THE United States—What are they? Two hundred years ago, this question could not have been answered; it could not even have been asked. Now it can be answered by the dwellers in every quarter of the globe. Then, a few small settlements of earnest men who had fled from the religious intolerance of the Old World, dotted a narrow strip of coast line on our New England border. Now, a mighty nation, with a vast expanse of territory stretching from ocean to ocean, and from regions almost arctic on the north to regions equally torrid on the south, embracing more square leagues of habitable land than Rome ruled over in its palmiest days, here holds a position of independence and glory among the nations of the earth.
And the sound of this new nation has gone into all the world. It has reached the toiling millions of Europe; and they are swarming to our shores to share its blessings. It has gone to the islands of the sea; and they have sent their living contributions. It has reached the Orient, and opened as with a password the gates of nations long barred against intercourse with other powers; and China and Japan, turning from their beaten tracks of forty centuries, are looking with wonder at the prodigy arising across the Pacific to the east of them, and catching some of the impulse which this growing power is imparting to the nations of the earth.
One hundred years ago, with three millions of people, the United States became an independent government. It has now a population of over forty millions of people, and a territory of three and a half millions of square miles. Russia alone exceeds this nation in these particulars, having forty millions more of people, and four millions more square miles of territory. Of all other nations on the globe whose laws are framed by legislative bodies elected by the people, Brazil, which has the largest territory, has not quite three millions of square miles; and France, the most populous, has not probably, considering her late reverses and misfortunes, a greater number of inhabitants than our own country. So that in point of territory and population combined, it will be seen that the United States now stand at the head of the self-governing powers of the earth.
Occupying a position altogether unique, this government excites equally the astonishment and admiration of all beholders. The main features of its history are such as have had no parallel since the distinction of nations existed among men.
No nation ever acquired so vast a territory in so quiet a manner.
No nation ever rose to such greatness by so peaceable means.
No nation ever advanced so rapidly in all that constitutes national strength and capital.
No nation ever rose to such a pinnacle of power in a space of time so incredibly short.
No nation in so limited a time has developed such unlimited resources.
No nation has ever existed founded on principles of justice so pure and undefiled.
No nation has ever existed in which the consciences of men have been left so untrammeled and free.
In no nation and in no age of the world, have the arts and sciences so flourished, so many improvements been made, and so great successes been achieved, as in our own country during the last fifty years.
In no nation and in no age has the gospel found such freedom, and the churches of Christ had such liberty to spread abroad their principles and develop their strength.
No age of the world has seen such an immigration as that which is now pouring into our borders from all lands the millions who have long groaned under despotic governments, and who now turn to this broad territory of freedom as the avenue of hope, the Utopia of the nations.
The most discerning minds have been intuitively impressed with the idea of the future greatness and power of this government. In view of the grand results developed and developing, the discovery of America by Columbus, not four hundred years ago, is set down as the greatest event of all secular history. The progress of empire to this land was long ago expected.
Sir Thomas Brown, in 1682, predicted the growth of a power here, which would rival the European kingdoms in strength and prowess.
In Burnaby's Travels through the middle settlements of North America, in 1759 and 1760, published in 1775, is expressed this sentiment:
> "An idea, strange as it is visionary, has entered into the minds of the generality of mankind, that empire is traveling westward; and every one is looking forward with eager and impatient expectation to that destined moment when America is to give the law to the rest of the world."
John Adams, Oct. 12, 1775, wrote:—
> "Soon after the Reformation, a few people came over into this New World for conscience' sake. Perhaps this apparently trivial incident may transfer the great seat of empire to America."
On the day after the Declaration of Independence, he wrote:—
> "Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men."
In 1776, Galiani, a Neapolitan, predicted the gradual decay of European institutions, to renew themselves in America. In 1778, in reference to the question as to which was to be the ruling power in the world, Europe or America, he said:—
> "I will wager in favor of America."
Adam Smith, of Scotland, in 1776, predicted the transfer of empire to America.
Governor Pownal, an English statesman, in 1780, while our Revolution was in progress, predicted that this country would become independent, and that a civilizing activity, beyond what Europe could ever know, would animate it; and that its commercial and naval power would be found in every quarter of the globe. Again he said:—
> "North America has advanced, and is every day advancing, to growth of state, with a steady and continually accelerating motion, of which there never has yet been any example in Europe."
David Hartley wrote from England in 1777:
> "At sea, which has hitherto been our prerogative element, they [the United States] rise against us at a stupendous rate; and if we cannot return to our old mutual hospitalities toward each other, a very few years will show us a most formidable hostile marine, ready to join hands with any of our enemies."
Count d'Aranda, one of the first of Spanish statesmen, in 1783 thus wrote of this republic:
> "This Federal Republic was born a pygmy, so to speak. It required the support and forces of two powers as great as Spain and France in order to attain independence. A day will come when it will be a giant, even a colossus, formidable in these countries."
Of these prophecies, some are now wholly fulfilled, and the rest far on the road to fulfillment. This infant of yesterday stands forth to-day a giant, vigorous, active, and courageous, and accepts with dignity its manifest destiny at the head of powers and civilizations.
Such, in brief, is the answer to the question proposed at the opening of this chapter. And269another question immediately follows: Does the prophetic pen, which has so fully delineated the rise and progress of all the other great nations of the earth, pass this one by unnoticed? What are the probabilities in this matter?
As the student of prophecy, in common with all mankind, looks with wonder upon the unparalleled rise and progress of this nation, he cannot repress the conviction that the hand of Providence has been at work in this quiet but mighty revolution. And this conviction he shares in common with others.
Governor Pownal, from whom a quotation has already been presented, speaking of the establishment of this country as a free and sovereign power, calls it—
> "A revolution that has stronger marks of divine interposition, superseding the ordinary course of human affairs, than any other event which this world has experienced."
De Tocqueville, a French writer, speaking of our separation from England, says:—
> "It might seem their folly, but was really their fate, or, rather, the providence of God, who has doubtless a work for them to do, in which the massive materiality of the English character would have been too ponderous a dead weight upon their progress."
Geo. Alfred Townsend, speaking of the misfortunes that have attended the other governments on this continent (New World and Old, p. 635), says:—
> "The history of the United States was separated by a beneficent Providence far from this wild and cruel history of the rest of the continent."
Again he says:—
> "This hemisphere was laid away for no one race."
If Providence has been thus conspicuously present in our history, we may look for some mention of this government in that Book which records the workings of Providence among mankind. On what conditions have other nations found a place in the prophetic record? First, if they have acted any prominent part in the world's history; and secondly, and above all, if they have had jurisdiction over, or maintained any relations with, the people of God. And both these conditions are fulfilled in our government. No nation has ever attracted more attention or excited more profound wonder, or given promise of greater eminence or influence. And certainly here, if anywhere on the globe, are to be found a strong array of Christians, such as are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.
With these probabilities in our favor, let us now take a brief survey of those symbols found in the word of God which represent earthly governments. These are found chiefly, if not entirely, in the books of Daniel and Revelation. In Dan. 2, a symbol is introduced in the form of a great image. In Dan. 7, we find a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a great and terrible nondescript beast, which, after passing through a new and remarkable phase, goes into the lake of fire. In Dan. 8, we have a ram, a he goat, and a horn, little at first, but waxing exceeding great. In Revelation 9, we have locusts like unto horses. In Rev. 12, we have a great red dragon. In Rev. 13, we have a blasphemous leopard beast, and a beast with two horns like a lamb. In Rev. 17, we have a scarlet colored beast, upon which a woman sits, holding in her hand a golden cup full of filthiness and abomination.
What governments and what powers are represented by all these? Do any of them symbolize our own? Some of these certainly represent earthly kingdoms; for so the prophecies themselves expressly inform us; and in the application of nearly all of them there is quite a uniform agreement among expositors. The four parts of the great image of Dan. 2 represent four kingdoms, Babylon, or Chaldea, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The lion of the seventh chapter also represents Babylon; the bear, Medo-Persia; the leopard, Grecia; and the great and terrible beast, Rome. The horn, with human eyes and mouth, which appears in the second phase of this beast, represents the papacy, and covers its history down to the time when it was temporarily overthrown by the French in 1798. In Dan. 8, likewise, the ram represents Medo-Persia; the he goat, Grecia; and the little horn, Rome. All these have a very clear and definite application to the governments named; none of them, thus far, can have any reference to the United States.
(To be Continued.)
U. S.
The Closing Messages of the Gospel.
By R. F. Cottrell
NUMBER FOURTEEN.
THE number of the name of the beast is not mentioned in the message of the third angel; and for that reason it seems not to be so absolutely necessary that it should be so clearly understood as the subject of the mark. Still it is said of the victors on the sea of glass, that they had gotten the victory, not only over the beast and his image, but over the number of his name. Rev. 15:2. When the subject of the number is introduced in Chap. 13:17, 18, it is said, "Here is wisdom;" as though this was a subject somewhat intricate, demanding more wisdom to understand this than other points in the same connection. "Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast." Not professing superior understanding, I will simply tell my preference of the various suggestions made by others on this subject. A clue is given in the expression, "It is the number of a man." That man would more probably be the one who is the head and representative of the kingdom of the beast—the
pope of Rome—than Napoleon Bonaparte or any other ruler or kingdom. The pope wears upon the front of his pontifical crown the assumed and blasphemous title: Vicarius filii Dei: "Viceregent of the Son of God." The sum of the letters in this title used by the Latins as numerals is just "six hundred three score and six." Omitting a, r, s, f, and e, which were not used as numerals, we have V, 5; I, 1; C, 100; I, 1; U, (formerly the same as V), 5; I, 1; L, 50; I, 1; I, 1; D, 500; I, 1. Adding these numbers together, we have 666. The reasons which sustain this view of the number are, to my mind stronger than those for any other theory of which I have heard or read.
THE PENALTY. The penalty threatened in this last message is wrath without mixture. No mercy is mingled in the cup of the Lord’s indignation—it is wrath, and nothing but wrath. The day of probation will have passed, and mercy will no longer plead, as it now does. Jesus, our High Priest, will have finished the work of the atonement, in which he is now engaged, and instead of his priestly attire, he will have "put on the garments of vengeance for clothing," and, "according to their deeds he will repay fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies." Isa. 59:17, 18. "For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion." Isa. 34:8.
In the close of Rev. 14, this wrath is represented in figure as the treading of grapes in a wine-press. See also Joel 3:13; Isa. 63:3, 4. But it is more particularly and literally described as the effects of the pouring out of judgments under the symbol of "seven golden vials full of the wrath of God." These vials of course are symbols; but their effects seem to be literal plagues upon men. And it is evident that in these last plagues is the wrath which is threatened in the last warning to men in the present state. In the vials it is said, "In them is filled up the wrath of God." Rev. 15:1. "For by these the wrath of God is completed." Whiting. "Because in them the wrath of God was to be completed." Campbell.
Some have supposed that these vials have nearly all of them been poured out in the past, beginning hundreds of years ago. But the proof is clear that they are all in the future when the last message is proclaimed; for the very first vial takes effect upon those who have heard and disregarded this warning, that is, "upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image." Rev. 16:1, 2. Mercy is offered while the last message of the gospel is being proclaimed. But the message warns men of unmingled wrath which is to follow. With its close probation closes, and the threatened wrath comes upon those who disregard it, and worship the beast and his image.
If the first vial is in the past, then the third angel’s message, which is most evidently the last message of mercy, is also in the past, then also the image of the beast was formed and the subject of the mark well understood in the past, the harvest of the earth ripened, probation closed, and wrath without mixture is all that is left to those who have not heeded the warning. But it is evident that the plagues are all in the future, and that the period of their pouring out will be brief. It is said of Babylon, "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day; death and mourning and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire." Rev. 18:8. This day is doubtless the day of vengeance, the year of recompenses, foretold by the ancient prophets; for famine would hardly come in a literal day of twenty-four hours.
"After that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven was opened; and the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles." Rev. 15:5, 6.
The temple in Heaven is the tabernacle where our great High Priest ministers before God in behalf of repentant sinners. Heb. 8:2. The temple of the testimony is the most holy place, Heb. 9:3, where the ark of the testimony was kept in the "holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true." Heb. 9:24. The testimony is the ten commandments, which were written on tables of stone by the finger of God, and placed in the most holy place. Ex. 25:16; 31:18; 32:15, 16; Deut. 5:22. This testimony of God is also in the heavenly temple, and it holds good throughout the gospel dispensation, even till the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet; for at that time it is said, "The temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." Rev. 11:19.
This inner temple was opened at the end of the 2300 days in 1844, when the sanctuary was to be cleansed. Dan. 8:14. Jesus, our High Priest then entered upon the work of the atonement within the second veil, as set forth in type in Lev. 16. With the removing of the sins of all his people from the sanctuary, sending them away upon the head of the antitypical scape-goat, his priestly work closes, and with it closes probation also. Then, from the very place where he now ministers as a merciful High Priest, the messengers of unmingled wrath come forth to pour out the avenging vials. They come forth from the throne of God, which is in his temple, Rev. 16:17, and though they are the messengers of wrath, their clothing is of pure and white linen, a symbol of the righteousness of their mission. The great white throne is pure and spotless; for offered mercy has been rejected, the blood of the Lamb has been trodden under foot, his loving invitations have been unheeded, and, as a consequence, "the great day of his wrath is come." Rev. 6:16, 17.
In Rev. 16 the effects of the vials of wrath are separately described. And why not understand these plagues to be literal, the same as the plagues upon Egypt, to several of which they bear the closest resemblance? The first of the seven plagues is a noisome and grievous sore, like the boils upon the Egyptians. Ex. 9:9. The second and the third is turning the waters into blood. This was done in Egypt. Ex. 7:20. The fourth gives power to the sun to scorch men with great heat. See Joel’s description of the day of the Lord. Joel 1:19, 20. The fifth plague is darkness. See Ex. 10:21. And here is evidence that the vials are poured out in quick succession and do not extend over a long period of years; for after the fifth is poured out men are still suffering from the first, and blaspheming God on account of their "pains and their sores"—the effect of the first vial. The fifth vial is poured out upon the great river Euphrates, a symbolical river, signifying the Turkish empire; but as waters are a symbol of the people, Rev. 17:15, the drying up of these waters is a literal plague upon men. Under this vial the armies of earth are gathered, by the agency of these unclean spirits which go forth by the authority of the three great antichristian powers, the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, to the battle of the great day. At this point says the testimony, "Behold, I come as a thief." Then the seventh vial is poured out into the all-pervading element, the air, and a voice comes "out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done."
Great hail stones are cast down from Heaven, as in Josh. 10:11, the beast and the false prophet are taken, and the remnant of men are slain, Rev. 19:20, 21, and the earth is desolated of its inhabitants.
The utter desolation of the earth is described in several of the ancient prophets. Jer. 25:30-38. Zeph. 1:14-18; 3:6, etc. In Isa. 24 it is foretold, and in verse 5 the reason is given, namely, "Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, [singular number,] broken the everlasting covenant."
The everlasting covenant is God’s moral law, the basis or condition of every covenant with men. "And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone." Deut. 4:13. Abraham kept these commandments. "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Gen. 26:5. This is the reason why the covenant was renewed to Isaac with an oath. "Be ye mindful always of his covenant, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; even the covenant which he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac, and hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant." 1 Chron. 16:15-17. The commanded covenant, confirmed to Jacob for a law, at Sinai, is the "same" that Abraham had and kept, and is the everlasting covenant. That these laws are transgressed, the fourth changed, and the whole code broken, is the reason why the all-devouring curse follows the last message of the gospel, which warns all against this work of the apostasy.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Resting in God Alone
It is not till the thoughts can find rest in nothing but God, that a man is drawn close to God himself and becomes his.
Object of Missionary Work.
By S. N. Haskell
THE object of missionary work should always be kept before the mind. It is to save souls for whom Christ died. It is not simply to see how many tracts can be distributed, but with the distribution to see how much good can be accomplished, how much prejudice can be removed, and how many become interested in the truth of God.
Efforts may be put forth even in tract distribution that will do more harm than good. If the individual that hands out the reading matter is uncourteous, unguarded in his speech, untidy in his dress, this will tell against the truth. If the lives of those who visit from house to house are a disgrace to the cause, they cannot have a proper influence.
Those most successful in tract distribution will be, 1. Those who get the heart so imbued with the Spirit of God and love for souls that their own ease and comfort are cheerfully sacrificed for the good of others. 2. Those who, when in conversation upon the subject of truth and religion, are prepared to hand out that tract which is best adapted to the minds of those with whom they have conversed. 3. Those who understand that the conversation should not be to debate some doctrinal point, but to call the attention of the individual to the subject of religion, and who then let the tract do the advocating of the doctrinal point.
Be careful that all your deportment is unexceptionable. You should be of that class “in whose eyes a vile person is contemned,” and by kind acts with a tender heart you will obtain access to the hearts and consciences of men. Then upon the reputation thus obtained you can recommend the truth.
The heart should first be softened by the love of Christ before it is fit to labor for others. We should first have an experience in the things of God. A stream will rise no higher than the fountain. And if the soul has never drawn draughts from salvation’s well, how can it impart that salvation to others. If the rays of light from Heaven do not shine into our own hearts, they cannot be reflected upon others. Therefore the scattering of reading matter is a means to bring about a certain end, and not the end itself.
It is thus with sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to unknown individuals, and writing letters. We have really but commenced this work. Before us is an extensive field. The world is to be warned; and the reading matter is to fall like the leaves of autumn, so that he who runneth may read.
It makes quite a difference whether the letters are written with a heart full of warmth of the love of God, or whether it be a formal slip or printed postal card. We are now in a disciplinary school, educating ourselves to act a part in the closing scenes of this world’s history. Those who feel a burden of this work, and make a specialty to so seek God and adapt themselves to the work that they may be successful, God will use to help spread the truth. But if all there is to it with the individual is a few lifeless prayers, a few formal efforts, then we shall find we have made a great mistake. There should be an interest taken, not only to send out the reading matter, but your communications should be characterized with love, order, and devotion. Depend upon it, the stamp you give your letter, so it will effect the receiver. If it is cold and distant it will make no favorable impression. Therefore, we say, do not forget the object of the missionary work. S. N. HASKELL.
A Good Conscience Is a Continual Feast
By Bishop Reynolds
A good conscience is a continual feast; and a mind at peace through Christ is the antepast of Heaven.—Bishop Reynolds.
Mother of President Edwards.
By Mrs. M. E. Doubleday
THERE is yet extant a letter from Mrs. Stoddard, of Northampton, to her daughter, Mrs. Edwards, of East Windsor, in which she congratulates her upon the birth of a son—that son since so well known as the elder Jonathan Edwards.
It is a touching epistle, written in the quaint style and orthography of a century and a half since; and, while the mother rejoices in the health and happiness of her child, she communicates intelligence of events deeply afflicting their domestic circle, as she comprises in a few simple words a narrative which thrilled our school-days with fear and terror.
She writes to her daughter that the Indians had made a descent upon the peaceful settlement of Denfield, and taken her half-sister, Mrs. Williams, (a daughter of Mrs. Stoddard, by a former marriage,) with her children, into captivity. And she tells her, too, of the death of a brother, in a prison, “at a place they called Brest, in France,” whither he had been carried after having been taken a prisoner from an English vessel.
The heart of the mother had been wrung with anguish, but a sweet spirit of piety and submission breathes throughout the letter; while mingled with these more important events, are the trifling details of domestic life, and the kind remembrances of maternal love, as she sent a silver porringer to the baby, and an ounce of pins to the mother. We had then no manufactures, and such gifts were not to be despised.
The more important events to which that letter referred have passed, like “a tale that is told;” yet there are many in our land who may feel that they have something like a personal interest in the cradle beside which that letter was read—in the pale mother who pondered the sad news as she rocked her sleeping boy. And those who duly estimate the influence of the mother upon the heart and mind, by the formation of one affecting the destinies of many, will feel no small interest in her to whom was committed the early impressions of the future divine and metaphysician.
Mrs. Edwards inherited much of the talent of her father, the “venerable Stoddard,” and New England sages of the past century believed the intellectual powers of the celebrated son transmitted, as an inheritance, from the maternal side.
Few have been placed in circumstances more entirely favorable to the strengthening and developing of the mental powers, and the cultivation of the moral affections, than was Jonathan Edwards; and he carried through life the influences of a pure and happy home.
He shared the care and affection of his mother, with a large family of sisters; and if they none of them have acquired the celebrity of their brother, they were all well educated—in the language of this day, we may say highly accomplished—intelligent women. Their father taught them Latin and Greek, so that the elder sisters were the first instructors of their brother, though probably not so well versed in the classics as President Wolsey. At some fashionable school of these days, they were taught painting and embroidery, while the mother communicated things of far higher importance. She trained them in the fear of the Lord, and accustomed them to habits of industry, order and economy. And, marrying into the most respectable families of their native land, they carried with them the maxims, the habits, and the principles in which she educated them, and transmitted them to descendants who have been among the most useful and respectable of the Sons of New England.
Many cares must have devolved upon the wife of a country minister in these old-fashioned times, in which the congregation looked to the minister’s family as the example to the flock; and while they showed them all deference, they expected a reciprocation of all neighborly kindness and civility; and when the minister’s doors were to be kept open, and the table spread for all wayfaring brethren, while the family circle was enlarged by students who were prepared for the pulpit in the study of the husband. But Mrs. Edwards was well able to meet, and well sustain them all. She was the mother of eleven children. President Edwards was her only son. She dwelt with the husband of her youth more than half a century. She survived him twelve years.
She lived until she attained her ninetieth year, and passed the years of her widowhood in the house to which she had been brought a bride—where she had rocked the cradles of her children—where the marriage benediction had been pronounced over her daughters before they had left their father’s house—where she had known the joys of the wife, and the sorrows of the widow—had welcomed the new-born, and wept over the dead. Her husband’s success in the ministry doubly bereaved one whose age, position and character entitled her to all respect, and the people of her husband’s charge never forgot to show her all reverence. The last years of her life she read much, and the Bible and those theological works in which the New England puritans so much delighted, were always on her table; and the venerable matron seated beside it, with her knitting, often stopped to comment on passages read aloud by her daughter, who never left her, to the ladies of the neighborhood, who were fond of assembling in her parlor. And after the social visit, before they separated, the daughter would read a chapter from the book they loved so well, and then the aged woman commended them to God in prayer. And while many sought counsel and comfort from her, it was believed she was used in the conversion of many—who shall shine as jewels in the crown of her rejoicing.
She was said to have been a woman of fine personal appearance, dignified and polished manners, educated in Boston, the seat of the provincial court, accustomed to all the etiquette and ceremonies of the colonial aristocracy, and teaching and observing in her own family all the proprieties of life and manners, even to that minutiae of dress and appearance which marked the manners of the higher classes in the day in which distinctions of rank were not forgotten.—Mrs. M. E. Doubleday.
Not Poverty but Beer.
"It's no use to say any more about it. There are four children younger than I am, and father says I've had my share of schooling. We're all boys, and we wear out clothes awful fast; mother's always mending, but father complains because she calls for new things so often. It seemed to me I couldn't and wouldn't go into that horrid old mill; but I've made up my mind to it, and the sooner I begin the better. I wish father wasn't so poor."
"I heard somebody say your father earned first-rate wages," responded Milton Holmes, to whom the above explanations and complaints were made.
"I know he does," was replied. "He earns more than any other man in the shop, but he says it takes every cent of his money to pay the bills. I've thought it over and over a good many times, and I can't understand it."
At that moment a scrap of printed paper drifted to the speaker's feet, and, without purpose in what he was doing, he took it from the ground and smoothed it listlessly until these words arrested his attention: "It is not poverty but beer which robs our children of knowledge." He read it again and again, while a new light dawned upon his mind. At length he gave the paper to his companion, who asked quickly:—
"Does your father drink beer?"
"Yes; lots of it," answered Nathan Wilson.
"Does he chew tobacco?"
"Lots of it. I heard mother tell him this morning that she could support the family on the money he spends for what does him more hurt than good. I couldn't think what she meant, but I guess I know now."
"I guess you do. Beer and tobacco cost more than bread. I've heard a good many say that, and I've promised my mother never to taste such stuff."
"Nobody ever asked me to promise. Wasn't it strange, though, that that paper should happen along here just now? I wonder how it escaped the rag-pickers."
"So do I. What wretched work theirs is! I should rather do anything else than grub around the streets as they do. See that old woman. There's a heap of rubbish waiting for her. Let us watch and see what she finds. We can sit down on that pile of bricks, and she won't know we're thinking anything about her."
So saying, Milton Holmes walked toward the place indicated, while his schoolmate walked by his side thoughtfully, sadly, and it must be confessed with something like anger in the heart which beat so tumultuously.
"Don't take it so hard," he said kindly, when they were fairly seated. "Mother says there's 'most always a way out of trouble, if you only go to work at it patiently and with a good will."
"Your mother has not seen so much trouble as I have. If she had, she would know better than to say that. There's trouble in the world that patience and hard work don't touch."
These words startled the boys, who had forgotten that the old rag-picker was so near as to hear any remarks they might make.
"Have you had a good deal of trouble?" asked Nathan, springing to his feet.
"Yes, I have, though it is not often I say anything about it. There were four in my family, and three of them were drunkards. Don't you think that would make trouble enough for the fourth one?"
"Yes, ma'am, I know it would. Was that what makes you so poor?"
"Yes, just that and nothing else, and it's what makes other folks poor. I had two boys, and when they were no larger than you be I thought they were the smartest boys anywhere round; but they're gone."
"Where?"
"I don't know; I wish I did, though likely it is not best I should. Do you ever drink any kind of liquor?"
"Not a drop," answered Milton Holmes.
"Do you?" she continued, turning to Nathan Wilson.
"Is beer liquor?" he asked in response.
"Yes, it is, and that's what begins the trouble. My boys begun with it, and finished with—but I don't know as they've finished yet."
"Sit down and rest a minute," said Nathan, pitying the woman. "You must be dreadful tired."
"I don't know as I am. My body's got so it keeps going without being tired, but it hurts in here," and she pressed her hand to her heart with a quick, convulsive motion, while her face grew deathly pale.
Thus she was forced to drop the implements of her trade and accept the proffered seat, where she rested for a few minutes.
"Have you got any home?" asked Milton, as she reached down for her sack and hook.
"I've got a place where I stay," she replied. "It's better than some have, but it isn't home. I've been cold and hungry a good many times, and I expect to be a good many times more, but thank God I hadn't any little children to starve with me. Don't taste of beer, boys. Don't, for your souls' sakes. Don't begin on the wrong track. I didn't expect to come to this. Don't you suppose I hate the dirt and garbage? There couldn't anybody hate it worse. But there were three drunkards in my family, and they dragged down the fourth one. Don't forget what I've told you."
A moment more, and this woman seemed intent only upon the rubbish before her, and with lingering gaze the boys bade her a silent farewell.
Half an hour later Nathan Wilson entered the room where his mother was at work, holding in his hand a scrap of paper, while his flushed face and tightly compressed lips betrayed the excitement he did not care to conceal.
"I've found out all about it, and it's a shame for father to spend his money as he does. He needn't tell me I must go to work, so to give the other children a chance. If I go into that greasy old mill, it will be because father cares more for beer and tobacco than he does for me. He earns enough to keep us all."
"Why, Nathan, what is the matter with you? I never heard you talk so before."
"I didn't know enough to. Now my eyes are opened, and they won't shut again very soon. Hear this, mother." And the boy read aloud the words which had so deeply impressed him, "that's the truth, and the whole truth," he added emphatically. "I'm going to print it in large German text, and hang it opposite my bed, where I can see it every day of my life; and another thing, I never'll taste a drop of beer, nor let either of my brothers, if I can help it. I won't use tobacco, either, and when I can have my own wages I'll save a part of every dollar I earn, you see if I don't."
"I hope you will," answered Mrs. Wilson in a husky voice, as she brushed a tear from her eye.
For the remainder of the day Nathan occupied himself with printing, finishing the last letter just as the waning light warned him that night was at hand. In his haste he had omitted some ornamental lines, but this did not matter to himself or to those who watched every movement of his pen.
That evening he did not speak to his father. Indeed, the household was strangely quiet, and as Mr. Wilson looked around upon his boys he wondered at their unusual silence. He had engaged work for Nathan, but he hesitated to speak of it. Something in his son's face troubled him; obliged to tell of the arrangements he had made. Even then no word was spoken in reply, although some significant glances greatly annoyed him. Before the day closed, a remonstrance from Nathan's teacher increased his annoyance; but all this did not change his purpose or his manner of living. His habits were firmly established. His course was steadily downward, while his children, one after another, were taken from school to earn a scanty pittance, because he had squandered a fortune upon the gratification of his depraved appetites.
He taught his boys no lessons of temperance or frugality. Yet as they grew to manhood people marveled at their integrity and thrift. A scrap of paper drifting through the city streets had done more and better for them than he who was responsible for their existence in the world where the destinies of children are largely dependent upon their parents.
Soiled and discolored grew the talismanic words, yet they retained their conspicuous position until transferred to a new home where life is ordered after higher standards.
In any city or large manufacturing town where men find constant employment, if you will take the trouble to trace to their homes the children who attend school only the limited time prescribed by law, you will find in nearly every instance where the father is living that he spends for tobacco and beer, or stronger liquors, a large proportion of his own earnings.
The children of our country have a right to happy homes and the advantages of education, and every plea for total abstinence from all which can intoxicate is a plea for these rights, sacred and inalienable as is the liberty of which we boast.—M. D. C., in National Temperance Advocate.