THERE is a great difference in the way people look at things. The world presents a very attractive appearance to some, while others go through it seeing nothing that is not dark and dreary. The tide is always setting in against them, and they see no good in anything. So it is in matters of morality and religion. To the child of God the Bible is the Book of books. He sees in all the history of God's people traced upon its pages in beautiful symmetry, the triumphs of grace, while the skeptic looks upon it as a mass of contradictions without beauty or harmony. The Egyptians could not see the divine hand that spared the Israelites from the judgments that came upon all Egypt. They saw no propriety in the Israelites going out into the wilderness. To the Egyptians all the moves of the Israelites were enshrouded in darkness, simply because they were on the wrong side of the cloud; but the Israelites had light in their pathway. Joy sprang up in their hearts as the frozen sea stood in walls on their right hand and on their left. The Egyptians followed on the same path, but the way to them was dark, ending in destruction.
To the unbeliever the providence of God is a dark mystery, while to the Christian it is illuminated with divine rays from Heaven, which give courage, strength, and great joy. Simon Peter saw the mark of God's special providence in the net full of fishes. Judas did not appreciate his divine Lord and Master, and so sold him for a few pieces of silver. The papists reasoned that if they could rid the earth of Protestantism, it would give them relief from the disturbers of their peace. They envied the happiness of those who broke loose from their thralldom, but could see no light in the doctrines of the Reformation, and so, like men bereft of reason, they persecuted those who had the true light and were seeking God. The people of the world at the present time think those deluded who are looking for the coming of Christ in the near future, as much as the Jews thought the disciples deluded in believing in the Son of God. To the Greeks and wise men of earth, the gospel was foolishness, and to the Jews a stumbling-block. Mistakes similar to those made by the Jews and men of the world at the first advent, will also be made by corresponding classes of people at the second advent.
As a people, we can see great light in the truths that God's providence is revealing to us. Our minds go back less than two-score years, when there were but few who believed the solemn truths contained in the warning of Rev. 14:9-12. This work which commenced so small at that time has since encircled the earth, and now has believers in every civilized nation on the globe. Accepting the divine declaration that this message is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and that the whole earth is to be lightened with the truths that pertain to the last days, which will be preached as a witness to all nations, we can see the wonderful providence of God in circumstances which aid in spreading a knowledge of these truths. When Christ comes in the clouds of heaven, he will gather representatives from every nation, and tongue, and people; hence when we see individuals embracing the Sabbath of the Lord and the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, even without having seen the living preacher, and in many instances without having read a tract, it causes great encouragement and rejoicing. We see great light in these things, but those who reject the evidences of Christ's soon coming and the requirements of God's law, can see no light in such an extensive dissemination of these unpopular doctrines. To them it is foolishness, and anything but agreeable.
The last year of missionary labor presents many encouraging features. The number of publications distributed last year, as reported by our missionary societies, shows that something has been done. About 9,378,520 pages of tracts, and 1,921,920 periodicals have been distributed, and this is a report from less than one-half of our tract society members. Less than one-half the members of our churches are members of the tract societies. It is probable that more than one-half of our people belong to no church whatever on account of being so scattered, and quite a large proportion of them are working members, consequently a large amount of publications has been distributed during the past year outside of all the society organizations. There are many people connected with the missionary work of other denominations, who are actively engaged in the distribution of our periodicals in the various cities of this country and Europe. God is raising up people to do the work committed to his own people, and they express as much anxiety, and devotion to the work, as many of our own people manifest. The Macedonian cry comes from all parts of Europe as well as America. Even Asia and the isles of the sea are stretching out their hands, and saying, Give us your reading matter, and if possible give us a preacher. As a people we are far behind the providence of God.
Steps were taken at our late General Conference to establish missions in fields where we have none at present. There are opportunities for every child of God to work in his cause. We should sow the seed beside all waters, for we know not which will prosper, either this or that, or whether they both will be alike good. The time is not far distant when God will crown his work with a victory far greater than any which the world has ever witnessed. Shall we be discouraged now? Never. Our faith grows stronger, our hope brighter, and our courage increases as we see the providence of God co-operating with every plan carried into execution for the spread of the truth.
S. N. HASKELL.
Progress in Siskiyou County.
A CARD to Elder Israel, from Brethren Lamb and Church, at Callahan's Ranch, Siskiyou Co., Cal., reports progress. Twenty-three have already signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and there are eight or ten more of whom great hopes are entertained. Nearly every house in the village, they say, contains Sabbath-keepers. They have also word from several in the country, whom they have never seen, who are keeping the Sabbath as a result of what others have carried to them from the meetings. Those who are taking hold of the truth are an intelligent class. Opposition to the work has just started, and there is much yet to do.
The Unenjoyed Riches of the Envious
If we only knew how little some enjoy the riches they possess, there would not be so much envy in the world.
Minnie Ball's New Year's Day.
By Mrs. M. Stratton Beers
BY MRS. M. STRATTON BEERS.
"REALLY, I don't understand how it can be done, but I know it can, and I am going to do it; I will commence the very minute I get home to dear sick mamma and the children."
"What on earth are you mumbling about, Jennie?" and Jennie Mahan gave a start as Minnie Ball spoke directly behind her; so occupied had she been with her own thoughts that she had not heard her footstep. "I've been told that mumbling to one's self was a sure indication of insanity, and you have been at it ever since I came within hearing of you; please explain, and relieve my anxiety concerning you;" and Minnie linked her arm in Jennie's, and looked lovingly but not at all anxiously into her face.
Jennie smiled. "Perhaps I am losing my mind; at all events I cannot just now comprehend with it how to do all that Elder Brown urged us to do; can you?"
"Can I? why, Jennie, I don't pretend to do right; but how did he say? I don't believe I heard a word of the sermon to-day, and I don't know why, only that I did not listen."
"He spoke particularly of that class of persons who, having ears to hear, hear not; surely you are not of that class, are you Minnie?"
Minnie laughed nervously, for her conscience was chiding her severely; it had been doing so of late, spasmodically.
"Well, I'm afraid I was to-day; I fell to counting the hats and bonnets that had feathers on them or artificial flowers, knowing that as a principle your people disapprove of the wearing of them, and from where I sat, about in the middle, I counted twenty-six black ostrich tips or feathers, four with wings or bird feathers, and seven with flowers. Then I got to counting those who had banged, or frizzed, or crimped hair, and I do think it is awful the way that Miss Curtis wears her hair; no one would think by her hair or dress anyway that she was a church member. Mrs. Vose was sound asleep, and I thought I would die, I wanted to laugh so badly; she sat bolt upright, and her chin began to drop slowly, little by little, until at last her mouth was wide open; and once a fly lit on her lip and actually promenaded the whole circuit of her mouth before she felt it and brought her lips together in such a funny way that I wondered it didn't make Elder Brown himself laugh. Lots of folks were asleep; I didn't count them (I wish I had), but I got to noticing the Van Arsdale girls, and first thing I knew the sleepy folks all got waked up and looked as interested as if they never slept."
Those girls had on span new dresses again today; I'd really like to know how many different ones they have on hand at this very time. I can't believe they are converted; can you?"
"I sometimes wonder if I ever will be, through and through; seems to me I lack very much of it," Jennie answered slowly and sadly.
"Well, for that matter I can't of course say anything; I know I am not; and my conscience just now suggests that Minnie Ball would do well to look at home, and when she goes to meeting keep her eyes on the minister instead of on the congregation. I think next time I'll make use of my ears. What was it you were so insanely endeavoring to comprehend when I overtook you?"
"It was this: Elder Brown said that as to-day is New Year's day, we could in no way make both it and the days to come after it happier than in them all to be careful that whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God. I mean to try to do it."
"Did the Elder say that? I guess that is an extravagance of his own brain, that he will find hard to put into practice himself."
"Why, Minnie, it is Bible; that very verse was his text to-day; it is in 1 Cor. 10:31."
"I wish I had listened to the sermon, but I didn't, and, Jennie, when you work out the problem of how to live this beautiful way, will you come over and show me? I need to change my ways, and next Sabbath I don't intend to see a feather, let alone counting all in the house."
Here the two girls separated, Minnie to burst into the sitting-room where were gathered the family to which she belonged. Her elder sister sneeringly greeted her with, "You lost your lunch, Miss Min., by going to Sabbath-school on Saturday. Mother told Ellen she needn't keep the table for you ever—if you didn't get home in time, you might go without, or help yourself. I'd advise you to save your appetite, now it's so late, for turkey dinner to-night at six."
For an instant the blood came rushing to Minnie's face, but with it came to her mind the text that Jennie had quoted, and she said to herself, "It must mean speaking, too; it's 'whatsoever ye do.'" Generally Minnie was quick with retort, and her sister was too fond of annoying her; to-day she quietly laid off her cloak and hat, lifting the plume off the latter before she laid it down, trying the effect of the trimming without it; then said, "It don't much matter whether I have lunch on Saturday or not; perhaps a little fasting is one thing I need."
"Plenty in the kitchen, dear," her mother said, "only help yourself and don't bother Ellen to clear up after you; she's very busy to-day; you know the Laselles and Uncle Rob's folks will be here to dinner."
So Minnie went out to the kitchen, feeling really hungry; but she surprised Ellen with her quiet helpfulness in getting herself a lunch, and then she volunteered to watch the coffee browning, while Ellen made out the buns for the dinner; an act so unprecedented that Ellen couldn't help but notice it.
"Guess your Saturday meetings must be making you all over new, Miss Minnie; if they do, I'll go myself sometime when it ain't New Year's day too."
What a queer throb Minnie's heart gave, and all the time that one verse of Scripture kept ringing in her ears.
"You see, Ellen, the text Elder Brown preached from to-day was this [stirring the coffee briskly that it should not brown anywhere too much], 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' I am just trying to put that into practice; do you reckon I can do it?"
"Well, honey, you can try, and if I can help you at it, I will; 'pears like it would do some others of your kind good to go to Saturday meetings, too." The latter part of her speech was so low Minnie couldn't hear it, but she blushed to think she had conveyed the idea to Ellen that she had listened to the sermon, and mentally she calculated, as she set the coffee on the table, finished to a turn, that she wouldn't deceive in any way either; just then Ellen asked:—
"What did the Elder say about it; did he tell you to come home and take a cold bite without growling, and to give me a big lift in browning that coffee, as a starter in the way of living to the glory of God?"
"No, Ellen; I don't think he did, though he might have done so; the fact is, I can't tell you anything more than the bare text, and I wouldn't have been able to do that, only Jenny Mahan just repeated it over to me." And Minnie went out of the kitchen, away to her own room, with cheeks burning and head throbbing from other cause than the simple heat of the oven; conscience was chiding still.
"Well," soliloquized Ellen, "there is a pretty good deal of a sermon in that one verse, seems to me; queer it should take any hold on that highly-tightly Minnie Ball, she never seemed to me to care for anything but fun, though since she's got to going to them meetings on Saturday, with Jenny Mahan, I do believe she's different some way. I'd like to go myself; maybe, though, if I commence with Minnie to live out that sermon she brought home to me to-day, I'll be a doing something I can do, and will have more patience with them, as I want to do and can't."
Elder Brown little thought that morning that he was preaching to the cook away on—street in Mrs. Ball's kitchen; but over and over came that verse to Ellen, making everything seem lighter and pleasanter; she kept thinking, "I'll work to-day as I think would please the blessed Christ if he was here to look on, and I guess that will be to God's glory."
Over in Mrs. Mahan's home Jenny had been even more than usually kind and patient with the children, reading to and talking with them, and really succeeding after laborious effort in interesting them in the preparation of their next Sabbath-school lesson; and the frail, sickly mother quietly observing her effort, had thanked God and taken fresh courage, and fallen into a sweet, refreshing sleep, which lasted for two hours.
Jenny, on noticing that her mother was sleeping, had taken the children away to her own room and exerted herself to the utmost to entertain them in a way that would keep in their minds the fact that it was God's holy Sabbath day, and in a manner that she felt she could not have done but for the helpful influence of the sermon to which she had listened; still, when she heard her mother's voice at last calling to the children to come down, she could not but draw a sigh of relief at the prospect of yet having one hour to herself ere the Sabbath should close.
When the children were gone, she threw herself on her knees and poured out her soul to God for the help she prayed at his hand to assist her to live for his glory alone, for wisdom to use in winning others to him; and then there rolled on her heart such a burden, so heavy and great, for her friend Minnie, that the loving Burden-bearer, seeing, came to her relief, and gave her through faith in his love and mercy, an earnest of the fruition of her hopes, which she really was to see fulfilled sooner than she once dared to think; for even as she finished her prayer, there came tapping at her door the very one for whom she prayed.
As Jenny opened the door, and saw there the subject of her prayer, with eyes red also from evident weeping, she exclaimed:—
"Minnie, what is the matter, has anything happened? or—or—O Minnie!"
How closely now they clasped each other, pressing their cheeks together in a silence during which each could hear the other's heart beat.13"Jennie, I came over to ask you if you had yet solved your problem? and I guess, from the looks of your face, you were just getting directions when I rapped, weren't you? and, dear friend, I do believe that I have partially solved it for myself [they were both softly weeping now]; I am going to try to work it out with you Jennie, but I shall need all the help God can give me through any source, or—or people will judge me just as I judged Lizzie and Amy Van Arsdale to-day; already I sense a little of how hard it will be for me to be a commandment-keeper, with none of my family even Christians; but my mind is fully made up; it was before I came over; some way I felt sure you were praying for me this afternoon, and though you would want to know."
Scarcely knowing what she was doing, Jennie had without a word drawn Minnie to the side of her own bed, and commenced to kneel, and then, with one arm still about her, and the other raised high over her own upturned face, she opened her lips, and God filled them with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving so simply trustful that Minnie, who had scarcely dared to believe in that which she yet had had the courage to tell her friend, grew stronger and reached up still further and with firmer grasp to the Rock that she could not doubt had been cleft for her. Nor did she ever have reason for such doubting; though thick and fast came the trials of her faith in Christ, and tests of loyalty to God, firm and strong she stood, before the withering scorn of her sister, and the jests of father, mother, and brothers, and the slights of the world that so soon turned a cold shoulder and an averted face toward one who had, without any reserve, "chosen rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season," always thanking God for that happy New Year's day in which she, through seeking, found one who had power to redeem her soul from death; and through "considering him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself" she was kept from "being wearied and faint" in mind, and helped to become strong in Christ Jesus.
The Home Circle.
By John Greenleaf Whittier
NEW YEAR'S HYMN.
BENEATH the moonlight and the snow
Lies dead my latest year;
The winter winds are wailing low
Its dirges in my ear.
I grieve not with the moaning wind,
As if a loss befell.
Before me, even as behind,
God is, and all is well!
His light shines on me from above,
His low voice speaks within—
The patience of immortal love
Outwearying mortal sin.
Not mindless of the growing years,
Of care and loss and pain,
My eyes are wet with thankful tears
For blessings which remain.
Be near me in my hour of need,
To soothe, to cheer, or warn,
And down these slopes of sunset lead
As up the hills of morn!
—J. G. Whittier.
How Bessy Barton Spent New Year's.
By M. A. Roe
LITTLE Bessy Barton and her mother had just left their beautiful home on the main street of Clayton Village, one morning, a few days before New Year's, and were on their way to buy some toys at Mr. Dayton's large store, when another little girl, poorly clad, with a thin, pale face, stopped them, and said:—
"Please, ma'am, mayn't I do some work for you?"
"Work for me!" exclaimed Mrs. Barton. "What can such a little tot as you do? Why, you are smaller than my Bessy, and I don't believe Bessy is old enough yet to be of much use in housework."
"I'm older than I'm big, ma'am. I'm almost eight, an' I can wash dishes, run errands, an' mind the baby."
"Where do you live, and why do you want a place?" asked the lady, gently, won by the earnest blue eyes that looked so pleadingly into hers.
"We live down at the Montana Factory. You see, father got hurt in the machinery last fall, an' mother can't take care of us all, so I thought I'd hire out. O ma'am, we're so poor! I—haven't had any breakfast." The voice hesitated, and tears came into her blue eyes.
"I'll give you a quarter to buy one," replied Mrs. Barton, opening her purse.
But the little one drew back, saying, "Mother wouldn't want me to beg."
"O mamma! do let her come and help nurse run after Eddy; she says she is all tired out every night," said Bessy, eagerly.
Mrs. Barton looked from one to the other, and thought, "Suppose it was my child wanting food." Then she said, "Come, we'll go back, and you shall have a good warm breakfast, then help amuse the baby. If you do well, I may hire you by the week. What is your name?"
"Susy Davis. O ma'am, I'll do my best, for we are to be turned out of our room by the middle of next week if mother don't have the rent."
"Well, we will see how you behave," replied Mrs. Barton, as they returned to the house. There she told the old nurse Susy's story, and what she wanted her to do, and said that she intended going right down to Montana to see her parents.
Bessy begged permission to accompany her mother, and in a short time they found the tenement house where, in one room, the family lived. The sick father lay upon a straw mattress on the floor, and beside him sat his wife, sewing on some coarse garment, while a little girl, smaller than Susy, held a pale, sickly baby in her arms, rocking to and fro, trying to hush its cries. There was no fire, although the weather was freezing.
Mrs. Barton told them that she had met Susy, and had heard of their trouble from her, and had now come to see how she could help them.
She listened to the story of the accident, and how gradually all their money was used up, then she gave them enough to buy food and wood for their present need, and said she had engaged Susy to run after her two-year-old boy, and she would see what more she could do to help them.
When they left the house Mrs. Barton said to Bessy, "Now, dear, we will go and buy your toys."
"But, mamma, I think I'd rather give the money to those poor people. When papa read that verse this morning, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' I thought I'd never find it so, yet now I believe it would be a great deal nicer to see how happy it would make them."
"Wait till to-morrow, love, and think it all over, and if you still want to give it to these poor children you shall decide what to get them."
Early the next morning Bessy ran into her mother's room, saying, "Mamma, I've such a nice plan for Mrs. Davis and all, if you will only consent. You know that our old gardener is gone; the cottage at the gate is empty, all but John's room. Why couldn't we bring them there to live? Then Mrs. Davis could take care of John's meals, and Susy could go home every night."
"I declare, that is not a bad plan, Bessy. I'll talk with your papa about it; but don't tell Susy till we decide."
The next day Bessy's parents gave their consent, and Mrs. Barton had the rooms put in thorough order. It was not a very difficult thing to do, for the old gardener had not been gone long; and Bessy enjoyed herself much in setting things right.
Early New Year's morning Bessy went with her mother to tell them of the happy change in their prospects. Mrs. Davis wept for joy, and her husband, when told that the plan was all Bessy's, put his hand on her head, saying, "God bless you, my child; you have no doubt saved my life by your kindness, for I feel sure I shall get well and strong there."
Before night they were moved into their new abode, where a good fire was burning, and where over the mantel, in letters of evergreen, were the words, "Happy New Year. Welcome home." Bessy and Susy were waiting to receive them, and Bessy instantly drew Mrs. Davis to the cupboard, where was a generous supply of things for them to begin housekeeping with.
"These I bought with my money, instead of toys," said Bessy triumphantly; "and I never had a happier New Year's day."
She had proved the truth of the text, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.
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THE COMING CONFLICT
By W. H. Littlejohn
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THE GREAT ISSUE NOW PENDING IN THIS COUNTRY.
By W. H. Littlejohn.
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RELIGIOUS.
—Street preaching has been prohibited in Seattle, W. T.
—There are forty-six Catholic Churches in Brooklyn, N. Y.
—The four Gospels have just been translated into the Corean language.
—An exchange calls the evolution theory "the ape-x of false science."
—The minimum salary of Presbyterian ministers in Canada is now $750 a year, with a parsonage.
—There are now eleven vessels in various parts of the world, in the service of missionary societies.
—All the German clergymen of the Episcopal Church are to meet in Troy, N. Y., this month, to consider the work of their church among the Germans.
—The rioters who attacked the Salvation Army in Switzerland were acquitted on first trial, but on an appeal were sentenced by the higher court, to imprisonment, one for thirty days, three to twenty-five days, and six to twenty days.
—A new term in theology has been invented. It is that of "Mother Hubbard Christianity," and is used to characterize that sort of Christianity which fits alike any body and any denomination. There is a great deal of this loose, easy Christianity now-a-days. People call it "liberal," but the new term is more expressive.
—The French chamber of Deputies is steadily working toward a separation of church and State. Four million francs are to be taken from the appropriations to the Roman Catholic Church, and 300,000 from what has formerly been given for Protestant worship. If the church cannot support itself in the world, the reason for its existence has vanished.
—A correspondent of the Churchman states that on the 25th of November, the assistant bishop of New York, during the celebration of the communion, imposed upon several "novices," "the three-fold vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience," which our readers will readily recognize as a monkish vow. The writer vigorously protests against this innovation, on the ground that it is a practice "unknown to our Prayer Book." Truly, there is not much choice between the positions of the two churchmen.
—The editor of The Age-to-Come-Herald-and-Jerusalem's-Pioneer, etc., is now in California. In the last issue of his paper he says: "I have preached in New England forty years, and made some friends and many enemies; and have never been further west than Buffalo, N. Y., which was some years ago. But to-day my opponents in New England do not understand my views much better than those who have never heard them." What an unappreciative world this is, to be sure. We have seen his paper, and it is not difficult for us to decide why people do not understand his doctrine.
—The Rev. David N. Beach, in declaring his creed before the council which was to install him as pastor of the Prospect Street church, Cambridge, two weeks ago, was emphatic in his statement that "the change from the seventh to the first day of the week took place gradually, as a custom of the early disciples, and without any specific command." No one entered any protest to this view, so the Christian Union's correspondent says. Why should they? If any one should find any fault with it, it would de-volve upon him to show the "specific, divine command," and that would be a task that no one has ever yet been able to perform.