Earlier text: SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 9 A. MThe Perpetuity of God’s Law
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
1. The law of God—the ten commandments—is the law of the universe. “The Lord hath prepared his throne in the Heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Ps. 103:19. Not only this earth, but all the worlds and the Heaven of heavens are subject to his authority, and amenable to his holy law. The highest angel in Heaven, and the lowest saint on earth; the arch deceiver and the most simple of his deluded victims, are alike judged by that perfect law. No righteous act or thought is outside of its sanctions, and no evil can be conceived that it does not condemn. 2. The law of God was in existence before the creation of the earth. When the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:4-7. These “sons of God” were subjects of his righteous Government, and therefore subject to the law of God, which is the basis of that Government. In proof of this, and also of the preceding proposition, read Ps. 103:20: “Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Since the ten-commandment law is perfect, and contains, as we have seen, all the principles of God’s Government, there can be no other commandments for the angels to obey. All commands of God are comprised within the ten precepts of Sinai. 3. The ten commandments can never have any end. Since they are the foundation of God’s throne, they must endure as long as it endures, and it must endure as long as God himself exists, for if he were not Supreme Ruler he would not be God. Now listen to these sublime words of the psalmist: “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Ps. 90:1, 2. More emphatic language could not be used. But since it is impossible for God to exist apart from his Government, that must also be to everlasting, and the ten commandments, the basis of that Government, must have an equal duration. 4. The law of God is unchangeable. Not only can it not be abolished, but not one of its precepts can undergo the slightest alteration. We speak not of mere verbal changes which do not affect the sense, but of changes in the force or application of the law. Since the law is the foundation of God’s throne, its ten precepts may be considered as the ten pillars constituting the foundation. It was doubtless with this idea in mind that Bishop E. O. Haven named his book which contained his ten sermons on the law,—one sermon on each commandment,—“The Pillars of Truth.” When workmen wish to make any repairs in the foundation of a building, they put a prop underneath, to take the place of the defective foundation while repairs are being made. But what can be placed under the throne of the universe to uphold it while repairs are being made in any of its corner-stones? Nothing. Men may theorize about a change in the fourth commandment, but such a change is an impossibility. To make it would be to make a revolution in the Government of Heaven. It may be urged that God has power to make such a change, but one thing God cannot do: He cannot deny himself. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful; he cannot deny himself.” 2 Tim. 2:13. God’s law is his will (Rom. 2:17, 18); it is his righteousness; a transcript of his own nature; a photograph of his character. Therefore for God to make a change in the law would show that his character had undergone a change, and that is an impossibility. With him is “no variable-ness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17. If his law was the truth in the days of David (Ps. 119:142), it could not be changed without becoming a lie, and it is only the enemies of God who seek to do this. These facts abundantly prove the proposition that God’s law is absolutely unchangeable. They enable us to better appreciate the words of the psalmist: “Thy word is true from the beginning; and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.” Ps. 119:160. 5. It follows as a necessary conclusion, that the saints to all eternity will yield obedience to that law. To do otherwise would make them no more saints, but traitors. Some people tell us that a righteous man has no need for the law of God. But the psalmist thought otherwise, for he said: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Ps. 11:3. To say that because God’s people are all righteous, therefore they have no need of the law, is like saying that because no one falls over a precipice at the top of which a strong barrier has been erected, therefore the barrier is unnecessary. None are more interested than the righteous, in having the law of God preserved intact through the ages of eternity. It alone attests their loyalty to God. It is to them a sure pledge that no power in the universe can endanger their rights as subjects of the God of Heaven. It shows them that it is not in vain that they make the eternal God their refuge, and that he who in his excellency rides upon the heavens to the help of his people, is abundantly able to protect all who put their trust in him. May the Lord hasten the day when his kingdom shall come; when his will shall be done in all the earth even as it is now done in Heaven (see Ps. 119:20); when his children shall all be righteous; when “his servants shall serve him; and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” California Conference Proceedings.
THE first meeting of the fourteenth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held on the Good Water Grove camp-ground, near Stockton, Sept. 20, 1885, at 9 A. M. The president being absent, the published call for this Conference was read by the secretary, after which Elder J. H. Waggoner was elected president pro tem. Prayer was offered by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The following churches were represented by delegates:— Burrough Valley, Fairview, Ferndale, Fresno, Healdsburg, Lakeport, Lemoore, Los Angeles, Napa, Nevada City, Oro Fino, Oakland, Petaluma, Pleasant Grove, Rocklin, Reno, St. Clair, San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, St. Helena, Vacaville, and Woodland. The churches at Arbuckle, Gilroy, Lafayette, Laytonville, Norwalk, and San Pasqual, failed to send delegates. The chairman spoke of the responsibility resting upon the delegates, to check fanaticism and maintain decency and good order in the camp, that God may be honored, and our past reputation for peace and sobriety be preserved. After a statement of the conflict between our constitution and that lately adopted by the General Conference, it was voted that the word "four" be changed to "six," in article 2, section 5, of our constitution, so as to read, "It shall be the duty of the Conference to elect or appoint a committee of six," etc. On motion it was decided to waive the reading of the minutes of the last session, until a later meeting. The chair then appointed committees as follows:— On Nominations—S. Brownsberger, W. N. Glenn, W. G. Buckner.
On Credentials and Licenses—W. M. Healey, E. J. Waggoner, E. J. Church.
On Auditing—C. H. Jones, Wm. Saunders, Wm. Butcher, John Morrison, M. J. Church, Joseph Leininger.
On Resolutions—A. T. Jones, N. C. McClure, E. R. Jones. Elder Loughborough expressed thanks for the favorable circumstances under which we are camped, and regrets that four times as many more of our people of this Conference were not privileged to be with us. He said the wish of the enemies of the truth, made several years since, that we all "ought to go to Stockton," was now partly fulfilled, though we are camped under far different circumstances, and in a very different place from that to which they would fain have consigned us. Adjourned to call of the chair. SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 21, AT 9 A. M. Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones. Minutes of the last session of the Conference, and of the last meeting, read and approved. Elder Waggoner spoke of our failure to help Idaho, as voted at our last session, the help appointed for that field having failed to go. Another has been laboring in that Conference. The question of our obligation to render them some financial help, should be considered. The chair further stated that the General Conference had recommended that Elder W. M. Healey go to Honolulu to labor under its supervision. Elder Healey has consented to go shortly after this Conference session. Brother C. H. Jones stated that the California Year Book, containing the annual business proceedings of all our societies and associations, etc., had been published as voted, and earnestly recommended that all procure one or more copies. By vote a committee of three was appointed to canvass the camp for said pamphlet. A motion to make some verbal changes in our constitution being carried, the necessity of the said pamphlet was seen, and a few minutes were given to furnish the delegates with them. The following are the changes made:— In article 3, section 1, after the word "paid," insert "quarterly;" and instead of "ministry of the gospel," read, "purpose for which the Conference was formed." For section 3, of article 3, read: "All money shall be paid out by the Treasurer as may be provided by the Executive Committee. In article 2, section 3; article 4, section 1; article 5, section 1; article 6, sections 1 and 2, and article 8, where the word "meeting" or "meetings" is used, read "session" or "sessions." Adjourned to call of chair. THIRD MEETING, SEPT. 24, 5 P. M. Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones. Report of last meeting approved. Committee on Nominations reported as follows:— For President, Elder S. N. Haskell; for Secretary, E. A. Chapman; for Treasurer, Pacific Press; for Executive Committee, Elders S. N. Haskell, J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, Wm. Ings, E. J. Waggoner. The report was accepted, the names considered separately, and the nominees unanimously elected. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:— WHEREAS, In the year just passed, God has sent prosperity to our Conference and its institutions,—in the progress of our College; in the establishment of the Rural Health Retreat in a course of efficient work; in the publication of important works by the Pacific Press; and in bringing souls to the knowledge of his truth, therefore, Resolved, That we will give our gratitude the most practical turn in, 1. The support of the College, that our young people may be fitted, not only to be good citizens and successful men and women, but also for successful labor in the cause of God; 2. The support of the Rural Health Retreat, and in increasing the circulation of the Pacific Health Journal, that the principles of Health Reform, according to the will of God, may be spread amongst men; 3. The support of the Pacific Press Publishing House, that the truth of God in the Third Angel's Message may be sent to the ends of the earth; 4. The support of the Conference, by honestly devoting603 to the Lord his own in tithes and offerings, that the ministry of the word may be prosecuted without distraction. Resolved, That we gladly hail the prospect of the early issuance of the American Sentinel, and that we will give it our hearty co-operation and support. WHEREAS, It is painfully apparent that amongst us as a people there is entirely too much of a disposition to be "conformed to the world," in the wearing of jewelry, feathers, artificial flowers, and in imitating the follies of fashion, therefore, Resolved, That we recommend that a decided effort be made to come up to the requirements of the Scriptures, and the Testimonies of the Spirit of God, upon this subject. Elder E. J. Waggoner moved the adoption of the first resolution. This resolution called forth interesting remarks, showing that it meant business, called for the hearty co-operation of all in patronizing our institutions, distributing our literature, canvassing for our publications, taking stock in our institutions, and making them a place of deposit for our means instead of burying it in the ground or squandering it in speculative enterprises; church treasurers should not only receive, but see to collecting faithfully, all the tithes and offerings in their several churches. There should be co-operation on the part of all. Meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 25, 2:30 P. M. Prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The secretary's report of previous meeting was accepted. Resolutions pending at last meeting were considered and passed. That concerning the American Sentinel was spoken to by Elders J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, E. R. Jones, and Brother C. H. Jones. The special object of the paper was to counteract the influence of the Christian Statesman, the organ of the Religious Amendment Party, which is advocating a religious amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which means a union of Church and State, and oppressive Sunday laws. Sample copies of the American Sentinel have been printed. The first number will be issued about the holidays, bearing date January, 1886. Committee on Nominations presented a report for Camp-meeting Committee. After some consideration the report was referred back to the committee. Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented a partial report as follows:—
For Credentials—Elders J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice, E. A. Briggs, E. J. Waggoner, Wm. Ings, N. C. McClure, A. T. Jones, H. A. St. John, G. W. Colcord, E. R. Jones, W. C. White. The report was accepted, the names considered separately, and all granted credentials as recommended. Elders J. H. Waggoner and S. N. Haskell and Brother C. H. Jones were elected delegates to the General Conference. Adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 28, 9 A. M. Prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The chairman of the Nominating Committee moved to leave the matter of selecting a Camp-meeting Committee to the Executive Committee of the Conference. Carried. Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows:— For Ministerial License—Andrew Brorsen, Philip Kent, Lucius H. Church, R. S. Owen, Frank T. Lamb, J. G. Smith, A. J. Morton. Report accepted for action, and licenses granted as recommended. The query arising as to whether it was an oversight or intentional that colporters' licenses were not recommended as heretofore, the committee answered that it was intentional; that to their minds such licenses were unnecessary in the work in this State, gave no advantage to the holder, and were therefore not desirable; that it was not designed at all to reflect upon or in any wise hinder the faithful ones from continuing their work. The following resolutions were adopted:— Resolved, That we express our opinion that changes in fields of labor should be at least as well guarded as changes in church membership, and that therefore we shall expect that all ministers coming to this Conference shall bring letters of commendation from their own Conferences, except when coming under the advice of the General Conference; and further, that if any person wishes to come from another Conference to labor in this, we believe it is his duty to consult the officers of this Conference before he comes. WHEREAS, At the 1884 session of this Conference, it was decided to send a laborer to the Upper Columbia Conference for labor in Idaho, and to support such laborer there; and
WHEREAS, Through unforeseen circumstances, we have not been allowed to fulfill this resolution, therefore,
Resolved, That we will carry out the spirit of it, by cheerfully supporting, for the next six months, the minister who labors in Idaho, under the direction of the Upper Columbia Conference. Resolved, That we will publish a Year Book for 1885, which shall contain the minutes of this session of our Conference, the minutes of the Upper Columbia and North Pacific Conferences of 1885, the annual meetings of our institutions; and such other matters as may be deemed expedient by the Conference Committee. Resolutions of thanks were then voted to the Stockton Street Railroad Company, the Good Water Grove Company, the California Navigation Company, the Central Pacific, and North Pacific Coast Railroad Companies, and Smith and Walker's Express Company, for liberal favors granted. Also to the proprietors of the Stockton Swimming Baths for accommodations in baptizing. The following resolution was introduced by Elder Loughborough, and adopted:—
WHEREAS, The Healdsburg College was established by the action of this Conference, and the Conference has to furnish a Biblical teacher for the College, therefore,
Resolved, That the teacher so furnished shall be considered the minister resident at Healdsburg while he is engaged in the College, and that he shall have charge of the preaching in that locality during that time. Adjourned to call of the chair. SIXTH MEETING, SEPT. 28, 5 P. M. Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones. Report of last meeting accepted. Elder Loughborough moved to rescind Brother A. J. Morton's license, as it is decided that he attend Healdsburg College instead of laboring in the field. Carried. Fields of labor were next considered. Elder Loughborough presented the plea from Nevada. After explanations as to the condition of the work in Virginia City and vicinity, and other places, it was voted that the laborers now in Nevada be authorized to remain there during the winter and follow up the work. Elder Decker's plea for Idaho was considered, but at present it was not clear who, if any one, could go. Elder N. C. McClure's plea for Humboldt County was considered favorably, and it is recommended that Brethren Charles Reaser and Frank Lamb assist him; the former as canvasser, the latter to settle down to the work as advised, and work up the interests awakened, under the direction of Elder McClure. A strong plea was made for a tent-meeting in Stockton, immediately. A motion to this effect, also that Elder E. R. Jones take charge of said meeting, was carried. Pleas for San Francisco, Oakland, Fresno, and Los Angeles were made. The prospect was good that the last two named places would soon receive help. The propriety of holding general meetings in different parts of the Conference was, by vote, left to the Conference Committee. J. H. WAGGONER, Pres. pro tem. Vancouver, Washington Territory.
By H. W. Reed
TENT labor at Vancouver closed last Sunday. Twenty-three signed the covenant, besides several others who had been keeping the Sabbath but had not had an opportunity of signing the covenant before. Twelve precious souls were buried with Christ in baptism in the Columbia River on Sunday, and several others will follow them soon. Everything passed off pleasantly. Brethren Starr and Cole have moved the tent to La Camas, on the Columbia River, about fourteen miles above Vancouver. There is no doubt that a strong church will be organized at Vancouver. Brother Ward and I are now at Pooley's District, seven miles north of Vancouver. We shall commence meetings to-night. I hope that God will bless us here and at Vancouver as we occasionally labor for those there who have lately embraced the truth. September 9, 1885. H. W. REED. THE shrewdness which some people exhibit in their endeavors to rob God and keep up a reputation for generosity, is quite remarkable. The Journal and Messenger furnishes the following illustration of a style of "systematic giving" which is in spirit none too rare. A colored brother was explaining his system of giving to the Lord. "Yes, sir," he said to the visitor, easing himself back on his spade, "I gibes de truck off 'o one acre ebbery year to de Lawd." "Which acre is it?" inquired his friend. "Wal, dat am a different question. De truf am, de acre changes 'most ebbery season." "Why, in de wet seasons I gibes de Lawd de low lan', an' in de dry seasons I gibes him de top acre ob de whole plantashun." "In that case the Lord's acre is the worst in the whole farm, for in wet seasons it would be flooded, and in dry times parched." "Jes' so," rejoined the systematic giver; "you don't allow I'se goin' to rob my family ob de best acre I'se got, did ye?" And so the colored brother went on with his digging, with a self-complacent smile which was a sure indication that in heart and mind he was in perfect harmony with some persons of lighter color, who serve themselves first and their Lord afterwards; and who take good care that whatever misfortunes they meet with, or disadvantages they labor under, the Lord's cause must bear the loss, while they themselves will pocket, whatever gains there are.—Christian. THE cry for short sermons is never heard in Japan. Although it would be a mistake to attribute the fact solely to a love of Christian truth, yet it is, nevertheless, a fact, and a very significant one, that often the same audience will listen to seven sermons in succession, each one nearly an hour long, with only an intermission for tea after the third. When but one sermon can be had, the missionaries tell us an hour is considered short, and even after two hours many will still call out: "Go on!" Although the hearers of the word are by no means all doers thereof, yet it is a most hopeful sign that the hearers will throng the largest buildings night after night, so that the buildings will be packed and crowds standing at every window. —Sel. Religion as the Believer’s Element
By Rev. John Newton
THE religion of some people is constrained; they are like people who use the cold bath, not for pleasure, but necessity and their health; they go on with reluctance, and are glad when they get out; but religion to a true believer is like water to a fish; it is his element; he lives in it, and he could not live out of it.—Rev. John Newton. Ruth's Opportunity.
By L. L. Robinson
It was a bright day early in September, and there seemed to be something in the cooler air and less enervating sunshine that told of holidays ended and new work begun. But Ruth Winston sat idly dreaming, her simple morning duties finished, and the day apparently holding nothing new or glad for her. "Not moping, are you, Ruth?" There was something of grave rebuke in the words, but there was also a certain tenderness and sympathy discernible in the mother's voice, as she lifted her eyes from her sewing to glance at the young girl near her. "I don't think you should call it moping, mother," said Ruth, reproachfully. "One cannot but be sad and anxious sometimes, when there is a real care on the mind. How can I help feeling it a little hard when I think of the many girls returning to school to-day, girls, too, who, perhaps, will never have to depend on themselves for support, while I, who will have no one else to look to, cannot have even a good education. Here I am, fifteen years old, and I know nothing but reading, writing, and spelling, with a little I have picked up by myself." "And what would you best like to study, Ruth?" asked the mother with a sigh, and as if more to show her sympathy with her girl's desires than with any special motive for the question. "Oh, I scarcely know," answered Ruth. "Anything and everything, I suppose; but to be honest, mother, I don't think I care so much for books or study in itself; I only long to learn enough of any one thing to be able to teach it, or make my own living by it. It is very hard to think of always being a drag on poor Jasper, who will have enough to do to take care of himself and you. If I had but half the chances of some girls I know, I would be earning something in a year or two. But what can one do in a quiet country place like this, with nothing to be learned at the district school, and no one to lend a helping hand?" "A helping hand, dear?" said the mother, "I think you forget that there is a very strong and willing Hand promised to help all those who seek its aid. It may not always shower great wealth or brilliant success, but to one seeking only an honest support, and willing to honestly make the most of the opportunities given, believe me, that Hand is ever outstretches. Moping and grieving over poor chances never yet accomplished anything, but many have done much by simply keeping their aim in sight, and, while making the most of their own abilities, looking to that Hand to point the way." Although the mother and daughter had often talked of such things before, Ruth had never laid bare her trouble so plainly; and there was something now in her mother's serene trust and perfect confidence that inspired her with new hope. "You mean, then, mother," said she, "that if we merely go on doing the best we can toward accomplishing an object, and trust all to God, he will bring it about?" "I really do," answered her mother, "if the object be a wise and worthy one, as I am sure yours is." "Then I will trust," said Ruth, thinking of her one great desire, the longing to fit herself for the self-support which must otherwise fall on the brother to whom the widowed mother must also look in her declining years. Once more she hunted up her copy-book, speller, and slate, and began afresh the simple studies which she felt could be carried on quite as well at home, where she could also share her mother's cares, as at the district school a mile distant, where the teacher knew but little more than Ruth herself. Nevertheless, it did seem that her chances for self-improvement or the attainment of her desire were exceedingly meager under this slow process. But what are chances or human probabilities to God, when a soul has claimed his promised aid! The days passed by at quite their usual pace; but it is strange how hard it often is for old Time to keep side by side with youthful hearts. September had given place to October, and Ruth was beginning to lose something of her expectant buoyancy, plodding along with a patient, rather than hopeful persistency, as day by day she wrote her copies, conned a few columns in spelling, and added, subtracted, and multiplied endless figures on her slate. It was like going over and over the same old path, she thought, as one morning she walked along the oft-traveled road to the little station that served as railroad depot, post-office, and country store in one. She was too early for the mail that morning, however, and stood silently watching with an interest that never failed, the mysterious working of the telegraph instrument, over which the elderly agent had long presided. But a pause came at last in the jerky little clicks, and as if for a moment's diversion the old operator looked up and said abruptly,— "Ruth, can you spell telegraph?" "That's a puzzle for her," his genial face said plainly, and for an instant the very suddenness of the question made the little country girl hesitate; but, recovering herself quickly, she answered promptly:— "T-e-l-e-g-r-a-p-h, telegraph." "Humph, pretty good, I declare," said the agent with surprise in his smile. "You must be a right clever speller. But now let me see if you can write telegraph," and he pushed a paper and pencil to her. Ruth picked up the latter composedly, and in a neat, distinct hand wrote the word as creditably as she had spelled it. "Why, upon my word, you are a very good writer," said the old gentleman with another surprised gleam in his eye. "I did not suppose our little one-horse school turned out such clever scholars." "I don't know that it does," answered Ruth, candidly; "but I write and study all I can at home." "And what is it all for?" he asked, looking at her more attentively. "I don't know exactly," said Ruth, with a sigh. "I am only trying to make the most of my opportunities, with the hope of some day learning more." "How would you like to learn to play on this chatty little machine?" said he, tapping his telegraph instrument, but with a smile that seemed only half in earnest. "That!" cried Ruth. "Why! could a girl like me ever learn to work and understand that?" Her expression of eager longing and wonderment amused, while it interested her questioner. "Why, of course," he answered, "any girl who can spell correctly, and write out the messages distinctly that come to her, can learn if she is willing to try hard. Many a one is now making her living by it." "Oh, sir," said Ruth, growing more and more eager, "if you would but teach me, I would try harder than any one ever did before!" The old gentleman began to look more serious. "Well," he said, "I must confess I never thought of it before, but you do look like a girl that would have pluck and energy, and if you are so anxious to try, you can come to me for an hour every morning and we can see what's in you." The mail train just at this moment came rattling in, and scarcely waiting to inquire for the letter that occasionally found its way to them, Ruth hurried home with a heart all eagerness, joy, and wonder. "Oh, mother," she cried, entering with hasty steps, "I do believe my chance has come! Only think, Mr. Roberts has offered to teach me telegraphy. Did you suppose a girl like me could learn?" "Yes, I have heard of such things," said the mother with a face reflecting all Ruth's bright happiness; "but I never thought such a chance could come to you. How in the world has it come about?" "That is more than I can tell you," answered Ruth. "I certainly never dreamt of it, and of course never mentioned it to Mr. Roberts, and I do not think it had ever occurred to him before, so I suppose it has just come by chance." "By chance, dear?" repeated the mother gravely. "To those who have once placed themselves under God's care nothing ever happens by chance." And now began work in earnest for Ruth. Morning after morning found her at the agent's office, and such was her diligence and eager attention that the old man soon became convinced that he was far from wasting his time in the task thus voluntarily undertaken. And morning after morning marked a progress in Ruth's improvement that really astonished him. "How do you manage to remember your lessons so well," he asked one day, "when you have no instrument at home to practice on?" "Oh, but I have," answered Ruth with a smile, "to-morrow I will bring it and show it to you." And on the following day she drew from her pocket a small oblong block of wood on which a lead pencil was securely fastened with a rubber cord, a small wedge raising it just enough from the block to make it tap distinctly on the latter when pressed with the finger. "Well, if that isn't ingenious!" said her teacher with an admiring nod. "Any girl who could contrive a help like that is bound to succeed," and he tapped a word on the little homemade instrument which was at once repeated by Ruth. A year passed by, a year of busy, unremitting practice on Ruth's part, and of willing instruction on the part of her friend. But changes had been going on around them. The little railroad station had become an important point on the road, trains passed and made connections there more frequently, and the old agent's duties were increasing.605 "I say, Ruth," said he one day, "the company has at last consented to give me an assistant in the telegraph office; how would you like the place?" "Oh, Mr. Roberts!" cried Ruth, "do you really mean it, and do you think I am competent?" "I could not likely get a better operator for the money offered," he replied, "and you would be improving all the time. Besides, I would rather have a good steady girl like you than some young upstart of a fellow wanting to take things in his own hands." "Oh, mother," cried Ruth, hurrying home once more in a state of happy excitement, "did I not say it was my chance! Mr. Roberts has engaged me as his assistant, and I am to have fifteen dollars a month. Who knows but in time I may get thirty or forty!" "Aye, who knows," repeated the mother thoughtfully, "and who knows what God can do for those who seek his help, and meanwhile help themselves!"—L. L. Robinson, in New York Observer. DARK is the night, and fitful and drearily
Rushes the wind, like the waves of the sea.
Little care I, as here I cling cheerily,
Wife at my side and babe on my knee.
King, king, crown me the king,
Home is the kingdom, and love is the king. Flashes the firelight upon the dear faces,
Dearer and dearer as onward they go,
Forces the shadows behind us and places
Brightness around us with warmth in the glow.
King, king, crown me the king,
Home is the kingdom, and love is the king. Flashes the firelight, increasing the glory,
Beaming from bright eyes with warmth of the soul,
Telling of trust and content, the sweet story,
Lifting the shadows that over us roll.
King, king, crown me the king,
Home is the kingdom, and love is the king. Richer than miser with perishing treasure,
Served with a service no conquest could bring,
Happy with fortune that words cannot measure,
Light-hearted I on the hearth-stone can sing:
King, king, crown me the king,
Home is the kingdom, and love is the king.
—Sel. REVELATIONS in regard to the poisonous and otherwise harmful properties of the mixtures sold over the bars of hotels and saloons are so frequent as barely to excite comment, much less to attract attention on the score of novelty. It is doubtful, in fact, whether any amount of information on this point, however startling, would have any deterrent effect upon confirmed tipplers and sots, who are too far gone in the habit to care about the nature of the stuff they pour down their throats as long as it produces something of the desired effect. But it is well that the general public should be kept informed as far as possible of the dangerous character of the compounds of which they are invited to partake by a class of men who assume to be conducting an honest and respectable business. Such information is given in detail in an editorial article in the New York Times, under the heading, "How Liquors Are Made." The Times article itself is based on a book designed to teach saloon-keepers how they can adulterate liquors for themselves, and thus share the profits which now go to the wholesale dealers and rectifiers. One of the most common of the ingredients mentioned in these mixtures is what is known as rum essence. This essence is a mixture of sulphuric acid, black oxide of manganese, pyroligneous acid, acetic ether, butyric ether, and oil of birch. In preparing low grades of so-called "rye" and "bourbon" whiskies, bourbon oil and rye oil are used. Bourbon oil is distilled from a compound of fusel oil, acetate of potash, sulphuric acid, sulphate of copper, oxalate of ammonium, and black oxide of manganese. It would be impossible to mention all the various "oils" and "acids" and drugs of all sorts used in compounding the different grades of whisky, bourbon, and rye. Many of the drugs are violent poisons. Sulphuric acid, which is largely used, when swallowed in concentrated form, destroys all the tissues it touches. Sulphate of copper, another favorite bar-room drug, is a deadly poison, and oxalic acid is even more violent and instantaneous in its action. The oil of bitter almonds, an ingredient of apple brandy, is well known for its poisonous qualities. Other drugs mentioned are only slow poisons, destroying the nerves, and gradually exhausting and ruining the digestive organs. In some of the mixtures only twenty-five per cent. of genuine spirits is used, the remainder being prune juice, fusel oil, etc. A recipe is given for making blackberry brandy, "a superior article," without a trace of blackberry in it. The bar-keeper who understands his "profession" thoroughly is enabled to place before his customers Scotch whisky, Holland gin, French brandy, Jamaica rum, or any other drink with a foreign name that may suit their taste or fancy, simply by "exporting" oils and acids from the nearest drug store. Of course the chief object of all this adulteration is to increase the profits. A skillful combination of drugs, with a slight dash of real spirits, costing altogether from $1.50 to $2.00 a gallon, is retailed so as to net the dealer a profit of $6.00 or $8.00, or four and five hundred per cent. The author of the book from which this interesting information is taken, says the methods and recipes are all given by one who has been in that line of business for many years, and they are substantially those in general use at the present time.—N. Y. Observer. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Ex. 20:3. THE pipe in the greatest number of cases becomes a god. Says a certain writer in the Primitive Methodist some time ago: "I was convinced first, that I worshiped an idol; second, that it was the most worthless of all gods, being nothing but smoke!" "When many of the tobacco consumers get into trouble, or under any cross or affliction, instead of looking to God for support, the pipe or the twist is applied to with quadruple earnestness; so that four times, I might say, in some cases, ten times the usual quantity is consumed on such occasions. What a comfort is the weed in time of sorrow! What a support in time of trouble! In a word, what a god!"—Dr. A. Clarke. A friend in writing to the Rev. Mr. Trask, states the following: "For over thirty years, an old gentleman of St. Albans, Vt., has made a practice of getting out of bed every night at eleven, twelve, two, and four o'clock to enjoy a comfortable smoke. Few worship their God night and day. We are commanded to 'pray without ceasing,' but this old tobacco saint has misinterpreted the command, and smokes without ceasing. What a reproof to those who profess to worship the true God. This poor soul, in order to finish his course with joy, sacrifices sleep. It is his meat and drink to obey the commands of his pipe. Another feature—he does it in succession, needs not a 'revival' to quicken his energies. He obeys one command, he has no other god but this; he has no intercessor between him and his god, as they are on good terms. In all probability he will never forsake his god, or his god forsake him. He offers incense to this god night and day." Is not this idolatry? But are there not thousands upon thousands who are guilty of the same sin? It is computed that about three hundred millions worship this filthy idol. Appalling fact! May a merciful God open their eyes.—Rev. A. Sims.