*Central New England ..... $2,635.61
Chesapeake ..... 504.04
Eastern Pennsylvania ....... 1,888.18
Greater New York .......... 479.83
Maine .................... 563.78
New Jersey ............... 552.63
New York ................ 1,626.50
*Southern New England ..... 1,158.50
Vermont .................. 922.83
Virginia ................. 468.58
West Pennsylvania ........ 1,377.84
West Virginia ............ 351.86
Western New York ......... 1,675.50
Total .................... 14,205.68
East Michigan ............ 1,875.66
*Indiana .................. 5,177.27
North Michigan ........... 693.74
Northern Illinois ........ 2,578.31
Ohio ..................... 4,952.50
Southern Illinois ........ 1,083.33
West Michigan ............ 3,593.84
Wisconsin ................ 3,238.07
Total .................... 23,192.72
North Pacific Union Conference
Conference not specified ..... 429.66
British Columbia ............. 122.80
Montana ...................... 497.63
Upper Columbia ............... 2,286.53
Western Washington ........... 1,909.78
Idaho ......................... 884.90
Western Oregon ................ 2,128.94
Total ......................... 8,260.24
Northern Union Conference
Alberta ....................... 200.80
Manitoba ...................... 305.30
Saskatchewan Mission Field .... 47.60
Minnesota ..................... 5,283.50
*South Dakota ................. 2,645.47
*North Dakota ................ 1,949.13
Conference not specified ..... 73.82
Total ......................... 10,505.62
Pacific Union Conference
*Arizona ...................... 387.74
California-Nevada ............ 7,766.59
Southern California .......... 1,189.61
Utah .......................... 395.08
Total ......................... 9,739.02
Not specified .................. 20.18
Arkansas ........................ 384.86
Oklahoma ....................... 2,631.21
Texas .......................... 1,200.41
Total ........................... 4,236.66
• Unknown
Unknown ........................ 158.20
Foreign
*Algeria ....................... 13.33
Australia ....................... 163.84
Bermuda ........................ 36.00
China .......................... 31.60
South Africa ................... 278.16
Jamaica ........................ 13.41
Yukon Territory ................ 20.00
England ........................ 263.06
West Africa .................... 14.06
Mexico ......................... 2.00
Costa Rica ..................... 6.25
India .......................... 18.88
South America ................. 40.95
Switzerland ..................... 9.69
Panama ........................ 19.00
Nicaragua ....................... 4.00
Central American Mission ...... 26.00
Trinidad ....................... 28.69
Norway ........................ 25.00
Japan ......................... 12.50
Hayti .......................... 5.00
*Egypt ........................ 51.55
Palestine ....................... 2.00
Tobago, W. I. .................. 1.22
Cuba ........................... 8.00
Hungary ........................ 3.00
Tahiti ......................... 11.88
France .......................... 6.80
Philippine Islands .............. 1.00
Samoa ........................... 8.00
Total ........................ 1,124.87
Grand Total ................ $95,372.65
All remittances should be made to the treasurer of the State conference wherein the remitter resides. If, for any reason, this is not possible, then remittance should be made to I. H. Evans, Treasurer, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., and not to the Review and Herald Publishing Association.
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.
Give, and It Shall Be Given
“GIVE, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over. . . . For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38.
The Torch
By Elizabeth R. Finley
THE God of the Great Endeavor gave me a torch to bear.
I lifted it high above me in the dark and murky air,
And straightway, with loud hosannas, the crowd acclaimed its light,
And followed me as I carried my torch through the starless night;
And, mad with people's praises and drunken with vanity,
I forgot 'twas the torch that drew them, and fancied they followed me.
But slowly my arm grew weary upholding the shining load,
And my tired feet went stumbling over the hilly road,
And I fell with the torch beneath me. In a moment the flame was out!
Then, lo! from the throng a stripling sprang forth with a mighty shout,
Caught up the torch as it smoldered, and lifted it high again,
'Till, fanned by the winds of heaven, it fired the souls of men!
And, as I lay in darkness, the feet of the trampling crowd
Passed over and far beyond me, its paeans proclaimed aloud,
While I learned, in the deepening shadows, this glorious verity:
'Tis the torch that the people follow, whoever the bearer be.
— Elizabeth R. Finley.
The Essential in Education
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
THE most essential education for our youth to-day to gain, and that which will fit them for the higher grades of the school above, is an education that will teach them how to reveal the will of God to the world. To neglect this phase of their training, and to bring in to our schools a worldly method, is to bring loss to both teachers and students.
Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he visited the schools of the prophets, and instructed the students on the most important points of their education. The lessons he had given them on former visits, he now repeated, impressing upon the minds of the youth the importance of letting simplicity mark every feature of their education. Only in this way could they receive the mold of heaven, and go forth to work in the ways of the Lord. If conducted as God designs they should be, our schools in these closing days of the message will do a work similar to that done by the schools of the prophets.
Those who go forth from our schools to engage in mission work will have need of an experience in the cultivation of the soil and in other lines of manual labor. They should receive a training that will fit them to take hold of any line of work in the fields to which they shall be called. No work will be more effectual than that done by those who, having obtained an education in practical life, go forth prepared to instruct as they have been instructed.
In his teachings the Saviour represented the world as a vineyard. We would do well to study the parables in which this figure is used. If in our schools the land were more faithfully cultivated, the buildings more disinterestedly cared for by the students, the love of sports and amusements, which causes so much perplexity in our school work, would pass away.
When the Lord placed our first parents in the garden of Eden, it was with the injunction that they “dress it” and “keep it.” God had finished his work of creation, and had pronounced all things very good. Everything was adapted to the end for which it was made. While Adam and Eve obeyed God, their labors in the garden were a pleasure; the earth yielded of its abundance for their wants. But when man departed from his obedience to God, he was doomed to wrestle with the seeds of Satan’s sowing, and to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Henceforth he must battle in toil and hardship against the power to which he had yielded his will.
It was God’s purpose to remove by toil the evil which man brought into the world by disobedience. By toil the temptations of Satan might be made ineffectual, and the tide of evil be stayed. The Son of God was given to the world, by his death to make atonement for the sins of the world, by his life to teach men how the plans of the enemy were to be thwarted. Taking upon himself the nature of man, Christ entered into the sympathies and interests of his brethren, and by a life of untiring labor taught how men might become laborers together with God in the building up of his kingdom in the world.
If those who have received instruction concerning God’s plan for the education of the youth in these last days, will surrender their will’s to God, he will teach them his will and his way. Christ is to be the teacher in all our schools. If teachers and students will give him his rightful place, he will work through them to carry out the plan of redemption.
Students are to be taught to seek the counsel of God in prayer. They are to be taught to look to their Creator as their unerring guide. They are to be taught the lessons of forbearance and trust, of true goodness and kindness of heart. They are to learn the lesson of perseverance. Their characters are to answer to the words of David, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” In all this they are qualifying for service in the missionary field.
The converted student has broken the chain which bound him to the service of sin, and has placed himself in right relation to God. His name is enrolled in the Lamb’s book of life. He is under solemn obligation to renounce evil, and come under the jurisdiction of God. Through earnest prayer he is to cleave to Christ. To neglect this, to refuse his service, is to forfeit the favor of the Great Teacher, and to become the sport of Satan’s wiles.
It was the design of heaven by the infinite sacrifice of Christ, to bring men and women into favor again with God. That education that brings the student into close relation with the Teacher sent from God, is true education.
God’s people are his chosen instrumentalities for the enlargement of his church in the earth. They are to seek the counsel of God. Worldly amusements and entertainments are to have no place in the life of the Christian. In following the way of the Lord is to be the strength of his people. Their faith in the gift of God’s only begotten Son is to be manifest. This will make its impression on the mind of the worldling. He who takes his position as separate from the world, and strives to become one with Christ, will be successful in drawing souls to God. The grace of Christ will be so apparent in his life that the world will take knowledge of him that he has been with Jesus, and has learned of him.
“Go work to-day in my vineyard,” the Saviour commands. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Let every one who claims to be a child of the Heavenly King seek constantly to represent the principles of the kingdom of God. Let each remember that in spirit, in words, and in works he is to be loyal and true to all the precepts and commandments of the Lord. We are to be faithful, trustworthy subjects of the kingdom of Christ, that those who are worldly wise may have a true representation of the riches, the goodness, the mercy, the tenderness, and the courtesy of the citizens of the kingdom of God.
G. B. THOMPSON
By G. B. Thompson
Prayer—No. 2
G. B. THOMPSON
THE habit of prayer is perhaps one of the most satisfactory evidences there is of real piety. A man may make fine speeches, and engage in many kinds of philanthropic work, he may seem diligent in good works, and yet be a hypocrite. But when a man goes into the closet, and there habitually pours out his soul to God, he is apt to be in earnest. When the Lord wished to give Ananias evidence that Saul had experienced a change of heart, he said, “Behold, he prayeth.”
A man might be saved, and never hear a sermon. He might be deaf, or placed under circumstances making it impossible to hear one of God’s ministers preach. He might be saved, and never read a chapter in the Bible, for he might be blind, or never have learned to read. But in order to be an overcomer, and be saved in the kingdom of God, it is absolutely necessary that we pray. The deaf, the blind, the lonely ones, and those who are unlearned, need to pray as much as do others.9
Many never grow in grace. Though born again, they remain infants, dwarfs, all through life. As one writer has said, “They are pilgrims, indeed, but pilgrims like the Gibeonites of old; their bread is always dry and moldy, their shoes always old, and their garments always rent and torn.” If you knew the secret life of all such, you would find that they neglect to pray.
There are others whose lives are in marked contrast to the class just mentioned. “They grow like the grass after rain, they increase like Israel in Egypt; they press on like Gideon; though sometimes faint, they are always pursuing. They are ever adding grace to grace, and faith to faith, and strength to strength. Every time you meet them, their hearts seem larger and their spiritual stature taller and stronger.” Learn the daily history of these individuals, and you will find that they are persons who pray much. You will find them often in the secret place, supplicating the throne of God for help.
Some are converted, and run well for a time; but later they turn aside to some bewitching fable. They lose their first love, and like Demas, go back to the world again. When tested, they fail to endure, and become stranded on the rocks of doubt and unbelief. These are persons who neglect to pray. Men do not backslide while praying. It is while absorbed in the business of life, and forgetting to pray that they grow cold, and depart from the truth.
“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path.” —“Steps to Christ,” pages 118, 119.
I repeat the question, How much time do you take to pray?
Takoma Park, D. C.
“All Things Work Together for Good”
By D. H. Kress, M. D.
D. H. KRESS, M. D.
“ALL things are for your sakes, . . . for which cause we faint not.” From these words it is evident that everything that comes to human beings God designs for their good. Whether all things will be for their good or not depends upon their mental attitude toward all things. To those who know that all things are for their sakes, and designed for their good, to them “all things work together for good;” while to those who fail to recognize this, but call good evil, the intended blessings prove a curse.
The one who sees only good in every experience, in every trial, in every providence, can never be injured morally. He will never faint because of these “all things,” which cause others to faint, for he understands their significance and mission, and reads in them God’s thoughts of peace toward him. Should Satan destroy property, such a one will say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.”
But suppose some one speaks harshly to me, or treats me spitefully; in what way is that to work together for my good? Let us read another scripture which may explain this: “With what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again.” The reason why God permits others to treat me harshly is because at some time I have treated others in a like manner, or I have something in me that would lead me to do so, should occasion arise.
We can expect no peace from the outside until there exists peace within. God permits harshness on the outside until all harshness is overcome within; and when all harshness is overcome within, we shall have rest from our enemies round about on this particular point.
From the things that come to us from without we may understand something of what exists within. It is God’s way of pointing out to us that which needs replacing by a Christlike virtue.
If harsh and unkind words spoken to me lead me to get rid of all harshness in myself; if the untruths said about me lead me to get rid of all untruthfulness, I shall receive no injury from the things from without. In other words, if I recognize that all things are for my sake and for my good, they will be for my good. But if these things do not lead to prayer, but lead me to take up arms in self-defense, I sustain an injury. Instead of harshness being gotten rid of, or converted into compassion, it is cultivated. We see how God makes the wrath of man to praise him, and that “it must needs be that offenses come.” If I fully believe this, offenses will never lead me to pity myself, for I am benefited by them. They will lead me to pity the one through whom they come, because the woe is upon him. It will lead me to pray for those who despitefully use me and persecute me.
While offenses come, by the child of faith they will not be regarded as offenses. The one who recognizes their mission will have constant peace, and can never be offended. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”
Worry kills, but worry is an expression of a lack of faith. There is health, peace, and happiness in a faith that endures as seeing him who is invisible, in every providence, in every trial, in all things. And to all such “all things work together for good.”
Takoma Park, D. C.
Lessons from Past Experiences
By Geo. O. States
— No. 21
GEO. O. STATES
ELDER BUTLER remained president of the Iowa Conference several years. The workers took the field; and in almost every place they visited, they preached a sermon on the subject of spiritual gifts. It was not long before Iowa became one of the best conferences in the United States.
Every member who stayed with the denomination was strong on the Testimonies, and there was a sentiment all through that conference that those who did not have faith in the spirit of prophecy did not believe in the third angel’s message. Soon the Iowa Conference had three times as many members as it had when the trouble arose over organization. Many of our strongest ministers have developed in the Iowa Conference.
These things were taken up by all our conferences, and our loyal ministers labored faithfully among the churches, preaching on the gifts. Some who did not believe the whole message dropped out and joined in opposing some points of the truth. These experiences were repeated all through our ranks, but of late years there has been a time of comparative peace, and many have embraced the truth who know little or nothing of our history and the opposition of earlier years on the matter of organization.
There is great need that our ministers study the subject of spiritual gifts and the wonderful work God has done through Sister White, and present these things to our people as they go from church to church. I know there is a hard struggle before this people on that question, and doubtless many will be sifted out; but our ministers should stand firm, unmovable, and united, and then the rank and file will stand in line. Since this series of articles has been coming out in the REVIEW, I have been astonished at the numerous letters I have received from all parts of the United States, and even Canada, urging me to continue them, and telling how much good had been received by reading them. Of all the letters that have come to me, I can not recall more than two or three that opposed what had been said in favor of the Testimonies. I have received numerous letters from brethren and sisters who have grown old in the truth, and whose hands trembled so they could hardly hold the pen, but they were rejoicing in the whole truth.
I would have been glad to answer these letters, but my health has been such for over three years that I could do very little mental work. I believe, however, that if faithful just a few years, we shall be permitted to become acquainted in the new earth, and all these struggles will be in the past.
As we have read from week to week the editor’s letters, and those of our other brethren who have been traveling in foreign fields, it inspires faith in the rapidity with which the message is going. The truth is rapidly encircling the earth, and is swelling into the loud cry.10
My prayer is that the Lord may wonderfully bless our brethren of the General Conference Committee, and that plans may be laid that will hasten the work in all parts of the earth.
Cedaredge, Colo.
The Coming of the King
By L. D. Santee
L. D. SANTEE
WHEN Jesus, with all the glory of the Father and accompanied with his holy angels, leaves heaven and comes again to earth, when “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God,” it will be the greatest event that this world has ever witnessed. His first advent, so wonderfully revealed to the wise men, and heralded by angels to the shepherds, while it was an event of vast importance, yet it pales before that coming when “every eye shall see him, . . . and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.”
The teachings and the sacrifice of Christ during his stay on earth were but preparatory to the time when he should gather the “harvest of the earth.” Even his intercessory work as our high priest in the sanctuary in heaven is all in reference to that time when he shall “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.” Eph. 1:10. Then will rewards be given to those who, during the ages past, have proved their loyalty to God. “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27.
Jesus did not promise his followers an easy time in this life,—they were to be hated of all nations for his name’s sake,—but he often pointed them forward to the resurrection, to his coming again, or to the regeneration, as the time when they should be rewarded. Read Luke 14:14: “Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Paul, in his dying testimony, speaks of “the crown of life” to be given at Christ’s appearing. John says, “When he shall appear, we shall be like him;” and to the ends of the earth the disciples carried the good news of the second coming of Christ as the “bow of promise.” Peter, commissioned by Christ to feed his sheep and his lambs, did so by pointing his flock forward to the Saviour’s return, and saying to them, “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
Perhaps the most striking outline of the events connected with the close of this world’s history is to be found in the book of Revelation. It was handed down, in vision to John, the last of the apostles, and to him is given to see great events in the future. He sees the seven stages of the Christian church, the disruption of the Roman empire, the persecuting powers of the earth, and their final fate. He has a view of the closing work of the gospel (Rev. 14: 6-12), and following these great proclamations of warning, he sees in vision the coming of the Son of man on the white cloud to reap the harvest of the earth.
Other glorious things come before his vision. He beholds the new heavens and the new earth, and the city of God, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. What wonder that in rapture he fell at the feet of the angel. His mind is carried forward to the time when redemption shall be completed; when the tabernacle of God shall be with men; and he sees the fulfilment of the words of the prophet, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Hab. 2:14. He saw the land where death shall be no more, where pain can not enter, where “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick” (Isa. 33:24); and his heart thrilled as God opened before him the joys in reserve for the faithful. That prophecy of “things which must shortly come to pass” was to be written out, and studied until their fulfilment; and so God commissioned the seer of Patmos, “What thou seest, write in a book;” and in the twenty-two chapters written, though “through a glass darkly,” the gleam of the golden morning shines with its eternal radiance.
As John begins this wonderful revelation, what is first? The city of God? or the music of heaven?—No, no! Following close on the introduction are these words: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.” Here was the door that opened the rest, that exchanged Patmos for Eden, and made the rest of the prophecy possible. With him the coming of Christ was the alpha and omega. He begins with the glad announcement of the advent, and closes with the response, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20.
Properly in point of time, he places the event as immediately following the third angel’s message. Rev. 14:9-14. He had heard the lips of Christ voice the promise, “I will come again.” John 14:3. He had seen his Master ascend from the hills of Bethany to heaven, and he had heard the angelic assurance, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11. The revelation showed him in vision, in advance, the return of his Master, and his heart was filled with joy unspeakable. What he saw in vision the saints will soon see in reality. Then the prayer of Jesus will be answered. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.” John 17:24. In the rapture of that glad reunion the sorrows and toil of other days will not be remembered in a manner to dim the present joy. Earthly conflicts will be recalled only by the victories that have been won. The saints may now look forward into the glorious future to the time when they will exclaim, Thou hast “redeemed us to God by thy blood.” Hail, glorious advent that brings immortality!
Chicago, Ill.
Manner of Giving
By P. J. Laird
P. J. LAIRD
A PREFERABLY and more exact rendering of 1 Tim. 6:10 is, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money, like all God’s gifts, will bring blessing to each and every one who co-operates with God in its use. Among other subjects brought under the lash of harsh criticism, is the raising and apportioning of funds for religious purposes. When asking my informant why one man had donated fifty thousand dollars to Peking, China, and twenty-five thousand dollars each for Seoul, Korea, and Kyoto, Japan, for new Y. M. C. A. buildings, he replied, “Because he believes in the organization of the Y. M. C. A.” “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be,” needs no comment.
The wonderful progress of the Seventh-day Adventist movement is largely due to the fact that the members of the denomination believe the General Conference to be in such direct touch with all branches of the work the world over that it is better able to judge of the general needs than is an ordinary individual. Many pressing needs could be known only by that body. These they make known, and the members rally to their support, and trust them implicitly with the funds placed in their hands. This is seen in the large amounts of subscriptions passing through “official channels.” Hasten the day when even a larger proportion may pass that way.
Just a word to those who feel that they must send funds direct to a conference worker in a mission field. Often those who do this are quite ignorant of the fact that many others are doing the same. This aims a blow at real progress. The writer is personally acquainted with a case where quite a large sum came in this way. The person in question did not believe in training native workers, and the time of most of his associates was taken up in developing his plan of working. After nearly twenty years a large compound had been built, very largely for philanthropic purposes. The local committee was never consulted as to disbursing the ear-marked moneys received. When invalided home, the whole of his branch had to be closed down, as no one of his profession was on hand to carry on the work. Other instances could be given where “private funds” have caused workers in the same mission to become estranged, and never to meet together, except at a yearly conference or at similar gatherings.
Opponents of organization are very often those who themselves have been set aside in favor of others because they could never be controlled; hence their unfitness to control others.
“While we have not great men or great means, we have a great truth.” The very difficulty of getting this truth before the Chinese shows us our impotence. God alone must do it, but his gifts of power, men, and means are most likely to be given to the denomination that stands as one man for him.
Changsha, Hunan, China.
A Word to Brothers
It is the easiest thing in the world for a boy to be kind to some other fellow’s sister. Why is it that some of them find it so hard to remember to be equally courteous to their own sister? Many a boy is rude to his own sister without really realizing it; in other words, he forgets to be polite. Then, again, he is afraid of being dubbed as “sissy” if he should be caught paying some attention to his sister. It is a bad habit for any one to get into—that of saving one’s polite ways for outside.
If she asks you a question, don’t answer her in a rude or careless manner, as if you thought she did not know what she was talking about, and wasn’t worth listening to.
Don’t tease her or make fun of her in a way to hurt her feelings. You won’t do that to some other girl.
You can depend on the boy who is kind and thoughtful to his own sister, for you may be sure he will develop into the right sort of man, and is bound to win the respect and admiration of every one.—Selected.
The Relation of Parents and Children
By Mary Wood-Allen, M. D.
THE trinity of father, mother, and child forms the most beautiful of all human relationships. Ideally it is a combination of protecting care, guiding love, and absolute faith. If it fails in any one of these respects, it has not reached its God-appointed place. “He setteth the solitary in families,” so that they shall not be alone; but united in interests and in love, shall find in this union strength and happiness.
As students of God’s purpose in placing us in families, we desire to see what is gained by this relation. Why should it not be as well for us to be free as individuals, and not bound so indissolubly to these few who form our family circle? Upon our understanding of this matter will depend our appreciation of family duties, our recognition of our own place in the family group, our valuation of the family. While the institution of the family is not merely to secure a desirable boarding-house for the man and a permanent situation for the woman, it certainly does accomplish these results, and too often in the realization of selfish comfort and protection the higher purpose of the family is forgotten.
The family should be a school for the teaching of all the virtues. Here man should learn that he is the “house-band,” holding all together by his protecting foresight; the wife that she is the “weaver,” uniting all by interlacing bands of loving helpfulness.
It is not so very difficult to see what is the duty and office of the parents in the home. To them is entrusted the guidance and education of their children. They are to teach the children the words of the Lord. Deut. 6:7; 32:46.
But it is more difficult to decide just the place and duty of the children in the home if we take more than a superficial view of the case. They are not placed in the home to be governed simply by arbitrary authority; but they must be taught to obey, because obedience is the duty of all individuals—obedience to right custom, to law, to parents, to God; because obedience is the only dignified thing, if we obey rightful authority. Isa. 1:19; 1 Peter 1:22.
Too often, when children reach the years when they begin to think that they are “grown up,” they feel a rebellion against the commands of their parents. They think they are now old enough to decide their own conduct. As long as they remain in the home, they should have so great a regard for the wishes of the parents that they would desire to do what would please their parents, and do it in the spirit of loving reverence.
The boys and girls who imagine that self-assertiveness and disregard of the parents’ wishes confer a superiority on themselves are mistaken. There is always something peculiarly charming in a loving deference to father and mother. The whole world applauded when President Garfield kissed his aged mother at his inauguration, and by so doing implied that he recognized his indebtedness to her for all the honors that had come to him.
A false pride sometimes makes a young person ashamed of the parents whose self-sacrifice, it may be, has procured for him the superior advantages which their lives have missed.
I knew of a young man whose mother took in washing to pay his way through college. He soon grew too proud to live in her humble home, and took room and board among the more fortunate students. Sometimes he called upon his mother, but usually after dark. One afternoon, however, he had called, and as he left the house, she accompanied him to the gate. A young lady whom he knew was passing, and he bade his mother a rather curt good-by, and bowing graciously to the young lady, asked permission to walk by her side. “Who was that old woman?” she asked, with a rather supercilious air. “O, that was only my washerwoman,” he replied, with the tone of one who did not want to be praised for a good deed, “I often go in to see the dear old soul, she appreciates it so much.”
“How very kind of you,” said the girl, approvingly, for the young man who would openly acknowledge that he called on his washerwoman seemed quite a hero in her eyes. If she had known the truth, she would have had a very different opinion of the young man.
There is one thought that should ever be present in the minds of youth: your parents may be humble, even uncultivated and uncouth, but one thing is sure, you could never have existed but for them. If life is worth anything to you, if you are superior to them in ability, yet you are indebted to them for the life that gives you opportunity to use that ability—yes, perhaps for opportunity itself. To scorn them is to lower yourself; to honor them is to exalt yourself. Prov. 20:20; 23:22. All deference, all loving service given to parents dignifies the giver; but to withhold from them due respect is in reality to lower one’s own12station in life, and to bring upon himself the wrath of God. To talk to others of the shortcomings of our parents is in reality to uncover our own defects. So if we had no higher motive than self-protection, we should guard from the gaze of strangers the failings of the other members of the family, even as we guard our own.—Mary Wood-Allen, M. D.
Rock Me to Sleep, Mother
By Elizabeth Akers Allen
BACKWARD, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,
Make me a child again just for to-night!
Mother, come back from that echoless shore,
Take me again to your heart as of yore;
Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care,
Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair;
Over my slumbers your loving watch keep;
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep!
Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue,
Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you!
Many a summer the grass has grown green,
Blossomed and faded, our faces between;
Yet with strong yearning and passionate pain
Long I to-night for your presence again.
Come from the silence so long and so deep;
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep!
Over my heart in the days that are flown,
No love like mother-love ever has shone;
No other worship abides and endures,
Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours.
None like a mother can charm away pain
From the sick soul and the world-weary brain,
Slumber’s soft calms o’er my heavy lids creep;
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep!
Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold,
Fall on your shoulders again as of old;
Let it drop over my forehead to-night,
Shading my faint eyes away from the light;
For with its sunny-edged shadows once more,
Haply will throng the sweet visions of yore,
Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep;
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep!