Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17.

SOCIAL MEETINGS
Earlier text: SOCIAL MEETINGS

WHO WILL BE DUMB THEN?

By R. A. Underwood

BY ELD. R. A. UNDERWOOD.
The Lord has used many illustrations to show the power of the tongue for good or evil. The apostle James (3d chapter) compares its use and importance to the bits which turn about the body of the horse, and to the helm of a ship, which, though a little instrument, yet at the will of the pilot turns the course of that proud, lofty vessel into the pathway of safety or ruin. Even so, the tongue is a little member, but its power for good or evil can never be fully realized till it is revealed in the world to come. The result of its work will all come into Judgment (Matt. 12:36, 37; James 2:12), and we shall stand condemned or justified according to the proper use or the abuse of this God-given power for good or evil.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Prov. 25:11. The word thus spoken is not lost when the sound has died away upon the air. By the power of speech you can make others feel what you are feeling, and transmit to their minds the thoughts which you are thinking; and thus thoughts and feelings are re-echoed by thousands that have been affected by them. No wonder that for “every idle word” God will call us to a strict account in the day of Judgment.
Satan realizes the importance attached to our words. Therefore the man of God has the severest contest in gaining the victory in this respect of all others. “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2. Again the Lord says: “To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.” Ps. 50:23. In these last days, Satan does not lack for ways or means to deceive souls. If he cannot cause men to reject the Bible as a whole, or in part,—if he fail to lead men to trample recklessly upon God’s law,—then his next deception is to lead them to become the “accusers of the brethren,” to harbor hatred, variances, emulation, wrath, strife, and envyings, in their hearts, till the saving power of the truth is lost to them.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and . . . who can know it?” Jer. 17:9. It is only when we view the heart in the light of God’s word that we can see that out of it “proceed evil thoughts,” and that these thoughts have been given utterance in words against our brethren. Perchance some of the “little ones” have been “offended” by idle words,—words of fault-finding, words which have lessened their confidence in their brethren, words of self-praise and exaltation,—words which, if unrepented of, will shut us out of the kingdom of glory in the day of God.
The Bible plainly declares that we should “speak evil of no man.” Titus 3:2. That means that we should not talk about the bad traits and habits of our fellow-beings to their injury. If another has faults, there is a place and time to talk them over; i. e., with him alone, “in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1. There is a cross in this way of talking about others’ faults. If you do not believe it, try the experiment. If you do it in the spirit of Christ, with him to help, you will find that the fruits will be joy, peace, and love—such as will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. The pleasing way to the carnal mind is to talk about the faults of others to every person, in every place; but the right way and place God has pointed out. There is no cross in remarking to this person, or that one, in a private or public manner, about the faults of others, whether they are real or imaginary. Who ever heard of a person about to meet with others in any social manner, seeking the Lord in prayer for grace, meekness, and wisdom, that they might be second to none in devouring the reputation of an absent brother or neighbor? No, my brethren; that spirit does not come from heaven. It is Satanic; and these that Satan can lead to do such work are faithfully doing his bidding.
David asks and also answers a solemn question: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” Ps. 15:1-3. What is it to backbite? “To slander, reproach, or speak evil of in the sense of the person traduced.”—Webster.
Heaven cannot contain those who are guilty of such work. “A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations . . . and he that soweth discord among brethren” are hateful to God. Prov. 6:16-19. In these closing hours of mercy, Satan says to his angels concerning the last church: “We will cause distraction and division. We must divert their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticise, to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and envy. For these sins God banished us from his presence, and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.”—“Great Controversy,” Vol. IV., page 508. The Lord has faithfully warned us of the results of these “wicked imaginations of the heart,” which lead to strife and vain glory. We should each esteem other better than ourselves. Phil. 2:3.
The apostle, in this same epistle, gives the antidote for all evil surmising and evil speaking. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4:8. It is enough to think about that is high as heaven, broad as the universe, deep as truth, and endures as the eternal world. If these are the things we cherish, our words will be seasoned with grace.
The Judge stands at the door. The invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb is being extended. The guests are being examined. Have we the wedding garment on? or have we allowed the enemy to divert our minds from the prize, and his fiery darts to wound us in the battle? If so, let us take the healing balm the great Physician offers, and rise in the name of the God of Israel. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:11, 12, Rev. Ver. “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee [now, in this time of peace, the rulers of this world favor us], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jer. 12:5. Soon the nations of this world will be in commotion, all arrayed against the people of God. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:13, Rev. Ver. “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.” Matt. 22:11, 12.

AN EVIDENT EVASION.

By A. Smith

BY A. SMITH.
A PROMINENT minister of a popular church, in a sermon recently preached at ——, Mich., had occasion to speak of sin; and is said to have defined it as “Not doing what God requires of us.” Occupying the official position that the reverend gentleman does in the church, it is supposable that he has quite a thorough knowledge of what the Scriptures teach on the fundamental principles of the Christian religion; and must, therefore, know that the Bible plainly declares sin to be “the transgression of the law.” Then why withhold the proper definition from the people, and give them instead a sort of milk-and-water solution? Why, if it is not because he knew very well that to give the Bible definition would cite the people to the law of God as being binding in its obligation, and, perforce, to the fourth precept as its central figure; and no doubt the unpleasant associations it would call up in his own mind and the minds of his hearers concerning Adventism and its energetic work in defense of the integrity of the law of God, and especially of the downtrodden seventh-day Sabbath, was a specter whose manifestation it was desirable to avoid.
If this were an isolated case it would scarcely be worthy of notice; but so prevalent has it become to read or quote favorable texts of Scripture, and to smooth over or avoid entirely those passages that bring prominently to view the distinctive doctrines of Seventh-day Adventism, that it compels attention.

LIFE'S LESSONS.

By Eliza H. Morton

BY ELIZA H. MORTON.
The Christian, like a little child, enters the school of life to be guided, trained, and educated for heaven. If a proper course be taken, some good will come out of every seeming evil; for the hand of Providence is there. Christ, the great Teacher, disciplines his children by so ordering circumstances that evil traits of character hidden in the heart are little by little brought to the surface; and if earnest efforts are made to overcome the tempter, and to remedy the defects, then divine grace is given, victories are gained, growth is made, and blessings are received. If, however, a fault, when made manifest, is tolerated and not put far away, then the Master, with pitying love and tenderness, brings about another chain of circumstances, and causes the sin to become more manifest and to appear more sinful. If even this fails to work a reformation, the chastening process is begun and the lesson repeated again and again. Thus the Saviour deals with men, testing and trying their souls; and happy are they who recognize the educating hand.
No drifter on life's sea will ever enter the celestial port. The oars must be plied with vigor against the current of the world. Pride, popularity, love of display, selfishness, and frivolity must all be forsaken. The secret sins of the heart will be brought to light; and pure must be the lives of those who will be permitted to see glory shine through the discipline of perfection.
The light of heaven is guiding, Through pain, to rest divine. Oh, let me clasp, dear Saviour, Thy loving hand in mine.
Portland, Me.
—Meekness is very essential to Christian experience.

LET US PRAY MORE AND TALK LESS

By E. Hilliard

BY E. HILLIARD.
How often we hear professed Christians speak of the example of faithful Daniel. They speak in terms of highest commendation of his secret worship and fidelity to God under his peculiar adverse circumstances. They also speak in terms of praise of David's devotional spirit, which led him to commune with his Creator seven times a day. And yet these same individuals seldom pray in secret. How dare we acknowledge the course of these great and good men to be right, and take a contrary course ourselves? Will indorsing their piety make us any more pious?
Many live in precept with the good of past ages, while their example has a most deadening effect upon present piety. Why not be consistent? No one can be as true to God as Daniel was without doing as Daniel did. No one can be Christian without living as Christ taught. He says: “Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” If we had less talking, and more praying, there would be more Daniels in the land.

WHEN DAYS ARE DARK.

By Marianne Farningham

When days are dark, remember The brightness that has passed; Call up the glad spring music To mingle with the blast; Think of the merry sunshine And hosts of scented flowers; Let memories of the summer Take gloom from off sad hours.
When days are dark, be cheerful; Because the leaves must fade, Thy hopes need not be cast away Nor thy heart be dismayed. This is the time for laughter And happy household song, Hours that are filled with cheerfulness Are never sad and long.
When days are dark, be trustful; The sun shines after rain, And joy goes not so far away But it returns again. Life is not ruled by sorrow, But blessings reign o’er all, And we can sing of mercy In spite of pain and thrall.
When days are dark, be busy, For there is much to do, And the ministries are many Which kindly hands pursue! The need of love is always great, For grief is everywhere; Oh, lighten thou some burden, And lessen thou some care!
When days are dark, be thankful; Light is not always best, And useful are the shadows, The silence, and the rest, God gives whate’er is good to come, The day and then the night, And those who find their joy in him Live always in the light.
—Marianne Farningham.

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

By A. S. Hutchins

SHALL THEY BE OUR GUIDE?

BY ELD. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Paul says: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” This declaration is full of meaning. The first thing for which the Scriptures are stated to be profitable is for doctrine. The Scriptures are profitable “for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Now, unless perfection can be imparted, the Scriptures should be our guide.
Paul recognizes the fact that “a good minister of Christ” is one “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” The minister must be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. Says Jesus, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” The people listened to the clear, forcible, and eloquent words of life which fell from his lips, and were astonished at his doctrine; for his word was with power. Men in official standing said of him, “Never man spake like this man.” No man was so careful to present the doctrine of the Father, and that only, nor did mortal man dare to deviate therefrom either in word
Free-will Baptists in North America organized the first church in New Durham, N. H., in 1780, under the pastoral charge of Eld. Benjamin Randall. Eld. Samuel Beede, one of the editors of the Morning Star, in an article for an encyclopedia published in 1834, says of their polity: “They have held the holy Scriptures to be their rule of religious faith and practice, to the exclusion of all written creeds, covenants, rules of discipline, or articles of organization.” But their [Articles of Faith] does not allow their people to keep the Sabbath of the Bible. Then came a struggle with the writer on the point touching the commandments of God. Shall I unite with this people, whom I love, and trample the Sabbath under foot? or shall I leave them, and keep God’s rest day? were the questions revolving in my mind. Thank God for grace to set me in favor of the truth. May we study the Bible. May we have a Bible faith, a Bible religion, finally a Bible salvation.
“Great God, with wonder and with praise, On all thy works I look; But still thy wisdom, power, and grace Shine brightest in thy book.
“Lord, make me understand thy law, Show what my faults have been; And from thy gospel let me draw Forgiveness for my sin.”

THOSE ROBES AGAIN.

By J. A. Oppy

BY J. A. OPPY.
While on a visit to my parents in Illinois last winter, a certain minister with whom I had occasion to converse said, “The Adventists at Ind., in 1844, had their robes ready to go when the Lord came.” I asked, “Did you have robes?” He replied that he did not. “How do you know they had any?” I said, “I heard they had them,” he replied. I assured him that that was as near as any ever came to seeing the ascension robes of 1844 Adventists.
I protest against wearing robes which other people, especially our enemies, make for us. The robes we are anxious to wear are given to us not by our enemies, however, but by the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaking to his remnant people, he says, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;” and again, “They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.” The blood-washed robes can be worn in the kingdom of God. Those who do not choose to wear the white robes (Rev. 19:8), are those who, when the King asks why they have not put on the wedding garment, will be “speechless.”
There are but two restrictions which the Bible places upon anything. It forbids that which is evil and wrong, and excess in that which is

CANADA TRACT SOCIETY.

By Mary L. Cushing

Report for Quarter Ending March 31, 1885.
No. of members 55
“ “ reports returned 30
“ “ missionary visits 74
“ “ letters written 64
“ “ subscriptions obtained 185
“ “ Signs taken in clubs 40
“ “ periodicals distributed 461
“ “ pages of books and tracts sold 29,330
“ “ “ “ “ distributed 8,098
Cash received on sales, $138.25; on periodicals, $62.87; on other funds, $110. MARY L. CUSHING, Sec.

Kansas Quarterly Meeting of District No. 4

By H. G. Buxton

KANSAS QUARTERLY MEETING OF DIST. NO. 4.

I report this meeting to show that a little was done, and also to show our district that a good deal was not done. No minister nor members from distant societies were present; yet we tried on the Sabbath to get ourselves aroused to see the light in such a manner that it might shine through us and help to bring about the salvation of every honest soul in this, the capital city, as we expect to institute a missionary campaign here this season. Two of the three societies composing the district, reported nearly 13,000 pages of reading matter and 260 periodicals distributed, 149 missionary visits made, 30 letters written, 7 new members added, and 6 new subscriptions obtained. Sent $25.38 to our State society. We felt impelled to commit ourselves to the following:—
Whereas, We as tract and missionary officers and members have not done our work as faithfully as we should, and have not taken the interest in spreading the truth that it has been our duty and privilege to take; therefore—
Resolved, That in the future we will be awake to a realizing sense of the times in which we live, and to the importance of each member's doing all in his or her power to advance the cause of present truth; and that we will carry out the plans of those who have the charge of the work; also that we will keep a faithful account of all work done and report it at the proper time to the proper officers.
May God help us all to maintain this resolution in the spirit of sacrifice.
H. G. BUXTON, Director.
—There is no sin in being tempted to do wrong; the sin is in consenting. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”

The Worcester Mission.

By John Joseph

The cause in Worcester, Mass., still assumes an encouraging aspect; and while we have met with some losses by removal and apostasy, others are becoming more firmly rooted and grounded in the truth. Since Bro. Israel left us, Bro. A. T. Robinson has had charge of the mission, and has entered upon the work with zeal and energy. The mission is in a prosperous condition. Bible readings and social meetings seem to be doing a good work. Bible readings are gaining in interest, and we are finding openings for labor to be extended in this direction. The Armenian brethren that have been brought to a knowledge of the truth, are still searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so. I desire to learn more perfectly the sacred truths of God's word, and have grace and wisdom from the blessed Master to impart them to others. JOHN JOSEPH.

THE WAY TO BEGIN.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

My brother or sister, are you dreaming of doing some great work for God and the cause at some future time? That is well. Such desires are good, and are to be cherished; but if you are ever to do any great work, don’t forget that you must first gather up the strength and experience necessary for such a work. How is this to be done? In one way and only one way; viz., by faithfully doing little things first, anything and everything that comes to hand. See what the Lord told Moses when he sent him to do the great work of delivering a whole nation from bondage. Moses was trembling, not knowing how to begin. “The Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand?” Moses had a stick, such as you could cut in the woods any day. God said, Take that and go, and use it as I will tell thee.
If the Lord says to go—“what is that in thine hand?” Take that; begin to labor for that little sister, that unconverted brother, that backslidden friend, your nearest neighbor, that school-mate, the Sabbath-school, the missions,—anywhere that you can accomplish good. Doing thus, you will gain experience and boldness and strength for greater work.
On this point Bishop Simpson, in his “Lectures on Preaching,” p. 55, says:—
“If, then, a young man feels himself called to the ministry by a divine persuasion, what shall he do? I answer, Let him read and prepare himself thoroughly for the work of the ministry. Let him work in his sphere for his Master’s cause. If he be a student, let him seek to influence his unconverted associates. If he be at home, let him lead his brothers and sisters, or most intimate friends, to Christ. If he find a Nathanael to whom his soul is joined, let him, like Philip, tell him of Jesus, and say, ‘Come and see.’ Let him not fancy that he will one day have great power in addressing multitudes, but that it is not his work to labor with individuals. This fancy of some day doing great things, is a fearful illusion. To do great things, we must learn to do little things well. No man is fit to be the commanding general of an army, who has not himself been drilled as a soldier. No man can win great power as a minister, until he has first met a brother’s objections, solved a brother’s difficulties, learned a brother’s temptations, and witnessed how the word of God has delivered a brother’s soul. Congregations are made up of individuals. Man by man, heart by heart, is the conquest won; and the young man is best preparing for the ministry who learns how to deal with individual cases of sin and sorrow, of guilt and despondence.”
Little things to begin with, one at a time, and the nearest first, should be the motto of the young Christian. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Freedom from Sin Offered Without Money or Price

—Sin is the worst of bondage; and yet freedom from it is offered without money and without price.

Whittier Verse on Self-Examination and Human Frailty

By Whittier

—Search thine own heart. What paineth thee In others, in thyself may be; All dust is frail, all flesh is weak; Be thou the true man thou dost seek! — Whittier.

Charity Before Wealth Breeds Covetousness

By Sir Thomas Browne

—Be charitable before wealth makes thee covetous, and lose not the glory of the mite. If riches increase, let thy mind hold peace with them; and think it not enough to be liberal, but munificent.—Sir Thomas Browne.

THE ROLLER SKATE CRAZE.

THIS amusement, to use no harsher term, is so phenomenal in its rise and present proportions, and so evidently one of the evils for which the last days were to be noted, that any facts and statistics concerning it will be of interest to all the readers of the REVIEW. We find the following in the Manufacturer and Industrial Gazette of April, 1885, the perusal of which will be found not a little instructive in regard to the spirit of our times:—
“Not the least interesting feature of the roller skating craze is the remarkable development of the roller skate industry. There are probably 400 establishments at present engaged in the manufacture of these skates. The monthly product cannot be far from 300,000 pairs. Connecticut and Massachusetts are large producers; and there is a busy nest of manufacturers in and around Richmond and Muncie, Ind. Richmond alone has some 18 different concerns engaged in this line of manufacture, turning out one-third of the product of the United States. One leading manufacturer is netting, it is claimed, $1,000 a day from the manufacture and sale of roller skates alone. A year ago he could scarcely obtain credit for $100 at the bank. To-day he is worth $250,000, and the bankers are eager to accommodate him. He is turning out 1,100 pairs of skates a day, and is 7,000 pairs behind orders. His manufactory, from a mere shed, has grown to be among the largest and most complete industrial establishments of the West. The profits to manufacturers and retailers are enormous. Most of the best skates turned out cost only 55 cents a pair. They are sold to hardware men by the gross at $1.35 per pair, and are retailed at $6. Complete machinery, which performs the entire operation of stamping through several sheets of steel at a time, is the cause of the reduction in the first cost. On February 1 it was estimated that there were 40,000 rinks in the country. There are now probably not less than 45,000 to 50,000. In Cleveland, O., alone there are more than 20, which use constantly about 8,000 pairs of skates. It is estimated by local hardware men that from 10,000 to 15,000 pairs have been sold in Cleveland within the past three months. One rink alone has produced a demand for 10,000 wheels per annum. Of course the manufacture of roller skates will be overdone, but manufacturers are too busy now in reaping profits to pay much attention to competitors.”

KILLING MADE EASY.

In the time of Napoleon it was estimated that it took 600 bullets to be fired in battle before a man was killed; in other words, every dead soldier represented his own weight in lead. But the recent improvement in fire-arms has added to the efficiency of the soldier. The greater range of the rifle, as well as the rapidity with which it can be fired, has made it thirty-two times as effective as the old smooth-bore. To put it more accurately, a military authority says that the modern rifle is superior to the old smooth-bore in the following particulars: It is eight times more effective in accuracy, two-thirds greater in range and penetration, five times greater in rapidity of aimed fire; while the weight of the cartridges per man has diminished, yet the number that may be carried has been increased. The added efficiency of the heavy guns is no less surprising. The famous Krupp now makes a gun of nine inches caliber and eighteen tons weight which will send a ball through twenty inches of solid iron; and his field-gun, within a range of more than a mile and a half, can be depended upon to put every projectile into a space of less than two hundred square feet. Taking into consideration the breech-loading, rifling, better powder, improved projectiles, the lighter carriages of steel, the science of artillery has been revolutionized; and one battery to-day is more effective than twenty of those so skillfully handled by the great Napoleon. In the next great battles some dreadful engines of destruction will be brought into play. The Hotchkiss revolving gun can fire bursting shells at the rate of eighty a minute. It can pour out a continuous and deadly fire of seventy-five pounds of metal, or 1,200 hits, every sixty seconds. It is fearful to think of the havoc which would be caused by the guns of the future.—Demorest's Monthly.

MORMONISM IN EUROPE AND AMERICA.

ACCORDING to official statistics, just published, there are in American Mormonism 28 “stakes,” and 374 “wards;” stake being the Latter-day term for diocese, and commonly being bounded by county lines, while ward is equivalent to branch, or local church. Of these 374 wards, 282 are in Utah, while 92 are found in the 6 neighboring Territories. Idaho has 45, and a Mormon population of something more than 12,000. Arizona has 31, and about 4,000 adherents to Joseph Smith. Colorado has 6 wards, and Nevada the same number; Wyoming has 3, and New Mexico 1. In the Sandwich Islands 14 Mormon missionaries are laboring, and in the various branches some 3,600 church members are found. The membership of the Mormon church in Europe was reported, March 1, as 9,759. Of these Scandinavia has 4,497; Great Britain, 4,173; the German mission, including Switzerland and Austria, 999; and Holland, 90. Within a year 1,586 have been baptized; 767 in Scandinavia, 537 in Britain, 266 in Germany, and 16 in Holland. The year’s emigration to Utah from Europe was 1,799; from Scandinavia, 808; and from Great Britain, 804. Since the beginning of the “gathering” in 1840, not less than 85,000 have crossed the ocean, seeking Zion. The present cost per emigrant from Liverpool to Salt Lake is but $53. Latter-day elders, to the number of 12, are laboring among the Maoris in New Zealand. They baptized 545 in 1884, and have gathered a membership of 810.—Independent.
—No pain, no palm; . . . no cross, no crown.— William Penn.

Tobacco Smoke and Cancer.

Joseph Cook created a sensation during a lecture in Boston yesterday by his allusion to the illness of Gen. Grant as the result of the excessive use of tobacco. After referring to him, whom “we revere,” as “the instrument of Providence in the overthrow of slavery,” as a man of God to save the Union, he declared the greatest of the historic characters is likely to be cut off twenty years before his time because of a habit which, before it becomes a habit, is loathsome and is not at all fascinating. “We tolerate in men a habit we would not in dogs.” It is significant that simultaneously with his affirmation, according to the best physicians, not more than five persons in a hundred can use tobacco with impunity, one of Gen. Grant’s physicians went to a newspaper reporter: “There are thousands of cases of cancers of the tongue, brought on generally by smoking, and these will be found in nearly every hospital.” The case of Gen. Grant is a conspicuous warning against the excessive use of tobacco, and whoever knows anything of his real condition is aware that he himself would not hesitate to do so. The fact that he wholly abandoned the tobacco several months ago, when his physicians only requested him to be moderate in his smoking, shows what his judgment is as to the weed of which his use has been so notorious. An unprejudiced person, who likes rather than detests the fumes of tobacco smoke when it comes from the one who smokes daintily, cannot fail to see in Grant’s case an impressive exhibition of the fact that it would be better for mankind if tobacco were wholly abolished from use.—N. Y. Mail and Express.

Some Unsatisfactory Statistics.

THE State secretary of the Y. M. C. A. of Wisconsin, made the startling statement, in Illinois State Convention, that “in one of our cities containing 4,500 young men, 236, or 1 in 19, are members of churches; 39 united last year; 129, or one in 34, attend church regularly; 100 attend occasionally; 4,267 never attend. On 17, 1883, in all the churches, 184 young men were in attendance; in the evening, 185. On the contrary, 99 saloons have 4,950 daily visits; 1,000 were convicted of crime last year; one saved; 17 lost. In another city, with 3,500 young men, or one in 41, are members of churches; 1,000 attend church regularly, and that number of attendance at the morning services on Sunday. The past year five were received into the churches; the year before, none; 85 saloons have an attendance of 16,680; during the year, 6,000 convicted of crime; one saved; 80 lost. All above is no doubt true, and represents the condition of very many places. Even at the present time the condition of young men as a class ought to give far more anxious thought than ever, and awaken greatly increased concern. —Watchman.

EARTH! EARTH! EARTH!

PROF. HITCHCOCK, in an article entitled “Relations of Geology to Theology,” says, “The earth contains within itself the agencies necessary to its dissolution by fire. Its crust is supposed to be several miles thick, while the interior is in a state of fusion like lava. The three hundred volcanoes on the crust are the breathing holes of internal fire. At present contracting agencies prevent this lava from breaking forth. But when the order be issued for its liberation, and these will belch forth fire and desolation. The world in which we take so much pride will be crumbled in a moment by the concussion of the crust. Liberated gases may combine explosively with the oxygen in the air, so that the earth should pass away with a great noise.” The professor in concluding says: “The fact that the purification of the present world can render a beautiful habitation, fit for the residence of a prince, renders probable the belief of many that the redeemed will dwell upon this earth at the day of Judgment.” — World’s Crisis.
—An unfortunate expression may shut the eyes against the very truth you wish to teach to others. Therefore take heed how you speak, as well as what you say.

WHAT WILL BE DONE?

The great cry now almost everywhere is, “Overproduction, lack of work, men idle, conflict between labor and capital,” etc., etc. The following statement which has appeared in several New York papers, shows that the great discoveries and improvements of modern times, are at least one of the important factors in this perplexing situation. The statement referred to relates to an improvement in the process of making steel, by which this article can be produced more cheaply than iron has formerly been; and the following is one of the items in the count, touching the manufacture of nails:—
“By the old puddling process of making iron plates for nails, the pig iron was melted in a great furnace, and a small army of men stirred up the melted mass with long rods until the impurities were burned out and the iron became pasty instead of liquid. By the new process the melted pig iron, in a big pear-shaped kettle, is subjected to a powerful blast of air, which is forced up through it from the bottom, until the impurities are burned out. Then another small amount of melted pig iron is poured in and the mixture is ready to be cast into ingots. By the old process twenty skilled men could turn out fifteen tons of nail plate in a day, while by the new process four common laborers and one skilled mechanic can turn out from 150 to 250 tons in a day. Naturally the puddlers must lose their occupation.”
From this statement, it will at once be seen what an immense effect the discovery of this new process has upon the question of labor. Take the lowest figure in the foregoing estimate, 150 tons of nail plate per day, by five workmen, only one of them a skilled workman. How much labor would it have taken formerly to produce this amount of iron plate? Twenty men ten days, or two hundred men one day, all skilled. That is to say, five men now do the work of two hundred men. How does this affect the other one hundred and ninety-five men?—They are thrown at one blow idle upon the market. Is it any wonder that there is distress among the laboring classes, and that armies of tramps are roaming over the country?
Continue reading: LESSON FOR THE SECOND SABBATH IN MAY