FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. PHILADELPHIA, NINTH MONTH 21, 1867. life of God is under oppression in our hearts. | ted existence, or in oblivion of all others, before Therefore, those who have come, thinking to the throne of God. How vivid soever may be receive the bread of life, go away hungry, per- the emotions that spring from the heart in its haps to return no more. It is sometimes well sympathy with others, they can never come into to point to the open Fountain, saying, "There comparison with those that belong to its own. is water; dip for yourselves." But because ultimate welfare.-Isaac Taylor. the land is dry, and the water deep, and men have no buckets, therefore God sends his servants to draw for them, until they learn to draw for themselves. As God condescended to our low estate so far as to clothe his Son, who is our spiritual Bread, in a body of flesh, so he clothes bis love, wisdom and goodness in words, that men may receive truth through these external mediums or signs. The cry of the Psalmist is echoed by many souls, "Lord, be not silent unto me, lest if thou be silent unto me, I become like them that go down into the pit." Words are the mirrors of thought and feeling by which these are transmitted and enlarged. Therefore, while reasonably cautious not to be found sowing chaff, let every Christian consider it his duty to scatter the seeds of righteousness and truth in some way, and if he is not now able, make it his immediate business to find that ability by applying diligently for the grace of God, and laying in seeds of knowledge from the granary of the Scriptures, and not be hindered by custom, if he find good seed therein adapted to the present wants, from bringing it to the people in such form and measure as it has been preserved for our use. Arise, young men, and begin to serve the Lord your God. "As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west," so the Light of Christ is enlightening the Gentiles. Why are you yet slumbering? Arise, virgin souls, and trim your lamps, and if they are burning low, fill them quickly with the oil of grace, and take them from under your beds of ease and your sectarian measures, lest, when the Bridegroom comes, you be left weep ing without, and bewailing your folly in the darkness. EDWARD RYDER. Brewster's Station, N. Y., 8th. mo. 27, 1867. COMMUNION WITH GOD. Religion, or the devotional part of it, is nothing but communion of the soul with God; and therefore by its necessary condition is seclusive. There is no piety of a multitude. The worship of a congregation is the worship of so many hearts, each rendered a degree more fervent than otherwise by the power of sympathy. But if the elements of worship have not been brought together from the depths of individual spirits, they exist not at all. In all true worship, whether the scene be the place of public convocation or the closet, the soul brings its immortal substance, and its personal destiny, and its particular interests-its recollections, its hopes and its fears—yes, itself, as if it were the only crea "WE GLEAN FROM EVERY VINTAGE."This motto we deem appropriate to express the aim which the editors of this paper have ever kept in view, while seeking for aliment to satisfy the intellectual wants, and minister to the spiritual life of its readers. To cater for such a variety of tastes as must inevitably be among the large circle of our subscribers, requires no small degree of care and assiduous labor; and it is satisfactory to receive assurances that our sincere endeavors are appreciated. found Among the articles recently inserted in our paper, the selections from the discourses and letters of F. W. Robertson have elicited from many of our readers and correspondents testimonials of decided approbation. There are, however, we regret to learn, some exceptions. One Friend, writing to our publishing agent, expresses his disapprobation of resorting to the writings or opinions of a hireling ministry," in order to fill our columns. For our part, we rejoice when we have evidences that others, not of our fold, are being gradually drawn away from a dependence upon externals; and we believe, as this work goes on, it will lead to an acknowledgment of the Truth in its simplicity, and an abandonment of the ceremonial observances by which it is encumbered. We consider the system of a stipendiary ministry inconsistent with the precepts of Christ and the practice of the Apostles, and we believe it has been fraught with great injury to the Church throughout Christendom; but we must, in charity, admit that many who have been engaged in it have been sincere Christians, devoting their lives to the righteous cause, so far as it was opened to their minds. The progress of the soul in spiritual knowledge is usually gradual, and, when much encumbered by the prejudices of education, is almost invariably slow. An instructive ex ample of this is found in the recorded ex- those of George Fox in a letter "to friends of perience of John Simpson, a highly-valued the ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey," minister, who lived in the last century. He both of which appeared in the 25th number of was educated among the Presbyterians, and, the Intelligencer. He considers the former after he became a minister in our Society, he cautious and contracted, and that the latter retained for some time a belief in the rectitude urges to active and expansive measures for the of defensive war. "Through the gradual un-promulgation of Truth as professed by Friends. foldings of the Divine Light, his understand- We believe that the two cannot be justly coming at length became illuminated, and his judgment fully convinced that all carnal war fare, offensive and defensive, had its origin in the unsubdued lusts of the flesh, and was entirely opposite to the spirit of the gospel of Christ. Previous to this discovery, he had been careful not only to avoid speaking on the subject, but also to conform to the established discipline and testimonies of Friends in relation to wars and military requisitions. He was heard to remark that, from observation and experience, he was fully persuaded that, in the operations and discoveries of the divine principle in dedicated minds, every man did not begin to learn at the same point of the Christian alphabet; but, as faithful obedience was yielded to the arisings of Light, all would come into the fulness, and see eye to eye."* pared. Our early Friends were incited to labor with a zeal consequent upon the new era which had dawned upon them, through the faithfulness, apparently, of one who had himself been led into quiet fields and secret places, where he became impressed with the immutable truth, that Christianity consists in obedience to the revelations of Christ, "the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," and that those who receive it are given "power to become the sons of God." In that comparatively dark day, there were many hungering for the bread of life, being weary of a professional religion which yielded not the fruits of the spirit. To these, the voice of G. Fox and others, who were alike convinced of this vital principle, was like a living inspiration from the Fountain of Life. The novelty of men and It has always been the practice of writers women preaching without having been ordained in our religious Society, when advocating the by man, drew the people in crowds to listen to principles of Truth, to call to their aid appro- their teachings. Persecutions followed; and priate corroborating testimony from devout the blood of the martyrs enkindled a holy zeal authors of other persuasions. The writings of for the cause for which they suffered. After a Archbishop Fenelon have been widely circu-lapse of years a very different state of things lated and much approved by Friends; and exists. In some cases the language of the Robert Barclay, in his Apology, quotes freely from the writings of Calvin and other Protest ant ministers, to sustain some of the views presented in that standard work. In quoting from Calvin, we know that Barclay did not favor the doctrine of predestination, nor the system of giving to ministers a pecuniary sup-bers of that part of the Society the gospel export in reward for their services. prophets is doubtless applicable-" How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed!" Still, we believe there are many who are living in accordance with their highest perceptions of right. The origin of the New York Epistle was to share with the absent mem ercises which had flowed freely during the sit Let us rejoice in the progress of Truth, and tings of the Yearly Meeting, "which perchance embrace it wherever we find it. Communications from two correspondents will be found in the present number, both bearing upon the condition of our religious organization. E. R. contrasts the sentiments contained in the "Epistle from New York Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders," with * Janney's Hist. of Friends, iii., 405. might be as a brook by the way to cheer the drooping spirit and strengthen the weary trav eller on the way to Zion." They no doubt could also with George Fox desire that "all men should come to the knowledge of the Truth," and with him encourage all to walk in obedience to the knowledge received. We unite with our correspondent in the wish that faithfulness may be observed in the work as ERRATA. On p. 434, 2d column, 19th line from bottom, for "reviewing Truth," read "receiving Truth." On p. 435, 2d column, 16th line from bottom, for "A flute," read " A slate.” FIRST-DAY SCHOOLS. signed by our Heavenly Father, but as nothing can gather to Him that does not proceed from Him, they who minister have need to take heed that they "speak with authority and not as the scribes." We feel a concern that none may have their faith weakened in the ancient testimony to silent worship, nor weary of a form in consonance with a state of mental quiet, pre-previous to Tenth month 12th, an account of any figured in Scripture by the injunction, "Keep silence before me, O ye islands, and let the people renew their strength !" The delinquency referred to in the Essay over the signature of "T.H.S.," in relation to the attendance of our religious meetings, has occasioned deep regret not only in the minds of concerned Friends of the present day, but the history of the Society proves that since its origin this has been the case in every generation. It is an evidence, we believe, that the advantages to be derived from mingling in spirit in the worship which is acceptable to the Father of spirits, are not fully appreciated by our numbers generally. Too many may be like those formerly, who when "a certain man made a great supper and invited many," some had bought a piece of ground, some oxen, and some had married a wife-and all wished to be excused. The interest manifested by a number of the younger class of Friends in the meetings recently held for the purpose of mutual advancement in the knowledge of religious truths is an encouraging feature, and we hope it may extend, so as to lead both young and old to frequently consider those things which promote the spiritual health and prosperity of in dividuals and communities. In order to aid the Committee appointed at the First-day School Conference, on Seventh-day last, to prepare a suitable statement of the efforts of Friends to establish such schools, it is requested that Friends throughout the country will forward, First-day Schools which now are, or have been, in existence amongst Friends, giving, if possible, the number on roll, average attendance, the plan of conducting them, the difficulties they may have to encounter, and the title of such works as may be of an unobjectionable character for Friends' children. Address "First-day School Committee," No. 144 BRIENZ, Aug. 4, 1867. I have come to this place alone, having parted from my party for the week for the sake of a rest with another American Friend, who is passmile from the village of Brienz, in a valley ing a month or two in the Pension Bellevue, a which fronts the lake, and is secluded from the world as it were by three walls of mountains, whose green and rocky sides make a paradise for painters' eyes, especially as wandering clouds of mist-which adorn more than obscurecause perpetual changes of light and color: and then the distant mountains seen over the lake, with snow peaks coming and going, spiritualize the whole. This place is exceptional as a public house. Indeed it hardly is one. It is kept by a gentleman who has, till within a year or two, been a Professor of Chemistry in the University of his extensive and valuable laboratory. He inBerne, who had the misfortune to lose by a fire Several causes have operated to reduce the figures of the census of 1829, some of which, we trust, will, by the increase of love and Chris tian toleration, be avoided in the future. But we apprehend that nothing will conduce so much to strengthen the bonds of religious fellowship as an individual awakening to the bles sedness of a life of purity and holiness. By this congenial minds will be attracted, and invented the illumination of the Falls of Giessthe feeling of their dependence upon the great bach, which are close by Brienz, and had this Head of the Church for spiritual supplies, they fine estate here, with a house five or six times will at the time appointed for the gathering of larger than his family required, and so he takes the flocks be drawn together, in order to partakeparently carried on by the servants. I have not some men boarders. The establishment is opof the refreshing stream when the stone shall in three days yet seen him, though his wife rebe rolled away from the well's mouth. ceived me at the door with all the hospitality of manner and courtesy of a lady-which she is | Interlachen, with its splendid views of the -a cultivated and refined lady, one of four sis- Jungfrau. The Giessbach is also close by, and ters, the other three having removed from every night illuminated. It is a lovely place Berne with her, and living in a picturesque to bring children for the summer, because it is cottage between this house and the lake. The so secluded and healthy, and the neighborhood family lives entirely separate, and the boarders so innocent. Mrs. H. has a third son, about have their own table, which is served with the three years old, who plays about with the peasmost exact German etiquette, by the rosy- ant children, under the eye of his mother, for cheeked maids, in six or seven courses, every she seems to take care of them entirely herself, vegetable nearly being served separately, and sauntering about as he wanders at "his own the plates changed so that each one has six or sweet will;" and such devoted nursery work seven plates. The company is of the best kind becomes anything but a wearisome work in such -one family with four children among the a nursery, whose walls are but wooded mounguests and the conversation at dinner general. tains, and whose carpet such a beautiful green One of the sisters speaks English perfectly, and lawn, and its ornaments a little pond with gold has called on us. She is full of the love of lite- fishes,-a fountain in the midst that always rature, and I have found her well read in plays,-enclosures holding peacocks, golden Italian, Spanish, German and English litera-pheasants, and other lovely specimens of animal ture; very fond of our Longfellow, and making life. The garden is delightfully provided with fine discriminations in his writings. She had not heard of his translation of Dante. I settees and little summer houses in the pleasantest places, all having the air of a private The village is a mile off. I am so sorry that gentleman's house-which it was, and, I might my ear absolutely is impervious to the collo- almost say, is. I am so particular in all this quial French and German, because, if I could description for the sake of my American friends, understand them, I could go about among these who, for no more money than they spend in a Swiss peasants, who talk German and French trip to Sharon, or Saratoga, or Newport, at the both, and get acquainted with them. It is a present high cost of living, might come into the rare chance I have to see the heart of Switzer-heart of Switzerland and pass a summer. land. The people have not been demoralized by the neighborhood of a great hotel, and these really refined ladies give us a glimpse into a society which a mere traveller rarely enters into in Europe. My American friend came here with special introduction to them, and I had one from her; otherwise we should not have seen them at all, though Mrs. H. always receives everybody, and there is an appeal to her when any thing goes wrong. It is evident that she also superintends the sending up of the meals, as every thing is so exact. But the meals take a very long time, as the courses come on very deliberately four courses of fish, flesh and fowl, with a vegetable; then pudding; then fruit; then confections. For breakfast and supper we have tea, coffee or chocolate, -as we prefer; bread, butter, cheese and cold meat. Every thing is well cooked and abundant in quantity. The price is fixed at five francs a day, if you stay a week or month; seven francs a day for a more transient visit. The house is four stories high, and the three upper stories are for boarders-or at least the second and third; and there seems to be eight or ten on a story. All who are here are on the second story; but as the place becomes known by their continued residence, (this is the second year of the Pension only,) I think there is no doubt we will always be full; for, besides the beauty of the situation and views,-by means of the steamboat at Brienz,-there are charming excursions on the beautiful lakes of Brienz and Thun, possible at small expense, and visits to came from Paris by way of Fontainbleau, seeing that most magnificent of French palaces-in its interior; then by way of Pontarlier and Neufchatel to Lausanne, where we made a detour to go to Geneva for the sake of going to Chamouny, but another might go on from Lausanne to Berne, Newhaus and Brienz. A through ticket to Newhaus can be taken at Lausanne, which sets you across Lake Thun, than which there is none more beautiful in Switzerland in fine weather, when you can see the Jungfrau. At Newhaus an omnibus takes you to the Brienz steamboat, giving you a beautiful drive through the lake street of Interlachen, with its palatial houses. The Brienz steamboat carries you by the falls of the Giessbach, which are exquisitely beautiful; and you must take your seat on the right hand side of the boat, or take second class seats in the prow, which is the best as well as cheapest place. At the landing in Brienz, inquire for the carriage of Pension Bellevue, or an omnibus, if the carriage is not there, and it carries you for half a franc. Another beautiful way to come is through Basle from Paris, taking the train at the Strasbourg station at 7 o'clock in the morning; and the second class cars are perfectly comfortable, and a great deal the cheapest, (43 francs.) Going by the way of Berne, however, you have an hour and twenty minutes at Berne, and we improved the time by taking a carriage at the station and telling the driver to show us Berne. It is a grand old city with streets of fine houses, and its peculiarity is that all the side walks are covered with ar cades, the private houses no less than the shops | the best people, an assumption of superiority having an arcade for the front lower story. that is irritating, and more earnest and sinThe windows of the stories above have balconies, cere than we see in France. We asked them if which are provided with red cushions, so that it was not losing a great deal to leave Berne, the inhabitants may be in the open air. The and they said certainly it was in respect to sodriver carried us to a terrace, which is called ciety, "but we are merry in our own family, the Munster Platz, covered with shade trees and here there are also pleasures and charms and seats, and looking off to the line of snow- impossible to city life. We get books from clad Alps, which make the great charm of Berne, and occasionally visit there." The manBerne, but which that day were wholly obscured ners of the children (both of the family and the by the rain clouds. Looking down from the boarders) are beautiful,-in the house perfectly terrace you saw the Aar, over whose blue rush-gentle, and out doors merry; and there is no ing waters was one splendid arched bridge; and sign of truly reserved manners so infallible as opposite you saw another shaded common of well-bred children who are at the same time beautifully formed slopes, (for Berne lies both spontaneous and childlike. E. P. P. sides of the Aar.) After we had gazed a few minutes, we went back to our carriage, and the coachman took us across the bridge to this place, whence the prospect of the Aar below the bridge, with its great arches, and the city, was very fine. Here was a great enclosure, open to the sky, and people looking over its walls. We did the same, and saw a group of bears, old and young. The coachman told us that these bears were taken care of by the city, and that once a lady of Berne, on dying, left all her property to ensure the perpetual support of the city bears! But what was the meaning of it all he did not know. Our ladies here told us the legend. Berne was founded within a thousand years by a Duke of Zahringen, who having marked out its site on the eve of a hunting frolic, said that he would name the city from the first wild beast he killed--and he killed four bears. So he named the city The Bears, which is Berne, (Bären) We had seen on the Terrace common a bronze statue of the Duke of Zahringen, in middle age costume of a hunter, with four bears as large as life on the pedestal. The coachman carried us by the City Hall, which is very old, and they are just finishing a new highly ornamented stone front; also by an immense Federal Hall; and if we had had time, we should have alighted to survey its grand interior, and because it is consecrated by the legislation of the Canton, which is said to have been always especially wise. We alighted at the railroad station close by some shops filled with the Swiss wood sculpture, and spent a quarter of an hour looking at this beautiful work; and I did wish I could carry off a beautifully carved centre table, in which was set a picture of Berne and the snow-capped mountains, which, alas! we could not see au naturelle, on account of the misty weather. The ladies here say the society of Berne is highly cultivated and very delightful, and I am sure it must be, if they are specimens of it. They seem like our very rarest Boston people, but with a superior delicacy of grace, which is also not to be found in England, as my friend says, where there is, as far as she has seen, even For Friends' Intelligencer. To gather into stillness-and, professedly, seek Its losses and its gains, its ever-varying ways |