Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 3, No. 41.

THE MISSION OF CHRIST
Earlier text: THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY;

California State Quarterly Meeting.

By J. E. White; A. M. Loughborough

The first State quarterly meeting of the California Tract and Missionary Society of this Conference year was held in Oakland, October 21, 1877.
In the absence of the president the vice-president, J. E. White, presided. The opening prayer was offered by Wm. Harmon.
Of the eight districts in the State only three were represented by directors, namely, Nos. 1, 3 and 7. The minutes of the previous meeting were called for, read and approved. The treasurer's report was also read and accepted.
The report of the workings of the society for the quarter, being called for, was read showing the following results:—
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Total
Libraries Furnished 4 4
Other periodicals distributed 350 66 169 17 210 175 987
Signs distributed 680 28 376 57 2,427 3,456 7,024
New subscribers for other periodicals 12 2 9 49 14 86
New subscribers for Signs 5 5 2 30 16 58
No. pp. Tracts, etc., given away 7,337 2,938 9,608 3,787 30,597 22,869 79,476
No. pp. Tracts, etc., loaned 440 5,948 6,781 1,560 19,641 7,016 41,384
Widows and Orphans $101.15 $29.50 $130.65
Book sales $20.45 $1.30 $10.65 $8.65 $1.80 $20.00 $62.85
Donations $13.55 $8.90 $27.21 $164.15 $102.10 $315.91
New Members $1.00 $2.00 $5.00 $2.00 $10.00
Letters written 19 20 32 6 47 89 213
Families visited 17 2 34 10 112 230 405
No. of Reports 30 14 37 14 43 31 169
Memberships 118 54 50 26 57 43 348
Some of the features in the above mirror look well, while others are defective. For instance, the money received for memberships, donations, book sales and widows and orphans, figure, $519.41, which added to $481.41 received on the general fund, makes a total of $1000.82, an excess over last quarter of $687.84. The total number of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away are 120,860, while the number of last quarter was 144,426, a decrease of 23,626 pages.
Our membership as seen above is 348; of this number only 169 have found in this large field missionary work to do, while 178 have been inactive, without employment for three long months, one-fourth of a year; and, strange as it may seem, all this while the cry for laborers has unceasingly sounded.
Following the reading of the secretary's report the vice-president read an address, prepared for the occasion, setting forth the work to be done and showing how to do it. This address embraced the manner of conducting vigilant missionary societies, as explained in the Advent Review supplement. After the reading of the constitution it was
Voted, That the constitution as read be adopted.
The expediency of issuing a supplement of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES wherein the constitution and other articles pertaining to the interest of the missionary work could appear, thus obviating the necessity of publishing in a pioneer sheet like the SIGNS so much matter of a local nature, was duly considered and
Voted, That 2,000 copies of this supplement be printed, and the expense apportioned by the State secretary to the several districts according to their financial strength.
The question of vigilant missionary societies then claimed attention, when a motion was made and carried, That we recommend to the various churches in the State the organization of such societies.
The resolution relating to the one-third, passed at the General Conference, November 12, 1876, being fully discussed, it was finally
Voted, That we raise a sum equal to one-third of our S. B. pledges for the year, to meet the demand for means, to be used as far as necessary in the proposed increase of the circulation of the SIGNS, the Reformer, and other publications; this offering to be paid quarterly to the church treasurer with the regular S. B. The church treasurer will pass the same to the librarian.
On motion the meeting adjourned till 2:30 P. M.

SECOND SESSION.

The society met as per adjournment. Prayer by E. R. Gillett. It being decided that the quota of Health Annuals for this coast should not be less than 15,000, the question arose how to apportion them; an apportionment was then decided upon, and after due deliberation a motion was made and carried, That the State secretary be requested to write to the different directors, stating the number apportioned to their districts, and asking them to accept their proportion as a bona fide order.
The fact that so many of the directors absented themselves from a meeting of so great importance and interest as this one, elicited remarks from many, and as none attributed the non-presence of any to a lack of interest, it was
Voted, That the traveling expenses of the directors to and from the State quarterly meetings be paid by the society, the districts being taxed to meet this extra sum according to their financial ability.
The interest of this meeting was greatly increased by the presence of Sister White, whose touching remarks strengthened and deepened the missionary spirit in the hearts of those present. She said, we do not realize what our publications are doing; the Annual is doing a great work in advertising our institutions and publications, while the Health Reformer alone is bringing hundreds to our Health Institute, located at Battle Creek, Michigan, where very many become acquainted with our views and embrace the truths we hold so dear.
Following these remarks a motion was made and carried, That the directors be requested to see that every family of believers in the State subscribe for the Health Reformer.
The director of district No. 1 presented a request made by one of the officials connected with the International Reading-room, at Lakeport, for our books, stating that the expense of transportation would be met by those connected with the reading-room. A vote was passed granting district No. 1 the privilege of placing in this reading-room as many of our publications as were desired.
Much might be added showing the increased interest awakened in missionary work as the result of this meeting, but space forbids. We will say, however, that Oakland, whose apportionment of Annuals is 3,000, expressed a wish that it was double that number. The 3,000 are already ordered by a few individuals who become responsible for them, and with the zeal and earnestness now manifested 6,000 could be used in that district as well as more. One sister in San Francisco subscribed for 1,000 and mentioned two others in the church who would probably take 1,000 each.
With the words of Sister White still sounding in our ears, “Send forth the Annual, let not false dignity or a lack of humility hinder the work,” we close the report, regretting that all the members and officers of the T. and M. society of this State did not enjoy, with us, the privilege of this good quarterly meeting.
J. E. WHITE, Vice-President.
A. M. LOUGHBOROUGH, Secretary.

The Nebraska Camp-Meeting.

By E. W. Farnsworth

This meeting was held at Fremont, Neb., October 4–8, on a beautiful island a little south of the village. The location was all that could be desired. There was a good grove to break the wind, while at the same time, where the tents were set, the trees were so scattering as not to obstruct the warm rays of the sun. There were twenty-seven tents besides a number of covered wagons. About three hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were encamped, a good proportion of whom were ready to commence meetings on Thursday.
From first to last our meetings were excellent. It was evident from the first that the people came to work, not only for themselves, but for others. While the meetings were in session, the camp was entirely deserted. It seemed that every one was determined not to lose a word. In our social meetings, God greatly blessed us; and all hearts seemed to be melted in tenderness before him. In some of these meetings as many as one hundred and thirty testimonies were given in forty minutes. Sabbath was a good day for us. After setting before the people the importance of seeking God, we called for backsliders and sinners to come forward, when about thirty responded; and as we united our prayers together for these who were thus seeking God, the Spirit of the Lord graciously rested upon us, and all hearts seemed to be broken before God.
On Sunday, fifteen were baptized in the Platt river, by Brother Boyd. The outside attendance was not large; but those who came were respectful and courteous. It was truly affecting to listen to the many calls as they came in from all parts of the State. Some of our brethren came three hundred miles with teams. They came to seek God, and they found him. We heard it remarked all over the ground that it was the best meeting our people ever enjoyed in this Conference. Brethren Nicola, Boyd, and Wing enjoyed good freedom in preaching the word. I can say my soul was never more blessed; it was one of the brightest spots in all my Christian experience. Our people all felt to praise God for his goodness, and returned home greatly strengthened and encouraged.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.

Missouri Camp-Meeting.

By George I. Butler

Our camp-meeting held with the Prairie Valley church, October 4-9, has just closed. It has been a great success, and in some respects better than any camp-meeting ever held in the State before. Though the weather was somewhat against us, as it rained Monday and Wednesday before the meeting, stopping and turning back some who had started, and no doubt hindering many others, and though it rained much of the day Sunday, thus keeping away the crowd, yet there was at our meeting a larger number of our people than I have ever seen in Missouri, or when Missouri and Kansas were united.
An immense crowd of outsiders would have been present Sunday but for the rain; for the livery men in towns eight or ten miles away had all their own teams engaged, and many others had been engaged of private citizens, and all through the country many had said they were coming. But the rain stopped many of these, so Sunday there was not a great number of any but our own people present. But at night, after the rain, and Monday night, though dark and muddy, the tent was well filled, and a good degree of interest manifested.
Our people go home from this meeting greatly encouraged. We had an excellent social meeting Monday afternoon, in which many short, cheering testimonies were given. Almost every one commenced with, “I am thankful to God for this good meeting,” or “I am glad I came to this meeting,” or kindred words.
On Sabbath day, our meetings were solemn. By a rising vote, nearly all pledged themselves to live nearer to God and be more earnest in his work than ever before. On Monday, not far from twenty came forward for prayers, when I invited those who had backslidden from God, and those who had never started in his service, to consecrate themselves to him. It was a good season and the Lord came near.
In preaching, Brethren Chaffee, Wood, Rogers, and T. J. Butler took part, while I spoke fifteen times in all, filling in all the available time between regular services. The last two weeks I have had the privilege of speaking to not less than two hundred and fifty of our people, over half of our membership; and though this number seems small when compared with the numbers attending such meetings in Iowa, Michigan, and other large Conferences, yet the time was not far back when this would have been a respectable attendance for either of those strong Conferences. Even this is in glorious contrast with the meetings in Missouri only a few years ago.
We have received subscriptions to our tent and camp-meeting fund to over $350. We hope to raise this to $500 before spring. We want to buy two tents, one large and one small one. They are beginning to wake up in Missouri; and though the victory is not yet complete, and there is much hard work to be done, yet God lives, and will help all who are in earnest; and we must gain the victory. Let us remember the Christian’s watchwords, “Watch, pray, and work.” GEO. I. BUTLER.

A Mother's Love.

THE following affecting narrative was given by a father to his son, as a warning derived from his bitter experience of the sin of resisting a mother's love and counsel:—
What agony was on my mother's face when all that she had said and suffered failed to move me. She rose to go home, and I followed at a distance. She spoke to me no more until she reached her own door.
“It is school-time now,” she said. “Go, my son, and once more let me beseech you to think upon what I have said.”
“I shan't go to school,” said I.
She looked astonished at my boldness, but replied firmly:—
“Certainly you will, Alfred! I command you!”
“I will not,” said I.
“One of two things you must do, Alfred—either go to school this minute or I will lock you up in your room, and keep you there until you promise implicit obedience to my wishes in the future.”
“I dare you to do it,” I said; “you can't get me up stairs.”
“Alfred, choose now,” said my mother, who laid her hand upon my arm. She trembled violently and was deadly pale.
“If you touch me I will kick you,” said I in a fearful rage. God knows I knew not what I said!
“Will you go, Alfred?”
“No,” I replied, but I quailed beneath her eyes.
“Then follow me,” said she, as she grasped my arm firmly. I raised my foot—“O, my son, hear me”—I raised my foot and kicked her—my sainted mother. How my head reels as the torrent of memory rushes over me. I kicked my mother, a feeble woman—my mother. She staggered back a few steps and leaned against the wall. She did not look at me. I saw her heart beat against her breast. “O, Heavenly Father,” she cried, “forgive him, he knows not what he does.” The gardener, just then passing the door, and seeing my mother pale and almost unable to support herself, came in.
“Take this boy up stairs and lock him in his room,” said she, and turned from me. It was a look of agony, mingled with most intense love, it was the unutterable pang from a heart that was broken.
In a moment I found myself a prisoner in my own room. I thought for a moment I would fling myself from the open window, but I felt that I was afraid to die. I was not penitent. At times my heart was subdued, but my stubbornness rose in an instant, and bade me not yield yet. The pale face of my mother haunted me. I flung myself on my bed and fell asleep. Just at twilight I heard a footstep approach my door. It was my sister.
“What shall I tell mother for you?” she said.
“Nothing,” I replied.
“O, Alfred, for my sake and for all our sakes, say that you are sorry. She longs to forgive you.”
I would not answer. I heard footsteps slowly retreating, and flung myself on the bed to pass a wretched night.
Another footstep, slower and more feeble than my sister's, disturbed me.
“Alfred, my son, shall I come in?” she asked.
I cannot tell what influence, operating at that moment, made me speak adverse to my feelings. The gentle voice of my mother, that thrilled me, melted the ice from my heart, and I longed to throw myself upon her neck; but I did not. My words gave the lie to my heart when I said I was not sorry. I heard her withdraw. I heard her groan. I longed to call her back, but I did not.
I was awakened from an uneasy slumber by hearing my name called loudly, and my sister stood by my bedside.
“Get up, Alfred. Don't wait a minute. Get up and come with me, mother is dying.”
I thought I was yet dreaming, but I got up mechanically, and followed my sister. On the bed, pale as marble, lay my mother. She was not yet undressed. She had thrown herself upon the bed to rest, and rising again to go to me she was seized with heart disease, and borne to her room. I cannot tell you my agony as I looked upon her—my remorse was tenfold more bitter from the thought she never would know it. I believed myself to be her murderer. I fell on the bed beside her, I could not weep. My heart burned within me, my brain was on fire. My sister threw her arms around me and wept in silence. Suddenly we saw a motion of mother's hand; her eyes unclosed. She had recovered her consciousness, but not her speech. I could not understand her words.
“Mother! mother!” I shrieked, “say only that you forgive me.”
She could not tell with her lips, but her hand pressed mine. She looked upon me, and lifting her thin white hands, she clasped my own within them, and cast her eyes upward. She moved her lips in prayer and thus died. I remained kneeling beside her, that dear form, till my sister removed me, the joy of youth had left me forever.
Boys who spurn a mother's counsel, who are ashamed to own they are wrong, who think it manly to resist her authority, or yield to her influence, beware. Lay not up for yourselves bitter memories for future years.

A Faithful Shepherd Boy.

GERHARDT was a German shepherd boy, and a noble fellow he was, although he was very poor.
One day he was watching his flock, which was feeding in a valley on the borders of a forest, when a hunter came out of the woods and asked:—
“How far is it to the nearest village?”
“Six miles, sir,” replied the boy; “but the road is only a sheep track, and very easily missed.”
The hunter looked at the crooked track and said:—
“My lad, I am very hungry and thirsty; I have lost my companions and missed my way; leave your sheep and show me the road. I will pay you well.”
“I cannot leave my sheep, sir,” rejoined Gerhardt. “They will stray into the forest and may be eaten by wolves or stolen by robbers.”
“Well, what of that?” queried the hunter. “They are not your sheep. The loss of one or more would not be much to your master, and I’ll give you more than you have earned in a whole year.”
“I cannot go, sir,” rejoined Gerhardt, very firmly. “My master pays me for my time, and he trusts me with his sheep; if I were to sell my time, which does not belong to me, and the sheep should get lost, it would be the same as if I stole them.”
“Well,” said the hunter, “will you trust your sheep with me while you go to the village and get some food, drink and a guide? I will take care of them for you.”
The boy shook his head. “The sheep,” said he, “do not know your voice, and—” he stopped speaking.
“And what? Can’t you trust me? Do I look like a dishonest man?” asked the hunter, angrily.
“Sir,” said the boy, “you tried to make me false to my trust, and wanted me to break my word to my master; how do I know that you would keep your word to me?”
The hunter laughed, for he felt that the lad had fairly cornered him. He said:—
“I see, my lad, that you are a good faithful boy. I will not forget you. Show me the road, and I will try to make it out myself.”
Gerhardt then offered the contents of his script to the hungry man, who, coarse as it was, ate it gladly. Presently his attendants came up, and then Gerhardt, to his surprise, found that the hunter was the grand duke, who owned all the country around. The duke was so pleased with the boy’s honesty that he sent for him shortly after that, and had him educated. In after years Gerhardt became a very great and powerful man, but he remained honest and true to his dying day.
—Our Fireside Friend.

Giving Offense.

It is certainly very desirable that Christians should possess pleasant manners, a genial spirit, and all the nameless graces which constitute an attractive deportment. They cannot too assiduously cultivate them, or mourn too deeply the so frequent want of them. Nor can it be denied that, in their efforts to do good, they should avoid giving needless offense. And yet, it seems to me, many persons make this fact a wretched excuse for their indolence or indifference in stimulating others or in bringing the truth to bear upon the minds of men.
“Did you try to persuade Mary Green to come to our prayer-meeting? She seems thoughtful, and you have so many opportunities of influencing her,” says Sarah Brewerton to Louisa Dunn.
“No, I didn’t,” replied Louisa, “and I don’t intend to do it either; it might give offense, and then I should do more harm than good.” And yet the same Louisa did not hesitate, a fortnight before, to offend Jenny White by keeping a piece of music longer than was courteous. “Jenny will be very angry with me if I don’t return this music to-day; but then she’ll get over it, and the air is so lovely I must learn it thoroughly before I send it back,” were her remarks upon the occasion.
“Mr. Steele, did you converse with Mr. Jones about his son, as you intended to do?” says a friend.
“No,” replied Mr. Steele, “I concluded, after all, it would be better not to; it might offend Mr. Jones, and giving offense is no way to recommend the gospel.” And yet Mr. Steele had no compunctions about making a bitter enemy of a neighbor by building a barn in a situation to ruin his prospect and depreciate his property. “A man can’t stop bettering his fortune for every fellow who chooses to take a grudge,” was his comment.
“Oh, Miss Harcourt! I am so glad to see you,” said Edith Gray to a lady somewhat older than herself, but of whom she was very fond. “I want to try my new piano for you. I exchanged my old one for it, and paid a hundred dollars to boot. I have been learning the hymn, ‘Nearer, my God, to thee.’ Would you like to hear me sing it?”
“Very much,” replied Miss Harcourt.
After conversing awhile, Edith went to the piano and commenced singing. When she finished the first verse, Miss Harcourt turned to her in an earnest way, and said:
“Do you really want to live nearer to God, Edith?”
“Of course I do—yes, indeed,” replied Edith. She went on with the hymn. Just as she had sung the lines, “Steps up to heaven, All that thou sendest me, In mercy given,”
the door opened, and in walked her sister Milly, a child about seven years of age, with a parcel in her hand, through which peeped a blue ribbon.
“O Milly!” said Edith, turning quickly round, “you have got my new sash; you naughty girl, why did you touch it?”
“I brought it in for Miss Harcourt to look at,” said Milly.
“A good excuse,” said Edith,” but you must not take my things again, Milly—now, remember. It is a lovely shade, Miss Harcourt, is it not?” she continued, turning to that lady. “Aunt Fanny sent it to me for the assemblies. It was so kind of her, for I have been out so much this winter, my things are just as shabby as can be.”
“Are the assemblies very pleasant?” asked Miss Harcourt.
“Charming this year,” replied Edith. “I am on the go all the time.”
“Do you find them ‘steps up to heaven’?” asked Miss Harcourt.
“Why, no, I can’t say I do exactly,” replied Edith, blushing and looking very much confused.
Miss Harcourt saw that her remark had made an impression, and concluded to let it take root without adding anything more.
So she rose, saying: “I must really go, Edith; I have an engagement.”
When she had taken leave, Edith returned to close the piano. “I suppose Miss Harcourt don’t approve of my gay life,” she said to herself. “Well, it does seem absurd to sing ‘Nearer to God’ and lead the life I do. But parties are so fascinating. I must go to one more at any rate, for aunt Fanny will be awfully offended if I don’t, after she has sent me a sash and gloves.”
“Stop now. Choose ye this day whom you will serve,” pleaded conscience. After a hard struggle with herself, Edith resolved to amend, and retired to her room to pray for strength to remain firm to her purpose. It was difficult to resist the entreaties of her friends, but she came off victorious.
About three months after this, two ladies were walking together from church, when one of them said: “What has come over Edith Gray? she seems so much more in earnest than she used to be. She has resumed her Sunday-school class, and shows great improvement in every way.” Now, if Miss Harcourt had been so afraid of giving offense as many seem to be, how different might have been the result! In many things we offend all. Let us set a watch at the door of our lips that we offend not in word; but oh! do not let us cloak our lukewarmness in the cause of Christ with the specious plea: “We fear to give offense.”

An Incident.

A YOUNG man having been called up to the blackboard to recite and demonstrate a lesson, drew his diagrams, laid down his propositions, and produced his reasons to prove that the positions taken were true. Having done this, as he was about to lay down his chalk and take his seat, he turned to the professor to receive his approbation; but the professor being a very cool and practical man only shook his head, and said, “No.” This confused the young man, and, not knowing what to do or say, he took his seat. Another young man took up the chalk and proceeded to recite the same lesson. He drew the same figures, laid down the same propositions, offered the same reasons, and drew exactly the same conclusions as did the first young man, and received the same answer from the professor. But instead of becoming confounded, he responded, “Yes, I know I am right; figures do not lie.” The professor seemed pleased, and said, “All right; that will do.” At this, the first young man was displeased and said, “That is just as I presented it.” “Certainly,” said the professor, “you were right; but it is not enough to have the truth; you should know it for yourself, and then hold on to it.”

Guard Well thy Lips.

GUARD well thy lips; none, none can know What evils from the tongue may flow; What guilt, what grief, may be incurred, By one incautious, hasty word.
Be “slow to speak;” look well within, To check what there may lead to sin; And pray unceasingly for aid, Lest unawares thou be betrayed.
“Condemn not, judge not”—not to man Is given his brother’s faults to scan; One task is thine, and one alone, To search out and subdue thine own.
Indulge no murmurings; oh, restrain Those lips so ready to complain! And if they can be numbered, count Of one day’s mercies the amount.
Shun vain discussions, trifling themes; Dwell not on earthly hopes or schemes; Let words of wisdom, meekness, love, Thy heart’s true renovation prove.
Set God before thee; every word Thy lips pronounce by Him is heard; Oh, couldst thou realize this thought, What care, what caution, would be taught!
Think on thy parting hour; ere long The approach of death may chain thy tongue, And powerless all attempts be found, To articulate one meaning sound.
“The time is short”—this day may be The very last assigned to thee; So speak, that shouldst thou ne’er speak more, Thou mayst not this day’s words deplore.

OBITUARY

FELL asleep at Prairie Depot, Wood Co., Ohio, September 13, 1877, Laura A., daughter of H. and M. A. Carman, aged three years and four months. Six days later, their little Mary, aged one year, four months, and eight days. They died of diphtheria. Thus were their parents' hearts made to mourn the loss of two lovely lambs of their fold. These were my sister's children, and though not numbered with our people, she is in sympathy with us, and feels that her little ones are safe, and soon the Lifegiver will bring them from the land of the enemy. Words of comfort by Elder Hill (Methodist) from Ps. 103 : 15 and Job 14 : 10. LAURA P. KING.
DIED, October 11, 1877, at the residence of Geo. W. Balser, at Oakland, Cal., of abscess of the lungs, Gus A. Otto, aged twenty-one years. He was a young man of good ability and much promise, and had been engaged for nearly a year as press-foreman in the job department of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES Office. Funeral services at the St. John's Episcopal church. J. E. W.

To-Morrow.

By Eliza H. Morton

The mind of man is apt to look forward into the future, and to put off the work of reformation. This is one of Satan's traps. He makes to-morrow seem a favorable opportunity to overcome sin. Poor deluded man forgets that “to-morrow will be only to-day rolled on,” and Satan rejoices over his victory. Prof. D. Swing says: “The future, to a man in middle or mature life, will contain very little not to be found now in his soul. To-morrow is only a point in the river a little nearer the sea. The same water flows there that flowed a hundred miles above. It is a sad thing when one must point to these passing hours and confess for himself that they are the photograph of the remainder of life.” We are counseled to “take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” It is true that we “know not what shall be on the morrow,” but we can be prepared for whatever may await us by attending to present duty. There will come a day the to-morrow of which will end all things earthly, brighten the world with the sunlight of God's glory and enrapture the saints with the overwhelming splendor of Christ's kingdom. ELIZA H. MORTON. Allen's Corner, Me.

Moral and Social Effects of Intemperance.

THE GREAT CAUSE OF CRIME.

It has been estimated by competent judges that intemperance is the cause of nine-tenths of all the crime among civilized nations. Alcohol benumbs the intellect, deadens conscience, and stifles reason. It leads its victim to theft to secure the means of indulgence, and steels the heart of the assassin for his bloody work.
To the crimes committed by the users of alcohol, themselves, should be added those committed by the wives and children of drunkards, who are driven to desperation and crime by the want and suffering occasioned by the cruel monster, drink.
The influence of liquor in increasing crime has often been well illustrated by the sad results which have invariably followed its first introduction into any community. Many newly settled districts have existed for several years with entire exemption from crime; no murders, no thefts, no public broils, no assaults upon persons or property, no act of violence of any kind occurring to mar the peace and destroy the feeling of security of the community. At last a public house is opened in the midst of this prosperous and peaceful society, and a bar is erected, from which alcoholic liquors are dispensed. The evil consequences are immediately apparent. Drinking engenders idleness. Idleness necessarily brings want, and want leads to theft; for a man who spends money for illegitimate purposes will not long continue particular to obtain his means from legitimate sources. Idleness and the conscience-searing, passion-stimulating influence of alcohol soon lead to acts of violence against persons and disregard of individual rights. Midnight carousals and drunken revels become frequent, outbreaking crimes are not uncommon, and the once peaceful community becomes a scene of constant disturbance and disquiet. The sheriff and constable, who previously found no occasion for the exercise of the functions of their offices, now find constant employment. A jail becomes a necessity, and is never without an occupant.
To say that alcohol is responsible for the revolution in the condition of such a community would be to state a fact too plain to be mistaken.
Another evidence of the influence of liquor drinking upon crime is seen in the fact that crime increases and decreases in any particular locality almost in proportion to the increase and decrease of the use or sale of liquor.
During seven years, from 1812 to 1818, the annual consumption of liquor in England and Wales was 5,000,000 gallons; during the same period, 11,000 persons were annually arrested and committed for trial. During the seven years from 1826 to 1832, 9,000,000 gallons of liquor were annually consumed, and the annual number of arrests was 21,700. It will be observed that the amount of liquor sold during the last period was almost double that consumed during the first, and also that the number of arrests was nearly doubled during the last period. That this increase of crime was due to the influence of liquor and not to increase of population, is shown by the fact that while crime had doubled, the population had increased but one-third.
Says Dr. Nott: “In Scotland, in 1823, the whole consumption of intoxicating liquors amounted to 2,300,000 gallons; in 1837 to 6,776,715 gallons. In the meantime, crime increased 400 per cent., fever 1,600 per cent., death 300 per cent., and the chances of human life diminished 44 per cent.”
“In Ireland, when the distilleries were stopped, in 1808, crime decreased amazingly. Again, when in 1810 they recommenced operations, the commitments increased nearly fourfold.”—Bacchus Dethroned.
The increase of crime incident to the increased use of liquor is, of course, due to the influence of alcohol upon the moral nature of individuals. The direct effect of this poisonous drug seems to be to paralyze the will, to render the sensibilities obtuse, to deaden the conscience, to inflame the passions, to weaken the judgment, and to dethrone reason. Kleptomania (mania for theft) is one of the acknowledged effects of drink.
It is a well-established fact that the “social evil” is largely supported by the use of liquor. Brothels and public houses are frequently connected. Liquor and licentiousness go hand in hand.

ALCOHOL AS A CAUSE OF DISEASE.

A very large proportion of the diseases to which man is subject are directly produced, or greatly aggravated, by the use of alcohol. The following is a partial list of those which have been directly traced to alcohol by Dr. Carpenter and other eminent medical men:—
“Gout, rheumatism, heart disease, dyspepsia, disease of kidneys, dropsy, obesity, disease of the liver, apoplexy, degeneration of the muscles, tremors, ulcers, insanity, palsy, jaundice, epilepsy, consumption, melancholy, cancer, amaurosis, paralysis, hysterics, convulsions, gastritis, enteritis, ophthalmia, carbuncle, boils, fatal obstruction of lacteals, tabes, syncope, diabetes, lockjaw, idiocy, impotency, mania, delirium tremens, Bright’s disease, disease of the arteries, atrophy of the liver, congestion of the liver, and numerous other organic and functional derangements.”
We were informed by one of the visiting physicians of Bellevue Hospital, New York, that at least two-thirds of all the diseases treated there originated in drink:
(To be continued.)
Continue reading: SECULAR NEWS