In September, 1843, the death of his son-in-law, Rev. Seth Marvin, a man of good ability, of fine and noble nature, of rich fountains of religious experience, and of an oratory peculiarly divine for the awakening of all the heavenward feelings of the human heart, was an event that called out the sympathies of his inmost life; and in the Palladium, vol. 12, p. 97, is a long obituary from his pen, possessing the grace of tender love, combined with a clear, comprehensive statement of the life and qualities of that lamented man. To this year also belongs his action in regard to that great excitement, which took a temporary hold on the different denominations, known under the name of Millerism. Though we would speak reverently of every form of human hope, regarding all that is strong in religious phenomena as being at least mythologically true, we cannot but honor the independent position Mr. Badger assumed on this subject, at a time when many others either embraced the doctrine, or favored it as a means of promoting popular revivals in their congregations. With a clear vision he penetrated its claims, acknowledged the degree of truth he thought it contained, then spoke of its defects of doctrine, logic, and temper, declaring its probable future results on the welfare of religion and the churches. He early saw the effect in the cause, and in 1842, withstood the tendency of the paper he had so long conducted, whose editor was then guiding it into the service of that system. Let it not be thought that we speak sectarianly on the subject here introduced, for substantially we concede all that man ever has or can hope for. "New heavens and new earth" were promised us in 1843; and though Nature did not condescend even to frown or smile at those who told her fortune, she knows very well that new heavens and new earth will ultimately come. The progress of the solar system through space will alone bring new heavens physically; and changes now at work in terrestrial nature shall yet exhibit a new earth. Be patient; myriads of years, which are God's seconds, will do the work. Is not the earth now good enough for thee, thou latter-day saint? Be patient; it is now much better than you are; it flowers are more fragrant than your virtues, its fountains are purer than your actions, its music of bird and brook is sweeter than your Sabbath melody, and it rolls in its orbit far more majestically and truthfully than you have ever pursued the circuit of your duties. He who has divine life in him _always_ sees a new earth and a new heaven. "The Lord shall come;" yes, more and more in proportion as man is capable of receiving him. He has come, does come, and shall come; and in the symbolical, higher sense, who that believes in God or man dares to despair of a new heaven and a new earth in the mental, moral, and social conditions of humanity? Who does not hope for a more perfect state? In the great _substance_ of these questions there is never a