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slow. However, we got off nicely, and about 10 o'clock reached classic Weimer. We first went to the museum, after having engaged a sleigh and driver (it had snowed the day before) and there we spent a delightful hour and a half. Most of our time was devoted to a room of frescoes out of Ulysses' wander ings by Preller, a German artist of this century. I never saw such beautiful pictures, each figure stood out like life, and the coloring was exquisite. There were other works of German artists and a few of foreign ones, but these pictures were to us the finest. This museum is not to be compared to those at Berlin and Dresden, but still it is well worth a visit if only to see the Preller room.

We went from there in our sleigh, eating our lunch on the way, as we had not time to eat it at any other place, through the quaint old streets, with their old houses, to the church, the Marks-kirche. The principal treasure of this church is an altar picture, by one of Germany's oldest painters, Cranach. This painting is a queer combination of scenes, out of the Old and New Testament, and it would take closer inspection than we gave it to remember each. What struck us as strange was Luther's picture next to that of John the Baptist, at the left of the cross, as well as that of the painter himself. They had a funny way of putting portraits of people into the pictures, whether they belonged there or not. Weimer is the residence of the Duke of Weimer, and has been for a number of years, so that one hears of any amount of dukes and royal personages who lived here and were buried in the vaults of the church. But the chief interest to us was the fact that Goethe, Germany's greatest poet, and Schiller, Wieland and Herder, all such noted poets, lived here together.

The driver was very talkative, and pointed out all the homes where the celebrities lived; Schiller's is the only one which we can visit. The house is small and unpretending and Schiller's rooms are up in the top story, three small rooms, so plain and almost poor in their furnishing. One could not but feel touched at the sight of the plainness and almost poverty in which he lived here the last few years of his life. Schiller is the people's poet, beloved by the Germans as Longfellow is at home.

In front of the theatre stands a beautiful statue of Goethe and Schiller, together. There is something so imposing about it, more so than any bronze statue I ever saw. We rode from the Schiller house to the chapel in the church-yard, where we saw the coffins of both Goethe and Schiller resting side by side, as dear friends in death, and not far from them the handsome sacophagus of their patron and the patron of literature, Carl August, Duke of Weimer. It was snowing, and all the graves and trees in the churchyard were covered with snow, giving a sense of perfect quiet and repose, such as one could not feel on a bright, summer day. As we walked down the avenue leading from the chapel, with the trees arching over us covered with a snow foliage, we felt, indeed, that we were leaving sacred dead behind us. Weimer is said to be very beautiful in summer, and it must-be, but as we had to see it in winter, we could not have been more favored, and I do not know whether we would have given up this perfect winter landscape for the most glorious summer day. Miss

B. has been traveling in China, Asia, Egypt, etc., and she said it did her good to see such a winter scene. We then drove in the softly falling snow out a long avenue of Chestnut trees to the summer castle of the ducal family. It was an hour and a half ride there and back, through the park belonging to the castle, but it repaid us amply; these long avenues of trees are beautiful. The only thing we went to see there was what is called the natural theatre, a space of bushes and trees so trained as to form a stage with exits and entrances, and the ground raised and sodded so as to form the seats for spectators. There some of the plays of Goethe and Schiller were acted some years ago in the open air. It was all covered with snow as we saw it, but could imagine how pretty it would be in summer. We saw ou our way Goethe's summer house in the park, where he used to live in pleasant weather and write. On our way back to the railroad we stopped at the castle to see a certain number of rooms which are shown to strangers. When the royal family are at home, as they are this time of year, one cannot get to see the rest of the castle. It was an odd feeling as we drew up before the gate to see the royal sleigh dash past and into the court-yard to a farther door. We entered the gate on foot and went in to see the rooms. These rooms are full of paintings by modern artists, the subjects taken from the four poets who lived in Weimer. There are four rooms, one for each poet. We had not time to stay as long as we should have liked, as it was getting dark and near train time. The inlaid marble or polished wooden floors, and all the handsome adornments showed we were in royal apartments, though the castle from the outside is not very imposing.

We hastened back to the station, dismissed our jovial and good-natured coachman, and were soon on our way to Eisenach, which was to be our resting place for the night and the scene of our next day's sight-seeing.

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Suggested by a Christmas card sent to the author represent

ing a solitary bird on the branch of a tree, in a storm of rain. Tho' the rain may fall, and the wind be blowing, And cold and chill is the wintry blast,

Tho' the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing,
And the dead leaves tell that the summer is past;
My face I hold to the stormy heaven,

My heart is as calm as the summer sea;
Glad to receive what my God has given,
Whate'er it be.

When I feel the cold, I can say, "He sends it;"
And His wind blows blessing, I surely know;
For I have never a want but He attends it,
And my heart beats warm, tho' the winds may
blow.

The soft, sweet summer was warm and glowing;
Bright were the blossoms on every bough;
I trusted Him when the roses were blowing,

I trust Him now.

Small were my faith should it weakly falter,
Now that the roses have ceased to blow;
Frail were the trust that now should alter,
Doubting His love when the storm clouds grow.

If I trust Him oncc, I must trust Him ever;
And His way is best, tho' I stand or fall;
Through wind and storm He will leave me never,
He sends it all.

Why should my heart be faint and fearing?
Mighty He rules above the storm;

Even the wintry blast is cheering,

Showing His power to keep me warm. Never a care on my heart is pressing; Never a care can disturb my breast; Everything that He sends, is blessing, For He knows best.

ELIZABETH BENNETT.

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was expressed as to the lack of true interest apparent in many localities, and as to the means by which we may hope to gather up our forces and present a stronger front to the world:

1st. We recommend that the association already formed be called "The Association for Increasing Interest in the Religious Society of Friends."

2d. Any one who is a member of the Society of Friends, or who attends and is interested in its meetings, may become a member of this association. At the next meeting of the association following this report, any one qualified as above may become a member by handing or sending his or her name to the clerk. Thereafter, new members may be added upon the recommendation of one already a member.

3d. The association shall meet upon its own adjournments. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee.

4th. All business shall originate in the general meetings of the association. Any member may submit, in writing, with or without explanation, propositions calculated to promote the welfare of the Society of Friends. These, after being read and explained, if explanation be offered, shall be referred to the Executive Committee, which shall consider them, and report them to the general meeting for action in such form as it may seem best.

Any person interested is requested to submit, in writing, any proposition for the furtherance of the objects of the association.

At the evening meeting, a paper from our friend, Barclay White, was presented and read, on the subject of Self-respect. It was an earnest plea for the avoidance of the terms "Quaker" and "QuakerOur proper cognomen is the "Society of

ism."

Friends."

Several Friends expressed themselves on the subject, taking various views. Some believe that this Society has made its nick-name honored.

LOCAL INFORMATION. Swarthmore College.-A most interesting and instructive lecture on comets and meteors was given to the students and friends of Swarthmore College on the evening, of the 6th inst., by Professor Young, of Princeton College. The subject was presented in so pleasant a manner, and illustrated with such admirable stereopticon views, that those favored to be pre-effect that we feel that the Society of Friends ought sent felt it a great privilege, as it is not always that astronomical facts are thus happily presented. Professor Young's close and patient observations in this branch of science gives him a well-deserved reputa

tion.

E. H. KEISER, PH. D., lately appointed Associate Professor of Chemistry of Bryn Mawr College, is a graduate of Swarthmore, in the class of 1880.

A CORRESPONDENT in San Francisco, Cal., writes: We have a meeting of Friends held in a Court room in the new City Hall, which is diligently attended by a few families of Friends residing here, and we sometimes have the company of those visiting this coast. There are but a few who attend regularly, but we are thankful for the privilege, and feel that we have been greatly blessed in our little gatherings; the strength gained there helps prepare us to encounter the trials we meet in every-day life.

This paper will be found in another column. George L. Maris read a brief proposition to the effect that we feel that the Society of Friends ought to take more care to disseminate our fundamental principles, particularly the affirmation that the light of the Divine Spirit in the soul is the principal guide of human life, ought to be more widely disseminated in the world by the circulation of printed documents. This was submitted to the Executive Committee.

Annie C. Dorland read a paper advocating social meetings for literary and religious exercises which shall bring together the younger and older members.

Clement M. Biddle advocated the limitation of birthright membership to the years of earlier life, leaving the young to choose for themselves "whom they will serve on arriving at maturity.

Louisa J. Roberts spoke earnestly on the topic introduced by George L. Maris, desiring to call away from the various doctrines and dogmas that have engaged the attention of mankind to the simplicity of the truth as we apprehend it.

Committee was read:
The following proposition from the Executive

ON} the afternoon of the 6th of Second month, a large and interesting meeting was held at Race There are different conditions of growth and expeStreet Meeting-house, Philadelphia, to hear the re- rience in religious life, and some of our members need port of the Executive Committee on the organiza- and have the right to claim more instruction concerntion of the Association for the increase of interesting our principles and testimonies than they now rein the Society of Friends.

The following plan of organization was adopted after slight amendment, and much earnest thought

ceive in our organization. Properly conducted Firstus, should receive the full endorsement, supervision day schools, seeming to meet a great want amongst and support of our meetings.

Samuel Swain warmly advocated the First-day School movement, believing it very essential for the perpetuation of our religious organization.

Thomas H. Speakman called attention to the practical recognition of this movement at Race street meeting, and to the evident advantage realized already.

Richard Watson also advocated it, pressing the point of the recognition, supervision and support of the First-day schools, believing it vital, not only to the prosperity of our Society, but to its future exist

ence.

R. Lamb apprehended a danger, also, in the Firstday school movement, lest a worn-out theology be taught to the children, instead of the pure and high principles of the Society of Friends.

Geo. L. Maris cited his experience in West Chester First-day school, saying: “I know that in this meeting, at least, the school has been the pillar of

the church."

Clement M. Biddle warmly urged this measure of the adoption of the First-day school work into the bosom of the church.

Matilda E. Janney also urged the measure. Samuel Carr felt that now those who have for ten years borne this responsibility have a right to claim the shelter and care of the church.

Sarah T. Rogers spoke in warm commendation of the First-day school as it is at present carried on at the meeting at Fifteenth and Race streets, adding, fervently, "God bless the church! God bless the First-day school!"

Lewis V. Smedley also spoke earnestly and fervently in acknowledgment of the great work which the First-day school has already accomplished.

Nath. E. Janney and others spoke warmly in advocacy of recognition, and the proposition as introduced from the Executive Committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting, and was referred to the Executive Committee for further action.

The next meeting of this body will occur, four weeks from this date, at this place. Meetings to be held both afternoon and evening. S. R.

WE have received from Levi K. Brown the printed report of the Annual Conference of the Board of Indian Commissioners, the Indian Rights Association, and other friends of the Indians, held in Washington, First month 8th, 1885. About fifty persons from the larger northern cities were present. The morning session was taken up with the reading of reports of mission work, addresses, and a series of photographs exhibiting the progress of Indian civilization.

The afternoon and evening sessions were occupied with the presentation and discussion of a series of resolutions in reference to the future policy of the Government towards the Indians. The evening session was attended by several public men, who warmly favored a comprehensive plan for the education of all Indians.

“As THERE is much to enjoy in the world, so there is much to endure; and wise are they that enjoy gratefully, and endure patiently."

THE LIBRARY.

A Reasonable Faith. Short Essays for the Times. Macmillan & Co., London. This pamphlet of 102 pages sent us by a Friend in England, appears to be intended to counteract the extreme views of that large class of English Friends, who have drifted away from the simple faith of Quakerism, as taught by their forefathers, and have adopted the popular creeds and theories as professed and taught by the "churches." God our Father, God Manifest in the Flesh, God The subjects treated of are Fundamental Religion, Manifest in the Spirit, The Atonement; what is its true meaning? The Sufferings of Christ. Inspiration or Revelation, and the Bible.

In treating of these subjects the writers place the believe to be the real faith of the Society of Friends popular theories in contrast with that which they as confirmed by an intelligent application of the true meaning of the Sacred Records. Some brief extracts from the introductory chapter may serve to indicate the views of the authors.

“There are many earnest and thoughtful Christian people who are ill at ease with some of the popular dogmas. Evangelicalism is, in fact, the modern form of Calvanism. It is the Augustinian and Genevan doctrine, minus its most repulsive predestinarian features. Now, although in this its modern guise, it to that large class of minds which are religiously has proved as might be expected, very attractive sensitive, emotional rather than logical or discriminating; but there is undoubtedly a multitude of thoughtful people who are seeking for a more satisfactory conception of Christianity. They want a profound conviction that the religion of the Bible faith at once scriptural and reasonable. They have a cannot possibly, if rightly understood, conflict with the best human estimate of justice and pure morality, nor with sound reason. They hold belief in certain popular definitions of so-called orthodox doctrine to be not necessarily an essential part of true religion. thought as ultimate and complete, or exclusively true. they are not wedded to any system or school of They are still seekers after truth, and are prepared to modify their religious views, not hastily, but carefully and thoughtfully, as evidence and conviction dictate. For this class, also, we write, not professing to have ourselves 'fully attained, either to be already perfect,' even in an intellectual understanding of Divine truth; an attainment towards which, doubtless all should constantly aspire; but which, if reached, would yet be the lesser part of religion. The better part of of His kingdom, is more an affair of the heart than theology, the real knowledge of God and of the things of the head, and is largely independent of formulated creeds. Therefore we find pious, righteous, doubtless 'acceptable' men of all creeds and in all churches. But the theology of the creeds and of the schools is an intellectual structure which may readily be development down to minute particulars, in men who have very little real religion. And yet every earnest and thoughtful man will naturally seek to shape for himself, or rather to be taught by the Spirit of God, an intellectual religious creed-a theology, and the nearer it comes to the standard of truth and to the broad and true teaching of Holy Scripture, the better

"The teachings of true religion never contradict the best exercise of the intellectual faculty, however much they may transcend or supplement its intuitions.

"In accordance with these fundamental principles, we understand the Bible to be not simply either a revelation, or the revelation, or rather the record of a progressive revealing of spiritual truth, each part adapted in its day to the gradually maturing intelligence of mankind in their inevitably slow progress lie furthest from the elementary perceptions of men, towards a true understanding of those things which the things not seen.' And further we do not find in the facts or probabilities of the case, nor does the book

tself claim that we are to look to the Bible (invaluable as its spiritual revelations are) as the sole religious light and teaching of the world; nor that the Most High withholds from any living man some measure of the same Divine influence which 'inspired' the religious element of the Bible."

We find nothing extreme or irreverent in these affirmations, and believe they can do no harm to those who are sincere seekers after God and his truth, and think so well of the little work, that it will be found at Friends' Book Store, 1020 Arch Street. S. R.

CURRENT EVENTS.

Bangor, Maine, Second month 3d.-The mercury was 45 degrees below zero at sunrise this morning, at Bridgeton.

St. Johnsbury, Vt., Second month 3d.-The thermometer ranged from 40 to 45 degrees below zero this

morning.

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On the evening of the 29th ulto., the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons, celebrated its ninety-eighth anniversary.

ONE of the most important scholastic reforms now in progress in Turkey is that relating to the study of the Arabic language. As now conducted this study absorbs years in a desultory way which might be applied to the acquisition of other branches of knowledge. With the view to abridge the course of study without impairing its quality, the Sultan has determined on founding a special medresseh for teaching Arabic on a scientific basis, and for this purpose has purchased from the funds of the civil list the property of the Guedik Pasha Theatre at Constantinople.

Middlesex, Vt. Second month 3d.—The thermome-Bulletin, are rejoicing over the prospect of the developter was 40 degrees below zero here and in several adjacent towns this morning. At Marshfield it was 42 degrees below zero, and at Moretown, 46 degrees

below.

Hanover, N. H., Second month 3d. The mercury was 30 degrees below zero this morning, and 40 below at Norwich, Vt.

Washington, Second month 6th. The Legislative Executive and Judicial Appropriation bill, completed by the Appropriation Committee yesterday, provides for the appointment by the Speaker of a commission of five members of the Forty-ninth Congress to consider the system of Indian education and the manner of expending the appropriations for that purpose, and also to consider the best means of utilizing the Yellowstone Park for the benefit of the public. The commission is required to report to the next Congress.

New Orleans, La., Second month 6th.-To-morrow the formal opening of the Belgium exhibit will take place. The ceremonies will include speeches by the Belgian Consul and representatives of the manage

ment.

THE people of California, says the San Francisco ment of the valuable marble quarries of Alaska. San worth of marble, one quarter of which comes from Francisco alone imports annually about $4,000,000 Carrara, in Italy.' The price, however, is so high that they have been looking forward eagerly to the formation of a company for the purpose of opening up the trade nearer home. A ledge has been located by a company just formed, and operations will be commenced at once. The ledge is only ten feet from the water's edge, and, as there is never any ice in the locality, ships will be able to land at any time of the

year.

A DESPATCH from Pittsburg in relation to the recent explosions there says: The officers of the gas company say the mains have been laid as carefully as possible and that they are willing to adopt any reasonable precaution that may be prescribed by the authorities. This does not satisfy the residents of the two cities. Over 200 miles of pipes have been laid under the streets, and as the explosions that have occurred thus far have been in different neighborhoods, the feeling is general that the city is resting over a force almost as dangerous as a volcano, and that no man can tell when an explosion will occur that will destroy scores of lives. The gas is absolutely odorless and so penetrating that in a number of instances, when the pressure has been high, it has forced its way through the pores of cast iron pipes an inch in thickincrease the terror of the people. It is claimed by The knowledge of this is general and tends to many large property-owners that so long as the leaks in the pipes cannot be detected in the manner that It was stated at several of the labor head-quarters used with safety. They also insist that its use should coal gas leaks are discovered, the new fuel cannot be in Pittsburg on the seventh "there are at least one-be prohibited as a dangerous nuisance for the present. third idle men less in the city now than there were on the 1st of January." The improvement in the times If the councils should follow this advice, the loss to is expected to continue. the companies controlling the fuel would exceed $10,000,000."

Washington, Second month 4.-For the further exploration of Alaskan waters, particularly with reference to the great river Putnam, our Government has commissioned Lieutenant G. M. Stoney. It is expected that the expedition will continue for at least a

year.

Foreign.-Second month 5th.-Khartoum has fallen and Gen. Gordon is a prisoner in the hands of the Mahdi or slain.

GREAT anxiety for Gen. Wolseley and his army, and rumors of Gladstone's resignation.

STEWART is believed to be safe, and Wolseley telegraphs that he does not consider the position at Gubat in immediate danger.

ness.

NOTICES.

A Conference, under the care of the Quarterly Meeting's Committee on Temperance, will be held at Friends' Meeting-house, Fifteenth and Race Streets, on Sixth-day, Second mo. 27th, 1885, at 8 P. M.

Jonathan K. Taylor, of Baltimore, will give an account of the success of Prohibition in Maryland, and of Temperance generally. All are invited.

MONTHLY MEETINGS IN PHILADELPHIA.

ORDERS have been sent to Gibraltar and Malta to prepare for the immediate despatch of all available troops to the Soudan. General Wolseley has adopted General Stephenson's advice to send a strong force to Suakim. It is reported that Indian troops will garri- Second mo. 18th, at Race Street, 3 P. M. son Suakim, while a force of 6,000 British will advance upon Berber.

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19th, at Spruce Street, 10 A. M.
19th, at Green Street, 3 P. M.

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"TAKE FAST HOLD OF INSTRUCTION; LET HER NOT GO; KEEP HER; FOR SHE IS THY LIFE."

VOL. XLII.

PHILADELPHIA, SECOND MONTH, 21, 1885.

No. 2.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS.

COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED AND PAYMENTS MADE TO

JOHN COMLY, AGENT,

AT PUBLICATION OFFICE, No. 1020 ARCH STREET.
TERMS:-TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE.

The Paper is issued every week.

The FORTY-SECOND VOLUME commenced on the 14th of Second month, 1885, at Two DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS to subscribers receiving it through mail, postage prepaid.

SINGLE NUMBERS, SIX CENTS.

IT IS DESIRABLE THAT ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS COMMENCE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE VOLUME.

REMITTANCES by Mail should be in CHECKS, DRAFTS, or P. O. MONEY-ORDERS; the latter preferred. Money sent by Mail will be at the risk of the person so sending.

AGENTS:-EDWIN BLACKBURN, Baltimore, Md.
JOSEPH S. COHU, New York.
BENJ. STRATTAN, Richmond, Ind.

Entered at the Post-Office at Philadelphia, Penna., as secondclass matter.

ABRAHAM-THE FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL.

Read at a Conference at Race Street Meeting-house, Second month 15, 1885.

The Hebrew Scriptures are our chief source of knowledge in regard to the Church and people whose experience in the development of religious ideas and character has furnished a platform upon which to day Christianity rests a wondrous superstructure. It becomes a matter of profound interest to survey and consider these foundation-stones, that of old furnished the vantage ground of the fundamental principles which are eternal, and in their nature progressive; for they are living, and where life is vivid, there is growth and enlargement to which we can set no limits.

Our hope and faith surely are, that the glorious religious truths and moral verities, revealed to the fathers of the world by their earliest household fires, are never to become obsolete, but are to-day the germs of all advancement toward earthly perfection or heavenly joy.

Both Jewish and Christian scholars are generally now agreed that the supposed books of Moses, Joshua and Samuel, were not written in their present form by those whose names they bear. Such a supposition is contradicted by the strong internal evidence of their contents. (Stanley.) It seems that the present Old Testament Books are not the earliest records of the first nation known to have cherished exalted ideas of a holy and benevolent God who loveth righteousness. Astronomers, with the best

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instruments, searching the starry pavement of the 'upper deep," get glimpses of other vastnesses beyond, to which they cannot reach. And the scholar who cons the scripture record in a thoughtful or scientific spirit can see an extinct literature behind the text that has been preserved. Stanley mentions the ancient document, describing the conquest of the Eastern Kings, in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis; the inestimable fragments of ancient songs in the 21st chapter of the Book of Numbers; the quotations from the Book of Jasher, in the Book of Joshua, and the Second Book of Samuel.

Nor is the history of the Chosen People exclusively contained in Canonical Books of Hebrew Sacred Scripture. The Septuagint text was the text sanctioned probably by Jesus himself, and was the old Testament of the Apostolical age and of the early Church.

The Septuagint is a version made by the Alexandrian Jews in the time of the earlier Ptolemies, about 280 B. C. It consisted at first of only the law, i. e., the first five books, called the Pentateuch. It was translated in Greek and was circulated more or less throughout the Greek speaking world before the coming of Christ, and was highly prized by the Jewish people and church in the days of the Messiah. There were about seventy translators-hence the name.

Heathen traditions are also held to be valuable corroborative evidence, but these are scanty, consisting of passages in Josephus, Eusebius and Clement of Alexandria-a few statements in Justin, Tacitus

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