"Struggles of Religious Liberty, How Maintained in California." By John Orr Corliss. Price 10c. Pacific Press Publishing Association.
This is "Bible Students' Library," No. 206. The special topic considered in the work is the struggles to maintain religious liberty as worked out in California. Mr. Corliss has been engaged in this work for a great many years, and he speaks with knowledge of the topic that he discusses. He treats of the early history of religious liberty, the court decisions regarding California's Sunday laws, the unique position that California occupies, the noble men in her legislature who have stood for religious liberty, the use of the initiative and referendum as applied to it, with a candid appeal to the reader, and an appendix containing the last proposed Sunday law. It is an excellent little work if one wishes to learn what has been done in this respect in California.
"A Hundred Years of Missions." Third revised edition. By D. L. Leonard, D.D. Price $1.20. Funk & Wagnalls Company, publishers, New York and London.
This work first appeared in 1895, and met with so much favor that a second edition appeared in 1903; and now, after a period of ten years, there has been such growth in Christian missions that a new edition is demanded; and hence this third edition of the work. The book gives the story of mission progress since Carey's beginning, more than one hundred years ago; tells of the wonderful achievements and heroism of the souls who have been engaged in the struggle. It has been arranged to meet the wants of the general reader. First come the prefaces of the various editions, the introduction, The Christian Idea of Missions, Missions in the Early Centuries, Conversion of Northern and Western Europe, The Non-Missionary Centuries, Reformation and Discovery of America, Roman Catholic Missions, Preparation for Foreign Missions, Protestant Missions before Carey, The Carey Epoch, The Great Missionary Revival, The Beginning of Missions in America, The Phenomenon of Missionary Expansion, Missions in India, Africa, Madagascar, Islands of the Sea, Turkish Empire, Persia, China, Japan, Korea, Spanish America, and the American Indians. It contrasts the time of a hundred years ago and now, and portrays before us the land yet to be possessed. It has also a good index and contents, a vast amount of matter that every missionary worker will need.
Recent Books from Gospel Trumpet
By Editor
"The Secret of Prayer: How and Why We Pray." By E. E. Byrum. "The Revelation Explained; an Exposition Text by Text of the Apocalypse of St. John." By F. G. Smith. "The Home Training, or the Secret of Character Building." By S. B. Ervin. These are all works received from the Gospel Trumpet Company, Anderson, Indiana.
"The Secret of Prayer" contains forty-nine short chapters, bringing before the reader the great promises of God and the conditions of prayer. It is filled with simple, plain Bible instruction, and is certainly helpful to the one who is devotionally inclined.
"The Revelation Explained," a book of 447 pages, attempts a simple explanation of the book. The author in general takes the historical view of prophecy. To us, however, it seems that he has failed to grasp the great dramatic sevenfold outline of the book. One never will see the Revelation in all its meaning until he can see that it is indeed not one vision, but seven sevenfold revelations of various conditions in this earth until our Lord Jesus Christ shall come. The binding of Satan, or the dragon of Revelation 20, he places in the past — a strange thing, in view of the conditions which have existed in the world! He does not see that at the time that Satan is bound, the whole earth is itself desolated, and the end of that thousand years is the second resurrection.
The third of these books, "Home Training," is one of the many efforts that is being made in various churches at the present time to lift the home training higher, to develop stronger characters in the boys and the girls, to place their feet on a more solid and substantial platform than the society of the world can possibly give, and to fit them for usefulness in the world to come.
BOOK NOTICES
"Our World; the New World Life." By Josiah Strong. Price $1.00. Doubleday, Page & Company, New York.
Josiah Strong will be remembered by our readers as the author of "Our Country," a book which had a very large circulation, and "The New Era," and "Expansion under New World Conditions," etc. The work of the author's which had the largest circulation, "Our Country," appearing in 1886, really called for this work of larger scope; in fact, Dr. Strong tells us that an American in India wrote him, after reading "Our Country," "I hope your next work will be entitled 'Our World.'" It seems to have given Dr. Strong the suggestion of writing the book. It is divided into two parts,—Part 1, "The New World Life," with the following chapters: "A New World Tendency," "A New World Industry," "A New World Peace," "A New World Ideal;" Part 2, "The New World Problems," and in this are discussed the problems of industry, of wealth, of race, of the individual and society, of lawlessness and of legislation, and of the city. The facts which Dr. Strong has gathered for this work are immense. The present conditions are set forth in a clear, graphic way. The reader may not agree with Dr. Strong's conclusions, but he will agree with this,—that there are tremendous problems for this great world to face, problems that are of vital importance, and one of the greatest of all these is the city. We do not see how Dr. Strong could come to the conclusion that he does, that out of all these untoward conditions shall spring the New Jerusalem. We can not see how cities which are steeped in vice and crime and greed can build a city in which all of these things are lacking. It seems to us a great deal easier to believe in the Word itself, which declares that all this wickedness will be swept away in the overwhelming glory of the coming of the Son of God, and those who are His will be saved from its wreck and ruin. Every reformer, however, ought to have Dr. Strong's book. He needs its facts and its pictures.
Training the Boy
By Editor
"Training the Boy." By William A. McKeever, professor of philosophy, Kansas State Agricultural College, author of "Farm Boys and Girls." Illustrated. Price $1.50 net. The Macmillan Company, New York.
We have published, from time to time, extracts from the little pamphlets which Professor McKeever has issued regarding the life and habits of the boy. He has been putting forth earnest effort for the training of the boys of America. He feels that as much effort ought to be put forth for that as in fighting a fruit-tree blight. Some states are appropriating two hundred thousand for such a purpose as that, and yet the cigaret blight is withering up two hundred thousand of the boys in the same state. The work is divided into five parts, twenty-four chapters. Part 1 deals with Industrial Training; Part 2, Social Training; Part 3, Habit Training; Part 4, Vocational Training; Part 5, Service Training. The book contains thirty-five plates of illustrations. It has some very excellent diagrams regarding the evils of wrong habits, especially along the line of drink and tobacco. It is packed full of most excellent suggestions to teachers and parents. The strict Biblical Christian will not always agree with Professor McKeever, or with his religious views; but we do not know how any one could peruse the book without receiving some very excellent helps in the work of training the boy.
Suggestions for the Spiritual Life
By Editor
"Suggestions for the Spiritual Life." By Prof. George Lansing Raymond, L.H.D. Price $1.40 net. Funk & Wagnalls Company, publishers, New York and London.
The author, who is professor of esthetics in George Washington University, author of "The Psychology of Inspiration," and other works, has selected twenty-one college chapel talks, many of which have been helpfully suggestive and inspiring to others (insomuch that they have requested their publication), and has put these talks in permanent form, in some degree progressively connected, that they may bring blessings to others also. The chapter headings give something of the character of the book: "Carnal and Spiritual-Mindedness;" "Divine Sovereignty and Human Service;" "Personal Faith as Grounded on Personal Observation;" "Christian Character Determined by Conduct, Not Knowledge;" "Love the Criterion of Christian Discipleship;" "How to Impart Christian Principles;" "How to Appropriate the Discipline of Disappointment;" "Uncommon Opportunities and Common Occupations;" "The Small Fidelity that Precedes Great Fulfilment;" "A Kind Heart the Condition of a Courageous Life;" "Civil Liberty as a Result of Christian Civilization;" and others of kindred meaning. On the human side the work is excellent. We wish that it had emphasized a little more the divine side—"Ye must be born from above," and the creative power in answer to faith. But the human side—the yielding, the giving, the walking after the great divine Example—is admirable and appealing.
Plain Sermons
"Plain Sermons." A volume of twenty discourses offered to the reader by Daniel Sommer, a preacher of the gospel of Christ. Published by Daniel Sommer, Indianapolis, Indiana.
It is not often that books of sermons are very interesting; but to the one religiously inclined, these sermons are strengthening, helpful, and interesting. What Dr. Sommer has to say is said in a very plain way, easily understood. The sermons are readable, and some of them are strong. Here are some of the titles, for instance: "Is the Bible an Up-to-Date Book?" "Is the Bible a Defensible Book?" "Paul's Example of Personal Discipline;" "The Highest Motive for Doing Good;" "The Meaning of Belief in Christ;" "Infallibility in Religion;" "The Fairness of Truth;" "God's Purpose in Placing Men on Trial." The two things which Mr. Sommer has emphasized, perhaps, beyond others, is the all-sufficiency of the Bible, and the fact that immersion is baptism. On page 38 we note that he goes out of his way to give a wrong construction to Deut. 5:15; but on the whole the sermons are loyal to the Word, helpful, and uplifting. He points out the dangerous tendencies there are in the church at the present time; cites the instances of those who would like to join a certain church if they were religious, because the church does not see any harm in dancing, and of those who thought of joining a church but wished to know if the church had any objection to playing cards. Mr. Sommer believes, and certainly the Bible teaches, that God's purpose in creating man is to bring man into perfect harmony with His will, so that God's will shall be his delight, and man shall glorify Him with a character like his divine Lord.
The Minister's Companion
"The Minister's Companion," containing forms and Scripture selections for important occasions, with the Scripture quotations taken from the American Standard Bible. Prepared by David G. Wylie, Ph.D., D.D., and approved by David J. Burrell and other noted ministers. Thomas Nelson & Sons, New York.
A little volume handy to carry in the pocket, suggestive to ministers of any denomination, regarding the various functions of the pastor's work. Selections for use in public work, baptism, reception and welcome of members to the Lord's Supper, laying of corner-stones, dedication of church buildings, and other important occasions; with a complete index of the contents.
The Rescue
"The Rescue," by Harriet Elizabeth Buchheim. Southern Publishing Association, 2119 24th Ave., N., Nashville, Tenn.
The nicely bound, well printed little volume is a poem presenting the grief and despair of a mother over a son that was to be executed for a crime, this son himself without hope; but before the time comes that the boy pays the penalty for his crime, a man of God enters his cell, and points him to the Saviour, and the boy himself dies triumphant in Christ, while the mother learns sweet submission to God's will, and becomes a rescuer of others.
History of the Devil
“History of the Devil.” By B. W. McClung. Price 50c. Address the author, Regina, Saskatchewan, corner 12th and Cromwell streets.
It is not an orderly work. The writer sets forth various prophecies concerning the coming of Christ and the way of salvation, with various scriptures concerning Satan and his work, the traps that he sets, etc. Its principal worth is some of the excellent quotations which it contains from others.
Heralds of His Coming
By Editor
"Heralds of His Coming," Apples of Gold Library, No. 85, gives an outline of the unmistakable signs of the nearness of Christ's coming. Increase of riches, of crime, of knowledge; last-day scoffers; signs in sun, moon, and stars; peace and safety cry; preparation for war; great spiritual declension,—are some of these evidences. This popular tract, a copy, 3 cents, post-paid; a hundred, $1.50. This office.
Our Work and Workers
Departures to Foreign Missions
THE following have sailed for India during the last two months: Wilbur Nelson and wife, to assist in the book work; Prof. and Mrs. H. R. Salisbury, Professor Salisbury as superintendent of the work in India in place of Professor Shaw, who is taking a furlough on account of ill health; and Miss Rachel Kinzer. The following to China and Japan: James E. Shultz and family; Pastor and Mrs. R. C. Porter, Elder Porter to act as president of the Asiatic Division; Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Warren; B. H. Shaw; Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Peterson; Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Grundset; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Ham; Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Doolittle; and Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Anderson.
MISS ANNA HOFFMAN sailed from New York the latter part of June to join the workers in Jamaica, B. W. I.
R. T. E. COLHURST and his daughter Agnes sailed for Europe in June, to connect with the work in the European Division Conference. About the middle of July Brother R. Joyce and family left New York for their new field in the British Isles. W. E. Hancock sailed at the same time for Europe, to enter some Spanish field in the European Division. His wife will follow him after he has become located.
THE following have gone to take up work in South America: Brother C. E. Boynton and family to British Guiana; W. O. Cluff and wife to Bolivia; Miss Claire Wightman to Bolivia; Miss Gertrude Johnston to Chile; and Mrs. Bishop to live with her son, F. W. Bishop, in Chile.
THE last of June Brother George W. Miller sailed for St. Thomas, Danish West Indies, to engage in the book work.
BROTHER J. H. SMITH and wife left the States early in July to take charge of the work in the Bahama Islands.
EARLY in August Pastor W. B. White and wife, O. K. Butler and family, and Miss Florence White, left for Europe, Pastors White and Butler going on to South Africa, and Miss White going to unite with the workers in Persia.
PASTOR N. J. AALBORG and his family left New York early in August for Jamaica, West Indies. Mrs. Adah Johnston, mother of Mrs. Aalborg, accompanied the party. Mr. and Mrs. George F. Furnival sailed for Jamaica August 16.
THURSDAY, August 28, Brother F. Burton Jewell and family left New York for South Africa, to join Pastor and Mrs. Sturdevant in the work in Eastern Rhodesia.
EARLY in September Brother J. A. and Mrs. Bodle left New Orleans for Guatemala, where they will engage in school work.
RECENTLY Brother and Sister E. W. Thurber and Brother H. E. Meyer and family went to Mexico to engage in the work there; Brother Meyer to have charge of the printing work in Tacubaya.
BROTHER and Sister J. Van de Groep left Australia the middle of June for Singapore, where they go in response to a call for more workers in the Malaysian mission field. Thus other fields than the United States are responding to pleas for help, from dark and needy lands.
DOCTOR HARRY G. HANKINS, having successfully passed his medical examinations in Edinburgh, Scotland, has gone to South Africa, to enter upon medical-evangelistic work.
BAPTISM has been administered to fourteen new believers in Batavia, and others are obeying the truth. At Jesselton several new converts are waiting for further instruction and for baptism. Five or more at Sandakan, Borneo, are walking in the light of the message. Three more at Singapore have received baptism. Seven at Padang, Sumatra, have been baptized, and a church has been organized. Several more in Battakland have begun to observe the commandments.
DR. RILEY RUSSELL writes of the baptism of six souls in Old Wiju, Korea, and says, "We have baptized thirty-one this quarter in the north of Chosen [Korea]." He also reports fifty-four new believers during the past year in the north.
BROTHER H. KUNIYA reports the baptism of two sisters in Kagoshima, Japan, and two other persons at Sose-ho.
PASTOR E. M. ADAMS says that at the last quarterly meeting in Manila thirty-three were taken into the church, and twenty-one that are obeying the truth applied for membership. As a result of the three efforts being conducted in his field, he reports sixty new converts.
A REPORT from the Malay States tells of the conversion of five persons.
BROTHER F. E. STAFFORD says that as a result of the winter's campaign in Shanghai, he had the pleasure of baptizing nine believers Sabbath, June 28. Four at Fat Shan were baptized July 6. Pastor R. F. Cottrell tells of the baptism of fifteen individuals in two places in Southern Hunan. Regarding an itinerating trip in the northern and eastern parts of this province he writes as follows:
"At Hwa Yung we have an out-station which is practically self-supporting. A church was organized there last fall, and during our recent visit we held a four days' meeting, and received a small company into the church. Our next stop was at Ih Yang, where we also have an out-station and an organized church. A boys' school was started here this year, with forty-two pupils, and the number would have been more than doubled had there been sufficient accommodations. Our people at this place are not well-to-do, but this comes the nearest to being a tithe-paying church of any with which I am acquainted in China. Five were added to the church at this place by baptism.
"At Ning Siang, where a church was organized last December, the believers have been severely tried of late. Nevertheless, they are determined to overcome the attacks of Satan. Twelve received baptism here, and we left the people with better courage and strength than ever before. It was at this place that three generations entered the baptismal waters together—the grandmother, seventy-three years of age; the mother, about forty; and the daughter, thirteen. . . . After returning to Changsha, another trip was made, during which we visited the stations at Liu Yang and Li Ling, holding meetings and having baptismal services at each. The growth that our believers have made in spiritual things in these cities was a great encouragement to us. At the latter place a church of nineteen members was organized."
AT a general meeting in Honan, China, one hundred and thirty-seven believers were buried in baptism; and at another general meeting, held in Hupeh, twenty-one were baptized. Our church-membership at that place now numbers sixty.
AT the close of the Finnish Conference, held at Tawasthus, baptism was administered to twenty-six candidates. This was largely the fruit of a series of meetings held there last winter. During the year 1912 eighty-nine new members were taken into this conference by baptism.
Interior of our Mandarin training-school at Nanking. The scene—a farewell to Brother F. A. Allum, who was leaving for America on furlough. The white silk scroll on the wall was sent to the last General Conference.
A NEW chapel was recently dedicated at Porto Alegre, Brazil. Eleven persons also have received baptism at this place.
DURING the first quarter of this year, not less than 1,284 new members were received into church fellowship in the European Division, and 1,107 of these were by baptism. This exceeds the additions in the same quarter of 1912 by 275.
AT the Ponsonby mission, New Zealand, twelve persons have been baptized.
AS a result of a tent effort at Burnley, Richmond, Victoria, ten persons have taken a decided stand for the truth, and about a dozen more are interested. Six persons at Quirindi have signified their intention to obey the message. Seventeen at Broken Hill are preparing for baptism. In Auburn, N. S. W., eleven have yielded to the message, and a new church was dedicated July 27. Another church has been dedicated at Wahroonga.
A COMPANY of believers has been brought out in Pirie, South Australia, as a result of a series of meetings held there. At the close of the camp-meeting session in the Australasian Union Conference 270 were baptized and united with the church.
NINE believers on Lord Howe Island have received baptism, and the members have been organized into a church.
A REPORT from the Somabula Mission, Rhodesia, tells of the baptism of twenty-two candidates on Sabbath, June 21.
A NEW mission station, to be known as "Glendale Mission," has been opened in Rhodesia. At Kimberley seven have been baptized.
THERE have been about forty-one accessions to the truth at Bristol, England, during the past year, and about the same number at Plymouth.12
At Pochutla, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Pastor G. W. Caviness reports the baptism of ten individuals, and others desire to be baptized later. Eight at Ixtaltepec have also been baptized. He states that during the last six months, he has baptized eighty persons, and requests for baptisms have come from other places in Mexico. God's work goes on despite human revolutions.
Last year thirty-four members were added in Wales.
CALENDARS have come to us from Pacific Union College, St. Helena, Cal.; Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich.; and Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash. These contain complete information concerning their schools, courses of study, requirements for entrance, rates of tuition, etc. They may be obtained free by writing to the presidents or secretaries of the schools.
We thank the "Emmanuel Missionary College Bulletin" for sending us their Commencement Number for 1913. This is an attractive little booklet, containing photographs of graduates, class-day programs, graduation theses, poems, addresses, etc. Those wishing copies of this number of the "Bulletin" may procure them by corresponding with the editor, at Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich.
The Home Field
(Since last reported)
It may be well to remark that it is difficult — yes, impossible — to make up accurate accounts classified as below. Baptism is almost invariably equivalent to church-membership. The conversions reported lie outside of baptism, and are generally candidates for baptism. Church-membership is not included in either of the items preceding it. Oftentimes the number reported is indefinite, as a "few," or "several," or a "number." To us these are counted three, when many more may be meant. Rarely do we report as low as three in a state. These reports of course do not include the many that are not reported at all, or the reports which do not come to our notice.
Baptisms: California 59; Utah 5; Washington 67; Idaho 53; Oregon 121; Montana 16; Saskatchewan, Can., 35; Ontario, Can., 34; Alberta, Can., 33; Wyoming 42; Missouri 24; South Dakota 34; Georgia 20; Kansas 10; Colorado 7; Minnesota 61; Michigan 125; Wisconsin 76; Illinois 22; Indiana 10; Ohio 22; New Jersey 22; Maryland 5; Massachusetts 21; New York 11; Vermont 9; Louisiana 4; Alabama 7; Mississippi 6; Tennessee 7; Texas 6; Oklahoma 10; New Mexico 3. Total 995.
Conversions (not included in baptisms): California 62; Arizona 8; Utah 5; Oregon 42; Idaho 5; Washington 8; Nebraska 10; Missouri 14; Colorado 4; Minnesota 7; North Dakota 20; South Dakota 8; Iowa 10; Michigan 26; Indiana 5; Illinois 11; New Jersey 7; Ohio 5; Virginia 9; Massachusetts 12; New York 32; Louisiana 31; Kentucky 8; Tennessee 10; Alabama 21; South Carolina 8; Oklahoma 21; Arkansas 12. Total 421.
Additions to Church-Membership: Oregon 39; Michigan 19; Delaware 6; New York 3; Oklahoma 3. Total 70.
Churches Organized: California 1; Saskatchewan, Can., 2; Alberta 1; Quebec 1; Wyoming 3; Illinois 1; New York 1; Alabama 1; Kentucky 1; South Carolina 1.
Our Chinese guest room in the Kiangsu mission. The scrolls on the wall bear the inscription, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
QUESTIONS
WANTED FOR MISSIONARY WORK
By Editor
Late, clean copies of SIGNS, Review, and tracts to W. Davis Brut, Chinchilla, Pa.
Tracts and clean copies of SIGNS, Liberty, and other denominational literature to Mrs. Faith Perry, Kalama, Wash.
Clean copies of denominational papers and tracts to James Harvey, 1729 Grove St., Oakland, Cal.
Baptists in Russia
From the London Letter in "Western Watchman" (Roman Catholic) of July 17, 1913
THE Baptist sect is making enormous progress on the eastern frontiers of Southern Russia and Turkestan. A year ago the Holy Synod sent one of its best missionaries, Fr. Volguine, to counteract this movement. But what was the surprise of the authorities to learn shortly afterwards that Volguine had not converted the Baptists, but had been converted by them! M. Sabler of the Holy Synod has now conceived the simple plan of taking vast tracts of land belonging to the Kalmucks — natives of the Steppes — building monasteries upon them and peopling them with hundreds of orthodox monks. The monasteries are in their turn to be surrounded by strong Russian colonies, which will subsist on land taken from the natives. All this is expected to convert the latter back to orthodoxy! But a fiery orthodox Russian, named Reckna, has somewhat upset this little plan by precipitous conduct. He can not endure the Baptists and has appealed to their converts, begging them to return. This week he adopted fresh methods. He broke into a Baptist meeting place and stabbed an image of our Lord, and a Baptist preacher named Vasillikoff. Afterwards he repaired unmolested to an orthodox church, where, after washing his blood-stained hands in the fountain of the courtyard, he was about to pray when he was arrested. Strange to say, these Baptists enjoy powerful protection in Russia, and a freedom which could never be aspired to by Catholics.
Hold My Hands
By Irene C. Avery
By Irene C. Avery, in "S. S. Times"
A little hand was clasping mine
When day was gone,
And shadows lingered everywhere
As night drew on.
A curly head was snuggled close
Against my own;
Blue eyes, all wonder-filled, looked on
A world unknown.
The tiny fingers, restless, moved,
And gripped my own with all their might;
Then through the stillness came this plea,
"Hold my hands, father — hold them tight."
When life is spent, and sunset hues
All blend to gray,
And twilight passes silently,
No more the day —
As darkness gently leads me toward
The after-while,
And quiet everywhere pervades
The last long mile —
Then I shall feel around me thrown
Protectingly an arm of might,
And whisper to Him trustingly,
"Hold my hands, Father — hold them tight."
Our Mission Funds
By Editor
OUR August donations have been very light indeed. Surely if there is a field that is needy it is China; and if there is a need in China's needy field, it is that there shall be a training-school to train native workers. Thus far this year there has been given $899.61. This ought to be trebled in the remainder of the year. Now that the autumn crops are coming in, and people are reaping their harvests here, are there not those who will remember the China training-school?
We are thankful to those who have remembered our Coöperation Corner. We are using the money as it comes in, to send papers to foreign fields, and to poor, needy ones. We will report from time to time those who donate to this fund. We can not, of course, give the amount on hand, but will report the donors and the amount received at the end of the year.
China Training-School
Previously Reported
$893.36
Friend
3.75
J. G. De Silva
2.50
Total
$899.61
Co-operation Corner
Received up to August 1, 1913
$121.43
J. G. De Silva
2.50
General Conference
1.00
Mrs. Grace G. Payne
8.75
S. A. Bell
4.25
U. Z. Murriam
8.50
Bertha McFadgen
.50
M. Donaughey
2.00
Louisa Shelton
1.25
Total to September 1
$150.18
— ★ ★ —
Signs of Jesus' Coming
By Corrine Craker
By Corrine Craker
An Acrostic
Sentinels on ancient ramparts
In the Orient to-day,
Great the movements you're beholding
Near your posts and far away,
Signals everywhere converging.
Omens of Christ's coming day,
Faint tho signs appear, and scattered.
JesUsS' tryst now beckons them for aye.
Ceed the muffled tones of warfare,
Ore you shall Megiddo reach.
Mime, decrepit, holds his lancet;
In fact, theorems would teach.
Noney's dominant in power;
Gvery sin of Noah's years
Stains with guilt this sphere terrestrial,
Caffles ante-bellum's fears.
Ondless seem the late inventions.
Melments, swords, are far too tame.
Irgies play their part ignoble,
Nead the world, and without shame,
Goubt you that a crisis nears us,
You who read the changing roll?
O behold the signals round you!
Units form the finished whole.
A Struggle
By J. R. De Spain
By J. R. De Spain
The strength required to burst apart
From habits formed through weary years,
When sense of duty bids thee start,
But love of sin within thy heart
Still bids thee cling, like thirsty leech,
To evil e'er within thy reach,
Thy God hath promised to impart
When Satan in thy path appears,
The strength required to break the chain
Which life and habit but evolves,
That sin has forged, and which has lain
In each paternal sire's brain,
Since fiendish imps at first began
Thy fall in secret sin to plan,
Is promised thee in word so plain,
It all upon thy will devolves.
But what means this, thy will to yield,
When every look or touch reveals
Some deep-wrought passion Satan wields,
Like summer breeze on ripening fields,
To swerve thy life from virtue's path,
Till in remorse and fear of wrath
Thou in confusion drop the shield
That to thy God by faith appeals?
When passion has thy master been,
Till every pure and noble thought
Seems withered by the scorch of sin,
That burns, and burns, and burns, within,
Till tender motives, love, and grace,
Seem withered, too, and in their place
The thorns of lust and hate are seen,
That in God's likeness have been wrought;
When battles rage within thy heart;
When sins for which thou wast prepared,
Appeal to thee with subtle art,
Bid thee in them again take part,
And when thou knowest but remorse
Will follow if thou take this course,
And deepest joy if thou depart,
Ask Him who all thy woes hath shared:
Have mercy upon me, O God, I implore,
Purge me with hyssop, and cleansed shall I be,
According to mercy Thy likeness restore.
A spirit that's contrite Thou wilt not deplore,
For I acknowledge my transgressions; so
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Where sin and iniquity withered before,
Put mercy, forgiveness, praise unto Thee.
