Earlier text: Life and HealthPolitics and Steamboat Disasters
It is stated that a “rigid inquiry” into the cause of the “Slocum” catastrophe, to ascertain the general regard or disregard for conditions of safety maintained on the boat by the managing officials, will be conducted by the federal government. According to testimony given by a government inspector of steamboats, the inquiry will show in the last analysis that at the bottom of this, as of many other catastrophes due to carelessness and disregard of the laws, is that corruption which has become so prevalent in all spheres and among all classes of the people, but is perhaps most closely connected with politics. A Washington paper prints the following on this point:— There is much feeling in the bureau [of Commerce and Labor] over the loss of the “Slocum,” as the officers believe that the steamboat inspectors are in a way as far responsible for the horror as is the captain. They say, however, that they make every effort to enforce the law, but that politics interferes. Supervising Inspector Uhler said, for example:— “What is the use of having the laws? They no longer act as a deterrent. We go out, discover a boat with rotten life preservers, bad boilers, and a dozen other things, which some one is operating in defiance of the law. This is punished by a heavy fine. That is the limit of our powers. Now what happens? The violator of the law appeals to a Senator or a Congressman, and others high in political authority. The fine is reduced. I know of scores of cases where fines have been reduced from one thousand dollars to twenty dollars, and others from five hundred dollars to ten dollars. The records will show cases where fines of fifteen hundred dollars have been reduced to twenty-five dollars.” “Does any one suppose that the owner of a big excursion steamer cares for these fines, especially when to obey the law would mean the outlay of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars?— Of course not.” “This is the condition the inspectors have to face.” “The love of money is the root of all evil.” THE possibility of the overthrow of modern civilization by the forces of lawlessness now so visible everywhere, was assumed by President Charles F. Thwing, of Western Reserve University, in a recent address before the graduating class of Adelbert College, at Cleveland, Ohio. He is quoted as saying, after a reference to the existing antagonism between capital and labor:— I sometimes fear that forces now active may wreak themselves on the community and again overthrow civilization, as it was overthrown in Southern Europe fifteen hundred years ago. Neither this nation nor any other of the advancing peoples of the world has any patent right to a constant progress or to a lasting existence.
Tobacco, Whisky, and Fires
TOBACCO and whisky are reckoned as enemies of the human race, judged by their physiological effects on the human system, but they are capable of contributing much to the loss of life and property in other ways, as events occasionally show. The great Baltimore fire is said to have originated from the dropping of a lighted cigar stub through a broken pane in a sidewalk skylight, into inflammable material which was lying beneath. The great Hoboken pier fire of 1900, in which several Atlantic liners were burned with many people on board, derived its intensity from a large number of barrels and casks of whisky which were piled up on the pier when the fire started. And it has been stated that the latest horror — the “Slocum” disaster on the East River — began with the igniting of some hay on board, through the carelessness of a smoker. And the hay would not have been on board but for a shipment of glasses which had just been received for use in the barroom. Men who are accustomed to blowing tobacco smoke into people’s faces, naturally grow careless of other people’s rights, and their carelessness has been the cause of innumerable fires. Russia’s Religious Autocracy
In the present Russo-Japanese war, the sympathies of the Catholic Church are strongly on the side of Russia. The reason of this is evident when we consider Russia from a religious standpoint. The word “czar” stands for autocratic power, and the autocratic power of Russia is commonly supposed to be that exercised by the czar through the officials of his government; but while the czar is the nominal and visible ruler, the real source of power and authority in Russia is the Greek Catholic Church. It is as a religious power that Russia prosecutes her schemes of conquest throughout Europe and Asia. In religious Russia is the real autocracy, the real fountainhead of ambition, the real lust of conquest. Religious Russia is the real Russia. From a religious point of view Russia is thus described: — The chief procurator of Russia, in a late report to the czar on the state of Russian religion, brings out the fact that the power and wealth of the Greek Church are immense. There are 66,780 of these churches in the empire. During the last year 833 new places of worship were consecrated. In connection with these churches there are 16,658 monks and 36,146 nuns. There are 2,050 head priests and 42,743 ordinary priests. These, together with 58,156 deacons and under-deacons, make a grand total, along with seven other divisions, the figures of which are not given exactly, of 170,000 persons in official positions. A sum of nearly $30,000,000 was paid by the Russian people last year for the support of this vast organization. State and Church Relations
At a dinner given by Secretary-of-War Taft in Washington, June 20, the guest of honor was Cardinal Satolli, who was present as a church prelate, arrayed in robes of his ecclesiastical office. Secretary Taft gave a toast to the cardinal, in which he spoke of the great honor of the prelate’s visit and his indebtedness to the cardinal for past favors. The cardinal, in reply, said that his debt of gratitude to the secretary had been increased by his invitation to the dinner, with the distinguished company of guests. The secretary was endeavoring to pay back some “small measure” of his indebtedness to the cardinal, and the latter found himself in turn still more indebted to the secretary. It would seem that the proper adjustment of this mutual indebtedness will call for further interviews and courtesies between these representatives of the American state and the papal church, and by the time the account is balanced, the idea that a permanent relationship between state and church is necessary, may be much more prominent here than it is to-day. The Workers Needed
By Ellen G. White
THE work of God demands true, stanch, whole-hearted, spiritual-minded men,—men who are in earnest, and who have a clear understanding of what is truth,—men who are not fashioned after a worldly mold, but who realize that at this time Satan's power will be exercised through believers who have not held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. Men are needed who acknowledge Christ as their Master; who realize, as did Elijah and Jeremiah, that they hold their commission from God, and that they are accountable to him for the use they make of the talents entrusted to them. Men are needed who can speak intelligently of the sacredness and importance of the truth,—men who can point their fellow men to the needs of the present hour,—men who have an inspiring message to bear against perverted principles, and who watch for souls as they that must give an account. Men of varied gifts are needed. In the building of the tabernacle, different lines of work were assigned to different ones; but all worked under the supervision of God. The Lord gives men talents that will enable them to carry forward special lines of work. Each one is to be allowed to do the work for which he is fitted. It is the Lord's purpose that there shall be unity in diversity. He endows men with different degrees of capability, and then places them where they can do the work for which they are best adapted. The trust given to each worker is proportioned to his ability. While traveling in Switzerland, we passed by a large building in process of erection. Many men were at work. Some were bringing stone from the quarry; others were squaring, shaping, and measuring these stones; and still others were placing them in the building. In charge of the different departments were experienced workers, whose part it was to see that the work was done with care and thoroughness. Over all the men, superintending the work on the entire structure, was the master builder. United action and perfect order prevailed among the men, and the work moved forward rapidly. Every one was doing something. I was told that in the mountains other men were felling trees for the timber needed in the building, and floating them down the stream. To me this was an object-lesson of the way in which the Lord's work is to be carried forward. In his work there are many different branches. Workers of different talents and capabilities are needed. Every one is to do his best, under the direction of the great Head of the church. But there has been and still is great danger of one man meddling with another man's work, not from a desire to help him, but in order to confuse him. The Lord is not in this. He has not given to the one who is neglecting his own work the outlines of his brother's work. How can one improve the methods of his fellow worker by making suggestions and criticisms that only harass and discourage? If he will attend to his own work, the Great Teacher, though unseen, will take the oversight of the work that in his wisdom he has entrusted to other hands. What was Christ's answer when Peter asked him concerning the work of John? “Lord, and what shall this man do?” Peter inquired. And Jesus answered, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” To-day many are making the mistake that Peter made. They are so busily engaged in trying to arrange their brother's work according to their ideas that they neglect the work God has placed in their own hands. They lose all sense of the responsibility resting on them. He who attempts to unravel another man's work will find in his hands a tangle that he can not straighten. Let every man stand in his own place, doing faithfully the work committed to him. It is the questioning, criticizing spirit cherished that puts so many workers in hard places. Let men humble themselves before God, feeling that it is a sin to criticize and condemn. Satan has snares prepared for the feet of the one who is eager to place himself where God has not placed him. How rapidly God's work would go forward if when a man received a work from God, he would put his own attention on the faithful performance of this work, and if the next man, receiving his task, would also do with humility and fidelity the work entrusted to him, perfecting it in the simplicity of true faith and earnest prayer. Let men cease to complain and criticize, and let them do their appointed work. Let them be guided by the Lord. Then the different parts of the work of God, varied in kind, and brought together by Christ, the master workman, will be found to fit perfectly. To those bearing responsibilities in the work of God, this charge is given: “The elders which are among you I exhort, . . . Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” In this charge there is a threefold duty. “Feed the flock of God,”—by giving them his word and setting them a right example. “Feed the flock of God,” “taking the oversight thereof,” having a personal care for the blood-bought heritage committed to your charge; “being ensamples to the flock,” following Christ in self-denial and sacrifice, in the life revealing holiness to the Lord. All this must be done of a ready, cheerful mind, “neither as being lords over God's heritage,” tyrannizing over them. Let those who have been given responsibilities in the cause of God, who are set as guardians of their fellow workers, pray most earnestly for divine grace. Before they take up the work of the day, let them make a solemn covenant with God, promising him that they will keep watchful guard over their lips, not speaking harshly, but kindly, to those who come to them for direction. Let them remember that they themselves are ever to be under the control of the Spirit of God, rendering prompt and cheerful obedience to his commands.9 Let them remember that they are living epistles, known and read of all men, and that because they are Christ's representatives, they are to be one with him, ever looking to him, and from him receiving strength for every conflict. O, what a power a converted man, one who is transformed daily, can exert to bring blessing and gladness to those around him! Those who bear responsibilities in God's institutions are to grow in grace and in a knowledge of divine things. They are ever to remember that the talent of speech is entrusted to them by God for the help and blessing of others. It is left with them to decide whether they will speak words that will honor Christ, or words that will be a hindrance to those who hear. O, what a blessing are pleasant, sympathetic words,—words that strengthen and uplift! When asked a question, one should not answer abruptly, but kindly. The heart of the one who is asking may be sorely grieved by a hidden sorrow, which may not be told. Therefore let the words of the one addressed be always kind and sympathetic. By a few well-chosen, helpful words he may remove a heavy burden from a fellow worker's mind. Sometimes
By H. I. Morse-Farnum
SOMETIMES the sun shines faintly
Through mist and haze;
Sometimes his light is shaded
For days and days. Sometimes the rain-drops gather—
The leaves are still;
But rain and shine together
Perform his will. Sometimes the tempest lowers—
The storm king raves;
My quaintly molded flowers
Fall to their graves. Sometimes the stars are hidden
By leaden skies
That folding round, unbidden,
Bring tearful eyes. Sometimes the chill wind blowing,
Creeps to the heart;
And all the sleet and snowing
Know well their part. Far worse when faith is shaken
In fellow men;
When for the good partaken
There comes again Base envy’s arrant arrow
(The coward’s dart),
Used only by the narrow,
Weak, shriveled heart. And so the recreant water
Where bread was thrown,
Dashing in heartless clatter,
Returns alone! Through storm and shadow singing,
And trusting still;
With heart and hand still clinging
To principle, Brave, lofty, eagle spirits
Can toil and wait,
Pressing God-given merits
To heaven’s gate; Each duty well performing,
As seeing him
Invisible, who, yearning
Through ages dim, For faith and love that look above
The gloom of night,
For motives pure that can endure
Till dawns the light—
Till comes the right! The Lips and the Life
By Theodore L. Cuyler
Every true Christian, whether in high or humble station, is bound to be a preacher of the gospel. Remember that there are manifold ways of preaching Christ’s gospel without choosing a text or addressing a congregation. Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury preached God’s truth on the floor of the British Parliament; Dr. Wayland, Mark Hopkins, and James McCosh from the presidential chairs of a college; William Carvosso, the saintly Methodist class leader, brought hundreds of souls to Christ; and humble John Pounds, the shoemaker who baited poor street boys into his shop with a biscuit or a potato, was the founder of “Ragged Schools”! Halyburton, when laid aside by illness, made a sick-bed his pulpit. “It is the best one I was ever in,” he said; “I am laid here for the very end that I may commend my Lord and Saviour.” A Christ-loving heart is the true ordination after all. “As ye go, preach!” “Let him that heareth say, Come!” These are the heavenly commissions to every one who has felt the love of Jesus in his soul. Knowing the gospel fixes at once the obligation to make it known to others. If I have drunk from the well of salvation, I am bound to call out, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” God has a vast variety of pulpits for his servants to preach from. Yours, my friend, may be in a Sunday-school teacher’s seat or in the nursery or a mother’s arm-chair; it may be at a work-bench or in a counting-room. You may preach by a Bible or a tract or a loaf of bread on a poor man’s table, or by an earnest talk in a mission school, or a faithful pleading with an impenitent soul—any way that will give you a hold on a sinner’s heart and draw him to the Saviour; any way so that he who heareth says, Come! But there are other methods of saying “Come!” besides the voice or the printed page. Clean, consistent, Christly living is a mighty magnet to draw souls to Jesus. A godly example is the most powerful attractor toward heaven. Even the most eloquent pastor will find that his people look at him during the week to find out what he means on the Sabbath. Preaching piety on one day of the week does not counteract the practising of selfishness or cowardice or compromise with wrong on the other six days. If we say “Come!” with the lips, it is well; if we say “Come!” with the life, it is still better. Bible religion made attractive to others is the most potent instrument for the conversion of souls. But few people are eloquent with the lips; yet every Christian may rise to the eloquence of a winsome example. If you can not utter a truth from the desk or the platform, you can live out the truth; that is the best preaching after all. No infidel can answer that. It draws silently but surely. It says Come! by showing the way. The “living epistle” never needs a translation or a commentary. It is in plain English, that a child can understand. An arrant skeptic once spent a day or two with Fenelon, and, on leaving, he said to him: “If I stay here much longer, I shall become a Christian in spite of myself.” Stanley also confessed that when he left London for Africa in search of Livingstone, he was “as much prejudiced against religion as the worst infidel,” but a few weeks of companionship with the heroic missionary so impressed him that he said: “I was converted by him, although he had not tried to do it.” More eloquent often than words is the silent beauty of conduct and of Christly character. A poor sick girl, for example, is wearing away her young life in a chamber of confinement. All day long and all the night for weary weeks and months the patient sufferer suffers on. But she bears the sorrows of her lot so meekly, she speaks of her discipline so sweetly, she exhibits such quiet trust in Him whose strong arm is underneath her, she lives out so much religion in that sick-room, that her worldly minded father and her fashion-loving sisters are deeply touched by it. Her example is a “means of grace” to that whole family; they get no better preaching from any pulpit. Her deep, tranquil joys beside the well of salvation are a constant voice speaking to them, “Come, come ye to this fountain!” I might multiply illustrations of this truth that godly acts often speak more impressively than words. A God-fearing youth occupies the same room with two or three giddy scoffers—his fellow clerks or fellow students. Night and morning he bends the knee in prayer before them. They make game of him at first; but he prays on. The daily reminder of that fearless act of devotion awakens presently in the minds of his companions the memory that they, too, had once been taught to pray, but now have learned to scoff. Example is an arrow of conviction; they, too, “remember their God and are troubled.” In his day Rev. John Angell James, of Birmingham, was the most popular and influential of the evangelical preachers and writers in England. He said in one of his discourses: “If I have a right to consider myself a Christian, and if I have attained to any usefulness in the church of Christ, I owe it, in the way of instrumentality, to the sight of a companion who slept in the same room with me, and who always bent his knees in prayer on retiring to rest. That scene roused my slumbering conscience, and sent an arrow to my heart; for, though I had been religiously educated, I had neglected prayer, and had cast off the fear of God. My conversion soon followed, and my preparation for the work of the ministry. Nearly half a century has rolled away since then; but that little chamber and that praying youth are still present to my mind, and will never be forgotten even amid the splendors of heaven.” Actions speak louder than words. If you wish to move others, move yourself! Cæsar never said to his troops “Ite!” He took the lead, and cried out “Venite!” Paul acknowledged the power of example when he said, “Be ye followers of me.” Even the lips of our adorable Redeemer do not so move us as the study of his sublime and sinless life and the power of his self-sacrificing death. Godly living is what this poor ungodly world is dying for to-day. If the vital union of believers with their divine Head means anything, it means that Christ Jesus pours himself into the world through the lips and the lives of his representatives. “Ye are my witnesses.” It is not that I live, exclaimed the hero-apostle, but it is Christ that liveth in me.—Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D. The “Scattering” Ones
By G. B. Thompson
In looking over a local conference paper recently, I noticed a report of certain work which was credited to the “scattering” Sabbath-keepers. The error in grammar suggested the thought as to whether or not this ought not really to be a fact. The Lord has committed to this people the most solemn truth ever committed to men. It is the world’s final warning. When it ends, probation ends; the seven last plagues will be poured out, and the Lord will come to take from the midst of the rubbish of the earth his jewels, burnished in the furnace of trial. For nearly a half century this warning voice, bidding men to flee from the coming storm of wrath, has been sounding in the earth, and throughout the length and breadth of the world are those who have accepted the kindred truths of the message, and expect in a little while to see the King coming in all his radiant beauty. Should not those who have embraced10 such a message be diligently engaged in “scattering” the books, pamphlets, tracts, and papers containing the good news of our Saviour’s return, to all parts of the world? We have been told repeatedly that our publications should be scattered like the leaves of autumn. And why should not this be so? Surely the scenes which cluster around the coming of the Lord will move us to action unless we are dead. What the church of God needs is power. Let it once be endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, and the earth will be quickly lightened with the glory of the Lord revealed in the message announcing his return. The apostolic church had power. Under the mighty outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost one sermon converted three thousand souls. Without this divine unction three thousand sermons are needed to convert one soul. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon his people, then indeed will be brought to pass the blessed time when “delay shall be no longer.” There will then be plenty of workers. From every church laborers will give themselves to God, and go forth into the different branches of his work to be used till the message is finished. Every call from the “regions beyond” will be responded to, and there will be plenty of funds to send workers everywhere, and to build and equip all the institutions necessary to proclaim the finishing of the “mystery of God” to all the world. Persecution is coming upon the church again as it did upon the church in Jerusalem before the city was destroyed. Then the “scattered” people of the Lord, clothed with the power of the Spirit and filled with a zeal for souls, will go everywhere “scattering” our publications, and warning with tears and entreaty the people who are unwarned and unprepared, to seek the Lord while he may be found. A Protest on the ‘New Thought’ Question
[IN an article in Christian Work, with this title, Mrs. May Mabbette Anderson points out clearly the real meaning of the “New Thought” movement. The following paragraphs are worthy of thoughtful consideration.—ED.] “Yet harken. It teaches a heaven to be won without an atoning blood. A Christ—but not the Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary. The way to the heart of God, and of restoration to his favor and image through the sacrificial death of the ‘Son of man,’ is wholly ignored.” “In other words, the deep significance of the atonement is left out of this lovely structure. It is an imposing, inspiring, and beautiful edifice, yet it is built on sand, and not on the abiding Rock. No hint that ‘ye must be born again’ is found engraved on its walls. It appeals to the ‘I am! I can!’ in man’s perverted nature. It exalts the merely human, and, if adhered to, will lift its votaries to the highest point of excellence possible to the unregenerate heart.” “It is a clever counterfeit of the real edifice. The true building—as clearly outlined in the Word of God—is built “for” on the Rock Christ Jesus, whose life and mighty power permeate and fill and enfold each ‘living stone’, placed on this eternal Foundation. “The counterfeit of this majestic edifice has been planned, and is being reared in its lordly proportions and proud position, by what truly appears to be an ‘angel of light,’ and of wondrous beauty as well as of beneficent heart. Yet it embodies and accentuates the peril of the present hour, namely, the minimizing and dethronement of Christ, as a sacrificial offering for sin, from the popular religion of the day.” “Nor is this all. In one of the most widely read books which has appeared under the protecting wing of ‘New Thought,’ the reader is urged to open his heart and being to hosts of beautiful spiritual beings that inhabit the ether all about us. We are told that they await to indwell each earnest soul that bids them enter, and will lift the recipient of their favors into a higher spiritual plane than would otherwise be possible of attainment.” “Spiritism, you see, in a fresh and lovely garb; so very lovely that even ministers of the gospel are publicly placing their seal of approval on the teaching.” “If one will carefully study the Word of God, and note the solemn warnings given against all commerce with ‘familiar spirits,’ ‘necromancy,’ ‘sorcery,’ etc., a shudder will reach the innermost depths of the heart of one whose eyes are opened to see how these deadly forces—on which God’s lasting anathema rests—are, under modern and captivating names, being pressed on the attention and acceptance of devout and earnest souls.” “There are many in our midst entitled to our confidence and respect, who, in the midst of other absorbing duties, have given but a hasty glance into this fascinating cult. They have seen its beauties, but failed to make the searching examination needful to disclose and lay bare its dangers. Hence this word of protest.” Our Words
By Hattie M. Ball
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14. Sometimes we are apt to think that words are little things, and it matters not how we use them; but the wise man tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21); and “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.” Surely it behooves us to so weigh our words that we may speak only those that will tend to life. Words are used to express our thoughts and feelings, and if our hearts are filled with love to God, our words will be like “apples of gold in pictures of silver;” but if, on the other hand, our hearts are full of malice and hatred, it will be shown in our words and deeds; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matt. 12:34, 35. “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Prov. 15:26. The power of speech is a gift from God, and should always be used to glorify our Maker, and to bring joy and happiness to those we meet. It is the duty of each child of God to improve this talent God has given, so that the words of his mouth will be acceptable to the Lord. “Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.” The apostle tells us that our lips should not be used for filthy and foolish talking or jesting, which he says “are not convenient” for the Christian, “but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:4. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Eph. 4:29. Our words should always be for the upbuilding of the hearers, and this would do away with all evil speaking. This is just what the apostle commands us in Eph. 4:31. As already stated, if our hearts are full of the love of God, it will be revealed in our words. Our character is shown by the language we use, and God can bless with eternal life only those who have perfected righteous characters. This is the import of the Saviour’s words: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:36, 37. The apostle James tells us that “if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2); and of those who are at last redeemed from the earth and stand on Mount Zion, having the Father’s name in their foreheads, it is said, “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. 14:5. The young are sometimes inclined to excuse their frivolous speaking by saying that God does not expect them to be old and sedate, but Paul exhorts Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity;” so we see this instruction in regard to our words applies to the young as well as to the older members of the Lord’s family. The prayer of each heart should be, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.” THE world is dark, but you are called to brighten
Some little corner, some secluded glen;
Somewhere a burden rests that you may lighten,
And thus reflect the Master's love for men. Is there a brother drifting on life's ocean,
Who might be saved if you but speak a word?
Speak it to-day. The testing of devotion
Is our response when duty's call is heard. A SAD case of maternal neglect of duty, and its awful results to both herself and her children, was recently brought to my notice, and knowing from the evidence of things that such is undoubtedly the prevailing condition in many homes of our land,—and, it is feared, even in Seventh-day Adventist homes,—I am burdened to write it for the benefit of the readers of the REVIEW, hoping that it will awaken some mother to a realization of her neglect of duty. The one to whom I make reference is the mother of a large family of children who were once just as innocent and susceptible of training in the way they should go as were many who have been reared to a noble life-work by the prayers and influence of a godly mother. But these children never heard a mother's prayer, nor saw her shed an anxious tear for them, seldom saw her read the Bible, and never heard her speak a pleading word for the salvation of their souls, though she belongs to the church, and professes to be a Christian. The particular place and time to which my attention was called in this sad incident was their home on a certain Sunday—a day professedly honored by the mother, but which does not bring the blessing attending the honoring of the true Sabbath of rest, the holy day of God. Isa. 58:13, 14. On the day mentioned the whole family was a babel of confusion and irreverence. There was no accord nor harmony nor love in that home. Every one's hand was against the other. It was a seat of Satan's power, and he held full sway therein. The forenoon was taken up in attending to the various kinds of both necessary and unnecessary (on the Sabbath) housework, and in the preparation of the midday meal; all of which caused more or less friction, and many a hard and quarrelsome word, which drives love away, and destroys the peace, harmony, and happiness of what ought to be “home, sweet home.” The afternoon and evening were spent in even worse forgetfulness of God. The children scattered off into various pursuits of pleasure, amusement, and revelry, while the old folks remained at home, reading the accounts of crime and vice in the newspapers, and sleeping off the weary hours in order to rest up from the fatigue of the morning's work. The oldest son sat reading a novel in a certain place of ease, wholly oblivious of his waning opportunities to be a blessing, which he once could have been had he followed the better inclinations of his youth. He has given up what better aim he ever did have, for that which is not bread, and which does not satisfy. He was smoking a mind- and soul-destroying cigar, and dreaming and scheming for this life, with no thought of God's love or of the life to come. He is a slave to the god tobacco, and it is plainly to be seen that he has degenerated from the moral standard which he possessed before he began to smoke. Yet his mother never seems to see his downward course. Apparently she is unable to apprehend that his once promising possibilities for making something useful of himself are passing forever; and she does not pray for him. The second son spent the afternoon at the ball game, the evening and forenight he squandered his God-entrusted talents at a “blind” gambling game, and wound up his day's unnaturalness by a clandestine meeting before returning home to his wife and children, who had spent the day alone. But his mother never prayed for him. The third son spent the day hanging around a darktown saloon and a place overrun with brothelry, with no mother's prayers ringing in his ears to convict his conscience. The fourth son, who once confessed conversion, escorted his fiancée to the theater, where a weird and deceptive dramatization of a popular novel was being played. No prayer of a mother guarded him against the dangers of that night. The daughters, left at home practically alone, sought pastime in reading some cheap and trashy novels, many of which the mother allowed to be brought into their home. The mother never prayed with or for them, never gave them kind and loving motherly advice, but many times scolds them very shamefully. Thus passed one brief day with this godless family. Some of these children, when small, used to speak of the things of God in their simple, childlike way, and liked to sing the beautiful hymns that make a home like heaven; but how different it is now! They hate the pleading words and stories of those noble souls, who, like their dear, lovely Jesus, are giving their all to the cause of rescuing and uplifting the poor unfortunate sinner. And is not all this because this mother does not read her Bible and do her duty to the children whom God has entrusted to her care,—because she does not step out upon the promises of God, and like the mothers of Samuel, Timothy, and even a host of present-day mothers, serve God to the salvation of herself and her children? But this mother has put her trust in the popular preachers, and does not see the need of searching the Scriptures for herself. One of her children, to whom the Lord has been merciful all his life, is trying to live a Christian life against all the odds in this dark and unhappy home; but the mother has never taken any interest in his Christian desires and plans. If the mother would do her duty, she and her son could, according to the promise, work together for the souls of the rest of the family with gratifying results. Matt. 18:19, 20. But she does not seem to realize her duty, and is apparently unconcerned about her children going down to ruin without God and without hope, when, if she would do her duty, God has promised that her children could be saved. Alas, for such a sad condition in a home where prayer and supplication never ascend from a mother's heart! God grant that this and all other like mothers may see their danger, and accept this as a warning before it is too late. Mothers, do your duty now, and your children will some day thank and bless you amid the joyful ecstasy of the redeemed state; but if you continue to neglect your duty, there is nothing but unhappiness in this life, and no part in that which is to come, for both you and your neglected children. Choose today whether you and your children will be saved or lost. “Better late than never.” The love of Jesus and a mother's love form a power that no man nor devil can overthrow; and this power is at your command. Will you accept it? Let the love of Jesus come into your own hearts, and it will impress and enable you to do your Christian duty. GIVE the body the nourishment, the exercise, the fresh air, the sunlight, it requires; keep it clean, and then think of it as little as possible. In your thoughts and in your conversation never dwell upon the negative side. Don't talk of sickness and disease. By talking of these you do yourself harm, and you do harm to those who listen to you. Talk of those things that will make people the better for listening to you. Thus you will infect them with health and strength, and not with weakness and disease. We can never gain health by contemplating disease, any more than we can12 reach perfection by dwelling upon imperfection, or harmony through discord. We should keep a high ideal of health and harmony constantly before the mind. — Selected.