As an example of either ignorance or wickedness, the following from the Union Signal of July 20, exceeds anything which we have seen lately:—
“How do you know that Saturday is the Sabbath which God commands you to keep? You refer us to the fourth commandment and the creation. Very well; but in the changing of calendars it is a simple impossibility that a regular succession of seventh days could be traced back to creation. Within the memory of the last generation a jump of eleven days was made in changing from Old Style to New Style, and as eleven is not a multiple of seven this must have disarranged the succession of Sabbaths. Many such changes have been made.”
We were not aware before that the last generation extended back to 1582, but such must have been the case if this item from the Union Signal is correct, for it was in that year that the change was made from Old to New Style. Upon this subject, the “American Cyclopedia,” vol. 3, page 579 says:
“This calendar of Julius Caesar is still used in the Russian empire, and was in use in all Europe till 1582. Its error consists in giving the year a length of 365 1-2 days, which is about 11 minutes too much, an error which has now amounted to about 12 days. Pope Gregory XIII. ordered Oct. 5, 1582, to be called the 15th, and that all centennial years which are not multiples of 400 should not be made leap years; thus 1600 was a leap year and 2000 will be the next that falls on a centenary year. This is called the Gregorian calendar, and is at present used in all Christian countries except Russia.”
There has been no change made in the calendar since that made by Pope Gregory, our W. C. T. U. friends to the contrary notwithstanding. And every intelligent person knows that no change was even then made in the days of the week. This is proved by the fact that the New Style was adopted in Rome 169 years before it was adopted in England, but the two nations were in the meantime in perfect agreement upon the days of the week. If further evidence of this were necessary it would be furnished in the fact that Russia has not yet adopted the New Style, yet her week agrees with that of the other nations. But why pursue the subject farther? for, as before remarked, every intelligent person knows that there is absolutely no foundation whatever for the statements so confidently made in the Union Signal. It is a wonder to us that any paper would publish such statements. That a paper managed by Christian women should do so, is utterly inexplicable.
AFTER Saul had been anointed king by Samuel, he quietly went back to his own home, apparently feeling confident that God, in his own good time, would publicly show his approval of the choice which had privately been made according to his instruction. This approval was made manifest in the lot being caused to fall upon Saul, who was thus shown to be the choice of the Lord, and was accepted as such by the people. When the spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and enabled him to so control the forces of Israel that Nahash and his army of Ammonites were defeated, the fear of the Lord fell upon the people, and all Israel went to Gilgal and solemnly renewed their vows of allegiance to Saul before the Lord.
SAMUEL took advantage of this occasion to publicly retire from office, not, however, without first briefly recounting to the people, the way in which God had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies from the time he had brought them out of the land of Egypt. Samuel also referred to his own connection with them, and vindicated himself from any unjust accusation which might be brought against him; not so much from personal motives, doubtless, as from a desire to show the children of Israel that, in all his past work in their behalf he had been laboring for their best interests, and that in this change of affairs, he still desired to see them prospered and the cause of God advanced.
ONE point in Samuel's address seems to imply more than the words express. "I am old and gray-headed." He had grown gray in their service, and yet, in all his years of anxiety and care for the people, he had maintained his integrity before the Lord. Age generally indicates experience, and a long life spent in the service of the Master afforded a reasonable promise that his remaining years would witness no departure from this rule. Had he been unfaithful at heart, it would have showed itself by this time.
CHARACTER may be properly said to be accumulative. The grace of God can so transform a man's heart that he becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus at once, but this does not give him a new character. It only places him in a position of acceptance with the Lord; a position in which he is free to form a pure and righteous character, but it does not give him the character itself. This is something which must yet be developed. And this developing of character is what constitutes the life work of every child of God. It was the development of true character during all the experiences of life that gave weight to the words of Samuel on this occasion.
THE similarity between Samuel and Moses is quite striking in many particulars. When the Israelites had so provoked God to anger that he was ready to destroy them, Moses, while not upholding their wrong, interceded for them as though they were his own flesh and blood. So it was with Samuel also. He could not see the Israelites take the course they did in desiring a king, and thus rejecting the Lord, without bearing a most decided testimony against them. And yet, it was reproof mingled with pity and love. And when, by means of the unseasonable and unlooked-for storm of thunder and rain, which showed God's manifest displeasure, the people were led to acknowledge their sins and beseech Samuel to pray for them, this noble servant of God only had words of tenderness and help for them. After exhorting them to walk in the way of the Lord with all their hearts, he said, "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." Verse 23. Even though they forsook God, he would still follow them and plead with and for them, by means of Samuel his servant.
ARE we abusing the mercies of the Lord to-day, dear reader? Are we trampling any of his word or will under our unhallowed feet? If so, may he help us to turn to him with sincere repentance, in faith believing in the merits of his dear Son, whose blood alone can cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness. The interest Samuel felt for the children of Israel was nothing to be compared with the interest Christ has for us. He loves us because he has bought us with his own precious blood. He has infinitely greater claims upon us than anyone else can have. May we heed his gentle counsel, and walk in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. J. W. SCOLES.
Tithes and Offerings.
GOD REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS.
(Lesson 7, August 17, 1889.)
1. For what purpose did Christ sanctify himself?
"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:19.
2. By what means are we to be sanctified?
"Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." Verse 17.
3. What is it to sanctify anything?
"And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it." "And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it; whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death; there shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live; when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount." Ex. 19:23, 12, 13.
4. When a person is thus sanctified, what work will be wrought in him?
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5.
5. Upon what will his mind dwell?
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things 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.
6. What was the law respecting the sanctifying of a man's substance to the Lord? Lev. 27:14-19.
7. If he chose to exchange that which he had sanctified, how much was he to add to it?
Ib.
8. Could that which had been sanctified be taken back, and no equivalent be given?
"Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord. None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death." Lev. 27:28, 29.
9. Does the Lord require men to devote their substance to his service, and make offerings to him?
"Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared." Ps. 76:11.
10. Under what circumstances do men usually make vows?
"I will go into thy house with burnt offerings; I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble." Ps. 66:13, 14.
11. When God delivers his people from trouble, are they not under obligations to pay their vows?
"Thy vows are upon me, O God; I will render praises unto thee; for thou hast delivered my soul from death; wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" Ps. 56:12, 13.
12. When a vow or promise was made to give unto God, what was the offering called?
"When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth." Deut. 23:21-23.
13. When a man questions the vow he has made, and appropriates it otherwise, what does it become to him?
"It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry." Prov. 20:25.
14. When such promises are not regarded, what is such a sacrifice called?
"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few." Eccl. 5:1, 2.
15. What judgment is threatened against those who disregard such vows?
"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?" Verses 4-6.
16. Who among the apostles made a consecration of his possessions?
"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." Acts 4:36, 37.
17. What shows that twenty-six years later Barnabas labored with his hands to support himself?
"Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" "If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." 1 Cor. 9:6, 7, 12.
"Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you; not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us." 2 Thess. 3:8, 9.
18. What other persons consecrated a certain possession?
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession." Acts 5:1.
19. In keeping back part of the price, what sin did they commit?
"And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God?" Verses 2-4.
20. What was the result of this sin? Verses 5-10.
21. What will give us confidence to ask God to deliver us in the time of trouble?474"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Ps. 50:14, 15.
22. Are such acts as keeping back part of our vow any less sinful to-day?
23. Are any of us guilty of the same sin?
NOTES.
By Editor
SANCTIFY means to set apart, or to separate, to a holy use; to devote or consecrate; to cleanse or purify. It was in separating himself from all worldly honor and emoluments, devoting himself to the salvation of man, that Jesus sanctified himself. It is through the truth and Spirit of God that his followers are sanctified. John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:1. That is, the truth points out a different path than that of the world. The way of the world is the way of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. 1 John 2:16. But God's word forbids this. Titus 2:11-14. Therefore, if the individual obeys through the regenerating and vivifying power of the Spirit of God, he walks in an opposite path, he follows a different way. Was he a covetous man before he united with Christ? The truth forbids covetousness by enjoining liberality. It separates from the covetous disposition, and purifies the character. And so it is with every defect of character.
SANCTIFICATION may be used in a double sense. There is an instantaneous sanctification; there is progressive sanctification. The setting apart of institutions or things, as the Sabbath, for instance, is an instantaneous transaction. When God gave the command for the observance of the seventh day to Adam, it was that moment set apart forever for a sacred use. So man can, through the grace of God, consecrate, devote, or yield himself, wholly to God at one time, so far as regards his will and purpose. He makes no reserve, he gives himself wholly to God. But so far as character is concerned, sanctification is a progressive work. He has built in his former life, by worldly habits, a worldly character. His flesh—his nerves, his muscles—acts in harmony with this character, many times, without volition. Man does not know all these defects in his character till temptation or trial reveals them. Then the worldly is put away; the individual separates from that which is contrary to truth; and thus day by day he sanctifies his faculties, separates from the world, and purifies his character. This constant, progressive sanctification, purification, or growth, is a strong proof of the genuineness of the sanctification of the will, or the consecration of the whole man to God, at the beginning of his true Christian experience.
THIS meeting and overcoming in the trials which come after regeneration, will be the Christian's warfare. Old imaginations will rise up against the knowledge of God received from his word through the enlightening power of his Spirit, but they will be cast down by the weapons not carnal. The old thoughts which we formerly loved to dwell upon will again arise for the mastery, but they will be crushed out by the thoughts of faith and hope and righteousness, the thoughts of God expressed in his word. There is no such thing as negative holiness or purity. If bad thoughts are to be expelled from the mind, if bad habits are to be overcome, the opposite good must be firmly planted in their place. He who only seeks to put away the evil will find himself like the man out of whom was cast the demon. His empty selfish heart invites seven demons more wicked than the first.
Vow comes from the Latin votum, which signifies "a solemn promise made to some deity." Wherever used in the Bible, whether as a verb or noun, it refers to solemn promises made to the Lord. It sometimes refers to promises concerning that which God commands or forbids; but this is not properly a vow. No promise of ours can make an obligation stronger. It is our duty to do what God has commanded us, whether we promise to do so or not. A promise to so perform renders us more culpable before men, because it is a virtual acknowledgment of our obligation. But God reads the heart and understands the motives. And if he has made plain a sacred obligation to us, our promise will not make our obligation more sacred.
Vows generally are promises to do what the Lord has not commanded, or made obligatory upon us by written law. Laws are given concerning the obligation of vows and manner of executing them, but it is not said what we shall vow. This God leaves with us.
MEN generally vow when in trouble, or when delivered from some great trouble. In the former case the vow is often suggested through conviction of unfaithfulness in the past; in the latter case, it springs from gratitude awakened by deliverance. Ofttimes true Christian principles underlie neither; the first kind of vow is excited through fear; the latter through impulse, and as soon as the trouble is past, or the emotion has subsided, the conscience is stifled and the vow forgotten. Sometimes the enemy is permitted to hedge up the way because of an unwise course in other directions; but he who truly vows will remember the vow, and by God's help pay it.
AN inclination to not pay vows made to the Lord ought to lead to searching of heart. If we vowed to God in a day of trouble, or in a day of deliverance, or in a time of spiritual awakening, let us not go back and question whether we ought to have made the vow. If the spirit of God prompted it, it certainly ought to be paid, and God will give us help so to do. Do not say it was an error, but with gratitude of heart to God, pay that which your lips have uttered.
AFTER all, the Christian owes all to God. Oh, for that higher conception which realizes this. We are blood-bought, body and soul. All belongs to God. How, then, ought we to labor and plan for him "who gave himself for us." M. C. W.
The following from "Testimonies to the Church," Vol. 4, pp. 462-4, are directly to the point:—
"The brief but terrible history of Ananias and Sapphira is traced by the pen of inspiration for the benefit of all who profess to be the followers of Christ. With others, Ananias and his wife Sapphira had the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. The power of God attended the word spoken, and deep conviction rested upon all present. The softening influence of the grace of God had the effect upon their hearts to cause them to release their selfish hold upon their earthly possessions. While under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, they made a pledge to give to the Lord certain lands; but when they were no longer under this heavenly influence, the impression was less forcible, and they began to question and draw back from fulfilling the pledge which they had made. They thought that they had been too hasty, and wished to reconsider the matter. Thus a door was opened by which Satan at once entered, and gained control of their minds.
"This case should be a warning to all to guard against the first approach of Satan. Covetousness was first cherished; then, ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated and pledged to God, deception was practiced. They talked the matter over together, and deliberately decided to withhold a part of the price of the land. When convicted of their falsehood their punishment was instant death. They knew that the Lord, whom they had defrauded, had searched them out; for Peter said: 'Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? while it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.'
"God, in his wise plans, has made the advancement of his cause dependent upon the personal efforts of his people, and upon their free-will offerings. By accepting the co-operation of man in the great plan of redemption, he has placed a signal honor upon him. The minister cannot preach except he be sent. The work of dispensing light does not rest upon ministers alone. Every person, upon becoming a member of the church, pledges himself to be a representative of Christ by living out the truth he professes. The followers of Christ should carry forward the work which he left for them to do when he ascended into Heaven."
The Missionary.
By G. W. Davis
WORK IN THE NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
THE writer, after having organized a church at Wilkeson, Washington Territory, and visited other churches and scattered brethren, met Elder E. P. Daniels at Tacoma, at which place we held one week's meetings, with a very good attendance. All felt benefited by the meetings, and many good confessions were made.
The next place visited was Victoria, British Columbia, at which place Elder H. W. Reed, assisted by Brethren Baxter and David Fulton, are holding a tent-meeting, with very good results. Victoria is a new field. We assisted them in their labors for a few days, and feel sure that God has a people there. Some have already signed the covenant to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and others are interested. We feel very anxious about the work in this field, knowing that whatever influence the Message has on the people in Victoria, will be felt by others; and we feel that in Brother Reed and his co-laborers we have those who will use all their God-given powers to gather sheaves for the heavenly garner. We especially ask the prayers of God's people in their behalf.
We next visited the Seattle church. The dear Lord came very near. Many put away their sins by confessing them, and at the close of the meeting fifteen went forward in baptism. We only remained here a few days, and then went to the Beaverton church in Oregon, at which place we held one week's meeting, with glorious results. The precious Spirit of God came in in a wonderful manner, and there was a breaking down in tears and heart-felt confessions. Old wrongs were made right, not only in the church, but with our Methodist and Congregational brethren, who attended our meetings, and felt blessed in doing so. Our church at Beaverton being too small to accommodate the congregation, the pastor of the Congregational Church kindly tendered us his church, which was larger. We readily accepted it, and it was so crowded that many had to stand in the passage-way475and vestibule. The dear Lord came very near in those meetings, and all sectional feeling was laid aside, all seeking only the precious truths of God's word. All joined in a song of praise and thanksgiving for the blessings enjoyed. We shall never forget the kindness shown us at Beaverton.
At the close of the meetings twenty-six went forward in baptism. All praise to our heavenly Father, from whom all blessings flow.
The writer left Elder Daniels and Brother Leland at Portland, returning to his labors at Seattle. Brother Daniels continues the work at St. Johns and Salem, Oregon, after which he will return to his home in Fresno, Cal., having been away from home, working in the North Pacific and Upper Columbia Conferences, since May 14, his labors having been incessant and unselfish, and a part of the time his dear family has been dangerously ill. May the blessing of God attend his labors in all fields to which he may be sent, is the prayer of the writer.
G. W. DAVIS.
SAN JOSE, CAL.
By John Norton Loughborough
SABBATH, July 6, I was with the church in San Jose, it being the time of their regular quarterly meeting. There was a very full attendance of the membership to respond to the roll-call, and take part in the ordinances. This is as it should be. Those who absent themselves from the house of God, at the time when there is an opportunity to show anew their faith in the crucified Redeemer who died in their behalf, virtually, it seems to me, intimate that the efficacy of his blood for them is of no great moment. If they absent themselves because they feel that they have committed sins that separate between them and the Lord,—there is no better place or time to confess those sins, and get right in the sight of God, than at the feet of their brethren and sisters, and around the table of the Lord. I enjoyed a precious season with the San Jose church at this quarterly meeting, in attending their Sabbath-school, speaking to them, and then in the afternoon, taking part with them in the communion service.
During the last six months the church in San Jose has erected a house of worship 32x50 feet with a projected entry-way. Ten feet are cut off the back part of the house by folding doors, so as to be used for two classrooms for the smaller classes of the Sabbath-school, leaving, when so used, an auditorium 30x40 feet, or, by folding back the doors, in a moment, it becomes a room 32x50. It is very conveniently designed.
The house was occupied for the first time on this quarterly-meeting occasion. The painting was not completed, and only a portion of the seats were in, but it will now be used as their place of meeting, and soon be entirely completed. The members of this church are nearly all in very moderate circumstances financially, but have taken hold nobly to erect the house. The Lord has blessed and prospered the enterprise, far above their most sanguine anticipations when they began. I was told by the leader of the church that what they had done was all paid for, so that there was no debt upon the house. They only owe for the lot, some $300. But that will not burden them, as they have ample time, by simply paying the interest. Another lift, a few months hence, with the kind of zeal that so harmoniously erected the house, will clear their debt.
It was in the year 1874 that the present truth was first presented in San Jose; and it was under rather peculiar circumstances. It was at the time of the election campaign, I think, in the month of July of that year, when the question of local option—license or no license—was agitating California. The temperance people of San Jose rented our new 60-foot double-top tent for the ten days' temperance meetings which just preceded the election. After the election was over, Elder Cornell and another of our ministers got the use of the ground on which the tent stood, and the use of the seats already in the tent, and gave a series of discourses on the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists. This was followed by another meeting in Santa Clara. As the result quite a company was raised up, and a church was soon organized in San Jose. Unfortunately, among those professing the truth, were some turbulent spirits who thought more of their own opinions and ways than they did of the harmony and prosperity of the work. This fostered in the church more or less a spirit of selfish independence inimical to the harmony and prosperity of any cause. As other efforts have been made from time to time, and new ones have accepted the truth, these first discordant elements have been either crowded out, or to a large extent have died out. There seems to be more peace among those now constituting the church. If these press together in love, and in the fear of the Lord, there will indeed be better times.
Another difficulty the church has had to contend with, has been the lack of a suitable place of worship, having had to hold their meetings in inconvenient halls, or private house, or in later times, in the vestry of a church, and that not always at the most convenient times, has proved decidedly disadvantageous to the work. The ministers who visited them could seldom get a chance to give more than one public discourse, and that upon the Sabbath day. Now that they have a house of their own, conveniently located, just off a street railway, I do not see why, if they humbly trust in God, and go forward in his work, with proper help, the San Jose church may not expect the cause to prosper in their midst. The Lord grant it so to be is the prayer of J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
RUSSELL, KANSAS.
By C. P. Haskell, O. S. Ferren
It may be of interest to the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to know that the cause is progressing in Kansas. We hear of good results from different laborers, and we can say the Lord is giving us such marked evidence of his willingness to hear the humble prayers of his children, that we have nothing but words of encouragement to offer.
Nearly five weeks ago we came to this place, which is the county seat of Russell County, and pitched our tents. We secured lots in the best part of town, surrounded by five churches, all within two blocks of us. We have, up to this writing, held meetings every night but two.
The first two or three nights our congregations consisted mostly of young and curious people. The Holiness and Salvation people had preceded us, and we were at first looked upon with suspicion, but people soon found that no particular sensation was to be created, and our congregation was soon made up of the best class of people in town.
The Lord blessed the weak instruments in presenting the truth, and people became interested to a remarkable degree. The probate judge, county attorney, and sheriff have been in attendance nearly every night. Another very intelligent family, who have leisure and facilities, have done but little else than to study since our meetings began. They have been devout Christians, and firm believers in the second coming of Christ. They think they will keep both days.
The judge told us last evening that he thought the seventh day was the Sabbath. We have tried to point him to a risen Saviour who can help him in carrying out the divine will of God.
Some have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are halting between two opinions. The ministers have done much to detract from our meetings by urging their members to keep away, and saying that they could abundantly satisfy any troubled mind, and as soon as we go away, and all cause for controversy (which they say is wrong) is over, they will speak on these subjects.
Believing God has a people here in Russell, we are here to stay till they are developed. We feel like praising God for his goodness to us.
C. P. HASKELL,
O. S. FERREN.
Make Good Use of Time
By Quarles
Make good use of time if thou carest for eternity. Yesterday cannot be recalled, to-morrow cannot be assured; only to-day is thine, which if thou procrastinate thou losest, and which lost is lost forever. One to-day is worth two to-morrows.—Quarles.
WHY DESPAIR?
THE work done for and by Laura Bridgman, whose recent death has again brought her before the public, should encourage all who are trying to educate others or themselves not to despair. Why should they? If one who was deprived of hearing, sight, and speech could become so accomplished, why should those despair who are in possession of all the senses. The Independent has the following reference to this wonderful case:—
"Miss Laura Bridgman, the blind deaf-mute, left behind her many warm friends, as well as those acquaintances interested in her wonderful personal history and affliction. She was only eight years old when taken to the South Boston Asylum, and there she remained until her death. Dr. Howe, assisted by Miss Drew, began her first lesson by giving her the word knife, which was printed in raised letters on a slip of paper. Then a knife was given to her. By repeating this process with other articles she was led to understand what words represented. Then she learned to spell, and at the end of a year her first writing-lesson was given her. At the time of her decease she was not merely an educated woman, but one of accomplishments and cultivated tastes; a perpetual example of what can be done in the field of deaf-mute instruction."
"IN THE BATTLE."
By Julia H. Johnston
"I'VE finished Kings, mother. Of course I'll have to skip Chronicles!"
Elsie Raymond sat by the open window, Bible in hand, ready for her Sabbath afternoon reading, and thus appealed to her mother, who passed through the room as the young girl found her place.
"Why do you say 'of course,' my dear? The Chronicles were written to be read," and the mother paused a moment at her daughter's side.
"Look at those names! Just all names!" exclaimed Elsie, with a sort of explosion. "What's the use?" And the little puckers in her forehead were astonishing to see. They asked a dozen questions at once.
"Well," said Mrs. Raymond indulgently, "I will not make you begin with 'Adam, Seth, Enoch,' but you may take the fourth and fifth chapters to-day. There are things in them that will help you, if you use them. You may not understand, my child," the mother went on, "why I insist upon your reading the Bible through in course, but I know it is a good plan. I finished it, for the first time, long before I was your age, and so did your father. I cannot talk to you more now, for I must go to the little ones. You may see what you can find in your chapters," and the mother left the room.
"It's all because I'm a minister's daughter and granddaughter, back to Methuselah," said Elsie to herself. "I don't believe the other girls read the Chronicles!"
But this had nothing to do with the case, and the brown head soon bent over the page. It was not such a great hardship after all. The soft June air brought a faint scent of roses through the window. A bird sang in a tree near by. It was all so sweet and quiet everywhere that Elsie felt that she ought to be gentle and lovely herself. She read her chapters through, though she thought it a mistake about there being anything in them, and then she had a little thinking-time.
"If that Madge Hartley makes me angry to-morrow, it will be just horrid. Why can't she let me alone, I wonder? The tease!" So ran her reflections, ending with the resolution to "try to keep her temper all week, in spite of everything." Then little Floy came in, and the quiet time was over.
"Am I a Soldier of the Cross," rang out the young voices in the parsonage next day, at morning prayers. "Sure I must fight, if I would reign," sang Elsie, with great vigor, and feeling quite like a soldier, as she thought of her enemy, hasty temper, and determined that it should not get the better of her. Afterward she said, "Amen," very sincerely to her father's prayer that "the Great Captain would give them the victory over sin that very day."
Madge Hartley overtook her a few steps from the school-house, and Elsie chatted with her in a friendly way, as they passed in together. The girls were fairly good friends, but Madge was such a mischief that she bubbled over in teasing ways. She loved to see Elsie's dark eyes flash, and her funny little curls bob about in a breezy fashion they had when she was vexed. Then she was so easily teased, and stormed at such a rate, that it was "great fun," Madge said, "just to stir her up about nothing."
Matters went very well with Elsie this day until after school, for she had nothing to try her. But on the way home several of the girls stopped to rest in Hattie Sheldon's yard, and, in the midst of a lively talk, Madge turned suddenly and said to her touchy schoolmate, "Why didn't you report to-night, miss? I saw you whisper."
"I had permission, you mean thing. You heard me ask," retorted Elsie, roused in an instant.
"I didn't, either," said Madge, "and I guess you took the answers into the arithmetic class, too."
"I never did, never!" exclaimed Elsie, hotly. "You know better."
"Oh, indeed! Not in your head? Well, you ought to have done it, then," laughed Madge, teasingly, "but I'm sure I saw you look in your book."
This touched Elsie in a tender point, for she was an honorable girl. Her eyes fairly blazed.
"You horrid thing," she said, with rising temper.
"Before the class, of course," said Madge, mockingly, "not in recitation. I never said so."
It was such a little beginning for a quarrel, but it was easy to make Elsie furious, and the other girls took sides, till there was a disgraceful war of words, though none knew just what the accusations had been. Finally, Elsie broke away and rushed home. Her mother saw her heated face as she came in, and drew from her by gentle questionings the whole day's history, its resolute beginning and its humiliating close.
"Dear child," she said, smoothing the rumpled curls, "if you had read your Chronicles carefully yesterday, you would have known how to win victory to-day."
Elsie looked up with surprise and doubt in her face. "I never saw any such thing," she said.
"That does not prove that it is not there," returned the mother, smiling. "Bring your Bible and open it to 1 Chron. 5:20. Elsie obeyed. "Now see," said Mrs. Raymond, "how the Israelites defeated the Hagerites in time of war."
The young girl read, in thoughtful tone: "And they were helped against them, and the Hagerites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them, for they cried to God in the battle and he was entreated of them because they put their trust in him."
"You see, daughter, that they cried for help in the very time of need."
"It was a queer place for a prayer-meeting, in the midst of a battle," said Elsie, slowly. "I wonder that they thought of it then."
"That is the very thing," said her mother. "They did think of it, they did it, and were helped. It is well to be on guard, but the very minute that we need help is a good time to ask and receive it. One little upward thought, one cry to God, in the midst of the battle to-day, would have quieted your rising temper, I think, if you had tried it."
"I did not think," said Elsie, and hid her face while the gentle voice went on:—
"All scripture is profitable, dear. Remember the battle with the Hagerites, told in Chronicles. And let me give you a bit of advice which I like, from a quaint old writer: 'Do not forget the short dagger of ejaculatory prayer, when there is no time to draw out the long sword of a formal prayer.'" Then feeling that she had said enough, mother left Elsie to think it over.—Julia H. Johnston, in Interior.