THIS is the title of a new volume of about 500 pages to be issued from the press by The Southern Publishing Association, of Nashville, Tenn. Elder J. N. Loughborough, well known to all the readers of the SIGNS, is its author. He is one of the oldest pioneers of our work, who began his labors among us in 1852, and has been an active, earnest laborer from that time till the present. He also labored in his early years in the great movement of 1836-1844.
Elder Loughborough has had one special characteristic in his long and useful life, viz., to preserve memoranda and many statistics of passing events of interest which would be very valuable to a later generation. He has been really and emphatically the statistician and historian of the whole Advent movement (in which he has been a prominent laborer from the beginning) of its later and more pronounced characteristics.
For many years of his later life, since his physical strength has begun to wane, as old age has been creeping on, his labors have largely been those of reminiscence, traveling largely from conference to conference among a younger generation, rehearsing the facts of "former days," which have so securely lodged in his retentive memory. Multitudes of younger people have listened with closest attention and deepest interest. No wonder; for those facts are thrilling, wonderful, and soul-inspiring. They are such, because in every movement of divine origination God's dealings are marvellous beyond description.
The great Advent movement of these last days is no exception. For three-fourths of a century this work has been in progress. Its beginnings were peculiar and unaccountable from a mere human standpoint. Many in this country have heard of William Miller and a movement, nicknamed "Millerism," because he was the first prominently to proclaim the message of the Lord's soon coming in these United States. Yet he was far from being the only one; for some three hundred others were later associated with him, and the movement went with a power that stirred the people as no other religious movement had for hundreds of years.
In the British Isles and their colonies Newton, and it is said some seven hundred ministers, sounded substantially the same glad cry: "The Lord is soon coming." In Germany Bengel and many others engaged in a similar movement.
Joseph Wolfe, a converted Jew, about the same time, proclaimed the same message in large portions of Asia, Africa, Great Britain, and the islands of the ocean, and in Washington, New York, and many places in this country.
Various others arose in other parts of the world, and did the same thing.
The mysterious thing connected with this proclamation is the fact that these movements arose independently of each other. There was no collusion or even knowledge of the work of others preaching similar doctrines. These movements arose far apart, and were often proclaimed in different languages, and the messengers were wholly unknown to each other. Yet they all had one common purpose: one grand, sublime fact to proclaim: The close proximity of the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A supernatural impulse moved upon the minds of these human agencies thousands of miles apart to proclaim the same grand announcement. Such was the origin of the second-advent movement.
This new volume of Elder Loughborough's is by far the most full, thorough, and comprehensive history of the rise and progress of this movement ever yet written. It gives the scriptural foundation for the doctrinal belief in a clear and most convincing manner.
The same author wrote a previous volume, some thirteen years ago, entitled the "Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists." It was an excellent book, and has done a great amount of good. It is now out of print. That work was more specifically a denominational book than the present one. It was over one hundred pages smaller. And the plans of the two are essentially different. The present volume is more general in character, much better calculated for general circulation. It is a book that must have a large sale. Every believer in the soon coming of Christ ought certainly to have it. Yea, every person who has any interest in that grandest of all events, should have it. The writer of this article read it all through in manuscript, associated with Elder S. N. Haskell. Both of us pronounced it one of the most interesting books we ever read. As we perused chapter after chapter we exclaimed, "Good," "Grand," "Most excellent." We consider this volume the great monument of Elder Loughborough's long and useful life. It has a most excellent engraving of the author as a frontispiece. The book is also illustrated. This volume will be a delight to every old believer in the glorious event of Christ's soon coming. To all newly come to the faith, or our young people who have grown up in it, it is simply a necessity, if they have any desire to know the past history of this movement and the comprehensive reasons of our faith.
It will greatly strengthen and quicken the warmth and piety of those who are in discouragement, or depression, cold or backslidden, and fire their hearts with new zeal and interest. Says the apostle, "Call to remembrance the former days." This is precisely what we all ought to do. This book is the very thing that will enable you to do it most successfully. It will stir the heart of every reader, and be a wonderful help to the faint-hearted.
Try it, dear brother, and see if the truth is not being told you. It is expected this book will come forth from the press within sixty days without fail. The retail price will be $1.50. Considering the size of this work, the price is very reasonable. The cost of getting out this book has been quite large. Our Nashville office has been in great need of funds, as many of you know. It would be considered a great favor and accommodation could we receive thousands of advance orders with the cash price at once. It would be a great assistance to us in this time of need. And we know it would be a great blessing to each one of you. Please address The Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tenn., 1025 Jefferson Street, with the $1.50 enclosed.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
GOD'S CHOSEN VESSELS.
"HE is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name." Acts 9:15. The words of God concerning the apostle Paul are significant. The word translated, "vessel," is used some eighteen times in the New Testament, and, in nearly every case, it means that in which something is contained or conveyed, or, as in this instance, both; for the obvious sense here is that God had made, of the converted blasphemer and persecutor, an elect vessel, first to be a receptacle to contain, and then a vehicle to convey, His name—"the excellency of His power," as the apostle himself explains and interprets the figure. 2 Cor. 4:7.
Thus understood, the expression, "chosen vessel," is one of the most instructive in the Word of God. The single word "vessel" affords an almost limitless field of suggestion as to the secrets of service, and teaches some lessons of special importance at this present time, when revival flames are being simultaneously kindled in widely-separated localities, and devout souls are inquiring as to the laws and principles which control the Spirit's operations, and the conditions of a far wider supernatural work of God.
It is possible that there is a common misapprehension as to the chosen modes and methods of the Spirit's highest activity in the believer and the church, and through believers upon a dying world. If this is true, then by correcting and removing wrong conceptions we may open the way for intelligent and efficient cooperation with the Spirit in the work of conversion. All missions, at home and abroad, may be awaiting such new impulse and impetus to assure their highest results. More than that, a new era of power and progress may be even now dawning, and we need to be on the alert to catch God's signals and follow them.
Now it would seem that the all-important matter is the condition of the vessel, and its fitness to contain and convey the excellency of the power which is of God and not of us? As we look into the New Testament for guidance, we note several marked facts that confirm this position.
For example, in our Lord's intercessory prayer, His petitions are confined to saints. He distinctly limits His supplication to believers. "I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me." There is, indeed, an indirect prayer for the world—that believers may be so one in the Father and the Son "that the world may believe;" but, otherwise, there is no mention of the world as the subject and object of this sublimely-comprehensive prayer. Our Lord's example of prayer, therefore, teaches us that there is comparatively no need to pray for the world if disciples are led to an unworldly life of separation, a positive life of sanctification, and a true experience of that unification which are found only in a true identity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Then we observe our Lord's last admonition, that disciples should tarry for enduement with power from on high, and wait for the promise of the Father, before attempting even to bear witness to the world. They were not to hurry into activity, tho men were dying then as now with fearful rapidity, but delay their work of witness till they had, in13themselves, the Divine preparation and qualification for witness. And the experience of Pentecost illustrates this principle. The hundred and twenty were all disciples. They met for ten days of prayer, and seem to have had no thought of converting anybody. They were absorbed in seeking a strange blessing promised from above. But when it came upon them the rumor of it drew the unsaved, and men were pricked in their hearts and cried out for salvation, and more converts were born to God in one hour than ever since—twenty-five times as many in number as the whole body of praying saints! And again we learn that the main thing is for Christians to get right with God themselves, and when the vessel is ready the excellency of the power will always be conveyed and manifested.—Missionary Review.
OUR FURLOUGH.
By Mary E. Allbright
[Mary E. Allbright, in Missionary Herald.]
"Let me go back to China." Words of a missionary.
LET me go back! I am homesick
For the land of my love and toil,
Tho I thrill at sight of my native hills,
The touch of my native soil.
Thank God for the dear home country,
Unconquered and free and grand!
But the far-off shores of the East, for me,
Are the shores of the Promised Land.
No longer young—I know it—
And battered and worn and gray,
I bear in my body the marks that tell
Of many a toil-filled day.
But 'tis long to the end of a lifetime,
And the hour for its sun to set;
My heart is eager for years to come;
Let me work for the Master yet!
My brain is dazed and wearied
With the New World's stress and strife,
With the race for money and place and power,
And the whirl of the nation's life.
Let me go back! Such pleasures
And pains are not for me;
But O! for a share in the Harvest Home
Of the fields beyond the sea!
For there are my chosen people,
And that is my place to fill;
To spend the last of my life and strength
In doing my Master's will.
Let me go back! 'Tis nothing
To suffer and do and dare;
For the Lord has faithfully kept His word,
He is with me alway there!
(1) "Ho, EVERY one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? harken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (4) Behold, I have given Him for a Witness to the peoples, a Leader and Commander to the peoples. (5) Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for He hath glorified thee.
(6) "Seek ye Jehovah while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near; (7) let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (8) For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith Jehovah. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; (11) so shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (12) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (13) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree; and it shall be to Jehovah for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
Golden Text.—"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found." Verse 6.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) To whom is the appeal in this lesson especially addressed? What are they invited to do? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) What pointed question followed the invitation? What wise counsel is added? Verse 2. Note 2. (3) What further counsel and promise is given? Verse 3. Note 3. (4) What does the Lord say Christ was given for? Verse 4. Note 4. (5) What should Israel be instrumental in calling? Why should such a nation come to them? Verse 5. Note 5. (6) What urgent injunction is therefore given them? Verse 6. Note 6. (7) What should the wicked forsake? And the unrighteous man? And what next? Verse 7. (8) How does man differ from God? Verse 8. (9) How is this difference specified? Verse 9. Note 7. (10) By what is the operation of God's Word illustrated? Verse 10. Note 8. (11) What similarity to the rain is there in the Word of God? Verse 11. (12) What blessing will eventually come to God's people? Verse 12. (13) What will mark the great reformation in the earth?
NOTES.
1. "Come" is the burden of the Gospel call from its first utterance in Eden to the close of human probation. Come "every one that thirsteth," "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." The only thing necessary to the realization of this blessing is to heed the invitation to come, believing that Christ is able and willing to make good His promise. "Whosoever drinketh [continues to drink] of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst again." John 4:14. This call, through the prophet, to the thirsty is equivalent to that made by Christ to the "weary" and "heavy laden," to whom He promises "rest." See Matt. 11:28-30. The sinner's every need is met in the Gospel of Christ
2. It is the waste of money and the waste of vitality in useless labor that brings men to want. God wants men to live well, and to be happy; and if they would "harken diligently" to His Word, all would have plenty; for each would love his neighbor as himself. This is the one principle needed in this world to secure peace and good will to all.
3. The "everlasting covenant" and the "sure mercies of David" show the inseparable connection between the law of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The everlasting covenant is that God will write His law in the hearts of His people (Jer. 31: 31-33; Heb. 8:8-10), and the "sure mercies of David" was the promise of Christ (Acts 2:29-31; 13:32-37). So, in the Revelation, those who get the final victory over the "beast" and his "image" are specially designated as "they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Chapter 14:12.
4. Christ came to earth as a witness in person (Heb. 1:1, 2) to the plan of salvation; and He is verily the Leader of His people, by His Word and Spirit, in the Gospel work to which He has assigned them; as also the Commander of all the host in heaven and on earth.
5. The nation that Israel did not know—could not recognize because they failed to grasp spiritual things—was the spiritual seed, gathered not only from their own ranks but from the Gentiles. See Rom. 9:22-26. Notwithstanding the failure of that nation to fulfil their mission with as much profit to themselves as they might have realized, it is still true that "salvation is of the Jews." They were the conservators of God's truth through centuries of the world's long night, until One of their nation according to the flesh caused the light to shine with greater effulgence, and began to gather others into His fold.
6. While Christ is seeking to "save that which is lost," it is time for the lost to seek Jehovah. The opportunity for at-one-ment is fast passing away.
7. Men can not understand how their offences against God, which are so great, can be forgiven. Such mercy, being so much past any inclination of their own hearts, is too great for them to comprehend.
8. The Word is illustrated by tangible things that men can understand. The rain comes down from the lofty clouds, and waters the lowest spots of the earth, carrying life to the smallest seed and rootlet; so God's Word brings spirit and life (John 6:63) to the most humble seeker after truth.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
By Editor
EIGHT persons were recently baptized at Frisco, Ark.
THE brethren at Muncie, Ind., are building a new house of worship.
DURING the recent camp-meeting at Wausau, Wis., fifteen persons were baptized.
A TEACHERS' institute is announced for August 13 to September 15, at Keene, Tex.
A summer school and a church school teachers' institute are now being held at Stuart, Iowa.
SABBATH, June 17, four persons were baptized at Kalamazoo, Mich., by Brother C. A. Hanson, and his meetings were continuing with marked interest.
IN the Southwestern Union Record Brother T. J. Hickman reports that a company of eighteen has been gathered at Coalgate, O. T., soon to be baptized and organized into a church.
IN the Welcome Visitor, Brother C. A. Pedicord reports the baptism of six candidates in the Ohio River at Cincinnati. These were the result of recent labor by Brethren Pedicord and R. R. Kennedy.
A CAMP-MEETING for Northwest Kansas will be held at Downs, August 3-9. Brother A. R. Ogden, superintendent of that district, says that the meeting will be of interest to those who are asking, "What do Seventh-day Adventists believe?"
BROTHER C. SANTEE, who has been president of the Southern California Conference since its organization, has been called to the Texas Conference. He was at the San Jose camp-meeting a few days, and left for his new field on June 29.
SIX candidates were recently baptized at Alma, Mich., as a result of meetings held by Brethren J. G. Lamson and Wm. Ostrander at Ithaca. The Banner also notes the baptism of ten persons in connection with the labors of Brethren Ostrander and D. P. Wood. Nine of these united with the church at Rapson and one with the church at Bay City. In the same issue Brother B. F. Stureman notes the baptism of five candidates at Hazelton.
AT the late session of the California-Nevada Conference, held at Oakland, officers were chosen as follows: President, W. T. Knox; secretary, T. A. Kilgore; treasurer, Pacific Press Publishing Company; missionary secretary, A. J. S. Bourdeau; state canvassing agent, W. H. Covell; Sabbath-school secretary, Mrs. Carrie R. King; superintendent of church schools, E. D. Sharpe. Executive committee—W. T. Knox, A. S. Kellogg, J. O. Corliss, M. C. Wilcox, George E. Langdon, A. J. Osborne, J. H. Behrens.
WANTED FOR MISSIONARY WORK.
By Editor
(Always prepay postage.)
OUR denominational literature in all languages. Address Esther Levy, 1128 Fox Street, Bronx, N. Y., care N. Saunders.
SIGNS and Little Friend. Address L. P. Whetsel, Ocala, Fla.
SIGNS, Review, Watchman, Life Boat, health papers, and tracts. Address Oscar Wilson, 122 Linden, Fort Collins, Colo.
HUMBOLT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, CAMP-MEETING—CHANGE OF TIME.
By W. T. Knox
THE time for holding the Humbolt Camp-meeting has been changed to July 25-31. The place will be decided upon by the local brethren in counsel with Elder J. H. Behrens, who has gone to that field. It is to be hoped that there will be a general turn-out of all our people in that section of the conference.
W. T. KNOX,
Pres. California Conference.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
By Editor
The Sabbath-school lessons have been discontinued. The Lesson Quarterly may be obtained, containing three months' lessons and notes, for five cents. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. The Sunday-school lessons will continue.
SUNSET MAGAZINE
By Editor
DESCRIBES
California
Not only California, but all the great West, is truthfully described in the beautifully illustrated pages of this virile Western monthly. Its fine half-tones make you SEE the country, while its descriptive and industrial articles TELL YOU EXACTLY what is to be found there. It is
"Opportunity"
in visible form, for it shows the wonderful chances for success now open in the new West for wide-awake people.
If your news dealer doesn't carry SUNSET, send us his name and address and write for sample copy.
HOME OFFICE: 431 California St.
San Francisco, California.
EDUCATION IN THE HOME. NO. 9.
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
BY MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.
"No," replied Mr. Jones; "I am frank to admit that I have read the Bible all my life, without noticing these important texts."
"We are all more or less careless in reading the Holy Word," replied grandma, "we often fail to apply to it the search-light of the Holy Spirit, and, still oftener, fail to apply its great truth in our own lives."
"True, indeed; now Mrs. Wilbur will read, please, the ninth verse of the same chapter [Mark 16], as this is the next and third time that the first day of the week is mentioned."
"‘Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.’"
"Do we find any mention of Sunday sacredness in this text, Mrs. Wilbur?" smiled Brother Hartman.
"Well, no; I don't seem to see the text I'm looking for as yet, but I may find it later."
"At least, Mrs. Wilbur," declared Mrs. Jones, "it can do no harm to look for it."
"Certainly not," agreed Brother Hartman, "only I hope you will kindly read it to me after you discover it; for really I have spent days in looking for one single text which would warrant me in regarding the Sunday as a holy day;—of course that was a number of years ago."
"But, father, would I better read the next instance in which the day is mentioned?" interrupted Elsie, fearing an argument, and tactfully continuing the subject.
"‘Now upon the first day of the week very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher.’"
"We can readily see that all this verse does is simply to reiterate the fact that Christ arose on the morning of the first day," said Brother Hartman.
"Now, John, we will listen while you read the next text, which is the fifth mention of the day. Every one please turn to John 20:1, and watch closely lest a mistake be made in the reading."
"‘The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.’"
"No mention is made of first-day sacredness yet, surely,—not so much as a hint of it. But there are still remaining three other texts in which the day is mentioned. We will read them all."
"Yes," sighed Mrs. Wilbur, "Mrs. Jones and I will be glad to listen to the reading and consideration of the remaining three texts, will we not, Mrs. Jones? for somehow I feel quite certain that somewhere we must find a text favoring, if not commanding, first-day observance."
"Very well; I am glad to notice your anxiety, Mrs. Wilbur; I remember how certain of the same thing I once felt. Your daughter Josie will please read John 20:19." And Josie read slowly and carefully—
"‘Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them—’"
"What did He say unto them? quick, read it, child, read it,—let me see the text!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilbur, who had neglected to turn to it herself, "let me read it, Josie. I believe that is the place where Christ commanded the observance of the first day," and Mrs. Wilbur eagerly bent over the open volume which her daughter held.
"Why, mama, you interrupted me; see, let me finish my verse—‘came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.’"
A shade of disappointment fell over Mrs. Wilbur's face, while Josie continued eagerly:
"It isn't there yet, mama, but never mind, there are two texts more to read."
"Yes, but I'm not ready to give this text up quite yet," declared Mrs. Wilbur, whose eyes had been constantly upon the verse. "These disciples met together on the first day of the week. Now please tell me, Mr. Hartman, what they met together for unless for religious worship."
"May be you can give us some explanation, John," said his father, observing a look of eagerness on his son's face.
"Why, father, the same verse tells plainly enough what they were there for. It was for 'fear of the Jews.' I dare say they were frightened, and fearful lest the same people who cruelly put their Lord to death, might seek them out and kill them also."
"Yes," added Elsie, "or quite likely this room was their home, where Christ appeared unto them, at least they were all making their home together in an upper room directly after the ascension of their Lord," and Elsie turned quickly to Acts first chapter and read the thirteenth verse:
"‘And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.’"
"But," protested Mrs. Wilbur, "at all events they were holding a meeting on the Sunday."
"But the mere fact that there was a meeting held on any day of the week would not be a good and sufficient reason, surely, for making a Sabbath of it," remarked Mr. Jones, with a smile, "else we should have a sabbath every time Christ or His disciples spoke to the people, which seems to me to be quite erroneous."
"Truly," said Brother Hartman, "and besides, there is no intimation given that they had assembled for religious meeting. But now we will turn to our next text. Mattie, will you kindly read Acts 20:7?"
"‘And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber.’"
"There?" said Mrs. Wilbur. "They celebrated the Lord's Supper on Sunday; doesn't that prove the day a sacred Sabbath?"
"No, Sister Wilbur," replied Mr. Jones, "not necessarily, because if it did, that day upon which Christ instituted the Lord's Supper would surely have been a sabbath, and that occurred, I believe,"
on what we now call Thursday eve. O, I can't see any proof in that text, whatever, tho I'll admit I'd be glad to if I could; but I'm in conscience bound to be honest in heart, Sister Wilbur.
"That is very good reasoning," said Brother Hartman. "While it is without doubt true that this meeting did occur on the Sunday, this fact alone could not sanctify or Sabbatize the day. But I think Elsie has something on her mind to say, judging by her looks. What is it, my daughter?"
"I was just thinking," said Elsie, "that if it is correct to begin Sunday at midnight, as people now-a-days do, I make out, by carefully comparing verses seven and eleven of this same chapter, that this breaking of the bread occurred on the first hours of Monday, because it was after midnight, hence not on the Sunday of to-day at all. So, Sunday observers who begin the keeping of the day at midnight, must either give up this text, or begin keeping Monday."
"Do you see, Mrs. Wilbur?"
THE GIRL IN THE CAR.
ONE hot day in July I was traveling through a mountainous district of Pennsylvania. The car was crowded, and the passengers were beginning to feel tired and cross, and were looking forward impatiently to their journey's end.
Two stout, red-faced gentlemen gave uneasy and irritated glances over their magazine leaves toward a poor little woman who had a restless, fretful baby in her arms, vainly trying to keep it quiet. Some young women in the rear said something about the folly of bringing crying babies on trains to annoy others. The rest were stolidly indifferent or contemptuously silent.
Just then our train swept into the station at E—, and as it pulled up, out of the midst of a merry group of friends who had evidently come to wish her a prosperous journey, a bright-faced girl got on the train. There were two seats vacant, but without a moment's hesitation the young girl came and sat by the poor woman with the troublesome baby.
It was wonderful how the advent of this girl changed in a moment the whole atmosphere of the car. Her happy face was like a ray of sunshine, as she gave a bright glance around, and then turned and held out her hands to the baby. For a moment15its round, wondering eyes looked questioningly into the new face, then, with a radiant smile, it reached out its little arms to her in perfect confidence. She took it from its bewildered mother, and gathered it with a happy little laugh into her arms.
All through the next two-hours' ride while the dust flew and the heat was stifling, little Miss Cheer-ful, as I mentally named her, and the baby had a good time. It was astonishing how interesting that "cross" baby had become, and what attractions it developed under its nurse's skilful handling. Even the grim conductor, who had eyed the forlorn mother and restless child sourly, now looked benevolently on the merry group.
The poor wearied little mother laid her wan face back on the cushion and was soon asleep, confident that her little one was in good hands. When at her journey's end she woke with a rested, happy look, she said to her kind young friend: "You don't know how much good your kindness has done me. I have been traveling three days, and have had no sleep for two nights. God bless you, dear!"
And she passed out into the crowd with a smiling face, while her baby waved its tiny hand to the dear young girl.
We all felt ashamed of ourselves, and had a lesson in unselfishness which will not soon be forgotten by at least one of those who were traveling that sultry day.
I learned afterward that our bright fellow traveler was the daughter of one of Pennsylvania's richest coal kings, whose home of wealth had not made her selfish, nor made her look down upon those whose lot was hard and uninteresting. Besides, I learned, too, that she is a follower of Him who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."—The Classmate.
MY MISSION.
By Mrs. Carrie K. Butcher
BY MRS. CARRIE K. BUTCHER.
BRAVELY to do the common tasks
That 'round my pathway lie;
With kindly deeds to crowd each hour
As it goes flitting by.
To fill each moment to the brim
With love to God and toil for Him.
Gladly to walk the "narrow way,"
My cross with courage bear;
Meekly to harken, and obey,
With rev'rent, filial fear.
To keep my lamp in perfect trim,
And serve my Lord from love of Him.
To pray each day for guidance clear!
To search the blessed Word,
And ever, with a willing ear,
Let His commands be heard.
From early dawn till day grows dim,
Live, love, and labor, all for Him.
ONE HOUR A DAY.
A MAN well known in this country and Europe as a profound scholar and linguist, made a resolution in the first years of his married life to give one hour each day absolutely to his children. During that time his whole thoughts and attention were devoted to understanding their characters and influencing them in the right direction. Business, invitations, visitors, whatever would interfere with that hour was put aside. "I have an engagement," was the inexorable answer.
His daughters grew to maidenhood. Their mother was dead, and they had no friend so near as their father. All their little school troubles, their plans and pleasures, they brought eagerly to him, and were always sure of his sympathy. His boys became young men; they, too, had their ambitions, their downfalls, their successes—most of all, their temptations. They were never afraid to go to him with any of them, as to an elder brother.
A friend met him walking down the street one day with one of his boys. "How do you become so intimate with your sons?" he inquired afterward; "I used to see mine as babies about the house, and now they are men—but almost strangers to me!"
"I gave them a little time each day, got down to their level as children, and so grew up with them."
"O! I'm too busy grubbing all day to earn something to leave them. I have no time for such idleness."
The two men separated. One bequeathed to his undisciplined children wealth, which they speedily squandered; the other gave to his, not so much money, to be sure, but firm, controlled characters, every point of which had been influenced by his experience, his Christian faith and love.—Selected.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR BUSY HOUSEWIVES.
By S. H. H.
THE best managers in household affairs are those who can secure for themselves a quiet hour throughout the busy day for that healthful repose so necessary to every human heart. There would be fewer of our dear housewives in the hospitals and sanitariums if they had taken time for healthful out-door exercise and pure air. I see so many tired, weary, over-worked, busy housewives and mothers who could make it easier for themselves, but the habit of rush and worry has grown upon them until it has come to be alarming.
Some read this home page to be helped; others perhaps to be entertained; and some for both. So I will give a recipe which I know to be excellent, and as our experience counts for a great deal, I will say this simple help has been invaluable to me in my housekeeping. If you are troubled with roaches, clear the kitchen and all the closets, pantry shelves, etc., of their contents, and wipe in every nook and corner with a strong solution of borax water. When dry, sprinkle the dry borax over the shelves and cover with clean papers. The best managers I ever saw used this remedy year after year. S. H. H.
