Several cases have recently been reported of individuals who are perfectly sane, but who, thru the connivance of officials, have been torn away from their homes and taken to the insane asylum, in order to get them out of the way of a designing husband or other relative. The facts in regard to one of these cases is stated as follows in a New York World editorial:—
“The facts, as stated in the Supreme Court in Brooklyn, show that without any notice whatever that her sanity was doubted, this woman’s home was suddenly invaded by a man and a woman, who coolly told her she must go at once with them to the Kings County Lunatic Asylum, or they would take her from her home and children by force, exactly as a person charged with a felony would be taken. In spite of her protests and the tearful pleadings of her four children, she was bundled off and locked up in the institution, without a hearing or opportunity of any kind for meeting the charge.
“All this was legally done, it appears, on an affidavit secretly sworn to by her husband, on which a charities commissioner had issued an order for her arrest. No proceeding of the famous third section of Russia’s arbitrary police system is more contemptuous of personal liberty than this. And there is nothing to show that, but for the fact that Mrs. —— was successful in getting word of her situation to her father, who had the will and means to get a writ of habeas corpus, she might not have been imprisoned indefinitely. And yet the doctors of the asylum, when brought to court under the great writ, calmly admitted that she was ‘perfectly sane.’
“Well might Judge Maddox call this occurrence ‘outrageous,’ and direct that the papers in the case be laid before the grand jury.”
Such things as this are done right along, in the face of the boasted civilization of this time; and such outrageous acts of injustice are becoming more and more common. Briberies and jobberies of various kinds make it impossible for the ordinary individual to get anything like the semblance of justice. Even the influences and immunities that are supposed to inhere in great wealth will not always shield a man from the outrages of this injustice. With the knowledge of these facts before the mind, read the following words from the prophet Isaiah:—
“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity can not enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey; and the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto him; and His righteousness, it sustained him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the West, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isa. 59:14-19.
The foregoing words of the prophet tell of a condition that will exist in the world; and who can doubt that we are even now in that time? We should be cheered by the promise that the arm of the Lord will bring salvation. Just as the antediluvian world was destroyed by the flood because of its wickedness, even so will it be necessary for the Lord to destroy the inhabitants of the earth to-day because of their gross wickedness; and the time can not long be delayed, otherwise there would be no righteousness left in the earth.
These are not things to cavil about; but the stern facts that are before the world to-day should lead us to serious reflection, and cause men to seek the Lord while He may be found, to seek Him before the overflowing scourge smites the earth because of its gross criminality and debasing sins. We entreat of you, do not consider the subject lightly, but look at the facts. The great event of all the ages is just before the world, even the coming of the Saviour in the clouds of heaven, to destroy all this wickedness. Let us get ready, for it will be a glorious time.
T.
“A SEASON OF PROPHECY.”
The editor of the San Francisco Examiner has this to say of the “New Century Prophecies,” many of which have appeared in his paper:—
“It is a season of prophecy. The scientists, the philosophers, the sociologists, and the whole array of learned pundits have been asked to signalize the arrival of the new century by forecasts of what it may be expected to give the world.”
After noting some of the material and fanciful things promised, he continues:—
“There is one prophecy that we miss from the accustomed list, and that is the promise of universal peace and good-will among men. It is nearly nineteen centuries since that rule of conduct was first preached, and still it seems as if the world was not yet ripe for its acceptance. At no time in the history of the race was the activity of the engineer of destruction so pronounced or so much in demand as to-day. He is sitting up nights inventing new and strange engines of death, and the nations are clamoring for every hateful, deadly device that his malign ingenuity can plan. The angel of death is abroad in the land. We can hear the beating of his wings. There is the rattle of musketry, the crackling flames of the homestead, the weeping of women and children. How long, O Lord, how long?”
“Nevertheless, we believe that there is a time coming when war shall be no more. Prophecy is futile. We shall not venture on a field so uncertain, but we may hazard a hope that the world is about to enter on a century of peace.”
Yes, that time will come, but not by men. Men may preach it, may dream it, may sing it, may wish it; but as long as human hearts are carnal, at enmity with God, they will fight, and the old strife will go on in increasing intensity.
And there is one Book of prophecy which tells us this, again and again,—thru royal prophet, and shepherd prophet, and priest prophet, and peasant prophet, is the same story of continued, increasing war told, till Christ, the King, shall take to Himself His great power, destroy the kingdoms of earth, and all their wickedness, and all who are identified with it, and begin His everlasting reign in an earth made new. Then will peace reign. But it will never reign on this earth till that time, save in the hearts of those submitted to Christ. Why not take and trust God’s prophecies?
Question Corner
1112. A Subscriber. Resurrection of Moses.—See article in another column, entitled “Moses and Elijah.” “First-fruits” and “first-born” are used to denote pre-eminence as well as priority. Thus the Lord calls Israel His first-born, tho Esau was born first. He calls Ephraim the first-born, tho Manasseh was older. Christ was the “first-fruits” in priority, because all His subsequent experience was in His first act of giving Himself to the world, and, pre-eminently, because He is the One thru whom all others bear fruit.
1113. J. F. B. Matt. 9:16, 17.—The old garment and the old bottles represented the Pharisees who, creed-bound by their tradition, could not receive the new life-working teaching of Christ. The Gospel is life. It can not be patched onto human creeds, can not be received by hearts not responsive to its life-giving power. It is just as true now of all who are bound by cramped, lifeless creeds as it was of the Pharisees of old. But just as in those days Zacharias and Elizabeth, Simon and Anna, who walked with God, saw and received additional light, so it is to-day. If God’s life is in the heart, the heart will respond to the ever-unfolding truth. But the heart satisfied with the human can never make the divine a part of it.
1114. B. 2 Cor. 5:17. The new things which God requires is a new heart, soul, and mind. It is not that the Lord throws away His truth, His law, His Gospel. To the sinner all these are antagonistic; but when the man becomes a new creature, all God’s truth is new. The “old commandment which ye had from the beginning” becomes new to the converted soul, “because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” 1 John 2:7, 8. God is eternal; His truth, His law, His Gospel, are eternal; and they are always new to the soul alive with the life of God.
THE DANGER OF HYPNOTISM.
THE following from the New York Herald is another one of the many illustrations of the evils that may result from hypnotism:—
“RICHMOND, Va., Wednesday,—John Sweeney, who is well known in this city, was temporarily transformed into a maniac last night by the effects of hypnotism. A social party was given by Mrs. W. J. Tilman, and among the guests were Sweeney and Calvin Cooke, the latter an amateur hypnotist.
“Cooke offered to give an exhibition of his skill, and Sweeney consented to be the subject. No sooner was the latter under the spell than he imagined himself a pugilist, and at once began to make a general attack upon all present, without regard to sex.
“He soon cleared the house, and then began to demolish the front fence, using for the purpose a heavy ornamental urn. Sixteen men approached the young man, but he threw them right and left, and began tearing off his clothes.
“A hurry call was then turned in for the police patrol wagon. It came with five policemen. The struggle resulted in the young man being handcuffed and his feet tied together. His captors held him on the ground while a physician administered a hypodermic injection of morphine. He was then hurried to a hospital and unbound. He then wrenched an iron bedstead apart.
“More drugs were administered, and finally he was quieted. To-day he has returned to his normal state, but weak and nervous. Sweeney has never been regarded as remarkable for physical strength.”
Hypnotism is something that any knave can learn the art of as well as the most highly educated physician. And, in view of the evils that are constantly growing out of it, how can any one say that there is any chance for it to do real good? The physicians of the country, instead of trying to create the sentiment that there is any good in hypnotism, should arise as one man and show the evil of it, and warn every one against it.
The Boycott Against Mormonism
THE Family Herald says:—
“The boycott has been resorted to in South Carolina as a means to prevent the spread of Mormonism. There are many Mormon workers in the State, and one family in Kings having made public profession of faith, the citizens have pledged themselves to neither buy from nor sell to this family, and to regard any one who does either the one or the other as a Mormon himself.”
Mormonism is manifestly wrong, and it is to be fought against in every legitimate way possible. But we doubt very much the advisability of using the boycott under any circumstances. If the more manly means of reason and persuasion does not keep the evil from spreading, it can not be done by boycotts. Boycotts and things of that sort enable the cry of martyr and persecution to be raised, and then the evil will go all the faster thru the sympathy that will be aroused. This world is rushing on, all too rapidly, to a time of general anarchy and violence, and true-hearted men and women should do everything they can to check these evils. As strongly as Mormonism should be rejected, it should always be done by fair means. Christian education is strong enough to overthrow Mormonism, or any other evil, if it is only allowed to do its work, and the boycott is not needed.
THE WIFE AS A COMPANION.
By Mrs. M. C. DuBois
The wife may well be called the home thermometer. The qualities she possesses and exhibits in her daily life make her home a peaceful harbor or a place of unrest and misery. The wife who looks only to the temporal wants of her husband comes short of wifely duty. Many a woman who is a good cook and excellent housekeeper is not at all companionable. A man, as a general thing, does not like to hear about faulty servants, cross children, and the hundred and one unpleasant things that his wife has had to meet and bear during the day. The companionable woman will not detail all these things to him. She has a better place to lay all her many trials, and that is at the feet of Jesus, the woman’s Friend.
When the husband comes home at the close of the day, it cheers him to meet a smiling, cheerful wife instead of a cross, faultfinding one, and to find the table neatly laid, tho the food be of the plainest, simplest kind. And the wife should endeavor to be entertaining. If she has had any bright, cheerful experiences during the day, let her relate them instead of talking over the vexing things.
But some may say: “The wife has been shut up all day with cross children, hard work, and patience-trying duties; she hasn’t any bright, cheerful experiences to relate. The husband has been out among other men, or in the fresh air and bright sunshine; he ought to be the one to bring the good cheer to the tired wife.” Yes, this is true; and every man who loves his wife as “his own body” will bring a whiff of fresh air and a gleam of sunshine into his home every time he crosses the threshold. But too often the wife meets her husband with faultfinding or in sullen silence, and this reflects back upon herself, and the result is a cold, unhappy home. I think the angels weep over the sad condition of many professedly Christian homes. That these conditions are wholly due to the wife, I do not admit, but it is certain that much, very much, depends upon her. It makes such a difference whether she is hopeful, cheerful, and pleasant!
It is not my desire to censure either husbands or wives. There are good, noble husbands; there are true, faithful wives; there are homes where God is feared; but we all know there are too few of such, and many, many unhappy, desolate homes. There are husbands and wives11who are untrue to each other; husbands and wives who are drifting apart because of some misunderstanding, or because of false pride, which prevents either party confessing his or her wrongs.
What a sad condition! It is for such I write. If God will, by His Holy Spirit, reach some wife who is not doing all in her power to make herself a true companion, a helper, to her husband, the writing of these words will not have been in vain.
Woman’s influence over men for good or ill is great. Only a God-fearing woman can realize it as she ought. A wife should bring to the surface the good in her husband that often is hidden beneath a rough outside. By her gentleness and refining touch, his better nature should be brought to view. The wife who is a true companion will not parade the weak points of her husband before others; his faults will not be mentioned to a third party, far from it.
Man is called the stronger, the braver sex; but how often in times of financial trouble or bodily pain the wife is seen to bear up better than the husband; and it is here that her true companionship is fully realized. She becomes his comforter, his strength, his counselor, and by her words and acts he is encouraged to press on, at last becoming a victor in the battle of life.
A Christian wife—who can measure her influence? Perhaps her husband is not a God-fearing man; but how often such a man has been won to Christ by a wife who was patient, loving, true in all her wifely duties, holding up Christ in holy conversation, in true companionship, in cheerful forbearance. If the husband is a Christian, what a help, what an inspiration such a companion is! O wife, be faithful in every home duty! Be all that the word “companion” suggests. Put out of sight the faults of your husband; look upon his good qualities. Be a loving, God-fearing companion. Time is short; be up and doing to-day.
MRS. M. C. DuBois.
Grand Ledge, Mich.
IDLE WORDS.
By Wm. Nehring
I SAY unto you,” says our Lord, “that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:36, 37.
Says an apostle, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:3, 4.
There is no greater evil in the world to-day than that of idle, pernicious talking, condemned in the above texts. It is a popular idea among young people that in order to enjoy life and the society of others, they must jest and joke and be witty, to produce laughter and merriment for others, and also to attract attention to themselves. These ideas obtain in many homes and are encouraged in various ways. The judgment alone will reveal the terrible harvest of evil resulting from the idle and useless words that should never have been spoken.
Perhaps there is no subject concerning which there is so much jesting and joking as that of love and marriage. From bantering the little school-children on up, in various degrees of foolishness and vulgarity, boys and girls, fathers and mothers, old and young, with few exceptions, seem to take more or less part in this great evil. To a great extent these are doing the same work in poisoning the pure hearts and minds of the young that is done by the vile and vulgar, out of whose perverse and wicked hearts evil is continually being brought forth in impure words and evil insinuations.
Let us try to see why there is so much harm in this jesting, which some think so harmless and “smart.”
In wisdom and love, and in order to bind the human family in bonds of union, happiness, and love that could not easily be broken, God created the race male and female, and ordained the marriage relation. This is the most sacred and holy relation that human beings can enter into, if carried out as God intended. But if not so carried out, it becomes the greatest curse in the world; for, besides wrecking the homes and happiness of those who enter this sacred covenant, and then breaking their solemn vows, the sins of the fathers, and mothers as well, are visited on future generations. For this reason, the world to-day is reaping an awful harvest of crime, insanity, immorality, and disease, and all these evils are terribly on the increase.
At no previous time in the history of our country has the marriage relation been so lightly regarded, and divorces so easily obtained as at the present time, while licentiousness and gross immorality prevail to an alarming extent; and no doubt the same thing is true of all the world. One great reason of all this is that false and improper ideas are held in regard to the sacred covenant that a pure and holy God Himself ordained. Thru jesting and joking, that which is pure and holy is brought down to a low, cheap, vulgar level.
Should we not think with reverence of the wonderful work of God, which we can never fully understand in this sinful world? Then let us no more dishonor Him by speaking lightly of any of His works. Love is a plant of heavenly origin; but the genuine article is scarce, because it has long been counterfeited and made a mock of by thoughtless tattlers. And many are willing to have it so.
While children in times past grew up together as friends, playmates, and schoolmates, to-day these happy relations seem out of date, and we often hear parents, friends, and others, teasing little children about their beaus, sweethearts, etc. O, that all who do this might realize the evil of it!
No wonder the children become indignant; for even in their childish ignorance, they seem to know that it is too sacred a subject to be treated in such a trifling manner, and that it is a matter in which they have no part until they reach later years. But, alas! the teasing and tormenting continue, until often they become bold, flippant, and immodest, losing respect for, and confidence in, parents, friends, and even the goodness and purity of God Himself.
A girl’s best friend is her mother. This is true; but the father also should be included, and the boys, as well as the girls, should enjoy the sweet counsel and advice of loving parents. Then let fathers and mothers be careful how they jest with children; for if they are always met with jests and jokes concerning the nature God Himself has given, they certainly will not feel like confiding in them about their associates and the attachments they will form sooner or later.
Parents, do not permit your children to grow up in ignorance of the sacred nature of their bodies, which are fearfully and wonderfully made, the temples of the living God. May God Himself give us heavenly wisdom and strength, and help us to lay aside false modesty and pride, and receive the truth, pure and genuine, from His own Word; for He is the Author of all truth and purity.
Sooner or later, all youth will gain, from some source, a knowledge of life and of their special natures. Then let all lovers of purity awake to their responsibilities, and teach the truth, line upon line and precept upon precept; for this truth, when mixed with the vile error of Satan, is all the more dangerous to the young and unexperienced, because its evil nature is not recognized.
Are these things true?
Then let us all be more careful not to “offend one of these little ones; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Kiel, Okla. Wm. Nehring.
TRANSFORMATION
By Pauline Fife
He walked the streets, a vile,
Besotted, wretched thief,
A bitter foe to God
And man—of sinners, chief,
No friends had he, nor trust
In God or man, and life
To him meant empty days
With pain and sorrow rife.
Before him smiled the old,
Old ocean, calm and deep,
And seemed to call him down
Beneath its waves to sleep.
“Come down and rest,” it said,
“Where hunger, want, and sore
Heart-ache and friendlessness
Shall grieve thy heart no more.”
Just then a tiny hand
Was slipped within his own,
And spoke a little maid
In kindly childish tone:
“God loves you, sir. I thought
I'd better tell you so
Because you looked so sad
I guessed you didn't know.”
“God has a home for you,
Where you'll be well and glad,
And have just lots of friends,
If you will not be bad.
“Here comes my papa. He
Will love you much as I,
Because you are God's son.
Why, sir, what makes you cry?”
The beggar's life was changed.
The Spirit's mighty power
Cleansed his vile heart from sin
And saved him from that hour.
Reno, Nev. PAULINE FIFE.
PORK-EATING CONDEMNED.
By Edgar R. Caro
A Parasite.
THE trichina is usually found in pork, altho cases have been reported in which cattle have contained the worms in large numbers. It exists only in the lean part of meat, lying encysted between the muscle fibers. When eaten by a human being, this tiny parasite attaches itself to the wall of the stomach or intestines, rapidly develops, and in a few days brings forth several hundred or even a thousand of its young. Speedily these little fellows make their way into the body of the individual in whom they were born, usually causing such symptoms as are present in diarrhea, dysentery, or even cholera morbus, but sometimes producing much more marked effects, so that the signs rather resemble those of typhoid fever or inflammation of the brain. The similarity of trichinosis, as the condition is called, to other diseases, at times gives rise to a wrong diagnosis, and thus the frequency of this dangerous malady is not appreciated even by physicians.
The incurable nature of trichinosis and the readiness with which consumers contract the disease, should be reason enough for entirely discarding fresh pork or even cured bacon and ham. Should these facts not be sufficient to convince the reader, let us consider in a few sentences the life history of another hog parasite, the tapeworm.
Another Parasite.
There are several forms of tapeworm, one variety making its habitation in cattle, another in dogs, and still another in that chief scavenger of our yards and refuse hills, the hog. As in the case of trichina, the tapeworm, when taken into the body, fastens by tiny hooks onto the delicate lining membrane of the bowels, and there grows to an enormous size, sometimes measuring many feet in length. Thousands of eggs are laid by each worm, usually to be cast out of the body, but not always. The eggs may hatch in the alimentary canal, and the young worms are often absorbed into the system, to form hydatid cysts. Only a few weeks ago the writer was urged to operate upon a gentleman for the purpose of evacuating several large hydatid tumors, but it was too late to do any good even by the adoption of surgical measures.
The flesh of pork is whitish in color, resembling the dead tissue of man more than does that of any other animal. It is very difficult of digestion, requiring on an average about five hours in a healthy stomach. In individuals suffering with indigestion a much longer time is necessary. A very large proportion of the body of the hog is fat, there being only a small amount of strength-giving material.
The Conclusion of the Whole Matter.
From the foregoing, then, we learn that: (1) The hog is a scavenger. (2) As such, its food and drink are unwholesome. (3) The hog suffers from invasion of tapeworm and of trichina, and can transmit these parasites to human beings who consume its flesh. (4) Fresh pork and bacon do not contain a large amount of strength-giving material, as compared with many more wholesome foods. (5) Both are very difficult of digestion, bacon being rendered more so by the curing and frying process it undergoes before being served on the table. (6) The hog is unfit for human food.—Edgar R. Caro, M.D., in Herald of Health.
BEEF DEMANDS BEER.
A recent issue of the Scientific American says: “In 1897 in Germany 1,383,700,000 gallons of beer were consumed, 1,192,000,000 were drunk in Great Britain, 180,000,000 in France, and 90,000,000 in Russia. It is estimated that 36 gallons per head are drunk in Belgium, 32 in Great Britain, 25 in Germany, 21 in Denmark, 12 in Switzerland, 10 in the United States, 9 in Holland, 5 in France, 3½ in Norway, 2½ in Sweden, and one in Russia. A writer in the North American Review declares that a large quantity of beer is consumed in order to satisfy the craving for the elements which are eliminated from wheat in making white bread.”
It will be observed that the foregoing figures represent nothing more than the beer that has been drunk; they do not include wines, whiskies, and numerous other alcoholic drinks. The suggestion of the doctor who writes for the North American Review is worthy of consideration. And in connection with the thought that the system is being deprived of the natural food elements that are taken out of the flour for making white bread, there are some other points that should be thought about.
This is an age of stimulants and stimulation. Every nerve is drawn to the highest possible tension in prosecuting business or pleasure, or, more frequently, in trying to prosecute both. Flesh foods, which form the most stimulating diet that can be eaten, have come to be almost universally used. A beefsteak or a mutton roast is not merely a food; it is a stimulant as well. And this flesh-food stimulant calls for other stimulants and irritants. The flesh-eater desires with his meat such things as pepper, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and other similar stimulants and irritants. And by thus stimulating the body thru the foods that are eaten daily, the system clamors for stronger and still stronger stimulants. At first tea and coffee seem to satisfy the demand. But in thousands of instances wines, beer, and other strong drinks are soon indulged, so that this increasing craving may be satisfied.
The tendency, however, is strongly running toward a more and more exciting life, and, consequently, toward a more and more exciting diet, and along with the diet a still greater demand for strong drink. The tastes and habits of the people are becoming more and more luxuriant and extravagant. Debasing luxuries that only a prince could afford a few decades ago are freely indulged in by the common people to-day. So-called “high living” is becoming well-nigh universal, and the spread of the drink habit is alarmingly enormous.
Should we leave the utterances of divine prophecy out of the question, any philosopher who is not blinded by prejudice would be able to see that the race can not continue in its present course without soon destroying itself. Every sincere person should honestly and earnestly study the conditions of to-day.—Herald of the Golden Age.
The Deepest and Truest Enjoyment
THE simplest things are the things that really appeal to us most, and that is only because when we are simple we are natural. An enjoyment that is natural is always the deepest and truest. The moment the artificial, the conventional, comes into our lives, that moment the sweetest realizations go out. —Edward Bok, in December Ladies' Home Journal.
The U. S. Department of Justice is Entirely Satisfied with the Densmore
One year ago this Company made a contract with the U. S. Department of Justice to supply them with Densmore Typewriters for the ensuing fiscal year, and they have renewed their contract.
The Department of Justice is distinguished for good judgment, and this is shown by their continued approval of the Densmore.
UNITED TYPEWRITER AND SUPPLIES CO.
THE OLD TINKER AND THE SCHOOL-GIRLS.
By Miss Lambert
About two years ago a traveling tinker came into our school grounds at Foochow to see if he could pick up a job. A pewter tea-pot needed attention, so down he sat with his bellows and little charcoal stove, to mend it. A group of girls gathered round him, and some of the elder ones, who often try to sow a seed here and there, said to the old man: “Ibah [uncle], do you know God’s doctrine? We will tell you a little about it.”
He listened quietly, and then looking up said: “There are such a number of women in my house. Would you ask the kuniong [lady missionary] to come and tell them? My house is a long distance from here, but I will follow the kuniong’s chair and tell the coolies where to go.”
I was sitting at my desk surrounded with work, weary after the day’s teaching, feeling it almost impossible to get through all I had to do, when a knock (about the fifth during the last few minutes) came at my door. “D’éli” (“Come in”), I said, and a dear, bright girl entered. “O kuniong! there is an old man in the garden, and he does so want you to go to his house and teach the women the doctrine.” “Does he? Tell me all about him. When does he want me to go? Where does he live?” “He wants you to go to-morrow. He says he will stay near here to-night, and come round quite early for you in the morning.” Visions of work which would have to be put to one side arose before me, but, difficult as it was at that moment to promise to go, who could dare say, “No”? When God’s voice calls, no one but He knows what the results of obeying it may be.
“Very well, tell him I will go, and take our old Bible woman with me.”
When we reached the place, we found many branches of the family living in the same house, which was a very large one, tho the inhabitants were poor. The center court soon filled with people, and my helper and I prayed for the right words. The crowd listened long, many standing all the time, and we were much pressed to go again.
Not many weeks after, the old tinker’s wife found her way to our school, and said she would like to come and worship on Sundays. We told her the days of the moon upon which Sundays would fall, and she promised to come, tho we did not think she would be in time for service, as she had so far to come. But the next Sunday there she was, in good time, her face beaming. She had started at the first streaks of dawn.
For many weeks she and her husband came regularly. The girls helped to teach her the Lord’s prayer and “Jesus Loves Me,” after the service, and soon she was happily converted. Soon after she brought her sister-in-law to service, and the latter has professed Christ. The old man is still most regular in his attendance at the services; his sister-in-law’s brother is beginning to be interested, and anxious to give up his trade, which is connected with idol-worship; and a little girl from their village is now applying for admittance into our boarding-school.
How true it is that, sowing “the seed of the kingdom,” we know not whether shall prosper either this or that, or how it ought to spur one on, not only “in the morning” to sow diligently, but also “in the evening” not to “withhold our hand”!—Miss Lambert, in Awake.
