The general Yearly Meeting assembled and proceeded to the consideration of business on Secondday morning, the 11th of Fifth month. In the Men's Meeting, soon after the opening minute was read, Thomas Foulke made some remarks upon the proper spirit in which a Yearly Meeting should be conducted, in order that love and unity may characterize its proceedings. Robert Hatton followed in exhortation to those present to seek that Divine wisdom which is ever ready to assist human judgment, if sought after with lowliness of heart. On calling the 134 Representatives, all responded but seven. David Newport laid before the Meeting a concern to make a visit in Gospel love to the Women's Meeting. This proposal was duly considered by the Men's Meeting and he was set at liberty to make the visit. Women Friends concurring, the morning session was partly occupied by this service in the Women's Meeting. The reading of the credentials of Ministering and other Friends in attendance from various parts of the country beyond our limits, next occupied the attention of the Meeting. These introduced Sunderland P. Gardner, of Farmington, and his companion, Edward Eldridge, of Scipio, from Genesee Yearly Meeting; Abel A. Hull, of Little Falls, and his wife Almira Hull, from Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and John L. Griffin and Joseph S. Cohu, of New York Yearly Meeting; Ann Packer and Elizabeth A. Davis, her companion, from Ohio Yearly Meeting. These were appropriately welcomed by Samuel S. Ash, and the reading of the usual Epistles from corresponding Yearly Meetings was proceeded with. These manifested much activity in the cause of temperance-a continuance of the Indian concern, and lax attendance at mid-week meetings. mittee to reply was appointed. Burlington Quarters, were then read, and after some discussion they were referred to the same Committee, enlarged by the appointment of one more member from each Quarterly Meeting. The Burlington proposition, which was also published in full some weeks ago, proposes for Meetings to take the oversight of their First-day schools, and also of meetings for religious improvement held previous to or after the usual meetings for worship. The Clerk noted the fact that the attestation by Burlington Quarterly Meeting was by the Clerk of the Men's Meeting only, but it was explained by representatives from that Quarterly Meeting that it had duly been approved by the Women's branch. The women's branch of the general Yearly Meeting assembled at 10 o'clock on the 11th, the attendance being very large and the morning cool and pleasant. Many Friends from a distance were present, prepared to enter by sympathy and counsel into the consideration of the business of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. The meeting opened with the voice of invocation, and fervent, reverent prayer for preservation and Divine guidance. After the calling of the Representatives (who were nearly all present), the minutes for Friends in attendance from other Yearly Meetings were read as follows: Ann Packer, of Green Plain, O., a minister, and Elizabeth A. Davis, her companion, an elder of Miami Monthly Meeting, O.; Rebecca M. Thomas, of Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting, Md., an elder; Almira A. Hull, an elder of Little Falls Monthly Meeting, Md. All were cordially welcomed, and Mary S. Lippincott expressed the belief that these messengers were sent by the Head of the Church for the comA Comfort and help of this body in its services. For ourselves, if we each abide in our proper place, seeking to fill up our measure of duty, keeping ever mindful of the light which is 'given, we shall be enabled to do the will of the Heavenly Father and receive His blessing. Those who were present without credentials were also warmly greeted. The Representative Committee, at the opening of the afternoon session, reported the names of Benjamin G. Foulke, for Clerk, and Evan T. Swayne, for Assistant Clerk, which report was united with. They also reported that they considered it desirable, in view of the increased duties at the Clerk's desk, to appoint another Assistant, and proposed Alfred Moore for the place. This was also approved, and A. M. took his seat at the desk. The Clerk announced that propositions to amend the Discipline had been sent up from three of the Quarterly Meetings. The first one, from Philadelphia Quarter, was then read. (It embraces eleven proposed changes, relating to the discipline on marriage, a salaried ministry, etc., and was published in full in both the INTELLIGENCER and JOURNAL, in Second mo. last). It was then proposed to refer this to a large Committee, four from each Quarterly Meeting, to make report at a later session of the present Meeting. A suggestion was made by Charles Kirk that the Committee's report be left to next year, and David Newport expressed the view that it would be well to take time in the work. The minute, however, directing a report to this Meeting, was approved. The Committee was then appointed, William C. Smyth, of Philadelphia Quarter and others. The other propositions being from Bucks and David Newport then made a visit to the women's meeting. He came under a sense of religious duty to lay before this body the meaning of the covenant of to-day. His word to this people was: "God is present in every human spirit. The consciousness of this lifts us above the insolence of office, the arrogance of wealth, and the many trials of life. This divine consciousness is our joy and our help, and we can recognize the great gift of God in many souls in whom dwells of the fulness of the Divine Presence. In this way and by this method of the Inner Illumination we come to know the perfect will of God and are enabled to do this will. He could bear witness of the joy and gladness of entire dedication to a loving Heavenly Visitant who teaches as never man taught, and is the light and life of the human spirit as it bows in reverence before its ever-present God. Elizabeth H. Plummer cited the example of the youthful champion, David, who with the smooth stones from the brook was able to lay low the Goliah who defied the armies of the living God in his pride. The champion of Israel must use only the smooth stones from the brook of Truth, and God will direct them aright. The reading of the New York | those just read for many years in Yearly Meeting. epistle was solemnizing and comforting to the meet- Individual faithfulness is needed on the part of meming, being both weighty and tender in counsel, and bers for the building up of our Society. giving evidence of that Divine Presence in the assembly of our sisters of New York Yearly Meeting which we crave for our own convocation. The Genesee epistle was read before the close of the morning session. It also gave evidence of deep religious feeling, and was felt to be edifying. After the appointment of a committee to audit the Treasurer's account and present the name of a Treasurer for the ensuing year, and the naming of a small committee to assist the clerks in collecting the exercises, and some general remarks, the meeting adjourned. On the opening of the afternoon session, a Friend, on behalf of the Representatives, announced the judgment of that body recommending the reappointment of Margaretta Walton for Clerk and Matilda Garrigues for Assistant. Minutes for men Friends in attendance were read and accepted, and there were assurances of welcome for all who have been drawn hither in the love of the Gospel. The reading of the Ohio Yearly Meeting epistle was the next business. It called forth much expression in approval of its spirit and its substance. Ann Packer gave a simple relation of some experiences of an interesting character in regard to her religious services in the West. The Illinois epistle was also read to the edification of the meeting. Indiana epistle had an influence to awaken many exercises on war, temperance, and in favor of increased care in regard to pure literature in families. Baltimore epistle was then read, and the appointment of a committee to reply, as way opens, to these papers engaged the attention of the meeting. This committee was left at liberty to prepare either one general epistle, or one to each Meeting, as shall seem to them right. The Third-day morning session of men's meeting was opened with prayer. Then followed the consideration of the subject of the proposed changes of Discipline. One of these changes having been characterized as “irregular," some discussion ensued, but it was concluded that the spirit of our rules had been complied with. The reading of the Queries with their answers was then entered upon. The first Query drew out the acknowledgment that while the meetings held on the First-day were commonly pretty well attended, those held near the middle of the week were generally much neglected, and nine reports note failure to hold meetings; one report noted increased attendance at First-day meetings since the increased interest in the First-day School movement prevailed. The second Query was answered to the general satisfaction of the meeting. Ellison Newport, William Lloyd, Samuel S. Ash and others spoke encouragingly and acceptably. At the conclusion of its consideration, the session concluded, after announcement had been made of an appointed meeting by Sunderland P. Gardner, in the Race street end of the Meeting-house, at 7 o'clock in the evening. Women's meeting having reported that they had concurred in the appointment of a joint committee on the proposed amendments to the Discipline, it was agreed that the committee meet at 8.30 A. M., on Fourth-day. The afternoon session on Third-day was opened by prayer, after which James W. Janney spoke on the First Query. He believed younger Friends were deterred from an interest in our meetings because they were not employed in the service of the Church. The Third Query was not so affirmatively answered as would be desirable, many deficiencies being noted. Nathaniel Richardson, Isaac C. Martindale, Watson Tomlinson and Thomas Foulke spoke in favor of frequent reading the Bible, and against indulgence in pernicious literature. The Fourth Query was not answered as fully in the affirmative as was desired. But all seem to be careful to discourage the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage and careful in their use as a medicine. Ed Samuel S. Ash introduced the subject of the propriety of Friends endeavoring to use their influence to discourage the increasing use of tobacco. ward H. Magill, President of Swarthmore College, also bore very weighty testimony against this vice, and exhorted fathers and teachers to increased faithfulness in maintaining their own purity and that of the boys committed to their care. On Third-day morning, the Women's meeting entered upon the consideration of the changes in the Book of Discipline proposed by Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, by Bucks Quarterly Meeting, and by Burlington Quarterly Meeting. These propositions being twice read before the Yearly Meeting, were submitted to a large committee of five from each Quarterly Meeting for their judgment. It was felt that the subject is of deep interest and importance, requiring the help and guidance of Divine Wisdom before moving forward to a decision. Many believe that the Rules of our Society, adopted in an age of which the conditions were not those of to-day, are in need of thoughtful revision to adapt them to their use as a guide and guard to the Considerable expression followed the reading of present conduct of life in our Church. A rule which the summary answer. David Newport felt there is has become a dead letter is of the nature of a false cause for encouragement, and Thomas Foulke pretence and ought to be expunged or replaced. It deemed the situation one of gravity and solemnity. would not be possible, and, if possible, not judicious There never was a time when more loyal hearts were to require an enforcement of any rule which would required to do the work of the Church. Watson cut off many of our most useful members. Yet while Tomlinson spoke of the attendance at mid-week they stand in the Book of Discipline they are a permeetings, and encouraged Friends to increased faith-petual menace to many in membership with us whofulness in this matter. Joseph Powell said that the love of God in the heart of man is the power which saves the soul, that he had heard reports similar to are indeed brethren and sisters beloved. The report of the Committee on Education and Schools was then laid before the Meeting. This body has labored earnestly in many directions. They have visited many if not all our schools, encouraging, criticising and assisting as way opened, and by means of Conferences, lectures, etc., have striven so to assist the teachers to greater breadth of culture and to special preparation for specific work. They recommend, if possible, greater care to promote physical and mechanical training in connection with our institutions of learning. The meeting fully accepted and approved the labors of this Committee, and directed the continuance of the same Friends in this valuable service. Many experienced Friends gave their testimony to the importance of careful early training of the children of the Church in the testimonies and the great principles of our simple but sufficient profession. Parental love and care exerted in behalf of the child in the tender years of infancy and early childhood is the strong lever with which to build up our religious Society and enlarge its influence. At the afternoon meeting on Third-day, the reading and answering the Queries were entered upon by the reading and answering of the first Query. All our meetings have been held, but many members have been negligent in the attendance of mid-week meetings. Good order has been observed. L. J. R. said the way to judge of our standing in this respect is by examining into our own faithfulness individually. Self-examination was the object of these queries, and self examination is needful if we maintain our discipline intact in all its essential features. It is our duty to be true and faithful in all things, and the maintaining of our organization is truly a most important duty. It is on this branch of the Society of Friends that the maintenance of the vital principles of the truth of God which are the basis of our profession must depend. These principles are to redeem the world, and as these are our watchwords and rallying cry, why should we not be faithful. If these things are not yet revealed to some, let such remember that those who seek shall find. Seek then the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all needful things shall be added. The Apostles who stood with the Master on the Mount of Transfiguration could well say, It is good for us to be here," and wish to build here their tabernacles. Many Friends bore witness to the value of early training in the direction of simplicity and truth in all words and actions, and of economy of time and money in the clothing of the body. The value of a knowledge of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is so great that it has ever been held important by Friends that children should be familiarized with them in early life. It is known that the thoughtful study of these has not diminished, but has greatly increased in the present generation. Lydia H. Price spoke with feeling and force of the value of these blessed records when read and studied in their spiritual, rather than in a literal sense. The value of the Sacred Scriptures to any mind depends very much on the spiritual enlightenment of that mind. The inward Teacher, who teaches as never man taught, and has spoken in the same perfect wisdom to all generations of men, is the leader and guide to the real and vital study of that which is left on record. The Society of Friends has ever made the Inward Teacher the primary source and center of Divine Wisdom, and has placed the Scriptures as secondary. EDUCATIONAL. CHANGES AT SWARTHMORE. EXTENSIONS OF The Managers of Swarthmore College have nearly completed the arrangements for the coming year. Some of these involve important changes and improvements. The corps of instructors has been enlarged, and some of the courses of study have been extended. The following new appointments have been made: HENRY W. ROLFE (A.B., Amherst, 1880), the valedictorian of his class, who has since spent two years studying in Germany, and two years teaching in the Cornell University, has been appointed Professor of Latin, in place of Mary L. Austin, resigned. FERRIS W. PRICE (A.B., Swarthmore, 1874), who has been successfully engaged in teaching at Friends' Central School, Philadelphia, for the past eleven years, has been appointed Assistant Professor of English and Latin, in place of Charles E. Eames, resigned. Margaretta Walton spoke most feelingly of the blessedness of meeting with the Master in the calm ALBERT G. PALMER (A.B., 1882; Fellowship in of a religious assembly. We there may receive the Chemistry, 1884; candidate for Ph.D., 1885, Johns bread of life, and, if the Master pleases, may be qua- Hopkins University), who has especially distinlified to hand forth this heavenly bread to others. A guished himself in his chemical studies, has been peace and joy that nothing else can give are the re-appointed Assistant Professor of Chemistry, the large ward of every act of dedication to which the love of God impels us. Ann Packer followed, at some length, with general remarks concerning the peace of God which follows consecration to His service. The Second Query was answered generally in a fulness that showed very little, if any, variation from our high standard. Friends seem, in a good degree, to be living according to the Gospel standard. The Third Query was then read and answered, showing no abatement of the usual care in the observance of the important testimonies here alluded to. number of students pursuing this study rendering it necessary to furnish an additional instructor in this important department. CHARLES DOLLEY (M.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1875), who has been studying Biology in Dohrn's Laboratory, at Naples, Italy, has been appointed to organize a new department of Biology at Swarthmore, his time to be equally divided between that and the University of Pennsylvania in the same department. He will also give the course of lectures hitherto given by Dr. Joseph Leidy, who now becomes Professor Emeritus at Swarthmore, and assumes charge of the new Biological Laboratory in the University of Pennsylvania. The College is to be sincerely congratulated upon this extension_of one of its most interesting courses of study. Dr. Leidy will continue to aid the department by his valuable counsels and his oversight of the rapidly increasing collection in the new Museum of Natural History. Provision is being made for courses of practical lectures on Physiology and Hygiene to the young women of the College classes and to the girls of the Preparatory School, also for similar courses, separately, to the boys and young men ; and the thorough course in physical training for all, in accordance with the system of Dr. Sargent, so successfully inaugurated the present year, will be continued. An increasing interest is felt in the religious meetings on First-day mornings, and in the First-day School, and it is the hope, more and more, to make the students acquainted with the principles and testimonies of our Religious Society. To raise and maintain a high standard of education in the various departments of the College, the best scholarship and teaching talent must be secured and retained. To this end, adequate salaries must be paid; and the College cannot depend for these, as in schools of lower grade, upon the receipts from students. Friends, therefore, who have the means are earnestly advised to turn their attention to the endowment of some of the leading professorships. We understand that a very large number of the present students (the number this year has reached 286, with an unusually large average attendance) expect to return next year, and the list of new entries is also considerably advanced. Those who de sire places are advised to apply early, especially those sufficiently advanced to enter one of the College classes. The reduction of $100 a year is continued to the children of Friends, thus it is hoped to bring the excellent and increasing facilities offered by the College within the reach of all. FRIENDS' COLLEGE, L. I. FAITHFUL TO THE RIGHT.-The secret inquiry of many minds is now the same as that of the young man who went to Jesus with the question, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? With many there is no expectation of the enjoyment of this life until after the close of existence in this world. It is a heaven of golden streets and gates of pearl, a literal understanding of a figurative description attempting to describe the indescribable. But when we accept the explicit declaration of the great Teacher, that the kingdom of heaven is within us, we desire to know the way into the enjoyment and conscious possession of that state of peace here and now, having the assurance that such a possession here must prepare the soul for the fuller life beyond. To the company gathered around Jesus this was the important question, the question of salvation; for many earnest hearts had found that the fulfillment of the law and the observance of church rites had not brought them peace. To these he gave the simple and homely illustration of the leaven hidden in the meal. Instantly the mental inquiry must have been in each mind, have I a portion of this leaven? When such an inquiry is honestly made and a search for it commenced the work of salvation has been begun. In the parable of the Prodigal Son the return to a condition of reconciliation is repreIt may be of interest to the Edncational Depart-sented as a journey which was accomplished step at ment of the INTELLIGENCer and JouRNAL to know that the Board of Trustees of Friends' College have a time, not as a great bound from the poverty of the under advisement plans prepared by Wm. Tuhly, "far country" to the plenty of the father's house. architect, for the erection of a new school building. But it is said that while he was yet a great way off The new structure will afford the modern conveni- his father saw him, so the first movements of religious ences for about one hundred scholars of both sexes. life are recognized by our Heavenly Father who is The Board have also before them a motion to change waiting to be gracious." Gradually the leaven the name of the School, leaving out the word "Col-works, slowly the germ in the seed puts forth, and lege." By these improvements, we hope to more fully carry out the wishes of its founder, Gideon Frost. Glen Cove, Fifth month 5th, 1885. F. E. W. SINCE trifles make the sum of human things, step by step we enter into the consciousness of the heaven within us. Favorable conditions must, however, be placed about the leaven, and the seed must have the soil and the warmth suited to its growth, likewise we must prepare ourselves for the presence which is to transform our earth into heaven. Now what was the first condition imposed upon the young man by Jesus? Obedience to known law, and the conditions are just the same now, faithfulness to what we know to be right, and continued faithfulness as more is made known to us. This brings us to our guide within, and its scope cannot be better described than in the words of advice given by John Wesley's mother to her son, "whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God or takes off the relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind that thing is sin to you, however, innocent it may be in itself." Our Father gives us our portion, life, strength, ability, and the seed of immortal life, but He leaves it for us to do our share of the work. Let us not fail to take the first steps of the journey toward our Father's house. MARRIAGES. STIRLING-BIDDLE.-On the evening of Fifth month 6th, 1885, at their residence, in Philadelphia, by Friends' ceremony, Edmund Stirling, son of William and Rachel N. Stirling, of Philadelphia, and Anne, daughter of Clement and Susan W. Biddle, of Chadd's Ford, Chester co., Pa. STUBBS-WALTON.--On Fourth mo. 29th, 1885, at the residence of the bride's parents, under the care of Fallowfield Monthly Meeting, Joseph H. Stubbs, M. D., of London Grove, Pa., and Deborah F. Walton, of Ercildoun, Chester co., Pa. WADDINGTON-ZERNS.-On Fourth mo. 14th, 1885, at the residence of the bride's parents, by Friends' ceremony, Joseph K. Waddington, son of Joseph and Ruth Waddington, and Lizzie W., daughter of John R. and Lydia F. Zerns, all of Salem, N. J. DEATHS. BALLENGER,-On Third-day, Third month 24th, 1885, at the residence of her son-in-law, Samuel B. Pancoast, Eldridge's Hill, Salem co., N. J., Emma Ballenger, in the 75th year of her age; a member of Pilesgrove Monthly Meeting, N. J. CORNTHWAIT.-On Fourth mo. 15th, 1885, fell sweetly asleep, after a lingering illness, William H. Cornthwait, in the 73d year of his age. CRONK.-On First month 15th, 1885, at the residence of his son-in-law, Charles H. Dodge, Chappaqua, N. Y., James Cronk, son of Henry and Amy Cronk, in his 88th year. JARRETT.-On Fifth mo. 3d, 1885, Ann T., widow of Jacob E. Jarrett, in her 86th year; a member of Horsham Monthly Meeting, Pa. KIPP.-On Second mo. 26th, 1885, at the residence of her grandson, Charles H. Dodge, Chappaqua, N. Y., Phebe Kipp, daughter of Isaac and Mary Conklin, in her 95th year. MARSHALL.—Suddenly, on Third mo. 10th, 1885, at his residence, Levi Marshall, well advanced in life; a member of Chappaqua Monthly Meeting, N. Y. SUTTON.-On Fourth mo. 16th, 1885, Lydia Jane Sutton, wife of Leonard Sutton; a member of Chappaqua Monthly Meeting, N. Y. She had attained a good old age, but is now gathered to her fathers. YARNALL.-On Fifth mo. 1st, 1885, at the residence of her son-in-law, Edwin Chandler, at New Garden, Pa., Mary R. Yarnall, widow of the late Ellis Yarnall, in the 90th year of her age; formerly of Concord, Delaware co., Pa. From our Foreign Correspondent. A DAY IN POTSDAM. trees and bushes were just growing green when we It was a beautiful spring morning, and all the rose early and left Berlin for Potsdam, the summer residence of many members of the royal family. After getting rid of an officious servant who wished to make himself too useful, and after selecting our droschke coachman, according to his face, to the great disgust of the others, we were soon on our way to the Kaiser's summer palace, Babelsberg. We found that we had made a wise selection in coachmen, for our driver proved very talkative; an excellent quality, as one learns twice as much about the points of interest. Babelsberg is a small palace situated in the midst of a beautiful park, with a prospect over the lovely lake, Havel, and the Yungfernsee. We dismounted at the lodge and walked some ten minutes along the well kept paths to the castle where we were received by the castellan's wife, a kindly woman, who showed us the castle with pardonable pride. Room after room of handsome furniture, beautiful paintings, fine carvings, but nothing too elegant to use; indeed, I think many American millionaires have just as handsome residences. We were glad to see that here, at least, the Kaiser and his family could be comfortable, for I can see but little comfort in the magnificent halls and apartments of many palaces that we see. The emperors bedroom was very simple, but commanded a beautiful view through the park and over the lake. This view must be an inspiration to him as he sits in his wooden chair at the writingdesk, often tired enough of royal privileges, I fancy. From Babelsberg we drove through the village of Klein Gleinsche, with many pretty summer residences, to the Russian colony across the Havel. The small, low, log houses of this colony made a great contrast to the castle we had just left, and we heard with interest from our coachman that Friedrich der Grosse had built it for thirteen Russians who were in his service, but that to-day, only one house was inhabited by their descendants. Every now and then as we drove along, we caught glimpses of the different castles here and there above the young, delicate green of the surrounding parks. At a distance we saw Prince William's summer palace, the socalled marble palace, but did not go past it as we were anxious to get to Sanssouci, perhaps the most interesting point in all Potsdam. Sanssouci is a low, one story palace, built by Friedrich der Grosse in the then prevailing rococo style. It is in a beautiful garden, adorned with fountains and statuary. Here the great king lived the most of the time, surrounded by his favorites. The interior of the palace is very interesting on account of the many associations clinging to its builder. Perhaps the most interesting room of all to us was Voltaires. The walks are adorned with fantastic wood carvings of various flowers, of monkeys, cranes, storks, painted in vivid colors. The furniture, too, is covered with odd embroideries, corresponding to the carvings. A small antique clock attracted our attention which is said to have stopped at the very minute of Friedrich der Grosse's death, |
