p. 9 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 44. (10/31/1900)

GOVERNMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES.

By G.

"By the tenor of the instructions given to the Taft Commission, the policy of the administration in the Philippines is made known. The Filipinos are placed on the same ground as respects security of person and property as citizens of the United States. The commission is to establish municipal governments, in which the natives 'shall be afforded the opportunity to manage their own local affairs to the fullest extent of which they are capable.' These local governments are to be formed 'as fast as the territory is held and controlled by our troops.' The commission says that the governments to be established by them should be shaped so as to conform to 'native customs, habits, and even prejudices, to the fullest extent consistent with the accomplishment of the indispensable requisites of just and effective government.' In the matter of that great source of bitterness, priestly domination and church lands and holdings, provision is made for the acquirement of such property by legal processes and lawful compensation. It is also declared that 'no form of religion and no minister of religion shall be forced upon any community or upon any citizen; and, upon the other hand, no minister of religion shall be interfered with or molested in following his calling, and the separation between State and Church shall be real, entire and absolute.' Carried out according to the letter and in the spirit, this declaration should be satisfactory, and to it the Roman Church authorities should assent, however much they may regret a vanished past."—Christian Work.

But, according to Archbishop Chapelle, the special representative of the papal interests in the Philippines, the Roman Church is having no occasion to "regret a vanished past." He has recently expressed great satisfaction with the conduct of affairs by the United States, and great confidence in the prospective outcome as far as the church's property interests are concerned. It should not be forgotten that the old controversy between Spain and the Filipinos was virtually a rebellion of native Catholics against Roman oppression, and the present trouble is in reality a continuation of the same, only a stronger government is battling Rome's enemy. Then why should not Rome be satisfied with her new ally? The expression that "the separation between Church and State shall be real, entire, and absolute" is mere verbiage. This government has already abandoned that principle even at home; and much more in its connection with Rome in Cuba and in the Philippines. The "security of person and property" is the very thing that Rome wants established. This point settled, and the old régime is safe, with the United States army behind it. Nor is it clear how the United States can do otherwise, under the treaty with Spain, than recognize property rights then existing. And certainly the Roman priesthood could not be banished under the Constitution. The government can no more force ministers of Rome away from the Philippines than they can force them upon the Filipinos. There seems to be little, or nothing, in the instructions to the Taft Commission to which Rome will seriously object.

China’s Famine and Devastation

A CORRESPONDENT of the San Francisco Chronicle, writing from Tien-tsin, China, declares that the condition of the people in the north of China is deplorable in the extreme, and that death from starvation will unquestionably be the portion of thousands of them. Great areas of the country have been systematically devastated by both the Boxers and the allied foreign troops. In many sections every house has been burned and the crops utterly laid waste. The correspondent says: "To those who look for retaliation in kind for the lives of foreigners that were treacherously taken, let it be said that the revenge has been taken a hundred-fold. For the property destroyed an even higher price has been paid. From a strictly punitory standpoint the people have been given a scourging that will remain a tradition with them."

Turmoil in the Philippines

CAPTAIN SHIELDS and his command of fifty-one men, recently captured on the island of Marinduque, Philippines, have been recaptured by an American relief force. The west coast of the island of Leyte is reported to be in a state of turmoil, and the rebel Ladrones are actively plundering. Serious charges of favoritism and malfeasance in office have been brought against the native Filipino judges, even the judges of the Supreme Court, and the Taft Commission have decided to substitute Americans from the United States in place of the native magistrates. The American Superintendent of Instruction in the Philippines is calling for American teachers, principals, and school superintendents.

India’s Famine and Plague

A report from Bombay states that the immediate prospects for relief of the famine conditions in India are none too bright, for next year's crops have already been sold to exporters, thus reproducing the anomaly witnessed in Ireland in 1848, when the starving population saw ship-loads of corn exported from Cork to the more lucrative markets of England. Thus the unhappy people will experience small profit from the crops that will be harvested. Trade interests in these days take precedence over those of humanity. A recurrence of the plague is looked for soon, as the season for it is approaching.

Boer Forces Continue Operations

Lord Roberts has delayed his return to England on account of the continued operations of the scattered Boer forces. The latter are very active in the Kroonstadt district, and General De Wet has declared that all burghers who refuse to fight the British, will be made prisoners of war. They have torn up a railroad north of Bethulie, and captured a British outpost and scouting party. It is reported that Mr. Kruger, on his arrival in Holland, will meet the Boer envoys, and with them visit the different capitals of Europe to plead for intervention in South Africa.

American Board Meeting in St. Louis

THE ninety-first annual meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions convened at St. Louis, Mo., on October 10, and remained in session three days. The president of the board, in his opening address, declared that the real reason for the present uprising in China was the injustice of the great foreign nations in stealing their ports and territory, and the commercial progress, which had often selfishly and heartlessly run rough-shod over Chinese traditions, and which was depriving laborers in great numbers of their employment.

Scientists Abandon Man-Ape Descent Theory

At the congress of German anthropologists at Halle, Germany, October 15, a prominent scientist of Heidelberg read a paper in which he contended that, "as a result of several years' investigation, the direct descent of man from apes was no longer maintainable." The real scientist, the one who believes God's Word, never did believe such a theory was maintainable. Scientists have yet to place their finger on a single "missing link" in what is called the "chain of genetic relationships."

Smallpox Calamity Among Alert Bay Indians

A TRIBE of Indians on Alert Bay, Canada, are rapidly dying off with smallpox and consumption. The Indians attribute the calamity to witchcraft on the part of an Indian boy. The chief ordered the boy killed, but the one appointed to execute the youth took him into another part of the country. The Indians believe that the continuance of the calamity is due to the fact that the order was not obeyed.

New Expeditions to the North Pole

WILLIAM ZEIGLER, of New York, has announced his intention of sending two vessels in search of the North Pole during the coming summer. It is also reported that the Duke of Abruzzi, who recently returned from a trip in search of the North Pole, having reached the highest latitude yet recorded, will make an attempt to cross the pole in a balloon during the coming year.

Imperial Museum Built at Saalburg

ON the site of an ancient Roman fort at Saalburg, Germany, Emperor William laid the foundation-stone of an Imperial German Museum on October 11. This fort was built during the reign of Emperor Antonius. The Roman palace was rebuilt, and in the dedicatory exercises the old Roman customs were followed, and the Roman and Latin language used.

European Birth Rate Declining

EUROPEAN countries are showing much concern over the continued decrease in the birth rate. The rate in France is abnormally low, and the large cities of Germany and Prussia are following close after Paris in this respect. Such a decrease is vital in these countries, which are straining every nerve to maintain their standing as first-class military powers.

American Bible Society Expands Agencies

The American Bible Society reports having opened new agencies in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines. During the past year this society has circulated over half a million copies of the Bible or portions of the Bible in China alone. The total number of copies of the Bible issued from its presses last year was 1,406,801.

Germany Leads in Paris Exposition Prizes

THE revised decisions of the judges of the Paris Exposition show that Germany stands first in the number of prizes received, and the United States second. The Germans received, 261 grand prizes and 545 gold medals, while the United States received 239 grand prizes and 369 gold medals.

Wealth of American Colleges

The latest reports from American colleges show that the amount of money invested on behalf of the institutions, and from which they draw their income, is about $150,000,000. The value of the grounds, buildings, and apparatus of these colleges amounts to another $150,000,000.

Destructive Typhoon in Formosa

A DESTRUCTIVE typhoon struck the island of Formosa and the southern Chinese coast recently. At one place on Formosa 1,900 houses were washed away by the accompanying inundation. Several steamers were blown ashore, and the loss of life was considerable.

Catholic University Receives Contributions

At the annual meeting of the board of directors of the Catholic University of America, at Washington, on October 10, it was reported that $220,000 had been secured in contributions to the university, and that $61,000 more would be available during the present year.

Wisconsin Sets Navy Speed Record

The new battle-ship Wisconsin, which was recently launched at San Francisco, was given her trial trip on October 11, and developed an average speed of seventeen and one-quarter knots per hour, which is the fastest record in the American Navy for battle-ships.

Family Killed by Dynamite Explosion

An entire family of six persons was blown to atoms at Sells, Arkansas, on October 15, by an explosion of dynamite under the room in which they were eating their supper. A dispute over a homestead claim is thought to have led to the terrible deed.

Insurance Plan for Universal Peace

The latest plan for establishing universal peace is put forward by the International Peace Assurance Association, of Michigan. This plan for putting an end to all wars is a proposition to apply the insurance principle to all disputes between nations.

Famine Among Arizona Indians

THERE is famine among the Pima and Papago Indians of Arizona. Several thousand are reported by their agent to be in dire want. Short rations are being doled out to them, and an attempt is being made to secure aid from the government.

Bubonic Plague Aboard British Steamer

The British steamer Highland Prince, which left London on September 7, arrived at Montevideo, South America, on October 15, with bubonic plague on board. Five persons, including the captain and first officer, had died during the voyage.

Revolutionists in Santo Domingo Surrounded

A REPORT from Santo Domingo states that the revolutionists in that State have been surrounded, and are asking for guarantees previous to surrendering. The revolutionary movement is considered to have been suppressed.

More Troops for the Philippines

ARRANGEMENTS have been made at Washington for sending two more transports to the Philippines, by way of the Mediterranean, with soldiers to take the places of those who have been killed or died of disease in the islands.

Anniversary of the Boer War

THURSDAY, October 11, was the anniversary of the beginning of the Boer War, which has cost Great Britain a vast amount of money and many thousand lives, and resulted in the overthrow of two republics.

Uprising in the New Hebrides

A PORTION of the New Hebrides natives have taken up arms, and are causing much trouble in the group. The British ship Ringarooma has gone to the islands to quell the uprising.

Imperialism Sweeping Over Europe

Lord Strathcona, high commissioner of Canada, in a recent interview in New York, declared that a wave of imperialism is now sweeping irresistibly over Europe.

Sir Thomas Lipton Corners American Pork

It is reported that Sir Thomas Lipton has secured a "corner" on American pork, and that this commodity will, therefore, be forced to a very high price in the market.

Mexican Operations Against the Yaquis

THE Mexican Government has refused the peace propositions of the Yaqui Indians, and active operations for their subjugation continue.

Yellow Fever Epidemic in Havana

YELLOW fever is now epidemic in Havana, Cuba, and 113 cases had been reported between October 1 and October 12.

ALCOHOL; ITS HISTORY, AND ITS EFFECTS UPON SOCIETY.

By W. H. Riley, M.D.

By W. H. Riley, M.D., Superintendent of Colorado Sanitarium, Boulder, Colo.

The Alcohol Family.

THERE are a number of compounds which are so similar that they are called the "alcohol series." By adding CH₂ to the formula for one we get the formula of the next in the series.

The first is methyl alcohol, the composition of which is shown in its formula, CH₄O. This is also called "wood alcohol," as it is derived from wood by distillation. The wood is heated, and from the vapors arising the wood alcohol is condensed. It is slightly intoxicating in its character, but has a bad odor, and for this reason people do not like to drink it. They do so occasionally, but with ill effects. At the time of writing this article we notice in the papers a despatch from Montana, stating that two men are dead, and two of their companions are in a critical condition "from the effects of drinking wood alcohol."

By adding CH₂ to the formula for methyl alcohol we have CH₄O + CH₂ = C₂H₆O. This is recognized at once as the formula for the alcohol which is the subject of this article, and to which is given the name of ethyl alcohol, or wine spirit. This member of the alcohol family is the essential element of spirituous liquors, and constitutes the intoxicating principle in wine, beer, brandy, etc.

Third in the series is propyl alcohol, the formula of which and relation to the preceding is shown in the equation CH₄O + 2(CH₂) = C₃H₈O. This is a colorless liquid, with a pleasant odor, and is always formed in small amounts in the fermentation of sugar.

Butyl alcohol, C₄H₁₀O, is produced in the fermentation of the beet root. An acid formed from this kind of alcohol is present in old cheese and rancid butter, giving the peculiar flavor.

We will mention another member of this series, which is the characteristic constituent of "bad whisky." This is amyl alcohol, or "fusel-oil," C₅H₁₂O. This is very intoxicating, a few drops producing as great effects as a large quantity of ethyl alcohol, or wine spirit.

As we progress in the series, the succeeding members exceed the preceding in intoxicating power. In the above list, wood alcohol, CH₄O, is least intoxicating, and fusel-oil, CH₄O + 5(CH₂), is most intoxicating. The following table shows the results of some experiments by Dujardin-Beaumetz. It was carefully observed how much of each alcohol was required to kill an animal upon which he was experimenting. It will be noticed that the amount required to produce death is less with each of the succeeding members of the series. It will also be noticed that a less amount of diluted spirit is required than undiluted.

Mean toxic dose in grams per kilogram weight of the animal.

	Pure.	Diluted.
Ethyl Alcohol, C₂H₆O,	8.0	7.75
Propyl ", C₃H₈O,	3.9	3.75
Butyl ", C₄H₁₀O,	2.0	1.85
Amyl ", C₅H₁₂O,	1.7	1.50

Closely allied to these is carbolic acid, C₆H₆O, which differs from wine spirit by only four atoms of carbon, and yet is well known to be a powerful poison. Would the relationship alcohol sustains to carbolic acid be any proof of its harmlessness?

WHAT SHALL BE DONE WITH BABY'S CURLS?

By David Paulson, M.D.

I AM almost tempted to cut my little girl's hair close to her head, so everybody shall not be stimulating her pride and vanity by telling her how pretty she looks. The mother went on to explain that she actually saw her little girl standing before the glass admiring her golden curls. Possibly the course she suggested would be the wisest one for this mother to pursue, inasmuch as she had so long neglected to instil into the child's mind a great truth, which would have effectually barred such vanity from securing a foothold.

The Lord made the baby's curls and the beautiful face and graceful form, and He made them for the purpose of representing in human flesh some of the remnants of divine beauty that it is still the privilege of sinful humanity to possess. The child should have had it thoroughly fixed in her mind that she must not allow her face to become soiled; for it would not then be as perfect a reflection of divine beauty as it might be; in short, she should have been taught that God wishes to illustrate through the beautiful curls and bright blue eyes a little of His own divine beauty. She soon begins to grasp the idea that she is to be here on earth a walking advertisement for God. When such a child is complimented because of her handsome appearance, instead of feeling flattered she feels thankful that she can represent a fragment of the glory of God in her own person to a world which, at best, sees only a little of divine things.

Some may reason that the child can not comprehend such a truth; but common experience teaches that it has no difficulty in learning at an early age the devil's substitute for this truth, which is a desire to display self at every opportunity. Pride, fulness of bread, abundance of idleness, and failure to help others, produce Sodom every time (Eze. 16:49), and pride heads the list.

When your little boy and girl come home from school and tell you that the teacher said they were the brightest children there, do you, by a nod and a smile of approval, further stimulate the personal pride that the teacher has already planted in their young souls, or do you read to them from 1 Cor. 12:7 that God has put some gift of His Spirit into every child, so that he may give to others a sample of what God is? And then do you kneel with these children, and together thank God that He has intrusted to them the gift of knowledge? When this is done, the child will have his soul fired with an ambition to study harder than ever before, so that he may have the privilege of representing a little more of that gift of knowledge to his classmates; and instead of despising them because he can excel them all, he will feel sorry for them, and a desire will be awakened in his breast to assist them in some way, so that they also will be able to represent more of God to others.

When new clothes have been procured for your children, do you suggest the thought to their minds that they are better dressed than any other children in town? or do you carefully and thoughtfully impress upon them the sad story of how clothes came to be a necessity? And then do you show them how that particular garment, by its comfortable arrangement and durability, admirably meets the necessity? A beautiful piece of statuary might have some rags bound about it in such a way as absolutely to detract from its beauty, or it might be arrayed in such gaudy material as positively to obscure the sculptor's skill, while the true idea is to drape it so harmoniously that the true object of the sculptor's art shall be attained. It may take an adult's mind years to grasp this idea with reference to the clothing of the human body; for we have so long thought in wrong ways on these subjects that our ideas have become warped and deformed; but the average child can comprehend in a few minutes what it means to dress to the glory of God.

Those children who have had their minds fortified with truth will not so readily be contaminated with error. For "ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. The best way to crowd out error is to let truth come in. If you do not feel that you can take the time to teach your children the grand truth that they are in the world just to represent as far as possible an indwelling Saviour, even in their physical appearance, then you might better trim off the curls, and also allow the beautiful face in some way to become disfigured (for the principle is the same in both cases), and even allow the graceful body to become deformed, and thus let them go into the kingdom of God halt, maimed, and blind, rather than be lost because Satan took advantage of your neglect. But suppose you did remove all these temptations, what assurance have you then that they will be saved? They may be actually proud of their humility, and this is one of the most incurable forms of pride.

To illustrate the importance of laying hold of this truth, I will cite a case that came to my attention recently in Chicago. One of our medical mission workers picked up a waif out of the very mire of Sodom. She was literally clothed in filth and rags. When she had been thoroughly cleansed and properly dressed, the idea was suggested to her mind that she had a "real pretty dress," and she immediately

strutted out into the hall and found another girl, and assured her that she had the prettier dress of the two. This child had been dragged out of physical Sodom only to have spiritual Sodom implanted in her mind.

DAVID PAULSON, M.D.

THE THINGS THAT ARE MORE EXCELLENT.

By William Watson

To HUG the wealth ye can not use, And lack the riches all may gain— O blind and wanting wit to choose, Who house the chaff and burn the grain! And still doth life with starry towers Lure to the bright divine ascent. Be yours the things ye would; be ours The things that are more excellent.

The grace of friendship—mind and heart Linked with their fellow-heart and mind, The gains of science, gifts of art, The sense of oneness with our kind, The thirst to know and understand— A large and liberal discontent; These are the goods in life's rich hand, The things that are more excellent.

In faultless rhythm the ocean rolls; A rapturous silence thrills the skies; And on this earth are lovely souls That softly look with aidful eyes. Tho dark, O God, thy course and track, I think Thou must at least have meant That naught which lives should wholly lack The things that are more excellent! —William Watson.

A SOUR FACE.

By Christian Endeavor World

In a certain retail store are two young lady clerks. Their counters are side by side. One clerk speaks fluently two or three languages, is quick at figures, and keeps her counter in beautiful shape. But, judging from the looks of her face, you would think that some time she had been out in a thunder-storm from the effects of which she had turned sour.

The other young lady knows no foreign language, and can not speak even her own mother tongue very well. She is rather slow at figures, and her counter does not always look in the best shape. But, O! what a sunny, witching, winsome face she has; and customers flock about her like bees about a honey bush in full bloom.

One day the floor-walker overheard an old country auntie request the sunny-faced girl to wait on her from the other counter.

"But that is not my counter," replied the girl.

"Ach!" whispered the auntie from foreign shores, "nebber mind. You wait on me. She"—shrugging her shoulders—"she so sour face!"

What a sermon for an old country woman! Have you sunshine in your face?

DANCING, CARD PLAYING, AND THEATER GOING.

By Christian Life

It is a fact that the three leading worldly amusements are card playing, dancing, and theater going.

It is a fact that the Bible demands that Christians shall be separated from the world. See Matt. 6:24; John 17:15, 16; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17, etc.

It is a fact that not a single evangelical denomination approves of these amusements; and many of them have formally declared against them.

It is a fact that unchristian people, when brought under conviction for sin, invariably believe that these amusements should be renounced.

It is a fact that persons desiring to become Christians never want a dancing, card-playing, theater-going professor's assistance in learning how.

It is a fact that the worldly-minded members of any church contribute little or nothing to the spiritual forces and work of their church.

It is a fact that any church sanctioning these amusements is spiritually inert.

It is a fact that unchristian people have little or no respect for the religious professions of church-members who indulge in these amusements.

It is a fact that the persons most difficult to win to Jesus Christ are the children of church-members who approve of these pastimes.

It is a fact that indulgence in these amusements has led multitudes to disgrace and ruin.

It is a fact that no one, in the dying hour, wants one who loves these things to speak to them of the life to come.

It is a fact that church-members given to these pastimes have little knowledge of the Bible, and are seldom found in their church prayer-meetings.

It is a fact that if you are a Christian, and indulge yourself at all in these worldly pleasures, and, for the honor and glory of our glorious Saviour and Lord, will at once and forever renounce them, you will have His sweet approval, the approval of your own conscience, and such joy as the world can not give. Matt. 19:29.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.

—Christian Life.

VICTIMS OF BAD MILK.

"Most of the 400 babies who died in Connecticut during July were victims of poisoned milk or other unsuitable food," says Secretary C. A. Lindsley, of the State Board of Health, in a report on the death rate during the recent hot spell. "That the prevalence of infantile affections is due to heat is a fallacy," he continues. "The large majority of deaths occur among bottle-fed babies. Milk is fed to children from 12 to 48 hours after it is taken from a cow. On the least exposure the milk gathers innumerable germs.

"Until the baby has passed the nursing stage, its stomach is not prepared for other food than that supplied by nature. Any artificial food is a trial for the infantile digestive organs to which they are frequently unequal. The mother who can nurse her baby, but for selfish reasons refuses to do so, assumes a fearful responsibility."—Report of Health Officer.

ATTENTIVE TO DUTY.

"Are you not afraid to live here?" said a visitor to a lighthouse keeper. "It is a dreadful place to be constantly in."

"No," replied the man, "I am not afraid; we never think of ourselves here."

"Never think of yourselves! How so?"

"We know that we are perfectly safe, and only think of having our lamps brightly burning, and keeping their reflectors clear, so that those in danger may be saved."

That is what Christians ought to do. They are safe in a house built on a rock which can not be moved by the wildest storm; and, in a spirit of holy unselfishness, they should let their light gleam across the dark waters of sin, that they who are imperiled may be guided into the harbor of eternal safety.—Selected.

Experiences

By A. F. Ballenger

“Five years, eleven months, and sixteen days ago to-night I came into this mission a ragged, penniless, ruined man. I had decided to throw myself in the river, but thought I would stop in here first. That night the Lord saved me from my drink and sin, and for over two years I was a sober man. But after I had secured a good position and began to wear good clothes, I began to think I was able to walk alone, and I let go of the hand that had saved me and kept me, and I fell back into the old life again. But I knew I was down, and I knew how I was saved before. The Lord saved me again, and has kept me ever since; and I don't let go of His hand any more.”

I wanted to say, “Amen,” but I smothered it.

Presently a woman arose. She was dressed in white. Some friends had brought her a large bouquet of white lilies, and had come to rejoice with her, and to celebrate with her the fifth anniversary of her salvation from a life of sin and shame.

“Five years ago to-night,” the young woman began, “I was rescued from a life of sin and shame. The Lord saved me from the street when I was engaged in the work of destroying the sons and daughters of fond mothers. But the Lord found me, and washed me clean in His own blood. I have since started a rescue home, and am now giving my life to the work of rescuing my sisters from the life from which the Lord has rescued me. Oh, what a change He has wrought in my heart! Yesterday, with some Christian friends I spent a day of recreation in the park, and, would you believe it? I had entrusted to me, during the day, twelve little sweet-faced girls. Oh, think of it; that such a woman as I have been should be so cleansed and changed that mothers would be willing to trust me with the care of their innocent little ones! Praise the Lord for His love and saving power!”

I could smother the amens no longer, and one escaped, with a good church prayer-meeting fervor.

The people looked around. I could hide my identity no longer, but arose and said:—

“Brethren and sisters, I am a preacher; but I see a salvation manifested here that I have not experienced. But I purpose to have it if I must get drunk, get arrested, and sentenced to jail and have some missionary come and teach me through the bars.”

I went from this meeting to my home strongly impressed with God's power to save to the uttermost. I looked myself over in the light of the Word, and decided that I was mean enough already; that I need not sin any more in order to be a great sinner and obtain a great salvation.

Thus, dear reader, did I learn through this humbling experience the secret of a great salvation. Only those who realize that they are great sinners will receive a great salvation; but sin as seen nailing the Son of God to the cross of Calvary, becomes exceedingly sinful.

The above lines are taken from the new book by Elder A. F. Ballenger, entitled “POWER FOR WITNESSING”

LIFE'S IMAGINARY ILLS.

LAST Tuesday Edward L. McWilliams, a veteran detective of this city, committed suicide. He had believed for a long time that he had cancer of the stomach and was an incurable sufferer. An autopsy upon his body by the coroner's physician showed that he was totally mistaken, and that his only trouble, aside from his unfounded fears, was a tumor, which might have been readily removed by an operation not at all dangerous.

The coroner's physician remarks that he frequently makes autopsies on bodies of persons who kill themselves in fits of despondency over deadly diseases, from which they are not suffering. Thus again is the old paradox illustrated, "The worst calamities of life are those that never happen."—New York World.

The World a Terrible Desert

THE world is a terrible desert for the one who has spent all in its service.

SUCH GIFTS AND GIVERS AS GOD LOVES.

IN the beautiful island of Ceylon, many years ago, the native Christians, who had long worshiped in bungalows and old Dutch chapels, decided that they must have a house built for themselves. Enthusiastic givers were each eager to forward the new enterprise. But, to the amazement of all, Maria Peabody, a lone orphan girl, who had been a beneficiary in the girls' school at Oodooville, came forward and offered to give the land upon which to build, which was the best site in her native village.

Not only was it all she owned in this world, but, far more, it was her marriage portion, and in making the gift in the eyes of every native she renounced all hopes of being married. As this alternative in the East was regarded an awful step, many thought her beside herself, and tried to dissuade her from such an act of renunciation. "No," said Maria, "I have given it to Jesus, and as He accepted it, you must." And so to-day the first Christian house of worship in Ceylon stands upon land given by a poor orphan girl.

The deed was noised abroad, and came to the knowledge of a young theological student, who was also a beneficiary of the mission, and it touched his heart. Neither could he rest until he had sought and won the rare and noble maiden who was willing to give up so much in her Master's cause.

Some one in the United States had been for many years contributing twenty dollars annually for the support of this young native girl, but the donor was unknown. Dr. Poor, a missionary in Ceylon, visiting America about that time, longed to ascertain who was the faithful sower, and report the wonderful harvest.

Finding himself in Hanover, N. H., preaching to the students of Dartmouth College, he happened in conversation to hear some one speak of Mrs. Peabody, and repeated, "Peabody; what Peabody?"

"Mrs. Maria Peabody, who resides here, the widow of the former professor," was the answer.

"O! I must see her before I leave," said the earnest man, about to continue his journey.

The first words after an introduction at her house were: "I have come to bring you a glad report, for I can not but think it is to you we in Ceylon owe the opportunity of educating one who has proved as lovely and consistent a native convert as we have ever had. She is exceptionally interesting, devotedly pious, and bears your name."

"Alas!" said the lady, "altho the girl bears my name, I wish I could claim the honor of educating her; it belongs not to me, but to Louisa Osborne, my poor colored cook. Some years ago, in Salem, Mass., she came to me, after an evening meeting, saying: 'I have just heard that if anybody would give twenty dollars a year, they could support and educate a child in Ceylon, and I have decided to do it. They say that along with the money I can send a name, and I have come, mistress, to ask you if you would object to my sending yours.'"

At that time," continued the lady, "a servant's wages ranged from a dollar and a half a week, yet my cook had for a long time been contributing half a dollar each month at the monthly concert for foreign missions. There were those who expostulated with her for giving away so much for one in her circumstances, as the time might come when she could not earn. 'I have thought it all over,' she would reply, 'and concluded that I would rather give what I can while I am earning, and then if I lose my health, and can not work, why, there is the poorhouse, and I can go there. You see, they have no poorhouse in heathen lands; for it is only Christians who care for the poor.'"

In telling this story, Dr. Poor used to pause at this point and exclaim: "To the poorhouse! Do you believe God would ever let that good woman die in the poorhouse?" Never!

The missionary learned that the last known of Louisa Osborne, she was residing in Lowell, Mass. In due time his duties called him to that city. At the close of an evening service, before a crowded house, he related, among missionary incidents, as a crowning triumph, the story of Louisa Osborne and of Maria Peabody. The disinterested devotion, self-sacrifice, and implicit faith and zeal of the Christian giver in favored America, have been developed, matured, and well-nigh eclipsed by her faithful protégé in far-off, benighted India. His heart glowed with zeal, and, deeply stirred by the fresh retrospect of triumphs of the Gospel over heathenism, he exclaimed, "If there is any one present who knows anything of that good woman Louisa Osborne, and will lead me to her, I shall be greatly obliged." The benediction pronounced, and the crowd dispersing,

Dr. Poor passed down one of the aisles chatting with the pastor, when he espied a quiet little figure apparently waiting for him. Could it be? Yes, it was a colored woman, and it must be Louisa Osborne. With quickened steps he reached her, exclaiming, in tones of suppressed emotion, "I believe this is my sister in Christ, Louisa Osborne."

"That is my name," was the calm reply.

"Well, God bless you, Louisa; you have heard my report, and know all, but before we part, probably never to meet again in this world, I want you to answer me one question, What made you do it?"

With downcast eyes, and in a low, trembling voice, she replied:—

"Well, I do not know, but I guess it was my Lord Jesus."

The missionary returned to his adopted home, where, ere long, the loving hands of faithful native brethren bore him to his grave. The humble handmaiden of the Lord labored

meekly on a while, and ended her days, not in a poorhouse, but, through the efforts of those who knew her best, in a pleasant, comfortable old ladies' home. "Him that honoreth Me, I will honor."—Life and Light.

Continue reading: Bible Students' Library one year and Battle Hymn of the Kingdom