
Spirit, but was merely a symbolical act
indicating that this gift which had been
given to the church was to be communi
cated to all who cime into this holy
relation. But Simon, seeing the tokens of
divine empowering following the laying
on of hands, thought that this act was the
chief faotor in tho proceeding, and so
offered them a priuo if they would givo
him the same power also.
If he had been able to so bewitch and
dominate the Samaritans by the poor
tricks of his craft, how much greater
would be his influence when by the simple
laying on of hands he should communicate
power to speak languages without study
ing them, or power to heal tho sick and
cast out devils.
Again, what wealth would come to him
through such power. He had doubtless
made a gain out of his jugglery, as multi
tudes do even to this day, but none of his
most astounding feats could equal what
be now sought power to do. One thing
shows clearly that Peter's judgment
" Thou hast neither part nor lot in this
matter," was wholly correct. Simon had
thought of self simply in this desire he
expressed. Self, fame and gain, instead
of duty, God and humanity. By the same
test men are tried to-day, and alas! how
many times found wanting.
Peter's rebuke" Thy silver to perdi
tion with thee " seems a little harsh and
summary to our " good easy " times; but
the case was a desperate one, and unless
it was dealt with promptly and severely,
would soon be hopeless. Such utter mis
conception of the very first principles
of the Christ life must not bo allowed to
remain in tho minds of his professed
followers. Peter meant to imply directly
that the Spirit manifested in the request
of Simon, marked him as a candidate for
perdition; his aims all showed that his
life tended that way. It was necessary,
inasmuch as Simon had no part or lot with
tho true followers of Christ, that if he
would have, he must begin again, repent
anil do the first works. Peter did not
essay, as some modern religionists do, to
educate or develop Simon out of his bad
state, ,but sent him back, as a hopeless
sinner, to the vory rudiments of tho new
life. There is wisdom in this also; for if
a single rotten pianii is allowed in the
sheathing of the ship, tho whole may be
ruined; so if a single wrong principle ho
held, by one professing to follow Christ,
it may prove his eternal ruin. Many who
have made shipwreck of faith and man
hood, might have been saved if they had
early met with some ono as faithful and
vigorous as was Peter.
The rebuke and appeal were not with
out affect upnn the long dormant consci
ence . of Simon. A fear of perdition
alarmed him, nnd he eagerly besought the
apostles to pray for him, lest tho punish-
monc oi which tncy nan spoken, come
upon him. Wo have no further mention
of this man, and from the position in
which be is left we may regard his case
is doubtful. It was a hopeful indication
that bo was sufficiently aroused to ask for
prayers, but his request is only that thoy
pray that harm or merited loss do not
come to him, and, unless he came to fake
a different view of his situation than what
is implied in such requests, he would
never come to a real knowledge of God.
This lesson has some very Important
si ggostions, not specially growing out of
the case of Simon. It marks an era of
broader development in the work of the
early church. The Word preaced to the
Samaritans is at least a long step toward
preaching everywhere.
Homeward Bound,
I!V REV. E. W. PAIiKEIi.
It is about twelve and a half years since
we lleft America the second timo for
India, and almost twenty-fonr years since
wo sailed from Boston the first time.
These years of exposure to the climate of
India compel us to turn our faoes again
towards our own nativo land. We did not
wish to leave our work this year as so
many places seemed to call for our expe
rience and efforts in thoir fulfillment.
Bishop Foster, however, by the advioe of
physicians, deoidod that we must leave
our work for a time, and Dr. Roid, our
efficient corresponding socretary, who was
present in tho oabinet, concurred in the
decision. It soemod a new departure for
bishop and corresponding secretary Bitting
logother in tho "cabinet" In a mission fiold
sending ono of tho presiding eldors home
against his wish. Slill all tho circum
stances of the oaso since havo led us to
conclado that tho docision was wise. Two
missionaries of 21 years' cxncrlcnce
ought to be worth saving to tho work they
know so well. Ilenoo we are journeying
owards our own green bills again, away
rom our loved work, and the burning
plains in the great valley of the Ganges.
God has blessed us in these years and
las raised up an extensive work with
ioores of native laborers thousands of
school and Sunday school children and a
loving native ohurob. Of all our partings
.his last was most trying. Tho 100 girls
in Mrs. Parker's boarding school, who
had been under ber constant care until
bey seemed like our own family, clung to
ner and gathered around hor weeping as
hough their mother were leaving them,
ind when the oarriage drove off the girls
followed to a oorner to watch it till the
last. Tho presents of the native children
and of the native church at our farewell
meeting will be highly prized. But our
hope Is to reoruit soon and go back to a
loved work.
We left Bombay Friday, February 9th,
in company with Dr. and Mrs. Reid and
Bishop Foster, on a "P. & 0." steamer,
"Rasbgar." These stoauaura of this Kast
India line are perfeot in all the comforts
provided for passengers, and thoy move
at an average speed of nearly 12 miles per
hour, and ihey carry the mail with a
regularity almost equal to the great
railway lines.
On February 15th we reached Aden at
exactly the fixed time, and sent the mail
ashore, and after six hours took back the
mails from tho steamors from various
points wliioU center here. One is aston
ished at the amount of mail that is being
carried round this world at the present
time. On board the steamer is a postoffice,
as on the railways, and mail is distributed
and got ready between tho stations at
which wo slop. Oar next point is Suez.
There the mails are conveyed to the
railway postoffice and oarried across
Egypt, where the steamer th it started one
week before we did will be waiting to take
tho mail to Brindise. Thus the mail gains
a full week on the steamer. From Brindise
it goes by rail again and is soon in London.
A person in haste follows the mad and
can go from America to India in 30 days
Wo are not following the mail but are
trying to rest and recruit and learn, as we
move homeward. Hence we leave this
steamer at Port Said, the Mediterranean
end of the Suez canal, and take another
steamer for a day's run to Zafa (Joppa)
and thence we go to Jerusalem. Returning
to Z ifa we go to Beirut and up to Damns
cus, and again we take steamer and
touching at Cyprus and 'Rhodes wo pass
on to Smyrna from whence we go up to
Constantinople to see and learn of the
work for Mohammedans .there, while Dr.
Reid and Bishop Foster see Athens. From
Athens we all go on together to Naples.
In Italy we hope to see Rome and Venice
and the Italian conference over which
Bishop Foster presides at Turin, April
11th, and thence via Paris and London vie
shall reach our old home. It is but little
off our route to visit these places, and after
spending these years ia dark, depressing
India the mind needs to be refrashed and
revived by contact with light and life and
power, and hence the great gain to us of
such a trip. We must pass by all these
scenes and it would seem unwise not to be
quickened and taught by them.
Tc-day, the lfith of February, we aro in
the Red sea, railing for Suez. Tbis sea
has become the groat highway ;of the
nations. At Aden there were eight or ten
large steamers stopping a few hours for
water, coal or mail like ourselves, and to
day we havo mot about as many more
passing on their way east. The passage
at points is narrow and at one of these
places we saw several wrecks cast upon
the rocks. Tho Suez canal has changed
tho mode of the entire eastern trade.
Sailing voesels are little used, while large
steamers are being multiplied. Beside
other cargo our steamer has 2000 tons of
cotton on board. There are 26 first class
passengers aboard. A large reduction is
made for missionaries on these steamers.
To-day in this highway of the enlighten
ed nations of the world we are forcibly
reminded that we pass between tbe most
dark and unenlightened nations of the
earth. On one side is Arabia where the
son of Isbmael proves true to the word of
God, that his hand should be against
every one. Oa the other side is a dark
portion of Afrioa. This vioinlty U not
favorable to tbe belief that the work of
the gospel is completed among tbe nations,
and that therefore the end is near.
To-day, the 20th, we are passing through
the gulf of Suez and on either side is
historic land. On one side is Mount
Sinai and on tbe other the land of Egypt.
We will speculato this evening concerning
the exaot plaoo where Moses smote the
waters and passed through this sea, over!
which we ride, on dry land. Some suppose
that the sea at that timo extended much
farther inland than at present, and that
the place where Moses crossed is now a
bed of sand tiaversod by the Suez canal.
There are, however, indications that the
place of crossing was not far from the
entrance to the gulf near Suez.
Our trip from Bombay to tbis place has
been very pleasant. Bishop Foster has
preached once and given one leoture on
the "Extent of the Universe," as shown
by the worlds and the suns whioh look
like points of light in the heavens above
us. Dr. Reid bas also preached once.
Bisbop Fostor is writing vory fully and
freely concerning what he bas seen in tbe
east. Every member of tbe church and
every person interested in the east should
read these letters. Yon may hear from
us ngain from Palestine.
Hogh J. Glen of California, recently
shot, was one of the largest landholdjrs
in the world. The labor and supplies on
one of his ranobes oost bim $000,000 in
one year. In addition to this he owned a
70,000 aore ranche in Oregon, stocked
with 30,000 head of oattlo, neither land or
oattle of which be had ever seen. He
also owned a large cattle range In Nevada.
He was a man naturally givon to large
and bold operations. He never lost his
balance. Losses never disturbed him nor
great profits elated him. Last summer
his finest wheat field took fire and a
$100,000 crop was diBtroyed.
Adolaldo Anne Proctor.
Among the writers of the present
century whose words have touched very
closely tho home and fireside stands the
name of Adelaide Anne Prootor. She
was born in Bedford Square, London,
October 25, 1825.
Bryan Waller Proctor, or better known
In the literary World as "Barry Cornwall,''
tbe schoolmate of Byron and companion
of Lamb, Coleridge and ottier authors of
the nineteenth century, was her father.
He was greatly beloved by all who knew
him. The young authors found him ever
ready to encourage and aid them in their
efforts. One month after Adelaide's birth
he expressed bU delight in a sonnet
beginning. "Guild of my heart, my sweet,
beloved first born," s c., and later In life
he spe ika of bis daughter being a groat
comfort to his household.
Adelaide Proctor was a fine scholar and
at an early age became proficient in
French, Italian and German, also possessing
some talent in music and drawing, and
finally added to berothor acooinpllsbmeuis
that of a writer. All through her life she
was exceedingly fond of reading end
possessod a retentive memory. Although
very fond of pootry ber parents did not
suspeot she bad any gift in that diredtioo
until her first poem appeared In print.
In 1853 she went to Turin and entered
Into the study of the Piedmontese dialect.
It was hero that she fiist professed the
Roman Catholic faith. During Ibis same
year Miss Prootor took her place among
tbe contributors of the journal, Household
Word), under the name of Miss Mury
Beswick, withholding her own, fearing
that her poetry might be published for
ber father's sake rather than for its own
merit. Chtrles Dickens was conductor of
tho Journal at this time and bcoaino much
interested in Miss Beswidk, not Only for
the merit exhibited in her productions,
but for her promptness and self reliance
Although he did not know who she was
until months afterward when dining with
bis friend, Brry Cornwall, and speaking
of tbis new authoress, did be discover
that his supposed "governess" was
Adelaide Proctor the daughter of his host.
She was continually surrounded by
literary people and seems to have been a
favorite with her father's friends. Dickens
speaks of ber being quiet and modest in
appearance and unwilling to say much of
her own productions. It is to tbis well
known author that wo must turn for most
of our knowledge of her life. Although
many of her pdoms are tinged With
sadness, yet she. possessed a cheerful
disposition and took great delight in
humor. Her life was indeed an unselfish
and busy one. Like her father her heart
went out in sympathy for those around
her and she devoted much of her time in
visiting tho sick, teaching the ignorant
and sheltering the homeless, neglecting
her own health to aid others. After a few
years her health became impaired and
she was obliged to give up ber life of
activity for that of the sink room. Aft,
being confined to ber bed for more than a
year her quiet and uneventful life came to
a close February 2, 1864.
Her Works consist principally of a
volume of beautiful "Legends and Lyrics.',
The first that meets our gate as we open
the book is "The Angel's Story," showing
very plainly that
"Love in tho cold earth beiriuninji
Livoa divine la Heaven aifalu,"
The' Legend of Probence," "Philip nnd
Mildred" nnd "The Last Chord" are
among tho most familiar of her works.
The last part of the volume, entitled
"Chaplet of Verses," was published for
the benofit of "The Providence Row
Nipht Refuge," which was opened
October 7, 1860. In her introduction she
gives a very interesting description of tho
"Rufuge," who3e doors aro open every
year from October to April to homeless
women and children. Although thousands
have been sheltered thore, yet many are
constantly turned away for lack of room.
Great has been the good accomplished by
the voluntary services of those who have
charge of this home.
Milly's Expiation'' and "The Homeless
Poor'' are among tho touching poems
included in the Chaplet. Many others
might be mentioned but we leave the
reader to judge of their merit. M.
Personal and Impersonal,
President Warren of Boston university
presided at the first of Joseph Cook's
conversational receptions for the season.
The topio of discussion was "Ethics of
Amusements."
The grandfather of Dr. Benson, the
now primate of England, was the Rev.
Joseph Benson, a prominent and sincere
Methodist, and the author of a Commen
tary on tbo Bible.
At a recent election in Burlington, out
of tbe 311 women qualified to vole only 8
exercised their privilege. Tbis Is com
mended to the notice of Joseph Cook and
other earnest advocates of limited women
uffrage.
It is reported that Rev. Dr. J. W.
Hamilton, of the People's church, Boston,
who returns from his vaoation tbis week,
has been invited to the pastorate of tbe
St. Paul's M. E. churoh, Cincinnati, at a
salary of $5,000 a year.
According to Bohm and Wagner China
now has a population of 379,500,000, the
whole of Asia, 795,591,000; of Africa.
205,823,200; of Europe, 327,793,400; of
America, 100.415,400; of Australia and
Polynosia, 4,232,000; of the polar regions,
82,500.
The Church Union sayai "Religion now
adays is largely administered on tho
European plan. Yon take what you
please and leave the rest. It Is apt to be
the case, however, that what you take is
very small in proportion to what you
leave. Men are unselfish."
Rev. Dr. David Terry, for 30 yoars the
corresponding secretary of the M, E.
board of missions, died at his home in
New York oily last Friday night. His
houso wag for many years tbo home of
outgoing and incoming missionaries, and
bis death will bring sadness to many
heart.
A lad at the graded schools here the
olher day gave a translation of the
Scriptures which might meet tho views
of the average boy of I ho period, but
would hardly suit the genuine student of
ineology. His teacher asked buu who
killed (ioliah, and was told correctly that
David accomplished that feat. The teacher
men asked: "What am Uo Kin Dim witn,"
ana ilia boy replied promptly "With a
pea shooter." Sf. Albans Messenger.
A sketch of Prince Bismarck, in the
Hour, bus this interesting paragraph
"The prinoe is a most affectionate husband
and ta'.her. and his letters to his sister,
Countess Arnim, prove that lie is devoted
to her also. At school and at college he
had many friends, but in later years ihey
have become very few indeed. Among
the friends at college whom he still names
with regret was an American, author of
the Uisu of the Dutch Republic, John
Lotbrop Motley. The prince's religious
principles have.undorgone a change In
early years he inclined Inwards the
philosophy of Spinoza and Hegel, but at
present he must be called a pious man in
the purest sense of the word. In many
letters o his wife ho expresses rejrret at
the unbelief of bis younger years, and he
says that lie cannot coneoive how anyone
who will not believe in Gud nnd eternal
life should be able to boar mortal
existence. During the night which
followed the battle of Sedan ami preceded
Bismarck's interview with Ntpuleon III.,
he read for hours in a player book. In a
speech during dinner upon a festive
occasion, Bismarck declared that without
bis faith in God he should have given up
his post ling ago. It was not the desire
to obey Ins worldly ruasier but his
Heavenly Either that ma le him put up
With so many sorrows and grievances.
Remahicaule Meteors Tho "earth
quake" whleh was felt at Norwich, Conn.,
and other Connecticut and Rhode Island
points on f i esday evening of last week
is believed by many to havo been occasion
ed by a largo and brilliant meteor which
fell and exploded on the water off the
Rhode Island cjast that evening. A
Newport resilient heard a noise like that
of a steamer's paddle wheels, but on
looking Baw no steamer. Instead he saw
a faint (lush ot light and what appeared to
be a large ball ot lire falling from the
heavens toward tho water, it seemed to
strike the water and bound uoon its
surface and explode witli a fearful sound,
at the same time it illuminated tho whole
visible heavons, the ocean, nnd the land
as far as tho eye eould extend He said
objects could be as distinctly seen uB at
noonday. 1 he point, ho thinks, was far
beyond Block Island, which is 2." miles
out to sea. Last Monday morning a
meteor in the shape of a great ball of fire
silot across tho heavens at Petersburg,
Va.. so brilliantly illuminating tho entire
cily that a newspaper might have been
read with ease. Many Who witnessed the
phenomenon were frightened, but say the
speolac e was grand. An explosion was
beard soon alter tbe meteor was seen, and
distinct tremors of the earth were felt.
At various points in Alabama about the
middle of February residents were startled
by a tremenuons noise, some thinking that
a steam boiler bad burst nnd others that
some heavy olijeot had crashed upon their
housos. Investigation showed that the
noiso wa3 occasioned by tho falling nnd
explosion of a meteor.
The Bursting of the Monsoon. Life
in India would be impossible without its
monsoons, and tho periodic approach of
one of theso groat rain storms is always
naiierj mere witn uongnti me soutbwest
monsoon sets in generally toward tho end
of April, the stoady wind sweeping up
from the Indian Ocean and carrying with
it dense volumes of vapor, which slowly
Collect in dark masses of cloud ns they
approach tbo continent. From Adam's
Peak in the Isle of Spices, right along tho
eastern and western Ghauts and the Nil
giris, every hill top is gradually shrouded
n mist, instead ot standing out clear and
distinct against the sky. Darker and
denser become the cloud masses; the
horizon assumes a heavy lead appeal unco,
sometimes kindling into a lurid glare
answering to the sense of oppression, both
mental and physioal, which accompanies
it. The atmosphere becomes "close" anil
oppressive alike to man and beast; but the
bent is home with patience, lor rebel is at
h ind. Flashes of lightning ulay from
cloud to cloud, and heavy thunder rever
berates through the heavens; the wind
suddenly springs up Into a tempest, nnd
along the shore the white waves are tossed
in foam against tho rocks or over the
burning sand. Then a few great drops of
rain fall like balls of lead from the app ar-
enlly leaden sky ; tho forked lightning is
changed to .-heels ot light, and suddenly
the flood gales of heaven are opened, and
not rain, but sheets oi waler are poured
forth, refreshing ihe parched earth, carry
ing fertility over the surface of the country,
filling the wells and natural reservoirs
with a fresh store, and replenishing the
dwindling livers and streams. The whole
earth seems suddenly recalled to life.
Vegetation may almost be seen to grow,
and from the baked mud of the rivet
banks emergo countless fishes which for
weeks or months before have lain there in
torpor.
Will our C'iildlen Support Them
selves? This question comes to nil
parents of small or moderate means as
thoy see their children growing up. Some
have a clear idea of what business they
wish their children to pursue, and endeav
or to give them a bent in that direction, or
to 111 tnem for tho chosen occupation.
Others watch anxiously for somo bint as
to tho child's natural bent, wondering if
he or fsho is good for anything in
particular in the way, of practical work.
But thero are some things which all
parents can attcne to In tho way of
preparing their children to support them
selves. None aro too poor and nono too
rich to give their children babils of
industry and honesty. These will help in
every sphere of life, and preparo tho way
for success in every vocation. Thoso who
really mean to givo their ohildren a good
prnctical education, should teach them, or
have them taught, boys and girls both,
how to build a fire, how to cook plain,
wholesome food, how to tako euro of
rooms, how to make and take care of plain
olothing, how to make and care for a
garden, and (if possible) how to milk nnd
take oare of a cow, and how to caro for
and harness a horse. It Is absurd to say
that thoso things should bo considered u
necossary part of a good education P Chil
dren who learn to do thoso things well,
and who havo no falso pride'to make thorn
willing to live in idleness, dependont upon
tbe work of others rathor than to engago
in honest service, which Is usually con
sidered "humble," If not absolutely
"degrading," will novcr fall info vaga
bondage. Somo may snoor nt toaching
boys, as well ns girl?, to sow. The writor's
first school was an old-fashioned "Damo's
Sohool," wbcro boys and girls wore all
taught alike, sowing included. In several
years of exploration in a wildorness, whoro
one was thrown upon his own resources,
wo had frequent occasion to bo thankful
that wo were taught tho use of a needle.
Even in travelling in civilized lands, it
often saves much trouble to bo able, at a
moment's notice, to put a fow stitchos
wbcro thoy will do tho most good.
One of the substantial farmers f Sparta.
Ga., when he was married, twelve years
ago, had to borrow money to py for his
marriage license, and not having 'a decent
suit of clothes, ihe young woman whom
he was to marry tore the wool from
sheepskins, spun, wove and made him a
suit of clothes.
Two little irlrls met oa tin street the
other day, and one said to tbe other: "I've
put all my dolls in o deep mourning, and
it's so becomin" to them. Come over and
see them." "What did you do tbatforP"
"Oh, we had a o'lamity. Oar old dog got
killed, and there didn t anybody care but
me and them. We've just cried our eyes
out. men the other little girl said in
slow, deliberate tones: "May Wilson,
ain't you lucky thought There's always
something happening to you!"
The famous Walled Lake in the state of
Iowa, 150 miles west of Dubuque, has
recently attracted much attention. It is
in tho midst of prairie land and is two or
three feet above the earth's surface. It is
inclosed by a wal. of stones in some
places ten feet high, fifteen feet wide at
ihe bottom and five feel wide at the top.
The stones vary iu weight from three
tons to 100 pounds. Tauru are no stones
m the surface of the ground within
len miles of the lake. A few years go
Ihe ice on the lake broke the wall in
several places, and farmers were obliged
to repair it to prevent inundation.
Bill Ca3sell of Metamora, 111 , has a
horse named Paddy, 19 years of age,
which can draw water. I lie horse has
for the past 12 years worn out, on an
average, one pump handle yearly by
seizing It in his teeth and moving it
downward, then elevating it with his
upper lip until enough waler is pnmped,
then helping himself. And not only did he
do this tegularly, but, during the very
dry season of two years ago, he would
wait lor a cow which was m the same lot
with him to come to the trough, when he
would then go to work and pump for her
too. Tbo horse is still hale and hearty,
ind is in use every day in tho year.
The Campagna bas for ages been known
is the most malarious and unhealthy part
of Italy, and for several years past, at the
Abbey of the Tri Fontaine, under the
direction of the Monks of Li Trappe,
experiments have been going on for the
purpose ot determining whether or not
the cultivation of the soil would result in
purifying the atmosphere, and thus far
witn the most satisfactory results. At
first, during the bad season the Monks
were obliged to live within the city walls,
but since the ground has been placed
under cultivation, and above all, since tbe
eucalyptus tree was planted on a large
scalo in the neighborhood, the abbey bas
been mhabitod all the year round, and the
fevers from which its inmates still some
times sutler are ot mild character and
rarely fatal.
Neai. Dov's Tough Story About
Rats. In the Congregationalisl of Janu
ary 15lh, is a curious story about rats,
which seemed to indicate that they will
not remain where their company is not
desired, if politely invited to change tieir
quarters, though everybody knows that
they or driven out with difUonlty. Here I
is a perfectly true story which fully
corroborates that one.
My bouse is supposed to be rat proof.
and was so when quite new, but at one!
time, more than twenty years ago, we
had a large colony oi the rodents, irreatly
to our annoyance, and it was to us a
matter ot "ally wonder where thev found
a weak spot in our defenses against them.
Ono evening a young lady from a friend's
family, living In a large, tine house, nearly
a mile away, was with us, and the) talk
turned upon rats, as wo heard ours
galloping in the ceiling and scampering
up and down the walls.
Ihe young lady said that none had ever
been in their house, nnd she did not think
there'was any point at which thev could
enter. My eldest daughter, a groat wit,
Saul I
"I've heard that, if politely invited to
do so In wriitng, rats will leave any bouse,
and go to any other to which they may be
nrecteu, and l will tell ours that at your
house tbey will flud spacious quarters,
and an excellent commissariat."
At the moment, before us all, she wrote
a most grandiloquent letter to tbe large
family of rats that bad so long favored us
wiih their presence, pointing out to them
that at No. 65 Pearl street was a large,
fine house, which had never been favored
with the residence of any of their family,
whero they would find ample quarters
and a fat larder. When finished, sbe read
the missive to the company, and we had
a great laugh over it. As an old
superstition, she then put lard upon it,
and carried it into Ihe attic, where it
would probably bo found by those to
whom it was directed to.
A few days after, the young lady was at
our house again, and burst into a laugh,
exclaiming: "Our house is oyerrun with
rats!' That recalled to us the fact that
we had beard none lately in cur walls.
My daughter went to tbe attic, and the
letter was gone. While they were talking
and laughing over the curious affair, a
friend came in, and bearing the conversa
tion, said that two evenings before iu the
bright moonlight, he saw several rats
running down Congress street, which
was tbe straight road to Pearl street. We
have novcr been troubled with them
since, but I have not heard bow it bas
been with tbo houso to which our
beneficiaries were directed. A'eai Dow, in
the Congregationalitt.
31V BAKU IS WAFTED.
My bark la wafted on tbe etrend
By breath tltvlne;
And on the helm there reata a hand,
Other than mine.
One who baa known In atorma to aall,
I have on board;
Above the roarlnx of the ffale
I hoar my Lord.
Uo holda me when the blliowa amlte;
I Rliall not fall.
If abarp 'tie abort; If long 'tta light
He tempera all.
Hafe to the land I aafe to the land 1
The endlathla:
And then with htm hand In hand
Far into bllaa,
VfanAlonL
JJESPONDF.NCV. rure sadness may
sometimes be a valuable experience
to the soul, but pure despondency never.
Perhaps the mind is never more Incapable
of seeing its own wants and fooling its
own obligations, as when it Is filled with
despondency. There is In It then a oeaie-
less agitation, a bitterness or an apathy,
that makes it unimpresslblo, untoaohable
Sad we may somellmos be, but let ns
bowaro of ilospondonov, for It means the
banishment of hope, and hope we must
always nave; it is tlie shoot anchor to tho
soul. "Wo aro savoil by hope."
Ho "philosophy, falsely so called. ' nor
truly Sim ailed, can bow out the Man of
Nazareth His kingdom is marching
grandly on. This century has witnessed
many of its greatest conquests. Some of
tho woodwork of theology, which the
superserviceable zeal nf men of former
ages b id built about Ihe citadel of truth,
has indeed been demolished, hut the
arand proportions and impregnable
strength of tbe citadel itself have thereby
only been revealed; and the rational,
Christian, and biblical foundations of
religious faith stand as firmly as ever. If
not, and if essential religion is really
waning, then history may terribly repeal
itself, and wme future Gibbon m iy record
the decline and fall of the great British
Empire and the greater American Kepuo
lie Bishop Foss.
Who that ever bad a Christian mother
believes in a future darkness in I of eter
nal death? If annihilation be our d"oni,
what wo believe here cannot injure us
beyond the grave. Then let us adopt here
that belief which has made the noblest
men and women. If there be no book
inspired of God. or if there be no God, let
us accept the best of all known books.
There is a future and there is hopo.
D.iub less tho guardian angels sometimes
indulge in a brotherly smiie as they hear
us proless overmuch. Doubtless tbey have
an access of tenderness when tbey see us
stumbling along as best we may in the
straight and narrow way.
Wnat is God? The O.unipotont Creator,
tho Great Kiug, ihe awful and majestic
Sovereign of an infinite universe, whom
we approach with fear and trembling
Prnised be his name forever; He bas
taught and entreated us to call hnu
Father. Our Father in heaven ! Thy will
be done! William llawiey of Connecticut
Our newly fled-ed agnostics are apt to
forget that all modern science has been
prosecuted in the broad and penetrating
sunligh of faith, in one living and personal
God, and that not a single theory has
been proposed or experiment tried in
nature except with the distinct recognition
of tho fact that a wise and loving mind at
least may uphold and direct the goings on
of nature. These simple teachings of
Christian theism are capahlo of being
expanded into the grandest conceptions
timt science ever attempted to formulate;
so grand that human reason is overwhelm
ed with their grand relationships, and the
biiman imagination is dazed to blindness
when it would picture them. Tbat science
must have faith and hope appears whether
we consider it as an interpreter, a histor
ian or a prophet. It does not stop witb
facts; it looks beneath the risible. Having
gained some insight into the present, it
goes to tbe past. It is also a prophet,
believing that the interpretation of the
present and solution of tho past will be
surpassed by its discoveries which arc to
be; that nature and man shall continue as
heretofore, observing the game laws as
from tho beginning. This hone rests upon
the recognition of a personal intelligence.
ibe assertion tbat He cannet bo known
takes from scienco its hope, withdrawing
from the universe tbe Illumination of per
sonal reason and personal love, which all
scientific thinking accepts as possible and
rational. To be without God is to be
without hope in respect to moral culture
and perfection. What we are is of far
greater importance than what we know.
A personal God is needed to give energy
and life to conscience. The agnostic
atheism weakens man's ideal. It denies
the law of duty from the changing feelings
of our fellow men. It sets freedom asido.
To reach or fail of this ideal is the resnlt
of simple mechanism. Character is the
jo nt product of inheritance and circum
stances. Freedom witb its kindling power
is rut lancy and a snaaow the working
phantom of man's romantic longings or
Ihe vain surmises of bis idle regrets.
Thero is neither inspiration nor hope for
such a man in the help of God. Belief in
God is the only Dope in the advancement
of public and social morality, and conse
quently in social stability and progress.
tres. Porter of Yale College.
Nothing breeds depression of spirits
more surely than a habit of brooding on
the dark side of things. Nothing tends
more to unbrace one's purposes, to weaken
ones will, to beget" cowardice. The
soldier who thinks only of being killed,
is not the man who mounts the breach
through a tempest of bullets, but he who,
storming tbe peril, thinks only of victory,
is tbe hero who wins. In religious warfare
it is tbe samo. Tbe disciple whose mind
glues itself to its own weaknesses, who
burrows among bis trials, jnd magnifies
his temptations, is not likely to be pro
claimed "more than conqueror" at the
close of bis career. The winning believer
is be who, knowing what his trials are,
resolutely looks beyond and above them,
saying, as the Psalmist did, "Hope thou
in God," and wbo amid the most blinding
fury of life's stormiest hour listens to bear
tbe Captain ol bis salvation say, "Fear
not, for I am with thee." The right
attitude of tbe mind when in spiritual and
moral danger is beautifully illustrated by
Longfellow in bis posthumous poem,
"Michael Angelo." He says:
"Whenever we croaa a river at a ford,
I: wewould paee in aafetv. we muat keep
Onreyea hxed ateadfaat on the ahore beyond.
For if we cast them on tbe flowing- atream.
The bead ewlma witb it: ao if we would croag
The ruuntuir Mood of thioirg here In the world,
Our aoula muat not look down, but fix tnelr aitrht
On tbe hrm land beyond."
Pratf.b. Do not speculate and reason
about prayer, but pray, and rest jour
oase with God. He who moves you to
nmv has surelv answer provided in ins
null nnd wav. Do not Question, do not
hesitate, but pour out your ueari, in
nrnvpr. His eves are over tne rignteous,
his ear Is open to their cry. The young
birds in their nest ory, ard ho feedotb
thom are ve not much better than theyP
Tho nnnnrr lions roar and seek their meat
rrnm lioa. wuo pruviues iui mcu. m u.
nr, w,iv. Shall he not care for you and
meP Provision Is made for the body; if
it wants light, it has an eye with which to
get it; il it wants knowledge, and food
and clothing, it has a brain and bands and
feet with wmcn to acquire mem. no una
not made the body a prinoo and left the
soul a beggar. Tbe soul w ints pardon
and poace and comfort and bread from
Uoaven, anil uas no way mi i v.j
for it "Ask and ye shall receive, sees
and yo shall lind." All Heaven is pledged
to make that promise good. Whatever
troubles come, whatever cares oppress,
whatovcr fears give anxiety pray.
"When thou passest through the waters I
will be with thee, and through the rivers
ii,n .hn nnt overflow thee: when tbou
waikest through the fire thou shalt not be
burned, neither shall tho flame kindle
ihno. For I havo redeemed thee.
I have called theo by my name, thou art
mine." Selected.
lr. Kirhardson on U'lfermented Wine nt
tno guru's sapper.
Tho subject which Dr. Kerr has brought
before us to-day is very new to me. I
heard it discussed last night at a large
mooting ovor which I presided nt Hollo-
way, when Dr. Lees itelivered a lecture on
a subject somewhat similar to this. I
speak, there'oie, on tho mailer wiih the
greatest possible diffidence, lieenuse my
research and tone nf mind lurns altogether
towards Ihe seienllfi : side nf this question.
I think I might say in reference to Dr.
Kerr's remark" about the constitution of
these wines, that if there is anything in
what you may call oimililudo and in pure
symbolism, us represented in the use of
wine on tbo solemn occasion to which ho
refers, nil the Question of siinilifnrtn term
towards a winu that is expressed simply
trom the grape. I think thero is a uassaffe
n l Iui service wh'cb says. "This is my
blood." Now if you ,uko that ail
as meaning anything symbolic, then
von have n common sense view in
the similitude which dues really exist
between the expressed jtiioe of the wine
arid nis mood. 1 hat is -Irict v trim. Tf
you look at this table on the wall showing
he compositions of two kinds of winp. the
one fermented, tho olher un fermented, yon
win t!u mai inn cnnsiituent parts, actual
ly of blood and of the expressed wine, are
strikingly analogous.
Unc of the most important elements nf
the blood, tint whicn keeps it togmher,
toai wnicn riuto speaks nt as "the plas'io
part of the blood," is the fibrino, and that
is represented in Ihe gluten of tlje unfer-
nted wine. If we come to tho nourish.
ing part nf the blood, that whinh wh en II
the mother ol the tissues, we find ic in the
unfermentcd grape, in the album n, and
hat is I'lso present in the blood: and ii
we come to all ihe salts, there thev are in
ihe blood, and tho proportion is
nearly the same in the" unlernieuted
wine as in the blood ; and if we come to'the
parts of the wine which 2oes to siirmort
tbe respiration r f the body, we lind them
in the sugar. Really and truly on a
question of symbolism, tf there is anything
it all iu that, tho srerument is all in favor
of the use of nnfermented wine. Rut.
again, I would put it in this wav in
su pport of Dr. Kerr. Presuming that you
want the real thing that was fennunied
for your purposes, f should say scientific
ally that you could not go u lhat thin"
in its purest form. Il you really do want
to put a fermented substance forward.
then yon should nut forward in all its
purely
1 he logical argument would be not to
tako an irregular substunce which is
called wine, and which ninv contain half a
dozen things tbatare altogether apart from
be real thing. buttheoint would be to
take an act u lly pure, simple, fermented
substance ullogether, free from everything
except the fermented substance, the
complete process und water. Yet, I
suppose, if any thing of that kind were put
forward in the church, it would be
rebelled at universally. No one would
think of doing it. Yet that is what should
be done logically If this is to be the thinp-.
You either want a fermented or unfer
mented agent. If it be decided that a
fermented agent is wanted, lake it in all
its purity ; if an unferrcenled agent, take
at which is urn natural, simple express
ion of the juice of tho grape the rich
wine.
l'here Is another view I might take
about it. I believe bread is used in the
same way. There are certain varieties of
bread.btti suppose, by any kind of tradition,
or superstition, or popular use, a bread
was used that produced mischief to
certain people.
There is a form of rye bread which
when taken produces in some persons a
singular condition of disease of a cerebro
spinal nature that ends in mortification of
tbe extremities ot the body. Presuming it
became a fashion In tbe churches to use
bread of that kind, and it was found that
it produced a certain amount of disease in
the community who partook of it and
certainly it would never produce anything
like the amount ol disease that might be
pioduced by wine yet if that were
suggested, all that kind ol bread would be
pui away entirely. The general term
bread would be used to give the best, and
simplest, and pure a bread, and that would
e taken and used which was perfectly
harmless. I think that samo argument
might apply very well to wine to lake
that wine which Is perfectly harmless, und
that would be unfermcnted wine.
So far I havo spoken with diffidence;
but now, like Dr. Kerr, I stand on my
own ground as to tacts. I cannot too
strongly urge upon you the solemnity of
that question of heredity. Sly friend lira
been good enoug i to quote me :is an
authority. I am simply an authority sa
collector of evidence, and I am bound lo
say that there is nothing so serious in the
question ot the use ol alcoholic onnks as
this heredity which it implies. Tbw
heredity exiends certainly lo Ihres gen
erations, , vel I here lis a certain beps
about it. It is not very deeply planted,
and three generations would removo it
altogether from Hie world; but in those
cases in which it is planted it is one of I bo
most perplexing, one ol ihe most terrible.
ot difficulties in the way of the physician
who wishes to treat disease successfully.
This heredity does not simply implant
physical evil. It implants mental evil;
and here we physicians and divines stand
together in a .remarkable way. Let mo
give you an illustration. Recently in our
medical temperance society we have been
discussing the treatment of dipsomania.
and In the three meetings, attended
altogether about ninety persons, we en mo
to this conclusion, that whenever a person
gets a craving for drink, tbe word of that
person is worth nothing. Willi the
production of that craving for drink there
is implanted n systematic form of false
hood which becomes positively n diagnostic
condition of Ihe person affected. How
strange that this craving should lead lo
this singular moral effecl, apart from all
ihe physical efl'ects with which it is
combined! But ff I nm not incorrect In
mv view, if this moral effect extends
downwards and bectmcs hereditary in
those who have been tho offspring of
persons under these conditions, you seo
bow solemn becomes the question of
heredity.
As to the practical point, whether thero
s danger in this matter of using wine at
tho Sacrament: Yes, I say there is. I
say tbe danger is very great indeed in
regard to a oonsuioraoie number oi people.
Tbe clergy have made to them certain
statements by those who consult them,
and we bave, too. Ihe physician s room
is. In fact, a confessional. very often
statements are made to us physicians
which are made to no others. In respect
of this very question, hardly a month
passes but what some ono speaks to me on
tms very point which ir. iverr nas
brought forward. I could at this moment,
if it were right to do so, name at least ten
persons wbo wish to accept the communion,
and who do not go to it from the fear lest
tbey should fall back into those ways
from whicti tney have been rescued by tbo
influence of friends or physicians, or from
some ether causes. Well, tbis is a very
important point indeed to bear in mind.
I don't know whether I have ever known
a person myself go back from that cause.
I invariably tell tbem not to run the risk,
and tborefore I have not had the opportu
nity of seeing, and never will have. If a
person comes and asks mo for bis body's
health to tell him what is right, and I see
a risk even in his accepting that part of
tbe service of the ohorcli, I tell him not
to take tbat risk, and I always shall. It
remains therefore for tho very careful
consideration of all. who aro in tbis
question, whether they cannot meet those
wbo aro working as we are by the general
introduction of this particular form of
unfermentcd and harmless wine Into tti
service.