and by the activities of a lifetime, profoundly implica ted in the principles, the politics, and the events which he is now called upon to record. It is no disparagement to the illustrious author, while it is a strong commendation to his work, to say that he knows this whole subject somewhat as a father knows his child; he understands the great rebellion, for he helped to make it. In the list of illustrious names which he gives in his preface of men who may fairly be regarded as, in their several spheres, representative Americans, each of whom in some sense contributed to lay the train which we have seen fired by the secessionists in our day, he might well include his own, as one who, by his broad philosophic views, by his earnest and farreaching principles, his uncompromising devotion to the right, his earnest advocacy of freedom, justice, humanity, his powerful influence and his prolific pen, has contributed as much as any other American living or dead to the present gigantic conflict between freedom and slavery. For a work, then, written by so competent an author, we are not surprised to learn that the demand is such that the publishers have found it hitherto impossible to furnish the books promptly. The subscription list already numbers 50,000, while less than one-fourth part of the free States has yet been canvassed. Every student of his country's history will want this work, and as it is published by subscription, we can only recommend our readers to subscribe for it immediately and await their time. The mechanical execution of the work is excellent. It is printed in a good-sized type, on fine paper, and in a large, open page. It is illustrated by portraits on steel of generals, statesmen, and other eminent men; views of places of historic interest, maps, diagrams of battle-fields, naval actions, etc., from official sources. (2.) THE BIBLE AND MODERN THOUGHT. By Rev. T. R. Birks, M. A., Rector of Kelshall, Herts. From the Last London Edition. 12mo. Pp. 436. Cincinnati: Poe & Hitchcock. $1.75.-The design of the author in this work is well indicated in his Introduction. The battle of "the evidences" has again to be fought, and the battle-ground is largely in Great Britain. Mr. Birks has evidently well studied the skepticism of his own day and country, and has ably handled the questions that have come before him. This is a valuable and timely book; we could say much in its commendation; it is indeed the book that the minister and layman who have taken any interest in the live questions of modern skepticism will want to read. Mr. Birks does not evade the real points at issue, but enters fully and fairly into the subtile and delicate questions which lie back of all questions of mere historical credibility, and conceding to a considerable extent the honesty of modern inquiry, he candidly meets and discusses the real difficulties which the skeptic presents. What do we mean by a Divine revelation? What are the conditions on which its possibility, its probability, or its certainty depend? What need is there that such a revelation would be given to mankind? How far can miracles, prophecies, or moral excellence, separately or in combination, furnish decisive evidence of its reality? How may we infer the Divine authority of the Bible from the statement of the Bible itself, without a vicious circle in our reasoning? How are we to explain alleged contradictions between the language of Scripture and the results of antiquarian research, and the real or supposed discoveries of modern science? How can we reconcile the doctrine of Divine inspiration and the claim of the Bible to a supernatural origin? Such are the questions that are discussed in this excellent work. We bespeak for it a cordial reception in this country. (3.) THE LIFE AND WORK OF EARNEST MEN. By Rev. W. K. Tweedie, D. D., Author of "The Early Choice," etc. From the Last London Edition. 12mo. Pp. 456. Cincinnati: Poe & Hitchcock. This is a reprint of a book very popular in England, written by an author well known as a writer of excellent works for youth, and for the encouragement and inspiration of older persons. This is a book of this kind; it teaches by examples; it inspires by exhibiting our fellow-men to us, laboring, suffering, sacrificing, and succeeding. We read an essay somewhere attempting to prove that "genius is energy." This book is almost a demonstration of the theory. While we read these well-written sketches of men who made themselves struggling with all kinds of difficulties, and surmounteminent in various departments of life, and see them ing all kinds of obstacles, we feel that the common trait that runs through them all is energy, indomitable will, resistless perseverance. We feel that the secret of their success and greatness is their decision of character, their changeless determination of purpose, their promptness, energy, steadfastness. They determined to succeed, and they succeeded. Twenty five illustrious characters are presented to us in this work-heroes for the truth, philanthropists, patriots, men of science and the arts. While every youth in the land ought to read this book, it is not merely a book for youth-every true earnest man or woman that reads it will derive strength and inspiration from it. (4.) THE PREDICTIONS OF THE PROPHETS which have been most Wonderfully Fulfilled since the Commencement of the Christian Era, and Especially those Predictions Concerning the United States of America. By Rev. P. E. Royse Cincinnati: Published for the Author. 12mo. Pp. 593.-The title-page gives at large the subject of this book. The author, among other things, proposes to show that the fourth beast or flying eagle of John in the Apocalypse represents the United States; that the Southern Confederacy is also typified by the image of the two-horned beast; that the wars in this country as well as the wars of other nations are foretold; the war we are now in; the year it was to begin; when the main fighting of the war will be over, and when the troubles in which we are involved will finally end. If the author's conclusions are correct the millennial adventists must revise their theory, for Christ's second appearing is here deferred to a period beyond the year 2940. Whatever may be thought of our author's arguments, we can not help regarding the Revelation as a sealed book till its prophetic utterances disclose themselves in their own patent and unmistakable fulfill ment. (6.) A LATIN GRAMMAR FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. By Albert Harkness, Ph. D. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cincinnati: R. W. Carroll & Co. 12mo. 355 pp.-Since we first studied Adams's Latin Grammar, vast improvements have been made in text books for beginners, and a fair acquaintance with the language, which formerly required years, can now be acquired in a few months. Though it is no easy task to master the languages, that "double, double toil and trouble" of our fathers, and even of our school days, may be avoided; and with a handsomely-printed and well-arranged grammar like Dr. Harkness's, no schoolboy now need shed tears over the hard lesson. Had we used such a text-book as this in our college curriculum it would have saved us many a tedious hour of study and our professor many a dull hour of blundering recitation. (6.) CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE NORTH-WEST, Including the Moravian Missions in Ohio. By Samuel P. Hildreth, M. D. Cincinnati: Poe & Hitchcock, Publishers. 16mo. 240 pp. $1.-These contributions by Dr. Hildreth to pioneer history were written several years ago, and the manuscript given to Hon. Elisha Whittlesey. On the death of the latter, it came by bequest into the hands of T. B. Tait, of Ashtabula county, by whom it was forwarded to the Agents for publication. The sketches are written in an easy style, and are full of interesting passages descriptive of early life and manners. Dr. Hildreth was well known for his antiquarian researches and historical gleanings, and his name alone is a sufficient voucher for the good character of the book. (7.) BABBITTONIAN PENMANSHIP: A Complete System of the Science and Art of Penmanship, Including Ninety Lithographic Copies on Card-Board. By E. D. Babbitt, Principal of Miami Commercial College, Dayton, Ohio. Price for full set of instructions and plates, $1.-The author claims for his system. that it is not only more free and beautiful, but more brief and business-like than any other system; that it is more scientific in its arrangement; that the copies are self-teaching, giving such full explanations of the right or wrong methods of writing, on the back of each slip, as to be superior for making good penmen to most living teachers, at a cost of only $1; that it contains an elegant series of copies just suited to the style of ladies; that it contains a finer variety of business forms; and is admirably adapted for the use of schools. After a careful examination of the instruction and copies furnished by this system, we are not disposed to call in question the above high claims. It is fully equal, to say the least, to any system of penmanship we have seen, and we can recommend its use to schools, and especially to persons wishing to learn penmanship without a personal teacher. To be had only from agents and the publishers, Babbitt & Wilt, Miami Commercial College, Dayton, O. (8.) PROGRESSIVE LESSONS IN GREEK, Together with Notes and frequent References to the Grammars of Sophocles, Hadley, and Crosby: Also a Vocabulary and Epitome of Greek Grammar, for the Use of Beginners. By William B. Silber, A. M. 12mo. Pp. 79. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co. This epitome of Greek grammar contains all that is necessary for a beginner in his earlier endeav ors in the acquisition of the language, and all that we think ought to be presented to a beginner. The arrangement of the work such that a student with this little volume in his hand, may, by his own un (9.) WILLSON'S LARGER SPELLER. A Progressive Course of Lessons in Spelling, Arranged according to the Principles of Ortheopy and Grammar, with Exercises in Synonyms, for Reading, Spelling, and Writing, and a New System of Definitions. By Marcius Willson. New York: Harper & Brothers. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co. Price, 35 cents.-The public has long ago learned that Mr. Willson knows how to make schoolbooks, and that the Harpers know how to publish them. This speller will be no exception to the success of Mr. Willson's previous text books. (10.) NOT DEAD YET. A Novel. By J. C. Jeaffreson. Author of "Live it Down," "Olive Blake's Good Work," "Isabel; or, the Young Wife and the Old Love," etc. 8vo, double columns. Pp. 264. Muslin. $1.75. New York: Harper & Brothers. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co. (11.) PERIODICALS.-1. Chambers's Encyclopedia. A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge for the People. Republished in Numbers by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. For subscription and sale by Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati. Price, 30 cents per part. Parts 75 and 76-from Milan-Morse.-2. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine. American Edition. August, 1864. New York: Leonard Scott & Co.-3. The London Quarterly Review. American Edition. New York: L. Scott & Co. (12.) SERMONS, ETC.-1. A Sermon Preached by Request of the Pastor and Official Board of Wall-Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Jeffersonville, Ind., August 4, 1864. By Rev. R. Curran, M. D.-2. A Christian Nation's Ordeal. A Fast Day Sermon. By B. H. Nadal, D. D., Pastor of Wesley Chapel, Washington, D. C.- -3. Extracts from Reports of Superintendents of Freedmen. Compiled by Rev. Joseph War ren, D. D. Second Series. (13.) CATALOGUES.-1. Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, Rev. Lewis Davis, President, and six professors and teachers. Pupils, 171.- -2. Wallamet University, Salem, Oregon, T. M. Gatch, A. M., President, and six professors and teachers. Pupils, 264.3. Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Female College, Kent's Hill, Readfield, Henry P. Torsey, LL. D., President, and nine professors and teachers.-4. Fort Wayne College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rev. R. D. Robinson, A. M., President, and eight professors and teachers. Pupils, 193.-5. Pennington Seminary and Female Collegiate Institute, Pennington, New Jersey, Rev. D. C. Knowles, A. M.. Principal. Pupils, 207.6. Lasell Female Seminary, Auburndale, Massachusetts, Rev. Charles W. Cushing, A. M., Principal.-7. Wes leyan Female College, Wilmington, Delaware, Rev. John Wilson, A. M., President.- -8. Waterloo Academy, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Rev. A. M. Stephens, Principal. Students, 115. " Editor's Cablr. THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.-Soon after our present number shall reach our subscribers, many of our male readers will be called upon to exercise the right of freemen in making their choice by ballot of a 'Chief Magistrate of these United States," for the next four years. Never before in the history of our country was the making of that choice so important, and the responsibility involved in it so great as at the present time. We do not presume to dictate to our readers how they shall vote; but we do claim the privilege to urge upon them the solemn duty of voting in the fear of God, with a pure conscience, and in a spirit of true and honest loyalty to our Government. It is our privilege to exhort them to rise above all mere selfish, or personal, or partisan feelings, and, in view of the momentous issues that are at stake, to vote only that ticket which will stand the test before the bar of their own conscience, of their most careful and honest judgment, and, may we not say in times like these? that they will be willing to meet at the bar of God itself. The other, equally by its history, by the utterances of its press and its leaders, and by its carefully-worded platform, is committed to an effort for peace, "by a cessation of hostilities and an attempt at reconstruction." Its motto is, "Peace by compromise," and, as it has been stated by many of its leaders, "peace at any price." Both parties desire peace. Who does not? What heart is not imploring the God of peace to deliver our suffering land as speedily as possible from the horrors of war? They differ, then, not in the final aim, but in the means they propose to use for securing peace. The one aims at asserting the authority of the Government, maintaining the integrity of the Union, and compelling those who have taken up arms against the life of the nation, to lay down those arms and return to their allegiance. The other aims at procuring peace by stopping hostilities and offering liberal terms of compromise to our enemies. The distinctive characteristic of the two parties is at once indicated by the second resolution of their respective platforms. We produce them here. Republican platform, second reso 2. Resolved, That we approve of the determination of the Government of the United States not to compromise with rebels, or to offer any terms of peace except such as may be based upon an unconditional surrender of their hostility and a return to their just allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and that we call upon the Government to maintain this position and to prosecute the war with the utmost possible vigor to the complete suppression of the rebellion, in full reliance upon the sacrifices, the patriotism, the heroic valor, and the undying devotion of the American people to their country and its free institutions. Chicago platform, second resolution: There are great masses in our country easily led about by the plots and schemes of unprincipled poli-lution: ticians, who will vote for that party that can make the loudest noise, offer the largest inducements, and, however falsely and wickedly, can seem to make out the strongest case. These masses are neither able nor are they concerned to detect the falsehoods, sophistries, and misrepresentations practiced upon them by cunning and designing men. Their interest in the Government or the country is exceedingly small. They have but little at stake; they are not capable of appreciating the vast issues involved in the struggle in which we are engaged; they will act only under the impulse of popular excitement, of party spirit, of personal interest. Against these, and against the schemes of their unprincipled leaders, we must array the intelligence of the country; we must beseech the intelligent, the moral, the patriotic, to stop and think, and to study the great issues before us; for this once at least to decline being held by any mere party names or interests; to look through and beyond the schemes, and sophistries, and subterfuges, and refuges of lies, and all the partisan apparatus of politicians, and demagogues, and semi-traitors, and as wise, upright, patriotic citizens of the Republic, to vote for those men and measures which, in their honest judgment, will most wisely, and successfully, and happily bring us out of our calamities. The two great parties, with their candidates and platforms, are now before you. Between them you must choose. The distinguishing feature between the two great parties is of course found in their relation to the war for the nation's existence in which we are engaged. The one by its past history of nearly four years, by its very spirit and organization, and by its plain, outspoken platform, is committed to a vigorous prosecution of the war till the rebellion shall be crushed, and the rebels shall submit to the authority of the Government. Its motto is, "To conquer a peace." Resolved, That this convention does explicitly declare, as the sense of the American people, that after four years of failure to restore the Union by the experiment of war, during which, under the pretense of a military necessity, or war power higher than the Constitution, the Constitution itself has been disregarded in every part, and public liberty and private rights alike trodden down, and the material prosperity of the country essentially impaired, justice, humanity, liberty, and the public welfare demand that immediate efforts be made for a cessation of hostilities, with a view to an ultimate convention of all the States, or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest practicable moment peace may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union of the States. It is evident, then, the one means to conquer a peace; the other to purchase peace by concessions made to the enemy. If terms honorable to the Government, true to the great interests of the nation, true to the claims of humanity in all parts of the country, and such as will secure a permanent peace, can be secured without further shedding of blood, then every true patriot would say, Let us have peace on these terms. But if for the sake of a present delusive peace we must give up the dignity of our Government, must sue to rebels in arms for terms of adjustment, must yield the principles for which the war has been waged, must consign millions of our fellow-men to hopeless bondage, or must submit to the disruption of the Union and the establishment of an independent government by our side, antagonistic to every principle of our Republican life, then who is pusillanimous enough to say, Let us have peace on such terms? What kind of an honorable compromise do these rebels invite our Government to accept? Let us see. The Richmond Enquirer, the acknowledged official organ of the Southern Confederacy, enunciates plainly the kind of compromise which the Confederates might be induced to make with our Government. It is as follows: "Recognition by the enemy of the independence of the Confederate States. "Withdrawal of Yankee forces from every foot of Confederate ground, including Kentucky and Missouri. "Withdrawal of Yankee soldiers from Maryland till that State shall decide, by free vote, whether she. shall remain in the old Union, or ask admission into the Confederacy. "Consent on the part of the Federal Government to give up to the Confederacy its proportion of the navy as it stood at the time of secession, or to pay for the same. "Yield up all pretensions on the part of the Federal Government to that portion of the old Territories which lies west of the Confederate States. "An equitable settlement, on the basis of our absolute independence and equal rights, of all accounts of public debt and public lands and the advantages accruing from foreign treaties." We know from the best authority, that Mr. Davis, but a few weeks ago, absolutely and finally refused to listen to any proposal of peace, except on the ground of Southern independence; "and when I say Southern independence," he remarked, "I mean to include in our Confederacy, Maryland, all of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri-nothing less." When the painful truth was impressed upon the minds of the people that the rebellion must be subdued by war, they considered what they were doing. Slowly and reluctantly they admitted the conclusion. Every possible effort was made to adjust our difficulties without an appeal to arms. It was hard for a nation, so long accustomed to peace, to plunge into war, especially civil war. Nor did they do so till it was forced upon them by the determined rebels. Then, when the choice was between sundering our free institutions and even the nation itself, or defending them with the sword, there could be no hesitating at the alternative. The choice is still the same; who can falter? After three years of fierce conflict, such as the world never before witnessed, we believe that decision of the people remains unalterable. It can not be reversed. True, the cost of this fearful strife is great; but the cost of yielding it is greater still. With a vast slave despotism on our borders, with all its pride and arrogance flushed with victory, our own power crippled, our self-respect sacrificed, the enormous expenditure of the war wasted, the lives of our relatives thrown away for nothing, there would be but little left to preserve us from utter anarchy and dissolution. To yield the contest now, instead of peace, would be but the beginning of sor rows. Do you say no party proposes to accept peace on the basis of dissolution, but on the basis of compromise and reunion? We answer, this is a false and delusive issue. Compromise and reunion have only been spoken on one side. The rebels have never uttered such words. Not a line or intimation of any kind has ever come from them indicating their willingness to accept terms of reunion. But suppose it were otherwise; suppose they are willing to accept terms of compromise; what terms have we to offer? Are we ready to acknowledge the right of rebellion, State sovereignty, and the doctrine In this terrible rebellion, with which the American of secession? Are we ready to bid such terms as will nation is now contending, there is really but one great be ever after a premium for rebellion? Are we ready issue. The American nationality must be preserved in to yield the principle of slavery extension, and open its original integrity, or the independence of the South- up the vast Territories of the West to this very evil ern Confederacy must be acknowledged. The nation which has fomented discord, and let loose upon us the as a nation, and the citizens of the nation as citizens, hounds of war? Or are we so pusillanimous as to be stand face to face with this issue this day, as they stood willing to purchase peace and reunion by selling four more than three years ago, when the bloody flag of millions of helpless men, women, and children into perrebellion was hoisted over the ruins of Fort Sumter.petual slavery? What have we to offer as a bribe for If it was wrong to accept the issue then, it is wrong reunion but further guarantees for the enslavement of now. If the honest outbreak of genuine patriotism.negroes? Give us peace and reunion and we will give which then took up the issue forced upon us by trea- you any terms you ask for negroes-you may own son, and which moved then the hearts of men of all them, sell them, whip them, fill the Territories with political creeds and parties was right, it is right yet; them. Perhaps in this way we could purchase peace. and the issue made tenfold more obligatory upon us by But Mr. Davis plainly tells us "he is not fighting for the death and wounds of a hundred thousand of our slavery, but for independence." But suppose the price citizens who have fallen in the struggle for the nation's would be accepted, what American is willing to stoop life. At no time since the outbreak of the rebellion so low as, after three years of earnest and terrible war, have the rebel authorities hinted at peace, or an ar- over a hundred thousand graves of our fathers, sons, mistice, or at any thing else looking to a suspension of and brothers, to purchase peace by remanding to endhostilities, except on the basis of their separate exist- less bondage these millions of helpless creatures? ence as a national power. The issue remains the same, and we can have no peace with this treacherous and bloody rebellion till we conquer it, or till the nation itself is conquered by it. Demagogues, politicians, mercenary traders and cowards may attempt to hide and cover up the issue, but it can not be hidden or covered up. But there is no occasion for such dishonorable proceeding. There are indeed vicissitudes and reverses in the struggle. But the work goes on, steadily progressing toward the end. What important position have we gained that we do not retain? What State or Territory has been conquered which is not still held? Their coast is blockaded; the Mississippi is opened through its whole length; more than half of the orig inal domain of the rebellion is regained, and our cause is still advancing. May God give us patience, and perseverance, and patriotism, and manhood, to enable us cheerfully, earnestly, and unitedly to go forward in the sublime work, which involves such unspeakable interests to the whole race of man! OUR ENGRAVINGS.-We present to our readers this month two beautiful engravings. The first is "The Bird-Catchers," engraved by Mr. Wellstood from a painting by Bellows, one of our distinguished American artists. The original is a gem in the art of painting, and the engraver has succeeded well in transferring it to the steel plate. It is a mild, beautiful, suggestive picture. It will remind many of us of our younger days. We love these pictures that call us back to our youth. One has well said: When I am a man,' is the poetry of childhood; and when I was young,' is the poetry of age." Let us spare the young from sorrow as much as possible. Never dim the sunshine of hope and youth so as to leave them without even the memory of its joys. Our second picture is a study originally painted by Miss Margaret Gillies, a popular young artist of England, who has painted several similar ideal subjects that have met with much favor. The present picture is one of her best, and has been most successfully translated by Mr. Jones. The engraver has certainly done credit to himself and to the fair artist. The picture is an ideal representation of the Past and Future. The one figure presents to us a matron, quiet, solemn, with bowed head, seemingly lost in reverie, the one hand unconsciously resting on the shoulder of young Hope, the other listlessly hanging on her knee, and who seems indeed to be ... "Sighing, as through the shadowy past, She lives in the past. It is Memory, not apparently loaded with guilt or overwhelmed by sorrow; but peaceful, quiet Memory, that loves rather to dwell amidst the scenes and events of the long ago, than in the activities of the present or the hopes of the future. "Swift each passing year rolls on, Still contentment glads the mind; Then alike fond memory's powers The other beautiful figure is the Future, idealized in youthful hope. Doubtless she is the daughter of the quiet matron that represents the Past-Hope the daughter of the Past-the child of Memory. It is a beautiful thought. It reminds us of the saying of Rahel: "The future does not come from before to meet us, but comes streaming up from behind over our heads." It is Hope, young, beautiful Hope, peering out into the bright unknown, her confident trust almost bringing a smile to play upon her features. The future is always fairy-land to the young. Who of us does not remember when we felt inclined to sit down and imagine bright things in the future, rather than to fulfill the duties of the present, or call up the memories of the past? And to all of us, "Hope, heav'n-born cherub, still appears, Let us look not mournfully or regretfully over the past; it is irrevocable; let us cheerfully accept the duties of the present; this only is ours; and let us look forward trustingly into the unknown future-that is in the hands of God. DEATH OF A CONTRIBUTOR.-Rev. H. B. Collins, of the South-Eastern Indiana Conference, died September 4th. He will be recollected as the author of several critical and historical sketches recently printed in our pages. ARTICLES ACCEPTED. In acknowledging articles accepted we give no pledge to insert them at any particular time, but simply acknowledge their literary merit, and our desire to use them, and intention to do so as the necessities of the Repository will admit: The Sister's Inquiry; Seeking Comfort; A Struggling Heart; Twilight; The Morning Cometh; Little Laurine; Hope; Hidden Lives; Retrospection; After the Rain; What shall I Write; A Talk at Girls; Two Soldiers; Money and the Spending of It; The Mission of the Few; A Christmas Story; A Plea for Americanism; and English Radicalism. ARTICLES DECLINED.-Prose.-The Magic Cross; Rest; Plagiarism; The Imperishability of Thought—a good article; the author by practice and careful pruning will make a good writer-and, Let there be Light. Poetry. The Heart hath Sunlight and Shade; Earth's Sorrows-these two poems have considerable merit; we would use them if we were scarce of poetry-Midnight Musings do not measure-Gone to Rest; and Come Not. NAMELESS GRAVES.-A friend sends us the following neat little poem from the pen of another little twelveyear-old: Graves there are unmarked and nameless- By the struggle and the labor Of their life, to heaven's rest. Some one loved those silent sleepers; In a dark and lonely garret, Some fond mother sits and weeps F. L. B. |