Earlier text: THE CAMP-MEETING IN VICTORIAAs I have never contributed anything for the Woman's Page, I would like to tell my experience, trusting it may encourage some isolated sister. I was the only Adventist in our small city, and made it a part of my work to visit the jail and workhouse, supplying the inmates with reading matter, and keeping the rack filled in the depot. I had distributed thousands of pages of literature in this way, but I had seen no fruit of my work, and like many others I desired to know if some one had been benefited, or had become interested in the truth, through the papers I had distributed; but I could learn of no one who had. Finally, when the prisoners' number of the Life Boat came out last year, I decided to supply the prisoners in the workhouse and jail with them. About four months afterward I was joyfully surprised to learn that one boy had been so impressed with it that when his time expired, through the kindness of friends he was going to one of our Seventh-day Adventist schools. I had also been carrying on a missionary correspondence, and you can imagine my joy when the lady I had been writing to fully accepted the truth, and was baptized at one of our camp-meetings. She is still firm in the truth, although she is separated from all of like faith. But still I was not satisfied. I wanted to see some fruit of my work at home. I had been holding Bible readings with a family, had talked to others, and although I tried to be faithful, I was almost discouraged. I could not see any good I was doing or had done. I seemed to forget that it was ours to sow beside all waters and leave the results with the Lord. About this time some canvassers came here to work, and soon afterward one of them told me he had gone into one woman's house to canvass her for a book, and when he showed her the image, of Daniel 2, she exclaimed, “Oh, Mrs. B—— told me all about that, and I believe the coming of the Lord is near.” The result was that she and her daughter subscribed for eleven or thirteen of our books, and I think she has bought two or three more since then. When this canvasser went to see her a short time ago, she told him that she believed the truth, and was going to keep the coming Saturday as her first Sabbath. She said she knew it would conflict with her husband's work and hers, but she was going to do all the work she could on Friday, and keep the Sabbath the best she could. I can only say, Praise the Lord. After this my motto shall be, “We walk by faith, and not by sight.” To sisters who are trying to interest others in the truth, or do missionary work in the little time they can spare from household duties, I would say, Do not get discouraged. The all-seeing eye of the Father notices every act done for him, no matter how humble and small it seems to us; and he has promised that we shall reap if we faint not. Parents Playing with Children
By Helen Raymond Wells
THERE are so many things that parents must care about in the proper maintenance of their families that they find it a necessity to abandon many of their youthful accomplishments and pleasures, rather taking credit to themselves for ‘settling down’ into staid and steady-going old folks. That is all very well for them, but there is danger of their ‘settling down’ too far into deep ruts that disqualify them from entering into the lives of their own children. They have ‘put away childish things’ so far into their past that they have nothing whatever in common with children. ‘One is no older than he feels,’ it is said, and by that standard of measurement many people we know never grow old. They keep a young heart—a heart that consequently draws the young. An interest may not be feigned, either. It must be genuine, or a child will surely detect the false ring. I know no better way for the parents to establish this true sympathy for their children than to be children with them. You have no idea, until you try, what a rejuvenating effect it will have to play with them. The happiest homes I know are those in which the habit prevails of having a play after the evening meal before the smallest children go to bed and the older ones to their studies, and where in consequence the very highest opinion and greatest love prevail among these happy young folks for their parents, frequently thus expressed: ‘Mamma’s just like a girl, and papa is as good as any boy;’ and the children are just as ready to confide in the parents as if they were children. The sympathy acquired by the parent in entering into the child’s interests may be sustained by admitting the child in his larger growth into the parents’ interests. Almost any boy or girl will feel complimented to be admitted into the parents’ confidence. He will appreciate confidential talks in which he is made acquainted with the aims and plans of his parents, and by which means an interest on the child’s part in the occupations and efforts of the parents is established that means comradeship of a most enjoyable and beneficial nature. The sympathy engendered by this exchange of confidences serves as a bond that holds young men and women to their homes and from detrimental outside influences. A correct knowledge of the family finances will keep them from extravagant expenditures, inspire them with a wish to aid the parents in their efforts to accumulate, and, if necessary, to economize means, and also induce them to make the most of their opportunities in acquiring an education and choosing an avocation; and, more than all, fire them with a noble ambition that their lives be well and worthily spent.—Helen Raymond Wells, in the New Crusade. A WOMAN'S PRAYER.
By Anna B. Baldwin
O LORD, who knowest every need of mine,
Help me to bear each cross and not repine;
Grant me fresh courage every day,
Help me to do my work alway
Without complaint! O Lord, thou knowest well how dark the way,
Guide thou my footsteps, lest they stray;
Give me fresh faith for every hour,
Lest I should ever doubt thy power
And make complaint! Give me a heart, O Lord, strong to endure,
Help me to keep it simple, pure;
Make me unselfish, helpful, true
In every act, whate’er I do,
And keep content! Help me to do my woman’s share,
Make me courageous, strong to bear
Sunshine or shadow in my life;
Sustain me in the daily strife
To keep content! —Anna B. Baldwin, in Ladies’ Home Journal. EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
I AM observing the twelve o’clock hour of prayer each day, and the Lord is greatly blessing me in so doing. I spread out the REVIEW before me, and after praying for our work and workers, I take those for whom special requests are made one by one, and present their cases before the Lord, and also a large list of my own friends. I do believe the time of answering will surely come. I have been wondering if those who are trying to break off evil habits have been fully instructed as to how they can get rid of them. And then I have wondered if the wives and mothers are doing all in their power by placing the right kind of food before those dear ones to help them overcome the evil habits. I fully believe that the Lord co-operates with human effort. The following encouraging report comes from the secretary of the Woman’s Work among the German sisters:— I am very busy now in my work. With this mail I send out many letters containing the German supplies, so that the number of German names and addresses now reaches five hundred and seventy-six, among which are thirty not of our faith, to whom I sent the supplies at the request of others. She also sends a few extracts from correspondence which she has translated from the German language, as follows:— Your letter encouraged me in many ways, and strengthened my faith. Oh, I am so glad that the work is started among our women. I believe much good can be done. The Lord will keep us sisters responsible for the continuation of the work, and I for my part will do what the Lord requires of me. When I go into my room at the noontide hour of prayer, and in the spirit see my sisters kneel down with me, I receive strength and courage. It is sad indeed that our dear Sister Henry passed away in the beginning of her work for us, but the Lord knows best. When a mother is called away from her dear ones, the older children lead the household, and help the little ones. Thus we will help each other. I would like to help in this work too, for so many women need comfort. I am not eloquent, but I sow the seed wherever an opportunity offers. A week ago I had a wonderful experience. Our neighbors are English people. The wife became sick very suddenly, and called for me. She said that she had been poisoned, and it seemed that she would die very soon. She implored me to do all I could to keep her alive till the doctor could come. I began at once to give her treatment, praying all the time, and after two hours she seemed to be past all danger. When the doctor came, he said that I had saved her life. She is very much attached to us, and will attend our camp-meeting. “A LARGE class of women are content to hover over the stove, breathing impure air for one half or three fourths of the time, until the brain is heated and half benumbed. They should go out and exercise every day, even though some things indoors have to be neglected. They need the cool air to quiet their distracted brains. They need not go to their neighbors to gossip, but should make it their object to do some good, working to the end of benefiting others. Then they will be an example to others, and receive real benefit themselves.” MARRIAGE WITH UNBELIEVERS.
I have learned of your contemplated marriage with one who is not united with you in religious faith, and I fear you have not carefully weighed this important matter. Before taking a step which is to exert an influence upon all your future life, I urge you to give the subject careful and prayerful deliberation. Will this new relationship prove a source of true happiness? Will it be a help to you in the Christian life? . . . Will your example be a safe one for others to follow? Before giving her hand in marriage, every woman should inquire whether he with whom she is about to unite her destiny is worthy. What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness? Has he the traits of character that will make her happy? Can she find true peace and joy in his affection? Will she be allowed to preserve her individuality? or must her judgment and conscience be surrendered to the control of her husband? As a disciple of Christ, she is not her own; she has been bought with a price. Can she honor the Saviour's claims as supreme? Will body and soul, thoughts and purposes, be preserved pure and holy? These questions have a vital bearing upon the well-being of every woman who enters the marriage relation. Religion is needed in the home. Only this can prevent the grievous wrongs which so often embitter married life. Only where Christ reigns, can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage chamber, Debasing sensuality will be banished. Upward to God will the thoughts be directed; to him will the heart's devotion ascend. The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong enough, nor pure enough, nor precious enough to supply the place of the love of Jesus. Only in her Saviour can the wife find wisdom, strength, and grace to meet the cares, responsibilities, and sorrows of life. She should make him her strength and her guide. Let woman give herself to Christ before giving herself to any earthly friend, and enter into no relation which shall conflict with this. Those who would find true happiness must have the blessing of Heaven upon all that they possess, and all that they do. It is disobedience to God that fills so many hearts and homes with misery. My sister, unless you would have a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not unite yourself with one who is an enemy of God. . . . The Lord commanded ancient Israel not to intermarry with the idolatrous nations around them. . . . In the New Testament there are similar prohibitions concerning the marriage of Christians with the ungodly. . . . Though the companion of your choice were in all other respects worthy, . . . yet he has not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are forbidden of Heaven to unite yourself with him. You can not, without peril to your soul, disregard this divine injunction. You may say, But I have given my promise, and shall I now retract it? I answer, If you have made a promise contrary to the Scriptures, by all means retract it without delay, and in humility before God repent of the infatuation that led you to make so rash a pledge. Far better take back such a promise, in the fear of God, than keep it, and thereby dishonor your Maker. . . . There is in the Christian world an astonishing, alarming indifference to the teaching of God's word in regard to the marriage of Christians with unbelievers. Many who profess to love and fear God choose to follow the bent of their own minds rather than take counsel of Infinite Wisdom. In a matter which vitally concerns the happiness and well-being of both parties, for this world and the next, reason, judgment, and the fear of God are set aside, and blind impulse, stubborn determination, is allowed to control. Men and women who are otherwise sensible and conscientious, close their ears to counsel; they are deaf to the appeals and entreaties of friends and kindred and of the servants of God. The expression of a caution or warning is regarded as impertinent meddling, and the friend who is faithful enough to utter a remonstrance is treated as an enemy. All this is as Satan would have it. He weaves his spell about the soul, and it becomes bewitched, infatuated. Reason lets fall the reins of self-control upon the neck of lust, unsanctified passion bears sway, until, too late, the victim awakens to a life of misery and bondage. . . . In this age of the world, as the scenes of earth's history are soon to close, and we are about to enter upon the time of trouble, such as never was, the fewer the marriages contracted the better for all, both men and women. Above all, when Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, let Christians beware of connecting themselves with unbelievers. God has spoken. All who fear him will submit to his wise injunctions. . . . It is time now that every soul should stand as in the sight of the heart-searching God. . . . May God help you to stand the test, and preserve your integrity. Cling by faith to Jesus. Disappoint not your Redeemer. — “Testimonies for the Church.” PLAY AND PLAYTHINGS.
By Mrs. Luella B. Priddy
Playfulness is inwrought in the very nature of every healthy child, therefore recreation must have an important part in his development. It is an effort to use his God-given faculties to the extent of his physical and mental strength. The playtime of life is the learning-how time. During the first weeks of life, an infant seems to use only those faculties which relate to physical sensations. But after it begins to look around and observe its surroundings, it soon begins to handle and otherwise investigate, in order to learn the use of things. Then the child begins to play, and to imitate the conduct of those who have the care of him. When, by repeated attempts at playing anything, the child reaches that stage of development where he is able to do the real thing, the play is dropped, and the work begins. At least this is the natural process. The child's training may be so entirely wrong that he does not ever want to do the real thing, but prefers to keep up the play, thus leading an aimless, idle life. His little attempts at helpfulness should be encouraged. Master Two-year-old, following papa from the wood pile, with his one small stick in his chubby arms, experiences just as much satisfaction as he will in later years in accomplishing greater things, for he has done his best, and he does not know but that his best is just as great as anyone's can be. The question confronts the Christian parent and teacher, How can I so train the child in my care that he will love industry and study, and how can I teach him to use his mind and heart and hands to God's glory, and not for his own selfish gratification? Does this disposition to play have any bearing on his future well-being? And if so, how can it be directed in proper channels? What does the child do when he plays?—He imitates and investigates. Then it is of the first importance that he see only those things that are worthy of imitation, as he is liable to copy anything he sees done. First of all let loving-kindness, truthfulness, neatness, orderliness, and all of those moral traits that we wish him to possess, be the copy. Then in addition to that he needs the opportunity to develop physical soundness, and a skillful use of his hands, as well as to be trained in those faculties that are considered purely intellectual. Now, what playthings should a child have? The question can easily be settled by considering the object to be gained by their use. Is the toy under consideration one that can really be used in doing things? The child needs tools with which he can work, or imitate work; and if provided with them, will construct many of his own playthings. He should not have so many playthings that he feels no need of using his own invention in constructing things, as they will retard rather than assist development. A little girl spent a rainy morning indoors with a small dry-goods box and an old furniture catalogue. The box she used for a doll327 house, and the furniture she cut from the catalogue, using bright bits of paper for the rugs, etc. She was just as happy as she could have been with a boughten doll house, and at the same time she was taking lessons in skillfulness and ingenuity. The child should learn to find enjoyment in performing the everyday duties that lie in his path, instead of seeking pleasure for his own sake. His tools should be of a proper size to handle. A grown person would find it hard to enjoy gardening with a hoe whose handle was nearly twice as long as he was tall. And if a toy is so small that it is of no practical use, the child soon tires of it, and it is left lying around in everyone's way, and a habit of carelessness in caring for his belongings is encouraged. It is good for the child to come in contact with mother earth. The mystery of swelling seeds and growing plants is a wonder and a delight to him, and he can be taught very early to look to God as the Author of it all. He will enjoy having some little spot where he can dig all he pleases, and plant seeds to his heart's content. If he can not have a bit of ground for the purpose, a box of earth and a few seeds would be better than no garden. When God made our first parents, he made them a home, and planted a garden, and taught them how to keep it. So the home-making trades,—building and planting,—are a relic of the sinless state, and they are also to exist in the future life (see Isa. 65: 21, 22), and we can hardly find a position where the knowledge of them is not valuable, even in this life. The man or woman who has not learned to utilize the resources of nature, is a helpless individual, unless provided with an abundance of money, or surrounded by others who know how to do these useful things. And what woman is not made more womanly by a knowledge of housewifely arts? The little girl instinctively plays at housekeeping. At first a few small tins and a small rolling-pin, or, in its place, a round bottle, or the end sawed off a broom handle, will satisfy her needs for cooking utensils, to enable her to cook “just like mamma.” The housekeeping instinct should be cultivated. Thimble and scissors, needles and thread, are really necessaries. I have seen mothers who fretted over a child losing needles and wasting thread, when an occasional nickel would not have been refused for candy or gum, or other worse than useless things. Why not let the little girl have a needle and spool of thread of her own, with a box in which to keep them? The sense of ownership may lead her to take better care of it. Give her a corner of a shelf or drawer where she can keep her box unmolested by others. Very likely she will want to sew whenever mamma sews, and dolly may get some wonderful additions to her wardrobe, but the little hands gain skill by practice. Children usually want to do the same things that they see papa and mamma do, and they want to do it at the same time. If the little girl sees her mamma putting her sewing things carefully away when she finishes her work, she will want to do the same with her own little workbox, especially if she has a special place to put it. If the child is not told just where to put her things, she will not know but putting them on a chair, or sofa, or even on the floor, is putting them away. The home is for children as well as for older persons, and they must have some place for their work, even though it may seem to us to be only play, or the hands will never be trained so as to be able to work out the difficult problems of life. BE NOT WEARY.
By Frances Ridley Havergal
Yes, he knows the way is dreary,
Knows the weakness of our frame;
Knows that hand and heart are weary;
He “in all points” felt the same.
He is near to help and bless,
Be not weary; onward press. Look to him who once was willing
All his glory to resign,
That for thee the law fulfilling,
All his merits might be thine.
Strive to follow day by day
Where his footsteps mark the way. Look to him, the Lord of glory,
Tasting death to win thy life;
Gazing on that “wondrous story.”
Canst thou falter in the strife?
Is it not new life to know
That the Lord hath loved thee so? Look to him who ever liveth,
Interceding for his own;
Seek, yea, claim the grace he giveth
Freely from his priestly throne.
Will he not thy strength renew
With his Spirit’s quickening dew? Look to him, and faith shall brighten,
Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;
Peace once more thy heart shall lighten;
Rise! He calleth thee; return!
Be not weary on thy way;
Jesus is thy strength and stay. — Frances Ridley Havergal. A WORD WITH PARENTS.
By Mrs. W. S. Larkin
MRS. W. S. LARKIN.
(Winchester, Idaho.) PARENTS, have you ever asked yourselves the question, Am I teaching my child, day by day, truths which will lead him in the right course through life, or am I teaching him lessons to be forgotten, impressions to be erased? Are you guarding your language and striving to speak with correctness, that the first words from baby's lips may be framed in their proper order? Or have you drifted into a careless, unthoughtful, haphazard way of speaking, teaching your children the same improper language, which in later years will cause them days of hard struggle, endeavoring to break the chain of habit, which is contrary to the Text-book in their hands? Habits formed in the early years of life fix themselves so firmly in the mind that to forget them is almost impossible; and your child will be mortified, time after time, by the unconscious use of errors learned in childhood. If you wish to see your child advance with great rapidity to a person of knowledge, and wish to clear the stones from the path of life for him, you can find no better time than while he is learning his first baby words; and no better way than in correcting your own ways before him. In this effort you not only teach lessons of advancement, but you have a purpose in mind for which you are daily preparing yourself, and, therefore, parent and child advance together. Parents so often forget the Lord's words, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” When you place your child in school, you want to be assured that the teacher is qualified to teach him truth, and not error. If he is a musical instructor, you want his methods to be the latest and best. Do you not suppose that God is equally interested in the welfare of his little ones, and is pained to see the minds of his pure, innocent children filled with the careless, unthoughtful impressions, made by those whom he has appointed to be their shepherd, teacher, and loving parent? Every parent has some knowledge of right and wrong, and it is unjust to withhold from your child the best which you possess. Long Life Through Moderation
Those who live long are small eaters. “If thou wouldst lengthen thy days, lessen thy meals.” A HELPING HAND.
By Edith V. Brandt
If I should see
A brother languishing in sore distress,
And I should turn and leave him comfortless,
When I might be
A messenger of hope and happiness—
How could I ask what I denied
In my own hour of bitterness supplied? If I might sing
A little song to cheer a fainting heart,
And I should seal my lips and sit apart,
When I might bring
A bit of sunshine for life's ache and smart—
How could I hope to have my grief relieved
If I kept silent when my brother grieved? And so I know
That day is lost wherein I fail to lend
A helping hand unto some wayward friend;
But if it show
A burden lightened by the cheer I sent,
Then do I hold the golden hours well spent,
And lay me down to rest in sweet content.
—Edith V. Brandt. JUNE STUDY OF THE FIELD: PART I.
“The Russian Mission Field.”
(Text-book; June Magazine.) 1. STATE several reasons indicating that special importance should be attached to Russia as a mission field. 2. Give a comparative view of the extent of the Russian empire. What proportion of the land on the globe does it occupy? 3. Tell what you can of the physical features of the country. 4. Describe the general appearance of European Russia. Of Siberia. 5. What three distinct divisions are marked? 6. Locate the principal mountains mentioned in the study. 7. Mention and describe the most important lakes. To what are they compared? 8. Name and locate the principal rivers in European Russia and Siberia. 9. What nationalities are represented in this empire? Fig sandwiches may be made by cutting or chopping fine one cupful of figs, adding one-half cupful of hot water, and cooking to a paste. Add one teaspoonful of lemon juice, and set away until cold. Spread on the prepared bread, dust with finely chopped nuts, and put pieces together. AUTHORITIES on the care of the teeth say that, “if the teeth are of dark or yellow hue naturally, they never can be made white except at the expense of the material of which they are composed. Any powder, then, which whitens such teeth is only acting chemically, and, therefore, injuriously upon their structure.” It was Eli Perkins who put into a father's mouth, the following reproof of a careless daughter:— “I want to speak to you of your mother. It may be that you noticed a careworn look on her face. Of course, it has not been brought there by any act of yours, still it is your duty to chase it away. I want you to get up in the morning and get breakfast. When your mother comes, and begins to express her surprise, go right up to her and kiss her on the mouth. You can’t imagine how it will brighten her dear face. “Besides, you owe her a kiss or two. Away back when you were a little girl, she kissed you when no one else was tempted by your fever-tainted breath and swollen face; you were not so attractive then as you are now. Through years of childish sunshine and shadows she was always ready to cure, by the magic of a mother’s kiss, the little dirty, chubby hands whenever they were injured in those first skirmishes with the world. And then the midnight kisses with which she routed so many bad dreams, as she leaned above your restless pillow, have all been on interest these long years. “Of course, she is not so pretty and kissable as you are; but if you had done your share of the work during the past ten years, the contrast would not be so marked. Her face has more wrinkles than yours; and yet if you were sick, that face would appear far more beautiful than an angel’s, as it hovered over you, watching every opportunity to minister to your comfort, and every one of those wrinkles would seem to be bright wavelets of sunshine chasing each other over her dear face. “She will leave you one of these days. These burdens, if not lifted from her shoulders, will break her down. These rough, hard hands, which have done so many necessary things for you, will be crossed upon her lifeless breast. Those neglected lips, which gave you your first baby kiss, will be forever closed, and those sad, tired eyes will have opened in eternity, and then you will appreciate your mother, but it will be too late.” THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.
The Place of Sunday Legislation in the Making of the Beast.
By the whole history of the case, we have seen that by their perversions of the truth, and their accommodating their teachings to the ways of the heathen, the self-exalted teachers and leaders in the apostasy had secured to themselves a host by reason of transgression. And when that church succeeded in forming a union with the Roman State, that “host” was infinitely increased, since it took in practically the whole mass of the people, without any change of life whatever. The State and the Church became practically one and the same thing; and that one thing was a solid mass of hypocrisy. Upon this we have the plain, forceful, and indisputable words of the authoritative Church historian, Schaff:— By taking in the whole population of the Roman Empire, the Church became, indeed, a Church of the masses, a Church of the people, but at the same time more or less a Church of the world. Christianity became a matter of fashion. The number of hypocrites and formal professors rapidly increased: strict discipline, zeal, self-sacrifice, and brotherly love proportionally ebbed away; and many heathen customs and usages, under altered names, crept into the worship of God and the life of the Christian people. The Roman State had grown up under the influence of idolatry, and was not to be magically transformed at a stroke. With the secularizing process, therefore, a paganizing tendency went hand in hand. Just here the Church encountered a difficulty upon which she had not reckoned: she found herself unable to control by any power legitimately hers, this mass of transgressors. She found that her discipline was impotent to restrain the evil “host” which she had by transgression gathered to herself; and if Church discipline were to be maintained with this “host,” it could be maintained only by the power of the State. This power, however, the Church was not only willing, but glad, to employ; because it was a step which would only increase her power: and power was the sole aim in every stage of this procedure, from the first steps taken, and the first words spoken in speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. The principal thing which had characterized the Church of Rome, from the beginning of the apostasy—and, indeed, the chief thing in the apostasy—was the exaltation of Sunday. This was her sign of authority; this was the key of her ambition and of her power. And now the power of the State was gladly seized upon by the Church, to accomplish the further, and even the supreme, exaltation of Sunday; and, by this, to enforce Church discipline, not only upon those who were adherents of the Church, but also upon all who were not. By this means, she could enforce the authority of the Church, and a submission to the authority of the Church, upon those who were in no wise connected with the Church. This, at one stroke, gave to her power over all; and this power was held by her, and was confirmed by the State, as the power of God; because “there had in fact arisen in the church a false theocratical theory,” which aimed at “the formation of a sacerdotal State, subordinating the secular to itself in a false and outward way.” “This theocratical theory was already the prevailing one in the time of Constantine; and . . . the bishops voluntarily made themselves dependent on him by their disputes, and by their determination to make use of the power of the State for the furtherance of their aims.” — Neander. This false theocratical theory, and the formation of a sacerdotal State—a false theocracy—is the foundation and the explanation of the whole course of things in the making of the Beast, and of the place of Sunday legislation in the making of the Beast. A true theocracy is the government of God. A false theocracy is a government of men in the place of God. True theocracy is the kingdom of God itself; false theocracy is a government of men in the place of God, passed off upon men as the kingdom of God. In a previous study, we have seen how that the Church in Rome claimed to be Israel oppressed by the new Pharaoh, Maxentius; and that Constantine was the new Moses, “called by God” to deliver Israel from Egypt and the oppressions of Pharaoh. And when that deliverance had been wrought, the bishops of the Church claimed, and insisted, that the kingdom of God as prophesied by Daniel was come. In the system now being formed, the State was not only to be subordinate to the Church, but was to be the servant of the Church to assist in bringing all the world into the new kingdom of God. The bishops were the channel through which the will of God was to be made known to the State. Therefore the views of the bishops were to be to the government the expression of the will of God; and whatever laws the bishopric might deem necessary to make the principles of their theocracy effective, it was their purpose to secure. Accordingly, no sooner had the Catholic Church made herself sure of the recognition and support of the State, than she secured from the emperor an edict setting apart Sunday especially to the purposes of devotion. March 7, A. D. 321, Constantine, playing into the hands of the new and false theocracy, issued his famous Sunday edict, which, both in matter and in intent, is the original and the model of all the Sunday laws that have ever been made. It reads as follows:— Constantine, Emperor Augustus, to Helpidius: On the venerable day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in the cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits; because it often happens that another day is not so suitable for grain-sowing or for vine-planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations, the bounty of heaven should be lost. (Given the 7th day of March, Crispus and Constantine being consuls each of them for the second time.)—Schaff's translation from the Latin, 'History of the Christian Church,' Vol. II, sec. 75, par. 5, note 1. All know that, when the original Israel had been delivered indeed from Egypt by the Lord, the Sabbath was given to them, and by a law, to be observed in that government of God, that true theocracy. And the establishment of Sunday observance by law, in the new, false theocracy of the fourth century, was simply another step taken by the creators of this new theocracy, in imitation of the original. This setting apart of Sunday in the new theocracy, and its observance being established and enforced by law, was in imitation of the act of God in the original theocracy in establishing the observance of the Sabbath. This view is confirmed by the testimony of one of the leading bishops of his day, as well as one of the principal bishops engaged in the making of the Beast. These are the words:— All things whatsoever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord's day.—Eusebius, “Commentary on the Psalms,” 92. Thus at the very first examination of the subject it is seen that the change of the Sabbath—the rejection of the Sabbath of the Lord, and the substitution of Sunday—is the essential feature, the chief instrumentality, in the making of the Beast. And there is yet more to be told, which only the more confirms this truth: confirms it to the extent that makes it impossible for any one honestly to deny it.