POETRY. THE SURE FOUNDATION. Build firm and sure, O soul Upon the Rock that cannot fail! The storm is raging, and the gale Shrieks round thee, fierce and wild and high, Build deep and strong, O soul! Build deep and strong! Build broad and high, O soul! Build bravely on, O soul! LOST NAMES. -Selected. BY MARIANNE FARNINGHAM. “Those women which labored with me in the Gospel, and other my fellow-laborers whose names are in the Book of Life." They lived and they were useful: this we know, No record of their names is left to show How soon they died; They did their work, and then they passed away, And took their places with the greater host And were they young, or were they growing old, Or lived in poverty, or had much gold, No one can tell ; Only one thing is known of them, they were Disciples of the Lord, and strong through prayer To save and do. But what avails the gift of empty fame? They loved the sweetness of another name, The rugged ways of earth that they might be And in the joy of this their ministry, No glory clusters round their names on earth, Is kept a Book of names of greatest worth, And there is given A place for all who did the Master please, Although unknown; A place among the workers, though my name And if within the Book of Life is found Honor and glory unto God redound LOCAL INFORMATION. CONCORD FIRST-DAY SCHOOL UNION.-This meeting, held in the beautifully refitted but ancient meeting-house at Chester, Pa., was well attended by persons representing the various schools, also many visiting Friends from other Unions. The reports from the schools vacated in winter were necessarily brief, yet encouraging words were spoken to these that they re-open with fresh vigor, and especial reference was made to the need of visiting these schools by those engaged in teaching during the winter, as such visits are beneficial to both visitors and visited. The full reports from Chester, West Chester, Wilmington, Darby, etc., giving account of their active work during the past winter, were listened to with marked interest. Several valuable essays were read, and the Union adjourned to meet at Willistown in Tenth month next. CHAPPAQUA MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE.-I trust we will not forget the bountiful and timely aid given by our friends to repair our loss and make us comfortable. We have had a great task to provide and refurnish a home for our family of fifty. But in doing this our friends have freely given the needed assistance, and we now have very comfortable accommodations for our school. Forty of our pupils remain with us, and they appear to be more closely attached to each other and to us. When we reflect upon the danger that surrounded us, we feel that it was through the care and timely aid that our lives were all spared by our Heavenly Father. It was truly a very narrow escape for some, and wonderful that it should be so. We have many letters expressing sympathy and regret for the loss of our Institute, and the wish to have it rebuilt. This subject is now under consideration, and some action has been taken as to plans, etc. There are many inquiries for a good boarding school, under the care of Friends. I was impressed this morning by a circumstance that gave evidence of the force of education. A fresh fall of snow, several inches deep, made the walk, half a mile across the fields, quite unpleasant. The girls were much disappointed, and sent a petition to know if I would remain at home and have a meeting in their room. A satisfactory answer was given to this request by informing them that a way would be provided for some of them to get to meeting. We have many dear, good children, and they become very much attached to Friends, and to our religious views. We have no doubt that many of And there lost names shine forth in brightest rays the seeds of kindness and love will take root in the Before the throne. O take who will the boon of fading fame! But give to me heart and bring forth fruits of goodness and virtue. THE past is gone forever. THE LIBRARY. The Confessions of Hermes and other Poems. By Paul Hermes. By this non de plume does a Philadelphia poet of unmistakable power present himself. His volume is inscribed to Robert Browning, or to Robert B., as the printed words stand on the dedication page, and we fancy we can see that the author has read with enjoyment and appreciation the works of this profound and intellectual poet. Here is an appeal for applause: O stingy world, begrudging your applause, The work is published by David McKay, 23 South Ninth street, Philadelphia, and will, we hope, receive the attention which it seems to us to merit. This poet, who ventures into the arena of literature has, we are sure, a lofty aim and high capabilities. He says for himself: "Should this volume reproduce, even faintly, the poet's profound sense of the mystery and pathos and earnestness of life, and his convictiongrowing ever stronger-that the realization of Beauty and happiness waits upon loyalty to Duty, he will feel justified in having offered it to the world. But though he fails in this, his faith will still abide unshaken, that stronger and worthier lips will try to utter more distinctly the unutterable Truth. This striving for utterance is Poetry, for which, consciously or unconsciously, mankind will listen while the earth remains." of any are to be here presented. A really complete patristic library is as rare as it is valuable. Says Isaac Taylor, "These Fathers were, some of them, men of as brilliant genius as any age has produced; some commanding a flowing and vigorous eloquence; some, an extensive erudition; some, conversant with the great world, some, whose meditations had been ripened by years of seclusion; some of them, the only historians of the times in which they lived; some, the chiefs of the philosophy of their age." AMONG the books admitted to Friends' Library, Fifteenth and Race streets, during the last month, WE have nothing but good to say of the little pamphlet from the pen of J. Vila Blake, that comes to us from the W. U. S. S. Society, Chicago, entitled The Sunday School. " These thirteen chapters, the author informs us are, records of the experience of many years, and they were written at long intervals and by different hands. We like the sentiment with which the first chapter closes: Children should be trained like young vines seek to lead them to attain to heights, and leave along a trellis, reaching above them." We should behind them all trivial things. In days of old, when books were less plentiful than now, many of us can remember with what enjoyment we conned noble classic books in the time which in these days might be wasted in the endless array of childrens' literature it.' classic books in the time which in these days might be wasted in the endless array of childrens' literature which is often so nearly worthless. Sentimental what little good there may be, obscured by a mass of stories without any true teaching in them, or with verbiage, are robbing our young people of many of the precious days of youth and elasticity, when the mind is both receptive and retentive. We ought to be most conscientious that the best is furnished, and only "The teacher cannot give too much attention to the the best. Says one writer, cited in this pamphlet, books his pupils read; and the half hour he has for than in a comparison of notes, and an interchange of conversation with his class can hardly be better spent views upon what he and they have severally read." FROM J. Fitzgerald, New York, we have received No. 1, of a forthcoming series, to be entitled the Library of the Fathers of the Church. The publisher states that he has spared no expense in making preparation for issuing this great Series of Christian Classics, in a style not unworthy of the works contained in it. The type is sufficiently large and the paper very satisfactory, while the specimen copy sent us, is a large double column pamphlet of about 20 pages, containing the first instalment of the Confessions of Augustine. They are to be furnished to subscribers at the rate of two a month, and are to be $5 a year, or 25 cents a number. The Fathers whose works are represented, are Augustine Chrysostum, the most famous of the Greek Fathers; Ephraim, the light of the Syrian Church; Athanasius, the great antagonist of Arianism; Cyril, of Jerusalem; Cyprian; Justin Martyr, the Christian Philosopher of the second century; Tertullian; Irenaus; Cyril of Alexandria; Gregory the Great; Pacian; Theoderet, and Gregory of Nazianzum, whose writing illuminated the fourth century. The entire series will cost the subscriber $16, unbound. There can be no doubt of the desirability of possessing this Library of the Fathers. Any writer dealing with subjects of Christian inquiry desires to know what the great early writers of the Church taught. Our greatest early writers of the Society of Friends were equipped with extensive knowledge of the conclusions of the patristic authors and make great use of them in their works. Barclay's Apology, and William Penn's No Cross, No Crown, as well as many other of our Quaker Classics, are enriched by abundant quotations from these great lights of the apostolic times of Christianity before ecclesiasticism had bewildered and perplexed mankind by its teachings of that of which the purer early Church was silent. We must add that this Library is, of necessity quite incomplete. Many of the early fathers are not to be even briefly mentioned and it is not promised that all the known works children the deepest and most spiritual views of We believe with Blake that it is a duty to impart to They are certain to have the views which we deem Christian faith and practice to which they can attain. inadequate presented to them by zealous proselyters not in sympathy with us, and they should be supplied with the learning that will enable them to give a reason for the faith in which they have been instructed, and of which, we hope, in the coming days of maturity, they may become the faithful supporters. We can adopt the closing paragraphs of this instrucWe can adopt the closing paragraphs of this instruc tive little book: "We should inculcate our distinctive convictions not merely to give our children rational thoughts of religion, but because there is nothing more fruitful of a good life than great ideas. They are inestimably more valuable and operative than rules or precepts can be. Their converting and shaming power is mighty. Precepts do not inspire or inflame. This can be done only by two agencies: first and most important, by example; and, secondly, by the influence of great thoughts. | that they will neither be permitted to remain or enter upon 'Give me a thought,' said Richter, that I may refresh myself.' "Let the language-the mother tongue-of simple natural religion be taught in our First-day schools, inculcated with all its sublime affirmations, and with the history of its denials also " CURRENT EVENTS. Domestic.-The United States enjoys at present a happy exemption from those disturbing causes upon which conspicuous events arise. FROM Panama we hear of the guardianship of both ends of the railway across the Isthmus by the U. S. forces. Much anxiety still prevails. FROM Aspinwall we hear that the Swatara and Tennessee and City of Para, have arrived safely at that point. The State Department is informed that telegraphic communication between Columbia and the United States, which has been interrupted for three months, has been reopened. said lands, and such persons as are already there are hereby required to remove therefrom with their effects within sixty days from the date hereof, and in case a due regard for and voluntary obedience to the laws and treaties of the United States, and this admonition and warning be not sufficient to effect the purposes and intentions as herein declared, all the power of the government will be employed to carry into proper execution the treaties and laws of the United States herein referred to.” This act of the President will gratify and encourage defences were not accorded to the Indians. those who have felt, for several years, that the proper THE striking weavers of Philadelphia have returned half the amount by which their wages were reduced to their looms. They have secured a restoration of and having gained what is perhaps a more valuable concession-the employers' consent to retain their organization as Knights of Labor. Foreign.-Says the New York Tribune of the 14th: "Unless all signs fail the campaign of England in the Soudan is about over. The troops have not been withdrawn, THE United States Treasurer is still in occasional and there is a show of activity on the Red Sea littoral; but receipt of pieced legal tender notes and silver certifi- Englishmen at home are growing more and more averse to a cates. It is evident that some persons are mutilating war against the Arabs for vengeance only. They do not love notes to defraud the public. The method pursued is slaughter unless they are greatly enraged, or see much comto tear off not exceeding two-fifths of the note three-mercial advantage at the end of it. If war breaks out between fifths being redeemable under the rules at full valuethen to join the pieces with others obtained in the same manner, and thus obtain one full note. The public are again cautioned against taking pieced notes unless it is evident from the numbers on the two ends and other appearances that the pieces are of the same note. THE Secretary of the Treasury has received formal notice from the State Department that the two treaties of 1870 now existing between this Government and the Government of Peru, will terminate by notice from the latter on March 31st, 1886. They are known respectively as the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, signed September 6th, 1870, and the Extradition Treaty of September 12th, 1870. AT a meeting of representative citizens of the several Territories who are now in Washington, held recently, resolutions were unanimously adopted earnestly requesting the President at his earliest convenience, to look into the political and administrative condition of the Territories. The resolutions set forth that the people of the Territories are not well governed and the President is requested to afford relief by placing good men, citizens respectively of the Territories, in office. A committee waited upon the President and submitted the resolutions with a brief statement of the condition of affairs. The President in conversation with citizens from the Territories expressed a deep interest in the welfare of the people residing therein, and a disposition to give them good officers. It is understood that the rule of choosing Governors and marshals from actual citizens will be adhered to in every case, but in the selection of a judiciary, customs and revenue officials and land office appointments, the field will not be restricted. For such positions citizens of the States as well as the Territories will be deemed eligible. ON the 17th inst., President Cleveland issued a proclamation ordaining that the territory in Dakota known as the old Winnebago reservation and the Sioux or Crow Creek reservation, be restored to the public domain. This is an act of justice to the Indians, required by our treaty obligatious. It rescinds the executive order of President Arthur, bearing date the 27th day of Second month, 1885. The President adds: “I do further warn and admonish all and every person or persons now in the occupation of said lands under color of said Executive order, and all such person or persons as are intending or preparing to enter and settle upon the same thereunder, their nation and Russia, there will be the best possible excuse for withdrawing the British troops; but even if that emergency should not arise probably some other excuse will be found for 'scuttling' out of the Soudan.” THIE report from the Soudan that the forces of the Mahdi are rapidly disintegrating seem to have a basis of truth in the cessation of hostilities. Tribal jealousies and the influence of rival aspirants for prophetic honors are apparently more powerful against the Mahdi than the valor of the British troops. If these reports should prove true it would be a great stroke of good luck for the English. Whether or not true, they come opportunely to relieve the discomfiture of the British retirement, which seems to have become practically necessary.-Ibid. It is reported that the Canadian Government has ordered the troops on the way to the scene of the Northwestern outbreak to be halted, and has appointed and dispatched a commission to the front, to try the effect of concessions and negotiations upon the rebels. and under the circumstances peace at almost any THE position of Canada, however, is embarrassing, price may be justified for the time. FROM St. Petersburg, Fourth month 12th, comes this statement as to the origin of the Russo-Afghan battle on the Kushk river: "A rumor is current that the conflict between the Russians and Afghans arose in the following way: 'Some of the English officers stationed at the Afghan outposts invited some Russian officers on the other side to breakfast. The Russians were unable to accept the invitation, but they sent an invitation to the English officers. The latter accepted and stayed in the Russian camp until late at night and then asked for an escort. General Komaroff disguised some of his officers as privates to accompany the escort with the object of obtaining news of the Afghan forces. When the escort arrived at the Afghan camp one of the Russians was observed taking notes in his pocketbook. The Afghans tried to take away the book, a struggle ensued and a shot was fired, from which side is not known. The Russians hurried back to their camp and the Russian troops were called to arms and advanced against the Afghans next morning.' A SLENDER hope of peace, if any hope of peace exists, lies probably with Prince Bismarck, who cannot wish to see the Berlin Bourse heavily in debt owing to the London collapse. Bankers say that a fall of ten in Russian stocks may sober even the Russian war party. ence. On the 16th inst., Arbor Day, as proclaimed by Governor Pattison, was generally observed in this State. been fairly well observed. Some thousands of trees The Public Ledger says: "Arbor Day seems to have were planted, the school children being interested in the work by out door exercise and the opportunity afforded to plant "class" trees. It will not take many years to get the custom well established, and then the they will do the most good." They are not likely to do work can be systematized and the trees put "where harm anywhere, and some of them may prove of real value. Indirectly the service of "Arbor Day" is likely to be of benefit in reminding every one of the value of trees, heretofore little cared for by any one. To live on your own convictions against the world is to overcome the world. To believe that what is truest in you is true for all; to abide by that, and not be over anxious to be heard or understood or sympathised with, certain that at last all must acknowledge the same, and that, while you stand firm, the world will come round to you—that is independIt is not difficult to get away into retirement, and there live upon your own convictions; nor is it difficult to mix with men, and follow their convictions; but to enter into the world, and there live out firmly and fearlessly according to your own conscience-that is Christian greatness.-F. W. Robertson. WE hear so often that if a man would acquire the things which are valued among men, he must pay the price of them, that we are apt to forget the worth of the things which are not acquired, and for which we do not pay a price. Who could pay for the bright sunshine, the sweet cool air, the babbling sound of brooks, the scent of flowers, and the songs of birds? Above all, who could pay for the high gift of life, for the dowry of reason, and for the salvation of the immortal soul? These are the gifts which God bears-Atlanta Constitution. in His right hand; and they are given without money, and without price.-S. S. Times. EVERY additional language gained, is like an additional power, none more so than German.-Dr. Arnold. ITEMS. PROHIBITION is now on trial in 105 of the 137 counties in Georgia, and will soon embrace the whole State. SOUTHERN papers assert that Southern cotton mills now turn out as fine goods as the New England mills. On the 16th inst. Emancipation Day was celebrated by the colored people in Washington with great enthusiasm. THE incentive to emigration from the older States is the narrow lives that a great many farmers compel their children to live-the lack of such comforts and of a generation that either consciously or unconsciamusements as must suggest themselves to the minds ously has partaken of the progressive spirit that marks of a generation that either consciously or unconscimodern civilization. As we have frequently taken occasion to observe in these columns there is no reason why the home life of the farmer should not be attractive enough to confirm his children in their natural desire to cling to the old homestead, and in this direction will be found the remedy for that movement that has been for so many years draining the older States. ACCORDING to Frances E. Willard, the States of Alabama, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Michigan, Oregon, Kansas, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine have passed laws providing for instruction in physiology in the public schools, with especial reference to the effect of alcoholic liquors on the human frame. And there is said to be a prospect that West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and some other States will enact a similar law. The object of such a study of course is to make strong drink appear horrible and repulsive to school children. And the result of the experiment will be watched with much interest.-Exchange. NOTICES. Friends desiring to attend the approaching Yearly Meeting are informed that arrangements have been DR. SCHWEINFURTH'S last journey of discovery made with the railroad companies so that Friends lasted one hundred days. He explored the Eastern near the following named railroads can come to Phildesert track between the Nile and the Red Sea, visit-adelphia and return at the rate of two cents per mile ing, among other places, the celebrated Mount Clan- traveled. vianus (Djebel Fatereh), where granite quarries have existed since the time of Trajan and Hadrian, and he made a new plan of this locality. In the heart of Wyoming Territory, it is said, there has been found a mountain of solid hematite iron, with 600 feet of it above ground, more than a mile wide and over two miles in length; a bed of lignite coal big enough to warm the world for centuries; eight lakes of solid soda, one of them over 600 acres in extent and not less than 30 feet in depth, and a petroleum basin which contains more oil than Pennsylvania and West Virginia combined, from which in places the oil is oozing in natural wells at the rate of two barrels a day.-Public Ledger. By applying at Store of Friends' Book Association, 1020 Arch street, Philadelphia, gratuitous orders on the Ticket Agents for tickets on the Pennsylvania Railroad Division, United Railroads of New Jersey Division, West Jersey Railroad, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad, and the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad; also on also on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company and its branches, Lehigh and Susquehanna Division, Philadelphia and Newtown Railroad, may be obtained. Sales of tickets from Fifth month 7th to 15th, both inclusive, with limit of expiration Fifth month 20th. JOHN LIPPINCOTT, Clerk. Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting's Temperance ComADVICES from London of the 17th state that con-mittee will hold a Conference in Friends' Meetingservative members of the London Stock Exchange house, Moorestown, on First-day afternoon, the 26th, are of opinion that the war-cloud is blowing over, and at 3 o'clock. All are invited. will disappear. The negotiations between France and China, although they occasionally halt, are rapidly advancing toward a favorable conclusion. A treaty of peace has been finally agreed upon between Guatemala and Salvador; and it is also reported that General Middleton and Riel, the rebellious half-breed, have had a conference by telegraph. The Canadian forces are still advancing-possibly to make peace more certain. The Annual Meeting of Friends' Boarding House ABRAHAM W. HAINES, President. |