One of the sayings which the world accepts as wisdom is, "In time of peace prepare for war." But a far better principle is, At all times prepare for peace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is, "On earth peace, good-will to men." The most important concern of sinful man is to be at peace with God. We may "have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1); then we may let that peace rule in our hearts (Col. 3:15). That is a peace that passeth understanding (Phil. 4:7); but "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:18). Therefore the counsel of the Spirit to the people of God is, "Be at peace among yourselves" (1 Thess. 5:13), and "follow peace with all men" (Heb. 12:14); for "God hath called us to peace" (1 Cor. 7:15). The kingdom of God is peace (Rom. 14:17); so it behooves us all to "be diligent," that when the King comes "in His glory" (Matt. 25:31) we "may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14).
PREPARING FOR THE LAST GREAT BATTLE.
By Mrs. E. P. Naylor
BY MRS. E. P. NAYLOR.
"A WORLD WAR" is the subject of an editorial article in one of our dailies of February 26. I quote:—
All signs point to a world-wide war. This is the best reason for supposing that nothing of the sort will happen. The drift of the current is so evident that every power in the world is braced with all its might to stem the current. The fear of universal war is so great that the powers will forego advantages, suffer injury, or brook offense, rather than set a light to the pyre. But the pyre is ready.
The writer then enumerates the moves which Russia may undertake, and the probable attitude of the other nations, and then says:—
All the powers are so entangled with alliances that no one of them can act without involving all the rest, in which event even we might be forced to take a hand. The thing is too big to contemplate. It would be a burden too great for the combined resources of the world to bear. The nations are unanimous that it would be better to sacrifice almost anything rather than run such a risk. And yet, a very little thing, which any one nation could do, might start the fire which all the blood and tears in all the world would be powerless to quench.
The leading statesmen of the world have been predicting for more than a decade that just such an event was impending. One said that the "crisis the world was bound to reach was so dreadful that thinking men refused to dwell upon it, and looked the other way rather than to face it." Another said, "The influences now at work point to a terrific struggle among the powers of the world, and the momentum with which the dreadful catastrophe is speeding down upon the world is such that no earthly power can arrest it." Yet another observed, "It must be the battle of Armageddon."
If thinking men foresaw this climax in the past, who, in the light of more recent events, would claim that "the best reason for supposing that nothing of the sort will happen" was because the signs all point that way? Is it true that "the nations are unanimous that it would be better to sacrifice almost anything rather than run such a risk"?
Why, then, do not those powers who have "acquired territory" or other "advantages" in the East, forego them in order to avoid war? Is it because they do not know to which of the nations it would be most politic for them to present their offering?
Would it not settle all difficulties to hand it all over to Russia? She might be induced to accept the "sacrifice." But no, they all share Russia's fondness for a piece of China, if it is decorated more or less elaborately with profitable trading marts. They do not seem to be anxious, or even willing, to forego their evident intention to get more. Each one of them is preparing with might and main to strike when the auspicious time for individual aggrandizement shall have come, and "the pyre will be lighted which all the tears and blood in all the world will be powerless to quench."
The nations have juggled together until they have each developed magicians, whose rods are invincible in their own estimation. In connection with the "Japan-Russian conflict," the World's Work for February says, "The greatest unsolved problems of the future may be thrust at once upon the world." The earliest predictions of this overthrow of the nations are recorded in the Book of books, and the conditions and causes there foretold are identical with those of which we read to-day.
The greed, the selfishness, the ferocity of the nations, all are therein written in language too plain to be misunderstood: "The nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged." We also read of the gathering at Armageddon, when the kings of the earth and of the whole world are gathered together for the battle of the great day of God Almighty.
God has declared it, and some of our greatest statesmen are constrained to believe that the crisis before us is in some way connected with it. And the extensive progress in military and naval enterprise, together with the increasing war spirit of the people, is, no doubt, an unwitting preparation for the final great gathering.
In connection with the warning concerning this great battle, the people of God have also the following admonition: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Are you ready for the issue? or are you "entangled with alliances" in the world's affairs, which will unfit you to stand the test of the judgment?
Remember, there is no appeal from the decisions of this court, and it behooves you to secure an Advocate, in whom you can place all your trust. There is only one name in heaven or on earth "whereby we must be saved." Place your case in His hands without delay, for the hour grows late, and all too soon the court will adjourn forever.
PERTINENT PARAGRAPHS.
By John D. Bradley
BY JOHN D. BRADLEY.
"Converting our Sunday into a Continental Sunday" may be very undesirable, but the prevention of it is no proper business of the Congress of the United States.
"The use of Sunday" is something that should no more be determined and controlled by legislation than should the use of Monday.
"The separation of one day in seven from the other six, and the keeping of it as a day of freedom from worldly pursuits," is a religious matter, and may concern religious people and religious organizations, but it is no proper concern of legislators and civil governments.
Congress has no more right to "provide that the universal sentiment that one day in seven shall be observed as a day of rest" shall be crystallized into law than it has to provide that the no less universal sentiment that people should profess religion and attend church shall be made a law. The observance of one day in seven is a religious custom, and the sentiment which insists upon the observance of that custom is a purely religious sentiment.
If the friends of Sunday legislation succeed in establishing the point that the provision of the national Constitution which excepts Sunday from the period of ten days allowed the President for signing bills affords a basis for national legislation in behalf of the religious Sunday, they will not have established the propriety of such legislation, but the utter impropriety of that provision of the Constitution. "Religion is not within the purview of the general government," truly wrote James Madison, and anything connected with the government, no matter what it is nor where it is found, which brings religion or any of its institutions and observances within the purview of the government, is itself altogether out of place, for it has no proper connection with the government. The principle of the Constitution is that Congress is absolutely prohibited from concerning itself with, and legislating upon, religious matters, and anything which may be found in the Constitution that is opposed to this principle is altogether out of place.
The iniquity of the sentiment that Congress should legislate in behalf of the conviction that Sunday is the sabbath, is displayed in the assumption that for Congress to do otherwise would be to "trample upon this religious conviction." This utterly unwarranted attitude identifies the Sunday-law cause with the cause of bigotry and intolerance in all ages. It has always been insisted by the disciples of intolerance that unless their religion was upheld and enforced by the state it was deprived of its just rights, and "trampled" upon. It is astonishing that anybody can be found holding such an attitude in the United States to-day; but we are given to understand that there are "millions" who do hold just this attitude, so far as the religious conviction with regard to Sunday observance is concerned. And a statesman of some prominence has declared that failure by Congress to legislate for the enforcement of this conviction when opportunity is offered, "would be an unnecessary and inexcusable outrage." We submit, and authority to establish it is not lacking, that rather is legislation by Congress in support of such a conviction "unnecessary and inexcusable."
A SIGNIFICANT ILLUSTRATION.
AFTER all has been said that can be said about organized labor's ability to resist organized capital, it is a peculiar fact that some of the shrewdest capitalists, employers of large numbers of men, have encouraged the labor organizations. One of this class was the late Senator Hanna. He was himself an organizer of men, and a manipulator of societies. As a politician, he knew the expediency of getting men into clubs and associations for their more convenient handling. Under such conditions it is only necessary to have a controlling influence over a few leaders, and these in turn are expected to control the societies. How willing these dependent men are to be managed, and how credulous they are of union possibilities, is set forth in a labor paper, the Car Journal. In urging men to attend meetings, it illustrates a prevailing ignorance, and, incidentally, how the members allow themselves to be managed, in the following dialogue:—
“What labor paper do you read?”9“None.”
“Why?”
“Hain't time to read one. Take more papers now than I can read.”
“Do you belong to any labor union?”
“You bet I do.”
“When and where will your next meeting be held?”
“Don't know.”
“What are the organizers of your union doing?”
“Don't know.”
“Have you any organizers in the field?”
“Don't know.”
“Is your union doing anything?”
“I suppose it is; don't really know.”
“Where is organization work most needed?”
“Don't know.”
“What is the total membership of your union?”
“Don't know.”
“Who are the officers of your lodge?”
“Don't know.”
“Do you buy union-made clothes?”
“Don't know.”
“Do you ask for the Clerk's Union Cards when buying?”
“Don't know.”
“What good are you to a labor movement, anyhow?”
“Don't know.”
It is not difficult to see the possible workings of the organization of a host of such men. And the illustration comes from a labor-union source, which makes it all the more significant.
A FORCED RELIGION.
By Eli O. Carlsen
BY ELI O. CARLSEN.
To FORCE any religion upon any one is an impossibility, because a person that believes a certain thing is right can not believe it is wrong, even if he wanted to. He may act as if he believed it was wrong, but in the "clearness" of his mind it has not changed. Force can not change opinion.
Not only is a forced religion an impossibility, but it is just the opposite of Christianity. A forced religion was started, and is kept in motion, by the love of power. This sin caused the fall of Christianity, and made the Dark Ages; by this sin fell the angels; and as principles never change, it would do the same to-day or any other time.
Christianity was started, and still progresses, by the power of love. When it ceases to flow from this fountain, it ceases to be Christianity. This principle (power of love) flows through the universe, and holds it together. The spirit of the "love of power" disintegrates and brings in confusion.
As a leading educator of the world said, "It is the duty of every person to become acquainted, and get in harmony, with the current of the universe;" but it is not the duty of any man to force another man into it. Even if, by so doing, he could force him into eternal life in heaven, it would be sin, for force is the opposite of love and righteousness. Nevertheless, persistent efforts are being put forth to bring in compulsion in religious practise, and that, too, by influential men and organizations. It is an unreligious principle, wholly unworthy the enlightenment of an age in which the Gospel work is culminating.
IRREVERENCE.
It is no new charge against the present time to say that it is irreverent. Parents no longer teach their children to say, "Yes, sir," and, "No, ma'am," or to display that deference for age and authority which did so much to beautify life a generation or two ago. The growth of the scientific spirit, with the stress which it lays upon individual investigation, and the methods pursued by the schools, all foster a spirit which, to put it mildly, is not the spirit of reverence.
There is, however, another and more offensive way in which this spirit shows itself; the habit of making sacred literature the source of ill-bred wit and parody; of twisting words or texts about which cluster the most solemn memories, until they do duty as headlines for a newspaper or title for a cartoon.
In a recent story the words, "Thy faith hath made thee whole," are used in a jocose way; a publisher calls attention to a book by heading his advertisement of it with the line, "Consider the lilies of the field;" and a dealer in small wares displays above his shelves the sign, "Ask, and ye shall receive," and most of his customers smile, and regard it as a good joke.
The newspapers are among the worst offenders. One of them, in an attack upon a certain religious sect, printed a suggestion for an amended Lord's Prayer; and during the coal famine last winter another displayed a cartoon which bore a variation of the question, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
It is not the Bible which suffers from this flippant treatment; it is the persons who make it the arsenal of their cheap wit and crude humor; and it is the spirit of reverence itself.—Youth's Companion.
In the Labor World
By Editor
In the Labor World.—A bitter contest is now on in Sacramento, Cal., where the Builders' Association, the Contractors' Association, and the Citizens' Alliance have determined that the “open-shop” policy shall rule. All the workmen in the building industry, except the carpenters, are now out, and these will soon have to cease work, because of the strike of other workmen. . . . It is estimated that 20,000 men in the building trades in New York City are now out of work, and that the number will be increased daily. . . . It is expected that 10,000 lithographers throughout the country will be locked out soon on account of increased demands. . . . Some thirty large clothing manufacturing firms of Rochester, N. Y., have discontinued the use of the union label on their goods. . . . The masons of New York City are now on strike, and the bricklayers are giving them their support, thus tying up a great amount of work there. . . . At Telluride, Colo., the Citizens' Alliance, armed with guns and revolvers, recently drove out of that place between seventy and eighty union men and sympathizers. . . . Serious riots occurred at Chicago on March 15, when striking employees of the American Can Company attacked a number of teamsters. Men were beaten, and cars smashed, and the police were unable to preserve order.
It is reported that a Colorado fruit grower has succeeded, after seven years of experimentation, in producing a seedless apple. Great things are claimed for this new variety of apple.
The Supreme Court of the United States has given its decision in the great merger case. The merger was a combination of several of the great northwestern railroads; and this combination was attacked on the ground that it was a violation of the antitrust laws. The court decides, by a majority of five to four, that the merger is a trust according to the meaning of the law, and is, therefore, an illegal corporation. This decision upholds the decision of the Circuit Court of Minnesota in every particular. The railroads have given no inkling of the course they will pursue in the future.
Thirty Russian students in the German schools of Berlin have been expelled from Germany. It seems that the German Government was permitting Russian officers in Germany to watch resident Russians, and these students protested against Germany giving her consent to the operation of the Russian spy system there. Thirty of the students who signed the protest were given from five to eight days in which to leave Germany.
Enemies of the Russian Government are becoming active again since the reverses of the Russians in the Orient. This is manifest in the circulation of anti-government literature, in the placarding of cities with posters denouncing the government, and occasionally in the throwing of bombs. An act of the latter class occurred in the city of Vilna, Russia, on March 16, when the interior of the large Alexander Chapel was wrecked by a bomb. No lives were lost.
Another bill has been introduced in the French Chamber of Deputies by the premier, in opposition to the Catholic monastic orders. The bill has strong support, and will, without doubt, become law. It suppresses all monastic schools, and prohibits the monks and nuns from teaching, except in private. The premier declares that the clerical teachers are deforming the minds of the French youth.
The Post-office Bill is now before the House, together with the report of Assistant Postmaster-General Bristow. It is expected that considerable of the time of the House will be taken up in the discussion thereon, as the report seems to implicate members of the House in illegal acts in connection with post-office appropriations and with appointments in the postal service.
Germany, by a vote of both houses of legislation, has repealed the antijesuit law of 1872. This restores the Catholic clergy to all the rights which they possessed in Germany before the antijesuit law of Prince Bismarck went into effect. This is in pursuance of the emperor's policy to make friends with the pope and secure the support of the Catholic party.
The use of cocaine is rapidly becoming alarmingly prevalent in this country. A very small portion of this imported drug is used legitimately. Some states have laws prohibiting its promiscuous sale, but the laws have not been enforced. It is said to rob its victims of their mental faculties in briefer time and in greater degree than any other drug.
In the naval maneuvers of the English home fleet, on March 14, a new expedient was tried to prevent the successful attack of submarine boats. This consisted of a special net operated by two pilot boats, which were so maneuvered that the attacking submarine was enmeshed in the net and rendered powerless and helpless.
President Joseph Smith, of the Mormon Church, held a family reunion at the Beehive House in Salt Lake, on his return from the Smoot investigation in Washington. There were present at this family gathering President Smith's five wives and thirty-two of his forty-two children.
The chief of the young car-barn bandits of Chicago, who has been convicted, now confesses to the killing of twenty-three men in his short career of crime. The circumstances of the murders are given with such detail as to prove undoubtedly that he has told the truth in his confession.
A bill is now before Congress to extend the coastwise navigation laws of the United States to the Philippines. The opponents of the measure claim that this is in the interests of the shipbuilding trust, and propose to prevent its passage if possible.
A negro was recently murdered by lynchers at Mojave, Cal., on the ground that he had committed a serious offense. It has since developed that the man was entirely innocent, and several of his murderers are now under arrest.
The census of India, just completed, shows a total population of 284,361,056. Less than one-fourth of the population is in what is known as native India. This census has revealed the existence of a hitherto unknown tribe, the Tabo.
Emperor William is making a tour of the Mediterranean. It is rumored that, after one or two heavy battles in the Orient, he will be authorized by Russia to intervene in behalf of peace.
German settlers in southwest Africa are suffering terrible punishment at the hands of the blacks. Many of them have been murdered in the most cruel and bloodthirsty manner.
SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.
By Editor
THE collapsing condition of the public conscience as displayed in the increasing amount of murder, suicide and general corruption proves that the public influence of the church is collapsing for want of a radical return to primitive simplicity, purity and power. And as physical conditions always follow the spiritual in its ascent or descent, and thereby indicate the true spiritual state, we are warranted in looking for physical trouble to follow this public moral decay. Flood, flame, explosion, railway wreck, war and catastrophe of every kind are sure enough seen, yet the people are not awakened or warned thereby. These things are a plain warning to the righteous. "The WISE shall understand, but the wicked shall not understand." "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." A good heart makes a wise head. We are divinely told to "exhort one another, so much the more as YE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING." Real spirituality will surely see it ere it comes. God says again, "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." In conclusion let us quote the inspired warning:—
'Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness [literally overeating and drinking], and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.'—Pentecost Herald.
THE GROWING CIGARET EVIL.
CIGARETS to the number of 3,041,573,668 were smoked in the United States during the last fiscal year, according to the report of the commissioner of internal revenue. That was an increase of 389,954,871, over 1902, and almost 800,000,000 over 1901. Due probably to anticigaret crusades, the number fell off 400,000,000 in 1901, as compared with 1900. Since 1901, however, there has been an increase of nearly 400,000,000 a year.
The consumption of cigars in this country also runs into large figures. The number smoked last year was 7,426,890,403. In 1902 the number was 6,863,499,635, and in 1901 it was 6,455,438,419.
The quantity of other manufactured tobacco produced in the country last year was, in pounds: Plug and twist tobacco, 185,736,781; fine-cut chewing tobacco, 12,065,617; smoking tobacco, 131,130,733; snuff, 18,682,341.
That those barreled messages are still being sent to Africa in great profusion is also shown by the report. The exports of rum to the dark continent last year are shown to have been 594,485 gallons. No such deluge of rum was sent to any other country.—Selected.
THE WAR IN THE ORIENT.
Circuitous reports from the Orient indicate that considerable havoc has been wrought in Port Arthur by the bombardment of the Japanese, and that many in the forts and town have been killed. General Kuropatkin is reported to have advised the commander at Port Arthur that he will be expected to hold the fort with the present garrison. The Russians have lost another torpedo-boat destroyer by the explosion of a mine. All but four of her crew, numbering about fifty, were killed. Some reports state that this was a mechanical mine laid in the entrance to the harbor at Port Arthur by the Japanese. The two Russian fleets are apparently attempting to join their forces; but the Japanese fleet has so far prevented their doing so.
The land operations so far have been confined to concentration of troops and skirmishes between outposts. One report states that a company of 200 Japanese has been annihilated by Russian soldiers. The Russians are reported to be withdrawing across the Yalu River. The Japanese continue to advance toward that river, and have occupied Ping Yang and other places. Newchwang also is soon to be occupied by the Japanese, if reports are correct.
One of the most serious phases of the matter is the extreme probability that the Chinese may be drawn into the conflict and other nations thus become involved. China continues to move her troops toward the disturbed zone, in spite of the protest of the Russian Government. Russia has warned China that at the first hostile move, she will descend upon and capture Peking. Other governments are putting forth efforts to encourage China to keep out of the conflict. Whether they will be able to do this now seems problematical.
COMPANIONS IN GOOD BOOKS.
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
BY MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.
*"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
WHAT shall I read? and, What shall I allow my children to read?" are questions which were never asked more frequently than to-day. This is not because of the scarcity of books or papers, but because of their very profusion. If the declaration of Solomon that "of making many books there is no end," was true in the days of the wise man, it is more emphatically so to-day.
Now, if all these books were good books, and all the newspapers and magazines which flood the market, were good, wholesome literature, one of the greatest sources of evil which the enemy of all mankind uses with which to entrap the feet of his victim, would be at an end. But, unfortunately, such is not the case; hence, we must use the reasoning powers with which God has endowed us, to discriminate between the good and the bad.
If we would make the most of the precious probationary time which still remains to us, and whose priceless hours are so rapidly passing, we will spend very little of it in reading the ordinary newspapers of the day. Why?—Because they are, as a class, highly sensational and disgustingly detailed in describing the horrible incidents of crime.
We need to know but little of these things. Would it not be better to "close our eyes from the seeing of blood and shut our ears from the hearing of evil"? It is enough to know that the perils of the last days are upon us.
"But," says one, "I must read the papers, or I can not keep in touch with what is going on around me." Now while this is true in a measure, it does not follow that an hour or two must be spent daily in order to become intelligent regarding the important happenings of the day. It is not necessary that Christians should know who was the champion of the latest prize fight, or be acquainted with every horrible detail of the thousand crimes and revolting scandals with which the ordinary newspaper of the day deals so extensively. "By beholding, we become changed." Does it increase the wisdom or the intelligence of any one to spend an hour reading the names of the latest arrivals at Blank Hotel, or the fact that the fashionable Mrs. A is entertaining the elegant Miss B?
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." If we apply this test to our reading—apply it conscientiously and rigidly, we will have no trouble in determining our duty in this matter.
"One need never be lonely," said an intelligent lady one day, "so long as the world is full of good books," and it is verily true.
Good books are like good people, the more one knows of them, the better. A good remedy for dullness and a fit of the blues, is to spend an hour reading reliable history. "Truth is stranger than fiction," and much more profitable.
Still, there are some biographies, which, however truthful, I would never recommend a young man or woman to read, for truth is not the only requisite which a book should possess. The biographer of a famous man does not stop to inquire if the example of his hero is a good one for a young man to follow. It is enough for him—and, oftentimes, enough for the world—if the man is famous. If he is a great artist, or sculptor, or musician, or soldier, his every act is lauded to the skies, his cruelty is termed "bravery," and his dishonesty is dominated "business foresight."
I remember once, while at the house of an acquaintance, I glanced through a volume entitled, "The Life of ———," a noted desperado. In this book the author had so skillfully covered the criminality of his hero, that, had I not heretofore known something of the real character of this misguided man, I am sure my sympathy would have quite run away with my judgment.
Then, in reading biographies, we may well be careful that they portray the lives of Christian men and women, whose examples we may safely follow. With what a sense of our own unworthiness we read the biographies of the early missionaries, who counted not their lives dear if they might but win souls to Christ; or of the godly reformers in the days of Luther, some of whom bravely faced the fire and the rack for the name of Jesus.
In order for a book to be companionable, it should never be read hastily. A book that is worth reading at all, should be read carefully and deliberately.
"Well," says one, "I pride myself upon having read twenty volumes during the past three months."
But, my friend, how much have those twenty volumes taught us? How much better man or woman are you than you were before you had read them? If some vital part of those books you have so hastily read does not stay with you and help you to do life's duties, they are in no sense companionable, nor have they done you any lasting good. This is an age of rush and hurry, and I am sorry to say we have formed the habit of hurrying in our reading, and thus failing to grasp the meaning of the author. This manner of reading only leaves us mental dyspeptics.
It is best to read those books which not only abound in good thoughts and teachings, but which call out the best and most earnest thought in us.
Let us discuss with the members of the family what we have read. How much better to have the mind stored with useful knowledge than with gossip and folly.
Any book which arouses in our hearts nobler desires and aspirations; any book the reading of which makes us kinder to each other, more affectionate parents, or more dutiful children; any which increases our love for God, humanity, and righteousness; any which causes our prayers to become more earnest and frequent,—these are books which it is safe and desirable to take into our hearts and homes, where they may enter into our lives, and influence them as verily as our dearest friends and companions.
Then let them be well chosen; and remember that, as followers of Christ, we must do all to the glory of God.
OVER IT ALL.
OVER it all—the care and the fret,
The mixture of joy and the sad regret,
The anxious thought and the burdened heart,
The bitter loss and the cruel smart—
Over it all—this puzzling dream—
His glad love shines with holy beam.
Over it all—the hope and the fear,
The struggle for right, when wrong is near,
The kind intent, tho the words be cold,
The prayer for patience and love's sweet hold—
Over it all His justice lies,
Unchanged by sudden or dark surprise.
Over it all—the day and the night—
The hours of dark, and the seasons of light,
Mistakes and blunders and faults and all,
The pitiful cries from those who fall—
His kindness waits to help and bless
With a Father's touch of tenderness.
—Selected.
Newsboy Becomes an Architect
A PHILADELPHIA newsboy, whose face has become familiar to those who pass in the vicinity of Eighth and Chestnut Streets, recently disappeared from his post of trade, and his absence brought forth a number of questions from his patrons. To their surprise, they learned that he had become an architect, and had shown such aptitude for that profession that he had been taken into the office of one of the best-known firms in the city. The money he had earned in selling newspapers had been spent in studying architecture in the evenings.—Success.
Do That Which Is Assigned
"Do THAT which is assigned thee, and thou canst not hope too much nor dare too much."
HOME.
By Mrs. B. F. Hoyt
BY MRS. B. F. HOYT.
WHAT a blessed word! Some one observes that to have a home which a man has himself reared or purchased—a home which he has improved or beautified—a home, indeed, which, with honest pride and natural love, he calls his own—is an additional security for any man's virtue.
Such a home he leaves with regret; to it he gladly returns. There he finds innocent and satisfying pleasure. There his wife and little ones may be happy and safe, and there his best affections center and grow. When the children have all departed, such a home becomes to the husband and wife constantly more dear; for it is now a scene of pleasant memories for the undisturbed declining years!
Then, too, what lapse of time, what varied experience of prosperity or sorrow, can ever efface the good impression made by such a home on the tender heart of childhood? To the tempted youth, to the wanderer from virtue, to the sad victim of misfortune, such remembrance has often proved a strengthening monitor or a healing balm. Nor can this kindly influence wholly fail so long as the dear objects of that family circle retain a place in the memory, connected, as they inseparably are, with thoughts of a father's counsel, a mother's tenderness, a sister's purity and a brother's love.
When God made this beautiful earth, He made one place more beautiful than any other spot. This was the Garden of Eden, and it was the home of Adam and Eve. They had everything to make them perfectly happy. God talked to them, and even angels visited them. O, how happy they were in their Eden home! As we all know, Satan entered to mar and ruin and trample. They disobeyed God, and they were driven forth. God was grieved, and Jesus left his beautiful home in heaven,—His riches, His glory,—to accomplish the great plan through which man might have a home with Him. "Tho He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9. One came to Christ and said, "Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest." Jesus replied, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head." Think of His poverty that we might have a home with Him!
Then go with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane, and watch with Him while He goes a little aside to pray. See Him cast Himself upon the ground in an agony of weeping and prayer. In the utter loneliness and desolation of this mysterious conflict He is ready to utter the bitter cry of the cross itself, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" This first paroxysm of agony, with its strong crying and many tears, lasted, it would seem, a full hour; then He rose up and came to His disciples, and found them sleeping. And while He stood there all tremulous and exhausted, with the bloody sweat upon His brow, and His face, changed and furrowed with pain, gently rebuking them for their failure to watch (even the poor boon of their watching and sympathy failed Him, and He must meet His great conflict alone), He could only pour out His soul again in the same submissive cry, "My Father, if this can not pass away except I drink it, Thy will be done." Matt. 26:42. He has conquered by submission, and He comes forth from the garden with His wonted serenity, to enter upon the closing scene of mockery and death.
Can you see how your divine Redeemer suffered, and not feel that the ransom of our souls is exceedingly precious, that the redemption of our eternal home was effected at an infinite price?
"Brethren, while we sojourn here,
Fight we must, but should not fear.
Foes we have, but we've a Friend,
One who loves us to the end.
Forward, then, with courage go,
Long we shall not dwell below;
Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your Father calls, come home."
Riverside, Cal.
ATHLETICS HURT WOMEN.
By President Eliot
[By President Eliot, of Harvard.]
WOMEN will never compete with the men's colleges in athletics. I see absolutely no possibility of that ever taking place. Women do not seek the competition, and it would be of no benefit to them.
Women were not originally intended for such violent exercises as man, and some things they go into must strain them. For a woman to put the shot is preposterous. There may be women living who are made in such a strange, unnatural way that it is not injurious for them to put the shot, but for the majority of women it would be enough to hurt them for life.
Boating is also bad for women. Women's colleges do not have crews to any great extent, but the women who do go into boating will not last long in their athletic life. Women's athletics are a good thing in moderation, but for them to try to do all that their brothers do is a mistake. They can never attain to what the men are doing, and will only hurt themselves in the attempt.
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF KOREA.
KOREA, like the world of the ancients, has its "seven wonders." Briefly stated, they are as follows:—
First, a hot mineral spring near Kin-Shantoa, the healing properties of which are believed by the people to be miraculous.
The second wonder is two springs, situated at a considerable distance from each other; in fact, they have the breadth of the entire peninsula between them. They have two peculiarities—when one is full, the other is always empty; and, notwithstanding the fact that they are connected by a subterranean passage, one is bitter and the other is pure and sweet.
Third wonder is a cold-wave cave—a cavern from which a wintry wind perpetually blows. The force of the wind from the cave is such that a strong man can not stand before it.
A forest that can not be eradicated is the fourth wonder. No matter what injury is done to the roots of the trees, which are large pines, they will sprout up again directly, like the Phoenix from her ashes.
The fifth is the most wonderful of all. It is the famous "floating stone." It stands, or seems to stand, in front of the palace erected in its honor. It is an irregular cube of great bulk. It appears to be resting on the ground, free from supports on all sides, but, strange to say, two men at opposite sides may pass a rope under the stone without encountering any obstacle whatever.
The sixth wonder is the "hot stone," which from remote ages has lain glowing with heat on top of a high hill.
The seventh and last Korean wonder is a drop of the sweat of Buddha.—Outlook.