mother. The Gentiles when they practiced charity, good fellowship and other Christian-like virtues, were unconsciously Christians. God hasten the day when there will be no tyranny of opinion, and every minister will represent his own thinking and not the thinking of Calvin. Hasten the day when all theological fences shall be leveled. Then we will stand by the hillside, free as the air we breathe, happy as the sunshine which greets us every morn and bids us farewell every night. My last prayer uttered from this pulpit to you is, 'May God bless you and lead you to heights beyond the tornado's thunder shaft and the miasma of marshes below.' I hear the voice of Jesus now, saying: 'Lo, I am with you alway, even until death.'

COMMUNICATIONS.

THE PROPERTIES OF LOBELIA INFLATA. Editors INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL:

IN the INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL of Ninth mo.

19th, is an article over the signature of "S. R.," which I feel does injustice to the herb Lobelia inflata, and to that system of medicine of which it forms no small part of its curative agencies. 1st, the writer makes it appear that the plant is "poisonous," that 'less than a teaspoonful of the seeds or the powdered leaves would destroy life in a few hours; " 2nd, that the "Thompsonian " (i. e., the Botanic) "practice seems to have nearly passed away."

I claim that these are untenable assertions and were uncalled for. I have no desire, nor will I be drawn into controversy, but I feel the subject demands a notice. I wish it distinctly understood that the Thompsonian, or Botanic system, was and is not a "fashion," but founded on the scientific and immutable laws of Nature, and that its remedies were not employed freely for almost all diseases," but that they were, and are employed for all the diseases that flesh is heir to, with a success, (taking in their many new discoveries from the vegetable kingdom), unparalleled in the history of medicine.

In the first place I would ask S. R., as the late emminent physician Dr. Hobbs asked one making a like assertion: "Can poison counteract poison ?" If so then Beelzebub is divided against himself. The Dr. was not a Botanic physician, but he felt it his duty, under the circumstances, to give his testimony to the truth. He stated that during his practice for many years in the first settling of the State of Iowa, he had many cases of snake bite, from the prairie rattlesnake then so numerous there, the fatal consequences of which all know, and he never lost a case if he got to them before they were past swallowing, even after their eyes seemed glazed. He had raised them by the use of pulverized lobelia seed. He gave it by the ounce, and even large doses would not sicken the patient until the poison was subdued. There is no remedy known that will so effectually root out the poison which so often preys upon the human system for years, from the use of calomel, as lobelia, if properly administered. I do not mean by this that there is any danger, only so far as any of our choicest blessing may be misused. From these and many evidences too numerous to mention we

contend that it is not a poison. We do not claim that it is a catholicon in medicine, but that it is a powerful spoke in the wheel.

We admit that the early Thompsonians, some of them enthusiasts, used their medicines too indiscriminately to gain the best results, but is the work of an enthusiast any evidence against a system founded on truth?

In the second place, perhaps S. R. is not aware that there are many times seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to calomel, or kissed his image. The Botanic or Physio-medical system we consider on a firmer basis in regard to educated physicians than ever before. They have their colleges, from which they send out practitioners all over the land. One of these is at Indianapolis, Ind., one at Cincinnati, O., and one at Atlanta, Georgia. Added to these we have a host who are not graduates, who take and administer the medicines because they are safe to handle, like the railroad coach, right end foremost, go which way they will. Suppose we admit the assertion that the practice has nearly passed away, there still remains a grand thought, it has wrought a wonderful reform in the medical world. Like Quakerism, it has diffused itself, and been taken up to the uplifting of other systems—ofttimes, too, without any appreciation or thanks to the intrepid reformer, Samuel Thompson. Even the despised Lobelia inflata is used by our Allopathists in their practice, as some of the more liberal ones will admit, or have admitted. THOS. H. TRUEBLOOD.

Hitchcock, Ind., Tenth mo. 1.

INTEMPERATE TEMPERANCE. Editors INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL.

My caption may seem rather paradoxical, and yet our observation must convince us that the phrase is an appropriate one in many cases.

So often do we encounter instances of broken

pledges, closet-tippling, wine in the cellar, the habitual or occasional use of alcoholic tonics (for the stomach's sake) among those who are zealous advocates of the temperance cause, that we are led to distrust very strong assertions on the subject of prohibition.

Temperance lecturers, candidates for high offices, claiming the suffrages of their fellow citizens on account of their prohibition sentiments, clergymen and others who attend champagne dinners, are so far from being total abstainers from intoxicants, that the weak and erring are liable to stumble at their example and the captious to think that all such should either preach less, or practice more against the great evil of intemperance.

After more than forty years of observation, in dffierent places, and under different circumstances, the writer has arrived at the conclusion that those who endeavor to live up to the requirements of "Friends' Discipline," as it now stands, are about as safe themselves and as liable by their consistent example, to promote the good cause of temperance, as any class of people who do not lay aside or neglect other testimonies in the furtherance of one. H. *

Tenth month, 10th, 1885.

THE NEW LESSON LEAVES.

Editors INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL : WE are in receipt of, and have been using the lesson leaves for the past month, prepared by the Literature Committee of the General F. D. S. Conference: For the encouragement of the committee our school, (Marietta F. D. S.) desire to express our hearty approval of them after our brief trial. They seem to meet a want long felt in our school. The presentation of the current lessons of the day in accordance with the principles we profess will be a great aid in instilling the testimonies of our society among our younger members They also open an avenue by which those not in membership with us may be reached. They are peculiarly adapted to our situation in the west, surrounded as we are and mingling with other denominations in F. D. S. work.

State Centre, Iowa.

BENJ. F. NICHOLS.

THE FIRST-DAY SCHOOL.

MEETING OF CONCORD UNION, AT WILLISTOWN.

CONCORD First-day School Union held its semi

annual meeting at Willistown, Chester Co, Pa., on the 10th inst. All the schools within its limits were represented by delegates and reports, except Concord, and the house was well filled. The discussions upon the various points of interest noted in the reports were lively and interesting. The Lesson Leaves came in for a full share of attention, some feeling a concern lest the teachers should depend upon them too much, not using their own powers of reflection and observation, and thus hindering their own growth. Others claimed that as we are not all born teachers, such aids are needed to direct us, and no one need depend upon them to the extent feared.

The question of reporting the schools to their respective monthly meetings was earnestly considered, some thinking the time for such action had arrived. Others thought an additional Query in our Discipline needful ere such a step can be taken. It was left for further consideration.

The ever important subject of suitable library books was presented, and earnest words were spoken in behalf of that which is high and noble in literature, and that the books we read be few in number but well chosen, protesting against the "mental gluttony" that would devour so many story books. Mention was made in one of the reports of the starting of a literary society to be called the "Swarthmore Circle" proposing to take up a line of work for the winter under the direction of a competent head. It was thought that this might extend to many neighborhoods and create a new interest that would tend to bind us more closely together, as we read and investigated the same subjects. A concern was also expressed that the intellect alone should not receive all the attention, but that we should cultivate by reading and otherwise the religious and the ethical, and that we should also engage in works of philanthropy.

The day was a beautiful one and the kind hospitality of the Friends in providing an out-door meal in the pleasantly shaded grounds of the old, but re

cently remodeled meeting-house, added not a little to the pleasure of the occasion. Shall we not hope that little by little, the love that prompts to this work in behalf of the children, will increase till by its influence we shall draw to us, and we shall again find our houses for worship filled by those whose devotion to the doctrine of the inspeaking voice of God leads them to live in accord with the precepts Jesus laid down for all Christian people?

Representatives to the association meeting in Philadelphia on the 7th of next month were appointed as follows: Chester, Allen Flitcraft, Arthur H. Middleton; Darby, Mary Conard, Rebecca C. Longstreth; Goshen, Amy W. Hickman, I. Byron Thomas; Middleton, Ellen B. Harvey, Anna B. Broomall; Willistown. Dilworth Hibbert, Mordecai T. Bartram ; Uwchlan, William Gordon, Ella Gordon; Providence, Elizabeth M. Garrett, Henry B. Fussell; West Chester, Sarah E. Hall, George L. Maris; Wilmington, Mary B. Pyle, Rebecca C. Thatcher.

It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Union at Darby, six months hence. The reports presented show the pupils within the Union to include 281 adults and 535 children. Interesting statistics, such as have not previously been gleaned, showed a surprisingly large number of the latter to be entirely outside of society membership, about 105 only being members and 111 having one parent a member. There are in the libraries of the schools books aggregating in number 3258, a slight increase during the year.

A

NEWS OF FRIENDS.

T New Garden Monthly Meeting, on the 8th inst after the regular business had been transacted, the partitions were opened and the meeting, in joint session, entered upon the consideration of the recommendations of the Yearly Meeting, and took up the subject of the First-day schools. After a full and free expression of the meeting, the proposition to appoint a committee to have the care and oversight of the First-day schools within the limits of the Monthly Meeting was united with, and a committee was appointed to bring forward, to the next meeting, names of suitable Friends to serve thereon. M P. W.

Edith Webster, for nearly twenty years a minister in the Society of Friends, a member of Bart Particular, and Sadsbury Monthly Meeting, died at the residence of her brother, Jesse Webster, in Bart township, Lancaster county, on 6th day the 2nd inst., in the 58th year of her age. A few weeks ago she was taken down with dysentery, from which she seemed to rally, but having been a sufferer for years, her system became so weakened she could not recover, but quietly passed away. Her funeral took place at Bart meeting-house, on the 5th inst. Margaretta Walton, of Ercildoun, bore testimonny to her many virtues and goodness of heart. She said that on a visit to her, some time before, she told her that she felt that her work was accomplished, and she was now ready for the summons. M. P. W.

BEGIN by regarding everything from a moral point of view, and you will end by believing in God.-Dr. Arnold.

SWARTHMORE.

THE plans for the erection of an observatory have been changed and enlarged since the statement, (correct when prepared), in these columns, two weeks ago. It is now proposed to raise $3,000, of which onehalf at this writing (12th inst.,), is subscribed. Those who are interested in securing a well-equipped and entirely creditable structure and apparatus for the College are earnestly desired to forward their contributions to Prof. S. J. Cunningham, Swarthmore, Pa. The whole matter has been referred to a committee by the Board of Managers, and it is desired now to get a first-class 6-inch equatorical telescope. and a 3-inch transit instrument. These, with a suitable building, (plans for which have been prepared by Prof. Beardslee), will cost, with the utmost economy of expenditure, the sum named above.

President Magill was in attendance, last week, at the Conference of friends of the Indians at Lake Mohonk, New York.

The vacancies on the staff of the Phoenix have been filled by the election of Charlotte L. Stratton, '88; and Elizabeth B. Smedley, '87.

The class to graduate in 1888, the Phonix says, "enters upon its second year under more auspicious circumstances than any Sophomore class for a number of years; containing, as it does, half a hundred members. It bids fair to be the largest graduating class since '82."

The Senior and Junior Latin class has been divided. The Seniors, with President Magill, are reading Ars Poetica " and the Juniors, under Prof. Rolfe, are reading "De Senectute.”

The class of '87 will adopt the custom established by the class of '84 of publishing a College Annual, in their junior-the present-year. Wm G. Underwood has been chosen editor.

THE LIBRARY.

AMONG the books asking notice on our editorial

table, is one entitled, "Hard Times; LaborMoney-Wealth," by John Smith. It is published in Chicago by the Industrial Publishing Co., and is of course a plea for the laborer rather than the capitalist. The author is impelled, he tells us, to encourage thrift, and thus to help the poor; and being impressed with the idea that in a few words he may give valuable hints for workers, as to practical remedies for hard times, he presents these pages. He has no sympathy to offer to socialists and communists.

He affirms that the times for the laborers are rapidly growing harder, and that the only way to put off the evil day of abject poverty for the laborers, is by that of careful economy, patient labor, and the husbanding of resources, each individual acting for himself and his immediate family. He also tells us the wholesome and well understood truth, that every member of the family should be, in a measure, a producer; not the head of the family alone. Few thoughtful persons will object to any of these counsels.

We are next reminded that the universal desire for wealth is ambition for power, and is almost universally healthy and worthy, prompted by pleasur

able anticipations and good intentions. But he claism that worthy ambition to exercise beneficent power, flushed by pride into a passion, blunts the noble sensibilities and demoralizes the mind, driving out of the heart of man every element of mercy. Cruelty and oppression is, too often, the history and essence of the operation of that power which is in capital. Riches in the abstract possess no element of mercy. Capital tends to combination for the centralization of power. It becomes, gradually, very great-can rule legislatures-thus by unjust laws perpetuating its tenure of authority.

Sovereign power may decree, but cannot create money; and human instinct insists that money shall possess in itself intrinsic value, since its use is the measure of value. The precious metals are such a measure and so are the money of civilized mankind.

cor

Our author denies that such a condition can exist as a plethora of real money; expatiates on ners;" philosophizes on Depression;" discusses "Bi-metalism," and advocates the continuance of "Silver Coinage" with vehemence. These are subjects that evidently are important for the people to think upon, and upon which our deepest thinkers disagree. These are now seeking after truth in the important matters of business and finance, and those who seek wisdom in the management of such power as our vast national wealth gives, we may hope will find it. In the meantime, we earnestly deprecate a division of the people into hostile armies, "the Rich and the Poor;" "the Capitalist and the Laborer." It reminds us of the old fables of early days which illustrate this point.

Of a far different character is the late volume by John Fiske, entitled American Political Ideas, Viewed from the Standpoint of Universal History." This is from the press of Harper & Brothers, New York.

John Fiske, deals concisely with his vast subject. The chapters are really a series of philosophical lectures, written four years ago, and delivered in the Old South Meeting House in Boston in 1879, and in the following year re-delivered at University College in London.

The first of these lectures or treatises is upon the Town Meeting, as this is illustrated in aNew England village of the present day. This town meeting life as it yet exists was the subject of the wise reflections of De Tocqueville fifty years ago. He said "the farther south we go, the less active does the business of the township or parish become; the population exercises a less immediate influence on affairs." Yet in every part of this land this spirit of local self government of which the "Town Meeting" is the embodiment prevails, and truly lies at the bottom of all the political life of the United States. It comes down to us indeed from prehistoric Aryan antiquity and is distinctly traceable from age to age.

The next lecture treats of "The Federal Union." The high results of Greek civilization in the career of greatness extending 85 years, from the battle of Marathon onward to the downfall of Ægospotamos, when Athenian Supremacy was forever lost, marked

the uprising of the idea of the utility and the necessity of the Federal Union. The universal dominion of Rome conferred inestimable benefits upon mankind. It established peace; it mingled and destroyed tribal religions, clearing the way for Christianity; it developed Roman law and conferred it on the world.

But the Ronan civilization passed a way, and the Swiss Confederation hands on the idea of Federal Union unto the later times. Our vast American Republic of Republics is the consummation of a noble idea of antiquity. Local self government and Political Representation works steadily and beneficiently in our great nation of forty independent states, and the experiment is seen to be a success, and our experience, for the healing of the nations.

In the closing essay, entitled "Manifest Destiny," Fiske, presents the reasons why he reads in the signs of the times the indication of the overpowering majority of the English speaking races in 100 years-of the comparative insignificance of other nations,-and of their necessity of federal union. Then he believes must begin "The parliament of man-the federation of the world."

"Then may come the true triumph of Christianity. "Meanwhile” says this interesting author, “it is pleasant to feel that the dispassionate contemplation of great masses of historical facts goes far toward confirming our faith in this ultimate triumph of good over evil. Our survey began with pictures of horrid slaughter and desolation; it ends with the picture of a world covered with cheerful households, blessed with a Sabbath of perpetual peace."

We can heartily commend this work to the thoughtful study of young Americans.

FAITH.

BY S. M. H. GARDNER.

Goforth, my soul, and seek for me

The meaning of that mystery Which heals our wounds like balm. What is this all-pervading sense, This certainty of recompense,

That crowns our years with calm?
O mortal! search not in the night,
Reserve thy inquiry;
Contentedly receive the light

Which heaven vouchsafest thee.
We cannot see the flower distil
The fragrance that we love;
We only know sweet odors fill
The circling air above.

"We cannot hear the dewdrop fall; And what man ever knows

The instant that the sunlight paints The petals of the rose?"

My soul, thou hast rebuked me well: Faith cannot with the senses dwell : Its source is something higher : There is no need that we shall know Each step that bringeth joy or woe: Let holier thoughts inspire!

S. R.

-Christian Register.

Honor to Christ as other painters do, Were but my skill as great as is the tender

Love that inspires me when his cross I view! "But no-'tis vain I toil and strive in sorrow; What man so scorns still less can he admire, My life's work is all valueless-to-morrow

I'll cast my ill wrought pictures on the fire." He raised his eyes, within his cell-O wonder! There stood a visitor-thorn-crowned was he, And a sweet voice the silence rent asunder

"I scorn no work that's done for love of me." And round the walls the paintings shone replendent With lights and colors to this world unknown, A perfect beauty, and a hue transcendent, That never yet on mortal canvas shone.

There is a meaning in the strange old story

Let none dare judge his brother's worth or need: The pure intent gives to the act its glory, The noblest purpose makes the grandest deed.

THE

-Home Journal.

ORTHODOX FRIENDS.

HE Western Friend, (Wilburite), for Tenth month, prints a letter from an unnamed American Friend, whom it vouches for as " of the highest standing," who deprecates the opening of closer relations by the "smaller bodies" with London Yearly Meeting, on the ground that the latter is "wholly committed to ideas and measures which no sound Friend could ever unite with." He says, in the course of his letter: "It is true that London Yearly Meeting seems disturbed by western extravagances-but the root is the same of nearly all its undertakings in my judgment. With these views I should regard it as a dangerous snare for London Yearly Meeting to take under its fostering care any of these meetings until it has itself entirely changed its course. It has a most undue influence and that has been a hurt to them and to meetings on this side of the Atlantic. Attempts have been made to give the annual epistle almost apostolic authority-the 'very language of the spirit to the churches,' and this has been a great hurt."

Another correspondent of the Western Friend writes from England, and gives an interesting view of the present control of London Yearly Meeting. He says:

"I unite with those who regret that we (London Yearly Meeting) sent epistles to that body in Canada who have left so much that is of the old quiet way.

But our good friend J. B. Braithwaite, who is personally a most excellent man, whom I love much, has a great weakness for numerical majorities; and he mainly, with two or three other Friends, has led London Yearly Meeting like a flock of sheep to support the majorities in the United States Yearly Meetings, apart from principle and practice. Some years ago, when B. C. Hobbs was over here, we nearly carried the London Yearly Meeting in favor of not recognizing the larger body in Western Yearly Meetingthat is, not sending an epistle to them as the yearly meeting. But just then, Bevan Braithwaite united with B. C. Hobbs, and completely turned the current of the yearly meeting in favor of the larger body in Western Yearly Meeting. He has done the same with Canada. He professes great sympathy for the smaller bodies-but he always goes with the majority or as an old proverb says-' he holds with the hare and runs with the hounds.' Now I really love Bevan; he is a good man. But this is his weakness. However he has a preponderating influence in London Yearly Meeting. John Bright jocularly calls him our 'Archbishop.' And so he is in a way. And I dare say, that at our coming conference on American epistles, and at next yearly meeting he and a few others will follow just as Allen Jay begged them to do. London Yearly Meeting will probably, virtually, back up the majorities in United States Yearly Meetings."

The amount of money which Western Yearly Meeting called for, at its recent session, to be raised in "stock" the coming year, was $4,800. The appropriations passed upon were as follows: Book and tract committee $400; Bible-school committee $150; Associated Indian committee $300; Indian missionary committee $600; temperance committee $75; Foreign Mission committee $1000; evangelistic, pastoral and church extension committee $500; education committee $50. Joseph R. Evans, Indianapolis, Indiana, was reäppointed treasurer.

Some want to do as little as possible all through life, wear a consumptive look spiritually, and finally bloom out in glory.

"10 A. M.-Met in joint session. Opened by prayer, and singing' All hail the power of Jesus' name.'

"Brother Lockridge, who had labored nine years in India as a Baptist missionary, was introduced to the meeting by Dr. L. D. Johnson.

"First-day. 8.30 A. M. Devotional meeting, in which the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested in large

measure.

"Near the close of this meeting about 170 testified to the saving power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse from all sin, and about 200 more arose to their feet as a silent testimony to the same truth."

Western Friend calls attention to and vehemently criticises a paragraph in a letter of A. M. Purdy, of New York, in the Christian Worker, describing North Carolina Yearly meeting. A. M. P. said: "Friends in a Yearly Meeting capacity are sound as to doctrine, and especially so as to the question of baptism and so-called 'sacrament;' yet, after the, Yearly Meeting, in visiting some meetings, and one quarterly meeting, I found that insidious phase of universalism, the 'inner light' in all, was held by some and taught by others, and even one 'minister' from another yearly meeting had been cautioning Friends in a public way against 'receiving and listening to those who were preaching Believe, believe, believe.' I consider it the most dangerous heresy that can be held, and any body of so-called Christians holding to it will soon run off into ranterism, spiritualism, etc. It entirely does away with the atonement, and makes man, with his imagination, his own savior."

D. B. Updegraff has issued a small volume, (108 pages; W. G. Hubbard & Co., Columbus, O., publishers), entitled "An Address on The Ordinances, and the Position of Friends Generally in Relation to Them." It is, in general, an argument supporting the validity and value of the "outward rites," and represents at length the view which D. B. U. has maintained in Ohio Yearly Meeting.

THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SO

together as husband and wife who were never married. Hundreds die from sheer want and neglect. The women are employed in unloading vessels at the wharf, and in the most menial servitude. There is great need of medical women to go among them.

The peculiar features of the Western" larger body " Yearly Meetings are shown by the reports of the proceedings given in the Christian Worker. Thus in Iowa Yearly Meeting:

"Seventh-day, Ninth month 11th, 8. A.,M. Devotional meeting opened by prayer and singing 'Nothing but the blood of Jesus.'

"Geo. H. Lupton sang 'Jesus is coming.'

"J. H. Douglas said: "The poor sinner is stronger than God. He can effectually resist the strivings of the Spirit. If any are unsaved, it is because they will not be saved.

CIETY.

of the most interesting and attractive exhibitions ever held, in its hall on Broad Street, Philadelphia. Such a collection of ferns as was displayed has never perhaps been shown in our city before.

The cut flowers embraced roses of the rarest varieties, and of exceptional beauty and fragrance. The petunias, verbenas, dahlias, and other varieties of cultivated flowering plants, should be seen to be appreciated. It would be difficult to enumerate all the beautiful specimens of foliage and flowering plants on exhibition.

The floral designs were elaborate, but in some of the pieces there seemed a misuse of the simple beauty that always belongs to flowers when in their native surroundings. The fruit display was small, but every variety was marked by points that called out the most favorable comments from the visitors. The