PRESIDENT HAYES vetoed the Chinese Immigration Bill. This was expected by almost everybody. The threats of secession and blood-shed, in case of a veto, greatly injured the cause of the bill, by strengthening the opposition in the East. This became so evident that even Denis Kearney, at a very large meeting on the "sand lot" on last Sunday afternoon, repudiated his former expressions in favor of armed resistance to the action of the government. We predict that the excitement over the veto will be of short continuance.
The Satanic Origin of Spiritualism.
By Geo. I. Butler
THE most common objection urged against our view that Spiritualism is a last-day sign, —a fulfillment of many striking predictions of the Bible concerning a miracle-working power which should arise just before Christ comes,— is the fact that so many frauds and decections are found in connection with its manifestations. Even Spiritualists do not deny that such is the case. And so far has this had influence that great numbers of intelligent people pass the whole thing over into the realm of fraud. And they really believe that jugglery, electricity, deception, and mind-reading can account for all the wonders of Spiritual-
ism. Doubtless hosts of these, could they be really made to believe that there was anything in it more than natural, that it was really miraculous, would fully accept its conclusions, that it was the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. Hence such stand on dangerous ground if, as we believe, Spiritualism is of Satanic origin.
God will not permit this great delusion to manifest its utmost power till all have a chance to see its true character. Should it at once do what the Bible says it will do before the end, bring down fire "from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," Rev. 13:13, and thus be able to imitate those mighty works recorded in Scripture which were done by Elijah, and other miracles of a similar character, thousands of honest people would be swept into its ranks and would believe its teachings. But God does not permit this to come at once. He permits it to manifest itself sufficiently to attract much attention, and leaves it to show its lawless, blasphemous, godless, character, and to show that its leading teachers and mediums are not above fraud and deception of the most wretched kind, that "lying spirits" constitute the sources of this "new revelation."
Hence we read constantly in the papers of the glaring frauds being perpetrated by them, until they are becoming the laughing-stock of many intelligent people; and many doubt there being anything really miraculous about them. But such forget that we are now in the transition stage of this great delusion, where God is permitting its true nature to become apparent. Instead of doubting the miraculous nature of some of these manifestations, this fact should teach us the appalling effect this terrible delusion has upon the morals of those who have to do with it, and hence we should learn of the real source from which it comes, viz., the father of lies: Those who have no faith in spiritual manifestations simply because they fancy they are not real, will most likely have evidences enough to make them confirmed believers before the end comes. While those who reject them because their fruits are corrupt and its doctrines abominable, will not be in such danger when it shall deceive the world "by means of those miracles which it had power to do." Here is an important consideration.
The Bible plainly teaches that when God's people should be waiting and looking for the Lord, there will be those who shall be seeking unto "familiar spirits" and "to the dead" for knowledge. It says that such have "no light in them," and that they "shall be driven to darkness." Isa. 8:16-23. It teaches that before Christ comes Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders," and that strong delusion will cause many to "believe a lie" and "be damned" at last. 2 Thess. 2:9-12. It declares that during the "perils" of the "last days," amid the great dearth of true piety "men of corrupt minds" shall resist the truth of God in the very manner that "Jannes and Jambres," the two magicians, withstood Moses when he would lead Israel out of Egypt, —which must imply miraculous power on their part. 2 Tim. 3:1-9. It states that after the great persecutions of the Papacy were in the past, and just before Christ comes, "false Christs and false prophets" will arise and "show great signs and wonders" and "if possible" would "deceive the very elect." And it shows they will teach falsehood concerning the manner of Christ's coming; saying that it would take place in some secret way instead of being plainly visible to all. Matt. 24:22-27.
It shows also that the very agency which will gather the armies of the world to the "battle of that great day of God Almighty" will be the "spirits of devils working miracles," which will "go forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world," just before Christ comes as a thief. Rev. 16:13-15. This clearly shows that the great mass of the human family in the last days will be deceived by this miracle-working power, and that there is in store for them manifestations of far greater power than any which have been yet seen, or that have ever occurred in the world's history, by means of "lying spirits" which work miracles to deceive. And is it not startling to consider the progress already made by this delusion? All over the world these manifestations are witnessed. In kings' courts, in the highest circles, among the great, the rich, and the educated. Among scientists, scholars, poets, and statesmen. Such extracts as the following from the public prints should arouse attention:—
"What is called Spiritualism seems to be far more rampant in Europe than it is here. In London and the leading cities of Great Britain, Spiritual seances are said to be an entertainment as common as kettle drums, and dinner parties." "They are very fashionable, and everybody, who is anybody, attends them." "Slade, whose tricks were exposed here, has received magnificent presents of watches, jewelry, and diamonds, in Berlin. His seances have been attended in Germany and Russia by the highest nobility. In the capital of the former empire he exhibited to the chief of police, and the court conjurer who narrowly watched the proceedings made oath that the phenomena were not tricks." "The imperial family of Russia and Germany, Bismarck, Pres. MacMahon, Gambetta, Gladstone, Disraeli, Browning, Carlyle, Tennyson, and all other renowned personages are reported to be Spiritualists."—New York Times.
"The Czar consults the spirit world, and an intelligence purporting to be Peter the Great directs the present course of Russia. This important, if true, information is presented to the world by the Boston Herald's Spiritualist editor. It is undoubtedly true that the Czar and many of the principal personages in St. Petersburg have taken extraordinary interest in Spiritualism."—Springfield Republican.
"It would amaze you to learn to what extent it has become the fashion in families in every class of society to hold investigating seances in London." "So fashionable and interesting, and so generally established, these [seance] evenings by being introduced by noble families, and followed rapidly by others, who have the luxury of a well-established home, it is considered a privilege and a great personal compliment to be invited."—Chicago Times.
Extracts of this sort might be produced to almost any extent. We cannot of course believe all that Spiritualists claim concerning their progress. But such facts as these from leading newspapers of our country, the great moulders of public opinion, show what remarkable progress this delusion, this lying deceptive work, is making among the rich and great of the earth. When such facts as those connected with the settlement of the will of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the great millionaire and railroad king of New York, exist, we must admit that Spiritualism is getting a deep hold on the public mind. It was shown in the court that for years this sagacious financier constantly kept mediums under his employ to consult in all his speculations. The same was true of Mr. Ward, the millionaire of Detroit, Mich. We cannot in the space of this article argue the question at length whether the manifestations of Spiritualism are tricks of jugglery, or not. If so, indeed, there was never seen such successful jugglery before. Sleight of hand has sometimes taken in the ignorant classes to a limited degree, and amused more intelligent people. But never before was it supposed to gather its dupes from the keenest, most sagacious, and intelligent people, from the statesmen, judges of courts, scientists, skeptics, and rulers of the people, shrewd financiers and men of the world who are adepts in profiting from the gullibility of others.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
(Concluded next week.)
Genuine Repentance
GENUINE repentance restores and rectifies past wrongs as far as it can be done, and prays for pardon for having done those wrongs, as well as for the wrongs which cannot be righted by the sinner, but by the merciful Father in a full pardon.
Necessity of Thorough Bible Study.
By Ellen G. White
[The following we find in the weekly Instructor, No. 9. It is for the special consideration of those interested in the Sabbath-school work.]
WE are fast entering the perils of the last days, when views which conflict with the word of God will be presented by men of giant intellects, and we ought to be able to show the falsity of their claims. Our children also should be thoroughly furnished with Bible truth, so that they will not be moved by every new doctrine presented in their hearing.
Many parents do not see the necessity that their children should be so particular in learning their Sabbath-school lessons, and often neglect to give them proper assistance or encouragement. The great object of thoroughness in the study of the Bible is that they may understand why they believe as they do, and that when the test shall come and the question is asked, "Will you obey God, or will you yield to the requirements of the world?" they will decide to serve God, because by studying his word they have learned to love him and his truth.
We desire that the youth shall be able to say, we have become familiar with the Scriptures, and we see that it is of the highest importance that we be obedient to the truth of God found in his word. We want the little children to understand the Bible, and grow up in the knowledge of the truth. And we as parents do not wish to be found among those who do not see the necessity of their children's understanding the Scriptures for themselves, and who are therefore negligent and cause their children to be negligent; but we want to be in earnest in these matters, and search the Scriptures, and see that our children search them. Christ said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." We should become firm in the truth, the word of God, which testifies of Him in whom all our hopes of everlasting life are centered. If you would know how to imitate the spotless life and character of Christ, obtain a knowledge of him as presented in the word of God.
The apostle says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." If, therefore, you would be thus thoroughly furnished, and "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear," study the Bible with all diligence.
The teachers in our Sabbath-schools should be God-fearing men and women who can have an interest in the spiritual condition of the members of their classes, as well as see that they have good lessons. They should be connected with God, and should feel it a duty to pray with and for each pupil in their classes.
The Sabbath-school teacher who is faithful in little things is preparing himself for a higher responsibility. We should be faithful in everything. It is a sin to forget. Many are heard again and again to excuse themselves for some gross error, by saying that they forgot. Have they not intellectual powers? and is it not a duty to discipline their minds to be retentive? It is a sin to neglect. If you form a habit of negligence you will find at last you have neglected your own soul's salvation, and are unready for the kingdom of God.
Parents and teachers, let us awake to our duty; let us sense the responsibility of our position, and take hold of the Sabbath-school work with more zeal and earnestness, that God can approve of our efforts, and that our children may lay up sound knowledge, and with us be prepared for the future immortal life.
E. G. WHITE.
Christiana, Norway.
By John G. Matteson
Matters are very interesting and lively here. Our faith was attacked in one of the daily papers. After a hard struggle with the editor he was persuaded to publish our reply. It will go through seven or eight papers, and then be printed in tract form—32 pp.
The papers call for the priests to come forward and defend their old faith, and a little sheet is flying through town commencing thus: "Are nearly all the shepherds of the churches in Christiana asleep?" Further down the writer says, "After the pure doctrine of the State Church has, through print and public lectures, been clearly proved to be a forgery through and through, as is now done, the priests need to do something else than merely to warn the churches against attending and listening; for the people go by hundreds anyway."
Such strong calls have, of course, awakened the shepherds, so that the Sabbath and immortality questions were discussed Sunday evening in three or more pulpits. Nevertheless more than one thousand people crowded our hall, so that every foot of ground was occupied. I spoke on the change of the Sabbath, and the Lord seemed to roll conviction on the minds of the people.
About fifty brethren and sisters are keeping the Sabbath, although this is quite a task just now under so great a pressure. We are greatly blessed in our Sabbath meetings, and are thankful to the Lord that he has caused his Spirit to rest also in the north country. Zech. 6: 8.
Jan. 27, 1879. JOHN G. MATTESON.
Ministry of Home.
The institution of the family relation may be regarded as one of the wisest of divine provisions for the moral culture and happiness of our race. Few persons, we are sure, have ever justly estimated the influence of home upon the present happiness and future career of its inmates. A home rightly constituted becomes not only the sweetest and most sacred spot on earth, but must exert a more powerful influence upon the heart and intellect than any other. To say nothing of the influence of paternal example and authority exerted in favor of virtue, honor, and religion, home should prevent all tendency to outside and evil associations.
Here it is that many parents, who wish well to their children, mistake. Home is suffered to be the dullest spot on earth, when it should be the happiest. How many by a harsh and censorious manner banish every particle of sunshine from the home temple. Moral lectures, corporeal punishments inflicted under the influence of passion, and compulsory attendance upon religious rites, are not likely to win the heart to religion or the Cross. Few children can be compelled to become religious, but all may be persuaded and won by the influence of love and the attractions which religion properly exemplified must present. Music, good books, and in short everything that will contribute to make home attractive and afford amusement and exercise for the mental powers, should be employed in order to prevent children from falling into the habit of spending their evenings in the streets, or in places of questionable resort. Nine-tenths of the young men who become ungodly and licentious might trace their career to the irksomeness of home, and their consequent love of street companions, the debasing influence of the theatre and other worldly amusements.
To keep children at home we must induce them to love it. We should never deem money lost which is applied to the adornment and furnishing of home with an eye to this end. Those little items which make up the comfort of home serve to endear it to the heart and make it a means of moral culture.
But to make home what it should be, we must have religion. There are homes where religion is ignored—where no family worship is held—where no Christian songs are sung—where no family Bible dispenses its hallowed ministrations. We do not say such homes are positively wretched. Education, morality, and refinement may in some instances save them from this. All do not partake of the character of the positively vicious—the licentious and profligate. But can any home be truly happy which ignores God, the giver of all blessings? If we would have ours truly a place of rest and peace we must place it under the guardianship of the great Father of all. His grace, like morning dew, should descend each day upon the hearts of all its inmates. Our children should learn at the family altar how to reverence God and religion. Then, instead of pining to abandon home, to plunge into the excesses of vice and prodigality, they would cling to it as the dearest spot on earth. And even when the necessities of maturer years called them to distant fields of activity, the memory of home and its sacred associations would follow them and preserve them in the paths of virtue and honor. —Christian Advocate.
The Home Circle.
By Mrs. Morgan
WOMAN'S WORK.
"Learn first to show piety at home."
SHOW first thy piety at home,
Let all who dwell beneath thy dome
Discern the light that shines in thee,
Through acts of kindly ministry.
Requite with tender filial cares
The guardians of thine early years,
And be it thy belov'd employ,
To give their latter days new joy,
If thou hast sisters, gently guide
Their footsteps to the Saviour's side:
If thou hast brothers, wisdom seek,
That thou the fitting words may'st speak.
To which the Spirit shall give power,
To save them in the tempted hour.
Art thou a wife, with graceful skill
Influence for good thy husband's will,
Be in his eyes a guiding light
To all that's pure, and true, and right.
Hast thou a child? be this thy part,
To win to Christ its fresh young heart;
Making it feel thine own is His
And serving Him thy highest bliss.
Be to thy servants just and kind,
Expecting many a fault to find.
Perhaps thyself a servant art;
It matters not—act well thy part.
Who works the best, commends God's grace,
Not he who fills the highest place.
Whate'er thy station, make it shine
With somewhat of the light divine;
So shall thy life an influence be,
Showing the worth of piety.
Perchance thou dwell'st beneath a dome
Thou callest boarding-place, not home,
Where strangers strangers meet awhile,
Exchange a word, a look, a smile,
Unconscious of the secret force
That underlies their intercourse,
For good or ill, to curse or bless,
Think not thy home work there the less,
The fields are white—their reaper be;
Perhaps the gathering waits for thee;
And thence thou precious sheaves may'st bring
When "Harvest Home" the laborers sing.
—Mrs. Morgan.
Experience—A Dear School.
A New York correspondent of the Providence Press, relates the following interesting item of history:—
She was born a “lady,” as the world says. She had a loving father who spared no means to give her the brilliant accomplishments of station. She had a troop of friends—gay flatterers hovered around her beauty and wealth. One she married, and rich and imposing was the wedding. But the married life ran out of course. The husband, after spending the fortune of his wife in reckless living and wild-cat speculations, and involving the father in disaster, and fretting her life away by inches, eloped one day and left the young mother of his child alone, with debts and disgrace, and her own sad heart; alone, to work for her living as best she could, or starve if work she could not.
The deserted woman pined away at first and shed bitter tears, and became faded and broken. One day she awoke to the stern fact that she must work or starve. She could not go back to her father, and her pride kept her from former friends. What did she do? In vain she told over her list of talents. Every chance seemed closed to her. By sewing she could not earn enough to live and pay the rent. Her music she had neglected after marriage. The doting father had given her ornament and froth in her education--nothing to which she could put her hands for support.
At this time a man said to her, “Come down to my farm, this season, and work in the strawberry field.” Nothing but dire necessity made her go. The man was kind to her, and the work light. All the season she worked for him and in open air, and with the plain, regular living, her heart came back to her. She became healthful and hopeful as in former days. Here was her chance. When the season was over, she said to her employer:
“Take me into your business! I have shown what I can do. My past life I shall drop. I will become a business woman!”
He thought she was jesting at first; but she was in earnest. Her offer was accepted.
For three years this woman acted as clerk and manager for one of the large produce raisers of New Jersey. The details of the business came into her hands. No better salesman than she; no better executive. At last she bought an interest, afterwards half of the business. It seems that her whole life had been held by somebody else; from being a nervous, timid woman, she grew into a sound, brisk, worker. She made a good home in New Jersey for her child and aged father; and to-day there is no more popular dealer in the market and no more capable woman in New York, and no finer appearing lady anywhere, than this self-made woman, who can daily be seen managing her extensive business in Washington Market, associated with marketmen, but never forgetting, nor do they, that she is a lady, and commanding all the respect due to her sex.
How to Spoil A child.
1. Begin young by giving him whatever he cries for.
2. Talk freely before him about his great smartness.
3. Tell him he is too much for you, that you can do nothing with him.
4. Let him learn to regard his father as a creature of unlimited power, capricious and tyrannical—or as a mere whipping machine.
5. Let him learn (from his father's example) to despise his mother.
6. Do not care who or what his companions may be.
7. Let him read stories about pirates, Indian fighters, and so on.
8. Let him roam the streets in the evening and go to bed late.
9. Devote yourself to making money, remembering always that wealth is a better legacy for your child than principles in the heart and habits in the life; and let him have plenty of money to spend.
Everything is bitter to him who has gall in his mouth.
Hold Your Tongue.
MEN can guide ships, bridle horses, tame lions, run telegraph cables under the ocean, navigate the air, signal the storms and tunnel the mountains, but the tongue remains unconquered.
The tongue was made to speak words of hope, to sing anthems of praise, to console the broken-hearted, to encourage the doubting, and to proclaim the beauties and glories of an immortal world. Its words were to distil like the dew, and to be as sweet as honey, but how perverted. It is sharper than a sword, stings like the viper and wounds the hearts of men. Words of blasphemy, of distrust, of despair are uttered, when there should be only words of hope, of truth and of love, falling like the rain drops on the new mown grass.
It was the tongue of an eloquent Greek which calmed the stormy passions of the multitude. It was the tongue of an angel that proclaimed the tidings of love and hope to the fallen of earth. It was the tongue of our blessed Lord that pronounced the world's forgiveness in his name. And we behold cloven tongues of fire ready to proclaim the pentecostal gospel, when the tidings of life were to go forth to the nations. Unknown tongues were heard in the infant church, and uttered the wonderful words of the Father's love.
But there are times when the tongue should be silent. Men are to be judged by their words. When two men are in a quarrel, hold your tongue; when you have nothing to say of others, hold your tongue; when your words are to be carried by feet that are swift in running to mischief, hold your tongue.
Remember that the seven sins of the body include the sinful tongue. Says Solomon: "These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that have shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Prov. 6:16-19. He who would see long days, enjoy the comforts of truth, be ready for angel-greetings, must refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips, that they speak no guile.
The tongue is indeed a little member but it boasteth great things. Let the heart be imbued with love and purity, then from its abundance of goodness the tongue will utter words of hope for the fallen, and messages of peace to those who sit in the valley of death.
Reports from the Field.
Texas.
SISTER WHITE writes Feb. 16: "Yesterday we bore pointed testimony to the church in Dallas upon the subject of health reform. My husband spoke from the text "Preach the word." The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst softening hearts and breaking up the fallow ground. Many testimonies were borne, and the church encouraged. We now expect to commence labor here with a tent in about two weeks. We shall also hold meetings in Denison and vicinity. Angels of God are at work impressing souls everywhere, and we want to be at work doing all we can for the Master."
Arbuckle, Cal.
SEVERAL more have signed the covenant here. We now number eleven, and expect others to unite with us. Next week some wish to be baptized. Have reviewed a Baptist minister, who preached against the law, taking the strongest antinomian ground.
February 25. J. D. RICE.
An Arbuckle correspondent of the Willows Journal says of Bro. Rice's meetings: “Elder J. D. Rice is still preaching here. He has organized an Adventist Church, and commences with fifteen members, with good prospects of many more accessions soon. He has done a power of good here. He has caused to join the church people who were hardly ever seen inside of a church before.”
Capay Valley, Yolo Co., Cal.
By W. C. Grainger
I CAME up here and began meetings Jan. 25. Elder Bauder, a United Brethren, is opposing by speaking on the immortality question. He began by railing against Sister White. He showed more zeal than love for truth.
We closed our meetings evening after the Sabbath, with twenty-one names on the covenant; we hope a few others will unite with us. I shall remain here and visit during Eld. B.'s meetings, and if necessary review what he shall say. W. C. GRAINGER.
St. Helena, Cal.
By William M. Healey
WE have been holding meetings here as best we could for two weeks. Much of the time the rain has hindered. There is considerable interest already manifested. Our attendance is quite good and we hope for good results.
Many calls for help are coming from all parts of the State, and I find I am hardly able to do the work in one place. May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers and give strength to those now in the field. Brethren, pray for us. W. M. HEALEY.
Feb. 23, 1879.
Finlay, Dakota.
By S. B. Whitney
HAVING visited all the churches in the territory, and got our tract society matters into as good a condition as possible for the present, I made arrangements to hold a series of meetings in this place, and began them on Monday evening last. The interest has been good from the first. We held the first few meetings in the school-house, but that proving too small for the congregation, and being occupied several evenings in the week, we soon moved to a commodious hall about a mile away. This hall was freely offered us by the owner, especially as we were requested to occupy it by some in the community. Our audiences are large for the territory; there were nearly a hundred out last night.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Seville, Gratiot Co., Mich.
By L. A. Kellogg
I HAVE held thirty-six meetings, besides listening to four opposition discourses, which were so contradictory that they served to strengthen our positions. We think a good work is begun here. Fifteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath. There are urgent calls for labor in many districts; the minds of the people seem to be preparing for the reception of the truth. The Lord's hand is in this work.
L. A. KELLOGG.
Toledo, Iowa.
By George H. Rogers
I LEAVE in this place, as the result of labor here, five who are keeping the "Sabbath of the Lord our God," seven almost decided who expressed a firm determination to continue the investigation till the Bible evidence on the question is clear to them, and many others favorably impressed. Those taking hold of this work are the most influential and devoted of the Baptist church.
GEO. H. ROGERS.
Winstead, McLeod Co., Minn.
By H. W. Babcock, E. A. Curtis
WE commenced labor at this place Jan. 15. The interest has increased as our work has progressed. Seven kept last Sabbath, and as many more are convinced. The interest continues. The large school-house in which our meetings are held is often filled with attentive hearers.
H. W. BABCOCK,
E. A. CURTIS.
Little Prairie, Wis.
By Pliny Potter
At our business meeting Jan. 1, in addition to what we had before pledged and paid, we pledged for the Tabernacle $14.00, for the Oakland house $20.25. For the Tabernacle $6.40 was paid down, and for the Oakland house $4.65. PLINY POTTER, Eld.
Spring Lake, Wis.
By S. Fulton
We commenced to hold meetings in this vicinity about the first of January. The attendance has been good. Nine were keeping the Sabbath when we came; and fifteen have been added to that number, making twenty-four in all. The interest is still good, and many are deciding. Bro. E. E. Olive has joined me this week. S. FULTON.
Nova, Ashland Co., Ohio.
By John Sprinkle
OUR church held a meeting on New Year's day, and pledged $9.00 for the Oakland, Cal., house. This is called the Troy church.
JOHN SPRINKLE.
Clarksville, Georgia.
By Y. W. Smith
WITH pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of the package of books and papers. We find here the book we needed. The Signs of the Times is so well liked—there is nothing like it. All want the paper, but only a few can read. I trust before the summer is over we shall be able to send for it. I have three schools in charge—all Sabbath-schools.
Y. W. SMITH.
York Co., Neb.
By H. Shultz
My meetings at the Pleasant Hill schoolhouse, which have just closed, were held in the vicinity of the Waco church. This church was much encouraged, and received three additional members. Several took hold of the truth for the first time. May the Great Shepherd lead them.
H. SHULTZ.
Education of Appetite.
By R. F. Cottrell
THAT we can educate the taste so as to relish wholesome food, cooked in the most simple manner, and without condiments, is what I aim to inculcate in this writing. It is certain that the appetite can be perverted from its natural state, so much so that it will crave the most hurtful and poisonous things. The fact that the taste can be trained to relish such nauseating and disgusting things as swine's grease and tobacco, is evidence sufficient to prove that it is susceptible of education. It is evident, too, that the natural, unperverted appetite for food calls only for such things as can be used to build up the system; hence, the demand for indigestible and innutritious condiments, such as pepper, spices, etc., which only irritate and inflame the stomach and bowels, is merely the creature of a false education. And such, also, is the relish for earthy salts, clay, and charcoal, which some devour.
But people are so accustomed to having their food seasoned with grease and gravies, salt, and spices, and such like indigestible things, that they really think they could never relish a simple diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables, cooked in the most simple manner, and free from grease. But if they would firmly resolve to learn to relish only such things as in their better judgment they believe to be the most healthful and nutritious, they could bring their appetite not only to consent, but to delight itself greatly in the change. If they would use one-half the resolution and the firmness and perseverance that the urchin does who imagines that using tobacco will make a man of him, they would succeed to their satisfaction and delight. In this, I can testify from experience; for I believe that no one relishes what they esteem rich dainties better than I do the most simply prepared vegetable food.
The difficulty is, they stand upon the wrong side of the dietetic reform; and, viewing it from the wrong standpoint, of course they do not see it in its true character. They look upon the reform as sinners do upon the moral law—as something that would deprive them of their pleasures. This is the reason why the carnal mind is enmity against God and not subject to his law. But let the sinner be converted—let him get on the right side of the moral law—and instead of viewing the law as depriving him of his enjoyments, he will esteem it as the most delightful and lovely institution, made on purpose to protect him and all mankind in the perfect enjoyment of all their rights. Having put away the carnal mind, he is at peace with God.
In like manner let the people exercise their better judgment and take their stand upon the right side of the dietetic reform, and they will view it, not as an enemy, but as one of their best friends; a friend that will add to their enjoyment of life, and to life itself, and moreover be one of their best helps to secure the life to come.
Now if it is possible for the sinner to put away the carnal mind, is it not possible for the saint, who has the promise of the Spirit, to put away the carnivorous appetite? Is it not possible for any one, saint or sinner, to break off from the use of hurtful things, such as tobacco, coffee, tea, and the various condiments and appetizers, and educate the taste to enjoy the grains, fruits, and vegetables, which the God of nature so abundantly provides, and which reason and revelation agree in as the primitive and most natural food of man, prepared in the most simple and natural manner? We claim that this can be done; and that instead of taking from, it will greatly add to, the enjoyment of life. This reform, not merely faintly tried, as people try the doubtful nostrums of the patent-medicine man, but taken hold of from a clear conviction of its truth, and persevered in, cannot fail to bring its sure reward. By adopting it, you will avoid many a pain and disease, increase the vigor of body and of mind, and add to the enjoyment of life; and the yoke, supposed to be so galling, will be found perfectly easy; nay, you will rejoice in your deliverance from the heavy, galling yoke of perverted appetite.
R. F. COTTRELL.
TEMPERANCE SONG
By Mrs. Lilla D. A. Stuttle
Ye sons of Temperance! Raise your banners high,
Unfurl them proudly 'neath the azure sky,
And bravely march, a calm devoted band,
Against the base despoilers of our land,
With daring courage battle for the right,
With rays of glory dissipate the night.
Go seek the haunts of misery and death,
Where vile Intemperance, breathes its furious breath,
Go lift the poor inebriate from the street,
In paths of virtue place the trembling feet,
Be thou his friend, and whisper in his ear,
Strong words of love, and courage brave to cheer.
Oh! blessed Temperance! with thy face divine,
Like stars of dazzling beauty, rise, and shine,
Light the "dark places" of our weary earth,
Where crime and evil have their hated birth—
And plant the homes of industry and wealth,—
The bliss of innocence, the bloom of health.
Go, snatch the wine cup from the trembling hand,
And peace, and virtue, plant within the land.
Oh! vile Intemperance, hide thy tyrant head!
To shame and death thy ways have ever led,
Thou'st filled our land with desolating fear,
And changed the garden to a desert drear!
Thou'st filled our homes with poverty and woe,
And caused the bitter tears of man to flow.
Thou'st smitten Reason from her God-like throne,
And Passion placed where once her rays had shone.
Then rise! ye sons of Temperance,—rise and fling
Your banner high! till earth with joy shall ring,
Till millions join in one harmonious song,
And glorious Right shall triumph over Wrong.
Vernon, Mich. MRS. LILLA D. A. STUTTLE.
Tobacco Injurious to the Mind.
By Isaac D. Van Horn
JOEL SHEW says, "Any narcotic, the use of which is capable of causing hypochondriasis, hysteria, epilepsy, mental imbecility, and insanity, must of necessity, if employed habitually, become detrimental to the intellect and the morals in proportion to the extent of the abuse. Besides it is a recognized principle in nature, that whatever enfeebles the body, must, in the end, and in the same degree, enfeebles the mind. 'A sound mind in a sound body' is the physiological law. This every tobacco user violates."
Dr. Rush "states of the father of Dr. Massillac that he lost his memory through the excessive use of snuff at only forty years of age." Sir John Pringle's memory was also sadly impaired in the same way, as was proved by his recovery on abstaining from it at the suggestion of Dr. Franklin.
Prof. Hitchcock says, "Intoxicating drinks, opium, and tobacco, exert a pernicious influence on the intellect. They tend directly to debilitate the organs; and we cannot take a more effectual course to cloud the understanding, weaken the memory, unfix the attention, and confuse all the mental operations, than by thus entailing on ourselves the whole hateful train of maladies. These can bow down to the earth an intellect of giant strength, and make it grind in bondage like Samson shorn of his locks and deprived of his vision. The use of tobacco may seem to soothe the feelings, and quicken the operations of the mind; but to what purpose is it that the machine is furiously running and buzzing after the balance-wheel is taken off?"
The above extracts show how little regard is paid by many to the healthy action of the faculties of both mind and body by the habitual use of tobacco and other narcotics. With many the appetite made morbid by bad habits must be satisfied at the expense of both the present and the future life.