Earlier text: SUNDAY IN THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES"WITHDRAW thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he weary of thee, and so hate thee." "Once upon a time"—we won't say how many ages ago—there was an old lady, poor, feeble, and lonely. She had, as the saying is, "seen better days," and doubtless her memory lived in them more than people knew. Right across the road from her stood a trim little cottage, with a neat, well-kept garden, stocked with vines and fruit trees, as well as vegetables and flowers. At the back of the house there was a choice well of excellent water, around which played bright, sweet-faced children, within the reach of their mother's call. The mistress of this home had not merely her little ones to keep up cheer and sunshine in her heart, but a loving, faithful husband, to whom she was as closely united as is the bark to the tree; these objects filled and satisfied her heart's cravings. These four needed no more. Still the lonely woman was kindly welcomed to this spot of pleasantness; and many happy hours were passed by her beneath the lowly roof, for the "house-mother" (haus-mutter) was intelligent, and a Christian; and the elder woman was pleased to share with her the outgrowth of her varied past, as well as to talk with her about home interests, and present world-wide happenings. For a time all went well; and the tendrils of the solitary heart twined themselves around these objects of its affection, till there was nothing that she would not have done or suffered to promote their welfare or increase their happiness. But love does not always "beget love," and natures differ as much as faces. Perhaps this is why by and by her visits were felt to be too frequent, and she was plainly shown that she was no longer welcome in that home. So she meekly "withdrew her feet from her neighbor's house," thinking that if she but gave them a rest they would miss and so seek her, and relations be renewed on a more guarded basis on her side. But in this she was mistaken; where natures differ so widely it is folly to judge others by one's self. Their lives were so crowded with individual interests that they did not miss her at all—except agreeably—and they never even found out that she had been made ill by what to them was but an exercise of choice and privilege, but to her a painful happening, casting still darker shade on her shadowed pathway, and robbing her life of one of its few pleasures. This is no fancy sketch; it came under my observation not so very many years ago. Doubtless this incident is only one of a thousand, for in this busy, selfish world there are too few hearts "at leisure from themselves;" and many, even among Christians, pride themselves upon this very thing, failing to see that it is but a refined form of selfishness, which cannot be pleasing in the eyes of the Master. But I will only speak to the torn and bruised hearts that need binding up, leaving the others to be dealt with by the great Counselor. May he enable me to comfort these by the comfort wherewith I have been comforted of him, than whom I have none nearer, in many sore trials and afflictions. Remember, lonely ones, that there is a Friend who sticketh closer than a brother, who is more faithfully kind than the neighbor at hand. Let such experiences as these but drive you the closer to him. It is your privilege by faith to lay your head upon that sympathizing breast, even as did the beloved disciple. Let your communication with the Master be the more frequent and intimate for each such experience. "Go and tell Jesus," who never wearies—no matter who or what you may be—never forgetting that the strength of your claim is proportioned to the greatness of your need. WE knew a whole week beforehand that she was coming, and that my mamma was going to invite all the ladies to our house to hear her talk. We were going to have ice cream and cake, and mamma said that I and Mamie Webster—she's my most intimate friend—and Daisy—she's my little sister—might help pass the things, only Daisy was so little she couldn't pass anything around but the napkins. I used to wish sometimes that Daisy could have stayed a baby, for she wasn't any trouble then. She just took naps all day, and mamma took care of her, and she was cunning to play with when I felt like it; but now she is old enough to want to do everything that Mamie and I do, and I have to look after her, and yet she's too little for our plays. Mamie says she's real sorry for me sometimes. She hasn't any little sister, only a brother Chris. Anyhow, she did not care about seeing the live missionary from China as we did, and Mamie and I used to sit on the steps and wonder what she'd look like. Chris said she'd have little feet no bigger than Daisy's, so she would waddle instead of walk, and she would have eyes cut bias, and look like the bunchy ladies on the fans, and that she would want us to fire firecrackers, like the Fourth of July. I knew mamma wouldn't have firecrackers, but we were wild to see her, and, anyway, it would be fun to help pass the cake and things. We were going to wear our best white dresses, and I lent Mamie my bangle, and she lent me her beads, because all the girls at school who were intimate friends like Mamie and me lent each other things to wear. The ladies were getting ready a box of things and some money for the missionary to take back with her, but Mamie and I had714 been saving up for ever so long to buy a lawn tennis set; still we said we'd each give a quarter. That was more than the other girls did, but then they were not going to see a real missionary. I was having a real good time that morning helping mamma in the kitchen, but just at the most interesting moment, when we were sticking the bits of citron in the pound cakes, what must Daisy do but upset the egg basket, and three rolled on the floor and were smashed. So of course mamma made me take her outdoors to amuse her. I felt real cross, but I took her around to the front door, for I hoped Mamie would come over and we could talk; but she didn't, and Daisy was just as quiet playing with some pebbles, and then I felt crosser than ever. But Mamie came over early in the afternoon all dressed, and we sat down on the steps to watch for the missionary. We thought if we were there we could see her feet as she came up the steps. Ever so many ladies came, and most all spoke to us. At last our minister's wife came with some strange ladies. She kissed me, and said: "Why do you stay out here, dear? Don't you want to come in and hear about little girls in China?" "Yes'm," said I, "but we're waiting for the missionary from China to come. We want to see her feet first." "Yes," said Mamie, "we want to watch her waddle up the steps." They all laughed at that, and one of the ladies said pleasantly: "I am the missionary, dear, and, see, my feet are really big. But do come, and I'll tell you about the poor little feet that are so tied up they can never grow like yours." Mamie and I felt queer when they laughed, and we did not want to follow them in. "Isn't it a shame?" said Mamie. "She's just like anyone else, and her dress isn't funny at all." After a while we heard them singing, and it was just like evening meeting, not a bit like what Chris said they did in China—no "tom-tom" or anything. It was very disappointing, but we thought we would go in so as to be in time for the ice cream. Besides, it was sunny on the steps. The missionary was sitting in a big chair, and Daisy was close beside her on a little stool, looking ever so cute. Well, she talked a long time, and told us ever so many stories, and sometimes everybody laughed, and sometimes they cried, and then she took Daisy on her lap, and took off her little slipper, and showed us how they tied up the babies' feet to keep them small. It must hurt awfully. She kept Daisy on her lap and told about one poor little girl who was sick and her mother ran away and left her, and of how she cried to herself till the missionary found her; and then how she began to save part of the food they gave her for her mother, and how sweet and unselfish she grew. It made a queer kind of lump come in my throat, and I saw that Mamie was winking like anything. Then she began to talk about Jesus, and doing things for his sake. Daisy slid off her knee and ran out of the room, and I leaned over and whispered to Mamie that I meant to give fifty cents. "So do I," said Mamie, "and I'm going to ask Chris to give some too." I began to think whom I could ask, for I did not want Mamie to get ahead of me, but mamma and papa always gave for themselves, and Daisy hadn't any money, because she was too little, when the door opened and she came slowly in; and what do you think that little thing had done? She had her big dolly—the one she loved best, with real-for-sure hair—under one arm, and the other was around the neck of our old cat, its poor legs and tail dragging along on the ground. She looked real sweet and earnest when she came in, and pushed the cat and the dolly both into the missionary's lap, and said:— "You may take them to that poor little girl." Then she turned to go away, but the cat looked at her and gave a sad little mew. Daisy's lips began to quiver; she stood still for a moment, then all at once she ran to mamma, and hid her face in her lap, and began to cry quietly to herself. Oh, I did feel so mean and so ashamed of myself! I had thought I was so much better than Daisy, and here she had given away her two very dearest things. I was so sorry I had ever been cross to the dear little thing. Most everyone cried a little, and the missionary said something about Jesus calling a little child and setting him in the midst. I didn't listen much, for I was thinking I would ask mamma to let me give my five-dollar gold piece. Well, we had the ice cream and cake, and then the ladies went away; but the missionary stayed a little longer, and talked to just us children. She explained to Daisy that she could not possibly take the poor old cat to China, but that Jesus knew she was willing to give him all she could, and he would thank her. Daisy wanted her to take the dolly, and she said she would, and would give it to the little sick girl in China. And then she talked to Mamie and me about our giving, till somehow it seemed as if we were just putting our money into Jesus' own hands, and that he was loving us for it. Mamie and I think real live missionaries are ever so nice.—S. S. Times. Zeal Needed to Serve God
By Hamilton
WE want not time to serve God, but zeal; we have not too much business, but too little grace.—Hamilton. "IT HAS AYE DONE SO HITHERTO."
By Philip B. Strong
THAT was an answer full of wisdom
The master's Scottish servant made,
When asked if he supposed the heaven,
Which had for days all cloudy stayed,
Would ever clear and show the blue,
"It has aye done so hitherto." Ah, pain must pass; and not forever
Can anguish last the heart to rend!
Though long the sun of hope be hidden,
Its healing rays shall yet descend
And fill with light the life anew;
"It has aye done so hitherto." And, waiting one, with cry unanswered
Till trust in God has almost died,
Doubt not, although thy prayers at present
Seem all unheard or all denied;
Faith yet shall find each promise true;
"It has aye done so hitherto." When burdens sore the breast is bearing,
When bitter woes the soul assail,
'Twill help endure with firmer patience
To know the future cannot fail
Some joy to give in sorrow's lieu;
"It has aye done so hitherto." Once when I was a schoolboy going home for the holidays I had a long way to go to reach the far-away little town in which I dwelt. I arrived at Bristol, and got on board the steamer with just money enough to pay my fare, and, that being settled, I thought in my innocence I had paid for everything I needed in the way of meals. I had what I wanted as long as we were in smooth water; then came the rough Atlantic, and the need of nothing more. I had been lying in my berth for hours wretchedly ill, and past caring for anything, when there came the steward, and stood beside me. "Your bill, sir," said he, holding out a piece of paper. "I have no money," I said in my wretchedness. "Then I shall keep your luggage. What is your name and address?" I told him. Immediately he took off the cap he wore, with a gilt band about it, and held out his hand. "I should like to shake hands with you," he said. I gave him my hand, and shook him as well as I could. Then came the explanation that some years before some little kindness had been shown his mother by my father in the sorrow of her widowhood. "I never thought the chance would come for me to repay it," said he pleasantly, "but I am glad it has." As soon as I got ashore, I told my father what had happened. "Ah," said he, "see how a bit of kindness lives! Now he has passed it on to you. Remember, if you meet anybody who needs a friendly hand, you must pass it on to him." Years had gone by; I had grown up, and quite forgotten it all, until one day I had to go to the station of one of our main lines. I was just going to take my ticket when I saw a little lad crying—a thorough gentleman he was, trying to keep back the troublesome tears, as he pleaded with the booking clerk. "What is the matter, my lad?" I asked. "If you please, sir, I haven't enough money to pay my fare. I have all I want but a few pence, and I tell the clerk if he will trust me I will be sure to pay him." Instantly flashed upon me the forgotten story of long ago. Here, then, was my chance to pass it on. I gave him the sum needed, and then got into the carriage with him. Then I told the little fellow the story of long ago, and of the steward's kindness to me. "Now, to-day," I said, "I pass it on to you; and remember that if you meet anyone who needs a kindly hand, you must pass it on to him." "I will, sir, I will," cried the lad, as he took my hand, and his eyes flashed with earnestness. "I am sure you will," I answered. I reached my destination, and left my little friend. The last sign I had of him was the handkerchief fluttering from the window of the carriage, as if to say, "It is all right, sir; I will pass it on."—Home and School Visitor. That slander, like mud, dries and falls off.
That to wait and be patient soothes many a pang.
That correction is good when administered in season.
That it takes a great deal of grace to be able to bear praise.
That you will never have a friend if you must have one without failings.
That to have what we want is riches, but to be able to do without it is power.
That there is no limit to the age at which a man may make a fool of himself.
That a man who cannot mind his own business is not to be trusted with the business of others.
That the roses of pleasure seldom last long enough to adorn the brow of those who pluck them.
That the highest exercise of charity is charity toward the uncharitable.
That a man lives by believing something, not by debating and arguing about many things.—Selected. "MEN are not rich or poor according to what they possess, but to what they desire. The only rich man is he that with content enjoys a competency." A "BED DAY" FOR CHILDREN.
ABOUT once a month, says a correspondent, I noticed that my two strong, active children grew what was called "cross." I determined to watch for the cause, and discovered that even the infant boy can only stand a certain amount of exercise without becoming "worn out." When, therefore, at night I found one or the other particularly "cranky," I would say to myself: "It is time this child was rested. To-morrow must be a 'bed day.'" The children understood that this was in nowise a punishment, but a simple sanitary measure. Playthings there were in plenty, but no getting out of bed. How that room did look sometimes! Cut papers, toys, everything in every direction, but I knew that the little legs and bodies were obtaining a much-needed rest, and what did a little clutter more or less amount to? The next day they would be as bright and "chipper" as young robins. I firmly believe that by this plan I have warded off many a little attack of illness by building up the physical strength so that sickness could not take a hold. This plan I believe to be original with me, but I am not only willing to give it away to mothers, but to send as well hearty good wishes with it.—Selected. THE GOSPEL AND LACE MAKING.
By Mrs. George S. Hays
BY MRS. GEORGE S. HAYS.
[Missionary of the Presbyterian Board.] "DOESN'T your mother-in-law abuse you?"
"She is not living," I replied.
"Doesn't your husband smoke opium?"
"No."
"And doesn't he get drunk?"
"No."
"And doesn't he beat you?"
"No," said I gently—for I saw what was in the poor Chinese woman's heart—"no, he never struck me a blow in his life." Mrs. Chang looked from me to my Bible woman, as if she could not believe she had heard aright, then turned to me again and said bitterly: "You have been talking to me about heaven and hell in the world to come. Your life now compared with mine is as heaven and hell." "You have enough to eat and to wear?" asked a woman at another time. "Yes," I answered, feeling rather ashamed of it. "And I'll venture to say your children have warm flannels in winter?" she continued. "Yes, they are comfortably clothed," said I. "Ah, she has a stove that keeps the whole room warm," broke in a woman who had probably been in a foreign house; "she has a happy life." The crowd of poorly dressed women looked at me enviously. "All you say is perfectly true," commented an old man, as he listened to me as I talked to his wife. "I believe your doctrine. I believed it years ago, when I first heard your father preach." "Then why don't you live the gospel?" I gravely inquired. "We are too poor," he answered. "We have no time to keep the Sabbath." "I work from morning until night to get enough to keep me from starving," said a woman on another occasion. "I have no heart left to think about the world to come." Remarks like these, with constant applications for work which I could not give, and the continual sight of grinding poverty which I could not relieve, naturally led me to think very seriously whether I could help these women in their material as well as spiritual life. My object was to introduce an industry easily learned, and of such a nature that women could work at it in their own homes, and of reliable market value, and thus provide a modest competence to any woman striving to lead an independent Christian life, giving her a chance to keep the Sabbath, and time to learn the truth herself and to teach it to her children and neighbors. Such seekers after work cannot justly be called "rice Christians," for they will only be paid for hard work, well done, and will be required to buy for themselves the instruments used in their work. There will be no undue pressure brought to bear upon them, for, though the gospel will be taught them, the free acceptance or refusal will be left to each individual heart. From an English lady living in Chefoo I learned last summer to make real torchon lace and insertion. Silk lace is made, as silk thread of any color can be bought from the Chinese much more easily and cheaply than linen thread can be imported from a foreign country. In the early spring two women from the country came to me for two weeks' lessons. One is the daughter-in-law of an old teacher my husband received into the church about four years ago. Mr. Wang was very anxious that this daughter-in-law should come, as she and her husband (Mr. Wang's eldest son) were at first bitterly opposed to Christianity, and had been a great deal of trouble to him since he became a Christian. "My youngest daughter-in-law believes the gospel," he said; "but this one does not. If she comes to you, and is under your teaching for a couple of weeks, I hope it will make a great change in her." I promised to do what I could, and, contrary to my expectations, she proved to be willing and even anxious to learn the truth, and developed wonderfully during her short stay. It was interesting to watch her progress. At first she could only pray for herself, using the few sentences I had taught her when I visited her home the year before. Then she began to pray for the baby son she had left behind her, "that he might not cry for his mamma." Before she left she had extended her prayers to the whole world, and was asking for blessings upon the heathen. While here she learned two patterns of lace, one for herself and one for teaching her sister-in-law at home, and went away as happy and grateful a woman as I have ever seen. "My neighbors laughed at me and said I had gone clear crazy to come to you; but when they see my lace they will change their tune," she said triumphantly, as she packed up her lace cushions. Not long ago her husband brought me several yards of lace which she had made, and I asked him if his wife keeps the Sabbath. "Yes, she does," he assured me. "And does she preach the gospel to the women who come to see her make lace?" I inquired. "Yes," he answered, smiling. "To the women who are willing to hear, she preaches, and to the women who are not willing to hear, she also preaches." The other woman who came to me is the daughter of a man who became a Christian about two years ago. This man for many years was very widely known as a successful fortune teller, and both respected and feared as a powerful adviser in lawsuits. His change of life and testimony in favor of Christianity has very great weight. He is a fearless expounder of the truth; his manner of explaining the gospel is very attractive to the Chinese. The daughter of such a father was well taught; she could read the Bible fluently and could repeat many portions of it. There could have been no better proof of Mr. Kao's sincerity and consistent Christian life in his own home than this daughter's knowledge of the gospel. She also learned two patterns of lace, and took them home with her. Her mother used to be very much opposed to Christianity, and last week I asked Mr. Kao about her. He said she had thrown away all doubts about the gospel a long time ago, but she was getting old and could not read. "That does not matter," I said, "if she really believes. She can learn a great deal of the truth from your daughters and from you, even though she may never learn the characters." "Oh, yes," he answered, "her daughter teaches her a great deal! That is all they have to talk about, you know. While they are sitting quietly making lace, they talk together about Jesus."—N. Y. Independent. THE DAY'S WORK.
By All the Year Round
Do THY day's work, my dear,
Though fast and dark the clouds are drifting near,
Though time has little left for hope and very much
for fear. Do thy day's work, though now
The hand must falter, and the head must bow,
And far above the falling foot shows the bold mountain brow. Yet there is left for us
Who on the valley's verge stand trembling thus,
A light that lies far in the West—soft, faint, but
luminous. We can give kindly speech
And ready, helping hand to all and each,
And patience to the young around by smiling
silence teach. We can give gentle thought,
And charity by life's long lesson taught,
And wisdom from old faults lived down, by toil and
failure wrought. We can give love, unmarred
By selfish snatch of happiness, unjarred
By the keen aims of power or joy that make youth
cold and hard. And if gay hearts reject
The gifts we hold—would fain fare on, unchecked,
On the bright roads that scarcely yield all that
young eyes expect, Why, do thy day's work still;
The calm, deep founts of love are slow to chill,
And heaven may yet the harvest yield, the work-worn hands to fill. Young People's Societies Supporting Missions
In California six young people's societies are each supporting a native preacher or student in foreign lands. The Alameda church, of 131 members, is distinguished for its generous contributions to missions. It is reported to have given $400 to foreign missions the last year, and the same amount to State work. One of the ladies supports a native preacher in Burma, and the Baptist Young People's Union has supported for two years past a native preacher in China.—Helping Hand. When Christ Becomes Master
Dr. Pierson mentions a missionary who, when asked what led her to go to China, replied: "I had known Jesus as Saviour and Redeemer and Friend, but as soon as I knew him as Master and Lord, he said to me, 'Am I thy Master?—then go to China.'" Some of us are afraid to say to Christ with a whole heart, "Master," lest he should say, "Go to China." Yet we never can go as far for him in missionary work as he came for us,—from the throne of heaven to the cross on Calvary. Four Methods of Gospel Giving
It is said that the Christians of Ceylon have four methods for giving to the support of the gospel: First, the tithes of their earnings; second, the offering of the trees—the setting apart by each of a cocoanut tree the produce of which they sacredly devote to benevolent purposes; third, offering of labor—devoting a certain amount of time to the interest of the church; fourth, they reserve a handful of rice from every day's meal.—Our Home Field. The Missionary Review of Reviews mentions some "hindrances to missions found in the working force," and specifies secularism, sensationalism, indifferentism, and rationalism as "tendencies which threaten the life of the church." It might mention as the greatest of all "hindrances" the "teaching for doctrine the commandments of men," in other words, making void the law through their traditions. In speaking of Japan Miss Kidder, a Baptist missionary, says: "Japan, with all the surface refinement that travelers see in a few of the coast places, is heathen down deep, and Christ and his cross are not what they desire. The depths of sin here are appalling." On the 9th inst. mail was received in this city from Pitcairn Island, brought by the British ship Helensburgh, Captain Jefferson, from Newcastle, Australia. The missionary brig Pitcairn arrived at the island July 17, just thirty days from her departure from San Francisco Harbor. The voyage was a prosperous one, with the exception that most of the passengers were seasick much of the time, and were considerably weakened on their arrival at the island. There was difficulty in landing at Pitcairn, on account of the rough sea, and it was found necessary to land on the leeward side and climb over the rocky steep of the highest portion of the island, some of the weaker ones being unable to make the ascent unaided. Some of them had to be carried up the hill. Brother Buckner and Sister Wellman are especially mentioned as being very much enfeebled by continued seasickness, from which, no doubt, they will rapidly recover. In getting the freight ashore one boat was considerably injured on the rocks, and another completely destroyed. The Pitcairn, at the time the mail left, was on a trip to Oeno Island, to bring away a lot of valuable material taken from the wrecked vessel which brought the terrible scourge of typhus fever to the island some time ago. On her return the voyage will be continued to Tahiti, Raiatea, and other points, for the location of missionaries. Of the condition of the work at Pitcairn, Sister Rosa Young writes: "Our missionary meetings here are always well attended, and as so many of our members take part in the different gatherings, this helps to keep the really good interest sustained. Fresh tidings from you as to how the cause is progressing will be intensely welcome, as we need them in our meetings. Elder Gates and his wife have been a source of real blessing to us, and their good influence will, I trust, always remain. Sister Hattie Andre also continues the good work here; and we have so much for which to bless God." THE Oklahoma mission field has been organized into a local Conference, comprising sixteen churches. WHEN this paper reaches its readers, camp meetings will be in session at Wadsworth, Nev., and at Delevan, N. Y. ELDER J. W. COLLIE, of Florida Conference, is on a tour to the North and Northwest, going as far as Minnesota, but stopping at various points on the way. ELDER J. F. HANSEN, who has been conducting tent meetings for the benefit of the Scandinavians of Perth Amboy, N. J., has removed to Brooklyn, N. Y. IN Portland, Oregon, a Chinese youth of 16 years, who was baptized last spring, is said to be developing into a useful worker among his countrymen, being a quite forcible speaker in his native tongue. ELDER N. P. NELSON, president of South Dakota Conference, reports the baptism of ten persons at Jefferson. Also the addition of six members to each of the churches at Elk Point and Parker. ELDER S. B. HORTON reports a stirring interest to hear the truth being proclaimed in Middletown, Del. He says, "Jew and Catholic attend the meetings, and are investigating the truth as seriously as others." AT Sussex, N. B., where Elder F. I. Richardson and Brother George E. Price have been holding meetings, six are reported to have taken a decided stand for the truth, with a good interest on the part of others. ELDER M. WOOD, who had the free use of a "union" chapel at Fair Haven, Mass., until he worsted a first-day champion in a discussion, finally became the victim of a lockout, receiving the following note from the persons in charge of the building: "We take pleasure in stating that the character and general deportment of Elder Minard Wood, since coming to this place, are irreproachable, but his doctrine we do not indorse; consequently we cannot allow him the use of our chapel." WE learn from Elder A. J. Breed's report to the Review concerning the Texas camp meeting that Elder W. S. Greer was reëlected president of that Conference, and that Brother J. A. Holbrook was ordained to the gospel ministry. THE war between China and Japan has caused some falling off in our Japanese-English school in San Francisco. The Japanese are very patriotic, and stand ready to go home at the first opportunity, in order to defend their country. THE statute of Charles II., of Great Britain, under which some of our brethren in Canada and Australia have been prosecuted for Sunday labor, has been declared by the High Court of Appeals at Toronto to be inoperative against farmers. A LETTER to the Echo from Elder J. H. Cook says that he and Elder John Fulton are rusticating in the mountains of Colorado, 8,000 feet above sea level, living in tents, endeavoring to regain their health. Brother Cook reports a marked improvement in his own case, and says that Elder Fulton is improving slowly. ELEVEN adult converts are the visible result of tent meetings but recently closed in Providence, R. I. There was strong opposition to the tent. Some wealthy property owners in the vicinity threatened to have it declared a nuisance if it were not removed, and a petition was sent to the city authorities to that effect, but no notice was taken of it. Other methods were adopted to drive the laborers away, but all proved unavailing. The police gave ample protection, and the newspapers gave favorable notices. IT appears that our publishing house at Basel, Switzerland, is again embarrassed by the arrest of the manager, Elder H. P. Holser, for Sunday labor. A fine of 200 francs, with three weeks' imprisonment, has been imposed upon him, and in case the fine is not paid, sixty-one days in prison will be the penalty. It has been decided to close their pressroom entirely, and hire the printing done on the outside, pending appeal to a higher court. It is said that public sentiment, and even the Police Court, favors the appeal. FOUR discourses were delivered simultaneously, at Altoona, Pa., August 12, against the tent work in progress there, under the labors of Elder K. C. Russell and Brethren Charles Baierle and W. H. Smith. The expression of one minister that "the Church and the State should embrace each other," afforded a good subject for a reply, which was listened to by a large audience. There are now thirty Sabbath keepers in Altoona, with a Sabbath school that is well attended by others interested in the truth. The matter of erecting a house of worship is under consideration. ELDER GEORGE I. BUTLER gives an encouraging account of the work in Asheville, N. C. As the result of tent meetings held there, fifteen had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others were much interested. He further says: "A general meeting held by Elder Kilgore was a real help to the work, as it was blessed by the Spirit of the Lord. Among those who have accepted the truth are the pastor of the Second Baptist Church of this city, and his wife. He is a man much respected in the city, and was for three years a missionary to Japan. He is a young man of talent, well educated, earnest, and devoted. He is now laboring as one of our tent company, and is fully with us. His acceptance of the 'present truth' has caused much comment and inquiry in a large section of this Southern country, as he is well known in the Baptist denomination. We hope he will do much good. We closed with a baptism of ten, and an excellent farewell meeting, and with many friends."717 ELDER H. E. ROBINSON, president of Atlantic Conference, reports through the Union Record that "the Jersey City tent is still in operation, and the interest and attendance continue good. It looks favorable for quite a strong company to be gathered at that place. They are so far from the meetinghouse that separate services will be held with them on the Sabbath. Elder Franke will now devote all his time and ability to this new effort, and Elder C. P. Bollman will take the oversight of the Jersey City church. Elder A. F. Ballenger, who is now connected with the American Sentinel work in New York City, will lead the Sabbath meetings for the Brooklyn church." Elder Franke baptized seven candidates at Jersey City on the 25th ult. "THE FIELD IS THE WORLD."
"WAIT till our own the gospel have received,
For with our own we surely must begin."
"Begin and finish?" "Well, that work achieved,
We shall have leisure to call others in.
'Go to all nations'—somewhere we allow—
'Beginning at Jerusalem,' means now." "And yet, methinks, the two commissions blend
With one another, in distinctive force.
'Go to all nations' was the appointed end,
'Beginning' only pointed out the course.
Beginning only, if we wait to show
One work completed, we shall never go." And this, then, is our lesson. Every day
We find some work which we must not refuse,
And we must do such work as best we may;
Yet must we never quote it to excuse
Our cold neglect of Christ's supreme command,
"Go forth and preach my name in every land."
—Selected. TEACH THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH.
THERE are many workers who are content to teach truth in detail, rarely touching its great principles. Their labor is confined to individual duties. They tell persons, "You ought to keep the Sabbath." "You ought to pay tithes." "You ought to dress plainly, and put off the wearing of gold." "You ought not to eat certain foods," etc., etc. Now all these things ought doubtless to be taught at proper times and in proper ways; but they ought not to be taught as the primary things. A person may refrain from work on the Sabbath, may pay a tithe of his income into the treasury of the Lord, may dress with the utmost simplicity, may be a strict health reformer, and yet may be eternally lost at last. All these things may be outward show, such as would lead one to think, as said the Pharisee of old, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men." Back of all these duties lie the great principles of faith in God, of submission to God's will, and, more than all else, of God's wondrous love to us in asking us to do these things, in giving us the inexpressible privilege of coöperating with him in his work of saving souls. And the heart which possesses true faith, which is wholly submitted to God's will, which is responsive to God's love, will do all Christian duties when instructed in them. The great principles when fully grasped will hold the soul amid the perils and storms of life, when a few surface facts will have but little influence on the life. Plow deeply, and sow unto righteousness. Let "the great big truths of God's word," the great underlying principles, be preached, have free course, and be glorified.