Let Light Descend

and carried out for generations by the bigotry and intolerance of Pobiedonostzeff, the Procurator-General of the Holy Synod, are rescinded by the Czar's Easter Ukase, and henceforth the Old Believers are placed on an absolute equality with members of the state church. Ii will be remembered that some time ago, France refused toloan Russia more money. was then predicted that the war It must soon close. By this Ukase of the Czar, however, he has made his treasury independent, for the present at least, of any foreigp country. No sooner was it declared that the Old Believers were to be granted all the privileges of the orthodox subjects of the Czar, than they arranged to raise five hundred million dollars as a free gift to the sovereign, which amount is, perhaps, only the first installment of the donations expected from these wealthy schismatics. Among the dissenters from the orthodox church, who will be benefited, are the Dukhobors, who have been emigrating to Canada to escape the hardships imposed upon them in Russia. Now let us hope that the Czar and the Liberals of his dominions will see that the Ukase is put to practice, for there is a lingering suspicion that, like so many other edicts declaring concessions and liberty in Russia, it may be effectually blocked by the friends of the autocratic system, in its practical application. LET LIGHT DESCEND. (For the Improvement Era.) Open the windows of heaven, Lord, Let light descend On every tree, and flower, and blade, On every mountain, vale and glade, On every creature thou hast made, Let light descend, 0, thou, our Friend.

LET LIGHT DESCEND. 619 We have wandered far from the fold, Lord, Let light descend; Amid sore distress and scenes of woe, With hearts that are failing, to and fro We stagger and reel, and sigh as we go; Let light descend. Our one true Friend. The way is so lonely and cold, Lord, Let light descend; 0, for some hand in the darkness to greet! My friends are lost in the dismal street, I hear but complaints and scurrying feet; Let light descend. Be thou my Friend. How long shall the blind lead the blind, Lord, Ere light descend? Groaning beneath burdens of discontent. Stifling the great blessings thou hast sent. Each following his own mad selfish bent; Let light descend. Our only Friend. Open the windows of heaven, Lord, Let light descend; Light that shall shatter the head of gold. And gather its fragments manifold. Into onf- great heart of love that shall mould Each man a friend; Let light descend. Ruth May Fox. Salt Lake City, Utah.