A SISTER, lately from the Methodists, hands us the following letter to her pastor on the occasion of her withdrawing from the church, giving some of her reasons why she could not belong to a church whose spiritual guide would consent to indulge in the evils and fooleries of Freemasonry. We do not know that any of our brethren are in danger of being enticed into that particular form of Satan’s secret working; but the principles will apply to all orders who show by their shut doors and sealed lips, that they love darkness rather than light:
DEAR SIR:—Do you candidly and solemnly think that a man can conscientiously belong to that class, styled “Free and Accepted Masons” and enjoy pure and undefiled religion? If you believe the teachings of the Bible, I cannot see what more you need. Are we not commanded, to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things are to be added unto us?
I understand that you made the remark that if you should be taken away, your wife and children would be better cared for by the Masonic fraternity than in any other way. I would inquire, Can you reasonably expect more from your brother Masons than from your Saviour?
Again, is there greater power invested in their hands than in the God who rules the universe and has an oversight of all the creatures of his care, and especially all who love and serve him? Is not all power in his hands? and will he withhold any good thing from those that trust him? I must acknowledge that I did not know that there was any danger of casting too much on the Lord, as has been insinuated; for I thought the Scriptures plainly taught us to cast all, not a part, on the Lord, who careth for us; and if the Lord is for us, the world cannot prevail against us.
The inquiry here arises in my mind, If you believe this, then why do you fly to the Masonic order for protection and aid? Dear brother, you must excuse me if I speak plainly, for I think the subject demands it. My earnest belief is this, that the Masonic institution is based wholly on selfishness, which encourages a disposition to reach forth and grasp after those things which you fear your Heavenly Father would fail to grant you.
To illustrate: A certain divine of my acquaintance claims that the ground on which he joined them was to secure a certain sum of money which he feared he otherwise might lose. Had he had unshaken confidence in the doctrine which he preached to others, that the Lord will not withhold any good thing from those that love him, he would have had nothing to fear, nor any disposition to join a class of individuals who are maintaining an institution which is in opposition to the will of God; for such circumstances prove that such is its character.
You claim it to be a good, moral institution. I take the liberty, to differ with you here. Are we not taught to judge a tree by its fruits? And certainly if we have a right so to judge, we most assuredly must condemn it; for as far as I am acquainted with its members, with a very few exceptions, they are the most unprincipled and unchristian persons I ever had the misfortune to become acquainted with. You may perhaps think I am making some pretty strong assertions. I admit it; but I am candid, in what I assert; for I feel confident, that I am able to sustain my position. You would hardly be willing to believe, perhaps, that a brother Mason could be in possession of so little humanity as to say that if his father, being a member, should divulge any of the secrets of said lodge, he would consider it no more crime to shoot him down dead than he would a dog. That expression was made to me in my own house by a highly educated man.
This being the case, it also appears to be a very dangerous society especially to all lovers of justice and equality. Where is the husband who loves his wife as he should, who would be guilty, against her wishes, of joining a society where his honor would not allow him to impart unto her the knowledge of its proceedings. I think it would be a total impossibility to find such an one. Consider, if you please, the extent of serious trouble which exists to-day between man and wife on account of this evil. It has been the cause of nearly parting from his wife one of the most notable members of this lodge, although, I believe, he has at last succeeded in hiring her to submit.
Now, as to its unreasonableness, do you consider that it is right for a man to pay the requisite amount in order to become a member, when he does not consider himself able to provide the necessary food and clothing which his family demand? I now have my mind on a number of families of this description. Imagine, if you can, the feelings of these unhappy wives. As is the case with one, so with all of like intellect.
I once listened to Mr. F.’s exhortations of Freemasonry in the presence of his wife. When he closed his speech, I made the remark, that if it was as good as he represented it to be, it was a great query in my mind, why we never found an intelligent woman whose husband belonged to them and was in sympathy with it. Mrs. F. replied that I never would have the pleasure of seeing an instance of that kind. We know there are those who can be hired, and those who live in actual fear of their husbands, who dare not oppose them, knowing such a course would produce continual war. Now, dear brother, it does really appear to me that if there was any real, genuine, good to be obtained, such as is produced by following the precepts of the divine Master, there would not be so much discord connected with it.
Again, it does not seem to be calculated in the least to assist the poor. I thought the word of God taught us to help such; to do unto others as we would that others should do unto us. I heard a lawyer once speak in particular on this point. He said that they were under no obligations to assist any outside of their circle. Pure religion teaches no such partialities, but to do all in our power to assist the poor generally, whether in the lodge or in our church. We should have no respect of persons as the Lord has not.
An instance now occurs to my mind of one of our citizens who once had a comfortable property, and had the misfortune to lose it. He thought it would be for his interest to join the Masons; consequently he sent in his name; but what was the result? A rejection, of course; not because he could not pay his initiation fee, but because it was not reasonable to expect that he could be any particular help to the lodge. As with the Roman Catholics, so with secret societies, it requires money to become a member, or to procure the pardon of sins. Christ did not teach any such doctrine. Salvation was to be free, without money and without price.
I believe you claim as a support of your theory, that “John the Divine, and John the Revelator,” were Freemasons. I am a little inclined to doubt this; but be that as it may, unless you can prove to me that our Saviour was also, all the evidence that you can bring that the Johns were, will be no satisfactory proof to me of its purity. I think we are not required to follow any one, as good as they may have been, any farther than they followed Christ.
Dear brother, I do not flatter myself in the least that I shall convert you to my views in this matter. But I believe it to be a growing evil, and that it is my duty to discharge my obligation to the best of my ability, poor as it may be, realizing that the Lord requires me to improve upon my one talent in the same ratio as those who have ten. How many men of your acquaintance do you think would cheerfully consent to their wife’s taking all the resources of the house which provide the food and clothing, and that oftentimes a small amount to what their husbands make use of, say even for one year, and repair to some private room, and there transact business, that they dare not for their lives let their innocent husbands know anything about; and what would be still worse, foolishly spending their means to gratify selfish desires, when husband and children at home were in actual need of them, and when there was no visible manifestation of the utility or good of such a course? In my estimation they are very few. Produce an instance of this kind and you will find a man of no intellect, a perfect dupe. A prominent member of our church, remarked, that if the ladies had a society of this kind, the men would fathom it or perish in the attempt. Don’t you think that Rev. Mr. H. would be one of the first men in the ranks to carry out this end? I would like to have you carefully read this, and reflect, and if you see fit, answer it.
In the light in which I view this subject, I cannot conscientiously belong to a society whose leading member approves of, and vindicates, Freemasonry; consequently I feel it to be my duty to withdraw from the church. My sister and myself would be much obliged to you for a church letter. Please write them at your earliest convenience, and oblige.
Small Deceits.
By H. W. Beecher; H. L. Bostwick
MEN at first deceive, knowing it; but by the constant use of deception they cease to even know that they are doing it. Gradually it blinds the moral sense. And it is in this direction that great lies are less harmful than little ones. Men think a great black lie is very culpable. I suppose it is. But when an armorer wishes, by scouring, to cut the very surface of metal down, what does he do? Take a bar of iron and rub it? No; he takes emery. Its particles are as small as a pin’s point; and these he puts on, and, by scouring, he cuts down the surface—takes off the enamel. You think that a great lie is a great sin, and a great shame to man; but after all, these little lies are more dangerous, because there are so many of them; and because each of them is diamond pointed. And these little petty untruths which are so small that you do not notice them, and so numerous that you cannot estimate them, are the ones that take off the very enamel of the moral sense—cut away its surface. And men become so accustomed to it, that they do not recognize that they are putting things in false lights, when, by word, by deed, by indirections, by exaggerations, by shifting the emphasis, by various dynamical means, they present things, not as they see them, but as they want to see them.
This phantasmagoric process by which men are throwing false lights upon action and motive, upon what is happening and going to happen; the ten thousand little modes by which men are seeking to pervert things, and make them seem different from what they really are; the petty falsenesses to which men resort in order that they may realize their vain, ambitious life—these are pernicious and demoralizing in the extreme. And the habit of employing them wears the character more than a great rousing lie told six times a year would do. Yet there are men, who, if they are convicted of falsehood in a great transaction, would lose their character forever. Their neighbors would say of them, “We cannot trust such men as they are.” And those very persons who say they would not trust them, do not hesitate to indulge themselves in five million petty falsehoods, little midgets of lies, in the course of a year. A lion is to be dreaded, to be sure; but deliver me from those blood-sucking insects which make me smart and suffer! A single mosquito is not much; but a multitude of them, myriads of them, amount to a great deal. And it is this falsehood in little things that tends to dim, to obscure, to almost obliterate, a sense of truth. There are men who have almost entirely lost their sense of proportion, their appreciation of magnitude, and their understanding of the connection between cause and effect. They look at everything in the light of what they want, so much, that they think that is true which they desire to have true.—H. W. Beecher.166
“IF GOD SHALL BLESS ME.”
In years long past, I said, if God shall give
Me certain blessings,—cause my path to lead
Through ways of comfort,—grant me long to live,
And strength sufficient for life’s utmost need,
Much joy shall through these channels flow
If God shall bless me so.
Friends, and fair honors, should he grant me these,
Home-love and children, and some skill to grasp
From the rich world its opportunities,—
What more could heart desire, or full hands clasp?
Surely my life like some glad tune shall go,
If God shall bless me so.
But now, I say, “If God shall grant me Heaven,”
And so end there. If at length may come
Into his presence who himself hath given,
All better gifts must live in that vast sum.
No good thing there shall be withheld I know,
—If God shall bless me so!
—H. L. Bostwick.
Wisconsin.
By David Downer
Since my report of April 9, I have visited the brethren at Kilbourn. Was glad to find Brn. Linell and Tenny united with the church. They have attended our meetings, and advocated our faith for several years, but have not been persuaded to join the church until now. We welcome them with us to share our trials and crosses in life.
April 11, went to Burns. Found the brethren there in great need of help. I remained there till the 18th. Our meetings were interesting and well attended. I trust it was a timely visit.
I then visited Liberty Pole where I now am. The brethren here are truly trying to walk in the light and overcome their sins. There have been several additions to the church since my last visit. My meetings here have been well attended, the house being crowded every evening. I have had several calls to preach in other districts in this county. Notwithstanding the busy season of the year, people come out and are anxious to hear. I now go, Providence permitting, to Newton, twelve miles distant, to help Bro. Sutherland who has started an interest there. Some are, I believe, already keeping the Sabbath. From there, I intend to go to the quarterly meeting at Victory, Wis. May the Lord bless our feeble efforts to advance his truth and glorify him. David Downer. Liberty Pole, Wis. Apr. 26, 1872.
Let Us Rally for the Work
By M. J. Bahler
SISTER M. J. Bahler writes from Rochester, N. Y.: I prize our good paper; and my heart is cheered and incited to strive for a holier, purer standard of action, by reading the solemn warnings, admonitions and appeals it contains, together with the minister's reports, through which a light seems shining that betokens new life and power for the cause of our Lord.
I find precious blessings in trying to deny self and live to help in the cause of God. There is sweet peace to the heart in the work of distributing tracts. Oh! as we sow the precious seed, let us pray earnestly for God's Spirit to guide us, and for his power to send home these truths to the hearts of those who read. God's pure truth will soon achieve a glorious victory; and those who share in the work will share the rest and the reward. Let us rally for the work. Work, watch, and pray; and there will be an ingathering of souls, which will bring us a crown of rejoicing in God's everlasting kingdom. The work is full of glory, and my heart says, I must share in the overcomer's reward.
Finally Be Ye All of One Mind.
By David Downer
THIS language is recorded in 1 Peter 3: 8. I have often feared that with us there are many who are at war with Peter in this requirement. We are told that men of different views and minds cannot see and think alike. If this be true, Peter has required an impossibility. Some of our sisters think they can wear useless ribbons, jewelry, ear-rings, &c., and when we refer them to Peter’s language, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold or putting on of apparel,” we are often told by them, We are not proud of our ear-rings. This may be true in some instances, and it is not hard to determine who are truthful in making the statement. It is those who cheerfully put them away.
I have been called to preach funeral sermons for some thoughtless young ladies who were slaves to fashion. They always appear in the coffin cold and lifeless. Their jewelry is stripped off. It is kept to remember them by. Now, sisters, candidly, have you ever died with Christ? When you died and were buried with Christ, did you leave your jewelry off to remember your death by? There is no better evidence of the death of a tree than to see its leaves die, and fall off. It is the blossoms that produce the fruit. When the fruit appears, the blossom is gone. I have noticed that those who bear the most good fruit are those that have changed their blossoms and jewelry for the fruit which Peter says is a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of the Lord of great price.
But the text says, “Be ye all,” not part, “of one mind.” There is only one possible way to accomplish this. We must be all slain by the law. When we are dead indeed unto sin, then be buried with Christ. There are many who have been buried alive. They are like the beasts that went into the ark. They went in beasts, and come out beasts. So with those who are buried alive by baptism. They are buried the children of Adam, and are raised the children of Adam, and bear the fruits of the flesh.
There never was an age when the daughters of Adam were more eager in the chase after fashion than now. Let us one and all be dead to these things, and be of one mind by having the mind of Christ.
Our brethren are at war with Peter. Some of them say, I have used tobacco for years, and if you will show me that it hurts me, I will leave it off. They say they have tried it and it makes them sick and cross, and they cannot feel good-natured without it. How much like the drunkard. Without his liquor, he is cross. With it, he is crazy. When you will show me a dead man with a lighted pipe or a quid of tobacco in his mouth, I will show you a man who has died unto sin, been buried, and raised up a tobacco-user.
Some only start to overcome part of their sins. When our appetite must be controlled, we are too apt to rebel. Let us be of one mind on this subject of tobacco-using. Some take a high and broad view of our work, but others are not of the same mind, and become opposers and hold the truth in unrighteousness. These are dead weights to the church. Oh! brethren, let us be of one mind; the gifts will bring us into a unity of the faith. May God reprove in his own appointed way the drones who are opposed to coming into the unity of the faith.
I have seen poor families become rich by being of one mind, not one alone, but all were willing to sacrifice. They accomplished their desires, and why? Because they worked together. One did not waste what another could gain. Brethren, I beseech you all from this time to work together for the riches that do not perish with the using.
We must have unity. Nothing can be done without it. We cannot sacrifice Bible truth for the friendship of the world. Water and oil will not mix. Put them in a bottle, shake them all you choose, and the oil will float on the top. So worldly-mindedness will not be found in a heart filled with the mind of Christ. Some are always finding fault that God does not bless them for their labors, that they never accomplish anything. Such people are to be pitied. They are like the man who was thirsty and went to the well to drink. He drew the bucket nearly out of the well, and in reaching for the bucket let go the crank, and lost the bucket. He continued to do so and died of thirst. It is so with many professors. They let go the crank too soon, and if they live, they are only babes, and never become able to bear strong meat, that they may grow thereby.
Christ cannot work successfully through a church divided. One busy-body can do more harm than two Christians can do good in a church; therefore Peter says, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busy-body in other men’s matters.” Peter classes busy-bodies with thieves and murderers. They are but little if any better. One destroys character, the other takes property, or life. The apostle says, Examine yourselves. If we do it, we shall always be busy in our own matters. The Lord help us to run clear of Satan’s many snares and be of one mind.
DAVID DOWNER.
The Call for Laborers.
By A. P. Lawton
FROM the aged and feeble, not much may be expected. The young and strong, must bear most of the burdens; while we that are older, will do what we can, to hold up their hands by encouraging words. May we all arise in the name of the Lord and put on strength, and do what we can to win souls. Those who are willing to wear a starless crown, will wear none. Each soul saved by our faithfulness will add luster to a fadeless crown. We must let go of earth, if we would take hold of Heaven. True and living faith will give us the victory. God is a detector of the heart. He weighs every motive. Love for perishing souls must outweigh, and take the place of, every selfish feeling and needless self-indulgence. God will send us one with tidings who has none. Those he sends he will give something to say. I earnestly pray that we may be so taught of God that each may know what he will have us to do. Though we may sow the seed in great weakness, God will raise it in power.
A. P. LAWTON.
W. Winfield, N. Y.
Waiting for Jesus in Faith
By O. R. Dalton
O. R. DALTON writes from Maryland: I am one of the lonely ones; yet I am not alone, for Jesus is mine; and I joyfully await his coming. How I long to see you and make one of your number; yet I must wait with patience. I feel grateful to God every day that I have heard and accepted the last message, and that not one shadow of doubt ever crosses my mind regarding our peculiar and beautiful faith. I am almost threescore and ten. I am waiting, longing, watching, for Jesus. I would he might come quickly.
Sister Julia E. Green
By Sister Julia E. Green
SISTER JULIA E. GREEN, writes from Hebron, Wis.: The little company in this place is striving to rise and put on strength to gain the victory over every besetment. We now number 14. We have started a Sabbath-school and Bible-class, and although very much scattered, we manage to meet quite regularly.
The Need for Prayer
By Sister M. A. Gould
SISTER M. A. GOULD, writes from Peterborough, N. H.: Never was there a time when we so much needed to pray as at the present, that we may have heavenly wisdom to form characters that will stand the test of the Judgment. The people of God, too, need our prayers, and precious souls for whom we feel a deep interest, who are not yet in present truth. “The prayer of the righteous man availeth much.”
The Reign of Good Principle
THE reign of good principle in the soul carries its own evidence in the life, just as that of a good government is visible on the face of society.
Unbelief and Faith
UNBELIEF throws us off our guard; but faith sends us to our watch-tower.
Progress of the Cause.
By I. SANBORN
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Wisconsin.
Since my last report, I have preached five times at Hundred Mile Grove. The attendance was small on account of the bad going and storm. On Sunday night, the 15th of April, it snowed about eight inches, and drifted so that the cars were detained in a snow drift between Madison and Lodi about four hours, the drift being about eight feet deep. Nearly all the trains were thrown off of their regular time. But the sun shines clear to-day, the 16th, so we are hoping for better weather.
I have been looking at a very beautiful place for our camp-meeting at Lodi in Columbia Co., Wis. We think most likely we will locate it there. Of this, however, more full and particular information will soon be given.
I. SANBORN.
S. OSBORN
By S. Osborn
Iowa.
At my last report, I had just arrived home from Kentucky and was intending to go to work on the farm until Conference, but was advised to continue lecturing as the way opened.
By request of Bro. H. Nicola I accompanied him to near Richland, to his appointment, Sabbath and first-day, April 13, 14. There is a little church there of some fourteen or fifteen members of good standing. This church at present is in good condition. All are alive in the cause of God, and love and unity prevail among them. There is an ear to hear outside, and by request, if the Lord permits, I will commence lectures there on the evening of the 30th inst., and continue as long as the interest seems to demand it.
This church is building a meeting-house this summer in Richland, at the cost of fifteen hundred dollars.
I go from here to Ioka, about ten miles further west, where the way has just opened for a course of lectures. May the Lord prepare the minds of the people to hear, and give wisdom and power to the word.
Sabbath and first-day, April 20, 21, in company with Bro. Nicola, we attended the meeting at Brighton. This church has passed through some deep trials; but they are now in a healthier and better condition than ever before. They say they have better meetings now than they have ever enjoyed. God will purify and cleanse his people, and consume and separate the dross.
On first-day we attended the ordinances of the Lord's house. This was the second time this church attended those ordinances. The Spirit of God was truly in our midst. We all felt it was good to humble ourselves to obey the instructions of John 13, and we were all blessed together. Praise the Lord.
S. OSBORN
BETTIE COOMBS
By Bettie Coombs
Experience.
DEAR READERS OF THE REVIEW: A year ago, through relatives in California, your dear paper was sent to our family. At first it was scarcely noticed, much less read through by any member of the family. We, as reformers, thought we had the truth, and did not care to investigate new theories. Our relatives from California came to visit us, and through their instrumentality, prejudice vanished, and I saw some light on the Sabbath and present truth. But, alas! associates, and other older and learned individuals of our belief soon lured me back to my former state. Oh! why is it we so much desire the applause of men in preference to God's approbation, and so fondly cling to this earth and its vain and fleeting allurements, little dreaming of the pent-up anger that is in store for the unconsecrated? How little we realize the shortness of time! Since Bro. and sister Bourdeau came to this State, I have had the privilege of being with them a great deal; have seen the way of truth more clearly, and have been led to reflect upon the past, and to more fully realize my present condition, and have resolved to take up the cross with my mother and live out God's holy commandments as best I can.
My dear young friends, let us contemplate the goodness of God, the provisions he has made for our eternal happiness, and with renewed strength and courage press on in the heavenly race. Let us think of the glories and beauties of the celestial city, of the great white throne and of him who sitteth thereon, of the sea of glass, gold paved streets, pearly gates, harps, star-decked crowns, and of the songs of the redeemed, and of eternal life in Christ's kingdom. Can we not choose now to give up all the pleasures and vanities of this perishing world for an inheritance with those that endure to the end?
I greatly desire to redeem the past, overcome the world, lead a humble, useful, and self-denying life, that I may at last meet all the readers of the REVIEW in the kingdom of God.
BETTIE COOMBS
Hardin Co., Ky.
Advent Work in Southern States
By R. K. McCune
Bro. R. K. McCune writes from Edgefield Junction, Tenn.: It is cheering to read the reports from the various portions of this great nation, yet sad to think there are so few from the southern States. I think among all the people of those States, perhaps not one in ten thousand ever heard of the Advent faith; yet many of those who have heard, have received it gladly. But most of them think they must see a church organization, before they can throw off their old habits, and follow the new. Could not some of our preachers come this way this summer?
A few of us are still rejoicing that we have heard God's warning to the world and are trying to obey and fit ourselves to meet our dear Redeemer. We are trying to keep up a prayer-meeting, and are making some progress in the health reform. We desire the prayers of the brethren, that we may have divine help to overcome everything that is opposed to the pure principles of Jesus Christ.
To My Former Friends.
By T. J. Butler
I HAVE thought of late of a great many warm-hearted personal friends, and devoted servants of the Lord, with whom I have formerly associated, and of whom I have heard or known but little for several years, but to whom I have great yearnings of heart. These friends are scattered throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and California, which makes it impracticable to address each separately, and I therefore request a place in the columns of the REVIEW, where I may speak to them at least once more.
Dear brethren: Ten years have elapsed since I have had any association or communion with you. Yet how well I can recollect the many times we were permitted to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ,” and even to bask in the smiles of his love. How happy, how strong, how courageous we were in the truth, “abounding in the work of the Lord,” singing the songs of Zion, and enjoying “the fellowship of the Spirit.” How my heart reverts to those blissful days.
No doubt but during the time which has elapsed since then, most of you have been growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, and are now “no longer babes,” but “men and women in Christ,” riper in judgment, richer in experience, and have become capable of higher and holier enjoyments. God grant it may be so.
But oh! dear brethren, would that I could say so much for myself. Alas, my “harp has been hanging upon the willows.” Unfaithfully I laid down my armor, and have been trying unskillfully to navigate the boisterous sea of life, without rudder or pole-star; or more fearful still, like the unfaithful servant in the parable, have buried my “talent in the earth.”
But God has given me to see the error of my ways, something of “the exceeding sinfulness of sin,” and to feel something of the weight of undischarged responsibilities. I have set out anew for eternal life, and I have confidence to-day that God will enable me “so to run that I may obtain.” That harp must come down again from the willows, and be strung anew to hymn his praise. I want that talent taken from the earth again, and “put out to the exchangers,” that when the Lord comes, I can return it with its usury. I have tried heartily to repent of all past errors, and have hope in God’s pardon. I desire to humbly ask all my former brethren to forgive me, and implore our Heavenly Father in my behalf for grace, strength, humility, and perseverance, that I may obtain the prize.
Your unworthy brother,
T. J. BUTLER.
April 20, 1872.
What Profit?
By Sel.
I WAS stopping at the hotel in the town of X—, “a stranger in a strange land.” Having some necessary leisure on my hands, I was employing it in reading the county newspaper, that had just been placed in the reading room. The first item that met my eye was something like this:
“Fair of the — Church. Last Tuesday evening the ladies of the — church of X—, gave a most brilliant entertainment. The fair was the most decided success of the season. Many of the most costly articles were disposed of by taking shares, &c., and there was evident interest taken in all the chances. The proceeds netted — dollars, and will be appropriated toward refitting the house of worship.”
Just then a couple of men, whose calling I could not mistake, seated themselves near me.
“Smith,” said the younger of the two, “what did you make Tuesday evening at the religious lottery? I saw you take chances in almost everything. The ladies seemed to regard you of great assistance to them for once.”
“Yes, that was just in my line. ’Tisn’t often a fellow can gamble with the approval of the ladies, and get thanked for it. I didn’t make much; don’t know as I came out even. But then it did a fellow good all over. Preacher and me had our names down in the same spec. time and again. Bye the bye, I think it is the best thing that’s happened for our business for a long time.”
“Why, how do you make that out?”
“You see, it shows that there’s nothing wrong in the thing itself. If there was, those sanctimonious old fellows wouldn’t have been in it. You see their principle is just ours—exactly the same. Pay your money and take your chances.”
“Only they had the most of the bargain. But then there’s this difference. Didn’t old Mrs. A. say the end sanctifies the means, or something to that effect? You don’t mean to say that we are on the same footing?”
“Why not? They want to reseat the church. It’ll take just so many dollars to do the job. Instead of taking out their pocket books and paying for it out of money they have earned, they make a lottery and win the stamps. It is easier, you know, than the old-fashioned way. Well, I don’t like to work and pay for my clothes and hotel bills; so I win money and pay the tailor and the landlord. Don’t I need coat and dinner just as much as their church needs reseating? Certainly. That’s why I say they have made us respectable—they’ve proved that the end does justify the means.”
“Well, that’s true, and I guess we’ll hear none of these people making light of our business any more.”
“The only danger is, they’ll monopolize the business. I rather guess, though, that they will help us considerably, for we will hunt down the game that has been started.”
Sick at heart by overhearing these fellows, I tried to put such bitter thoughts out of sight and out of mind. But the passers by had here and there a word of comment on the fair. I saw it was the latest sensation and the theme of themes.
I soon came to a very quiet street, all bordered with the foliage of trees—just the place for calming my aroused spirits. A lady and her son, a lad some sixteen years old, walked on before me, in silence for some time. At last the mother broke out abruptly.
“Why Charley, how can you think of such a thing? Don’t you know, my son, that that is the sure road to ruin. To buy a lottery ticket—my child, to become a gambler?”
“Mother, I don’t see how you can look at it in that way. I bought a chance in your cake, Tuesday night, and saw you going around to lots of people, insisting on their investing with you.”
“Why, my child, that was for the church!”
“I know it, and this is for me. If I make a good thing of it I don’t mind letting you have some of it to help out your cake money.”
“Charley, you don’t speak respectfully of your mother. You don’t think my helping to raise money for the church was anything like this conduct of yours in buying a lottery ticket.”
“Whether it was or not, mother, we boys can’t see the difference. We had a jolly time of it for the benefit of the church, and we propose to have a jolly time of it for ourselves, from this out. I know you can’t object now, so I keep in respectable company.”
“My boy, you don’t talk like the good child you have been before. Do you learn such lessons as that in your Sunday School?”
“No, I learned them of my mother, at the church fair, and I know she will not lead me astray. If it is right for you, it is right for me, isn’t it?”
The mother had no reply. I know not what the result was of the authoritative teaching of the fair upon Charley. I know what it was in many a boy’s future. I have no doubt that Smith and his comrade, and the brilliant saloon keeper, and the tiger, all reaped bountifully from the sowing of Mrs. A. and well-meaning associates.
The next winter I was stopping in the same place. A revival was now in progress at the now refitted church. There was great wonder expressed that the boys of fifteen or twenty seemed to be unmoved. There were the sons of good men and woman—noble boys, but irreligious, unconverted still. Great anxiety was felt for them, and much blame imputed to them for their neglect. All the efforts put forth seemed unavailing in their cases. There was no lack of feeling, but there was no decision to be religious. It was a poor excuse, but it was a withering rebuke, nevertheless, when a young man, at last exclaimed, “I want no gambling Christians to pray for me.” Mistaking an error of good men and women for a justification of his own conduct, he lost the great gift proffered him. Still, I could not help wondering if the profit of church chances and all the kindred doubtful methods of replenishing the church’s treasury were calculated aught by Christians.—Sel.
The Godly Mother.
In a class prayer-meeting in one of the prominent theological seminaries of our land, the members related to each other the history of their conversion, and the steps by which they were led to prepare for the ministry. In these statements the remark, “I owe all under God to a pious mother,” so often occurred that the writer was induced to make more particular inquiry which led to some very interesting results.
All but two had pious mothers, and most of them pious fathers. All were converted when young; some at the age of ten, none over twenty. All attended Sabbath-school. All remembered with gratitude the instructions of their parents. Many spoke with touching interest of the happy influence which the teachings and prayers of their mothers exerted upon them. Some of these mothers have fallen asleep, but others remain to the present, and rejoice in this result of their efforts.
These facts furnish matter for reflection. Suppose these parents had not consecrated their sons to God, where would have been this class of young men now active in the ministry; and if other classes and other seminaries furnish similar statistics, where would have been the theological students of the land? Our seminaries would be empty, many of our pulpits empty, and the harvest would perish for want of laborers.
Christian mothers, these facts show how much the world's salvation, under God, depends on you. Will you realize it and act accordingly? You may not through the agency of the press leave a name and an influence like Hannah Moore, or Charlotte Elizabeth, but you may transmit a fragrant remembrance; you may exert an undying influence through that little boy now by your side, and now under your control.
In daily prayer and faith dedicate him to God. Store his mind with useful knowledge. Aim to fire his soul with zeal for the Saviour’s cause. Mothers, do this, and though your sons come not to eminence, and it be not written of you, “Mothers of the wise,” yet it will be recorded of you, “Mothers of the good.”
Sir Benjamin West attributed his eminence to the sweet kiss of encouragement his mother gave him when he showed her his first rude attempt at drawing; and it is said that John Quincy Adams, through his long and eventful life, never omitted that beautiful little prayer his mother taught him, “Now I lay me down to sleep.”
What an influence God has intrusted to you. But little of it will find a record on the page of history; but eternity will reveal it. Sons and daughters then will call you blessed.—Sel.