MUSICAL MICE. The editor of the Portland State of Maine states that about three weeks ago the night compositors of that office were disturbed by certain musical sounds which seemed to come from the walls or from behind their cases. Sometimes it would be heard in a low murmuring tone one side of the room, and be responded to in a lively chirrup from the other. The compositors soon began to like the music, which resembled somewhat the softer notes of the canary bird, with a prolonged warble at the close, and learned to walk softly about the room, so that the performance should not be interrupted. One night the serenaders appeared before them in the shape of two small mice. They were kindly greeted, and condescended to partake of the crackers and cheese which were offered them. They became on each succeeding night more familiar and more musical, and now every night "they sit and sing, and cheer the hearts of those who tarry at the case, or work upon the forms, after the great mass of the city's population are asleep." They seem to delight in watching the foreman as he makes up his form, and become silent only when the lights are put out for the night. The mice are apparently of the common species, their color an ashy brown, inclining if anything to a lighter shade than ordinary, with short, plump bodies and delicate limbs. And the martyr of wealth, rendered poor by his store, Have worshipp'd the holy I AM! Which shall peal through the confines of space, Of "Holy! thrice holy! and praise without end Unto God for the gift of His GRACE ;And praise to THE LAMB, who for mortals was slain, Yet liveth for ever and ever to reign!" In that heavenly and heart-thrilling song, O Woolman! can silence be thine? When marvellous wonders were rife, Or wilt thou not join with the jubilant throng In Hosannas to glory divine? Even such the fruition faith whispers for thee, In olden time, when the doctrine of metem-Nor happier, nor holier could recompense be. psychosis was in vogue, it would have been be- For, since those miraculous days lieved that these little mice had at some previous day existed on earth in the form of a Jenny Lind and Otto Goldschmidt, and that so deeply was the love of art implanted in their souls that they retained, even after death and transformation, a portion of that talent which had delighted men in other days. A MEMORIAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN. BY B. BARTON. There is glory to me in thy name, Meek follower of Bethlehem's Child! More touching by far than the splendors of fame, With which the vain world is beguil'd:'Tis the glory of goodness, the praise of the just, Which outlives even death, and is fragrant in dust. The warrior may win for his brow The proud victor chaplet of bay; But innocent blood sheds a stain on the bough, Success on the bard may bestow The myrtle-wreath, meed of his lays, And brightly and gaily that trophy may glow In the sunshine of popular praise: But if virtue have turn'd from his page with disgust, Soon, soon shall the trophy surrender its trust. A king in his crown may rejoice, And rank of its titles be proud; The singer exult in the charms of his voice, When the blind gazed with joy, and the dumb sang with praise, I And the dead were restored unto life know not of one whom my heart could allow More worthy the name of Apostle than thou. Though not upon thee were outpour’d The gifts of that primitive age, When wonders and signs spake the power of THE LORD, And baffled priest, monarch, and sage In the heart's secret temple an altar was thine, Not to outward and visible sense Did that priesthood or altar appeal ; Yet pure were the oracles utter'd from thence, A seal which their spirits who felt them confest, His glory alone was thy aim, His kingdom's advance was thy scope; And the cross which He bore, with its suffering and shame, The object and end of thy hope; By faith in this hope was thy spirit sustain'd; Through that cross was the crown of apostleship gain'd. Then well may I think of thy name, Meek follower of Bethlehem's Child! As enwreath'd with a glory more touching than fame, By which the vain world is beguil’d; That glory by Christ and his gospel made known, Which proclaims not thy praise, but thy Master's alone! SUMMARY OF NEWS. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.-The British steamship Africa arrived at New York on the 28th ult., and the Canada, at Halifax, on the 29th, bringing Liverpool dates to the 11th and 18th ult. respectively; Both flour and cotton were dull in the Liverpool market, and declining in prices. New propositions for peace had been made by the Russian Emperor, but they were deemed in admissible by the Allies. The Earl of Clarendon had notified the British merchants at Riga, that in the event of war, all Russian produce will be liable to capture and confiscation, even if it be the bona fide property of British subjects domiciled in Russia, and be shipped in neutral vessels. The first division of the British fleet destined for the Baltic, sailed for its destination on the 11th ult., under the command of Vice Admiral Sir Charles Napier. There had been no further fighting in the valley of the Danube. It was reported that the Russians were withdrawing their forces from Kalafat, and were marching towards the Schyl. The hospitals in Wallachia for the Russian troops are represented as being excessively crowded. The troops have suffered greatly from the hardships incurred in their long marches through a wretched country, without shelter, fire or food, and the most gloomy apprehensions were entertained on the prospect of the approaching spring, at all times dangerous to new comers, but now rendered doubly fearful by famine. Energetic measures for the suppression of the insurrection of the Greeks have been adopted both by the Turkish government and the Allies. FRANCE.-A bill authorizing the loan of 250, 000,000 francs has been unanimously voted by the Legislature. It is said that should circumstances require it, the French force in the East will exceed 100,000 men. ITALY.-Advices to the 7th ult. mention that the Austrians were evacuating the military hospitals, and transporting their sick to the provinces beyond the Po. Disturbances had taken place at Fabriano, a small town near Ancona, 400 or 500 peasants having entered the town and plundered the bakers' and other shops. Several companies of Austrian soldiers repressed the disorder. A number of the peasants were arrested, and it was believed some of them would be shot. On the railroad between Bologna and Modena, also, a disturbance took place among the workmen, but was suppressed by the Austrians. CHINA. The reports from China are contradictory. One account states that Tien-tsien (the seaport of Pekin) was in the possession of the insurgents, and that Pekin was closely invested; while another account says that the insurgents were making little progress, and that Shanghai would probably soon be retaken by the Imperialists. RIO JANEIRO.-Accounts from Rio Janeiro state that the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs had issued a circular to the diplomatic body, in which it was declared that the empire of Brazil, in view based on the convention of 1828, and the treaties of the condition of the Oriental Republic, and of 1852, was determined to interfere in the affairs of that Republic. It was said that Montevideo would be occupied by 4,000 men. BUENOS AYRES.-Accounts of 1st month 29th, state that Urquisas has been re-elected and reinstalled as Governor of the Province of Entre Rios. From this it would appear probable that he intended to decline the Presidency of the Republic. THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTEVIDEO has published a decree, opening all the navigable rivers of that republic to the vessels and commerce of all nations, subject only to the same policy and custom-house regulations as the national vessels of Montevideo. MEXICO.-Santa Anna has despatched 2,000 troops to quell the insurrection under Alvarez, and has closed the port of Acapulco. PERU.-Gen. Castilla, at Arequipa, had proclaimed himself chief of the revolutionary party. He had been compelled to fly from Huancayo, after one successful battle near that point. Government troops, under Gen. Moran and Gen. Pazel were within a few leagues of Arequipa, which is said to be well defended by Carrisles. The Bolivian army were encamped at a short distance from the borders in their own territory. Yellow fever was very fatal in Callao. ISTHMUS OF PANAMA.-The steamship Ohio, from Aspinwall, arrived at New York on the 28th ult. She left Aspinwall on the 18th ult. had been sent by the government of New GranaThe Isthmus was perfectly healthy. An agent da to adjust permanently all matters in dispute between the Railroad Company and the Government, including the settlement of capitation and other taxes. Guatemala continued in a very disturbed state, in consequence of the war with Honduras. DOMESTIC.-CONGRESS.-Little business of general interest was transacted by either House of Congress during the past week. various subjects were presented. A large number of petitions and memorials on PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE.-In the Senate, the bill making an appropriation for the school for idiotic children, at Germantown, was passed on the 28th ult. On the 29th, the House bill to prohibit the traffic in intoxicating liquors was taken up, and, after various motions to amend, the bill which had already passed the Senate, was substituted and the bill then passed finally-yeas 21, nays 12. The bill amending the School law was also passed. On the 31st a joint resolution was adopted by the Senate, providing for a final adjournment of the Legislature on the 18th inst. In the House of Representatives, a number of bills of no general interest were passed. The bill for the sale of the public works of the State was discussed for a portion of each day, and is still pending. FRIENDS' REVIEW. VOL. VII. A RELIGIOUS, LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS JOURNAL. PHILADELPHIA, FOURTH MONTII 15, 1854. EDITED BY ENOCH LEWIS. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY SAMUEL RHOADS, Price two dollars per annum, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE, or six copies for ten dollars. Postage on this paper, when paid quarterly or yearly in advance, 13 cents per annum in Pennsylvania and 26 per annum in other States. cents CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. Under the humbling dispensations of the Father of mercies, I have felt an inward labor for the good of my fellow creatures, and a concern that the holy Spirit, which alone can restore mankind to a state of true harmony, may with singleness of heart be waited for and followed. I trust there are many under that visitation, which, if faithfully attended to, will make them quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord, and qualify them with firmness to be true patterns of the Christian life, who, in living and walking, may hold forth an invitation to others, to come out of the entanglements of the spirit of this world. That which I feel first to express is, a care for those who are in circumstances which appear difficult, with respect to supporting their families in a way answerable to pure wisdom, that they may not be discouraged, but remember that in humbly obeying the leading of Christ, he owneth us as his friends; "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you;" and to be a friend to Christ, is to be united to him who has power in heaven and in earth; and though a woman may forget her sucking child, yet will he not forget his faithful ones. all No. 31. over the minds of people convinced of the leadings of this holy Leader, and obstructs the coming of Christ on earth as it is in heaven. If we indulge a desire to imitate our neighbors in those things which harmonize not with the true Christian walking, these entanglements may hold fast to us, and some who in an awakening time, feel tender scruples with respect to their manner of life, may look on the example of others more noted in the church, who yet may not be refined from every degree of dross; and by looking on these examples, and desiring to support their families in a way pleasant to the natural mind, there may be danger of the worldly wisdom gaining strength in them, and of their departing from that pure feeling of Truth, which if faithfully attended to, would teach contentment in the Divine will, even in a very low estate. One formerly speaking on the profitableness of true humility, saith, " He that troubles not himself with anxious thoughts for more than is necessary, lives little less than the life of angels; whilst by a mind content with little, he imitates their want of nothing." (Cave's Primitive Christianity, page 31.) "It is not enough," says Tertullian, "that a Christian be chaste and modest, but he must appear to be so: a virtue of which he should have so great a store, that it should flow from his mind upon his habit, and break from the retirements of his conscience, into the superficies of his life." (Same book, page 43.) Though the change from day to night, is by a motion so gradual as scarcely to be perceived, yet when night is come we behold it very different from the day; and thus as people become wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight, customs rise up from the spirit of this world, and spread by little and little, until a departure from the simplicity that there is in Christ, becomes as distinguishable as light from darkness, to such who are crucified to the world. The condition of many who dwell in cities has often affected me with a brotherly sympathy, attended with a desire that resignation may be labored for; and where the holy Leader directeth Our holy Shepherd, to encourage his flock in to a country life or some change of employ, he firmness and perseverance, reminds them of his may be faithfully followed; for under the refin- love for them; "As the Father hath loved me, ing hand of the Lord, I have seen that the in-so have I loved you; continue ye in my love;" habitants of some cities, are greatly increased and in another place he graciously points out the through some branches of business which his danger of departing therefrom, by going into unholy spirit doth not lead into, and that being en-suitable employments. This he represents in tangled in these things, tends to bring a cloud the similitude of offence from that useful active member, the hand; and to fix the instruction the deeper, he names the right hand; "If thy right hand offend thee cut it off and cast it from thee:" If thou feelest offence in thy employment, humbly follow him who leads into all Truth, and is a strong and faithful friend to those who are resigned to him. Again, he points out those things which appearing pleasant to the natural mind, are not best for us, in the similitude of offence from the eye; "If thy right eye offend thee pluck it out, and cast it from thee." To pluck out the eye, or cut off the hand, is attended with sharp pain; and how precious is the instruction which our Redeemer thus opens to us, that we may not faint under the most painful trials, but put our trust in him, even in him who sent an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness; who fed a multitude with a few barley loaves, and is now as attentive to the wants of the people as ever. The prophet Isaiah represents the unrighteous doings of the Israelites towards the poor, as the fruits of an effeminate life; "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them; what mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God." Then he mentions the haughtiness of the daughters of Sion, and enumerates many ornaments as instances of their vanity, to uphold which, the poor were so hardly dealt with, that he sets forth their poverty, their leanness and inability to help themselves, in the similitude of a man maimed by violence or "beaten to pieces," and forced to endure the painful operation of having his face gradually worn away in the manner of grinding. I may here add, that at times, when I have felt true love open in my heart towards my fellow-creatures, and been engaged in weighty conversation in the cause of righteousness, the instructions I have received under these exercises, in regard to the true use of the outward gifts of God, have made deep and lasting impressions on my mind. of many people to ascend to heaven against their oppressors, and that we may see the true harmony restored. Behold "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The nature of this unity is thus opened by the apostle; "If we walk in the light, as He [God] is in the light, we shall have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." The land may be polluted with innocent blood, which like the blood of Abel may cry to the Almighty; but those who "walk in the light as Christ is in the light," they know the "Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." Walking is a phrase frequently used in Scripture to represent our journey through life, and appears to comprehend the various affairs and transactions properly relating to our being in this world. Christ being the light dwells always in the light; and if our walking be thus, and in every affair and concern we faithfully follow this divine Leader, he preserves from giving just cause for any to quarrel with us; and where this foundation is laid and mutually kept to, by families conversant with each other, the way is open for those comforts in society, which our heavenly Father intends as a part of our happiness in this world; and we may experience the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity. But where ways of living take place which tend to oppression, and in the pursuit of wealth, people do that to others which they know would not be acceptable to themselves, either in exercising an absolute power over them, or otherwise laying on them inequitable burdens; here a fear lest that measure should be meted to them, which they have measured to others, incites a care to support that by craft and cunning devices, which stands not on the firm foundation of righteousness: thus the harmony of society is broken, and from hence commotions and wars do frequently arise in the world. "Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." This Babel, or Babylon, was built in the spirit of self-exaltation: "Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven, and let us make us a name." In departing from an humble trust in God, and in following a selfish spirit, people have intentions to get the upper-hand of their fellow-creatures, privately meditate on means to obtain their ends, and have a language in their hearts which is hard to understand. In Babel the language is "confounded. I have beheld how the desire to provide wealth, and to uphold a delicate life hath grievously entangled many, and been like snares to their offspring; and though some have been affected with a sense of their difficulties, and appeared desirous at times to be helped out of them; yet for want of abiding under the humbling power of Truth, they have continued in these entanglements; for in remaining conformable to this world, and giving way to a delicate life, this expensive way of living, in parents and in children, hath called for a large supply, and in answering this call "the faces of the poor' have been ground away and made thin through hard dealing. There is balm, there is a physician; and O what longings do I feel that we may embrace the means appointed for our healing; know that removed which now ministers cause for the cries It is remarkable in this call, that the language from the Father of mercies is, "my people," Come out of Babylon my people!" Thus tender his mercies are toward us in an imperfect state; and as we faithfully attend to the call, the path of righteousness is more and more opened; cravings which have not their foundation in pure wisdom, more and more cease; and in an inward purity of heart, we experience a restoration of that which was lost at Babel, represented by the inspired prophet, in the "returning of a pure language. In the year 1817 he married Anna, eldest daughter of Thomas Buxton, Esq., of Earl's Colne, in the County of Essex, and sister to the late Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., who survives him. An only son was the fruit of this union-William Edward Forster-now a manufacturer at Bradford, a gentleman well known and highly esteemed in that town. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Forster removed to Bradpole, near Bridport, in Dorsetshire, where he continued to reside till the year 1837, when he removed to Norwich, from which date our knowledge of his life and character becomes more circumstantial. Happy for those who humbly attend to the call, Come out of Babylon my people." For though in going forth we may meet with trials, which for a time may be painful, yet as we bow in true humility and continue in it, an evidence is felt that God only is wise; and that in weaning us from all that is selfish, he prepares the way to a quiet habitation where all our desires are bounded by his wisdom. An exercise of spirit attends me, that we who are convinced of the pure leadings of Truth, may bow in the deepest reverence, and so watchfully regard this leader, that many who are grievously entangled in a wilderness of vain customs, may look upon us and be instructed. And O that such who have plenty of this world's goods, may be faithful in that with which they are entrusted, and example others in the true Christian walking. Our blessed Saviour speaking on worldly great- It was not, however, simply in the meetingness, compares himself to one waiting and at- house in which he worshipped, that Mr. Forster tending on a company at dinner: "Whether is bore his testimony in favor of inward and spiritgreater, he that sitteth at meat or he that ser-ual religion. In the fulfilment of his ministerial veth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am amongst you as he that serveth." Thus in a world greatly disordered, where men aspiring to outward greatness are wont to oppress others to support their designs, he who was of the highest descent, being the Son of God, and greater than any amongst the greatest families of men, by his example and doctrines foreclosed his followers from claiming any show of outward greatness, and from any supposed superiority in themselves, or derived from their ancestors. He who was greater than earthly princes, was not only meek and low of heart, but his outward appearance was plain and lowly, and free from every stain of the spirit of this world. Such was the example of our blessed deemer, of whom the beloved disciple said, "He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk even as He walked."-John Wool man. WILLIAM FORSTER. Gifted with a vigorous mind and sound judgment, and influenced by motives and impulses inspired by deep religious feeling, William Forster, at an early age, took an active part in the devotional services of the Friends, and, by those with whom he was associated in religious profession, he was esteemed as a highly-gifted minister of the Gospel, and was recognized as such before he was twenty-one years of age. Those who enjoyed the privilege of his ministrations, hold them in most affectionate remembrance. engagement he travelled extensively, not only over the United Kingdom, but through many parts of Europe, and on the Continent of America. His first visit to America commenced in the year 1820, and occupied five years in its completion. During this extended period he labored indefatigably, and visited all the established meetings of the Friends in that country. His mission, however, was not restricted to the members of his own denomination. Sectarian feeling and littleness had no lodgment in his heart. His Christian sympathies extended to all who worthily bore the Christian name, and his benevolence was world-wide in its grasp. While travelling on the Continent, he made it his busiRe-ness to visit individuals of all ranks and conditions, and of every ecclesiastical denomination. Wherever an opportunity of doing good, and of cultivating useful and profitable intercourse with the members of other sects presented itself, it was never allowed to pass unimproved, and more particularly was this the case when any were the objects of persecution or trial. These were diligently sought out by him, and every consolation which Christian sympathy could furnish was promptly and most zealously administered. One of his last missions of this character was to the Waldenses, in the valleys of Piedmont, whose ancestors, as is well known, endured such fierce persecution for the maintenance of their Protestant principles. We should be glad to give some details of this interesting visit; but, in the absence of documentary materials we are unable to do more than simply to chronicle the fact. We can only add that in his travels, both in Europe The late William Forster was born at Tottenham, in Middlesex, on the 23d of March, 1784. His parents being members of the Society of Friends, he was educated in the principles of that religious denomination. We are unable to collect any materials illustrative of this portion of his life; but he appears to have entertained a sincere and intelligent preference for the opinions and practices of the religious body with which he was early associated, and in communion with which he spent and closed a consistent and useful life. |