THURSDAY afternoon, April 12, I left my home near St. Helena for a short visit to southern California. Months before I had promised Elder Haskell and his wife that I would unite with them in planning for the establishment of a training-school for medical missionary evangelists, in connection with the educational work of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. Now the time had come for the fulfilment of this promise, and as the sanitariums at Loma Linda and Paradise Valley were to be dedicated about the time of the annual meeting of the Southern California Conference, it was an opportune time to visit this part of the field. Accompanying me were my son, W. C. White, my secretary, and one of my copyists. My son went by way of the Coast Line, that he might stop over a few hours at Mountain View. The other members of our party went direct by way of the San Joaquin Valley route.
As we crossed a portion of the Mojave Desert, we were reminded of the promise, “The desert shall blossom as the rose.” Where one usually can see only sage-brush and cactus, there is now to be seen an abundance of grass, and acres upon acres of wild flowers of varied hues.
The Los Angeles Vegetarian Restaurant.
Our train into Los Angeles was a few minutes late, and we could not make close connections with the train for Loma Linda, so we spent a pleasant hour at the vegetarian restaurant, on the corner of Third and Hill Streets.
This restaurant is now conducted by the medical missionary department of the Southern California Conference, and is in charge of Brother and Sister Allen, who were stanch Roman Catholics until they attended a series of meetings held by Brother W. W. Simpson and his associates less than two years ago.
During the past few years, the Lord has given much instruction regarding the establishment of hygienic restaurants in large cities. Over and over again he has indicated that in many cities we should have small restaurants, as centers of influence, by which the attention of thinking men would be called to the principles that make us “a peculiar people.” Thus many would be led to a knowledge of the message for this time.
In connection with this instruction have been given many cautions against the danger of tying up in restaurant work talent that could be utilized to better advantage elsewhere. Especially is this the danger that attends the conduct of hygienic restaurants so large that many helpers must be employed. The pressure and rush of business is liable to lead to a neglect of the work of soul saving.
In 1902 I wrote out many reasons why it will be best to establish several smaller restaurants in different parts of our large cities. Among these reasons were the following: “The smaller restaurants will recommend the principles of health reform as well as the larger establishments, and will be much more easily managed. We are not commissioned to feed the world, but we are instructed to educate the people. In the smaller restaurants there will not be so much work to do, and the helpers will have more time to devote to the study of the Word, more time to learn how to do their work well, and more time to answer the inquiries of the patrons who are desirous of learning about the principles of health reform.”
At noon we returned to the station, and took “The Golden State Limited” for Loma Linda, sixty-two miles east of Los Angeles, on the main line of the Southern Pacific. Ordinarily this train carries no passengers for small stations, like Loma Linda. Had we taken a later train, we could not have reached our destination until a few minutes after the beginning of the Sabbath, and this we very much disliked to do. In the unusual courtesy shown us by the conductor of the limited through train, we recognized the favoring hand of providence.
At Loma Linda we met many friends, and were made to feel at home. Every one was busy preparing for the Sabbath. At this season of the year, the lawns and flower gardens are very beautiful, and the air is filled with the fragrance of orange-blossoms.
Sabbath Sermon
Sabbath forenoon, we assembled in the sanitarium parlors, and I spoke to the patients and helpers on the first chapter of Second Peter. I dwelt upon the thought that Christ in his humanity, perfected by a life of holiness, revealed that humanity may in this world attain unto perfection of character, through co-operation with divinity. Abundant provision has been made for us. Within the reach of every human being God has placed “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
In this scripture is set forth the perfection that we are all to reach. As we live on the plan of addition, there will be granted us the grace spoken of in the second verse: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,”—multiplied “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” Christ offers to work in our behalf on the plan of multiplication.
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is our privilege to lay hold upon these encouraging assurances, that we may place ourselves in right relation to Christ, and thus perfect Christian character.
“He that lacketh these things is blind, and can not see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” We must co-operate with Christ Jesus. We must lay hold of every advantage he has given us, and show that we receive it; for to “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name.” “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Precious, precious assurance!
On every hand we see men anxious to insure their lives by taking out a life-insurance policy. Here is your life-insurance policy—an eternal life-insurance policy offered to all who carry out the conditions outlined in this chapter.
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” Every one of us may have living faith in the power of Christ to keep our feet from walking in false paths.
There is in our world a spirit of belief, and also a spirit of unbelief. In the latter days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We expect that those who refuse to harmonize with Christ will develop into a warring element;8but we should not think that this will do us harm. We must remember that they that are for us are more than they that can be against us. This is my hope and strength and power. I believe in God. I know in whom I believe. I believe the messages that God has given to his remnant church. From childhood I have had many, many experiences that have strengthened my faith in the work that God has given me to do.
Early in my public labors I was bidden by the Lord, “Write, write the things that are revealed to you.” At the time this message came to me, I could not hold my hand steady. My physical condition made it impossible for me to write. But again came the word, “Write the things that are revealed to you.” I obeyed; and as the result it was not long before I could write page after page with comparative ease. Who told me what to write? Who steadied my right hand, and made it possible for me to use a pen?—It was the Lord. When we come into right relation with him, and give ourselves wholly to him, we shall see the miracle-working power of God in word and deed.
In the early days of the message, when our numbers were few, we studied diligently to understand the meaning of many scriptures. At times it seemed as if no explanation could be given. My mind seemed to be locked to an understanding of the Word; but when our brethren who had assembled for study, came to a point where they could go no farther, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon me, and I would be taken off in vision, and be instructed in regard to the relation of scripture to scripture. These experiences were repeated over and over and over again. Thus many truths of the third angel’s message were established, point by point. Think you that my faith in this message will ever waver? Think you that I can remain silent, when I see an effort being made to sweep away the foundation pillars of our faith? I am as thoroughly established in these truths as it is possible for a person to be. I can never forget the experience I have passed through. God has confirmed my belief by many evidences of his power.
The light that I have received, I have written out, and much of it is now shining forth from the printed page. There is, throughout my printed works, a harmony with my present teaching. Some of the instruction found in these pages was given under circumstances so remarkable as to evidence the wonder-working power of God in behalf of his truth. Sometimes while I was in vision, my friends would approach me, and exclaim, “Why, she does not breathe!” Placing a mirror before my lips, they found that no moisture gathered on the glass. It was while there was no sign of any breathing, that I kept talking of the things that were being presented before me. These messages were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the spirit of prophecy. I thank God that he has preserved my voice, which in my early youth physicians and friends declared would be silent within three months. The God of heaven saw that I needed to pass through a trying experience in order to be prepared for the work he had for me to do. For the past half century my faith in the ultimate triumph of the third angel’s message and everything connected with it, has been substantiated by the wonderful experiences through which I have passed. This is why I am anxious to have my books published and circulated in many languages. I know that the light contained in these books is the light of heaven.
I ask you to study the instruction that is written in these books. To John, the aged apostle, came the message, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” The Lord has bidden me write that which has been revealed to me. This I have done, and it is now in printed form.
Let us give our hearts to God; for we have only a little time remaining. We are living in the last days. On every hand are signs of the end. Life is becoming more and still more uncertain. We hear of numerous wrecks and other disasters; we hear of many who are killed in an instant, without a moment’s warning. Let us determine not to wait until a more convenient season before preparing to meet the Lord in peace when he comes. Let us give ourselves wholly to him, and then work for the salvation of other souls, from house to house, and wherever we may be. I am expending all the means I have, in the work of advancing the third angel’s message. We should be planning to win souls to Christ, and now is our time to do this work. The harvest is ready, but the reapers are few. From all parts of the world we are receiving letters telling us that the light is shining in clear rays in distant lands, and that the honest in heart are accepting the evidences of the truth for this time.
Amid the error that is overspreading the whole earth, let us strive to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth. Let us put on the whole armor of God; for we are told that in this time Satan himself will work miracles before the people; and as we see these things, we must be prepared to withstand their deceptive influence. Whatever is presented by the enemy as truth, ought not to influence us; for we should be under the instruction of the great Author of all truth.
I feel an intense interest in the future work and prosperity of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. God has not given us these buildings for naught. He has not given them for us simply to take pride and comfort in. We know that this beautiful property has been given us as an indication of a great work that is to be done in southern California for the Lord. We are to help every soul in need of help. We desire to see souls converted, that finally they may enter in through the gates into the city of our God. We desire to see these souls receive the crown of life and a golden harp and a palm branch of victory. We desire that they shall have life, eternal life, in the kingdom of glory.
This is why I am willing, so long as my life is spared, to bear the testimony that God may give me. Pray, pray, I beseech of you who are here in this Sanitarium. You who have no hope, do not wait; do not, I beg of you, wait a moment. Get hold of it, oh, get hold of it; for you can have hope. It is offered all who believe in Christ Jesus, and you can have it. If you will work on the plan of addition, God will work on the plan of multiplication, and you will have peace and joy and assurance—a foundation that can never fail. Then you will be prepared to meet the King in his beauty, and will hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
The One Hundred and Forty-four Thousand
By John Norton Loughborough
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
Having received the following question, to which I prepared a reply, the thought occurred that the same might be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW, so I forward it for publication.
“For some time, in fact for several years, I have been unable to see how the one hundred and forty-four thousand could be made up partly of those who have died during the third angel’s message. Such a position seems to be contrary to the teachings of the spirit of prophecy. Of this favored number, Sister White has written that they are taken ‘from among the living.’ How could this be, if they are taken partly from ‘among the dead?’ Again, she says that they ‘have endured the anguish of Jacob’s trouble,’ passed ‘through the final outpouring of God’s judgments.’ How could all sing a song of such an experience if a part, perhaps hundreds, had never had the experience? How could one hundred and forty-four thousand dear souls sing that they had ‘passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation,’ and had endured anguish, hunger, sun heat, and the sight of the seven last plagues, if they were sleeping, or at least a part of them? Would not a part of this company be unable to tell and sing a part of that song?
“It may be said that Sister White, in one of her writings, makes herself one of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, but Ezekiel does also. Speaking of the seven last judgments, he represents himself as present at their pouring out, and says, ‘and I was left.’
“I am a firm believer in the spirit of prophecy. I believe what it says. By this I mean, that when it comes across my path, I believe that God, through his prophet, has shown me my error. I have no new light. My message is the old,9old doctrines taught in the early days of this truth. But I have not understood the above subject, and so have had nothing to say about it. I write you, knowing the way you look at it, but not knowing the reasons you have for so doing. Perhaps you will help me out. There is no controversy in this field about the subject.”
Before making a direct answer to your questions, it may be of interest to note the facts as to how the Seventh-day Adventists were led to the sealing message of Revelation seven, and how they held the doctrine when they received it. Elder Joseph Bates began teaching the truth of the seventh-day Sabbath, as connected with the third angel’s message of Revelation fourteen, in 1845. But the believers did not discover the light on the sealing message until 1848. They were led to it on this wise:—
Feb. 22, 1848, France became disorganized, deposed her king, and burned up his throne, and in the twilight of that evening he fled from Paris with his family in a hack, he himself being the hack driver, disguised in the garb of a “hackney coachman.” Following closely on the riot in Paris, the turmoil spread to other countries, until thirty-six kingdoms, principalities, and petty states were involved in the melee. Just at this time the spirit rappings began in the Fox and Fish families, in Hydesville, Wayne Co., N. Y. (This was about seventeen miles from my birthplace, and only a few miles from where Joseph Smith claimed that he found his gold plates of the Book of Mormon.) The First-day Adventists of New England said, “This strife among the nations of Europe is the rally of the nations to the battle of the great day of God. The Lord is going to come now. These rapping spirits are the spirits of devils going out to gather the nations to that battle.”
At this time the Seventh-day Adventists received the light on the sealing message. Their reply to the first-day people was, “No. This is not the rally to the last great battle. Before that event takes place, one hundred and forty-four thousand are to be sealed with the seal of the living God. There is a message to go forth bearing the seal, and we have discovered that message in the seventh chapter of Revelation, and are going forth to give that message.”
Elder Bates, in a tract, makes mention of a meeting of a few of those who had accepted the sealing message. The meeting was held Nov. 18, 1848. Of this meeting he says, “A small company of brethren and sisters were assembled in meeting in Dorchester, near Boston, Mass. We made the publication of the message [the sealing message] a subject of prayer. The way to publish appeared not sufficiently clear. We resolved unitedly to refer it all to God. After some time spent in earnest prayer for light and instruction, God gave Sister White the following, in vision:—
Speaking of the Sabbath truth, she said, “That truth arises, and is on the increase, stronger, and stronger. It’s the seal! It’s coming up! It arises, and is coming from the rising of the sun. Like the sun, first cold, grows warmer, and sends its rays.
“The angels are holding the four winds. It is God that restrains the powers. The angels have not let go, for the saints are not all sealed.
“The time of trouble has commenced. It is begun. The reason why the four winds have not let go, is because the saints are not all sealed.
“When Michael stands up this trouble will be all over the earth. Why, they [the winds] are just ready to blow. There is a check put on because the saints are not sealed.”
You notice that the Testimony said, in 1848, “the saints are not all sealed.” The position of our people then was that the sealing work at that time was going on, and that some of the one hundred and forty-four thousand were then being sealed.
You will note how this idea was confirmed by other Testimonies that followed soon after. In “Early Writings,” page 35, is a vision given March 24, 1849, which reads: “Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth, and cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over his people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and pure in heart, was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.” On page 36 of the same volume we read: “I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s people just now in this sealing time.
“Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was passed, until the covering was drawn over God’s people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over his people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter.”
From this you can see some of the reasons why those accepting the original faith on the subject of the one hundred and forty-four thousand believed that some were then being sealed, and that they were to be of those resurrected in the time of trouble, and be of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.
On page 29 of the same book we read, “The four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go, but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and he raised his hands to the Father, and pleaded with him that he had spilled his blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them to hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.”
Again we read: “I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The one hundred and forty-four thousand triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God.”
Who were included in this company that are to hear the voice of God? We read in “Early Writings,” page 145, “Dark heavy clouds came up, and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in the faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept his law.”
The faith of the Sabbath-keepers from that time until some of the modern “lights” came in, was that those who died in the faith were among the sealed ones, and would constitute a part of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.
Just when this partial resurrection takes place may be seen by comparing Dan. 11:45; 12:1, 2, and Rev. 16:12. It is when Michael “stands up,” in the time of trouble; but at that time Turkey comes to his end, with none to help; or, as expressed in Revelation 16, when that power is “dried up.” But when that power is “dried up,” five of the seven plagues have been poured out. The wicked have become enraged by those plagues, and seek to put the saints to death, which brings the living and the resurrected ones into the time of Jacob’s trouble. Jacob’s trouble in olden time was when Esau was coming with four hundred armed men to take his life. The resurrected ones share in this cry for deliverance, and they hear the voice of God that pronounces the everlasting covenant upon those who have honored him by keeping his Sabbath.
(To be concluded)
Midsummer Offering for 1906
By A. O. Burrill
A. O. BURRILL
If we are to take this message to all the world, to every nation, it will require much means. We have long said that all are to be warned. We have our schools that are filled with our youth who are studying the prophecies. These young men and women are imbued with the hope of the coming of the Lord. But before that takes place they must be sent to all the different nations. Is it not a source of great joy to the believers that God's providence is turning the minds of the laborers to these fields? The Holy Spirit has done and is doing his work in10preparing laborers to go forth to the work of warning.
What does it mean that so many young men and women are in our different institutions making preparations for labor in different lands? Faithful parents are making great sacrifice to educate these students, and their prayers are constantly ascending to God that the son or daughter may be ready to hear the call. They are doing as Hannah did with Samuel. She “gave him to the Lord all the days of his life.” There are many Hannahs in these days whose prayers are going up to that God to whom Hannah prayed. They have been heard and answered. These parents who love these sons and daughters ardently are willing to bid them farewell, that they may go to the ends of the earth.
This call for the “midsummer” offering is to provide the means with which to send some of these away to their fields of labor. There are many places where the Lord has prepared the field to be worked. Have we not seen this within the past few months? What has come to this people from across the seas? What from South America, Mexico, and our Canadian fields?—Calls for workers. The fields are all ready for harvesting. Many workmen are ready to go to the ends of the earth. This “midsummer offering” is to send some of them on the way, and feed and clothe those who are already on the battle line in Asia, Africa, and the isles of the sea. This blessed opportunity to help send this message to all lands will soon be gone. Now is our time to co-operate with all heaven in sounding the cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
Galt, Ontario.
The Shepherd's Fatal Sleep
By S. THURSTON
S. THURSTON
It was early morn in midspring, when nature seemed to be at its very height of glory, that I left my home, by private conveyance, to spend the day in a neighboring town. The first portion of my journey was amid orchards, olive groves and vineyards. Wheat and barley fields were already in head, with occasional pasture land which was covered with scores of different colored flowers, forming one massive carpet, fresh from the loom of nature.
The sun was yet hanging low in the eastern sky, as if loath to proceed on its way, wiping the sparkling dew from plant, leaf, and flower, and thus robbing the earth of its morning freshness. The sweet-voiced lark, joined by the piping mocker, was sounding its clear notes high above the charming chorus poured forth by the lesser birds. The surrounding mountains seemed to look down with satisfaction upon the beautiful vale, built and watered from their gorge-rifted sides.
While thus surrounded, we become almost forgetful that the dark pall of sin has been hanging over the earth nearly sixty centuries. As we turn our minds, however, to the distant battle-field, the sighing of the bereaved under the home roof, with the greater portion of earth reeking with crime and corruption, we are seized with wonderment that so many beauties still linger as a reminder of our long-lost Eden home.
The next few miles of my journey lay through immense cactus fields which skirted one portion of the valley through which the public road lay close beside the railroad. I had reached this portion of my journey when, to my surprise, I saw two sheep lying dead by the roadside. As I turned my eyes toward the railroad, I saw heaps of dead and mutilated sheep, with scores scattered about bruised and mangled. A little farther on I saw the shepherd wild with excitement, having just arrived upon the scene.
Upon inquiry I learned that he was the under shepherd, and that the chief shepherd was in another part of the valley with other sheep, having left this under shepherd in charge of this part of the flock, which at the setting of the sun the previous evening, he had led into close proximity to the unfenced railroad, and then spent the hours of the night in undisturbed sleep. His flock had become scattered and, being wholly unconscious of their danger, many of them had lain down upon the dangerous path of the locomotive, and when the midnight train came dashing along, it left its pathway strewn with death. I also learned that this flock was a valuable one, being prized at about five dollars a head.
In view of these facts, the under shepherd called wildly for the chief shepherd to come to his aid; but no response greeted his ear. Soon the “section-boss” came on his morning tour with no word of sympathy, but rather with the demand that the road be cleared at once. Then came a most terrible part for the shepherd to act, as he went with knife in hand, to finish his death work upon those innocent sheep maimed through his own neglect.
This awful work having been accomplished, I suggested that he ride with me to the nearest town where he could procure help to draw away and bury them in the lonely cactus field. He accepted my offer, and as we sped on our way, at thought of meeting the chief shepherd his anguish and tears seemed greatly to increase. Could he expect him to say, Well done, good and faithful shepherd? Or would he not rather say, Where are my sheep, my valuable sheep?
And when the lonely cactus field had been left behind, and our way was through orange groves in full bloom, making the air fragrant, nothing could charm him. Although the sun rays from the southern California skies had wiped the last sparkling dewdrop from leaf and flower, there was still to be seen upon the shepherd's cheek tear-drops of sorrow. Upon reaching the town we parted, and I saw no more of the shepherd, and on my return, no trace of death was visible along the locomotive's pathway.
O that the love of that shepherd might have been so entwined around that flock upon that fatal night that he might have been aroused to the welfare and safety of his charge at the sounding of the whistle of that onspeeding train as it approached the nearest station, though miles away! But no! the unfaithful shepherd sleeps on.
After witnessing the remorse of the unfaithful shepherd, and knowing the cause of his grief, a higher train of thought took possession of my mind, which led me to consider the world to be but one vast cactus field enshrouded in darkness, into which the human flock of God has been led. Throughout this vast field, running in every direction, are found a thousand conflicting man-made creed-paths, each claiming to be the right way, whereas there is but one right way. Our Redeemer passed that way before us, leaving us his example and word, and bequeathing unto us his Holy Spirit as our faithful guide. John 15:26; 16:13.
Into these thousand man-made creed-paths, God's human flock has been led and has lain down in carnal security; with unfaithful shepherds fast asleep while Satan is artfully running his many trains of sin with fearful results, destroying thousands upon thousands of God's human flock of infinite value, dearer to Christ, the Chief Shepherd, than his own life. Will there be a day when Christ will inquire of his under shepherds, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jer. 13:20.
Will Christ, the Chief Shepherd, hold his under shepherds accountable? Will they say, as did guilty Cain, “Am I my brother's keeper?” Or will they, like the sleeping shepherd, have no excuse to offer? Will there surely be a judgment-day when the blood of souls, lost through our neglect, will be required at our hand?
Is there to be a judgment-day
In the high court of God,
When all must give a strict account,
Who earthly shores have trod?
Quick from the throne the answer
came,
From lip o'er scepter rod,
Yes, the ledger-book is almost full,
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
A cry of woe has reached this court,
From earthly blood-soaked sod,
“Go, quickly go! and others tell,
‘Prepare to meet thy God.’”
And should you fail to others warn,
Who dwell in sin-cursed land,
Of thee I'll blood-bought souls require,
Their blood of thee demand.
I seized my pen, Let altar fire
In power o'er scepter rod,
Touch lip, and pen,—I'll warning
give:
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
San Fernando, Cal.
The Value of Timely Service
By Geo. MacDonald
TIMELY service, like timely gifts, is doubled in value.—Geo. MacDonald.
Two Careers
By Jennie Betts Hartswick
WHAT has she done that men should
stay
The jostling hurry of their way
To seek with wonder-eager eyes
The darkened mansion where she lies?
What has she done that, far and wide,
Has flashed the word that she has
died—
That folk in distant lands have said
To one another, “She is dead”?
Why should the lips of strangers raise
To her a monument of praise?
Ah, it was hers to conquer fame,
She made a name.
And she who lies so whitely still,
Untouched of joy, unvexed of ill,
Has she done aught? Why, surely, no,
The records of her living show
No laurels won, no glory gained;
No effort crowned, no height attained;
In life she championed no cause;
Why should the passing people pause?
One little household’s narrow scope
Held all her heart and all her hope,
Too lowly she for fame’s high dome,
She made a home.