Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 27.
THE ONLY PERFECTED BIBLE KINDERGARTEN METHOD FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOLPage 2
Earlier text: THE ONLY PERFECTED BIBLE KINDERGARTEN METHOD FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOLNote and Comment
By L. A. S.
“A ‘BILLION-DOLLAR congress’ has become a parsimonious instead of an extravagant congress,” remarks the Chicago Tribune, in view of the reckless expenditure of money which characterizes the present session of the national legislature. The appropriation bills thus far aggregate $700,000,000, this amount exceeding the estimated revenues by $51,000,000. THE higher criticism of the Bible is taking possession of the last strongholds of the old belief in the Protestant churches, one of these being the United Free Church of Scotland. At the general assembly of that body held in May last, a decisive vote was given against taking any action unfavorable to the recent work on “Modern Criticism and the Teaching of the Old Testament,” by George Adam Smith, which strongly advocates the ideas of the higher critics, Principal Rainy, who is the recognized leader of the Free Church, came forward as the chief defender of the book, and made a speech in which he told how the interpretation of Genesis I became adjusted to the “facts of science” which the investigations of the higher critics had brought to light. This decisive vote of the Scotch clergymen is noted with satisfaction by American Protestant journals, The Congregationalist remarking that “the vote now taken indicates the progress of the Protestant church throughout the world during the last quarter of a century.” STUDENTS at Yale University who are interested in missionary work have undertaken to establish an undenominational mission in North China, to be evangelistic, medical, and especially educational in character. The movement is to be under the control not of any existing mission board, but of a council of forty, of which Ex-President Dwight, of Yale, is president. The officers in charge of the undertaking include representatives of the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches. An installation fund of twenty thousand dollars has been raised by the executive committee. The direct leadership of the mission is to be in the hands of the Rev. Harlan P. Beach, the present educational secretary of the Student Volunteer Movement. Two Yale graduates are to go to China this coming fall to study the language, and it is expected that in time a score or more of Yale men will be doing educational work in this mission. The enterprise is one which, on the whole, stands out as a new venture in foreign missions. RESEARCHES in the domain of hygienic diet have drawn up quite a formidable indictment against the oyster, and to this is now added the following from an Italian physician, Dr. Zardo, who finds that this much-used mollusk has a sort of pet germ which is nearly always present with it, and which is capable under some conditions of doing serious mischief in the human system:— This germ apparently produces no harmful effect if the stomach and intestines are in a normal state; but if the gastric juice is not normal, in other words, if it is lacking in germicide properties, and especially if the intestine is not in a perfect condition, gastro-enteritis and general infection occur, which may result in death. In experiments upon guinea pigs, it was shown that the injection of this germ beneath the skin or into the peritoneal cavity gave rise to general infection, the germ being found everywhere in the body, even in the blood. The poison produced by this germ, when introduced into the body of a guinea pig in any way whatever, gave rise to interstitial hemorrhage, fatty degeneration of the liver, and necrosis. From these facts, it is plainly evident that the oyster is a very unsafe article of diet, especially when eaten raw or imperfectly cooked, and that no person can safely swallow one of these bivalves unless assured that his stomach and intestines are in a thoroughly sound state. Even thoroughly cooked oysters may give rise to serious symptoms if there happens to be present a considerable number of poison substances previously formed by the germ; for while cooking destroys the germ, it does not destroy the poison produced by it. THE Roman Catholic Federation which has recently been organized in the United States, and which is now being developed and strengthened in every possible way, is already beginning to exercise its political influence for the promotion of Roman Catholic interests. It is seeking to force the United States government to accede to its wishes in the matter of maintaining Roman Catholic influence in the school system which the government is establishing at Manila, and elsewhere in the Philippine Islands. This is set forth in the Catholic Mirror of June 14, which says:— The first concerted action of the officers of the American Federation of Catholic Societies in the direction of any of the ends for which the federation was formed, may be said to have been taken on Sunday last, when, at a meeting of the national officers, the executive and advisory boards, a resolution was passed calling upon the officials of the administration to deal with the school situation at Manila, where it is alleged the most bigoted measures are put in force by narrow-minded religious partisans in the guise of government appointees as superintendents, inspectors, and principals of schools. . . . The American Federation of Catholic Societies, having now taken the matter under advisement, will be treated with all consideration on account of the great body of citizens which it represents. Action upon the resolutions passed at Cincinnati may not be expected at once, nor without a thorough inquiry into the truth of the allegations which are made. But the federation has a right to expect that an impartial investigation will be made, looking only for the truth, and there can be no question but that the administration will be entirely willing to meet this very reasonable expectation. “On account of the great body of citizens which it represents,” this church federation expects to be treated with “all consideration” by the politicians of all parties, and by State and national administrations. This situation directly foreshadows political catering by all parties in this country to the demands of the Catholic Church, and to those of Protestant bodies as well, which will surely follow Rome’s example when they see political advantages are being reaped thereby. L. A. S. An Appeal to Parents
By Ellen G. White
My attention has been especially called to a work that has been strangely neglected,—the training of children. Parents have set aside the work that lies at the very foundation of soul saving. Child training is the grandest work ever committed to mortals. The child belongs to the Lord, and from the time it is an infant in its mother’s arms, it is to be trained for him, trained to enter his service. For the first years of a child’s life, the home is to be its school. In the home, parents and children are together to learn the way of the Lord. Carefully and untiringly parents are to watch the opening minds of their children, giving them the lessons they need in order to develop into Christian men and women. Parents should make all else subordinate to the work God has given them to do for their children. It is the mother’s privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this, she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine of and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks in her own life to follow the teachings of Christ, that the mother can hope to form the character of her children after the divine example. The world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the youth. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the good. Let every mother go often to God with the prayer, “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” Let her heed the instruction that God has given in his Word, and wisdom will be given her as she shall have need. Few parents realize as they should that child training is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of their children. They do not make it their first work to train their children for the Lord. They allow exhibitions of temper, pride, selfishness, to pass unnoticed; and the children grow up unlovely in character, an injury to their companions, a sorrow to their parents, and an offense to God. Obedience and How It May Be Taught
The first lesson that children are to be taught is the lesson of obedience. When they have learned to obey their parents, it will not be hard for them to obey God. Obedience becomes a part of their nature. But before parents can teach their children obedience, they must learn the lesson themselves by obedience to God. How can they discipline their children aright till they learn the meaning and the value of self-discipline? How can they lead their children up the difficult heights of self-control, self-denial, patience, and truthfulness, unless they first climb these heights themselves? A parent gives way to temper before the child, and then wonders why the child is so difficult to control. But what could he expect? Children are quick to imitate; and the child is but putting into practice the lessons taught him by his parents in their outbursts of anger. Too often parents follow a course that develops evil in the child. Harsh and severe, they drive him to rebellion. Then they wonder why he has traits of character that are so unlovely, when they try so hard to break his stubborn will. It is in trying to break his will that they make their mistake. The child’s will is to be trained, bent, not broken. Disobedience and rebellion must be punished; but remember that the punishment is to be given in the spirit of Christ. Require obedience, never with a storm of angry words, but firmly and kindly. And when called upon to discipline your child, remember your own relation to your Heavenly Father. Have you walked perfectly before him? Are you not wayward and disobedient? Do you not grieve him continually? But does he deal with you in anger? Remember, too, that it is from you that your children have received their tendencies to wrong. Remember how often you act like grown-up children. In spite of your years of Christian experience, in spite of your many opportunities for self-discipline, how easily you are provoked to anger. Deal gently, then, with your children, remembering that they have not had the opportunities you have had to gain self-control. You may have to punish your child with the rod. This is sometimes essential. But never, never strike him in anger. To correct him thus is to make two wrongs in trying to cure one. Defer the punishment till you have talked with yourself and with God. Ask yourself, Have I submitted my will to God’s will? Am I standing where he can control me? Ask God to forgive you for transmitting to your child a disposition so difficult to manage. Ask him to give you wisdom, that you may deal with your wayward child in a way that will draw him nearer to you and to his Heavenly Father. Be Christlike in the Home
Love breaks down all barriers. Let there be no scolding, no loud-voiced, angry commands. Obey the injunction, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The Lord will give rich blessings to those parents who make diligent efforts to rule the spirit. The grace of Christ softens harsh traits of character and smooths out the rugged disposition. Those who govern by force have far less influence than those who govern by love. Harshness hardens the heart and braces the will to resistance. Gentleness softens the heart and subdues the most stubborn will. To every parent God says, “Take heed unto thyself,”—thyself, father; thyself, mother. Before you can do your children justice, you must surrender yourselves to God’s training. You must be filled with high motives and noble aspirations. Each day you must endeavor to make yourself more worthy of your trust. Then God will co-operate with you. The family firm should be well organized. Together the father and mother should consider their responsibilities. Together they should work for the highest good of their children. There is to be no variance between them. Never should they in the presence of their children criticise each other’s plans or question each other’s judgment. If the wife is inexperienced, she should try to find out where her work makes the work of her husband more difficult, as he labors for the salvation of the children. And the husband should hold up the hands of his wife, giving her wise counsel and loving encouragement. A Christian father is the house-band of his family, binding them close to the throne of God. Never is his interest in his children to flag. The father who has a family of boys should not leave these restless boys wholly to the care of the mother. This is too heavy a burden for her. He should make himself their companion and friend. He should exert himself to keep them from evil associates. It may be hard for the mother to exercise self-control. If the husband sees that his wife’s weakness is endangering the safety of the children, he should take more of the burden upon9 himself, doing all in his power to lead his boys to God. Parents are not left to carry forward alone the work on which so much depends. Christ says, Come unto me. I will bear your burdens and your perplexities. All power in heaven and in earth has been given to me. I will give you strength. Go to him, fathers and mothers. Many of you cannot properly fulfill your trust until you are more closely connected with Christ. Some ask, “Why does not the Lord work miracles to-day, as he did when he was upon the earth?” Let parents live in the home the life of Christ, and the transformation in the lives of their children will testify to God’s miracle-working power. “Hope Thou in God”
By Mrs. Mattie Haskell
“Hope thou in God,” nor be dismayed
Though Satan has his hosts arrayed.
“Hope thou in God,”—the God of hope,—
His power he’ll give with sin to cope.
“Hope thou in God,” in him alone
Is power to change the heart of stone. “Hope thou in God;” make him thy trust,
For he alone can keep thee just.
“Hope thou in God,” nor hope in vain,
For soon must end sin’s awful reign.
“Hope thou in God;” on him depend
For strength to keep until the end. “Hope thou in God” (grasp thou this thought),
Who in the past such wonders wrought.
“Hope thou in God,” and there shall be
A path made through thy testing sea.
“Hope thou in God,” who’ll overthrow
The walls as high as Jericho. “Hope thou in God;” thou shalt come through
The furnace fires confronting you.
“Hope thou in God.” On gallows high
Did Haman hang—not Mordecai.
“Hope thou in God;” so shalt thou see
Deliv’rance sure, prepared for thee. “Hope thou in God,” to him be true;
A noble work has he for you.
“Hope thou in God;” this message give
That other souls may hope and live.
“Hope thou in God;” let these words ring
Until our Lord shall come—as King. Missionary Prayers
By W. C. Mathewson
The twelve disciples, desiring to pray, asked the Lord to teach them how, Luke 11:1. This desire did not originate in them; for “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.” Matt. 15:19. Similar to all good desires, it was purely of heavenly origin. In imparting such desires, God does not always act alone, but co-operates with human agencies. The disciples did not receive that desire from the Father independently of the Son. Christ himself prayed within their presence; they admired his prayer, and wished to pray likewise. That prayer was missionary work. All sincere prayer, offered at the proper time and place, and in a proper manner, is missionary work. Thus may we all pray and win souls to Christ. All cannot preach, canvass, care for the sick, or engage in some special line of work; but all can offer prayers that will be potent factors in the salvation of sinners. This is no abstract theory; it is a revealed truth. “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. Do we wish to accomplish much in the closing work of the gospel message? Let us pray. Our prayers will multiply prayers. It cannot do otherwise and be genuine. It is counterfeit prayers that possess no saving power, winning no souls to Christ. There is a great work to be done before probation closes. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” If we cannot ourselves wield the gospel sickle, we can pray for the “Lord of the harvest” to “send forth laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2. If prayer were not an important agency in increasing the number of laborers, the all-wise Lord would not have recommended it. He instructed his disciples to pray for laborers in such a crisis, because he knew that they would be sent as a result of their praying. Circumstances have changed materially since then; but prayer is no less efficacious in removing the dearth of laborers. Neither will it accomplish less in any good work now than it did in the days of Elijah. “Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse” at all times and in all circumstances. If it seems to us that poor, perishing man is not receiving a liberal supply of heavenly blessings, if we feel that there is a dearth of eternal treasures in our own souls, let us pray with a keen realization of our own needs and the needs of the world around us. Implicitly believing every promise, let us pour out our souls to God as a child to its parent. Such a prayer, effectual, fervent, will accomplish much. Jesus, who was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” was a praying man. While others were enjoying a comfortable repose, he, with aching limbs and tired body, was engaged in agonizing prayer, in order to accomplish what he had undertaken. Incomprehensibly great and difficult was his task, but nevertheless he accomplished it by means of prayer. In praying for himself he was praying for others, whose salvation depended upon the success of his work. But he often prayed directly for others. He prayed for Peter. He prayed for the whole twelve. He prayed for all his disciples that should live in future ages. He prayed for you and me, who are within the ark of safety as a result of his prayers. Luke 22:32; John 17:20. Knowing that there will be no starless crowns worn by the redeemed, have we been alarmed lest at the close of probation it shall be found that we have won no souls for Christ? Let us calm our fears by converting them into prayers. All that God requires of us is to do the best we can; and if some can do no more than pray, if they will do that, they will not labor in vain. Although the majority can do more than pray, none can do anything if they do not pray; for prayer “is the life of the soul.” When we pray, “life from God flows into our life, and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.” Why does God give us life when we pray? Is it for our benefit only?—He gives us life that we may pass it on to our neighbors. Do we ever feel ashamed to pray in the presence of others, and consequently neglect a duty and privilege? This we should not do; for others as well as ourselves lose divine life thereby. It is utterly impossible to pray in public or within the family circle, and not disseminate the life of God. “Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God.” Thus united, there will flow through us an unbroken current of divine life to the dying world around us; but this is impossible without constant prayer. Is it any wonder, then, that Christ prayed so often? And since we pray so little, is it strange that we are not accomplishing more? An Experience
By Sever Jacobson
A GREAT reformation is before us. It has just begun. The Spirit of God is moving upon his people everywhere, reproving, teaching, and guiding all who are sincere. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: . . . and he will show you things to come.” John 16:13. “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: for he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness.” Rom. 9:28. The time has come when the Lord will make a short work upon the earth. “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matt. 24:34. “Watch therefore.” Verse 42. “Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.” Rev. 16:15. The words “his garments” are to be understood as the righteousness of Christ. Zech. 3:3-5. Righteousness is right doing,—doing the10 will of God, working in harmony with the laws of nature. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” “who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The mind of Christ is a mind to give. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing. . . . And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes.” Mal. 3:10, 11. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” If we were single minded, there would be no inclination to draw back; but now we are double minded. In the beginning God created man in his image. By obeying the deceiver our first parents partook of a different mind, which is enmity against God. Rom. 8:7. This mind must be annihilated. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life.” Hence a new mind must be created in us if we would have life. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” And flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And this love he is commending toward us every day; for “he that spared not his own Son, . . . how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” The carnal mind is not inclined to give: this I know from personal experience. About ten years ago I accepted the rudiments of the theory of present truth. Nobody ever taught me the principles of the truth; and I never knew the difference between theory and principle until the Spirit of truth opened my eyes. About a year ago I was impressed with a sense of duty to pray for the Spirit; why, I did not know. Nevertheless, my prayer was answered, and now I see things in a different light. Beginning with the year 1900 we set aside a second tithe, to be used for foreign mission work, as the Mission Board might direct. The Lord blessed our work, and our little garden of one and one-half acres yielded abundantly. We were planning to live quite comfortably, not luxuriously; yet there was no real desire to live for others. We were tested, however. We lost forty dollars’ worth of vegetables; and with no other means of income than the garden, our plans were frustrated. In October of the same year we took a motherless baby, but received very little help in caring for it. We decided that our loss was a test from the Lord, and as a thank offering we set aside five per cent of our income for the Chicago Medical Mission, making twenty-five per cent in all devoted to the Lord’s work. In “Patriarchs and Prophets” there is a statement to the effect that ancient Israel gave at least one fourth of their income for religious and benevolent purposes. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Prov. 11:24. We have now set aside all the eggs laid on the Sabbath, for a reserve fund. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Lord does not need our means. The fact is, we have nothing to give but what the Lord in his mercy gives us; but we need to practice giving, as it is one of the characteristics of God. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” —Paul Laurence Dunbar
By Paul Laurence Dunbar
WHEN storms arise,
And dark’ning skies
About me threat’ning lower,
To thee, O Lord, I raise mine eyes;
To thee my tortured spirit flies
For solace in that hour. Thy mighty arm
Will let no harm
Come near me or befall me!
Thy voice shall quiet my alarm;
When life’s great battle waxeth warm,
No foeman shall appall me. Upon thy breast
Secure I rest
From sorrow and vexation;
No more by sinful cares oppressed,
But in thy presence ever blest,
O God of my salvation. Step by Step
By J. M. Hopkins
“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jer. 10:23. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Ps. 37:23. “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” I Peter 2:21. Step by step, O Saviour, lead us,
Onward, upward, nearer thee,
Step by step, our every weakness
In the light of God to see. Every sin spot, every plague spot,
Every idol of our heart,
Sinful pride, unholy passions,
Help us bid them all depart. Closer, sharper, though the testing,
Give us grace for each and all,
Lest, defeated in the conflict,
From our steadfastness we fall. Step by step, O blessed Jesus,
Help us walk close by thy side;
Step by step, O Holy Spirit,
Be thou evermore our Guide. Thou wilt surely prove thy people,
Every heart by thee is seen.
Wash us, cleanse us from defilement
Till at last, all pure and clean,
Thou wilt own us at thy coming,
’Mong the sanctified and blest,
Hear thy voice of welcome saying,
“Soul, enjoy thy long-sought rest.” T. E. BOWEN
By T. E. Bowen
How small and trifling they seem, yet what great power for good or evil they possess! There are pure words, helpful words, kind words, words of appreciation for the good acts and motives of those nigh at hand and those afar off, words begetting love and confidence for and in others, peaceful words. All these may truthfully be called words of life. On the other hand are words of censure, backbiting words, lying words, deceitful words, foolish words, words of jealousy, jesting words, impure words, lofty words, swelling words of self-conceit, words engendering strife. All these may truthfully be called words of death. As a man thinketh, so is he. As a man thinketh, so he speaketh; therefore, it is written, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:37. Some people (and alas! some who profess to be followers of Christ) boast that they speak what they think; they are very “outspoken” in their make-up, and have a special gift in telling people to their face what they think of them. Usually these are not helpful words. They come from a blunt, discourteous, selfish heart, simply emitting the very venom of death. Such words emanate not from Him who pronounced a woe upon those causing offense to one of his little ones. Words of love may necessarily at times take the form of a rebuke, but it will be so administered as not to cause discouragement and unnecessary pain. When these sharp, unfeeling, unlovely words are uttered, they stir rebellion, they rankle in the breast, bringing alienation, strife, discord, and at the last enmity itself. Such people are not followers of Jesus—at least in this particular. They are scattering from him. It is not likely that they will know until the judgment how much suffering they have caused. Here is a text which applies to the man who thinks he can talk as he pleases, to whom he pleases, and say what he pleases: “They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” Ps. 12:2-4. Some will dwell in God’s holy mountain. Whoever they are, here are some of the characteristics they will possess: “He that backbiteth not with his tongue, . . . nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” Such people are wanted on high. They will be safe to dwell beside to all eternity. Words of commendation are not flattering words. Words of true appreciation do not tend to vainglory. There is a wide difference between smooth-tongued flattery and whole-souled words of appreciation. The former come from a selfish, scheming heart; the latter from a generous, unselfish, lovely character. Let us thank God for the gift of speech. Let us make a wise use of this talent; for all must give account thereof to its Giver. A good prayer for every child of God, every one striving for the mastery, is one uttered by the psalmist: “Set a watch [an angel guardian], O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Trust Thyself to Jesus When Truth Is Hidden
“O, TRUST thyself to Jesus when some
truth thou canst not see
For the mists of strife and error that
veil its form from thee!
Then is the time for waiting on him
to guide thee right;
Then is the time for singing, ‘The
Lord shall be my light.’” The Missionary Spirit
By J. T. Sunderland
WHAT is the missionary spirit? It is the spirit of love, of generosity, of unselfishness. It is the spirit of him who, when he finds something precious, desires to share it.—Rev. J. T. Sunderland. THERE is in northern Minnesota a cross made by heathen hands, and fixed over an unbaptized man’s grave. Here is its beautiful history:— Red Owl was a very noted chief and orator among his people. Although he never attended the religious services, yet he came one day to our schoolroom, and there was on the wall that picture of the Ecce Homo, that sweet, sad face, and he said to the missionary, “Who is that? Why are his hands bound? Why has he thorns on his head?” And the missionary told him the story, and the next day he came back, and again and again he came until the whole story had been told him. One day I was riding over the prairie, and I saw a cross over a new-made grave. I knew there was no church in that Indian village, and I asked what it meant, and they told me that Red Owl was dead, and that just before he died, he called his young men to him, and said, “That story that the white man has brought is true; I have had it in my heart. When I am dead, I wish you would put a cross over my grave, that as my young men go by, they may know what was in Red Owl’s heart.”—Selected. Learning of Christ How to Express Love
“He that truly loves Christ will be content to learn of Christ how he shall express his love.” Principles of Pedagogics for Home and School
By W. T. Bland
In the proper training of children and youth there must ever be exercised a spirit of patience. The desired results will not be seen in a day or a month. The work, however, should be making certain progress,—“here a little, and there a little,”—not by leaps and bounds, but “precept upon precept; line upon line.” The growth may be imperceptible, but there will be growth if the conditions are proper, and right methods are carefully followed. Just as the diligent work of the farmer, together with the moisture and the gentle rays of the sun, causes the tender plant to grow, to put forth leaf after leaf, and finally the full corn in the ear, rich with its golden luster, so will be the results of the diligent, patient parent and teacher. It is nature’s way of doing things, and the more closely we follow her ways, the more confidently may we expect success to crown our efforts. Parents and teachers must give up the idea that education means simply the acquirement of a certain amount of book knowledge. This is only a very small part of true education, though the proper use of good books is a great aid in its acquisition. One may study many books, and yet be poorly educated, and wholly unfitted for life’s great work. There are many useful lessons and valuable accomplishments not best learned from books. Chief among these, perhaps, might be mentioned that of— Long before the child need be taught to read and write, lessons in good manners should be given. Nothing will be so helpful throughout all the years of its life; more than all things else will it bring friends, position, and honor. It is this that helps to bring to the child the good name that is counted better than great riches. Of course I do not separate this from genuine religious culture; for it is a very essential part of it, and only thus is it genuine. True Christian courtesy is that attribute of Christ that impels one naturally, freely, and unselfishly to do as he did,—to speak a cheering word here, do a kind act there, do all in such a manner that others will feel better and happier. It is opposed to all that is uncouth, rough, coarse, and loud. Its nature is that of gentleness, cheerfulness, and kindness. This is one of the accomplishments that are taught largely by example, and the reason so many children lack its possession is because they have not seen it in the home. Many parents failed to learn the lesson in their childhood; and even though they may have learned its principles in later years, they feel timid and backward about putting them into practice, and so their children grow up in ignorance of that power which would have been of untold value to them. Politeness may be possessed by the poor and the rich alike,—should be possessed by all. We see it developed to a high degree in certain families, localities, and nations. Strange to say, it costs nothing, yet it is worth so much that we only wonder that it is not possessed by all. It brings business to the merchant, clients to the lawyer, patients to the doctor, and great results to the preacher in his ministry; in fact, it is of inestimable use in every vocation of life. But to be of true worth, it must be natural, must come from the goodness of the heart. Its lessons should be learned early in life, and put in practice daily; for it is one of those things which become perfect only by use. And right here I would advise a careful study of the twelfth chapter of Romans. Not only should this chapter be studied, but its principles should be put into practice. From their earliest recollection the children should be taught to be ‘kindly affectioned one to another; . . . in honor preferring one another.’ If these principles are put in daily practice in the home and in the school, soon a purifying, uplifting influence will be felt in the church, and will reach out into the world, a saving power. Children should early learn to be polite and courteous to strangers and to the aged; and not only to these, but to all classes, and upon all occasions. Courtesy is the one thing that will bring about the spirit of genuine unselfishness. Even a little child may be taught to please others; to wait willingly and gladly until others are served; to be anxious to divide that which it may have with sister, brother, or, if proper, with schoolmate, and find pleasure in it all. I would especially call attention to proper table manners. Perhaps here more than at any other place may the marks of the true lady or gentleman be detected. Most animals manifest a natural selfishness and greediness when eating. Human beings in their savage state are much the same, but when they reach a state of civilization and high intellectual attainments, these characteristics disappear. To be civil at the table; patiently and pleasantly to wait for proper turn in service; to say “No, thank you,” “If you please,” or, “Please excuse me,” in their proper places may easily and naturally be learned by the smallest children, and they will take much interest and delight in doing these things just right. It may seem strange to some that attention has been called to these things, but my observation and experience with many hundreds of young people lead me to the conclusion that in more than half the homes in our land there is a sad neglect in this respect. Often I have heard our students remark that some of their most valuable lessons were those learned in the school home, especially in the dining room. In all our homes, whether the family is alone, or whether invited guests are present, the meal hour should be made a pleasant and cheerful occasion. The children should receive their share of attention, and contribute their part of the entertaining. In this connection I would also call attention to the matter of neatness and cleanliness, an essential part of each child’s training. The regular bath, brushing the teeth, giving attention to the hair, nails, clothing, and shoes should become an early habit with the children. The reason these matters are so often neglected is the supposed lack of time, or the nature of the work in which the family is engaged. But it will pay every family to take a little time from the daily labor, if need be, in order that this matter may receive some attention. It should form a part of the instruction given in every school, not only for the small children, but for the students in college as well. We are social beings, and as such are coming in contact with people, no matter what our business or profession, and it is always to our advantage to make a pleasing impression. Our manners, personal appearance, the very clothes we wear, all tell for or against us, and even children should be taught their true value. But here, again, extreme views12 are sometimes taken. Some will permit themselves to become proud and vain, to give undue attention to courtesies and clothes. Others will assume an affectation that is not only silly, but disgusting. But those who are endowed with good common sense and with a reasonable supply of brain capacity, will not be influenced by this more shallow class, when they understand their true worth. All thoughtful parents will also use proper care to avoid cultivating in the lives of their children vain and frivolous habits. The item of expense does not necessarily need to enter into the question; for one may be polite, clean, and neatly dressed while using even greater economy than does one who is uncivil in manner, untidy in appearance, and slovenly in dress. Finally, it is my conviction that those who are missionaries for Christ, or who are being educated and trained for this work, should be models, or examples, in all these things. They must be so if they rightly represent Christ. The person who disregards these principles will not only be unable to meet the better class of people, but will find his influence weak, even with the most lowly. The individual whose manners and personal appearance bring to him the respect of others will find that it instills in his own heart a certain respect for himself and for the work in which he is engaged. Moreover, the parent and the teacher who put in practice these principles, both by precept and example, will discover in them one of their greatest aids in governing and disciplining. Wrought into Gold
By The Silver Cross
I saw a smile—to a poor man ’twas given,
And he was old.
The sun broke forth; I saw that smile in heaven
Wrought into gold.
Gold of such luster was never vouchsafed to us,
It made the very light of day more luminous. I saw a toiling woman sinking down,
Footsore and cold.
A soft hand covered her—the humble gown
Wrought into gold,
Grew straight imperishable, and will be of it,
shown
To smiling angels gathered round the judgment throne. Wrought into gold! We that pass down life’s hours
So carelessly,
Might make the dusty way a path of flowers,
If we would try,
Then every gentle deed we’ve done, or kind word given,
Wrought into gold, would make us wondrous rich in heaven.
— The Silver Cross.