p. 11 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 37. (9/11/1907)

Earlier text: The Great Federation Movement

The Dangers of the Opium Vice

By D. H. Kress, M. D., Medical Supt. Washington, D. C., Sanitarium

The practise of opium-using has assumed gigantic proportions in the Chinese Empire and has wrought fearful ravages among its people. The habit is not confined to this nation alone, but is rapidly spreading in civilized countries.

According to the report of the American Pharmaceutical Association, in 1902, there was an increase of 57,000 pounds in the amount of opium imported into the United States as compared with the figures of the previous year. Other countries have equally as unpromising a showing, in fact, in the near future, in civilized lands this drug bids fair to claim as many victims as it has in the Chinese Empire.

While it is not smoked as freely in these countries, it is used in the form of laudanum and the salts of morphin.

Among recent products none is more freely and widely used than heroin—a morphin salt which many employ with the idea that it is a harmless substitute for morphin. On the contrary, it has all the dangers of morphin salts in general, and additional dangers of its own. Cohon, writing in American Medicine, says he has seen suppression of urine and threatening coma from small doses of heroin (one-twelfth gram) prescribed to check cough or relieve pain. Especially dangerous are the trade preparations containing heroin. These preparations are widely advertised as cough syrups, asthma cures, etc. He declares that preparations of this kind should never be prescribed. Heroin is one of the most toxic agents of the morphin group.

Consumed in America.

About 160,000 pounds of the salts of morphin were consumed in America alone during the year 1903—considerably more than twice as much as the amount imported for the twelve months of 1901.

The drug is found in many of the patent medicines, and even in plug tobacco and cigars. Many find themselves slaves to these medicines and certain brands of cigars, not knowing that they were really slaves to the opium habit.

The dire effect of the many so-called “soothing syrups” upon thousands of little innocent babies can scarcely be imagined. The essential ingredient of these syrups is always some form of opium. Serious injury is always sustained by the little ones, altho the full results may not be seen until later in life. Better by far to let the little one yell and suffer a little while than to quiet it with such drugs. The sleep produced in this manner is the sleep of death, they may awake from it and they may not. Even in childhood a craving may be established in the system for the drug.

Opium, we are told, was at first exclusively used by the mandarins of China, to beget a certain energy of manner, and as a stimulant equipping them with keener gusto either for pleasure or toil. It was at first innocently offered to visitors as a mark of respect, as in civilized countries the cup of tea or coffee is served to visitors. The flattered caller was almost forced to partake of it as an act of courtesy. In this way the habit spread, at first among the well to do, the nobility, and others who were brought in contact with the mandarins. Afterward the drug found its way to the lower classes under the name of “polite tobacco;” and by them was first smoked from promptings of vanity or a desire to imitate the example of the nobility. Habit finally established a love for the drug and bound them in bands that they were unable to break. At the present time there is not a district in the Chinese Empire free from the curse of this pernicious narcotic drug.

Power of the Habit.

A Chinese Laborer of the Canton Province. A Representative of the Race of Opium Users.

Once the habit of opium taking has been acquired, the craving for the drug is irresistible, and the effort to abandon its use is followed by intense suffering, which the devotee for lack of will-power is unwilling to endure; thus he remains a hopeless slave to the habit. Recognizing the evils of the drug, the use is discouraged among youths, as in civilized countries we discourage the use of tobacco among the young.

The Chinese begin when about twenty years of age to smoke a pipe a day. By smoking only from one to three pipes a day they may live for twenty or thirty years. Many, however, lose all self-control, and fall victims to the drug completely, using from six to eight pipes a day; such live only from five to six years after the habit is acquired.

It is a deceptive drug for the victim imagines that he can not live without it, for does he not feel worse when attempting to do so? Many also suppose that it possesses the power of imparting mental and physical strength, and augmenting one's usefulness, and increasing his pleasures. This delusion exists universally among the ignorant classes who, therefore, especially fall an easy prey to the habit. Opium possesses no such subtle properties. Opium, like all other narcotics, deceives its devotees.

The real constituent that causes the stimulation and feeling of exhilaration and well-being felt by the opium fiend is a poisonous alkaloid known as morphin. This alkaloid is almost identical with alkaloids found in other products that are just as freely used in civilized countries as opium is in China. The action of the alkaloids found in the poppy, the cacao seed, the coffee berry, and in the tea, are very similar. They all act upon the nervous system in such a manner that one dose tempts the second, the second creates a craving for the third, and the third demands the fourth. Thus these habits become fixed, and men and women do not realize their real condition or the injury they have sustained by their use until an effort is made to give them up. The fact is the slave of stimulants is carrying on business on borrowed capital and must eventually become a mental and nervous wreck. This, no doubt, accounts in part for the many nervous diseases and the increase of insanity in modern times.

Having once experienced that by the use of an opiate one is enabled to do what otherwise could not have been done, the greatest temptation exists to resort to it again and again, or whenever a tired or exhausted feeling appears.

Opium kills. Its influence is only and always destructive whether taken in small or large doses. Its continuous use will eventually undermine the strongest and most robust constitution, altho for a time it may not be realized.

In the poor offspring of the opium-user may be seen the evil results of the drug. The children lack either vitality and have a tendency toward disease and premature degeneracy, or they are born idiotic.

Give It Up.

We would urge all who are not addicted to this or other narcotics not merely to touch not, and taste not, but also to handle not, poisons that may result in the ruin of men and women. This applies especially to physicians and nurses, for frequently the craving for these narcotic drugs is created by the medicine prescribed or administered at the bedside of a sick one.

Those who feel they can not get on without a narcotic, be it opium or some other drug, should abandon its use at once. Do not attempt to give it up gradually, for this will mean failure, but, in the strength of God, say, I WILL GIVE UP THIS EVIL EVEN IF IT MEANS DEATH TO ME. It certainly is better to die in the effort to give it up than to live a slave to the habit. It does not mean death, however, it means life. There will be some suffering, this must be expected, but even this may be minimized by the exercise of the will and by suitable treatments.

To give up the use of opium or any other narcotic drug habit, take a period of rest for two or three days; keep quiet; eat nothing the first day and drink hot water, with a little milk added, frequently during the day. The juice of oranges, apples, peaches, pears, or grapes may be taken whenever desired. A well-beaten, fresh, raw egg may be taken in the fruit juice or milk several times during the day. On the second day, begin the use of some simple foods, poached or boiled eggs and breads, and fresh fruit at the close of the meal. By the end of the second day the headache and extreme nervousness and feeling of prostration has probably greatly subsided or disappeared. The patient should continue always to live upon simple, non-stimulating and non-irritating foods and especially use freely of fruits.

The treatment of the morphia and allied habits becomes a comparatively simple matter in a well-equipped sanitarium, where the physician has at hand the appliances for the administration of rational treatment and a thoroughly trained nurse who can cooperate with him in everything that pertains to the welfare of the patient.

I have found that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think in such cases, and that man's extremity is God's opportunity. He will hear the cry of the one that is in so horrible a pit and will surely lift him up, place his feet upon a rock, and put a new song into his mouth, and establish his going. I have seen this experience repeated again and again in cases that were considered hopeless.

Uncertainty.

UNCERTAINTY is one of the striking present-day characteristics everywhere manifest. For instance, the sudden shout of a soldier, August 20, in the grand mosque at Fez, "May Allah render our master Muolai Mohammed victorious," resulted in a general panic, closing of shops and barricading of homes. The shout was received as the beginning of a revolution, as Mohammed is the sultan's brother; yet the man who did it was an irresponsible converted Jew, and was probably immediately beheaded. It is indicative, however, of what may take place any time in Mohammedan countries.

The New York World says of this nation: "There is a loss of confidence and a contraction of currency everywhere. The president of the Bowery Savings Bank declared in a World interview not long ago that down-town banks were hoarding vast sums of cash merely from a sense of apprehension. People who have borrowed money for railroad or industrial stocks or securities are met with demands for more collateral. The zone of apprehension is steadily increasing in width, and it is the business of the State to look the facts squarely in the face." The London Telegraph views conditions here, if continued, as "fatal to the prosperity of America."

Despatches also indicate that Great Britain is exceedingly nervous over the condition of things in India. The native papers teem with sedition. This also is intimated in an article from our India correspondent recently. The only thing that safeguards India is the hostile camps of natives, divided by caste and religion.

Little has come from Russia during the last few weeks, and yet a report from St. Petersburg shows that during July 274 persons were exiled for political offenses, 54 Russian officers and 95 privates were killed, and 74 officers and 52 privates wounded while maintaining order. How many people were killed, the report does not state, probably a great many more. These are some of the indications of the unrest and uncertainty in the political world.

The Hague Congress is doing a little something. A supreme International Prize Court was approved August 22, with the project as drafted by the United States, Great Britain, Germany, and France. Its acceptance was ten votes to two, Brazil and Mexico objecting. A permanent court of arbitration is still in suspense, altho some are strongly in favor of postponing the discussion until the next congress, recommending that in the meanwhile the powers study the question, a thing which they have been doing for long years. The congress as a peace promoter thus far has proved itself little better than a farce.

A recent despatch from Berlin declares that the mysterious disappearance of young women in that city is increasing to an alarming extent. Five such disappearances were reported in one day, and a number of others had occurred the same week. Most of the girls vanished without leaving any trace of their whereabouts. It is supposed that "white slave" operators are gathering them for immoral purposes and exporting them.

After a thirty-year contention, the passage of a law has at last been secured in England, recognizing the legality of marriage to a deceased wife's sister. Several times the bill has been passed by the House of Commons, but always defeated by the bishops. Thru the influence of the king it has at last become a law, and will be received by the people generally with rejoicing.

Bad Blood.—A despatch from Cripple Creek, Colo., August 22, says that the second attempt to blow up a passenger-train with dynamite was made at St. Peter's, a town midway between Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. Every window in the car was broken. This is indicative of the bad blood that exists thruout the whole Rocky Mountain region.

A new book on wireless telegraphy announces that some of the great difficulties have been overcome. Thru late discoveries messages can be sent by vibrations which are continuous, as against the irregular, falling-off oscillations of the past; and also duplex wireless telegraphy is possible, sending and receiving two messages at the same time.

Dr. H. Henriet, a noted French chemist, declares that an atmospheric crisis threatens civilization, especially the population of our large cities, that the atmospheric air of these cities is becoming so vitiated, that unless some unforeseen remedy is operative it will affect the race, and result greatly in the increase of disease and race deterioration.

Something like four inches of space is given in a great Eastern paper to tell us that the latest styles in dog's garments come from Italy. One woman who owns an Italian dog, diminutive and ugly, has a suit for her pet for every hour of the day, with inside pockets and handkerchiefs for each one.

Dr. E. Ray Lankaster declares in "Nature" that the introduction of the tsetse fly into any other continent than Africa would work a historical catastrophe as truly as the conquest of a civilized nation by a half-civilized one.

The eighth international Zionist Congress, at The Hague, closed August 21. The principle object gained in the congress was union in support of the idea of proceeding to help the poor Jews by political action.

More Dreadful Than Dreadnought.

By T.

TWENTY-FIVE years ago Germany was without a navy. She set out on a plan to rival the naval power of England and has reached the place where she ranks fourth in the naval world. But a couple of years or so ago she was shocked and surprised, almost beyond measure, to see England launch the Dreadnought within a year from the time her keel was laid. It has taken the United States four years to build the Connecticut and the Louisiana, the most powerful battle-ships of the present time in the American navy.

The Dreadnought so startled the naval world that the other nations immediately set to work to outdo the 'greatest battle-ship afloat.' Japan soon launched a fighting machine that was heralded in the papers as being ahead of the celebrated English ship; the United States then came forward with one that was said to be the most powerful and effective in armament of them all; and now the reports are telling that England has just launched the Temeraire that again sets her to exultingly singing 'Britannia [still] rules the wave.'

It is such rivalry as this that keeps the nations of all the world under constantly increasing military and naval burdens. Vast sums are expended to-day, only to be thrown away to-morrow because the equipment that has cost so many millions is rendered useless by later inventions and more ponderous death-dealing machinery. It is hoped, and earnestly talked, that this great preparation for war will insure peace. But this is only talk for the purpose of keeping up courage, or else to try to make it seem to be consistent to claim this as the age of 'peace and good will' and yet to have it stand out as the most conspicuous period for military and naval intensity.

The literal meaning of the unparalleled arming of the nations is set forth clearly by the prophets. They show that the end of all things is drawing near, and they further show that as the end does draw near the nations will be angry and that deceptive powers will prepare them for the 'battle of that great day of God Almighty.' There is to be a great battle of all the nations just before that 'great day.' The Scriptures plainly show this, and any one should be able to see that the great military activity of this time is preparing the world for the event.

We may avoid the dangers of that time by standing with God under the shelter of the truth He reveals in His word. The light that is so plainly shining from the Bible is indeed a great beacon of hope. Is it filling your soul? T.

New Catholic Marriage Laws

Despatches from Rome state that the pope is issuing new laws governing marriage, which seem to be sensational if not revolutionary. All marriages are to be regarded as null and void among Catholics where the ceremony is performed by a justice or a Protestant minister, and no marriage shall be valid unless contracted before duly authorized priests in the presence of two witnesses, with two exceptions: One is where there is imminent danger of death and no authorized priest is obtainable, then any priest can perform the ceremony in the presence of two witnesses. The other is where no priest is obtainable a mere declaration on the part of the parties in the presence of two witnesses is valid. It will be worth while to see how this will affect legislation in the States.

Let the Heathen Be Wakened.

By Editor

In a recent issue of this paper we had an article from our correspondent in India that told of the unrest among the people there and the agitation in favor of national independence. It will be noted that Japan is cited as an example of what has been done, and they think they should rise up and assert their national strength, also.

The prophecy of Joel as a whole refers to the last days, telling in the vivid language of the prophets the thrilling events that are to occur in the closing hours of time. The third chapter of that prophecy tells of the mighty waking up of the heathen in the days when the judgment day is imminent, and when the Lord is about to make His second advent. Some of the words in this chapter are, "Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles: Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause Thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Joel 3:9-14.

This prophecy calls for a general stirring up of the heathen nations when the day of the Lord is imminent. It tells of the spirit of war that will prevail among them. How significant is the recent awakening of Japan, followed by the new life in the field of military activity that is springing up in China; and to these is to be added the still more recent response to the war fever in India. How literally and how completely are all the great heathen nations coming forward to fulfil the prophecy.

The events all about us that are fulfilling the prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ are so numerous that no one need make a mistake. The end of all things is right at hand, and we should get ready for it. For we should remember that while it is the end of sin and unrighteousness, of sorrow and suffering, it is only the beginning of the unsullied joys of the eternal existence that God has provided for all who will prepare to receive it.

IN THE YEAR TO COME

By Editor

WE are nearing the close of this series of twenty-six special numbers of the SIGNS which began last May. As a result of the splendid efforts of our friends, the subscription-list has been largely increased (more than doubled), and thus we have had the privilege of forming many new acquaintances. The query has already been raised by many, "What is to follow this special series?" To answer this question, and for the information of all, we wish to give a brief outline of what is to come.

Over two years ago the inspiration came to the publishers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to get out a Special Missions Number, showing what had been accomplished during the past century in carrying out the Gospel commission as recorded in Mark 16:15, and what still remains to be done.

The great earthquake came and later the fire which destroyed our factory, and the work was delayed. But now we have decided to carry out the original plan and issue this great

World's Missions Special

It will be a double number (32 pages), finely illustrated and beautifully printed, bearing the date of October 30 and November 6. It will present in a striking manner the great work of missions its accomplishments, its open doors, its needy fields, and its glorious culmination in the harvest home.

The writers for this issue will be men whose hearts are burdened for the salvation of souls, men with hearts fresh and warm from mission fields, and men in those mission fields bearing the burden, seeing the misery, hearing the cry for help, and witnessing the power of the Gospel.

For many months we have been gathering from all parts of the world illustrations and material for this special issue, and we feel safe in saying that this will be the best missions number that was ever published by any journal on earth. Here are a few of the

Good Things It Will Contain

A CENTURY OF MISSIONS, or the great work that has been accomplished during the past century by missionary effort. The Bible has been given to the world in all of its various languages; every nook and corner of the earth has been entered by the missionary, all of which has been predicted by the prophets as something that shall take place, "and then shall the end come."

THE OPEN DOORS BEFORE GOD'S PEOPLE, by Dr. A. T. Pierson, editor of the Missionary Review of the World, showing the great opportunities in these times for missionary effort, and how God is going before His workers to lead them in preparing for the world's great harvest.

THE PREPARATION FOR A QUICK WORK, showing how that since the ground has been prepared, as set forth in preceding articles, the closing work can be accomplished in a very short space of time.

PROGRESSIVE WORK OF GOD IN PREPARING FOR CHRIST'S COMING, the majestic workings of God in preparing the way step by step for the grand consummation.

THE POWER OF THE WORD TO SAVE SOULS FROM SIN.

THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD IN THIS GENERATION, or the inscription on the banner of this people, which has become the great war-cry of the present hour.

THERE SHALL BE DELAY NO LONGER, the closing of God's work.

CHRISTIANITY, A LIFE, in contradistinction to other great religions, and to the view of Christianity as a system of ethics.

A PERSONAL SAVIOUR, the salvation and regeneration of the individual, rather than the salvation of the nation by ethics or politics.

THE LATTER RAIN—THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT.

Brief statistical matter in regard to missions, making the paper valuable as a work of reference.

MESSAGES FROM THE NATIONS—Burma, Malacca, the Philippines, China, Japan, Africa,— from Egypt, to the Cape of Good Hope, —Syria, Turkey, Russia, Korea, South America, and Oceanica. Under this head will be published brief statements from missionaries in all parts of the world, together with appeals that they will make for their respective fields. We hope that, in harmony with God's own prophetic word, these appeals will reach and touch hearts so that they will bring abundantly of their means to assist in finishing this great work in this generation.

We have been very successful in securing engravings that are not only attractive but which tell the story most emphatically. We will mention only a few of them:

1. A full-page cover drawing, by Mr. Charles Mente, illustrating Christ sending forth His disciples two by two into the dark world.

2. Illustration, by Mr. Mente, representing Christ standing at the door knocking.

3. A drawing of the heads of various tribes representing the great, needy world.

4. Portraits of the great pioneer missionaries of Christendom, from John Eliot, the apostle among the Indians, to John Paton, of Oceanica.

5. Photographs of various people and scenes from different mission fields of the world.

6. Various other drawings, such as initial letters and typical and symbolical borders.

7. Song and music, "The Bugle Call of Missions."

Everybody Interested in Missions

Not only Christians of all denominations, but infidels and atheists, are anxious to know what progress is being made in the matter of carrying out the commission of the great Teacher recorded in Mark

16:15: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." This Special Missions Number of the SIGNS will undertake to tell the story in a brief, pointed, and interesting way, and every person of whatever persuasion should have the privilege of reading it.

Immediately following this great Missions Number there will be

TWENTY-FOUR SPECIAL NUMBERS

which will be of peculiar interest to all. One of the most prominent and important features of these numbers is a series of illustrated Bible-readings which will appear under the heading of

Home Bible Studies for Winter Evenings

1. These readings will be in the form of studies, with notes and quotations from history bearing upon the subject. They will be illustrated by diagrams, drawings, and unique little illustrations that will explain the lesson and make it simple and impressive. The topics will include: (a) The Scriptures. (b) Prophecy. (c) The Coming of the Just One. (d) Signs of the Times. (e) The Sanctuary. (f) The Law of God. (g) The Everlasting Gospel. (h) The Everlasting Covenant. (i) Man; His Nature and Destiny. (j) Spiritual Gifts. (k) The Great Threefold Message.

(l) The Sabbath in all its Phases. (m) Religious Liberty. (n) Man's Eternal Home. (o) The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, etc., etc.

Articles on the books of Daniel and the Revelation.
Articles on the book of Romans, the "therefores" and the "wherefores," and the reasons for them.
Articles on the miracles, teaching, and life of Jesus. Christ as the Great Physician.
A series on the Ten Commandments.
The Kingdom and Priesthood of Christ.
Conditions in the world. Able correspondents in the Old World and the New. Labor and Capital, Wealth and Poverty, Plenty and Famine, Peace and War.
Health and Hygiene.
Home Instruction.

The regular departments of the paper such as, "The Outlook," "Missions," etc., will be maintained the same as usual.

The Outlook Department

In this department special attention will be given to current events that have a bearing upon the fulfilment of prophecy. We shall continue to send representatives to all important gatherings, both political and religious, in order that our readers may be kept informed of the natural trend of events.

Home Department

We can only suggest some of the good things to appear in our Home Department in the year to come. We know that our readers will be greatly helped by them. For instance, here is a list of twenty-one articles on

"The Building of the Home"

by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle, whom our readers know so well.

Home, What It Means.
Honorable Young Manhood.
Beautiful Young Womanhood.
Acquaintance, Friendship, Proprieties.
Honorable and Proper Courtship.
Marriage and Its Meaning.
The Husband in the Home.
The Wife in the Home.
The Family Altar.
The Father.
The Mother.
The Son.
The Daughter.

Reading in the Home.
Order in the Home.
Simplicity in the Home.
Economy and Thrift in the Home.
Mutual Helpfulness.
Gatherings in the Home—Associations.
The Master in the Home.
The Outshining of the Home.

Besides this list of helpful articles we have the promise of another series which we may entitle

"Observations on Home-Life"

from the pen of one known to some of our SIGNS family, and to many outside our SIGNS family, Mrs. Emma H. Adams, author of several excellent books, a lady of many years' experience, of wide acquaintance, and with a young heart. In a series of short articles she will give our readers the benefit of some of her keen observations.

Besides these there will be talks to the young, talks on health and hygiene, interesting information, and occasional helpful stories and sketches. The Home Department alone will be worth the price of the paper for a year.

With Our Inquirers

This department of the SIGNS seems to be becoming more and more interesting and important as is evidenced by the large number of questions that come to the editor's desk, and our readers will be glad to know that this department will be kept up the same as heretofore, and all are invited to make use of its columns.

Bible-Readers' Band

We hope to enlist many thousands among our readers who will read the Bible thru in one or two years. Of this we shall have more to say later. It will be one of the profitable departments.

These are some of the good things which we expect to lay before our readers in the year to come. We believe that they will appeal to one and all as being well worth the subscription price, and we not only hope to retain every name now on our subscription-list, but to add many more. Renewals should be sent in early so as not to miss the great Missions Number.

An Appeal for the Mothers.

By A Mother-Lover

THERE are many irritable Christian mothers. "Christian mothers?"—Yes, Christian mothers. Sometimes they are mistaken Christians. Sometimes they are unwise Christians, nevertheless they are Christians.

They believe God. They accept His plan of salvation in Christ Jesus. They love God. They love His commandments, His service; they are willing to die for Him. But they get impatient with the children and the husband; and worry and fret over the work of the household, and the mistakes and blunders—often only seeming—of their family.

Then how they regret the irritability. How they mourn and weep and pray over their impatience. How exceedingly unsatisfactory is their life!

What Is the Trouble?

Sometimes it is without question in a selfish, cherished, fault-finding disposition which the mother puts forth no effort to overcome. Such can hardly be called Christian.

The Christian class are either ill or work too hard, or generally both. It is often a fact in many households that—

"Man's work is from sun to sun, But woman's work is never done."

Nay, more; many men do not labor "from sun to sun." They work on an eight- nine- or ten-hour schedule. But many mothers work from the time the weary head is lifted from the pillow till the wearier head seeks repose for a few hours at night, too weary, perhaps, to sleep.

Is it a wonder the over-heated, over-worked nerves become irritated? Even the grace of God can not help when law is constantly transgressed.

What Is the Remedy?

Here are several suggestions:

1. Let the mother take some time every day to be alone with God. Ask Him to guide. Talk over household matters with Him. Tell Him all about it. Think of the things which would or would not please Him, and regulate work accordingly.

2. Let the mother and housewife simplify her work. Less attention to fashions and foibles, less attention to the elaborate dishes of food, less details in housework, fewer frills on children’s dresses, and a little time to lie down each day with every muscle and nerve relaxed, and breathe and rest and sleep. Do not worry if something must be left undone; better one or two things than all, when the sickness or death come.

3. Let the strong husband and active children help the mother. Let her teach them to help her. "Awkward" at first, and "easier done" herself, probably, but they need to learn it, and it will result in good after they do learn. But let them study to help and to soothe the harassed nerves, to do many little tasks, so easily done, and so be helpful to the mother. The laying of the fire in the morning, the preparing of kindling, the bringing of wood and coal—always the man’s or boy’s work, if there are such—will help wonderfully in saving work for the mother and resting the tired body.

We heard not long since that a young lady declared that the hardest place for her to live a Christian was with her mother, because of that mother’s irritability. This is sad, and the mother may be wholly at fault. But we would like to inquire whether the daughter did her part to help the mother. So many times we have seen girls come home from a distant school, mother is glad to see them and anxious to help them and welcome them, takes pains to fix up their rooms, prepare their favorite dishes of food, and the daughters look idly on, drum on the piano, read a book or magazine, and then wonder if mother speaks fretfully or impatiently. The mother’s work for the daughter is a labor of love, but the nerves can not endure too great a strain. Let the daughter, weary tho she may be, put forth a little labor of love for mother. And let all the young mother readers so train their children that they will be the best of helpers.

Continue reading: They Doffed Their Hats