An esteemed correspondent, referring to question 1430, entitled, "Made Like unto His Brethren," says:—
An answer to question No. 1430 in SIGNS for Oct. 7, 1903, seems to me so contrary to Scripture (at least as regards the Deity of the Saviour) that I feel constrained to write to you about it.
Jesus laid aside His glory when He left heaven for earth, but I know of no scripture which says He laid aside His deity.
He "made Himself of no reputation," or "emptied Himself," as the Revised Version has it, but He could not empty Himself of Himself.
He took the form of a servant, but the same Book tells us that He was God, divine, at the same time. So that He was very God and very man.
We do not think there is any difference of belief over this question; for in the same letter our friend says: "It was necessary for divinity to die or we should not have had an infinite sacrifice." (Italics his.) And this is what is meant by laying aside His Deity; for divinity means that which pertains to God, while Deity means God. But it is divinity in contradistinction to humanity which makes Deity. Our correspondent says that Christ "could not empty Himself of Himself;" but what else was there of which He could empty Himself but Himself? It is just that very thing which He did, to the glory and praise of God, and on the basis of that He speaks to humanity, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself" (Matt. 16:24), renounce "all that he hath," "yea, and his own life also" (Luke 14:33, 26). The Son of God gave up all. Stepping from the throne of Deity He became a servant, the chiefest of servants because the greatest minister. Meeting the greatest of God's enemies, as a servant He rebukes that enemy only in the name of the Lord. Met by that enemy's temptations, He does not use the authority of Deity, but overcomes the temptation by simple faith in "It is written."
Yet the Son of God did not lose His individuality, whether we can comprehend the great fact or not; it was preserved in God, even as the human does not lose his individuality when he gives up all for Christ; it is preserved in Christ. Matt. 16:25; John 12:24-26. Neither did Christ ever lose His godly character of perfect righteousness; in fact, in that very thing His life, His Divinity, His Deity was preserved. For the introduction of sin into the universe was the very test of Deity. Therefore from that indissoluble firm of Deity, in character, in holy purpose, one stepped down and gave all, that He might save the race, and the other, the Father, gave all in giving the Son. He who became Jesus could not have been the God He was and not have given Himself; for because of that very humiliation,—emptying Himself, of counting "not an equality with God a thing to be grasped,"—God highly exalted Him. Now "equality with God" is Deity; but this the Son gave up in purpose in the beginning, held to it in purpose all through the ages till He consummated it in fact when He died, the Son of God, on the cross of Calvary, preserving His individuality, His Deity, His life, in His all perfect character, and demonstrating that by His resurrection from the dead, Victor over sin and death through perfect righteousness. Rom. 1:1-3; Acts 2:24.
He knew all this in His own consciousness when on earth. He called Himself the Son of God, but He did it not as Deity come from heaven, but as the High Commissioner of Deity, sent of God, commissioned by the Father. He bore not witness to Himself, because Himself had been given up; but God bore witness to His Son through the Inspired Word, through John the Baptist, through the Spirit-working power imparted to Him. And at the very last that Son had so demonstrated His Father's love that He could commit life into His hands and lie down in the utter unconsciousness and powerlessness of death. And all this was in the purpose in the beginning; for He was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," Rev. 13:8; 1 Peter 1:19, 20. And in all this, and much more might be said on this exhaustless theme, is revealed the wonderful love of our God.
THE WORLD'S FINAL GREAT WAR.
By John Brisben Walker
[John Brisben Walker, in the Cosmopolitan for December.]
THE commanding position which Russia has grasped along the frontiers of China, India and Persia seems to leave no doubt as to her intentions. We are to have one great final war, which promises to be so frightful in its waste of human life and so costly in its expenditure of treasure, that it will be a lasting horror; and it must settle the question of the world's civilization. Napoleon predicted that in one hundred years the world would be either Cossack or republican. Busy with home affairs, neither governments nor peoples seem to understand how threatening is the Cossack rule—even to America itself.
Russia has to-day one hundred and twenty-nine millions of population. Persistently carrying out a plan conceived more than forty years ago, she has quietly occupied every position in Asia which would eventually enable her to annex the four hundred millions of China; then the two hundred and eighty millions of India, and finally the eight millions of Persia.
Year after year Russian army posts have been advanced, reinforced and built into large commands; until to-day Russia is ready to attack, not China alone, but along her entire frontier line in Asia. In the event of war, only the most supreme exertions by England, France, Austria, and Italy, re-enforced by the United States, can stop the Cossack advance.
The fact that, for her own purposes, Germany has entered into compact to act with Russia, makes the situation one of the utmost difficulty—of the most extreme danger. For once, the German Emperor seems to be short-sighted. Whatever part of China may be conceded to him temporarily, eventually he must find himself opposed to Russia as certainly as Japan and England are to-day.
Does any one doubt Russia's plans? Never was policy more clearly written. There can be no question about it, and if our attention were not so absorbed in home affairs, the American public would quickly understand it. During two years spent in Peking and Northern China, in military affairs, the writer became convinced that no obstacle would be likely to exist to the extension of Russian dominion toward the East, unless China herself should be built up into a strong military power. The building of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the occupation of Manchuria would be the first steps. It was not anticipated at that time that the plan of campaign would be so far-reaching as to bring Russia simultaneously into China, India and Persia.
There can be no question that entrance into Manchuria was part of the long-preconceived plan. Very likely the Boxer troubles were stirred up with a view to giving excuse for this entry, and distracting the attention of the world. Having entered, Russia had no intention of leaving. The pretense of evacuation was only because at the time she was not ready to begin battle. Other nations, and especially the United States, have been blind to what this movement really meant. It is now no longer necessary that additional Russians should be brought in to capture China. The Manchurians and Mongols furnish splendid fighting material, at least so far as private soldiers go. They can subsist on a little rice, make long marches, sleep in the open, obey orders, and quickly learn to handle fire-arms with precision. They can be substituted and kept satisfied with a total expenditure of not above six or eight dollars a month, as against from five to eight times that cost for the American soldier; and the Russians have the officers ready to put over them.
Russia is now established along the frontiers, its forts built, and its navies in the Eastern harbors of Asia. Many officers have arrived, and vast quantities of stores and arms have been shipped in. More than one hundred and fifty thousand Russian troops are either on the ground or within call, as the nucleus of an army of occupation. It would require but a short time to drill natives in order to put half a million men in the field, sweep down on Peking and over Northern China.
Let the civilized world stop its business long enough to consider this spectacle and ask, Whence will the force be brought to combat the Russian forces in China? But let Russia annex four hundred millions of Chinese subjects, and with this low-priced labor build armaments; then India and Persia are certain to fall.
America feels confident in her strength, and, added to England and France, we imagine that we might conquer the world. But where would these three nations stand if Russia had at command two-thirds of the world's population? Does she need money to conduct her campaigns? By weight of numbers she would move down and capture it.
If Russia should be permitted to retain her position in Manchuria, the Cossack will presently hold the world by brute force. I am opposed to war. I do not believe in war. I hope there will never be another war. But if there can be a just war, it is called for now. Either America and southern Europe must fight Russia at this time, or concede to her all of Asia. Vain as the United States is of her strength, she will find occasion in the near future to regret present indifference. Manchuria is but the stepping-stone to China. China captured, the balance of power is determined.
The hundred years covered by Napoleon's prediction has a decade still to run—a decade in which to determine whether the world is to be Cossack or Republican.
The people of the United States have been so intent upon their own little corner of the world, that they have failed to reflect on what a Cossack world would mean. But this Manchurian question is a matter of such tremendous importance that it demands thoughtful determination. Russia is doing her work so quietly, so diplomatically, and with such deceptive professions of good faith, that we stand like children reviewing events without comprehension of what they mean, or of the influence at work upon our own destiny.
HOW THEY DO IT IN RUSSIA.
A CIRCULAR issued by the "Friends of Armenia" gives publicity to an incident in Russian life which shows one of the peculiar methods of the Russian State Church in carrying on its work. Last year about twenty-five Armenian peasants in the Russian village of Karakilissa made up their minds to join the State Church, and sent a petition to the Russian Synod, asking to be baptized. A few days later they repented of this act of hypocrisy, and wrote to the Synod that they had decided to remain in their own communion. This, they thought, would end the matter; but they did not know the Russian State Church. They were notified by the governor to be ready for baptism on a certain day. They told the governor that they had notified the Synod of the change in their decision; but he replied: "We have orders from St. Petersburg to baptize you. Those who go back on their word will be exiled to Siberia."
On the following Sunday the governor was on hand with a regiment of Cossacks, the Russian archpriest, a Bible, and crozier. Many Russian officers and ladies were also present to witness the ceremony. The peasants refused to be baptized, in spite of the governor's strong persuasion. They were then turned over to the Cossacks, who whipped them to the place of baptism, and then mounted guard over them. The Russian priest read from the Bible and sprinkled them with holy water.
The "converted" Armenians were then members of the Russian Orthodox Church and amenable to all its rules and regulations. The wives of these unfortunate men immediately left the village, taking their children with them, and declaring that they could not live with husbands who allowed themselves to be converted by force.
Russia is now making it very uncomfortable for the Armenians under her jurisdiction, as also for the Finns. Rights guaranteed to the latter by solemn treaty have been ruthlessly trampled upon, and promises made the Armenians have been broken, and their most cherished church and school privileges taken from them. Russia's purpose in this seems to be to make her State Church the paramount religious power and influence in all of Asia and Europe that she can bring under her control. Her territorial extensions are in the nature of a religious crusade with that end in view. Viewed in this light, with the church officials in the highest places in the government, it is easy to understand Russia's territorial aggressiveness and her tenacity in holding any portion of neighboring country upon which her soldiers have set foot. It is the national-Christianity idea in full bloom, with a subservient government behind it to put its wishes into effect. The demand for religious legislation in this country is a manifestation of the same unchristian spirit, only that it has not yet the terrible power behind it to make its wishes effective as is the case with the Russian State Church.
THE SPIRIT OF SUNDAY-LAW ENFORCEMENT.
By Editor
We do not believe in cigar-smoking or selling, or the use of tobacco in any form, but we do contend that according to every principle of human justice it is as right to sell them on Sunday as on any day. With these prefatory remarks we present the following as a fair illustration of the Sunday-law enforcement propaganda, from the Mirror and American, of Manchester, N. H., of Dec. 30, 1903:—
It appears that there are in Philadelphia certain city ordinances or laws which prohibit the sale of merchandise on the Sabbath, and there is also a Sabbath association organized to see that these laws are enforced, which, in order to detect and bring to punishment offenders, employs a corps of agents or informers, who, like most of their class, are anxious to make a showing of zeal and efficiency. Some of the results appear in the reports of the police court proceedings published in the papers of the city, and the following pathetic story is a sample:—
'Then came a shrinking, kind-faced woman of about sixty years, Mrs. C. R. Kelly, of 127 South Fourth Street, who, with her poor, much-worn attire, and depressed, over-apprehensive expression made a most melancholy picture. Even Agent Vail, before a question had been asked, was visibly touched. The woman had once been handsome, no doubt, and with her iron-gray hair, her dark eyes, and her figure of grandmotherly symmetry, was still attractive. Across her straight, rather delicate nose were old-fashioned gold spectacles, that looked as if they were an heirloom of better days; on her head was a plain, black bonnet, such as were worn thirty years ago; and around her shoulders a faded, gray shawl, which was also of a past generation, its shabbiness only redeemable by the cleanliness and neat adjustment. The troubled light in her eyes was clouded with tears as she made her brief statement.
'One of the professional informers first testified that a cigar had been sold to him in her shop.
'Yes,' answered the old woman, 'it was sold to you by a little girl, almost a baby, who happened to be alone in the shop a few minutes, and didn't know better. If I had been there it wouldn't have been sold. The child was misled into selling it.
'Judge, I have nine orphan children in the house:—'
'You are a widow?' queried the magistrate with deep compassion.
'Yes, for six years past, with nine children, and my husband was three years sick before he died.'
'These words were uttered with almost a sob.' 'The few things I could sell on Sunday wouldn't pay me'—
'No more testimony—I don't want to hear any more,' exclaimed the magistrate, moving indignantly in his seat. 'You are discharged. We can't oppress the widow and the orphan here, blue laws or no blue laws.'
'An unusual moisture shone in his eyes as he turned the next leaf of the docket.
'The old woman walked slowly out, and every one in the court room looked after her in silent respect.'
Unless the city officials of Philadelphia are greatly misjudged they are about as corrupt a set as can be found in this country, and about the only vice or crime they interfere with upon the complaint of any one is 'Sunday-selling,' of the kind described in the above report. If this be true, it would seem9that an association for the enforcement of other laws was much more needed in the Quaker city than one to prevent poor widows from peddling cigars and candy on the Sabbath. At any rate it may be safely said that a reform organization can spend its money to better advantage than in hiring spotters to drag such widows as Mrs. Kelly, of 127 South Fourth Street, into court.
Christianity, Politics, and War
By Editor
Some strange ideas of Christianity prevail even among its professed adherents. One is illustrated by the novel spectacle of the European "Christian powers" feeling obliged to maintain a Mohammedan government as a buffer between themselves to keep from devouring one another. But this is only one of the anomalies of the absurd theory that Christianity and politics are legitimate partners. This theory comprises the fallacious and dangerous doctrine that might makes right—that a majority, or any superior power, may properly enforce the conscience of weaker parties. This is especially illustrated in the contention that the observance and support of religious tenets may be regulated by civil law, and thus become a matter of police surveillance and magisterial control. This involves that other delusion that Christianity is a principle that may be exemplified in formal ceremony, regardless of a change of heart.
Russia and Japan continue to prepare for war. Reports from the East are very uncertain at the present time, as the Japanese censorship continues; and little is known of what the Russians are doing in China and Korea. Russia's answer to Japan's last note was designed to be final; but Japan shows no disposition to accept it. There has been a report that Japan would still seek to negotiate with Russia concerning their points of difference, while other reports strongly deny this, and indicate that war is the next and inevitable step. Japan has purchased another warship and is negotiating for others. It has been stated several times that England would not see Japan crushed, which would mean that England would take Japan's part in case the war went against her. Germany has announced her intention of neutrality, and the American admiral in the Orient has been ordered to remain in a Philippine port, so as not to give encouragement to either party. Within the week China has signed the treaty with the United States and Japan for the opening of two Manchurian ports to trade. This is looked upon as an important factor in the controversy. It is reported that Russia has warned China that in case the Chinese Government favored Japan, Russian troops would move down and occupy Pekin. Russia is gathering her fleet at Port Arthur, and some of her European vessels are said to be following the new Japanese cruisers now on their way to the Orient, to attack them in case war is declared. A report from St. Petersburg states that the czar has decided, after much hesitation, to leave the issue of war or peace entirely in the hands of Admiral Alexieff, who now has entire charge of Russian affairs in the East. If the latter report be true, it is a strong indication of the seriousness of the situation.
The Pacific Coast has been visited by another terrible marine disaster. On the morning of January 9, the passenger steamer Clallam, plying between Seattle and Victoria, B. C., was disabled by heavy seas, and drifted at the mercy of the waves for several hours. When it was seen that the boat must go down, the women and children were put into the life boats with only enough men to man them; but the three boats were soon swallowed by the waves, and their occupants were drowned. The reports state that none of the women and children who had taken passage on the boat were saved. Some of the men were lost with them. Of the men who remained with the ship, some were lost and others were picked up by a tug. In all, fifty-four persons were drowned.
Russia's confiscation of Armenian schools in her borders would indicate that Armenia would not be any better off religiously under Russian domination than she is under the Turk. It is also true that altho Russia is nominally "Christian," really Christian missionary work finds no better encouragement in the czar's domain than under the flag of the sultan. Neither would the driving of the Turk from Europe mean anything to the advantage of the Christianity of Christ. The power of Christianity does not lie in human government; it is itself the power of God. It never made greater progress than under Rome's greatest tyrants.
There are signs of an early outbreak of trouble in the Balkans. Turkey has ordered an army corps to be in readiness for active service, and troops are leaving Monastir for Uskub. Another massacre of Christians is feared in that part of the country. Bulgaria has sent a note to Turkey urging the carrying out of the promised reforms.
Colombia is said to be gathering troops on her frontier preparatory to an invasion of Panama and a collision with the American marines now in that territory. General Reyes, Colombia's special commissioner to this country, will return to Colombia in a few days, and it is believed that some action will be taken by his country soon after his departure.
An exhibition of rapid shorthand work was given at the National Shorthand Teachers' Convention, which met at Cincinnati, on December 29, in which the official stenographer of the House of Representatives wrote on a blackboard from dictation at the rate of 233 words per minute, and read it back in less than fifty seconds without an error.
A German ethnologist, who has been studying the tribes of Southern Mexico, has discovered a tribe of light-haired and fair-skinned natives whose traditions indicate that they were descendants of the ancient Teutons. The race is quite distinct from any other of the Indians of Mexico, and is noted for physical strength.
German inventors have patented a device for photographing the internal organs of the body, showing their size and shape, and the exact dimensions of any foreign substance the organ may contain.
Experiments are being made with radium for the treatment of cancer. One case is reported from New York in which a very malignant cancer was cured after six weeks' treatment.
The British cruiser Wallaroo, while 230 miles south of New South Wales, exploded one of her boilers on January 7, killing forty-three of the members of her crew.
Seventeen persons were killed and thirty-seven injured in a railway collision at Willard, Kansas, on January 6.
THE LORD AND THE "VICAR."
By Editor
An event to which considerable importance is attached in Roman circles took place on Thursday, when the new pope, defying all tradition, invited his three sisters to dine at his own table. Hitherto it has always been deemed highly incorrect, even for the most eminent ecclesiastics, to sit down with his Holiness. A distinguished personage was stirred by the pope's reluctance to create his sisters countesses. Without a title, it was urged, there would be an insuperable obstacle to their being received in polite society. The pope, hearing of this, exclaimed: "They have a title already—they are sisters of the pope."—Catholic Mirror.
It is encouraging to note the present pope's good sense in the treatment of his sisters, but of course his ignoring of the conventionalities in this and other respects must be taken as the exception. He must not be understood as renouncing any right to the papal prerogative as tenaciously adhered to by his predecessors. He simply chooses to be a brother rather than a pope in his association with his sisters. To all others, even the "most eminent ecclesiastics," he is pope. The recognized dignity of the papal po-
sition, is that it is "deemed highly incorrect, even for the most eminent ecclesiastics, to sit down with his Holiness." Thus the "vicar" assumes more dignity than did the Lord Himself when ministering to men. He traveled about the country on foot with His "most eminent ecclesiastics" and other companions, eating and sleeping with them, and with the common people as well. The Pharisees complained that "this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." When men seek honor from their fellow-men, as "lords over God's heritage," they make a decided failure of representing Christ.
REFORM—FALSE AND TRUE.
WHILE many people have acted, and do act on the principle that evil may be condoned, licensed, and thereby indorsed, if it be done out of sight of the public, it is left for certain New York City reformers to set up the principle as a bold proposition. There is now an agitation for opening saloons on Sundays from 1:00 to 11 o’clock, P. M., which involves the principle above referred to. The district attorney advocates it, and claims to have the support of Bishop Potter, Rev. W. S. Rainsford, and other noted men. The president of the board of city magistrates also advocates the privilege of selling liquors, but not to be drunk on the saloon premises. One of the leading arguments is the hardship of the laboring man, who is being deprived of his beer for a whole day.
The proposition provides that licensed dealers be allowed to sell, during the hours prescribed, provided the selling be in a manner protected from public view. The police must not interfere if the transaction be not seen from the public street. The Union Signal refers to a fund of $5,000,000 raised by the Liquor Dealers’ Associations of the country, to aid in securing legislation of this character, and queries how much the respectable gentlemen mentioned are paid for their services.
This Sunday legislation presents three curious features: (1) Under the garb of temperance, a class of temperance reformers secure a measure of enforced Sunday observance, for the sole purpose of exalting Sunday. They never would think of a one-day closing law for any other day of the week. So far their position is for the arbitrary enforcement of religion; so far they are committed to the principle of Church-and-State union, which is a papal doctrine pure and simple. (2) Then we have a class of men making an equal claim to morality and Christianity, who are willing to compromise with evil provided its sinister work be done under cover. (3) Besides the foregoing, we have the liquor traffic raising large sums of money to buy the influence of men in office, men of social standing, men in the ministry, men who profess temperance principles, in fact any class not already in sympathy with the traffic. And the sad thing is they succeed in corrupting a large number of supposedly good men.
Thus we have before us the continual evidence that only by the strictest adherence to the leadings of the Spirit, through the Word, can men be kept from encouraging the adversary, even in their sincere efforts to advance moral reform. There can be no true reform on any other basis than a return to the principles enunciated in the Word of God. The only perfect goal to which any reformer can point is obedience to “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This alone will stand the test of the judgment. See 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 14:6-12; 22:14.
DRUNKENNESS IN FRANCE.
THE fact that a combined meeting of the four chief temperance societies of France, presided over by M. Casimir-Perier, was held recently in Paris, is significant of the growth of temperance sentiment in that country, where the magnitude of the evil of strong drink is becoming apparent to an increasingly large number of thinking Frenchmen. Frenchmen have always prided themselves on their ability to drink with “moderation,” but statistics show that the worst forms of inebriety are now prevailing among them to an alarming extent. Absinth has its votaries or victims in multitudes who throng the boulevards, while cheap brandy, which is nothing else than liquid madness, has made a terrific record for destruction among the laboring classes. French caricature, with its deadly wit, which is always a danger-signal, has been busy with the foibles and debauches of the devotees of drink, while the prison authorities have seriously taken up the work of providing lecture courses to convicts on the evil effects of alcohol. The temperance sentiment which is being awakened in France is organizing itself on the broadest lines, Catholic and Protestant clergy, army surgeons, and civilian reformers, sharing the burden of the work of investigating the alcohol evil, and uniting their endeavors with a view to presenting an authoritative report which, it is hoped, will furnish the basis for aggressive action in behalf of temperance.—Zion’s Herald.
The Danger of Papal Favor
One of the characteristic tendencies of these days is expressed by a local religious paper when, in referring to the high price paid to the Catholic friars for their lands in the Philippines, it says: "But it is worth something to the government to have the matter settled and to retain the good-will of the pope." It is a well-established fact that governments do not have the good-will of the pope unless there is something in their policy that is decidedly favorable to the aims of the Catholic Church. There is something wrong in a government that bids for the favor of the Papacy, and there is something suspicious in the professed Protestantism that can imagine that there is anything to be gained by basking in the good-will of the "man of sin." The prophecy is clear that "all that dwell on the earth shall worship him [the papal "beast," or power], every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain." Rev. 13:8. This is to be the culmination of the matter, and the thought that the enjoyment of the good will of that power is a condition to be desired, is a long step toward the danger line.
IS THIS YOUR WIFE OR MOTHER?
How One Wife and Mother Kept Things Going Till She Fell By the Wayside.
THIS is what a mother of five children tried to do:—
Keep house.
Do her own washing and ironing.
Do the family sewing.
Do the family cooking.
Do the family mending.
She said servants cost too much to keep.
And the clothes always came home torn when she gave them out to be washed.
And it was simply out of the question to have her sewing done, so she did all these things herself in order to save a little money.
Her house was a big one of ten rooms, with a basement and an attic.
Her children were all pretty big, and went to school. When they weren't at school, they had11other things to do besides helping mother.
For instance, the girls each had to practise on the piano an hour a day, and the boys had to play ball.
The girls belonged to a rowing club, and the boys to an athletic association.
The girls didn't dare to sweep or wash dishes, even if they had a few minutes to spare, because it spoiled their hands, and made them rough and horrid, but they liked awfully well to play basket ball for exercise, or tennis, or golf, or some games like that.
The boys made bicycle runs when they had time to spare.
Each of the girls belonged to a sewing club, and they met around at the houses of the members once a week, and had a lovely time making things for the poor savages.
Mother, of course, sewed for the girls. She mended their stockings, and darned socks for the boys. She made all the party dresses, too. And all the school clothes, but of course the girls made that pretty piece of Battenburg lace on the parlor table, and embroidered their new summer shirt-waists.
The girls bought new hats this year, and had them trimmed at the store, because mother wasn't up-to-date in making chiffon bows.
Mother wore her old hat, but she put some flowers on it that the girls didn't want any more.
She never went out much anyway, so it didn't matter what she had on.
Father never could button on his shirt collar.
Nor change his cuff buttons.
Nor find his socks.
Nor shut the bureau drawer after getting out his underclothing.
Nor brush off his coat.
Nor take a bath without "mama" had the tub full of hot water ready for him to jump into.
Nor find a bath towel.
Nor his slippers. So—
Mother did all these things for him, and put his dirty clothes in the wash as well.
The boys always got their feet wet when they watered the front lawn, so—
Mother did it.
She got up every morning at five to cook breakfast, and went to bed about twelve every night, when the work was all finished.
One day she didn't get up.
Father sent for a doctor.
Then for a nurse.
Then for a funeral director.
There was a beautiful funeral.
And lots of flowers.
And ever so many mourners.
But the mother and the wife was gone. She might have been here now. Was she alone responsible?—Selected.
COMPARATIVE VALUES.
By Lilian McPherron
BY LILIAN MCPHERRON.
WHO can estimate the value of what are called "little" things, in the encouragement and salvation of souls. When we study the often momentous results from these things, can we call any of them "little"?
How often is a weary heart cheered and uplifted by a bright smile and sympathetic handclasp from a dear friend or acquaintance; or it may be, by a smile on the face of only a passer-by, who sheds sunshine by his very presence. Could the cold and unsympathetic one only realize the chill he brings to hearts, surely he would seek the Sunshine of Righteousness for warmth.
Not only do the smile and handclasp cheer and inspire, but think of the heart-warmth that always comes when some dear and thoughtful friend remembers one in any of the many ways the thoughtful find to express remembrance. Think of the precious book some valued friend has kindly sent, the little poem, full of beauty and inspiration, the kind note expressive of good-will, the fragrant flower, breathing forth God's love—can we call these "little," when many times they come at times of discouragement or illness, or come to increase and overflow one's cup of joy?
Now think again of what great results have often come from only a tract or paper, or even a torn piece of one, in the salvation of a soul.
I would tell you of what only a little pebble did in helping a rebellious and distressed soul toward peace and safety in Christ:—
Once there lived a poor girl who was afflicted with a very unfortunate disposition, subject to many outbursts of bad temper. She had a friend who longed to show her the beauty of the Saviour's character, that by beholding Him she might be changed into one who should be meek and lowly in heart.
One day this friend asked the girl to go with her and her family to the beach; but because temper held her fast, she would not go. The friend was sad, and all day at the beach kept praying for something to take to the girl, that she might be helped. As she walked along the beach her eye suddenly fell on a round white pebble. Instantly, Rev. 2:17 came to her mind: "To him that overcometh will I give . . . a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." She picked it up, saying, "I will take her that." She gave the little stone to the girl, only repeating the Scripture. The poor girl took it, but still was angry, and threw it down in the room. But on going out in the yard, she suddenly saw another white stone almost like the other, and by the power of that Scripture was compelled to pick it up. Immediately the Spirit of God softened her hard heart, and she wept her anger all away.
About two years after this, while again overcome by the tempter's power, on going to a box for an article she needed, she saw the white stone her friend had given her. Again the verse came to her remembrance, and the softening influence of the tender Spirit of God melted her heart, and she sought and found forgiveness of sins.
To-day, through the power of that white stone, and influences connected with it, she is a new creature in Christ Jesus, going forward conquering and to conquer. Was that stone a "little thing," used as an object-lesson of God's power to save and reward him who overcometh? Praise God for the little things of life, which we all have opportunity to use in pointing lessons of Father's love and care.
That we may so know His Word, that the inspiration of His Spirit may show us objects to use to bring that Word home to the hearts of those about us, is the prayer of the writer.
Hollywood, Cal.
OTHERS BEFORE SELF.
THE Northeast Relief Company was selling coal at ten cents a pailful. A long line of customers reached to the sidewalk and far down the street, waiting and shivering in the bitter air. Sarah Conley was almost at the office door. She was glad her turn was so near. She was chilled, and her breakfast had been scanty that morning. Moreover, she was old and not strong.
"It's hard standing," she remarked to the woman behind her.
"It is that," returned the woman, "I'd rather freeze at home if it wasn't for the babies. They're crying with the cold."
"Look here," said Sarah, "You take my place; it'll get you there one quicker," and she stepped out of the ranks and in behind the woman.
"My, that's nothing!" she continued, smiling away the mother's thanks. Her change of position brought Sarah in front of a young girl who coughed and shivered pitifully in the searching wind. Just then a rumor was passed that the coal supply was giving out. The waiters pressed close. Sarah glanced uneasily around.
"You can have my chance," she said, suddenly, as she slipped back of the sick girl.
Sarah did not look behind her again. She was so cold that she trembled from weariness. The slow procession of the line had brought her to the office door, when she noticed a little girl standing at one side, carrying an empty pail and crying softly. Sarah beckoned to her.
"You won't get your coal if you stay there," she said. "You'll have to run 'round to the end of the line."
"I've lost my money," whispered the little girl.
"I'll hold your pail while you go home and get more," suggested Sarah.
"There isn't any more," sobbed the child.
Sarah stood still a moment. Then she slipped her dime into the girl's purple little palm. It was the last money she had but she did not say so. Then she went home to a cold room. The bowl of soup she had saved for dinner stood frozen on the table. She took the clothes from the bed and wrapped them around her.
"My rent is paid, and I've got a job of scrubbing for to-morrow," she said to herself. "There's lots worse off than I am."
Her teeth chattered and her joints ached. But away down in her heart there glowed a warm spot as she thought of the babies' mother, the sick girl, and the child, all with their heaping pails of coal.—Youth's Companion.
TO A CHILD.
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
LIKE the new moon thy life appears,
A little strip of silver light,
And widening outward into night
The shadowy disk of future years;
And yet upon its outward rim,
A luminous circle, faint and dim,
And scarcely visible to us here,
Rounds and completes the perfect sphere;
A prophecy and intimation,
A pale and feeble adumbration,
Of the great world of light that lies
Behind all human destinies.
Ah! if thy fate, with anguish fraught,
Should be to wet the dusty soil
With the hot tears and sweat of toil,—
To struggle with imperious thought,
Until the overburdened brain,
Weary with labor, faint with pain,
Like a jarred pendulum retain
Only its motion, not its power,—
Remember, in that perilous hour,
When most afflicted and oppressed,
From labor there shall come forth rest.
And if a more auspicious fate
On thy advancing steps await,
Still let it ever be thy pride
To linger by the laborer's side;
With words of sympathy or song
To cheer the dreary march along
Of the great army of the poor,
O'er desert sand, o'er dangerous moor.
Nor to thyself the task shall be
Without reward; for thou shalt learn
The wisdom early to discern
True beauty in utility.