with shipping. We visited the church of St. caused an open brick building to be constructed Jacques-a venerable old building, exceedingly over the cabin, to protect it from the weather. rich in paintings and marble sculpture, and The village of Zaandam is sometimes called containing the tomb of Rubens and his family. the village of Windmills. It coutains about From B. we came on to Rotterdam, a strange-400, and extends four or five miles along looking town, in the singular combination of both sides of a caual, on one side of which the land and water, trees and shipping, mixed up houses are on the very brink of the water, and all through the streets, that were scarcely more on the other there is just room for a narrow numerous than the canals. Here, too, we saw carriage road. The cottages are all low and the bright brass milk vessels and some peculiar small, but as nice as can be imagined, and lookhead dresses, but the costumes generally were ing as though each had been freshly painted in less remarkable than we had expected to see. true Dutch style, green, yellow or blue, or all Rotterdam is too large a city, and frequented by combined, and many of them with a little gartoo many foreigners, to retain many of its pecu den well stocked with splendid tulips and lovely liar characteristics to this late period; and ex- clumps of old-fashioned cowslips and primcepting in the matter of cleanliness and in the roses. As we drove along this singular street, leaning of the houses over the streets, it re- where the weekly cleaning was in full tide of minded us strongly of some of the oldest parts operation, and where we saw rows of bright of our own quiet Philadelphia. This latter copper vessels and stacks of well-scoured peculiarity is very extraordinary, the eaves fre- wooden ware drying in the sun, according to quently projecting a foot or 18 inches over the time-honored customs, we frequently had ocfoundations, and is occasioned, as I am informed, casion to remark the striking similarity in little by the settling of the walls, which is owing to household ways and arrangements to the habits their resting entirely on piles. The houses of our own land, which of course have denevertheless look quite firm and substantial. scended from the early Knickerbocker ancestry The appearance in the streets is very sin of those who now occupy the soil. We made gular. Our ride in the cars from R. to Am- a visit to the interior of one of the windmills, sterdam, where we now are, was one all enjoyed which are all inhabited by the miller and his immensely, carrying us, as it did, by the side of family; and the order and neatness and comfort canals of all sorts and capacities, and over of the one we saw were truly remarkable, conground that only a few years ago was covered sidering the very contracted space that the with water. The country houses reminded us dwelling occupied. Half a dozen children and somewhat in their style of building of those we their parents had evidently been disturbed from have seen in central Pennsylvania, but their their mid-day meal by our entrance, but they excessive cleanliness and neatness were almost all looked as merry and happy as posible, as great a curiosty as the manner in which each and their bliss was made perfect by the disone was surrounded and intersected by canals tribution among them of a handful of pennies. greater or smaller, as the case demanded, and These mills are used for a variety of purposesare used as we Americans would use fences. pumping to drain the country, sawing wood, The houses are generally on the very brink of extracting linseed oil, &c., &c. the water, which the natives seem to consider as indispensable as the air they breathe. The number of windmills added another novel feature to this interesting ride. Near the city of Amsterdam, there is a little village called Brock, that has the name of being "the cleanest town in the world," and judging from what we heard of it, it is a novelty worth visiting; but, alas! we were told that just now the whole place 197 For Friends' Intelligencer. While travelling recently in the State of Illinois we visited the town of Bloomington, on the Central R. R., a place of fifteen thou sand inhabitants. This is one of the finest little cities in the west. Here is the State Normal School. The edifice is four stories high, 160 was upset with house-cleaning, and by 110 feet,-800 pupils-the future teachers we would only lose time if we made the of the West. The grounds are laid out with attempt to visit it; so, instead, we devoted remarkable taste, embracing a lawn of twentythe morning to an excursion to Zaandam, five acres, planted over with evergreen and where is the cabin occupied by Peter the forest trees. Great, while working there as a ship builder. In the suburbs of Bloomington there has reIt is a little frame cottage of two rooms. It cently been discovered a rich coal mine, which bears every mark of authenticity, and contains is of great value in the prairie land. The first several pictures of the great man and several car load was sent to the city by the company a members of his family, also the chair in which few days before we were there, and bought by he had so often sat. There has been no attempt a young man, who immediately sold it, and gave at "restoration," as in the case of Shakespeare's the proceeds to the city fund for aiding the house, but one of the kings of Holland has poor. The buyer sold it again, and put the proceeds into the treasury, and as "one candle may light a thousand if itself be tipped with fire," so this first act of humanity kindled a flame in other hearts, and the coal continued to change hands until the fund amounted to one thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars, when the coal itself was disbursed among the needy. J. A. D. Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 12th mo. 25, 1867. FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. PHILADELPHIA, FIRST MONTH 11, 1868. EXTENSION OF DIVINE FAVOR -The acknowledgment has been several times made through the medium of our columns, that in various localities throughout our borders, there has appeared to be a renewed extension or visitation of Divine Love, through which many minds, especially among the youth, have been brought to consider not only their own position, but the condition of the church in general. These are matters of the gravest importance, and are not to be lightly spoken of, lest our strength be expended in expression. But for those who are concerned for the promotion of Truth, they possess a vital interest, and are regarded with feelings of gratitude, and also of deep solicitude, that the manifestations of merciful favor may be appreciated and improved. "To-day, if ye would hear the word of the Lord, harden not your hearts." This "Word" within us, which calls us to watch over and perfect our own spirits, is an inspiration which no teaching can supercede or abolish. By obedience to its instructions, we become possessed of that vital force by which evil is overcome with good; and in this Christian attainment we not only love those who love us, but can pray for our enemies; and can clothe and feed them in the spirit which vaunteth not itself nor is puffed up. This appears to us to be the test and crowning point of everything which claims to be reformatory in its character. In the humble self-denying life which is its precursor, we become essentially the followers of Him who was "meek and lowly," and know of a truth that His "kingdom is not of this world," but is a sure refuge when the earth is made to quake with fear; for within this domain of love and of peace there is no fear, save the fear of wrong doing. The mind thus redeemed and devoted to God, endeavoring to renew the perfection of the image in which it was created, becomes not only lovely through its meekness and gentle virtues, but is made strong to suffer for the Truth; and this suffering is yet to be passed through for the body's sake, of which Christ is the head. We would say to our beloved young friends who have felt their spirits "burn" within them, who have had the fire of Divine Love rekindled upon the altar of the heart, look not abroad for the realization of your new-born hopes and desires, for the chief blessings of Heaven are to be found within. In proportion to your fidelity to the "law" which "is perfect," your faith will be increased in the sufficiency of that grace which is given to all in order for their salvation, and in the possession of this truth in its "uncorrupted simplicity, you will have the spring and nutriment of an ever-growing piety." DIED, at his residence in Washington Co., Pa., on the 31st of Twelfth month, 1866, ISAAC CLEAVER, in the 80th year of his age; a member of Westland Monthly Meeting. —————, on the 1st of Ninth month, 1867, in Flushing, DEBORAH, widow of the late Henry C. Bowron, in the 73d year of her age. She was a member of New New York Monthly Meeting for more than 40 years, universally beloved and respected. Her kind and and for a long time filled the station of Overseer, affectionate manner endeared her to many friends, and many who were comparatively strangers remember her cordial greeting, particularly the young. She was a true wife, a tender and loving mother, and faithful in performing every manifest duty. There is not a shadow of doubt but that her pure spirit has entered through the pearl gates, to be for ever at rest. on the Third of Ninth month, 1867, at her residence in Edgmont, Delaware County, Pa., ELIZABETH, widow of the late Benjamin Tomlinson, in the 89th year of her age-a member of Chester Monthly Meeting. on the 30th of Twelfth month, 1867, HANNAH, wife of John H. Cavender, aged 78 years; a member of the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Green St. near Salem, N. J., on the 13th of Twelfth month, 1867, ANDREW GRISCOM, in the 68th year of on First-day morning, the 27th of Tenth his age. month, 1867, SAMUEL SPEAKMAN, in the 52d year of his age; a member of Concord Monthly Meeting. on the 25th of Twelfth month, at the residence of G. W. Fitzwater, Philadelphia, MARY LuKENS, in her 86th year; late of Abington, Pa. on Sixth-day, the 3d of First mouth, 1868, after a lingering illness, SALLIE S., wife of Dr. Seth Pancoast, aged 36 years. on Seventh-day, the 4th of First month, 1868, ELIZA W., wife of David Knowles. on the morning of the 5th of First month, EDITH, wife of Jesse Shoemaker, in her 70th year. If you begin to apologize for what cannot be defended, you will end by defending what cannot be apologized for. to reflect whence these privileges have arisen. Stated Meeting on Fourth-day evening next, First J. M. ELLIS, ANNE COOPER, Clerks. FRIENDS' FUEL ASSOCIATION FOR THE POOR. Jos. M. TRUMAN, JR., Clerk. / FIRST-DAY SCHOOL QUESTION BOOK. members as bave manifested but little or no in- The Executive Committee on First-day Schools, having examined a series of Questions (prepared for her own use) by a First-day School Teacher, and believing that they will be very serviceable to First-general among us. The obligation to assemble. day Schools, have concluded to publish them in for worship, and for the purpose of presenting book form, at a moderate rate. To enable them to our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptado 80, funds will be needed, and the friends of the ble to God," is felt to be binding upon all cause are requested to forward their contributions to Christian professors, and having been made the Treasurer, Jos. Powell, 3120 Chestnut St., West sensible of its strengthening effects, we notice Philadelphia. with deep regret the absence from our meetings of some of our members, who have suffered themselves to be turned aside by untoward circumstances. We believe there is a loss sustained not only by such as absent themselves, but also by those who are regularly found in the performance of this "reasonable service:" the latter miss the animating influence of the presence of those upon whom they look as children of the same family, and for whose welfare they feel a deep interest; and the former, by not availing themselves of this source of spiritual strength, are deprived of the blessing which is often found even by the two or three who are gathered in the name of the Lord. We offer for the perusal of Friends beyond the limits of the meeting for which it was is sued, An Address to the Members of Green street Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia. Its application is so general that its usefulness may be increased by circulation. One from Friends of Nottingham Q. Meeting has been received, which we also publish. An Address of the Monthly Meeting of Friends, held at Green Street, Philadelphia, to its members. Dear Friends:-With a salutation of love we are concerned to address you, for the purpose of stirring up the pure mind by bringing into view the excellency of our fundamental principle, the Light of Christ in the conscience, and the testimonies issuing from it. Impressed, as we are, with a sense of the preserving influence of these testimonies, and their adaptation to the affairs of every-day life, we regard with concern any evidence of a want of appreciation of them by our members. We would that all, and especially our young friends who have a birthright, might remember the advantages which they possess as members of the Society of Friends. They are relieved from much of a superficial and ceremonial character, which has a tendency to fetter and bind the spirit; and their exemption from oaths, and the leniency shown in reference to military services, &c., as conscientious members of our religious organization, should cause them For those in the middle or younger walks of life, who occupy the position of heads of families, we feel an earnest solicitude. May these be stimulated to assemble with their friends under a sense of the obligation thereof, and haply, like some formerly who went forth to meet with the Divine Master, they may receive the salutation, "Thy faith hath made thee whole;" and, being strengthened, they may, by precept and example, encourage the children to gather with them. We, more than any other people, if we are consistent with our profession, are independent of outward ministrations,-our faith leading us to regard the inward Teacher as the essential source of spiritual instruction, we may, when brought in contact with that which does not meet the Witness for Truth in our minds, retire to the inner sanctuary and there await the arising of life, whereby we shall be enabled to mingle in spirit with the Living Seed, and to the Church. But the way not appearing quite know of the doctrine whether it be of God or clear at present to visit Friends in their fami of man, and also realize that they "who wait lies, and feeling that there is something more upon the Lord shall renew their strength." | due from us, we take this method to convey to Through this medium, a qualification will be each of you our sincere desire to call your atreceived to fill the places made vacant by the tention and ours to the great importance of a removal of those who "have borne the burden self examination, to see whether we are indeed and heat of the day," and to support the testi- living "the life of the righteous" at our homes, mony loved and upheld by them. and in the every day walks of life; whether we are concerned to assemble ourselves together to worship our Heavenly Father, and to render thanks to Him for the many blessings which we receive at His hands. If the eye is turned outward, we shall doubtless discover at times that even those who should "adorn the doctrine" which they preach, give evidence of holding their treasure in earthen vessels; but, dear friends, shall we falter because of the failings of others? Rather let us look with charity upon a brother who may be overtaken with a fault, and consider ourselves lest we also be tempted. In watching the footsteps of others, and thereby neglecting our own, as much weakness has, perhaps, ensued as from any other cause. We wish not to be apologists for wrong doing, but would encourage all to individual faithfulness; so that, instead of becoming faint hearted at the remissness of others, we may be ready to prove our own works and render aid in checking everything that has a tendency to weaken the body or destroy its vitality. We have need, each one, to be upon the watch, that the enemy approach not by an unguarded path, or be allowed to sow tares. The absence from many of our meetings of a large number of the younger portion of society, has been to us a source of sorrow and regret; for if our Society is to be continued, and the sublime testimonies, which we believe were given us as a people to bear before the world, are to be supported and upheld, it is to them we must look for a succession of standard bearers. To you, then, dear parents, and especially the precious mothers, who exert so powerful an influence over your tender offspring, we would recommend a diligent and earnest watch unto prayer, for wisdom and ability to guard them from the many snares that await them on every hand, to lead them away from the path of virtue and peace. And oh, that you, dear young people, would It is by bearing up one another's hands in pause in your career, and diligently ponder the promotion of truth, by endeavoring to your ways,-may you realize in your inmost strengthen each other to walk worthy the voca- hearts, that you are not only beings of the tion wherewith we are called, that we are to re- present, but of the future,-that your kind alize the advantages resulting from an associated Heavenly Father is inviting you to come up body. We would encourage every right effort higher, that he is calling you, with a high for the mingling of the old and young, be- and holy calling, to lay aside the corrupting lieving much good may be effected by it. The amusements that "war against the soul"-and aged, by manifesting interest and love for the that "perish with the using"-and buy of Him youth, will be more likely to retain their mental gold tried in the fire that you may be rich— vigor and cast around them the beauty of a and white garments wherewith you may be green old age, while those who are as the open-clothed, so that when time to you shall be no. ing buds in the spring-time of life will, under the shelter of the older branches, be protected from the extremes of heat and cold, and together they may form a living emblem of a fruitful tree in the garden of the Lord. On behalf of the Meeting, JACOB M. ELLIS, ELIZABETH W. LIPPINCOTT, Clerks. Philadelphia, Third month 28th, 1867. THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY NOTTINGHAM QUARTERLY MEETING, in the Fifth month last, to visit in Gospel love the subordinate meetings, and also Friends in their families, (if way should open,) having performed that ser vice so far as to visit all the meetings, are encouraged, believing that our labors thus far have been acknowledged by the Great Head of more, you may attain to a mansion in that building of God, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Dear friends, we desire not to trouble you with many words, but we feel deeply concerned that each of us, younger and older, may take time to reflect whilst we are favored with the opportunity, and interrogate ourselves to know whether we feel prepared to be called to another state of being, even though that call should come to-morrow! remembering that unless we feel a foretaste of Heaven whilst in the body, we shall not be prepared to enjoy that blessed state hereafter. Finally, dear friends, let us encourage and stimulate each other to brighten the chain of love and good-will amongst us; endeavor to live right at home, so that we shall be enabled to attend our meetings in such a spirit as shall advance our highest interests, and promote the very carpet upon which on the morning of the 10th mo. 30th, 1867. DAVID G. McCoy, FIRST DAY SCHOOLS. At the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 27th of Twelfth month, three interest ing letters from Friends in Ohio and Indiana were read, showing the interest there was increasing. A Conference had been held within the limits of Whitewater Quarter, Ind., and it was proposed to hold such a meeting monthly. The Committee on Books reported the following as being unobjectionable: "It Isn't Right," price $1.00; Jeanie's New Thoughts," 30 cts.; "Answered Prayer," 25 cts. ; "Allen Lucas, the self-made Man," 50 cts.; "The Lucy Books," 6 vols., $3.50. If Friends at a distance desire to purchase any of these works in this or the previous list, the Committee will attend to it for them. A set of Questions prepared for her own class by a teacher in Baltimore having been reported on favorably, the Committee was authorized to have them published. A Com mittce to make a selection of texts for the use of children was also named. The time for holding "The First-day School Association of Friends within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting," was fixed for Sixth day afternoon, 4th mo. 10th, 1868, at 3 o'clock, P. M., at Race street Meeting House. It is hoped that Friends interested in this movement will forward contributions to the Treasurer, Jos. Powell, 3120 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. No. 13. MUNICH, Nov. 2d, 1867. I visited Wallenstein's palace in Prague; it is still occupied by the Wallenstein family, but his chapel, banqueting hall, a curious artificial grotto in the basement, and the horse which he rode at the battle of Lutzen, (stuffed and looking as if alive,) are shown to visitors. The horse is very small, but beautifully formed. The chapel is a high, narrow, circular room, covered with frescoes; in the gallery was the Emperor would have had him regularly tried The cathedral contains a royal mausoleum From Prague we went on to Schwandorf, where is Wallenstein's summer palace, but it was so far from the station that we could not see it. We passed the night in the Hotel de Poste, near the railroad, and had time in the morning to go to the village church, in which we saw a mummified body enclosed in a glass case. It did not look very repulsive; the face, |