THE POPE ON REGICIDE. A letter from Rome throws a little more light upon the curious discussion which has for some time been going on in the Roman papers. The question in dispute is whether the Pope did really write an autograph letter to the King, to congratulate him on his providential escape. The fact appears that he wrote to Monsignor Sanfelice, requesting him to express the indignation he felt at the execrable attempt on the King's life. The Pope, however, could not even send this message without also expressing "the hope that his Majesty might at length recognize the danger of a policy which, by violating all divine and human laws, had so thoroughly demoralised the people." This is really nothing less than an apology for regicide. AUSTRIA. POLICE PERSECUTION OF PROTESTANTS. The Austrian Government has recently proclaimed "religious liberty" to its new subjects in Bosnia. It becomes therefore a matter of some interest to inquire, what is the meaning of this term as interpreted by the Government officials in one of the leading provinces of the Austrian empire? A correspondent of a contemporary furnishes the following information: "Rather more than a year ago a number of peasants belonging to a small village in one of the most important Austrian provinces seceded from the [Roman] Catholic Church. The systematic persecution in the way of fines and imprisonment to which they were subjected at the hands of the civil authorities led them to draw up a petition, which was forwarded to the Minister of Religion and Public Instruction at Vienna about four months ago, and from which I make the following extracts: 'Formerly we used to spend our leisure, and more especially our Sundays, in public-houses, in drinking, not seldom in drunkenness, in gambling, and immoral and seditious talk. Now, on the contrary, we spend a portion of our leisure time in reading the Bible, and in prayer. On Sunday, -, 1878, when the family of A. H. and two lodgers were assembled for morning family worship, the police appeared, and drove us out of the house, telling us that they were under orders to compel us to quit the room whenever they found us assembled for such a purpose. When we appealed to the district magistrate, entreating him to ascertain how our family worship was conducted, the only answer vouchsafed to us was that the authorities were perfectly aware that we did nothing wicked, but that we had no official permission, and a popular tumult might -, 1878, we were each compelled to pay a fine of 10f. (18s.) We are ready, if necessary, to lose all our property for conscience' sake, but we cannot bring ourselves to believe that such is his Imperial Majesty's will.' A few weeks later a second fine of 20fl. (£1 16s.) each was imposed, with the alternative of four days' imprisonment. Poverty compelled the choice of the latter alternative, and they were imprisoned four days. The police officers themselves were so ashamed at the glaring injustice of the whole proceeding, that they took their prisoners by a circuitous route, to avoid passing through the village, alleging as an explanation their desire to spare the prisoners' feelings. The petition from which I have quoted has not yet been answered; and, to judge from experience in similar cases, it is likely to remain unanswered for months, if not years, to come. Meanwhile, these unfortunate peasants are subject to constant and intolerable annoyance, and are always liable to fines and imprisonment; and this in an empire which in Bosnia proclaims religious liberty to all its subjects." PROTESTANTISM AT GRATZ. The American Board of Missions had, till lately, a mission at Gratz, consisting of Dr. Bissell and Mr. Clark. The latter, just before retiring from that place, thus wrote to the Board: "Last Sunday we held our last English service. You will be happily surprised to learn that the English meetings are to be continued. At the close of last Sunday's service Prof. (a Prussian, for twentyfive years a resident of London, now in Gratz) rose, and after thanking Dr. Bissell and myself for the meetings we have conducted, he invited all who were present to meet at his house on Sunday in the future, and he would, with God's help, conduct a Bible service for his family and all who wished to be present. Thus the Lord has been better to us than our fears. We knew that the German meetings would be con January 1, 1879.] tinued by Mr. but we had been not a little pained with the thought that the English meetings, which have been attended with such interest and profit, must now cease. The kind words which our friends spoke to us last Sabbath were very cheering, and the gratitude which they expressed was really touching. One gentleman (a graduate of an Austrian university) said, with deep emotion, as he bade us good-bye, 'I cannot tell you how much these meetings have helped me. I came to you broken down in spirit and hopeless, almost in despair. I have been [From our own Correspondent.] greatly comforted.' Another, for whom we have the best hope that he is soundly converted, taking us by the hand, was so overcome by his feelings that he could not utter a word. A very intelligent German lady, whom no storm has detained from the Sunday services, after expressing her gratitude with tearful emotion, added, 'We shall miss these meetings more than I can tell you. They have been an inestimable blessing to me. I have learned to prize Christ more, and I never kneel in prayer without thinking of "Christ our Life.""" GERMANY. Prussia, Dec. 18, 1878. THE EMPEROR. His Majesty returned to his capital on the 5th of this month, after the severe trial inflicted on him by the attempted assassination, and resumed the reins of government. Berlin has hardly ever shown so much enthusiasm as on that day, and the Sovereign must have felt how large is the amount of love which is cherished for him by his people. On Sunday, the 8th, thanksgiving services were held in all the churches of Prussia and most other German countries. In the replies to different deputations, our Emperor recognized his restoration as a blessing from God, and repeatedly said that there ought to be an increase of religious feeling in the people. To a deputation of schoolmasters he remarked that religion was more important than a great deal of knowledge. The Berlin churches were crowded on the day. THE ULTRAMONTANES have brought forward two Bills in this session of the Prussian Parliament-one to maintain those religious orders which have not yet been dissolved since the existence of the May Laws; the other to restore the articles of the Prussian Constitution which secured the independence of the Church. The first of these only has come on for discussion. Dr. Falk seized the opportunity to explain the present state of the matter. He said that the Government during the whole of the warfare with Rome had had peace in view. The moment had now arrived when peaceful Pope had assumed the government of the Church, but that the Ultramontanes did whatever they could to prevent an understanding. He also considered these Bills to be intended as a stumbling-block. The Government would not give up the May Laws, a but hoped that an understanding was possible without giving way in principle on either side. The negotiations with Rome evidently go on, but seem to progress slowly. THE ELECTION OF MR. SCHRAMM as pastor of St. James's Church, Berlin, has not been confirmed. As he did not deny that his views were those put forth in his books, the Consistory could but refuse the confirmation to a man who denies the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. The first case of took place at CREMATION Gotha a few days ago. The "Liberal clergy of the city all assisted, and the blessing was given as at other funerals. THE BERLIN CITY MISSION gains more friends every day. The two clergymen connected with this work in Berlin from time to time travel into the provinces. It is clear that the whole country should do something for the spiritual wants of Berlin. Auxiliary societies for the Berlin City Mission have therefore been formed in different parts of the country. The spiritual wants of Berlin are truly very great, especially in the large suburban parishes, which the working classes chiefly inhabit, and where the smill numb clergymen is totally insufficient. or two ago the practice began of administering the Lord's Supper after the evening services, and these evening Communions have been very well attended, especially by the poorer people. A year RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE IN AUSTRIA. I mentioned in my last letter that a Home Missionary Society exists in Austria. I can now inform you of another satisfactory fact from that country. Under the direction of Mr. Millard, the British and Foreign Bible Society's agent at Vienna, a conference has been held at Weltrus, near Prague. It was quite an Alliance Conference, as Christians of different denominations were present, holding fraternal intercourse in the unity of the Spirit. The object of these conferences, which are to be repeated, is to bring the living Christians in Austria into closer connection with each other, and mutually to advance their spiritual life. TWO TRULY EVANGELICAL NOBLEMEN have been called to their rest during this last month. The first is Count Harrash. He was born a Roman Catholic, but afterwards, from sincere conviction, joined the Protestant Church, and, though in a quiet way, has done much for the cause of Christ. The other was known in wider circles. Count Adalbert von der Reoke Volmerstein died in his 87th year. He was one of the first, even before Fliedner and Wichern, to undertake the great work of home missions, as well as deaconesses' institutions, of which those of Düsselthal and Craschnitz are labouring with manifest blessing from on high. TURKEY. THE NEW PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE. Some interesting accounts have been as far as the lofty rood-screen, a gigantic received of the enthronement of the new Greek Patriarch, Joachim III., at the ancient Greek church of the Thanar at Constantinople. The Patriarch was received first at the Palace by the Sultan, who is said to have welcomed him with great cordiality, even "rising to meet him half-way as he entered the apartment, and causing the grand cordon of the Order of Medjidié to be placed round his neck by Osman Pasha, who was in waiting." The Sultan also thanked the Patriarch for the attitude of the Greek population during the late war, expressing his firm determination to establish complete equality between all his subjects. "We ought to understand each other," so he is said to have expressed himself; "have we not a common enemy?" The Patriarch was next received by the Grand Vizier at the Ministry, whence the cortége proceeded to the church, accompanied by two aides-de-camp, representing the Sultan and Grand Vizier. The Patriarchs who form the Holy Synod rode in the Sultan's carriages, attended by a mounted escort, and looking, some with their long white, some with their jet-black beards, like figures from a Byzantine painting." The body of the church was at first occupied only by the Grand Council and some privileged persons; but when the Patriarch approached, the gates were thrown open, and the population quietly filled all parts, except a space reserved for the procession up the nave. The Greek clergy, "each holding three lighted tapers attached together at the middle," meet the Patriarch at the door, and walk backwards before him A MONTH OF PRAYER. piece of sculpture in wood separating the choir from the nave. The Patriarch, as he advances, "holds his left hand in that of the aide-de-camp of the Sultan; symbolising thus the power conceded by the conqueror to the Patriarch Gennadius when Byzantium was taken." At the entrance of the choir the aide-de-camp bows and retires, the Patriarch puts on his pontifical robes, and the Grand Logothète, who acts officially as intermediary in all transactions between the Porte and the Greek community, reads the official document which recognizes the validity of the election. The Senior Patriarch, Mgr. Cyzicus, then approaches, and, saluting Mgr. Joachim on the mouth, delivers to him the cross and crozier which constitute him Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek community. The Chief Pastor then bestows his blessing on the people, and the ceremony is at an end. The new Patriarch, who is forty-five years old, and described as being very dignified in person, is said to be a strong reformer, and bent on carrying out many reforms eventually,though disposed to wait at present for quieter times. But one reform in the domestic manners of his own household he is said at once to have introduced, and that is the suppression of the chibook, for which a simple cigarette is substituted, and which, with the never-failing coffee which attends it, is now offered to guests by an ordinary servant, instead of, as formerly, by a deacon-a practice which the Patriarch considered highly derogatory to the latter's office. AMERICA. A letter from Mrs. Moody, who writes from the city of Baltimore, is printed by the Christian, which adds: "In a brief note, Mr. Moody," writes Mrs. M., "thinks that at the end of the week people begin to consider more, and get more interested, when the Week of Prayer is closed. He thinks if that week could be followed by three more just like it, something might be effected. He thinks there is peculiar need of more prayer just now. The times in which we are living, the tumults and wars and pestilences, etc., certainly ought to arrest the minds of Christians, and call them to more prayer. Our own country is at present agitated, and not ours only, but all lands. The fearful pestilence we have had in the South, the financial embarrassments of so many, and the turbulent feeling of the poorer working classes, and those who will not work, both in our country and in Great Britain, with the increased desecration of the Sabbath, seem to call for more earnest prayer on the part of Christians. Mr. Moody suggested the idea at the Ministers' Meeting in Baltimore this week, and all the ministers united heartily in their endorsement of the suggestion. . . . Mr. Moody is not idle here. He studies six hours a day, but also has on most days two meetings." A circular is appended, embodying the suggestions mentioned above. It is signed by seventeen pastors of churches in Balti more. THE FRUITS OF BIBLE-BURNING. Moody in simply declaring the offers and promises of God's Word, the more absurd and presumptuous are those who fancy that their official position is enough to give force to declarations of absolution. CHURCH DISCIPLINE FOR DANCING. A curious Church case has just been tried in Georgia. A deacon of the Central Presbyterian Church of Atlanta was suspended for permitting dancing at his house. This sentence was confirmed by presbytery, and went up to Synod on appeal. The trial before Synod was a long and exciting one. The church is one of the largest and most important of its denomination in the South, and its pastor, Dr. Leftwich, is a very eminent and influential man. The trial occupied nearly a week. It was conducted by counsel on both sides. Dr. Leftwich, for the prosecution, made a speech thirteen and a-half hours in length. A large assembly was present throughout the whole trial, and when, at nearly twelve o'clock at night, the final vote was taken, resulting in an order to restore the deacon to his full privileges, by thirtyto fifteen, Dr. Leftwich instantly moved an appeal to the General Assembly. seven OBSERVANCE OF LENT. The Reformed Episcopal Church is making an effort to do away with the observance of Lent. Some clergymen met in Philadelphia recently and agreed to recommend the change on the ground "that the indulgence in worldly pleasure before and after Lent is increased by way of compensation for enforced abstention during the season of fasting, and upon the other ground that uniform moderation of life is the Church's great need, and that this may be better secured without Lenten observances than with them." Many years ago, in Clinton County, New York, a French Roman Catholic priest from Canada instigated a mob and burned a quantity of Bibles and Testaments in the French language, which had been cent into that county to supply the destitute among this class of the foreign population. At the anniversary of the Clinton County Bible Society, lately held in Plattsburgh, the agent of that society reported that he had recently visited the place where the Bible had been burned, and found on either side of the Catholic church French families, who requested him to rank them as Protestants, as they no longer had anything to do with the Catholic Church. The church itself has no longer a priest, nor this church had so run down that it was even occasional services. A Michigan correspondent of the Presbyterian tells this good story of a SPIRITED CHRISTIAN WOMAN, whose indomitable faith saved the church at Quincy, Illinois, in the Presbytery of Monroe: "Some years ago-not very many considered dead, and presbytery sent a committee to disband it. The committee arrived at Quincy and inquired for the church-there was none; for the elders there were none; for the deacons there were none; for the male members-there were none; for the female members-there was but one. They searched her out, and told her their business. She fired up, positively refused to be disbanded, and gave them a piece of her mind, somewhat as follows: This is a pretty piece of business 6 for presbytery. I am ashamed of it. You go back and tell presbytery I will not be disbanded, and that what it should do is to send a man here to preach and build up the church.' They reasoned and expostulated with her, but she was firm, and returned but one answer: 'I will not be disbanded.' They returned to presbytery and reported, and presbytery had the wisdom to see the hand of the Lord in it, and sent a man to preach. The results were a blessed revival of religion and the reorganization of the church. It is now a self-supporting church, with a settled pastor, and reports one hundred and thirty-three members." ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF NEW ENGLAND. Dr. H. M. Dexter, editor of the Congregationalist, is finding time for the completion of one of the most complete and thorough pieces of bibliography ever prepared. It has for its subject the early ecclesiastical history of New England, and is the fruit of long research, not only in this country, but in England, Holland, etc. Every page as it appears in proof is carefully revised for emendations or additions by learned librarians of Boston, Cambridge, Hartford, and the British Museum. New York Independent. THE EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM IN NEW MEXICO. A correspondent of the New York Observer writes from Cienequia, describing his travels in New Mexico. He says: "The twilight in that region is short, and soon we betook ourselves to sleeping quarters. A small, close room, paved and ceiled with mud, and furnished with two settees spread with heavy blankets, was shown us. After brief counsel the landlord was summoned and ordered to carry the settees into the open air. The clouds had scattered, the cool and fresh night wind was coming down from the mountains, and the stars were shining with a clearness that nothing but an altitude of seven thousand feet can give. In five minutes we were ready for sleep, but it would not come. We were tired enough, and the air was cool and warm and fresh enough; but sleep is sometimes capricious, not to say unreasonable, and even cruel. There we were waiting, almost praying, for it by the hour, but not a sign of relenting did we get. We fell to soliloquising and conversing upon the strange scenes we were meeting. What a people we were among, as foreign to us, as unassimilated with Americans as if they had been born in Central Turkey! Take that landlord for example, the best-educated man in his village of two hundred people; yet probably a printed page cannot be found in his house. His house is the best in town, but a Yankee family would die in it. . . . "Look at the schools. Follow the plazas down from Cienequia to Santa Fé. There may be a dozen of them, and there is scarcely a school in the whole. There is Plaza Alcalde, the shire town of the county; San Juan, a populous Indian pueblo; Santa Clara, a compact village, containing the oldest and most important church in the region-all of them destitute of all school privileges, except in the most rudimentary form. The most advanced school-book to be found in the best-furnished stores in the region was a primer. Friendliness to education is the boast of [Roman] Catholics, but how not to impart it to the masses is an art that they have diligently cultivated and fully mastered. The minds of Mexicans are not unsusceptible to instruction. On the contrary, not a few, frequently to be met with, show great native shrewdness, aptness to receive ideas, and abundant capacity. There is no cause, save in the training of the children, why, of all the people in the country, they possess the least knowledge, and if assigned their true place, would be put in the sixteenth rather than in the nineteenth century. "This poverty of schools was the fact that prompted our visit to the territory, and the special question we came to solve was whether the time had not come to plant in Santa Fé a Christian academy that should lend some aid in stemming the tide of ignorance and superstition. The American residents of the city, represented by the United States officials and leading bankers and merchants, welcomed our proposition, which was to establish an academy after the New England type, to be controlled by a self-perpetuating board of trustees, and, till the point of self-support could be reached, to receive its Principal from Colorado College, which has taken strong hold of the educational problem in the Rocky Mountain region. This proposal was, after careful examination, accepted. Articles of incorporation were signed and filled; a Board of Trustees, composed of Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, and Hebrews, was elected. Measures to provide a suitable building were at once taken, and it was stipulated that a competent teacher should be soon on the ground. These were the initiatory steps in the establishment of probably the first incorporated Protestant institution of learning in New Mexico, and it is confronted by pressing demands and golden opportunities. They who have been chiefly instrumental in projecting it, invoke for it the sympathy and prayers of all Christians." |