At the close of the Portland camp-meeting, Mrs. White, in company with Elder and Mrs. Haskell and others, went to Boston for a short visit to the New England Sanitarium at Melrose.
Many important changes had taken place in the institution since her last visit, in the summer of 1904. A portion of the original main building had burned down, and a beautiful large four-story building had been built on higher ground. This building and the large new gymnasium and treatment-rooms are well furnished and equipped, and the institution is prepared to do excellent work.
It was to a physician in this sanitarium that Mrs. White wrote in May, 1906:—
“The medical missionary work is a door through which the truth is to find entrance to many homes in the cities. In every city will be found those who will appreciate the truths of the third angel’s message. The judgments of God are impending. Why do we not awaken to the peril threatening the men and women living in the great cities of America? Our people do not realize as keenly as they should the responsibility resting upon them to proclaim the truth to the millions dwelling in these unwarned cities.
“There are many souls to be saved. Our own souls are to be firmly grounded in a knowledge of the truth, that we may win others from error to the truth. We need now to search the Scriptures diligently, and as we become acquainted with unbelievers, we are to hold up Christ as the anointed, the crucified, the risen Saviour, witnessed to by prophets, testified of by believers, and through whose name we receive the forgiveness of sins.
“We need now a firm belief in the truth. Let us understand what is truth. Time is very short. Whole cities are being swept away. Are we doing our part to give the message that will prepare a people for the coming of their Lord? May God help us to improve the opportunities that are ours.”
Why Conduct Sanitariums?
When a prominent minister who was almost weary of the toil and struggle connected with sanitarium work wrote to Mrs. White, asking if it was necessary to spend so much energy and time in this institutional work, she wrote:—
“In letters received from our brethren, the questions are asked, ‘Why do we expend so much effort in establishing sanitariums? Why do we not pray for the healing of the sick, instead of having sanitariums?’”
“There is more to these questions than is at first apparent. In the early history of our work, many were healed by prayer. And some, after they were healed, pursued the same course in the indulgence of appetite that they had followed in the past. They did not live and work in such a way as to avoid sickness. They did not show that they appreciated the Lord’s goodness to them. Again and again they were brought to suffering through their own careless, thoughtless course of action. How could the Lord be glorified in bestowing on them the gift of health?
“When the light came that we should begin sanitarium work, the reasons were plainly given. There were many who needed to be educated in regard to healthful living. As the work developed, we were instructed that suitable places were to be provided, to which we could bring the sick and suffering who knew nothing of our people and scarcely anything of the Bible, and there teach them how to regain health by rational methods of treatment without having recourse to poisonous drugs, and at the same time surround them with uplifting spiritual influences. As a part of the treatment, lectures were to be given on right habits of eating and drinking and dressing. Instruction was to be given regarding the choice and preparation of food, showing that food may be prepared so as to be wholesome and nourishing, and at the same time appetizing and palatable.
“In all our medical institutions, patients should be systematically and carefully instructed how to prevent disease by a wise course of action. Through lectures and the consistent practise of healthful living on the part of consecrated physicians and nurses, the blinded understanding of many will be opened, and truths never before thought of will be fastened on the mind. Many of the patients will be led to keep the body in the most healthy condition possible, because it is the Lord’s purchased possession. . . .
“It is to save the souls, as well as to cure the bodies of men and women, that at much expense our sanitariums are established. God designs that by means of these agencies of his own planting, the rich and the poor, the high and the low, shall find the bread of heaven and the water of life.”
The Responsibility of Physicians and Managers
During her visit at Melrose, Mrs. White wrote regarding the duties of those in positions of responsibility as follows:—
“The workers standing at the head of our sanitariums should be prepared to give needed spiritual help to the patients who come to the institution, that these souls may be converted from error to an understanding of the work of God as it is revealed for this time. They are to do faithful service for God, receiving from him a sense of their sacred responsibilities. By prayer and earnest effort they are to be workers together with God for the conversion of souls. By the exercise of faith in God, they are to draw from the source of all power the ability to do the will of God in genuine missionary work. The blessing of the Lord will come in rich measure to the patients through the medium of the sanitarium when the workers in the institution realize their responsibility and act like converted men. The word of the Lord, if received and believed, will be accepted as yea and amen by every earnest seeker.
“To those who have had opportunity to become trustworthy men, but who have not improved their opportunity, I will say, Unless your hearts are changed, and you sense your great responsibility before God, unless you come to an understanding of your own unpreparedness for service, and accept the discipline of the Word of God, other and better qualified men must come in to do your work, — men who have fitted themselves for positions of trust by grasping the opportunities for spiritual advancement that have presented themselves.”
Visit to Buffalo
From Melrose, Elder and Mrs. Haskell returned to California, and Mrs. White, with her secretary, Miss McEnterfer, and Elder E. W. Farnsworth, went to Buffalo, N. Y., to attend a general meeting appointed for Sabbath and Sunday.
At the Buffalo meeting over two hundred were in attendance. Several came in from neighboring churches. Some of these were accommodated in tents pitched in the church lot, and many found lodging in the basement rooms of the newly purchased meeting-house. These basement rooms may some day be used as a home for city mission workers.
Our people in Buffalo rejoice in the8ownership of this substantial, roomy ford church building. Its former owner, feeling friendly to our work, sold it to our people for much less than its cost.
Several Bible studies were conducted by Elder Farnsworth. Other services were devoted to a study of methods of work for church-members. Mrs. White spoke in the forenoon of both Sabbath and Sunday. In her discourse on Sabbath, she read portions of the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of Luke, and said:—
“We need more faith. When we have before us these simple records of Christ’s labors and his promises, why should we not have a large increase of faith? Only by a constant exercise of intelligent faith, a faith that grows continually, can we properly develop in Christian experience. If we will encourage that faith that grasps the promises of God, these promises will be fulfilled in our behalf.
“O that we might realize the interest with which the heavenly intelligences are looking upon our world! Those who are seeking for righteousness will have divine help. They will ask, and God will hear them. They may not at once experience the feeling that they expect, but God will care for them. If they are in peril, Jesus will deliver them. His praying, believing people are under his special care.
“In Buffalo I have felt the same intense desire that I have felt in other cities through which I have passed, that the many inhabitants may have an opportunity of hearing from the Word of God the truth for these last days. This means that earnest efforts must be put forth by the believers in this vicinity. Let every one put his shoulder to the wheel, and labor in the simplicity of true godliness. We want to learn how to find access in this city.
“Perhaps a work needs to begin in your own church, that all the members may be thoroughly converted. Are some of you devoting your whole time to working your farms, or to devising ways of obtaining riches? The greatest riches you can obtain is the life that measures with the life of God. This is granted to those who serve God, and who are laying up their treasures above.
“Shall we not all be missionaries? Shall not all who profess to be Christians take hold understandingly in an effort to lead others to know the will of God? We must adapt ourselves to various situations, but if we have the grace of God in our hearts, we shall be able to impart light to those with whom we come into contact. Our work is to be done in simplicity. The most effective appeals can be made in the most simple language. Thus the Lord speaks to us in his Word. In the Bible there are some names difficult to pronounce, but there are few words difficult to be understood.
“If we had more of the simplicity of godliness, we should see very many more souls converted to the truth. In this day of preparation, we can not afford to be idle. The Scriptures have pointed out what is to take place in our world. The night is soon coming in which no man can work. Let us take hold in earnest, to make the necessary reformations, that we may be prepared for what is before us.
“Men will arise who will bring in division by teaching various errors. Therefore we must all look to our Teacher. We need to search the Scriptures for ourselves diligently and prayerfully, lest we be drawn away by the subtle deceptions of the enemy. There are many who must have a deeper experience in the things of God. Unless they arouse to a sense of their danger, they will lose their knowledge of what is truth. “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.”
“What more could the Lord do for us than he has done? He has promised us power and strength here, and for the overcomer he has promised an eternal life in the kingdom of glory. He will help you in all your struggles with sin. You can take your trials to him. Who will now accept of Christ, and give himself to him as he has never done before? Who will seek for the comfort and encouragement that Christ has given? Who will search the Scriptures to learn what is truth? Let those arise to their feet who will to-day make a new covenant with God.”
In response to this appeal nearly every one in the congregation arose. Mrs. White then offered an earnest prayer that God would let his light shine into their souls, that they might be able to keep the pledge they had made, and that they might so receive the power of the truth that they should lead others to rejoice in the triumphs of the cross.
Able to Deliver
By WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
List! the enemy advances,
Mark his stealthy tread!
Through the portals undefended,
Through the watch-towers unattended,
Climbing o’er his dead.
Arm thee swiftly for the battle,
Death awaits delay;
Firmly take thy stand, and boldly,
All commands thy Captain told thee
Hasten to obey.
Satan’s hosts are strong and mighty,
Fearful to behold;
Stand undaunted through the fray,
Michael’s forces ne’er give way,—
Heaven hath might untold.
Turn not back to save thy treasure,
God will care for thee:
Fight in faith, the victory’s sure,—
If thou to the end endure,—
For eternity.
Portland, Ore.
Christmas; Its Origin and History
By S. MORTENSEN
(Continued)
S. MORTENSEN
The Origin From Paganism
“LITTLE children, keep yourselves from idols.” This admonition is given to us by John, the beloved disciple (1 John 5:21), and those who love Jesus truly are willing to obey the injunction. Now we will note more closely how this festival is related to paganism: “No other Christian festival penetrated so deeply into the household as Christmas, probably because its character is essentially joy, such as it appears in the household. However, many features indicate that there were more Christian elements present in its origin. The giving of the presents was a Roman custom. The yule tree and the yule log are remnants of old Teutonic nature worship. In the household also, the festival gradually sank down to a mere revelry.”—Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia.
“From the first institution of this festival, the Western nations seem to have transferred to it many of the follies and censurable practices which prevailed in the pagan festivals of the same season, such as adorning the churches fantastically, mingling puppet-shows and dramas with worship, universal feasting and merrymaking, Christmas visits and salutations, Christmas presents and jocularity, and Christmas revelry and drunkenness. . . . The Christmas holy days, which by a law of Theodosius the Greek (emperor A. D. 383-395) were to comprise fourteen days, . . . have borne so close a resemblance wherever they have been observed to the Roman Saturnalia, Sigillaria, etc., and to the yule feast of the ancient Goths, as to afford strong presumption of an unhappy alliance between them from the first.”—“Ecclesiastical History,” by Mosheim, Vol. I, page 280.
“Upright men strove to stem the tide, but in spite of all their efforts the apostasy went on, till the church, with the exception of a small remnant, was submerged under pagan superstition. That Christmas was originally a pagan festival is beyond all doubt. The time of year, and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated, prove its origin. In Egypt the son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the queen of heaven, was born at this very time, ‘about the time of the winter solstice.’ The very name by which Christmas is popularly known among ourselves—yule day—proves at once its pagan and Babylonian origin. ‘Yule’ is the Chaldee name for an ‘infant’ or ‘little child,’ and as the twenty-fifth of December was called by our pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors ‘yule day,’ or the ‘child’s day,’ and the night that preceded it ‘mother night,’ long before they came in contact with Christianity, that sufficiently proves its real character. Far and wide in the realms of paganism was this birthday observed.”—“The Two Babylons,” pages 93, 94. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
The author of “The Two Babylons” identifies also the child, whose birth was so universally celebrated, with Nimrod, who built the tower of Babel, and says that he was worshiped by the name Osiris in Egypt, and Tammuz (the same one as Adonis the famous hunter) in Phenicia and Assyria. (See page 56.) This Tammuz is also mentioned by the holy prophet Ezekiel, who in a vision saw the women of Judah weeping for him. He is there spoken of in company with sun-worship.
“It was an essential principle of the Babylonian system that the sun, or Baal, was the one only god. When, therefore, Tammuz was worshiped as God incarnate, that implied also that he was an incarnation of the sun.”—“The Two Babylons,” page 96.
In this way we trace sun-worship back to Nimrod, whose worship was universal in the old time. Again we have good reason to say: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
About the transferring of the pagan customs into Christendom the same author says: “The wassailing-bowl of Christmas had its precise counterpart in the ‘Drunken Festival’ of Babylon;9and many of the other observances still kept up among ourselves at Christmas came from the same quarter. The candles, in some parts of England, lighted at Christmas eve and used so long as the festive season lasts, were equally lighted by the pagans on the eve of the festival of the Babylonian god, to do honor to him, for it was one of the distinguishing peculiarities of his worship to have lighted candles on his altars. The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in pagan Rome and pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm tree; in Rome it was the fir; the palm tree denoting the pagan Messiah, as Baal-Tamar; the fir referring to him as Baal-Berith. . . . On Christmas day the continental Saxons offered a boar in sacrifice to the sun, to propitiate her. In Rome a similar observance had evidently existed; for a boar formed a great article of Saturn, as appears from the words from Martial, ‘That boar is able to make you a good Saturnalia.’ Hence the boar’s head is still a standing dish in England at the Christmas dinner, when the reason of it is long since forgotten. Yea, the ‘Christmas goose’ and ‘yule cake’ were essential articles in the worship of the Babylonian Messiah, as that worship was practised both in Egypt and at Rome.”—Id., pages 97, 100, 101.
What is here said about the yule boar in England is also true about it in Scandinavia; and all this proves, (1) that the Roman sun festival originated in Babylon and Egypt; (2) that it was celebrated in honor of a son who was worshiped as an idol, and who was born the last part of December; (3) that this idol can be traced back to the rebellious Nimrod, who was idolized; (4) and that the customs at this old pagan festival were transferred to Christmas. This is truly surprising. Here are indeed reasons for a solemn search of heart, fervent prayer, and firmness of character for those who wish to be pure in the sight of God.
Chicago, Ill.
(To be concluded)
Judas's Fall
By G. B. Thompson
G. B. THOMPSON
Much is said about Judas's fall. But why is his fall mentioned so much? Is it because of the turpitude of his sin?—Possibly, for he did do a very wicked thing; he sold his Best Friend for money.
But there is another point about his fall. Peter fell. Others have also. But Judas's fall was different. His fatal weakness was not so much in that he fell, as in the fact that he seemed unable to get up again after he fell. The bag held him down.
How many there are who are like Judas in this respect. They fall, and then lie utterly prostrate, unable to get up and travel on. There is something in the heart which God condemns, but they cling to it. They make some feeble efforts to arise, but are not able to do so. Sin holds them down.
To those who fall the Lord speaks these encouraging words: “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise.” Micah 7:8. Again the Word of the Lord says: “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Prov. 24:16. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Ps. 37:23, 24.
In the hour of a strong temptation it would seem from these scriptures that a good man might fall. When struggling with some strong, almost overmastering passion, through the weakness of the flesh he might yield. But there is hope. He can get up again. But to do so he must repent and give up his sin. He must let go of the bag. A little of the world in a man's heart weighs much.
But the Lord holds out to us the hope of not falling. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25.
This is a precious promise. He is able to keep us from falling. Then let us not be discouraged if we have failed. We have an Advocate; through him there is forgiveness for sin. The most hopeless prodigal can arise and go to his Father, who has bread and to spare.
Takoma Park, D. C.
He Hears Our Cry
By P. G. Stanley
P. G. STANLEY
The Lord says, “I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and have heard their groanings, and am come down to deliver them.” Acts 7:34. God always hears the voice of those that cry unto him in their need. That cry may not be formulated in words. It may be simply “the soul’s sincere desire,” “the burden of a sigh,” the “falling of a tear,” the “upward glancing of the eye,” that God sees. The cry may come from the heart of the learned or the untutored, the respectable or the outcast, the monopolist or the oppressed, the rich or the poor. If that cry comes from the heart, God hears and answers.
He heard the cry of Elijah when, with breaking heart, he wept over the apostasy of Israel. He heard him and answered his earnest prayer with awful judgment, by shutting up the heavens that they should not give rain for three years and six months. He heard him and answered in mercy when punishment had accomplished its object, by sending copious showers upon the parched and suffering earth.
He heard the praying church at Jerusalem when they pleaded for the deliverance of the imprisoned Peter; and just before Herod was to slay him, the Lord sent his angel to arouse his beloved servant, slumbering peacefully between Roman soldiers, and to loose his chains and lead him forth to liberty and finally to the church assembly, where many were gathered together praying.
He heard the prayers and praises of Paul and Silas in the inner prison at Philippi, and mightily shook the earth, till every prison door was opened, and every prisoner’s shackles were loosed.
He hears the young ravens when they cry. He hears us.
May we open our eyes to see his rich supplies for all our needs, as he opened the eyes of Hagar to behold the living well from which she drew to quench the raging thirst and cool the fevered brow of her boy. May he open our eyes to see angelic cohorts delivering and defending us, as he opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant to gaze in wonder on the heaven-sent horses and chariots of fire filling the mountain round about.
May he open our eyes to see the finished work of Jesus Christ, “who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Let us believe that he hears the longing, yearning hearts, whether it be for the salvation of self, husband, wife, children, friends; for deliverance from temptation, sin, trouble; for temporal support; or for any of the many and varied needs that we find our weak humanity has inherited.
“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Let us believe he hears us, and with the key of faith unlock the storehouse of our infinite Father, and bring down upon our heads his rich and choicest blessings.
An Incident
By Albert Weeks
ALBERT WEEKS
YEARS ago, in one of our churches in Michigan, a brother had failed in his efforts against the tobacco habit, and his brethren had about given up hope in his case. In visiting the members of the church I called at his home. I inquired concerning his spiritual condition. His wife said he had not gotten rid of the tobacco habit. She directed me to the field where he was working.
As I drew near the field, he was not in sight. I entered a piece of woods and walked in the direction of the place where I had expected to find him. Soon I heard a low, earnest voice ahead of me. As I drew nearer, I saw our brother earnestly pleading with God.
My hope in his gaining the victory over the evil habit revived. I waited until he had returned to his labor in the field, then visited him. With hope and joy I could point him to the Source of strength, and we had sweet communion together.
When I returned to the house, his wife inquired concerning him. As I told her how I found him, hope increased in her mind. We were encouraged to pray for him, and to believe that he would overcome.
And he did gain the victory. Afterward when I visited the church, he was free. The power of God had come to his aid through the prayer of faith.
The Holy Spirit
By M. W. DE L’HORBE
M. W. DE L’HORBE
If we, as Young People’s Missionary Volunteers, are to be successful in doing the work which the Lord Jesus left us to do, we must become familiar with the methods he employed in his work, and follow his example; for, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps.” He says to us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.”
We find that Christ did nothing of himself. He said, “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10. But how did God dwell in Christ?—By the Holy Spirit. Matt. 12:18. This unseen power protected and guided him in all his work here upon earth.
It was by the Holy Spirit that he was anointed for his work. Luke 3:21, 22. This was positive proof to John’s mind that Jesus was the Son of God. John 1:33, 34. It was the Holy Spirit that led him into the wilderness to be tempted. Luke 4:1. The same power led him back into Galilee to begin his ministry. Luke 4:14. The Holy Spirit dictated every sermon. Luke 4:18. It was this mighty, unseen power, working through him, that raised the dead, cast out devils, healed the sick, made the blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb speak, and the lame walk. Acts 10:38.
How precious to us should be the promise Jesus made when he was about to leave for the heavenly courts. He said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also. . . . I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, . . . for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. . . . The Comforter, which, is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:12, 16, 17, 26.
Then since these promises are sure to us, let us plead for the Holy Spirit until we receive it in its fulness, for without it all our efforts in this cause are useless. Jesus is more willing to give it to us than are our fathers and mothers to give to us those temporal things which we need. If we will only permit this blessing to come into our lives and take possession of our hearts, it will quickly cleanse us from sin and worldliness, and prepare us for the Lord’s work. Col. 3:5; Rom. 8:13.
It is just as essential for Christ’s workers to possess the love of Christ as it is to possess the Holy Spirit. In fact, we can not have the Holy Spirit without the love of Christ. Paul says: “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:2, A. R. V.
“The love of Christ constraineth us” to work to-day in his vineyard, persuading men and women to forsake their sins and accept the third angel’s message; but we might as well go out into the field to mow hay with a piece of wood as to go out to work in the Lord’s vineyard without the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and without hearts full of the love of Jesus. The only reason why we are so slow in giving the message, why our efforts are so fruitless, is because, instead of being filled with the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit, our hearts harbor pride, worldliness, and self-love. How are we to get rid of these things, and be filled with the love and spirit of Christ instead? Let the Word of God answer: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Col. 3:5. How can we do this? “If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Rom. 8:13. Then how do we become filled with the love of Christ? “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:5.
Do you not believe that God is just as able and willing to pour out these blessings upon us as he was to pour them out upon the waiting disciples on the day of Pentecost? He says he is. Then if we prepare for it as the disciples did, by searching our own hearts and putting away sin, God will surely visit us. And what will be the result if all our people everywhere will do this?—The gifts of the Spirit will be manifested among us, the message will go with power, and Jesus will soon come. “The works that I do shall ye do also; and greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto the Father.”
So while the Spirit of God is pleading with us to forsake the world, with all its sinful lusts and desires, and give our hearts and lives to his service, in Christ’s name let us make a full and complete surrender now, that the Lord may make us a power for good in the accomplishment of his glorious work.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5.
Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Reviewing God’s Providence and Leading
By J. H. Rogers
J. H. ROGERS
It was in December, 1902, that we moved from South Dakota to Los Angeles, Cal. The principal cause of making this move was my wife's health, the rigorous climate of Dakota being too severe for her. Our work and associations in that conference endeared us very much to that people. I have followed carpentry for a support, in the meantime going out among our churches and people at the instance of the president of the conference and the urgent invitation of the brethren. This I have enjoyed very much, for in so doing I have met many old-time acquaintances in the work, and experiences of former years have often been revived.
As time sweeps us on, many of my early associates in the message have laid down the armor, to await that glad morn when He comes to claim his own. And some have fallen out by the way. While it is a glorious time for the people of God who are heeding the call, “Onward to victory,” it is a dreadful time for the faithless ones who are murmuring by the way. Having watched the movements of this cause for nearly fifty years, I am more sure than ever that God is leading this message and people to the final victory.
The move to Washington has to my mind been exactly in the leading of his providence for the speedy proclamation of the third angel's message to every “nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” What an opportune time is afforded now for those who have means to invest in the cause of this closing message; for in a little while hoarded capital will be of no value. Remember, brethren, if this message is to go to all the world in this generation, now is the time to show how much we believe it. I see worldly inducements influencing many to make their investments. I know that the god of this world is blinding their eyes to eternal things, while we know we are living in the last days of human probation.
God has been very merciful and good to me in sparing me all these years, giving me strength and vigor of body and mind, although I have passed the age of threescore and ten by nearly eight years. Praise the Lord! Blessed be his name forever!
Los Angeles, Cal.
No Conflict
Some people—among them some frightened Christians—are considerably exercised about the so-called conflicts of science and religion. One of these once said to a minister, “How do you reconcile the teachings of the Bible with the latest conclusions of science?” The minister’s reply was, “I haven’t seen this morning’s papers.” The truth is that the phrase, “latest conclusions of science,” contains an error in its very wording. There are no latest conclusions of science. Science is progressive, necessarily so. It can not be said to have conclusions. No one has yet discovered all that is to be known about anything. The knowledge of today is the discarded truth of to-morrow, for the reason that to-morrow has its larger truth. The partial must give place to the more complete. On the other hand, religion—the Christian religion—has come to the world as a divine revelation. Its large features we can see, if we will. While we shall never be able to exhaust its meanings, never be able, indeed, to understand it in its fulness, we do know that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. And there is no science, worthy of the name, that will ever contradict that sublime fact or go beyond it.—Northwestern Christian Advocate.
The Child With a Temper
By Mrs. Luella B. Priddy
MRS. LUELLA B. PRIDDY
WHAT shall we do with the child with a temper? In the first place, let us not be discouraged with him. He may have an abundance of energy that needs directing into profitable channels.
Avoid unnecessary causes of irritation. “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. 3:21.
A young mother was scrubbing her kitchen floor. Her little son, true to the instincts of childhood, wished to do what she did. He obtained a piece of cloth, and was industriously applying it to the floor, when his mother discovered what he was doing. She hastily took the cloth from his hand, and told him to stop slopping water on the floor. Grieved and angered, he could do nothing but obey. Being driven from that occupation, his active little mind began to search for something else to do. His next attempt was as summarily thwarted. Several such scenes followed, until the child was frantic, and the nervous, delicate mother was discouraged.
All this trouble might have been avoided. A little thought would have convinced the mother that the child was doing no great harm. A gentle admonition not to put on too much water would probably have been heeded, and the little fellow would have been happy in the thought that he was helping mother.
If the child is doing the wrong thing, suggest another task to his mind, making the desired occupation appear attractive to him, that he may want to do it. Avoid arousing antagonism by the giving of unnecessary orders. Some children resent being continually told to do things; it seems so much nicer to do them of one’s own accord. One mother, to prevent this difficulty, would say something like this, “My wood-box is empty. Now, I shall have an opportunity to see who loves me.” This little ruse usually resulted in a good-natured scamper for the wood-shed.
When the child’s tasks are cheerfully done, let him know that his efforts are appreciated. Drop a gentle hint occasionally that it is a great help to have a boy or girl who notices when the water-pail needs filling, who can see when the coal-scuttle is empty, etc. It will foster a habit of doing things without being told, which will be of great value to the child in after-life, and prevent many unnecessary conflicts.
The nervous system of children is more susceptible to irritation than that of adults. The baby is cross when suffering from some slight ailment. Right physical conditions are great promoters of amiability.
A wholesome, unstimulating diet, partaken of at regular intervals, a clean and healthy skin, comfortably fitting clothing evenly distributed over the body, all tend to a contented state of mind. A child carelessly fed, until he is suffering the distress of indigestion, or one who is clad in clothing made in such a manner that one garment fails to connect with another, exposing the tender limbs to the severity of the weather, thus inducing colds, and making the eyes and nose unfailing fountains, would be almost more than human if he were not ill natured.
The observing mother will often notice that the children are more irritable and difficult to govern after a day of hard visiting and play with little friends. Of course they should not be deprived of all such pleasures, but they often need guarding against playing to the limit of exhaustion.
After every effort on our part has been made,—and it is necessary to make wholesome restrictions,—if the child rebels, what shall we do? Do not attempt that which is impossible. You can insist upon obedience, but you can not always prevent his being angry. On such occasions the parent requires the utmost self-control. Suppose that Nellie has been asked to sweep the floor, and she responds with, “I don’t want to,” or, “I won’t do it.” Let the mother go quietly about her work, saying nothing, but lifting up her heart to the Father in heaven for the child. Nellie will soon discover that she has nothing to battle against, and she will usually conclude that it is best to do what she has been told. In such cases, if the parent begins by arguing the question, the child follows with excuses, and a disagreeable habit of contention develops.
The Holy Spirit is the one great subduing influence that brings an atmosphere of peace into the home. When an evil angel is contending for the soul of the child, let not the parent add to the difficulty by bringing another evil angel who is getting the victory over her. The temptation is often great to do too much talking, and too little praying.
“The children don’t like it when papa talks religion to them,” said a young girl, the older sister of a large family. Undoubtedly the religious talks had been administered as a punishment when they were naughty. They could not enjoy the threatenings of divine wrath under those circumstances. When the children are in an agreeable frame of mind, kindly talk with them about their faults, and teach them to go for help to the one who is able to help them overcome sin.
Many good people have had tempers that only divine grace could subdue. The Lord is able to make those traits that we call temper and stubbornness develop into zeal for the right, and fortitude that will not yield to discouragement, nor succumb to difficulties.
Ellsmere, Ontario.
God's Loveland
By Harriette A. Yergin, M. D.
HARRIETTE A. YERGIN, M. D.
HAVE you seen the overflowing
Of the fruits of faith and love?
Have you tasted of the sweetness
Of the blessings of God's love?
It is yours to gather richly,
Counting each one as they're stored
In the chambers of your garner,
From the Loveland of the Lord.
Count your blessings, they are many,
Though the day seems hard and long;
Gather where the fields are thickest
With the fruits of joy and song.
Chicago, Ill.
The Poor Chinese Women
By Mrs. H. E. Warner
MRS. H. E. WARNER
A RECENT issue of the Ladies’ Home Journal has an interesting editorial by Mr. Bok, who writes that “a woman not long ago listened to an eloquent missionary address on the Chinese women, in which special stress was laid upon the ‘barbarous dress’ of the women of China, particularly their ‘bound feet.’ At the close of the address the woman was so impressed with the necessity of ‘doing something’ for the Chinese women that she contributed ten dollars, and said to a friend, ‘Isn’t it awful?’”
“Next to this woman sat her daughter, a girl of seventeen. She wore a tight, high collar, in which she could hardly turn her head; the lingerie shirt-waist was so thin that it fairly beckoned one to look at the overtrimmed underwear beneath it; her eyes looked out from under a veritable life-preserver of hair, the source of which she had no idea; she wore two combs bejeweled with cheap rhinestones; her waist was screwed into a ‘Number 19,’ and her feet were pinched into a pair of high-heeled shoes, which the girl herself confessed were ‘all right for anything but walking!’ And yet the mother of this girl is, as the world would say, a very good mother! But for which one — the American girl, the Chinese women, or, perhaps, the American mother — should the missionary fund of education and relief have really been raised?”
If Christian women would lead out in the good work, and set the example of dressing with neatness and simplicity and with regard to health, there would be a universal reform.
It would take moral courage to break away from the chains of fashion, and dress and educate their children with reference to health; but the result will repay all the sacrifice made.