"May I stay in your room a little while, Mrs. Grant?"
I was alone in my chamber, enjoying the quiet pleasure of revery. Being an elderly lady, rather solitary in the world, when I choose a summer retreat I prefer one where I can be comfortably on the edge of society, and yet when it pleases me to do so retire into the seclusion of my own thoughts. Maple Mountain had delighted me, and when, a few years ago, I discovered it, and then the company who came there had been select and somewhat aristocratic. Alas! in an evil hour a lovely lady who wrote for the papers found it out, and told the public about it, and this summer it was thronged. The hotel was overflowing, and the neighboring cottages and farm-houses were taking boarders. Still, as I enjoyed the sunset splendor, lying wave on wave of gold, crimson, and opal, on the fair slopes of the hills, on the rich meadows with the tasselled corn in stately ranks, and on the silvery ribbon of a river that wound its way to the sea, I was not the less happy, but rather the more blessed, that I heard the sweet ring of youthful laughter, and saw under the trees the forms of lover and maiden strolling up and down, in the tender light.
But while I am talking, little Grace is standing patiently at the door. The child had moved my heart to compassion, and I had taken her into my chamber several times, seeing how much she was left to herself, and now I occasionally was a little inconvenienced by her partiality. Still, I hoped to be of some use to her, as she was one of my Saviour's lambs, the more needing my care that she was a neglected one.
I led her in now, her dimpled face breaking into a smile as I gave her permission to come to me. The face was stained and sticky, the little hands were dirty, and the beautiful embroidered white dress was torn and soiled; the stockings were half-way between the ankle and the knee, and the shoes were unbuttoned. As for the golden hair, it was in a tangle, and Gracie looked like what she was, a lady's uncared-for child. I took cool water, fragrant soap, clean towels, and comb and brush, to make her toilet, and soon the discomfort was exchanged for neatness and beauty. Then we went together to her room, and Gracie looked for her night-dress, which hung under a mass of other garments on her mother's closet door. She slipped out of her warm clothing and into the cool sacque, and we returned to my window and easy chair.
"What have you been doing to-day, Gracie?" I inquired.
"I've been doing the best I could," was the answer, with a mournful little sigh. "Nobody wants me anywhere, and I wish we could leave this place and go home."
"Tell me what you do at home," I said.
"Well, Mrs. Grant, when I'm at home there is the street to play in, and there are lots of girls on our block, and boys, too. I don't get so tired there. This morning mamma had a headache, and the room had to be dark, and she couldn't even let me sing to my doll, nor move the least little bit; so she told me to go somewhere else. I knocked at your door, but you did not say 'Come in,' so I went over by Elsie and Katie McLure. They were reading the Bible to their mamma, and it looked real pleasant in their room; but their Aunt Laura said, 'Run away Gracie, the girls have no time to play just now.' By and by I went to the laundry, and the women there were cross—it was so hot, and they were so tired, and they scolded me for coming where I had no business; and so at last I saw Jim, the gardener's boy, going a-fishing, and I asked him if I might go, too, and he said, 'Yes, come along.' And I had a nice time by the brook, and Jim was real kind, and I caught three little fishes my own self. Then the dressing-bell rang, and we heard it, and I ran home as fast as ever I could, and when I got here to the hotel papa was sitting on the veranda, and I flew to him to show him my fish. I did not mean to trip, but I did, and the fish spattered his pearl-colored pants, and he said I was a clumsy thing, and told me to go to my mother."
This was all spoken without a pause, but now Gracie hesitated.
"Well, dearie?"
"Now, Mrs. Grant, I had not done anything naughty, I am sure. I tried to be good while I was in the room, and all the time, and I did not think it was any harm to go off with Jim."
Nor did I, under the circumstances.
"And so I was s'prised when my mamma looked at me so angry, and said, 'Grace, what do you mean by this? Where have you been all the morning? I wanted you a half-hour ago, to dress you.' When I told her, she said I had been a very naughty girl, and could not go down stairs again till five o'clock, and I must dress myself the best I could, for she and papa were going away with a party of friends, and would not be back till late. And I've been so lonesome. All I had for dinner was bread, and meat, and rice pudding. Papa sent it up."
"A very sensible dinner, little Grace."
"But I had more than that for supper. I ate cake, and berries, and pickles, and had a cup of coffee. I like to order my supper myself."
"Did you say your prayers this morning, Grace?"
"I'm afraid I forgot. But I always say them at night."
"Why at night, dear, and not in the morning?"
"I can take care of myself in the daylight, but at night it is dark, and I feel afraid."
"Have you taken good care of yourself this day? Have not you trouble, and been lonesome, and perhaps had wrong thoughts in your heart? Are you sure you have been as happy as you would have been if you had asked God, for Jesus' sake, to care for you?"
Little Grace had not thought of it in this way before. She knelt beside me now and said her evening prayer, and then sat by me very silent for awhile, as I talked to her of the Lord, who loves little children, and wants them for His own.
She repeated a text and a hymn after me, and then lay down on my lounge and fell asleep.
It was late when her father and mother returned. They came rather wearily past my door, and I heard them say, as they entered their chamber:
"Why, where can that child be, at this time of night?"
When they tapped at my door, to inquire for her, I said, "Your little one is fast asleep." And the father thanked me for my care of her, but the mother, incredible as it seems:—
"You are a fortunate woman, Mrs. Grant. You have not a child to see to, all day long."
"The dear child I once had," I replied, "is not, for she was taken away long years ago. No one who has so precious a gift as this, my friend, should consider it a care, or a burden."
Here the manuscript ended. Aunt Sophia, who picked it up the other day in a ferry-boat, does not know whether to think it a true story, or a bit of fiction. Her observation leads her to think, however, that not all the neglected children are to be found in the homes of poverty. There are exquisitely arrayed little ones in sea-side and mountain resorts, and in stately Avenue houses—little ones whose parents are letting them grow up without God in the world, and without the thoughtful care to which every child is entitled while under the guardianship of its father and mother.—Christian at Work.
"CHEERFULLY, CHEERFULLY."
By Vantuyl
One bright morning little Daisy was helping her mamma put the room in order. The windows were open to let in the sweet air, and as the little girl stood a moment by one of them, a bird in the cedars sang out, "Cheerfully, cheerfully." The words were so plainly sung that Daisy said, "O431mamma, do you hear that bird singing 'cheerfully?'"
"Do you think he says 'cheerfully?'" said her mother.
"It sounds just like it, mamma."
"Well, it is a cheery song he sings, isn't it? He must be happy, don't you think?"
"Yes, mamma;" and she leaned out to try and get a glimpse of the bird in the tree. A glancing of bright brown wings was all she could see through the thick boughs.
"Suppose you take his advice, Daisy, to-day, and do everything cheerfully," said her mamma, after a pause.
It was a new thought to Daisy that a bird should teach her a lesson, and she laughed. But she knew her fault, and pretty soon, with a little sober face, she said:
"I will try to do as the birdie says, mamma;" and all day long she did try, especially if mamma would say "cheerfully," by way of a reminder. Even little Janie, the baby sister, sang "cheerfully, cheerfully," in bird-like tones and with a happy heart.
So the birdie did something besides sing that lovely morning.—Vantuyl.
Qualifications for Office
A RULER who appoints any man to an office, when there is in his dominions another man better qualified for it, sins against God and against the State.—Koran.
THE FADED WRAPPER.
"ARE you not sorry that father has gone away to stay all night, Alice?" said one of Mr. Montgomery's children to his sister. "It rains so hard that no one will call, and mother will wear that faded wrapper all day. I heard her tell Barbara that she would have a good day for sewing. She doesn't think it worth while to set even the dining table for us."
"Don't you wish she would spill ink on that dress, Phillip?" was the answer. "Then she wouldn't wear it any more."
"No, indeed, I don't want it any worse, for she would wear it all the same on rainy days and when papa is away."
Now mamma in the next room heard this discussion of the children and arose to take a survey of herself in the looking glass. It was not a very pleasing picture that the polished surface gave back to her view.
"Now Harry Warren's mother," said Philip, "is always dressed nicely any time of the day."
"She wears such pretty bows on her hair and neck," said Alice. "But she isn't half so pleasant as our mother," she added loyally, "If she does look prettier."
The mother's eyes glistened as she looked down on the old wrapper.
"To be compared to Aunt Warren," she thought, "and by my own children, too. Who would have thought they were such sharp little things? They notice every trifle."
Mrs. Montgomery's spirit was quite stirred. She would not allow such a rival, she said, if she could eclipse her.
"You shall be disappointed about the old wrapper for once, Mr. Philip," she added, smiling; so she took a soft, bright dress, just the thing to enliven a dull day. Then she proceeded to dress herself with care and simple neatness.
Mrs. Montgomery's face wore a brighter ray as she entered the nursery. Her dress had actually raised her spirits; but she had hardly prepared for the burst of admiration that greeted her. It is not often that compliments are sincere and heart-felt as were those of her little ones that day. But the children's tones quickly changed to those of anxiety.
"Are you going anywhere, mamma?" they asked directly.
"No, dears, I am going to sew on the machine all day; so we can have a nice time together."
Little Alice hung over her chair a minute, admiring, and fingered her buttons as she said, with a smile of deep content in her eye,
"You look nice, mamma."
Mrs. Montgomery smiled as she threaded the needle of the machine, while Philip added proudly:
"She looks nicer than Harry's mother, even when she has her silk dress on."
That was reward enough; she had eclipsed her rival.
"I'll remember this day's lesson," said the mother, in her own heart; and she did remember it.
The rainy day dress was doomed, and they helped to rip it up with sincere pleasure. It made excellent lining for a new one, and it often preached its old sermons over as it hung wrong side out in the closet.
Mothers, when you allow yourselves slovenly ways among the little ones in the seclusion of the nursery, remember there's a child there "a taking notes." These notes will be read even when your head lies low. Of all the bright pictures that hang on memory's wall there is none to me so fair as a sweet, loving mother whose appearance was always neat and tasteful, even in work dress. Children love an untidy mother after a fashion but they can never respect her. She cannot keep the hold on them after years that one of the opposite habits possesses. Besides if you are untidy yourself they will probably grow up to imitate you. Don't neglect the details of dress, that add so much to the appearance, because there will be "no one about but the children."—Exchange.
THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.
In some way or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my way,
It may not be thy way;
And yet in his own way,
"The Lord will provide."
At some time or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my time,
It may not be thy time;
And yet in his own time,
"The Lord will provide."
Despond then no longer, the Lord will provide;
And this be the token—
No word he hath spoken
Was ever yet broken
"The Lord will provide."
March on then right boldly, the sea shall divide;
Thy pathway made glorious,
With shoutings victorious,
We'll join in the chorus,
"The Lord will provide!"
—Amer. Messenger.
MY MOTHER THAT DIED.
By Marcus and Mary McSwaine
I AM all alone in my chamber now,
The midnight hour is near,
And the fagot's crack, and the clock's dull tick,
Are the only sounds I hear;
And o'er my soul, in its solitude,
Sweet feelings of sadness glide;
For my heart and my eyes are full when I think
Of my mother dear that died.
I went one night to my father's house
Went home to the dear ones all,
And softly I opened the garden gate,
And softly the door of the hall;
My father came out to meet his daughter,
He kissed me, and then he sighed,
And his head fell low on my neck as he wept
For my mother dear that died.
And as I gazed on her innocent face,
As still and cold she lay,
And thought what a dear mother she had been,
And how soon she must decay:
"O death! thou lov'st the beautiful,"
In the woe of my spirit I cried;
For sparkled the eyes, and the forehead was fair,
Of my mother dear that died.
We shall all go home to our Father's house—
To our Father's house on high—
Where the hope of our souls shall have no blight,
And our love no broken tie;
We shall roam on the banks of the River of Peace,
And bathe in its blissful tide;
And one of the joys of our heaven shall be
Our mother dear that died!
June 18, 1880. MARCUS and MARY MCSWAINE.
A WORD TO GRUMBLERS.
DON'T be a grumbler. Some people contrive to get hold of the prickly side of everything, to run against all the sharp corners and disagreeable things. Half the strength spent in growling would often set things right. You may as well make up your mind, to begin with, that no one ever found the world quite as he would like it; but you are to take your part of the trouble, and bear it bravely. You will be sure to have burdens laid upon you that belong to other people, unless you are a shirk yourself; but don't grumble. If the work needs doing, and you can do it, never mind about the other one who ought to have done it, and didn't. These workers who fill up the gaps, and smooth away the rough spots, and finish up the job that others leave undone—they are the true peace-makers, and worth a whole regiment of grumblers.
A PHILOSOPHER'S QUESTION.
When Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, was making preparations to wage war against Rome, Ciseas, a wise and good man, asked him what were the expectations as to the result of his career upon which he was about to enter.
"To subdue Rome," answered the king.
"What will you do next, sire?"
"I will conquer Italy."
"And what then?"
"I will subjugate Carthage, the whole of Africa and Greece."
"And when you have conquered all that you can conquer, what will you do then?"
"I will sit down and spend my time in peace and comfort."
"And, sire," said the sage, " what prevents you from sitting down and spending your time in peace and comfort now?"
NEWS ITEMS.
—Oroville, Cal., reports a $100,000 fire.
—Gold to the amount of $1,025,000 arrived in New York, from Europe, Sept. 28.
—Fifty hay-barges were burned on the Neva, Monday. The loss was £50,000.
—The Berlin police force recently seized 40,000 socialist prints and pamphlets.
—The business men of San Francisco report that trade is reviving, and the prospect is encouraging.
—In consequence of the failure of the fisheries, the inhabitants of Gaspe, Canada, are threatened with famine.
—Scarcity of food prevails in Phillips, Sherman, Decatur, Sheridan and Rawlins counties, Kansas, the wheat crop having failed.
—The experiment of running the Sampson Manufacturing Company's shoe shop at North Adams, Mass., with Chinese labor, has proved a failure.
—A report from Walla Walla says that coal has been discovered near Touchet River, while grading for the railroad, said to be fifteen feet thick. It makes good gas.
—A dispatch from Lahore says: By a land-slip at Naine Tai, Bengal, eleven British officers, fifteen soldiers and eleven other people were killed and four injured.
—By the explosion of fire-damp in a mine near Herme, Essen district, Prussia, September 28, eleven workmen were killed and the same number seriously wounded.
—Over twenty miles of the proposed railroad to Snake River from Walla Walla is already graded, and every effort is being made to push the work forward as fast as possible.
—A shock of earthquake was felt at Los Angeles, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p. m. It was of short duration, but was quite pronounced while it lasted. Buildings vibrated, and numbers of people ran into the streets.
—The Republique Francaise approves the fresh delay in the naval demonstration, but says that at its expiration the Powers must take energetic action. The same journal also says it would be dangerous for any of the Powers to act separately, and declares that Turkey's duplicity will strengthen European concert.
—A telegram from Smolensk says that 3000 workmen in a factory at Jargero, Poland, have struck against a reduction of wages, and have since committed grave excesses. The Governor, the Chief of the Gendarmerie, and the Public Prosecutor, have gone to the scene, and troops have been dispatched thither.
—The bees in France have attacked the sugar refineries. At the Say manufactory it is calculated that damage to the amount of 25,000 francs is done every year by the bees, who are so indefatigable in revenging themselves on the saccharine interests of mankind that they will empty a large jar full of syrup in less than two hours; and notwithstanding the capture or destruction of two or three bushels of bees a day, their ravages still continue.
—The Examiner and Chronicle announces the fact that Rev. E. P. Adams, of Dunkirk, N. Y., having renounced the doctrine of eternal punishment, "has been deposed from the Presbyterian ministry by the Buffalo Presbytery. The vote was thirty-one to seven." "The pulpit of the Dunkirk church was declared vacant. But there comes in the worst of it. Seven-eighths of the church support Mr. Adams, and another irresponsible, independent church will be the result."
—The murder of Lord Montmorris, in Ireland, has excited a feeling of alarm little short of a panic among all respectable classes. Party differences are for the time discarded in the presence of a common and immediate danger. It is said on all sides, with equal despondency and bitterness, that there is no longer any security for life and property, and nobody can feel safe who ventures to assert his rights or discharge the duties connected with possession, occupation or management of land, if his acts conflict with the interests or prejudices of those with whom he has to deal. The country is drifting into anarchy.
—Turkey, after long dallying with the Powers, turns defiant. A dispatch from Ragusa, Sept. 26, says: "The British Consul arrived with Admiral Seymour. Riza Pasha states that he has no order to surrender Dulcigno, and that an act of war against the Albanians will be regarded as an act of war against Turkey." The Tribune's London special says: "The naval demonstration hangs fire, and Europe anxiously watches every movement of the parties struggling over the cession of a wretched Adriatic village. But every one knows that it is not the intrinsic value of Dulcigno that has brought the power of United Europe to bear in the matter. What is now happening at Dulcigno is but a sample of what will take place on a larger scale on the frontiers of Greece, and what may involve the most sanguinary continental war since Waterloo, should the rebellious elements stirred up by the Turks to thwart the will of Europe finally break loose from the Sultan's feeble control and spread anarchy and massacre throughout his dissolving Empire. From Scutari to Bagdad there is not a tribe that is not ready to throw off its allegiance to the Padishah, and the revolt of almost anyone of them would cause a disturbance which would vibrate throughout every nation in Europe."
BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS.
Constitutional Amendment. Condensed, 336 pp. 40 cts.
Sanctuary and 2300 Days. Condensed, 224 pp. 30 cts.
Facts for the Times. A collection of valuable extracts from eminent authors. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Eleven Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 226 pp. 25 cts.
United States in Prophecy. 200 pp. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 184 pp. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of Nature and Revelation. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the coming and kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 20 cts.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God, its Gifts and Manifestations to the end of the Christian age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14:6-12. Particularly the third angel's message and the two-horned beast. By J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Two Laws, as set forth in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. 96 pp. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts. 128 pp. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers of the First Three Centuries Concerning the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 112 pp. 15 cts.
Matthew Twenty-Four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts.
The Sunday Seventh-Day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject, as set forth in Revelation, Chaps. 8 and 9. 96 pp. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. The nature and obligation of the Sabbath. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian church to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts.
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 48 pp. 10 cts.
Hope of the Gospel. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. 86 pp. 10 cts.
Christ and the Sabbath; or, Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White. 56 pp. 10 cts.
Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of Redemption in its three stages. 48 pp. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan; or, Thoughts Suggested by the Perusal of Gilfillan and other Authors on the Sabbath. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Appeal to the Baptists for the Restitution of the Bible Sabbath. 46 pp. 10 cts.
Review of Baird. A review of two sermons against the Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventists. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four objections considered. 88 pp. 10 cts.
Life of Christ, in six pamphlets. By Mrs. Ellen G. White:—
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry. 104 pp. 10 cts.
" 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness. 96 pp. 15 cts.
" 3. His Teachings and Parables. 126 pp. 15 cts.
" 4. His Mighty Miracles. 128 pp. 10 cts.
" 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion. 96 pp. 10 cts.
" 6. His Resurrection and Ascension. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Life of the Apostles, in two pamphlets:—
No. 1. The Ministry of Peter. 80 pp. 10 cts.
" 2. The Teachings of Paul. 80 pp. 10 cts.
Bible Lessons on Prophecy. The Lessons for Bible Classes as issued with the Youth's Instructor for 1879. 10 cts.
-- 16 pages, 2 cents each. Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Spirit of Prophecy—The Old Moral Code not Revised—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Judgment—Much in Little—The Millennium—The Two Laws—Seven Reasons—The Definite Seventh Day—Departing and Being with Christ—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Elihu on the Sabbath—First Message of Rev. 14—The Law and the Gospel.
HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE TRACTS.
Startling Facts about Tobacco. A description of the evil effects of tobacco-using. 32 pp. 4 cts.
Tea and Coffee. A careful statement of the objections to the use of these popular beverages. 32 pp. 4 cts.
Wine and the Bible. A demonstration that the Bible in no degree sustains the habitual use of alcoholic drinks of any sort. 24 pp. 3 cts.
Alcoholic Medication. A protest against the wholesale employment of alcoholic compounds in the form of bitters, tonics, blood purifiers, etc. 16 pp. 2 cts.
Pork. This tract exposes the filthy scavenger in all his uncleanness. 16 pp. 2 cts.
The Drunkard's Arguments Answered. Leaves no excuse for tipplers. 16 pp. 2 cts.
Cause and Cure of Intemperance. 8 pp. 1 ct.
Moral and Social Effects of Intemperance. A forcible statement of facts and statistics. 8 pp. 1 ct.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California.
California Conference Report Delayed
By Editor
The Secretary of the California Conference was not able to furnish his report in time for this week's paper.
The Time of Christ’s Last Passover
By Editor
As to the time when our Saviour ate his last passover, there is a difficulty which good authors scarcely profess to solve. Not considering it of importance we have not made much effort to solve it. This to an inquirer.
RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.
By James White
It was announced last June that the trustees intended to make such improvements as would render it first class in its appliances as a sanitarium. We regret that they have not been enabled to do so this season. For this reason, we ceased to advertise it in the SIGNS as such. As a resort, for health and beauty, we do not know its equal. We earnestly hope that steps may be taken which will insure its being opened for treating invalids early next spring. Boarders are still received, and good bathing facilities are afforded. We know it is a pleasant place to visit, and pleasant in which to spend weeks, for we have tried it.
J. H. W.
ACCIDENT AT OAKLAND WHARF.
A SPECIAL train from Sacramento, having on board the First Regiment, National Guard, passed Oakland about 7:30, P. M., Sept. 26. While running at high speed the locomotive struck an open switch, near the wharf, and plunged into the bay. It was followed by the tender, which stood up and acted as a fender, thus preventing the passenger cars from going down. The engineer went down with the locomotive, imprisoned in the cab. No other life was lost.