It may not seem much of a victory to you, but Sue thought at the time that it was the hardest thing in all the world to do. Poor little Sue! The girls were hard on her, harder than they thought for, I am sure. If they had realized how they were grieving her tender heart, surely they would not have treated her so, but I presume they never gave the subject half a minute's thought. And Sue never complained, not she.
It was Grace Dennis's fault, to begin with. If she had not given Sue the cold shoulder, the rest never would have thought of it. But Grace did decidedly, the very first thing, and when did the girls fail to follow in Grace's lead?
That was just the trouble. Grace had always been leader among the girls, partly because her father was Judge Dennis, and partly because hers was just the nature that other girls pattern and follow after. And the minute she saw her, she felt a strong presentiment that the seemingly quiet little figure, with such a roguish twinkle in her eyes, would prove a dangerous rival unless she was careful. So she utterly ignored Sue after a cool "Good-morning" nod.
Sue sat in her seat alone that first recess, with swelling heart, while the other girls had such a jolly game. To be sure, Nell Harris did venture to whisper to Grace that perhaps the new girl would like to play.
"Perhaps she would," replied Grace, in her clearest, coolest tones, "but I cannot say that I would like to have her. I am not in the habit of associating with drunkards' daughters, and her mother goes out sewing by the day."
The little golden head that had been bent suddenly raised itself, and pride equal to Grace Dennis's own shone from the brown eyes. After that none of the girls ventured to plead for Sue, in fact I am afraid they forgot her. To be sure they never forgot that she always knew her lessons, and best of all, she never refused to help any one.
But Grace grew haughtier and colder every day, for she was finding very rapidly that the place at the head of the class, that she had held so easily before Sue came, could be hers now only by hard work. And this fact greatly increased her dislike for Sue. "I'll study night and day, but she shall never get ahead of me," she said to herself.
Just then Mr. Rodgers offered the Algebra class a prize. For some reason the class had never done very well, and in hope of creating an enthusiasm, he offered a handsome copy of Shakespeare to the one who should stand highest at the end of the year, marking from daily recitations. It was astonishing how Algebra became the most interesting of all studies, but it was not so very long before it was quite plain that either Grace Dennis or Sue Ingraham would be the successful one.
Under any circumstances Grace would have exerted herself to the utmost, but when her father promised her a long coveted watch and chain if she would win, she redoubled her efforts, if that were possible. And then she would never let Sue win—oh no—not for anything.
Still, after all, Grace could not help a growing feeling of discomfort every time she met the glance of the brown eyes that had lost their merry twinkle, or noted how thin and pale Sue's face was growing. It troubled her, though she tried hard not to have it, and strange to say, the more it troubled her, the worse she treated Sue.
But it was Harry Archer's going over to the enemy's side that hurt her most.
Grace, suffering from a hard cold, and feeling out of sorts with everybody, had treated poor Sue most unmercifully all day.
They were all in the dressing-room, and Grace said something that brought the quick tears to Sue's eyes, though she turned away and went out quietly.
"Grace," said Harry before them all, "I always gave you credit for good common sense, but excuse me for saying it, I think you are acting abominably foolish now."
Then he hurried out after Sue, took her books, and walked down the street with her as politely as possible. After that Sue had one friend, at any rate, and one upon whom Harry Archer bestowed favor was never quite sent to Coventry. And Grace sorrowed in secret over the loss of one who had been her firm friend and ally ever since she could remember.
One morning almost at the end of the term, when Sue came in she saw Grace at her desk studying busily, with a vexed, anxious look on her face. In a few minutes Nell Harris appeared.
"What's the matter?" she said, going over to Grace.
"Why, Uncle Will came for me to go to ride last night. I looked at my Algebra, and it seemed so easy and simple that I went. But I found this morning that it was anything but simple. Papa is away, so I had no one to explain it to me, and I am in a pretty fix."
Grace did not intend Sue to hear, but she did, and an exultant smile passed over her face. They stood just even now, and both knew that this would give Sue the advantage.
"Ask her to help you," whispered Nell, with a glance at Sue.
"I guess not," said Grace haughtily, "besides, she wouldn't, if I did."
"I rather guess she wouldn't," thought Sue to herself, "she isn't quite such a goose at that."
Then, presently, the bell rang, and the scholars took out their Bibles to follow the morning reading. Two of them, however, paid but little attention. Grace was trying in her mind to solve her vexatious problems, and Sue's heart was full of glad rejoicing. "How proud mother will be, dear little mother," she thought.
"But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those that despitefully use you."
Sue started: that was a very uncomfortable verse to hear just then! How hard she had been trying all these long weeks to pray for the one that had so despitefully used her; that had been hard enough, but this was harder—"do good to them that hate you." Then the books were closed, and heads bowed for prayer, but Sue's lips were motionless. How could she pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, even as we forgive those who trespass against us?"
She took out her books with the rest, but she could not study, but she could not keep her eyes from the figure across the room.
The look of anxiety deepened every minute, as with flushed face and throbbing head, Grace tried in vain to conquer her lesson. Once Sue was sure she saw tears in the bright eyes. As for Sue herself—well, she never forgot the struggle of that morning. In vain she tried to assure herself that for her mother's sake she was justified in keeping still.
"Sue Ingraham," she said to herself at last in great vexation, "you know that's all bosh. You only want to be revenged. Your mother would be a great deal more pleased with you if you behave yourself and do right, and you know it too."
The Algebra class was to come directly after recess. She watched the scholars all out, then she stole quietly over to that desk the side of the room. Grace's hand shielded her face now, for the tears were dropping fast. Sue put her arm gently around her.
"They are dreadfully hard, aren't they? At least they seem so. I puzzled away over them last night till I was nearly wild. My brother helped me—I'll tell you what he told me, and you'll be perfectly astonished to see how quick they come right."
Then there was just a few words in explanation, and Sue was gone without waiting for thanks. Somebody standing in the doorway suddenly disappeared with a low whistle.
"We—ll, if that don't humble my lady Grace, there's no hopes of her."
The eventful day had come, as such days do in course of time. Fathers and mothers, big brothers and sisters had gathered to witness the triumphs of those dear to them. In the seat of honor was Judge Dennis, a look of pleased expectancy on his face; in a quiet, out-of-the-way corner was Mrs. Ingraham in her widow's garb, on the desk in sight of all lay an elegant copy of Shakespeare. The decisive moment had come. Mr. Rodgers rose to present the prize.
"It is my privilege and pleasure to present to Miss Grace Dennis the reward offered to the one who should stand at this time, highest in the class. The contest has been a close one, very close between two, but Miss Dennis has won." He paused, the book in his hand waiting, but Grace stood irresolute, her face flushing and paling by turns.
"May I ask how much I am winner?"
The question came hurriedly.
"By a few marks only, but those few give you fair possession."
Again Grace paused—then passing rapidly to the desk, she took the book, and to the surprise and no small wonderment of all, wended her way to Sue's desk.
"It is yours—not mine," she said to Sue.
"You all know," she continued, turning to teacher and scholars, "how I have treated her, but she overcame evil with good, and helped me when she knew it was to her own hurt. It is hers, not mine."
For an instant there was a hush. Then some one, and it was worth more to Grace than the prize, said a little huskily, "Three cheers for Grace Dennis!"
Then came three for Sue, and little Mrs. Ingraham could scarcely contain herself, she felt so proud and happy.
"Oh mother," said Sue that night, "suppose I had been mean and ugly, and not helped her, how miserable I should be to-night, but instead it has been the happiest day of my life."—K. Sumner.
The Home Circle.
By Frank Myrtle
’TWAS ONLY A CHILD.
"Twas only a child! and yet to me
Its childish prattle, light and free,
Is ever present at my side
To cheer me on the swelling tide.
"Twas only a child! and yet I hear
Its tender voice still drawing near,
To guide my fainting soul aright,
And cheer my path with blessed light.
"Twas only a child! and yet I know
In childlike faith I, too, must go
Unto a Father’s loving care,
When trials of earth are hard to bear.
"Twas only a child! and yet it stands
To join, above, the parted strands.
It waits—aye, waits! till God shall lay
Each strand along its golden way.
"Twas only a child! and yet I know
It lights the path where I must go.
In faith, in love, in childlike grace,
I, too, must seek my Father’s face.
—Frank Myrtle.
SYMPATHY FOR CHILDHOOD.
By Aunt Nannie
PLEASE allow me, fathers, mothers, and teachers, to plead for more sympathy for the dear children. Too often—it may be thoughtlessly or unconsciously—you are stunting or entirely uprooting the first tender shoots of infant thought and wonder, to which if the sunshine of your smiles and the dew of your gentle influence were applied, wonderful plants would grow, to gladden with their fragrance the inquiring minds of future seekers after knowledge. This world is so full of wonders to the little ones, and they are so sure papa or mamma or some one of the grown folks could tell them about everything, if they only would. O, what a heart-break it is to be told, "You ask too many questions, Johnnie," or "I have no time to talk to you now!" and very often Johnnie gets into some mischief, pulls something to pieces to know the why and the wherefore of it, and then gets punished, when the fault is not with him, but the one who had "no time" to satisfy the cravings of those God-given powers of mind which must find work somewhere.
Who that has ever taught children does not know the wonderful effect of a word of praise given for work done, no matter how blunderingly, if it is the best they can do? What magic there is to the timid, frightened child, who is almost afraid to show his work to the teacher—drawing or writing, as the case may be—in the words, "Ah! I know you can make nice work as well as the others, if you only try." And the consequence is, he does try, and often succeeds beyond your most sanguine expectations.
If you can do nothing more, give a smile to the little face that looks so pleadingly into yours, and it will be reflected to gladden your own heart and to drive away the vapors and clouds which surround and depress you.—Aunt Nannie.
LITTLE KINDNESSES
The humble current of little kindnesses, which, though but a little streamlet, yet incessantly flows, although it glides in silent secrecy within the domestic walls and along the walks of private life, and makes neither appearance nor noise in the world, proves in the end a more copious tributary to the store of human comfort and felicity, than any sudden and transient flood of detached bounty, however ample, that may rush into it with a mighty sound.
BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM.
By John Harvey Kellogg
Institution Founded 1866......4000 Patients Successfully Treated.
THIS INSTITUTION, for completeness of appointment, and extent of facilities, is unrivalled in this country. Its splendid arrangements for HEATING AND VENTILATION, together with special appliances for regulating the humidity of the atmosphere, makes this Institution
UNEQUALED AS A WINTER RESORT FOR CHRONIC INVALIDS.
Even persons suffering with pulmonary difficulties do much better here than in Florida.
All known useful remedies for disease are employed, including Turkish, Russian, Vapor, Electro-Thermal, Electro-Vapor, all kinds of Water Baths, Sun Baths, Swedish Movements, Electricity, etc., etc.
Terms very reasonable.
J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.,
Medical Superintendent.
Address for Circulars:—SANITARIUM,
Battle Creek, Mich.
ITEMS OF NEWS.
By Editor
The Czarina of Russia died on the 4th inst.
General Guillerman and Brig.-General Jose Macco, Cuban insurgent leaders, surrendered, with 222 officers and men.
A report from Rome says the clericals have decided to participate in the municipal elections, to test their strength in view of future political elections.
June 5 a large fire occurred in Nevada City, Cal. Loss over $50,000. The same day 5000 cords of wood, valued at $30,000, were burned at Washoe, Nevada.
A railroad train was maliciously wrecked in Andalusia. Thirteen of the wreckers were sentenced to death, and thirteen to imprisonment for twenty years.
The British Colony in Constantinople is preparing a strong memorial to Goschen respecting the prevailing insecurity of life and property, which is truly alarming.
A telegram from Mozambique informs the Portuguese Government of the capture of the principal slave exporters. Three dhows were taken with 200 slaves on board.
Alexander H. Stephens says of the present Congress, it "will go down to posterity as the do-nothing Congress; perhaps the most indolent and listless in the history of the government."
New York pays more for tobacco than for bread. Dealers say there are smokers in New York City who average 100 cigars a week, and men whose cigar bills run up to thousands of dollars per annum.
The Christian Mirror says, "We do not think there was ever an age of the church when conversions were proportionally more numerous." To which the Christian at Work responds, "We decidedly Doubt, with a big D."
The Burmese Ambassador, before leaving for home, sent a letter to the British Commissioner, but it was returned with an intimation that in the present state of the relations between Burmah and Great Britain, no communication could be received.
There is reason to fear an outbreak of the Utes. Chief Ouray has exerted himself to keep them at peace, promising that "the Ute bill" would speedily become a law. But the majority in Congress cannot just now spare time to legislate for the welfare of the country.
At a late Conference of German Baptists, or "Tunkers," at Lancaster, Pa., it was urged upon the brotherhood that extravagance in funerals must be frowned upon, and that, signing a tavern license is unbecoming to those who profess to follow Christ. Birthday and surprise parties were prohibited.
A number of Khokand pilgrims have arrived in Cabul, fugitives from Samarcand, where some of them were arrested, bearing letters inciting a general revolt in Bokhara, Turkistan and Khokand, in aid of the Chinese. They report that the Chinese had driven the Russians back to the Kuldja frontiers, capturing many villages.
A very curious case, which may possibly get into the courts, has arisen lately in Australia. A Catholic merchant died some time ago, leaving the sum of $7,000 to the church "to deliver his soul from purgatory." Now the executor of the will refuses to pay the legacy until proof is further furnished that the soul of the dead has actually been delivered!
An eastern paper says it has been "raining church conventions." There have just been held, the Methodist General Conference at Cincinnati, the Baptist Assembly at Saratoga, the Reformed Presbyterians at Pittsburg, the Cumberland Presbyterians at Evansville, Ind., the Episcopalians in Diocesan Convention in New York, the Presbyterian Northern Assembly at Madison, Wis., and the Presbyterian Southern Assembly at Charleston, S. C.
The ravages of the phylloxera in France are becoming more serious daily. In July last it was computed that one third of the total surface devoted to wine-growing had been irretrievably devastated, and as the plague has been steadily increasing all the year, it is estimated that forty thousand acres have been added to the total amount of land lost. A society of wine growers has been formed for the purpose of utilizing and applying scientific means for destroying the insect.
Since the first of April there has been an epidemic of fires throughout the country, which is estimated to have destroyed some $13,000,000 of property, aside from the great damage done by extensive forest fires and the conflagrations in the oil region of Pennsylvania. During this time there have been more than 80 fires where the loss exceeded $25,000. In this list is included the total destruction of the large village of Milton, Pa., and the smaller villages of Coudersport, Pa., and Stuyvesant, N. Y. The loss to insurance companies is estimated at $7,000,000.
The Rev. George C. Miln, who is pastor of a Congregational church in Brooklyn, writes over his own signature: "As to eternal punishment, I do not believe in the endless suffering of any creature whatever. I have a better opinion of my Maker. I do believe, however, that every sin is visited by an adequate punishment; that 'whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap;' but that for the foolish, weak and sinful sowing of three score years and ten, a soul shall reap an eternity of woe, is something too monstrous to believe. Nor do I think it is believed to any great extent in religious circles of the more orthodox stripe to-day."
For ten months ending May 1st, the export of breadstuffs from this country reached the value of $207,000,000, an increase of $57,000,000 over the same portion of the previous year. New York exported more than half of this food, or $105,000,000. Baltimore comes next with $49,000,000, and Philadelphia follows with $23,900,000. It is to be added that Baltimore shows the greatest gain (of the three cities named), or 60 per cent. advance over the preceding year. New Orleans more than doubled her food export, though only reaching $7,500,000; but the great gain is an indication that the new jetties are facilitating the commerce of that city.
The Portland, Oregon, Baptist church is reported as doing a good work in the Christianizing of the heathen in their midst. By invitation of the church, Rev. E. J. Simmons, a recently returned missionary from China, and Dong Gong, a Chinese convert of the San Francisco Mission, arrived in Portland on the 11th of Nov., 1874. Since that time schools have been taught, and the gospel preached to the Chinese with good results. Thirty-two have professed Christ in the ordinance of baptism. A beautiful chapel has just been built upon one corner of the church lot, for the use of the Mission, costing $1000, of which amount the Christian Chinese gave $450. The Chinese may and should be Christianized in America.
A writer in the Advance bewails the tendency to resort to fairs and theatrical "entertainments" in order to raise the needful funds for carrying on church work. He says: "The tendency and the very common practice among us are certainly lamentable and utterly demoralizing. One of the inevitable results is the cultivation of Christian selfishness. A church trained in this way loses all love to the Lord and purchases pleasure instead. It cuts charity up by the roots; it makes the charity described in 1 Cor. 12 impossible. Where fairs and scenic performances are relied upon to replenish the treasury, and the purse is reached only by an appeal to the appetite, the people learn to think that they can best serve the Lord by ministering to the flesh. Such a conception of Christian service is earthly, sensual—shall we add the other word? The tendency is in the direction of that condition described by St. Paul in Phil. 3:19. It cannot be too earnestly counteracted."
At a meeting in Philadelphia of Methodist preachers, the Rev. Thomas Guard, D. D., of Baltimore, was introduced. Having spent some time on the Pacific Coast, the Rev. Anthony Atwood requested Dr. Guard to give his views on the Chinese question. In response, he said that things in that section of the country were not as they should be. Though he had a pleasant experience in the West, he was now glad to be on this side of the Rocky Mountains. I have had a Chinese servant for two years, and he had never had a better. The speaker alluded to Denis Kearney, the sand-lot orator, as the nearest approach to Darwin's missing link that it had ever been his pleasure to meet. "But," he continued, "I believe that he is largely the tool of others. He is enjoying a rest now—he is taking a recreation. Although I was born in Ireland," Dr. Guard continued, "I am generally called an American, and I certainly believe in American liberty. I, therefore, say that rather than endorse the sentiment: 'The Chinese must go,' I would make it 'The Irish must go,' and the sooner the better."
Books and Tracts Available in England
By Editor
ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office, may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.
GOOD HEALTH,
By Editor
FOR 1880.
THIS POPULAR JOURNAL enters upon its fifteenth volume with the most flattering prospects not only of a continuance of the prosperity which has attended it in the past, but also of a great increase of patronage, although it already enjoys
THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY HEALTH JOURNAL IN AMERICA.
The interest of the journal for 1880 will be greatly increased by a series of practical articles from the well-known pens of
ELDER AND MRS. WHITE.
Whose contributions in the past have done so much to increase the popularity and the usefulness of the journal.
A SPLENDID PREMIUM BOOK
Is offered to new subscribers. Address, for specimen copy :—
GOOD HEALTH PUBLISHING CO.,
Battle Creek, Mich.
Or :—SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Oakland, Cal.
RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.
THIS INSTITUTION is located about two and a half miles from St. Helena, Napa County, California, at the
CRYSTAL SPRINGS.
The water is clear, pure and cool. The facilities for heating water, and bathing, are unsurpassed. The situation is both pleasant and healthy, it being about 300 feet above the valley. The scenery is unsurpassed for beauty, including a view of valley and mountain. The building is spacious, and the table accommodations are first-class.
The institution is just opened.
The medical department is under direction of E. J. Waggoner, M. D., who has had experience in practice in the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich.
Those who seek medical treatment under favorable and health-giving conditions, and those who seek a pleasant resort from the heat and business of the city, cannot fail to be pleased at the Retreat.
Terms reasonable. For particulars address
A. B. ATWOOD, ST. HELENA, CAL.
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, AND TRACTS,
ISSUED BY THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Daniel 8:14. By Elder U. Smith. This question has developed the people known as Seventh-day Adventists, and is the pivotal doctrine upon which their applications of prophecy largely depend. 352 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Elder U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 384 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Revelation. By Elder U. Smith. With notes or remarks on every verse in the book of Revelation. 352 pp. $1.00
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. Interesting sketches of the life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. $1.00
The Biblical Institute. A synopsis of the lectures given at the Institute held at Oakland, Cal., April, 1877, covering the main points of our faith. 352 pp. $1.00
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, for the period of 6,000 years. By Elder J. N. Andrews. This is a work of unusual interest, prepared with great care, and is full of historical and Scriptural facts. 528 pp. $1.00
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the conditions of man in death, and his final destiny. 356 pp. $1.00
The Spirit of Prophecy; or the great controversy between Christ and his angels and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Revelation 20. Each 400 pp.—
Vol. I. Old Testament facts to Christ.
Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ.
Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of His Apostles.
Vol. IV. (In preparation). Each, $1.00
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. An able argument on an important subject. 48 pp. 10 cts
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, with portrait. 352 pp. $1.00
The Bible from Heaven. By Elder D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but is of God. 300 pp. 80 cts. Revised edition (in preparation). $1.00
The Constitutional Amendment. A Discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. $1.00
Spiritual Songs. A choice collection of hymns and tunes. 416 pp. $1.00
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-school and Praise Service. By J. E. White. A new book, with excellent new words and music. 164 pp. Per hundred, $30.00. Single copies, 35 cts
The Two Laws, as set forth in both Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts
The Sunday Seventh-day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject as set forth in the 8th and 9th chapters of the Revelation. 96 pp. 10 cts
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A most decisive refutation of the view that men may find pardon after the Saviour has closed his work in the Sanctuary above. 168 pp. 20 cts
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. A complete refutation of a common objection against the Sabbath. 96 pp. 15 cts
The Resurrection of the Unjust. A vindication of the doctrine. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 100 pp. 15 cts
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. A poem. By Elder U. Smith. 60 pp. 15 cts
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts
Thoughts on Baptism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A careful examination of the subject of Christian Baptism in the light of history and the Bible. It presents strong arguments against the notion of trine immersion. 186 pp. Bound in flexible cloth, 35 cts; Paper covers, 25 cts
The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Revelation 13: 11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Applying to our own land and time, this prophecy possesses surpassing interest for every American reader. 200 pp. 50 cts. Paper covers, 25 cts
The Sufferings of Christ. A most graphic and touching description of what the world's Redeemer has suffered for us; calculated to incite every one to new devotion and consecration to the cause of Christ. 32 pp. 4 cts.
The Present Truth. Showing that every age has a truth applicable to it alone, and what is the present truth of this generation. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Seventh-day Adventists. A sketch of their origin, progress, principles, etc. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Second Advent. Manner, object, and nearness of the event. 32 pp. 4 cts
CONDITION OF TURKEY.
A LETTER from Constantinople dated April 6, gives the following as the state of things in that city. It is easy to foresee that such a travesty of government cannot long endure.
"At Constantinople all is quiet. The Sultan has managed to concentrate the whole government in his own hands. No minister has any power, and even ordinary police regulations must go to the palace to be examined and approved by the Sultan himself. This has caused a complete dead lock in the government. The council of ministers has now some 4,000 items of unfinished business on hand and the number increases every day. There is much distress among the common people and a complete stagnation of business. Robbery and murder are every-day occurences and it is unsafe to go far outside the city, but there are no signs of any active discontent. People use very violent language, even in public places; but we have 40,000 troops in the city and no one seems inclined to stir up rebellion. Government officers are not paid, but most of them manage to live on plunder of some kind and they submit to their fate. Still there is a general feeling of uneasiness and there is an impression that we shall have a European intervention within a few months."
OFFERINGS AND REVIVALS.
An eastern religious exchange, speaking of Mr. Kimball's successful efforts to free the churches from debt, says:—
“So far from doing any damage to the spiritual interests of the churches this money-gathering in many instances has made way for a spiritual harvesting over which we are still rejoicing. And why not? for do we not find it explicitly written: ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse. . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it?’ If it were now only autumn, instead of the last of spring, we might confidently hope for very much larger results. But unfortunately many of our churches go into ‘winter quarters’ as soon as summer opens, and ‘hibernate’ until frost brings back the fashionables from the seashore and mountains. From now until the latter part of September we shall have an interregnum—four months—and so we are beginning to say, ‘Are there not four months, and then cometh the harvest?’ And this notwithstanding the ‘fields are white already to harvest.’”
Murmuring Poisons Every Mercy
As THE sweetest things put into sour vessels sours them, or put into a bitter vessel embitters them, so murmuring puts gall and wormwood into every cup of mercy that God gives into our hands.
Worthy of Thought.
In a brief address delivered by Wong Sing, Vice Consul, at the anniversary of the Chinese Mission School, this thought was advanced: The Chinese nation is very old. God has preserved and perpetuated its existence. Why, since it is a heathen nation?
The Chinese people have always kept the fifth commandment, which is the first with promise. They are taught from childhood to honor their parents. They never fail to reverence and obey them. Doing so, God has promised that their days shall be long upon the land which he has given them.—S. F. Advocate.
AN AMUSING STORY.
IN one of the villages of Kentucky recently a Baptist minister and a young Presbyterian clergyman preached in the same house "night about," both preachers being present at each meeting. One evening the Presbyterian, after a discourse on infant baptism, proceeded to sprinkle several babies. The little candidates made a great out-cry, which of course was noted by the Baptist man. Next day a number of the latter were to be immersed in the river near by. At the appointed hour a large concourse gathered on the banks, the Presbyterian being one of the number and standing close by the water's edge. After the candidates had been immersed, the Baptist took hold of his Presbyterian colleague, and said:—
"Now, sir, I will immerse you."
The latter, amazed, demurred.
"Come along, I'm in a hurry!" replied the damp divine, and dragged his brother into the water.
Alarmed and indignant, the young Calvinist declared at the top of his voice that he did "not believe in immersion, was opposed to it and would not submit to it."
The audience were much excited by the scene. The Baptist released his hold and said:—
"Young man; I will not immerse you to-day, but if ever again I see you baptizing little ones against their own will, and in spite of their cries and kicks, as I saw you do last night, I will dip you into the water as sure as there is a God in Israel!"
SENSIBLE.
By Editor
We do not greatly admire Dewitt Talmage, but he certainly said a good thing in speaking of the Sunday railroad accident in Scotland:—
“Some unwise and morbid people may say, ‘So much for Sabbath-breaking;’ for there are people who are very generous in the distribution of God's judgments, and if a party sailing out on the Sabbath day get drowned, these critics immediately annex the disaster to the infraction of holy hours. Now, I believe in a strict observance of the holy Sabbath, but I think that the Lord's thunderbolts are too heavy for us to handle! And the sooner that kind of morbid moralization is driven out of our Sabbath-school libraries the better.
“Who knows on what errand of necessity or mercy those passengers got on the train that day! The argument that such men make goes too far, according to their own argument; because among the multitudes of rail-trains on both continents, on all continents, that Sabbath day they all reached their destination except one; and because of every one thousand passengers on that Lord's Day, on the different continents nine hundred and ninety-nine got safely home. Ergo, Sabbath traveling is commendable.”
Judgment and judgment decisions are in the hands of God. It is as presumptuous as it is unwise to affect to make these decisions in advance. “Judge nothing before the time.” It is well to remember that the Scriptures teach that God knows how “to reserve the unrighteous to the day of judgment to be punished.” Men are too ready to solace themselves with the mishaps of others.
Appointments.
OAKLAND—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and second and fourth Sunday evening in each month, at 7:45. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:30 o'clock Sabbath morning.
SAN FRANCISCO—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and Mc Allister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A.M., and the first and third Sunday evening in each month at 7:45. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church.
Business Department.
By Editor
MEMBERS' PASS BOOK.
By direction of Eld. Haskell we have prepared a pass-book for use of our tract and missionary workers, in keeping account with their librarian, a record of tracts drawn, and moneys paid, and a memoranda of T. and M. labor. Size of book 4x6 3/4 inches, 40 pages, with the various necessary headings, printed in their proper places. Leather covers with name of book printed on front cover, rounded corners, and sprinkled edges. Price 15 cts. Per doz. $1.50, postpaid.
McDonald’s Stylograph and Copying Books
McDonald's Stylograph or, rapid letter copying book. In this book letters are written and copied at the same time, without the use of pen, ink, press, brush or water; saving the time, labor, and expense of other methods of copying letters. Each book is furnished with stylus and stylographic writing paper, ready for use. Just the thing for Tract Society officers, agents, and merchants, who want to retain a permanent copy of their correspondents.
