Not long since the ministers of a town in New Jersey headed a procession of about a hundred of the members of their several congregations, and marched to the chief of police to lay before him their complaint in regard to Sunday baseball playing. Those ministers, and the members of their churches who followed them, regard Sunday as the Sabbath, and for that reason they want ball-playing suppressed on that day. According to their belief, the law for the observance of Sunday originated with God; they look upon Jehovah as the Sunday law-making power. Of course the majority of mankind know that there is no foundation whatever in the Bible, or anywhere else, for the doctrine that the Lord instituted the Sunday-Sabbath. God has made no Sunday law; He gave the Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week (commonly called Saturday), and has never changed His Sabbath commandment. But those friends who marched before the chief of police think that God is the Author of Sunday, and believing in that way, and acting as they do, they show a glaring inconsistency.
The power that makes a law is the power to enforce it. Men do not go to a German officer to ask him to enforce the laws of the United States upon her own citizens. Neither do they go to the French to ask them to compel the subjects of the British crown to obey their own home laws. Then why should men appeal to a New Jersey chief of police to ask him, with his finite arm of flesh, to enforce a law that they regard as coming from the infinite Jehovah? The idea of going to that policeman for such aid is as unchristian as is the Sunday law itself.
When the psalmist saw the disregard of God’s own true law, and that would include the desecration of God’s true and only Sabbath day, he sent up the petition, “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy law.” Ps. 119:126. If professing Christians would only come in contact with the boundless oceans of God’s power, they would lose their desire for running to the chief of police with all their difficulties. We can well afford to trust the Lord to execute His own laws. There is no need of a policeman to enforce true Sabbath-keeping.
Preaching the Gospel in Theaters
FOLLOWING closely upon the heels of the proposed religious drama comes the proposition of the National Church Organization to preach the Gospel in the theaters of the country; that is, to use the theaters of the country exclusively in the work which they have in view. They expect thus to reach a class of people which they might not reach by preaching in the churches. But it is fair to presume that the people who are frequenters of the theater, and who accept the teachings which they hear in the place where they have always found their amusement, will continue theater-goers when the religious drama has become fashionable; and, when that passes away, they will still be patrons of the playhouses, and remain such the rest of their lives. To make the theaters the home and headquarters of Gospel teaching, is to put that teaching, in the minds of the play lovers, very nearly on a par with the other things which have found their homes in such places. The Christian will teach Christ wherever he is; but he will not make his headquarters in the haunts of pleasure and sin.
Catholic Officials Negotiate Church Jurisdiction
CARDINAL GIBBONS, Cardinal Rampolla, the papal Secretary of State, Mgr. Nozaleda, Archbishop of Manila, and other high officials of the Catholic Church, have been holding conferences at Rome over the matter of the property of the Catholic orders in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines. The report states that they have effected a settlement of this question, and are now negotiating for the extension to Cuba and the Philippines of the jurisdiction of the apostolic delegation at Washington. The report is published with all the assurance that the settlement arrived at by these church officials will be the settlement approved and established by the United States. Rome’s policy in planting an apostolic delegation at Washington was a far-sighted one, and her ecclesiastical diplomats are using their opportunity to the utmost of their ability.
The Poison of Novel Reading
On June 6, a 16-year-old boy of Toledo, Ohio, whose mind had been crazed by the reading of novels, killed his older sister and younger brother, then set fire to the barn, shot himself, and died in the flames. This is the kind of literature that is pouring from the presses of the country in a perfect torrent, and finding its way into the homes of the rich and poor alike, poisoning and crippling the minds of the youth, and making them fit soil for the growth of all kinds of crime.
The United States and the Vatican
By Editor
A CABLEGRAM to the New York Sun from Vienna says: “A journal here declares that the United States contemplates accrediting a representative to the Holy See, in consequence of the large increase in Roman Catholic American citizens resulting from the annexation of Cuba and the Philippines. There is often delay, the paper says, under existing circumstances, in diplomatic intercourse between Washington and the Vatican. It is said that the pope is personally desirous of a resident American envoy, and that he will facilitate the latter’s task.” Of course the pope is desirous of such an arrangement as that; and of course he would do all in his power to facilitate such an undertaking. But what business has the Washington Government to be having “diplomatic intercourse” with the Vatican? Other nations, it is true, are pandering to the pretensions of the pope by sending representatives to the Vatican; but what business has the United States, founded upon principles designed to keep us from being led back to Rome, to be accrediting its civil representatives to the throne of an ecclesiastical power? We do not expect an answer to the question, but simply desire the reader to ask himself the question, and then think about the course which this country is taking now, and what the meaning of it is. There is a meaning in it, and it is fraught with the weightiest consequences. This announcement is simply a feeler thrown out to educate the mind to the idea of such a possibility, so that when the matter is really pressed home, it will not be so great a shock to the people. Such a proposition is in perfect harmony with the recent trend of this country toward the mingling of civil and religious things. The nation has started on a backward track, and it is going fast and far.
The Anglo-American Money Trust
It is reported that J. P. Morgan is now engaged in arranging for the establishment of a great Anglo-American bank with a capital of one billion dollars. It is proposed to abolish all the principal financial agencies now transacting bank business between America and Europe, and make this new money trust the principal agency for carrying on such business. It is said that this financier has had in mind for a long time the creation of a single great institution, which would dominate not only the banking business passing to and fro between America and Europe, but would practically dictate the financial operations of the world. Thus is trust piling upon trust, and thus are the finances of the world being more securely gathered under the control of a few men.
Chicago Religious Procession Riot
WHILE a religious procession of Italians was marching thru the streets of Chicago, on July 9, a motorman attempted to run his car across the line of march. The Italians smashed the car windows, and were only prevented from killing the motorman and conductor by the timely arrival of the police, who had much difficulty in quelling the riot. Sticks and stones were hurled at the car until there was not a whole window left in it. This is a true indication of what that kind of religion will do which consists in forms and ceremonies without the power of God or the meekness of Christ.
Cuban Convention and the Platt Amendment
The latest indications seem to be that the Cuban Constitutional Convention will accept the Platt amendment, seeing no hope for any more satisfactory outcome, and still seeing in it a qualified independence. If they do accept the amendment, it will be in just the way that the Greek States accepted the interference of Rome when they had had reason to expect that their liberties would be guaranteed.
American Capitalist to Rebuild London Underground
It was reported last week that American capital had secured control of the facilities of passenger traffic in the city of Paris. This week an American capitalist announces that he has secured control of the London underground passenger traffic. This capitalist, Mr. Charles T. Yerkes, of Chicago, proposes to completely reconstruct the underground railways of London.
Riot Among International Troops at Tien-tsin
At Tien-tsin, China, on June 2, there was a serious riot between the international troops collected there, including the British, French, Germans, and Japanese. Only one soldier was killed, but quite a number were injured. The riot was caused by the attempt of the British Fusileers to prevent house-breaking on the part of some of the other soldiers.
Chinese Court to Return to Peking
A REPORT from Peking states that the Chinese populace is exultant over the evacuation of the foreign troops and the prospect of the return of the court to Peking. It is announced that the court will return in September. Japan has not yet removed her troops, but promises to do so when assured that the other powers have really evacuated.
Carnegie's Gift to Cooper Union
ANDREW CARNEGIE, who recently made a large gift to the educational institutions of Scotland, is reported to have made plans for the contribution, in instalments, of over $2,000,000 to the institution known as Cooper Union, for the purpose of enlarging and extending the work planned by the late Peter Cooper.
The Scarcity of Platinum
PLATINUM, which is being used to such an extent in chemistry and in electrical apparatus, is becoming very scarce. Already it is worth nearly twice as much as gold, the present price being $36 an ounce. Every prospect points to a still higher price, and scientists regard its scarcity as a serious matter.
Powder Explosion at Mare Island
On June 5, 300 tons of smokeless powder exploded at the government storehouse on Mare Island, San Francisco Bay. Fortunately the explosion occurred at an hour when there was no one in the vicinity, and no lives were lost. The powder alone was worth $500,000.
Maximite, a Powerful New Explosive
Mr. HUDSON MAXIM has sold to the United States Government the secret of the explosive invented by him, known as Maximite. The explosive has gone thru a series of successful experiments at the Sandy Hook proving-grounds, and the reports of the test indicate that it is a more powerful explosive than lyddite. A shell loaded with this explosive can be fired thru a twelve-inch harveyized nickel-steel armor plate; and having passed thru it, will explode upon the other side with sufficient power to destroy everything within a wide range. These tests are regarded as demonstrating that there is no warship of any navy capable of withstanding its destructive effects. It is but another step in the preparations for the battle of the nations which is soon to be.
The Growth of City Populations
From the late census report we see that the incorporated cities in the United States contain an aggregate of 35,849,516 inhabitants, as compared with a little over 26,000,000 ten years ago. The inhabitants of incorporated cities comprise 47 per cent. of the entire population of the United States. In the State of New York 77 per cent. of the population live in the towns and cities. In six other States two-thirds of the people live in the incorporated places. The proportion of the people so living is continually on the increase, and the proportion living in the country is decreasing in the same ratio.
Tensions in the Balkan States
STATESMEN of Europe are again agitated over the possibility of an outbreak among the Balkan States. Speakers in the Italian Senate declare that the trouble in Macedonia may precipitate a surprise at any moment. They believe that Austria is fomenting discord in that quarter, and these senators are throwing out broad hints to Austria that Italy must be reckoned with in any difficulty which may occur there. These utterances, taken in connection with the recent speech of Count Goluchowski, of Austria, show that trouble is believed to be imminent in Southwestern Europe.
Volunteers of America Plan Georgia Colony
THAT branch of the Salvation Army known as the Volunteers of America, is planning to establish in Georgia a large colony of poor or destitute persons found in the large cities. The families selected are to be transported free, and supplied with farming utensils and sufficient money to give them a start, and are expected eventually to pay back the amount advanced by the promoters of the plan.
Machinists Demand Disbanding of Manufacturers’ Association
The striking machinists of Chicago have made a unique demand of their employers. The Chicago manufacturers of machinery have an organization known as the Chicago Association of Machinery Manufacturers; and the striking machinists are demanding that their employers disband this association. In deference to this demand several firms have withdrawn from that association.
Earthslides in Butte, Montana
In the vicinity of Butte, Montana, there is a continual, tho intermittent, sliding of the earth, which results in great cracks in the solid granite walls of that mountain town. This phenomenon causes much annoyance and no little concern to the villagers of Butte, as gas and water mains are broken off, and the foundations of houses considerably interfered with.
Russia Appoints New Minister of Education
RUSSIA has appointed a new minister of education, General Vannovsky, and the reports indicate that the appointment is highly satisfactory to the people and indicates a desire on the part of the czar to conciliate the dissatisfied students.
Waldersee Returns from China
Count von Waldersee, the German field marshal in China, has left the field of his operations, and is now on his way back to Germany, having stopped at the Japanese capital before leaving the Orient.
Boer Refugees in South African Camps
The condition of the Boer refugees who are detained in refuge camps in South Africa is reported to be pitiable, the accommodations very meager, and the food furnished wholly unfit to eat.
Medford Celebrates Its 250th Anniversary
On June 6 the town of Medford, Middlesex Co., Mass., celebrated the 250th anniversary of its incorporation. The town of Springfield, Mass., celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1886.
Texas Ends San Francisco Quarantine
TEXAS has finally ordered the discontinuance of the quarantine against San Francisco, which has been in force ever since the alleged discovery of the bubonic plague in that city.
Cincinnati Prepares for Christian Endeavor Convention
The city of Cincinnati is making elaborate preparations for the twentieth international Christian Endeavor convention, which will be held in that city from July 6 to July 10.
Automobile Crossing of the Alps
A PARTY of American tourists recently crossed the Alps into Italy in an automobile. The machine was of 44 horse-power, and accomplished the ascent and descent without accident.
New Coinage for the Philippines
Those into whose hands has been given the government of the Philippines are devising a new coinage for the islands, to take the place of the Mexican money now in use there.
Large Petroleum Lake Discovered in Mexico
A COMPANY of railroad engineers, surveying for a road thru Mexico, have discovered a large lake of crude petroleum in an uninhabited and desolate part of the country.
Thirty-First Volunteers Return from Philippines
of the Country.
The transport Hancock arrived in San Francisco Bay on June 9, bringing the Thirty-first Volunteer Regiment from the Philippines.
Dynamite Explosion Kills Six
Six men were killed and 3 injured by the explosion of a car load of dynamite in a train wreck near Binghamton, N. Y., on June 8.
Italian Priests Massacred in Mongolia
A REPORT from Peking states that fifteen Italian Catholic priests have been massacred by Chinese in Southern Mongolia.
A LETTER TO YOUNG FOLKS ON MAKING, KEEPING, AND CHOOSING FRIENDS.
IF we look at people who get on in the world, we see that it is not chance that gave them success or accounts for their power. Sometimes it seems as if it was luck, not work, that pushes some ahead. Occasionally it has much to do with it, but on closer study it will be found that for every time chance is the means of one man's rise, work is the ladder by which a hundred rise, and that often making and keeping friends has had as much to do with it as diligence. To all young folks this is an art worth more than any learned in the schools, tho many things and ways taught there are a great help to this.
Making Ready for Friends.
That wisest of books, the Bible, gives the best short rule,—“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.” Few who do this will live and die friendless. But what if one has traits or faults that hide his efforts to show himself friendly, or stop people from looking at him at all, or lead them to try to keep away from him?
To get friends he must rid himself of things that no one likes. There are many such, and often those who have them do not know it. Some are snappish. If one speaks to them, and they do not feel happy, they snarl like a cross dog. As no one can tell how he will be met, such are let alone and have few friends. Some are too shy; they avoid people, and when spoken to hang their heads as tho they had been caught at something wrong; or if they answer, seem dull or stupid. Often smart boys and bright girls act so because they are timid. Some are too bold; they treat all alike, push forward, talk back to parents and parents' friends, and where they are no one else gets a chance to speak or be heard. They do not know it, and when they are not wanted think they are treated meanly.
Others are too quickly nettled. A little thing will make them angry, and right in the midst of a pleasant talk when no one has meant to cross them, they sulk or rage, or it may be want to fight. Or they cry out, “I won't play with you any more;” those who start this way are likely to keep it up as they grow older, and if they do will lose the chance to say it, for few will have much to do with them.
The feelings of others are too readily hurt. They can not take a joke, or bear the slightest word of fault-finding. They do not “get mad,” but think nobody loves them, and it takes so long to comfort them that their companions are likely to go off and leave them to “cry it out.”
Some are vulgar; they say or do such things that only those like them are willing to spend much time with them. They are not neat in person, do not keep hands or face or clothing clean, have no “manners,” look so bad that it is a shame to be seen with them, or are liable to break out with some talk or act that is not decent, or only “half-way decent.” A boy or a girl who has traits or faults like these does not make many, if any, friends that will be worth much in after life.
Liars can have no friends; for none can or will trust them after this is known. To “big talk” young folks are liable. They hear “twenty wolves” when there are only a couple of dogs; they can jump ten feet when seven would tax their leaping powers. They have just “killed a snake a yard long;” but if the snake's skin were used as a measure, they would need twice as much goods to make them a coat as they do now. The boy or girl who has done something they do not like is the “most horrid thing that ever lived.” But tho the things they say are not correct, no one calls them “liars.” It is the one who keeps back a part of the truth, or tells it so as to deceive, or who makes up a falsehood to gain or hide something or to hurt some one else, that can have no friends.
Those who tell secrets, and such as speak evil of others behind their backs, are driving their friends away, and what they do to others will be done to them.
One who always tries to get everything for himself, who crowds, and pushes, and twists, and squirms to get something from others, is often hated, and surely never loved. Yet there are many of them. A quaint old story takes them off well: A little boy walking along to school and eating a luscious, large and mellow bellflower apple, was met by a big boy who said, “Tommy, give me a bite.” He cheerfully passed up the apple. The huge jaw of the piggish youth opened and closed over two-thirds of the apple. The little fellow, seeing how he was to be despoiled of his feast, cried out, “O Billy, you keep the apple and give me the bite!” Many such there are, and some get on by such means and may be able to buy the work of many servants, but they never gain the love of one whom they treat so.
Think about these things. Try to find out what you do or say or think or feel that may cause those to dislike you whose friendship you would be glad to have. Do not despise mother's persuasions, father's counsels, teacher's hints, employer's advice, or pastor's suggestions.
Ask the best and wisest friend you have a few years older than yourself, to tell you if any trait makes you disagreeable. Should one who dislikes you some day blurt out some sharp criticism, do not let it anger you, but think it over. Even if not true as he utters it, ask yourself whether he saw anything in you that started the idea in his mind, or that would give color to it when others heard it from his lips. Often an enemy sees our faults when our friends in their love gloss them over or do not see them at all.
How to Make Friends.
But you might prune yourself well and not have a serious fault or disagreeable trait left, yet not have friends. You might only be not disagreeable, but have nothing to draw others to you. In a “seminary for young ladies” the girl with the sweetest face, the most graceful carriage, the finest figure, and the best manners had no friends. She knew it, and felt bad over it; but when she asked one of the teachers why it was, she had to hear a reply that hurt her like a wasp's sting. It was not sharp in manner, for the teacher was glad to be asked and meant to be kind. The reply was, “What did you ever do that looked as if you wanted any friends?” To make friends one must seek to make others happy, and try to be helpful to them.
Mere acquaintances are without strong affection for each other; friends are joined in heart. This it is which makes the passing out of acquaintanceship into friendship so delightful.
“Last year,” said a merchant, “was one of the best years of my life.” “Why?” “Because I found a true friend.” “How long had you known him?” “Five or ten years. First I knew him, then I liked him, next I found he liked me, and this last year both of us woke up to the fact that we were fast friends. O, it was a great year for me.”
Inquiry showed that these two business men—the rivals—had cultivated agreeableness; had appreciated every kindness, and had shown that they did by returning kindness with kindness; had not sought to injure one another, and had borne patiently what at first they could not understand in each other's conduct, sure that all would be right in the end.
How to Keep Friends.
Nothing except stones and the like last long without food or fuel. So that he who would keep his friends must treat them as friends in joy or grief. He can lose a friend by neglect; the betrayal of confidence; by habitually treating him as a convenience or as an inferior; by putting too much pressure upon him; by holding him to his promises and not being careful to keep his own; by making him “own up and ask pardon,” and never doing so himself.
Some may not be drawn to you by your efforts to please them, but they will not be indifferent, and their acquaintance may be valuable all thru life.
Some will prove life-long companions, helps, examples, comforters, counselors, and perhaps protectors,—reliable friends when you need them; confiding friends when they need you. You and they will be friends so long as you live, and if you both are friends of Him who said, “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you,” your friendship will renew itself when you meet in that place where all changes are for the better, and all friendships grow stronger and sweeter.—Christian Advocate.
TRAINING THE BOY.
By James Morse
An Understanding between Father and Mother the First Essential.
THE first essential in this true home-building I take to be an agreement by the father and mother as to what are the inherited virtues and deformities in the child-mind; and the next, as to which parent is best fitted to take the leading part in his training, and how the other parent may rightly supplement the work. A contributory acquaintance, first of all, with the problem, and then agreement as to the best method of treating it. A single-headed police force in the family is a prime requisite.
Absolute knowledge and perfect agreement are both out of the question in this premillennial stage of the world, yet some approach to both is always possible. In the absence of the perfect in knowledge and the frictionlessness in agreement, good temper and hopefulness are the essentials to be struggled for with prayer and with considerable fasting and other self-restraint.
But the one to whom is eventually assigned the task of guiding the child, may take courage in the thought that no complete plan of training, or theory of training, is required against the morrow.
A dozen systems of education will be offered before breakfast—all to be set aside courteously, but firmly; all to be put away on a high shelf. By and by there may be some use for them.
As I look up from my desk and take an occasional glance into the homes of my boys, my first thought is, How far have the parents got hold of the primary fact that this particular child is their child, with the health of mind and body which they have given it, with the peculiarities of a temperament which is a combination of theirs? If the mother is of high mood and the father low, or the reverse, neither parent will at first quite understand certain moral eruptions which will presently appear11in the child. Until they have with some care compared notes, neither will be quite competent to say what mixture of repairing bitter juices is needed. If it is the mother, for instance, who is of the strict Pilgrim conscience, and whose ancestors landed on Plymouth Rock, while the father comes of ancestors on whom Plymouth Rock should have landed, but did not; then, in the clash of misunderstandings at the family fireside, the little fellow with a roguish, tender, wistful face, who is standing at the school-house door, is likely to be to me the subject of much thought and anxiety. I may never know quite what is the inheritance in the child-brain and nerves that I am wrestling with. Too often I do know that father and mother are taking turns in the training of the child, and that a confusion exists in the little mind as to what it should do: that between two standards of correct action at home the boy has set up a standard of his own.—Prof. James Morse, in Harpers' Bazar.
SONG OF THE BURDEN-BEARER.
By M. E. Sangster
Over the narrow footpath
That led from my lowly door
I went with a thought of the Master,
As oft I had walked before.
My heart was heavily laden,
And with tears my eyes were dim;
But I knew I should lose the burden
Could I get a glimpse of Him.
Over the trodden pathway,
To the fields all shorn and bare,
I went with a step that faltered,
And a face that told of care;
I had lost the light of the morning,
With its shimmer of sun and dew,
But a gracious look of the Master
Would the strength of morn renew.
While yet my courage wavered,
And the sky before me blurred,
I heard a voice behind me
Saying a tender word;
And I turned to see the brightness
Of heaven upon the road,
And suddenly lost the pressure
Of the weary, crushing load.
Nothing that hour was altered;
I had still the weight of care;
But I bore it now with gladness
Which comes of answered prayer
Not a grief the soul can fetter
Nor cloud its vision when
The dear Lord gives the spirit
To breathe to His will, Amen.
—M. E. Sangster.
HONESTY
A Plain Talk to Young Men and Women.
YOUNG man, I want to ask you a very personal question, Are you honest? It may seem blunt and very impolite, but I assure you I have only the best intentions. Nor do I mean to stop with the answer that you pay what you owe in money. I want to go far beyond this matter of meeting your just financial obligations. Most people are honest, I think, so far as dollars and cents are concerned; the inability to pay hinders many. But there is an honesty that means more to your soul and to your Christian character than these mere dollar debts. Excuse me, but I mean to ask if you are a living lie. Do you make an effort to appear in a pleasing, gratifying manner to the world at the expense of your better nature?
Do you say to the public, “Behold me! I am thus and so,” when in your own heart you know that you are not? Young man, does your immaculate linen and neat dress add an ache to father's tired back, or furrow deeper the lines in the old mother's face? Have you always a jovial, good word for your companions and never a kind word for the folks at home? Do you mouth a lot of stereotyped phrases at prayer and class-meeting, while your heart is silent and condemns you as a consummate rascal, waiting an opportunity? Will you on the morrow take unjustly from a fellow because, forsooth, it is a “business transaction” and “legal”? Are you “posing for effect,” seeking to exalt your puny self; claiming superiority, when abject abasement would be Christly? I say, Are you honest?
Young lady, pardon my seeming rudeness, but I should like to inquire if you are honest. Do you chatter gaily at some club about the Madonnas and St. Cecilias of the old masters, when you actually know nothing about them? And is your mother at home washing and ironing your clothing while you are so engaged? Do you read from the latest society novel at the “Literary,” and take part in violent explosions of rare oratory (?) as to the author's probable “motif”? Did your last “gown” cost twenty-five dollars, more or less, while mother continues to do with the old “fuster” that her father gave her when you were a child? Yes, I know mother don't go out much, and no wonder. God bless her poor tired heart, she would like to go more often, I dare say. Is your time spent in practical idleness and foppery, while helpless creatures deep in a great world of misery, are crying out for willing hands to help them up? At the “Union” do you pray for work to do, when the boundless field white for the harvest, stretches away as far as the eye can see?
Do you bless them that curse you, and, unmindful of the annoying slander hurled against you, yet seek the narrow, thorny way? Do you remember always, that while slander may, for a time, tarnish your reputation, it is not possible for it to touch your character?
Young friends, never forget that “reputation is what men think of us, but character is what God knows about us.” Let us not seek to make reputation. I know it is very nice to have a good reputation and even needful; but rather let us, upon a good foundation, slowly and surely, build character. And let us build it honestly. For God sees; He always sees, and it is quite useless to try to deceive Him. Then if our character be pure, it must follow that our reputation will be blameless before men. Truly, that was a wise merchant who advertised for a boy for a responsible position. One came. He was a very nice-looking fellow, mannerly and quick. To him the man said shortly,—
“Are you honest?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the boy.
“Why?” said the man, bluntly. The boy was surprised and finally answered,—
“Because honesty is the best of policy.” A very neat answer, you think, but the wise merchant simply said, “You may go.”
Another boy came, and the merchant asked, “Are you honest?”
“I am, sir,” responded the lad.
“Why are you honest?” asked the man.
“It is the best policy always to be honest,” answered the boy.
“And if it were policy to steal, I suppose you would steal,” said the merchant; and he added, “You may go.”
But another boy came; a quiet lad, whose clothes were worn, yet he was neat and cleanly—a veritable “mother's boy,” over whom many an unuttered prayer had ascended to the Father's throne. Again the stern merchant asked,—
“Are you honest?”
The mother's boy looked pained.
“Yes, sir,” he replied.
“And why are you honest, my boy?” queried the merchant again.
The boy was startled, but his answer proclaimed him a hero.
“Because it is right, sir,” he said.
The stern business man was transformed; tears came into his eyes, and his voice was strangely soft when he said,—
“’Twas a good answer, my boy. You shall have the place. Go now and tell the mother, and come again in the morning.”
Ah, young friend, that's the word, “Right!” Do right, not from a sense of expediency or policy, or from a fear of hell hereafter, but because it is right. Be honest, be true, be just; love mercy and humility; for it is right to do so.
Never get used to little wrongs; no, never! Did you not, only to-day, lift your skirt from contact with a poor, homeless child on the street, when a kind word and an hour's time might have lifted a soul from hell to purity and peace? Are you a “leaner” when there are so few “lifters”? Do you, young lady, encourage the attentions of a young man whom you know to be a libertine and an idler? Are you reading a class of literature that would ruin the intelligence of a good horse, and shock the sense of modesty in a Zulu chief?
I repeat, young friends, are you strictly, purely, innocently honest? Are you true to your God, yourself, and your fellow-man? Are you living up to the very best there is in you? Are you aiming high as heaven? Will you choose the right course, and stick to it at the cost of friends and the demolishing of some cherished idols? Will you do right tho it cuts to the bone, push ahead tho it snaps the tense, quivering heart-strings? So shall your poor, dwarfed soul wonderfully expand and beautify your present life, and make sure the peace and joy of an endless eternity.—Selected.
The Pedigo Patent Galvanized Iron Washing Machine
Lately improved. Up to date. It has a complete metal tub. Will never warp or sun-crack. Made of patent galvanized corrugated iron and weighs thirty pounds. It is an exact imitation of the rub-board. We guarantee this machine to wash entirely clean if the directions are followed. Over two thousand sold in Alameda County, Cal., alone. The old wash-board and wash-tub, relics of barbarism, are things of the past with them.
Former Price, $9.00 Present Price, $6.00
For the convenience of our patrons who may wish to purchase one of these, we have arranged with the manufacturer to have all orders for the machine sent to this office. Address
SIGNS OF THE TIMES Oakland, Cal.
VICTORY
By M. Elisabeth Burns
AGAIN the day its course has run;
Again ’tis night at set of sun;
Again my toilsome task is done,
And weary hands may rest.
To-day twice o’er temptation came;
To-day I breathed the Saviour’s name;
To-day in Him I overcame
The sin that most beset.
My lips were prompted quick to speak;
My blood swift mounted to my cheek;
My heart its vengeance vowed to seek;
But silent-voiced I prayed.
Then peace stole softly to my breast;
Then patience sweet my brow caressed;
Then love brought perfect joy and rest;
And I sang notes of praise.
M. ELISABETH BURNS.
Alameda, Cal.
Drunkenness and Its Effects on Children
By D. S. Horne
One half of all idiotic children are born of drinking parents. One notorious drunkard is the father of seven idiots. Two temperate young people married. One son and one daughter born to them were fine, strong children. The parents became inebriates, after which they had four children, one weak-minded and the other three absolutely insane.—D. S. Horne.
Ten Things Never to Be Regretted
TEN things never to be regretted: Living a pure life. Hearing before judging. Thinking before speaking. Harboring clean thoughts. Standing by your principles. Being generous to an enemy. Stopping your ears to gossip. Bridling a slanderous tongue. Being square in business dealings. Putting the best construction on the acts of others.—Selected.
The U. S. Department of Justice is Entirely Satisfied with the Densmore
One year ago this Company made a contract with the U. S. Department of Justice to supply them with Densmore Typewriters for the ensuing fiscal year, and they have renewed their contract.
The Department of Justice is distinguished for good judgment, and this is shown by their continued approval of the Densmore.
