Earlier text: DANIEL'S AGE AND CHARACTERLesson from the Swallow: Heavenward Desires
A CHRISTIAN may learn a lesson from the swallow. He may build a temporary house on the earth, but his desires should be ever on the wing heavenward. The Cause in Europe Onward.
By John Nevins Andrews
In the merciful providence of God we are able to record an advance step in the work in Central Europe. I have mentioned the fact that there are some forty Sabbath-keepers in Prussia, who never saw one of like faith, from another country. In some way these brethren heard that there was a Sabbath-keeper at Basel by the name of James Eitzenberger, and thereupon they wrote him for information concerning the Sabbath cause in Switzerland. This was about the time of my arrival at Neuchatel. In writing to them he mentioned the fact of my arrival, and they, in answering, extended an earnest invitation to us each to come and visit them. I have also stated that some time since Satan was able in some things to get the advantage of Bro. E. I could not go to labor in Germany without the assistance of Bro. E., and I did not feel free to set out with him for that country till he could have the fullest confidence of the Swiss brethren. I have therefore sought help from God, and have put forth the best efforts in my power to have every fault corrected according to the instruction of the New Testament. I think it is not stating too much to say that God has crowned these efforts with abundant success. God has greatly blessed Bro. E., and the hearts of all his people here are made to rejoice. Now with the full approval of all the Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland, and with the blessing of God we hope to set out for Elberfeld in Prussia, on Monday, Feb. 1. Bro. E. goes to remain and to preach in his own tongue, the German. I go to remain a few weeks to help him in the commencement of the work. Elberfeld is about 300 miles directly north of Neuchatel. Then if the Lord will I shall return to Neuchatel to do what I can in French. We are now ready to begin the publication of French tracts, and intend to commence upon my return. It has been a time of constant, earnest effort with me to get under way in the work here. I have made each day's labor as extended as nature would enable me to make it. Neuchatel has a mild climate. There has been snow enough to whiten the ground for a few hours at a time, but I think there has never been frost enough in the ground to prevent spading in the vineyards. But we have had, with few and brief intervals of sunshine, three months of fog, and some of the time it has been very dense. I have suffered more with chilliness in this damp atmosphere of moderate cold than in the more severe cold of our American winters. But no one need complain at Neuchatel. If such a winter as I have described does not suit them they can find a real American winter in the higher country not more than three miles distant. My heart is full of courage and hope. The best of all is, God is with us. We have now at this place a general meeting of the Swiss Sabbath-keepers, for the transaction of business, for the celebration of the ordinances, and for the worship of God. It is a season of interest and encouragement; still we ask the prayers of the people of God. J. N. ANDREWS. Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 1875. P. S. I thank those friends who have kindly sent me American papers. Howard Co., Kansas.
By J. Lamont
AFTER Bro. Cook’s departure for Mo., I continued the meetings at Canola and vicinity about five weeks. The outside interest increased above what it had been before. Eight more have embraced the truth, and there are several others who, we feel confident, will not stand out much longer. We have organized a Sabbath-school, established a weekly prayer-meeting, and entered into the work of the T. & M. Society. This we think quite a triumph, as single dollars are more difficult to raise here now than considerable sums of money were a year or two ago. Bibles being rather scarce, we have also established a Bible depository in this place. Jan. 31, I began a series of meetings about fifteen miles south-east of Canola. I continued there till the 12th, when it became necessary to come here to attend the T. & M. meeting. Four had already taken hold of the truth in that vicinity, and quite a number of others are deeply interested. I return to-morrow to continue the work with them. There seems to be very little prejudice. Invitations, some of them very earnest, have come in from several neighborhoods. I have just heard, by letter, of two other families who have embraced present truth from reading. They do not live near each other. One was furnished with reading matter by a member of our (Kansas) T. & M. Society, the other by a member of the N. E. Society. Attended the quarterly meeting of this Dist. (No. 4) Jan. 17. It was quite an interesting meeting. A goodly number of pages of reading matter have been distributed, also subscribers obtained for periodicals, &c. About twenty dollars were donated to the widow and orphan fund. A Confession.
By George I. Butler
Having recently received a testimony of reproof concerning certain things in my course, and having taken some time for reflection of late in regard to my labors in the cause during the time of my ministry, and especially since I have been connected with the General Conference, I crave the privilege of making some confession in regard to the same. I would not intrude my personal matters upon the attention of the public had I not feared that my brethren and sisters would misunderstand my true feelings if I did not. I believe the testimonies to be of the Lord. And, however closely they may search me, I mean to receive them and profit by them. My faults have been pointed out in a way to humble and reprove me. I mean this shall work for my good. The testimony has referred to certain positions I have written out in an article entitled “Leadership,” which has had a certain circulation. In this article, I ascribed to Bro. White the position of a leader in this work, and undertook to define the duties toward him as such of those composing this body, claiming that in “matters of expediency” connected with the cause his “judgment should be given the preference,” &c. But the testimony to me plainly states that my position on this subject is wrong in ascribing to one man such a position. I therefore wish all to understand that I hereby forever renounce the position taken in that article so far as it ascribes to any man, such authority. I accept the teaching of this testimony upon this point unqualifiedly. The testimony also sets before me very plainly the fact that I am far too slow and hesitating at times, my danger of injuring the cause because of this, and also my duty to reform. This I fully acknowledge. I feel that here is a very great fault in me which must have been noticed by my brethren generally, and which has doubtless caused them great trial, especially those who have been so unfortunate as to be closely connected with me in labor. I feel that this is one great weakness in my character which greatly unfits me for filling important positions. All my life I have had to contend with this, and far too many times I have been overcome by it. Those of a hopeful, believing disposition may not be able to realize the distressing gloom and darkness which at times press upon those who have come from infidelity, as I have, when under the power of temptation. At such times difficulties appear like mountains, impossible to be overcome. But in this I feel that I am without excuse; for Christ has provided ample supplies of grace and strength for every time of need. The fault is with me that I have not learned how to avail myself of these supplies more fully.71 I have no doubt but my weakness in this respect has been a great hindrance to my usefulness. For this I ask the forgiveness of my brethren and of God. All I can do further is to promise to strive to overcome this great fault. At times I am filled with sorrow, shame, and almost with despair, as I see how little I have accomplished and how much more I might have done had it not been for this hesitating, halting, undecided spirit, which has grieved my friends and hindered the cause I love. But how to act when I see difficulties to be surmounted, and know not how to do it, has been the question. Others, however, might readily know how to do it. This is one great reason why I have felt that I could not take responsibilities. But much of this arises, doubtless, from the lack of that faith which it is the Christian’s privilege to possess. I feel greatly to regret this, but wish much that I had more hope of being able to overcome this fault in the future. I also feel it my duty to confess my mistake in regard to the manner of my labor. I think there has not been a sufficient amount of the element of hopefulness and encouragement in my labor, but too much closeness and reining up of the mind, which in some cases has had a tendency to discourage, and make the way of salvation seem hopeless to those I desired to help. This comes of a lack of that love and tenderness which ever characterized our divine Lord. I have felt that there was not enough of this in my heart; but there was too much of the iron element in me personally, so that I did not attract, but rather repulsed with coldness, those I truly wished to help. This I feel is a great fault which I must overcome. Oh! that I had more of that melting tenderness which will ever reach the heart, and cause its tender chords to vibrate. Then could I draw others nearer to my Lord. I feel further to confess that my judgment has at times been too much influenced by those of my friends in whom I have had great confidence; so that in some instances I have been led to wrong conclusions and a wrong course of action, which has proved an injury to the cause. This I greatly regret. I am determined from this time onward to be satisfied in my own judgment concerning any proposed action I am expected to take before entering upon it. In the words of the testimony, “Independent men of earnest endeavor are needed.” “Individual independence and individual power is what is now needed.” So I believe; and I am determined as never before to labor to be such a man, to overcome the weak and hesitating traits of my character, and to learn to take responsibilities and bear them cheerfully. I have certainly had an experience in the failures I have made on this point which should teach me a valuable lesson. I feel also that in raising means at our general gatherings, the matter has been carried on too indiscriminately; so that some in poor circumstances have been led to do too much. For one I can say, I have not designed that such should be the case, but yet I admit that it has proved so. So far as any responsibility attaches to me upon this point, I wish to confess it, and do what I can to correct the evil. I am in favor of such cases being hunted up, and their being released from their pledges so far as it can be done, and where it cannot of finding those in easier circumstances to take these pledges off the hands of their poorer brethren. I might go on and mention other minor points where I have been found wanting. In Battle Creek this is especially true. The last few years have been very busy and full of much perplexity, and I have greatly failed in many things. I feel that it becomes me to labor in a less responsible position, and under other circumstances, in which I hope I may be able, through God’s grace, to improve upon these points, and be more worthy the confidence of our people. I cannot hope to do this in a moment. I feel that I greatly lack in the great principles of faith and love. I must change my manner of labor in some directions. At times, within the last few months, I have almost sunk into utter discouragement. But since taking time to consider and meditate, I have determined to strive for the victory over myself and my great foe. Give me your forgiveness and your prayers, brethren and sisters, and let me have a favorable chance to labor, and I promise to try to overcome all my deficiencies. THE THOUGHT OF GOD.
By Faber
Oh! how the thought of God attracts
And draws the heart from earth,
And sickens it of passing shows,
And dissipating mirth! God only is the creature’s home,
Though long and rough the road;
Yet nothing less can satisfy
The love that longs for God. Oh, utter but the name of God
Down in your heart of hearts,
And see how from the world at once
All tempting light departs. A trusting heart, a yearning eye,
Can win their way above;
If mountains can be moved by faith,
Is there less power in love? How little of that road, my soul,
How little hast thou gone!
Take heart, and let the thought of God
Allure thee further on. Dole not thy duties out to God,
But let thy hand be free;
Look long at Jesus; his sweet blood,
How was it dealt to thee? The perfect way is hard to flesh;
It is not hard to love;
If thou wert sick for want of God
How swiftly wouldst thou move! Laboring with the Lincoln Church in Missouri
By J. H. Cook
Since our last report we have been laboring with the Lincoln church, Johnson Co., Mo. We here found the brethren in perishing need of help; but although we tried to help them and the people at large, the truth appeared to fall powerless at our feet till the necessity of united and harmonious individual labor began to be impressed upon the brethren. As this burden began to be felt, the Lord came in and wrought for us. Many felt deeply and heartily confessed that they knew what they ought to do. Nine embraced the Sabbath, and seven of them united with the church. The brethren and the writer, who tried to labor for the Lord in their midst, felt much encouraged and strengthened to engage anew in this solemn work. Iowa Field Report from Adel and Hook's Point
By R. M. Kilgore
SINCE my last report I have visited Adel and Hook’s Point. At both places there seemed to be a good interest to hear on the part of unbelievers in present truth. We hope the brethren at these places may put their hearts and houses in order, that the Lord may use them for the up-building of his cause in their midst. We were glad to see the faces of these friends again, and to hear them express their earnest desire for higher attainments in divine life. I am now snow-bound at State Center, and shall begin a series of meetings Feb. 14, seven miles south-east of this place, in the Prairie Ridge school-house. State Center, Marshall Co., Iowa, will be my address. R. M. Kilgore. Racine, Wisconsin.
By John Matteson
AFTER leaving Battle Creek, we held meetings in Chicago one week. The brethren felt encouraged to continue in the way of truth and life. The Lord blessed us as we celebrated the ordinances. The Sisters’ Mission, consisting of twenty-five members, held their annual meeting. The report showed that they had earned about $180 during the last year. Most of this had been expended during the year for benevolent purposes, helping the poor, the sick, and widows, sending Advent Tidende to a number of friends in the old country, &c. In Racine, the interest was so good that I had to stay two weeks and a half. Some started to serve the Lord and keep his commandments. Two were baptized, and eight souls added to the church, which now numbers seventeen. Besides these, eight more are keeping the Sabbath, and meet with them for worship. There were a few Sabbath-keepers here before, but they have all left except one. It is less than a year since this work commenced. There are many of our countrymen in this city, and there is a good prospect that others will be brought in. JOHN MATTESON. Busseyville, Wis., Feb. 10, 1875. What S. D. Adventists Are Doing.
By R. A. Morton
BRO. R. A. MORTON writes in The Signs of the Times (Oakland, Cal.) as follows:— It has been some time since I became connected with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Six years’ investigation has confirmed me in the belief that their teachings are in harmony with the Bible, their only discipline. They believe that the sinner must repent toward God and have a special faith in Christ before he can be justified. They believe that God’s law is the eternal rule by which the justified sinner must measure his conduct. They realize the awful condition of the world, in that more than a billion of its inhabitants are breaking the law of God as often as the holy Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, comes to them. They believe that the Saviour is soon to appear with the holy angels to take vengeance on this careless and lawless generation. They believe the various lines of prophecy, of which too many are willingly ignorant, unmistakably show that this great event is near at hand. The signs Christ gives of his immediate coming have already appeared, and are read and known by all who prayerfully seek light from the Holy Scriptures. Dan. 12: 10. They are seen in every movement of society. They are engraven in unmistakable characters upon a fallen church. They come forth from the halls of fallen justice. In short, they are emitted from one vast volcano of crime and corruption and borne upon every breeze, so that he who will may look up and behold the Lord’s tokens abroad in the land. “None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” This people are engaged in proclaiming the most solemn message the world ever heard, because it is the last. When it shall soon have done its work; when the sheaves of good are gathered in, and the door of mercy is closed, then the careless, the unconcerned, the scoffing world (2 Pet. 3: 3, 4), will be involved in one common ruin. Youth, manhood, and old age alike must bid farewell to every trace of hope, and die, drinking the cup of the wrath of a long-offended God, which is filled up in the seven last plagues. Rev. 15: 1; 16: 1. Thus ends probation. The dark stream of sin leaves the shores of time and empties into eternity. Solemn thought! Thousands in youthful halls of pleasure; thousands listless and lustful; thousands filled with covetous avidity in the various avocations of life; thousands wearing the mantle of Christian faith; all, all will soon behold, with untold grief, the Son of man on the throne of his glory to execute judgment upon the ungodly. 2 Thess. 1: 6-10. Six thousand years God has been manifesting his attributes to mankind. The last generation may know his dealings in the past, and avoid the awful consequences of unbelief. They may know that he warned the antediluvians with fewer evidences of impending destruction than those with which he is warning this last generation of his soon coming. They know he warned Sodom and “condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that should after live ungodly.” This generation have his dealings with man for 6000 years. They have the fulfillment of various lines of prophecy, with numerous other scriptures now in fulfillment, all of which show the day of the Lord near at hand. Now to reject this last solemn warning, to refuse to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and enter the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, is to tread under foot the mercy and righteous government of Him who sent his dear Son to open a cleansing fountain for all sin. Very justly, then, may God soon close the door of mercy and let fall the vials of his wrath upon the scoffer and unbelieving, and thus vindicate his holy and immutable law. “Blessed are they that do his [the Father’s] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14. Kentucky: Tract Work and Sabbath-Keepers
By Jas. K. Gilbert
From my home in Marshall, Mich., I came to Kentucky about two months ago, and concluded it may be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW to hear of my efforts and success in this distant region. I have been employed with business most of the time, yet have circulated between two and three thousand pages of tracts, which are receiving a general perusal. I was here more than a month before I learned of a Sabbath-keeper in the State. The people all scoffed at the idea of installing any day but Sunday in the holy position, but were somewhat perplexed to afford their reasons and testimony therefor. They united their derisive opposition against that which they esteemed altogether of Jewish origin and support. At Lebanon Junction, I heard of some Sabbath-keepers in Hardin Co., whom I reached the 9th of this month. Here I learned of Bro. Osborn’s preaching in this section, and so returned forty-five miles to meet with the brethren and listen to him. I found Bro. Osborn in good spirits, and he was made welcome among the friends; for he had just arrived from Green Co., where twenty-four had decided to obey the truth. I believe there are many honest hearts here, and they all call for more of the truth. I have found several who desire the REVIEW and Health Reformer, and doubt not a good work can be begun here at once. More laborers are needed in the harvest field. A tent is especially called for the coming season, and I have no doubt a glorious harvest may be secured as the result. God is able, and it is evidently his design to prosper his work. Let the truth prosper. Bowling Green, Ky., Jan. 24, 1875. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, at South Vineland, N. J., suddenly, of heart disease, sister Mary, wife of Robert Cochran, aged fifty-seven years. Sister Cochran and her companion were among the first to embrace present truth in New Hampshire, more than twenty-five years since. From that time she has loved the truth. She sleeps in Jesus, leaving a companion and seven children to mourn their loss. But they sorrow not as others which have no hope. The husband and five of the children are members of the little church at South Vineland. Funeral discourse by the writer from Rev. 14: 13. Died, in Skowhegan, Me., Jan. 29, 1875, Joseph S. Hight, aged fifty-six years and eight months. At breakfast he was apparently as well as usual, afterward stepped out into the woodshed, and was found dead in about five minutes by his wife and son. Thus suddenly was the kind husband and father removed from their circle without a moment’s warning. He embraced the third angel’s message under the labors of Eld. M. E. Cornell, and was an observer of the Sabbath until the day of his death. He manifested an increasing interest in present truth during the last few months, and leaves an evidence for the consolation of his friends that he sleeps in Jesus, soon to awake “in the first resurrection. On such the second death hath no power.” May the Lord bless this afflicted family, and prepare them for the solemn events of the Judgment. Remarks by the writer from 2 Sam. 14:14. Died, at Easton, Mass., Jan. 12, 1875, Caroline, wife of Edwin Fisher, aged sixty-five years, and four months. She embraced religion while young, and became a member of the M. E. church in Newton, Mass. For the last three years she had been interested in the third angel’s message, and has strictly regarded the Sabbath. Funeral discourse by M. Thayer, pastor of the M. E. church in Cohasset, Mass. Died, in Buffalo Co., Nebraska, Jan. 25, 1875, of croup, Joanna, infant daughter of John F. and Sallie E. Young, aged twenty-three months and fourteen days. Another tie to lead us to God. May we love him with our whole hearts, so as to be able to meet her. Words of comfort were spoken to us and a few neighbors by William Willard, Methodist. JOHN F. YOUNG,
SALLIE E. YOUNG. Died, in Enosburgh, Vt., Sabbath morning, Jan. 30, 1875, Augustus Bourdeau, father of Elds. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau, aged sixty-six years, six months, and eighteen days, after a painful sickness of nine months. Father Bourdeau was converted from Romanism 35 years ago, and was one of eleven persons, including his entire family, to form the Baptist church at West Enosburgh, at its organization 30 years ago. He embraced the Advent doctrine and Sabbath 18 years ago, and 5 years later was one of eleven persons, including also his whole family, to form the S. D. A. church at Bordoville, at its organization. For more than 25 years his entire family, companion, two sons, and daughter, while she lived, have been members of the same church with him. His house was a place for meetings, a pilgrim’s home, and from his door the needy went not away empty. The widow and the orphan have shared his substance. He was the first settler in Bordoville, and from him the place received its name. He has left a good record as an honest man and a Christian. He had great respect for the Sabbath, and expressed his conviction that he should go to rest on that day, which he did. An aged companion, two sons, the church, and a sympathizing community feel their loss. Funeral services by the writer. We will first listen to what some of the most able practitioners and professors of medicines say of it:— “All of our curative agents are poisons.”—PROF. CLARKE, M. D. “All medicines are poisonous.”—PROF. ST. JOHN, M. D. The above citations, which we quote from “Water Cure for the Million,” are at once terse and unqualified. We might give many more, similar in character, but these will suffice. Indeed, it does not require the authority of a professor to convince a person of ordinary intelligence that corrosive sublimate, arsenic, strychnia, prussic acid, aconite, and belladonna, are poisons. A person who is well and strong takes by mistake one of these reputed remedies and speedily dies. The suicide finds in that favorite remedy, opium, the ready means of self-destruction. Who can believe that a simple change of hands can convert a deadly poison into a harmless agent? But we will not urge the argument that drugs are dangerous because large doses of them will kill, for it might be said of water that too much of it, improperly applied, would produce the same result. Heat and cold are most excellent remedial agents; and yet an excess of either is rapidly destructive to life. We are opposed to drugs because they are bad in themselves, and in all appreciable quantities. Some substances are poisons on account of excess in quantity, or the modification of circumstances; but a drug is a poison per se. No circumstance, or combination of circumstances, can change its character, although its so-called action may be modified by circumstances. For example, a man who has been poisoned by a rattlesnake may take great quantities of whisky without apparent effect. The latter article seems in this case to be inert, on account of the presence of a more deadly one. Its injurious effects are felt upon the tissues, however, although the brain does not seem to be affected. But why are drugs poisons? Simply because they are substances which cannot be used in the system, and so require to be expelled. A poison is just the opposite in character to a food. A food is a substance which can be used in the vital economy of the body; a poison is a substance which cannot be used, and which thus interferes with the performance of the organic functions. Notwithstanding our maintenance of this view of the real character of drug medicines, as remarked in a previous article, we are ready to admit that circumstances may arise which would render their use justifiable. Even in such cases, however, they are poisons still, and are acted upon by the system as such. If a person should suddenly swallow a fatal dose of strychnia, we would not hesitate to give him a dose of mustard, sulphate of zinc, or even blue vitriol, or ipecac, rather than run any risk of delay in securing evacuation of his stomach. If a person should suddenly fall in syncope, we would not object to applying ammonia to the nostrils, if other means were inefficient, or not available. Again, if an individual was suffering agonizing pain, of such a nature that the usual hygienic remedies, ordinarily so potent, were ineffectual in affording relief, we should regard it as an act of humanity to place him under the influence of a narcotic, if he desired it. After several months’ reflection, we can see no reason why such a course would not be equally justifiable with the use of anaesthetics in surgery; and certainly no one will question the propriety of the latter. We do not think it wise to denounce, unqualifiedly, the use of drugs, even though they are poisons. In our estimation, it is safer, wiser, and more consistent with reason, to follow the principle of always using the best remedy available, if any whatever is employed. If this rule were followed universally, little damage would result from the use of drugs, for they would be rarely employed. Nature is undoubtedly the best physician, and it is generally admitted that hygienic agents are of all remedies the best. We will conclude with the following quotations from eminent physicians, which are derived from the same source as those cited at the beginning of this article:— “Hygiene is of far more value in the treatment of disease than drugs.”—PROF. BARKER. “The effects of our medicines on the human system are in the highest degree uncertain, except, indeed, that they have destroyed more lives than war, pestilence, and famine combined.” —JOHN MASON GOOD, M. D. “Every dose of medicine is a blind experiment on the vitality of the patient.”—DR. BOSTWICK. “Some patients get well with the aid of medicine, more without it, and still more in spite of it.”—SIR JOHN FORBES, M. D.—Health Reformer. It seems that the clergy are really awakening, at last, to something like a proper sense of the necessity for raising their voices against a habit which threatens to exterminate the race unless some measure can be adopted to stay its progress and rescue its victims. Ministers can do more to aid the anti-tobacco reform than any other class. They have a powerful hold upon the moral characters of their followers, and can exercise a mighty influence in instilling into their minds sound physiological principles as well as moral truths. But in no way can clergymen accomplish so much in this direction as by a correct example. It would be of very little avail for a preacher to declaim against tobacco in the pulpit when half his congregation were accustomed to meet him in the street with a cigar in his mouth. At a recent meeting of Methodist ministers in New York, the subject of tobacco was considered, especially its relations to the ministry. A paper on the subject was read by Dr. True. A city journal gives the following brief account of the essay together with subsequent remarks:— “Besides the well-worn arguments touching its unhealthiness and uncleanliness, it contained many excellent suggestions drawn from its effect upon the minds of public speakers and writers. It destroys the logical faculties and tends to make such men very superficial. The pernicious effect which the habit has on the young, who are so fond of imitation, and its hindrance to growth in grace were made prominent reasons for breaking off the use of the weed.” “The Rev. Mr. Corbitt, who is recognized as the champion chewer, was unanimously called to respond to the essay. He did so, and entered his solemn protest, founded on many years’ experience, against the use of tobacco in any form. He did not feel called upon to sacrifice his life in the attempt to give up the habit himself; but if he had his life to live over again he would not touch, taste, or handle it. These remarks, so unexpected from such a quarter, were received with applause.” The Rev. Mr. Corbitt certainly deserves credit for his frank acknowledgment of the harmful nature of tobacco; but how much more good he might accomplish by resolutely discarding the filthy weed and asserting his liberty from the bondage which has so long enslaved him. His fears of dying are groundless. Many a man has done the thing before, and never one died for want of tobacco. He would doubtless feel as though his dissolution was close at hand, but he would certainly survive, and his usefulness would be immeasurably increased. The Illinois Methodist Conference recently adopted the following resolution which augurs well for that denomination as evincing their appreciation of one of the great truths which reformers have been for years advocating:— “Resolved, That in view of the fact of the great expensiveness and filthiness of tobacco, and of the fact that tobacco belongs to the same class of poisons and conduces to strong drink, we urge upon all our laymen to abstain from its use; we recommend that all young men admitted to the conference at this important point in life forego its use; and we suggest that the example of presiding elders using it is extremely hurtful.” Dr. Talmage, also, who has so long been a vigorous supporter of the total abstinence cause, declares himself as an opponent of tobacco in every shape; and this, notwithstanding the recent demonstration by Rev. Mr. Spurgeon, who is a contributor to his paper. Tobacco-using is adverse to piety, whether ministers or laymen indulge in it; and the wonder is that Christian ministers have been so long in finding out that the narcotic weed is one of their most powerful enemies. A narcotized Christian is not likely to be a very energetic one.—Health Reformer. Cheerfulness Lightens the Path Through Shadows
THERE is no path but will be lighter, no shadow on heart or brain but will lift sooner, in the presence of a determined cheerfulness. It has long been known that the eating of pork frequently gives rise to tape-worm in the human stomach, the successful treatment of which has been a difficult problem for the medical profession, or, at least, the most intelligent physicians, as many have been deceived in thinking that they had effected a cure when they have induced the expulsion of only a small portion of the worm. While the danger of contracting this disease has been very clearly associated with pork-eating, by medical men at least, it has been the general belief, and eminent physicians, even, have asserted, that beef was wholly free from the cysticerci which develop into tape-worms when taken into the human stomach. It appears from recent researches, however, that beef and veal are often found to be infested with measles. Indeed, Dr. T. Spencer Cobbold, F. R. S., F. L. S., professor of parasitic diseases at Middlesex Hospital Medical College, Eng., announces in the London Lancet for Dec. 5, 1874, that for some years he, in connection with other English physicians, has recognized beef to be the most frequent source of tape-worm both in England and several other countries. In an account which he gives of very extensive observations on this subject by himself and Dr. Limond, he states that in a young calf which they knew to be suffering from the presence of cysticerci in its flesh, they found many thousands of the embryonic parasites on examining its flesh after killing it. They observed also that they were most numerous in the superficial muscles. The statements of these eminent observers are fully sustained by the observations of numerous others of equal eminence. Leuckart, Mosler, and M. Davaine being among the number. Here, then, we have an additional argument against the use of beef, which has heretofore been considered as the most healthful of all animal food. It is also worth mentioning that these minute animals (as they are in an embryonic state in the flesh) possess a wonderful power to withstand heat, so that there is no certainty that a beefsteak may not contain them at any time.—Health Reformer.