Earlier text: THE SABBATH OF THE LORDIN an article entitled, "Sun Images and the Sun of Righteousness," in the Old Testament Student, January, 1886, Dr. Talbot W. Chambers calls sun-worship "the oldest, the most widespread, and the most enduring of all the forms of idolatry known to man." And again: "The universality of this form of idolatry is something remarkable. It seems to have prevailed everywhere." "In Egypt the sun was the kernel of the State religion. In various forms he stood at the head of each hierarchy. At Memphis he was worshiped as Phtah, at Heliopolis as Tum, at Thebes as Amun Ra. Personified by Osiris he became the foundation of the Egyptian metempsychosis." In "Religions of the Ancient World," p. 21., Prof. George Rawlinson says: "No part of the Egyptian religion was so much developed and so multiplex as their sun-worship. Besides Ra and Osiris, there were at least six other deities who had a distinctly solar character." Concerning Osiris, the "Encyclopedia Britannica" (art. Egypt) says:— "Abydos was the great seat of the worship of Osiris, which spread all over Europe, establishing itself in a remarkable manner at Memphis. All the mysteries of the Egyptians, and their whole doctrine of the future state, attach themselves to this worship. Osiris was identified with the sun. . . . Sun-worship was the primitive form of the Egyptian religion, perhaps even pre-Egyptian." But while Osiris was the Egyptian sun-god, or the chief representation of the sun, he was chiefly represented by a sacred bull, called Apis. On this the "Encyclopedia Britannica" (art. Apis) says:— "According to the Greek writers, Apis was the image of Osiris, and worshiped because Osiris was supposed to have passed into a bull, and to have been soon after manifested by a succession of these animals. The hieroglyphic inscriptions identify the Apis with Osiris, adorned with horns or the head of a bull, and unite the two names as Hapi-Osor, or Apis-Osiris. According to this view the Apis was the incarnation of Osiris manifested in the shape of a bull." From these quotations it is easy to see why the Israelites made a golden calf, instead of an image of something else. They made the god and began the form of worship with which they had been most familiar in Egypt. And when they did this, they were simply engaging in sun-worship, the form of idolatry which in all ages has been the most universal rival of the worship of Jehovah. As to the nature of sun-worship, it will perhaps be sufficient to quote what the "Encyclopedia Britannica" says of Baal:— "The Baal of the Syrians, Phœnicians, and heathen Hebrews is a much less elevated conception than the Babylonian Bel. He is properly the sun-god Baal Shamen, Baal (lord) of the heavens, the highest of the heavenly bodies, but still a mere power of nature, born like the other luminaries from the primitive chaos. As the sun-god, he is conceived as the male principle of life and reproduction in nature, and thus in some forms of his worship is the patron of the grossest sensuality, and even of systematic prostitution. An example of this is found in the worship of Baal-Peor (Numbers 25), and in general in the Canaanitish high places, where Baal, the male principle, was worshiped in association with the unchaste goddess Ashera, the female principle of nature." This is a mild statement of the case; and so when we read of the Israelites that "the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play" (Ex. 32:6), and learn that the word rendered "play" is the same as that rendered "mock" in Gen. 39:14, 17, we get a better idea of the heinousness of the sin of the Israelites. WHEN it is remembered that the Egyptian calf-worship was sun-worship, and that Sunday was "the wild solar holiday of all pagan times" (North British Review, vol. 18, p. 409), and has its name "because the day was anciently dedicated to the sun, or to its worship" (Webster), the Heaven-daring nature of the sin of the Israelites, just after they had heard God's holy law, and especially the first, second, fourth, and seventh commandments, is most strikingly set before us. A more perfect insult to the God who had delivered them from Egyptian bondage, that they might serve him, can hardly be imagined. ONE more point should be noted, to show how completely, in intent, the Israelites went back to Egyptian bondage, by their worship of the golden calf. A preceding quotation has shown that Ra and Osiris were intimately associated as leading representatives of the sun or Ra. Professor Rawlinson, in "Religions of the Ancient World," p. 20, says:— "Ra was the Egyptian sun-god, and was especially155 worshiped at Heliopolis [city of the sun]. Obelisks, according to some, represented his rays, and were always, or usually, erected in his honor. Heliopolis was certainly one of the places which were thus adorned, for one of the few which still stand erect in Egypt is on the site of that city. The kings for the most part considered Ra their special patron and protector; nay, they went so far as to identify themselves with him, to use his titles as their own, and to adopt his name as the ordinary prefix to their own names and titles. This is believed by many to have been the origin of the word Pharaoh, which was, it is thought, the Hebrew rendering of Ph'Ra—'the sun.'"—Id., p. 20. Thus the Israelites not only deliberately sunk themselves in the bondage of sin, but also more fully showed their willingness to return to bondage under Pharaoh, than when they sighed for the leeks and the onions of Egypt. Their deliverance from physical bondage was in order that they might be delivered from spiritual bondage, and was a representation of it; and when they had plunged into sin, they placed themselves in a worse bondage than any physical oppression could ever have been. Being overcome by the idolatry of Egypt, they virtually returned to the bondage of Egypt, "for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." 2 Peter 2:19. Notes on the International Lesson.
By Ellen G. White
CHRIST'S LOVE TO THE YOUNG.
IN these children who were brought to him that he might bless them, Jesus saw the future men and women who should be heirs of his grace and subjects of his kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for his name's sake. Certain unsympathizing disciples commanded that the children be taken away, lest they should trouble the Master; but as those who brought them were turning away in sadness, Christ rebuked his followers, saying, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." HE knew that these children would listen to his counsel and accept him as their Redeemer, while those who were worldly-wise and hard-hearted would be less likely to follow him and find a place in the kingdom of God. These little ones, by coming to Christ and receiving his advice and benediction, had his image and his gracious words stamped upon their plastic minds, never to be effaced. We should learn a lesson from this act of Christ, that the hearts of the young are most susceptible to the teachings of Christianity, easy to influence toward piety and virtue, and strong to retain the impressions received. But these tender, youthful ones should be approached with kindness, and taught with love and patience. THE lawyer asked Jesus what he should do that he might inherit eternal life. Jesus referred him to his Father's commandments, telling him that obedience to them was necessary for his salvation. Christ told him that he knew the commandments, and that if he obeyed them, he should have life. Mark his answer: "Master, all these have I observed from my youth." Jesus said unto him, "One thing thou lackest; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me." JESUS called the attention of this young man directly to the defect in his character. He cited his own self-denying, cross-bearing life. He had left everything for the salvation of man, and he entreated the young man to come and imitate his example, and assured him that he should have treasure in Heaven. Did the heart of the young man leap with joy at this assurance that he should indeed have treasure in Heaven? Oh, no! his earthly treasures were his idol; they eclipsed the value of the eternal inheritance. He turned from the cross, turned from the self-sacrificing life of the Redeemer to this world. He had a lingering desire for the heavenly inheritance, yet he reluctantly turned from the prospect. It cost a struggle to decide which he should choose; but he finally decided to continue his love for his earthly treasures. BUT few realize the strength of their love for riches until the test is brought to bear upon them. Many who profess to be Christ's followers, then show that they are unprepared for Heaven. Their works testify that they love riches more than their neighbor or their God. Like the rich young man, they inquire the way to life; but when the way is pointed out, and the cost is estimated, and they are convinced that they must sacrifice their earthly riches and become rich in good works, they decide that Heaven costs too much. The greater the treasures laid up upon the earth, the more difficult it is for the possessor to realize that they are not his own, but lent him to use to God's glory. JESUS improved this opportunity to give his disciples an impressive lesson: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven." "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." THIS young man had great possessions, and his heart was set upon them. He could not consent to transfer his treasures to Heaven, by withdrawing his affections from them and doing good with them—blessing the widow and the fatherless,—and thus being rich in good works. The love of this young man for his earthly treasures was stronger than his love for his fellow-men and the immortal inheritance. His choice was made. The inducement presented by Christ, of securing a treasure in Heaven, was rejected, for he could not consent to comply with the conditions. The strength of his affection for his earthly riches triumphed, and Heaven, with all its glory, was sacrificed for the treasures of the world. The young man was very sorrowful, for he wanted both worlds; but he sacrificed the heavenly for the earthly. HERE the strength of riches is seen. The power of the love of riches over the human mind is almost paralyzing. Riches infatuate many, and make them act as though they were bereft of reason. The more they have of this world, the more they desire. Their fears of coming to want increase with their riches. They have a disposition to hoard up means for the future. They are close and selfish, fearing that God will not provide for their future needs. Such persons are indeed poor toward God. As their riches have accumulated, they have put their trust in them, and have not had faith in God or his promises. THE poor man who has faith and confidence in God, who trusts in his love and care, and who abounds in good works, judiciously using the little he has in blessing others, is rich toward God. He feels that his neighbor has claims upon him that he cannot disregard and yet obey the commandment of God, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The poor who are rich toward God consider the salvation of their fellow-men of greater importance than all the gold and silver that the world contains. CHRIST points out the way in which those who have worldly riches and yet are not rich toward God, may secure the true riches. He says, Sell that ye have, and give alms, and lay up treasure in Heaven. The remedy he proposes for the wealthy, is a transfer of their affections from earthly riches to the eternal inheritance. By investing their means in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, and by blessing the needy with their means, they become rich in good works, and are "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." This will prove a safe investment. But many show by their works that they dare not trust in the bank of Heaven. They choose to trust their means in the earth, rather than send it before them to Heaven, that their hearts may be upon their heavenly treasure. The Missionary.
By S. Fulton
NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
THE results of the week of prayer are being felt throughout the Conference; and to many it was a season of great profit. The program for Christmas was fully carried out by but a few companies, as many of the churches are small and thought they could not attend to it. The amount donated as Christmas offerings was $1,075.21. Since the week of prayer, I have been visiting some of the churches in the northern part of the Conference. I first visited Carleton. Some of the brethren there seem to be in real earnest. I next attended the dedication of the church at Tacoma. The building is neat and commodious. We were glad to have the brethren from Sumner meet with us at that point. Nine united with the church. I next met with the church at Seattle. This company is growing in numbers, and I trust in grace also. Their new house of worship, which has lately been completed, is a credit to the society. From Seattle, I went to Spring Brook and Maple Valley, in company with Brother Davis. Some few at Spring Brook have lately begun the observance of the Sabbath through the efforts of Brother Benson in the Bible work. Others are interested. We enjoyed a good meeting at Maple Valley. This church has been for some time in a low condition spiritually. But lately there have been some members added who are proving a blessing to the cause at that place. Eight united with the church, six by baptism and two by letter. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated at each church visited, and a good, tender spirit seemed to prevail throughout. We are glad to see our brethren and sisters awakening to the important issues that are upon us. Remonstrances against the Blair bill are being zealously circulated by one or more from each of these churches. On my way home, I spoke on National Reform at Tacoma and Sumner. S. FULTON. MONK HILL, LOS ANGELES CO., CAL.
By E. A. Briggs
I HAVE been holding meetings in this place, which is a suburb of Pasadena, for the last few weeks. These services have resulted in seven adults signing the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and six baptisms. Several of these persons are soon to take their departure for different States in the East; but they declare their determination to cling to their new-found treasure of light and truth, and to endeavor to spread the same in those distant localities. During our meetings here, a neighboring congregation took a vote as to whether they should hereafter observe Saturday as the Sabbath. Quite a number were desirous of doing so if the whole church would go with them, but as the majority would not keep God's fourth commandment, the minority yielded to man rather than to God. Yet the Lord's work is making real progress; and the Pasadena church, with whom the Monk Hill Sabbath-keepers have united, is of good courage. My post-office address hereafter will be, Rivera, Los Angeles Co., Cal. E. A. BRIGGS.
February 27, 1889. HAVE you heard how little Anne Rudolph recovered her cow from Lord Cornwallis, a long time ago? This is the way Our Dumb Animals tells the story:— It was late in the fall of 1777, that a foraging party from the British camp in Philadelphia made a descent upon the farm of Major Rudolph south of that city. Having supplied themselves well with provender, one of the soldiers happened to espy a valuable cow in the lane leading to the barn-yard, and poor Sukey was immediately confiscated. Now this cow happened to be the pride of the farm, and was claimed as the exclusive property of Miss Anne Rudolph, aged twelve years. Of course no other animal on the estate was so important as this cow, and her confiscation by the soldiers could not be tolerated. So Miss Anne made an impetuous dash for her recovery, but finding the men deaf to her entreaties and the sergeant proof against her indignation, the spirited child rushed to the stables, saddled her pony, and was soon galloping toward the city, determined to appeal to the commander-in-chief of the British army. Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged along, her reluctant steps quickened now and then by a gentle prick with the point of a bayonet in her well-rounded side. To reach the city before the foraging party was the one thought of the child, as her pony went pounding along the old Chester road at a pace that soon brought her within the British lines. She was halted at the first outpost by the guard, and the occasion of her haste was demanded. The child replied:— "I must see the general immediately." "But the general cannot be disturbed for every trifle. Tell me your business, and, if important, it will be reported to him." "It is of great importance, and I cannot stop to talk to you. Please let go my pony, and tell me where to find the general." "But, my little girl, I cannot let you pass until you tell me whence you came and what your business is within these lines." "I came from Darby, and my business is to see the general immediately. No one else can tell him what I have to say." The excitement of the child, together with her persistence, had its influence. General Washington was in the neighborhood, with his ragged army, watching the opportunity to strike another blow for the liberty of the colonies. The officer well knew that valuable information of the movements of the rebels frequently reached the British commander through families residing in the country. Here might be such a case, and this consideration determined the soldier to send the child to headquarters. So, summoning an orderly, he directed him to escort the girl to the general. It was late in the afternoon by this time, and Cornwallis was at dinner with a number of British officers, when "a little girl from the country with a message for the general" was announced. "Let her come in at once," said the general, and a few moments later Miss Anne Rudolph entered the great tent. "Well, my little girl, I am General Cornwallis," said that gentleman kindly. "What have you to say to me?" Profound silence reigned for a moment; then came a burst of laughter from all the gentlemen around the table. The girl's face reddened, but she held her ground, and her set features and flashing eyes convinced the general that the child before him was one of no ordinary spirit. With ready tact, the general drew from her a narration of her grievance. "Why did not your father come?" he asked. "My father is not at home." "And have you no brothers?" "Both of my brothers are away. But, General," cried she impatiently, "while you keep me here talking they will kill my cow!" "So—your brothers also are away. Now, tell me, child, where are they?" "My oldest brother is with General Gates." "And your other brother, where is he?" inquired the general. The girl's eyes fairly blazed as she spoke the name of gallant "Light Horse Harry Lee." "But, General, I want my cow!" "Ah, ha! one brother with Gates and one with Lee. Now," said the general severely, "where is your father?" "He was with General Washington," answered the little maiden; "but he is a prisoner now." "So, so. Father and brothers all in the Continental Army! I think, then, you must be a little rebel." "Yes, sir, if you please. But I want my cow!" "Well, you are a brave little girl, and you shall have your cow and something more, too." Then, stooping forward, he detached from his garters a pair of brilliant knee buckles, which he laid in the child's hands. "Take these," he said, "and keep them to remember that Lord Cornwallis can appreciate courage and truth, even in a young rebel." Then, calling an orderly, he instructed him to go with the child through the camp in search of the cow, and, when he should find the animal, to detail a man to drive her home again. So Miss Anne returned home in triumph with her cow. And those sparkling knee buckles are still treasured by her descendants as a memento of Cornwallis and the Revolution. THE BEST LESSON THE HARDEST.
SOMETIMES the things that seemed hardest for us to bear, will prove our greatest help when we become men or women. The writer, when twelve years old, wanted a dress of a certain kind. The woman who acted the part of mother to her told her she could have it if she would make it. Such a proposition staggered her, and all thought of the dress was given up. During the week she was sitting under a tree making a polonaise for her doll; she thought, "If I can make clothes for my doll that fit and look pretty, why should I not make clothes for myself?" She ran into the house at once and announced that she would make the dress if she could have the materials. They were bought, and carried to her room, and there was fought a tremendous battle. The skirt of the dress was sewed on and ripped off thirteen times before it was pronounced right. During the week the little girl cried oceans of tears, it seemed to her, and she felt that all kindness and goodness had gone out of life. Years after, when she was a woman, it became necessary for her to earn money, and the first money she earned was for making a dress for a rich, kind woman. If she had not learned to work for herself, depend on herself, she would have been helpless when necessity came. Like Miss Alcott, she says, "Good drill, but very hard."157 Men testify again and again that it is the learning to do the things that seemed hard and unnecessary that fitted them to be men in the business world. Doing drudgery is the best way to master any business, any profession. A. T. Stewart knew how to sell goods over a counter before he built up a business that supported hundreds. The founder of one of the largest publishing houses in this country learned to set type. There is an apprenticeship that must be lived and studied before there is a mastery that commands respect. Not the boy or girl who scorns this period becomes master, but the one who sees in it the stepping-stone to higher things. How you would laugh at the little child who, crying, protesting, or scorning, refused to learn how to add because he wanted to work problems in algebra! There are first steps out of school as well as in school.—Christian Union. NOBODY knows of the work it takes
To keep the home together;
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows—but mother. Nobody listens to childish woes,
Which kisses only smother;
Nobody's pained by naughty blows,
Nobody—only mother. Nobody knows of the sleepless care
Bestowed on baby brother;
Nobody knows of the tender prayer,
Nobody—only mother. Nobody knows of the lessons taught
Of loving one another;
Nobody knows of the patience sought,
Nobody—only mother. Nobody knows of the anxious fears
Lest darlings may not weather
The storm of life in after years,
Nobody knows—but mother. Nobody kneels at the throne above
To thank the heavenly Father
For the sweetest gift—a mother's love;
Nobody can—but mother.
—Detroit Free Press. KAMSCHATKAN'S BEASTS OF BURDEN.
Kamschatkan's dogs are probably the most sagacious of all feral types, and are employed and trained in the most careful manner for the multitudinous services required of them. Soon after birth they are placed with their dam in a deep pit, that they may see neither man nor beast, and, after having been weaned, are condemned to solitary confinement for six months, at the end of which time they are put to a sledge with other dogs, and, being extremely shy and frightened withal, they run as fast as they can until they become blown and cowed. After this trip they are remanded to their pit, where they remain off and on until they are thoroughly trained and sledge-broken. This severe education sours their temper amazingly, and makes them anything but companionable. Drivers are frequently obliged to stun them by a blow on the nose before unharnessing them, on account of their savage nature. Besides drawing sledges they tow boats up the rivers in summer and keep their masters warm in winter nights. They live exclusively on fish, which they catch for themselves. In winter their ration comprises forty frozen herrings per day.—Forest and Stream. MRS. HUTTON gives this account of some ants which she saw in Sydney. Having killed a number of soldier-ants, she returned in half an hour to the spot where she had left their dead bodies, and in reference to what she then observed she says:— “I saw a large number of ants surrounding the dead ones. I determined to watch their proceedings closely. I followed four or five that started off from the rest toward a hillock a short distance off, in which was an ants’ nest. This they entered, and in about five minutes they reappeared, followed by others. All fell into rank, walked regularly and slowly two by two, until they arrived at the spot where lay the dead bodies of the soldier-ants. In a few minutes two of the ants advanced and took up the dead body of one of their comrades, then two others, and so on until all were ready to march. First walked two ants bearing a body, then two without a burden, then two others with another dead ant, and so on until the line extended to about forty pairs; and the procession now moved slowly onward, followed by an irregular body of about two hundred ants. Occasionally the two laden ants stopped, and, laying down the dead ant, it was taken up by the two walking unburdened behind them; and thus, by occasionally relieving each other, they arrived at a sandy spot near the sea. The body of ants now commenced digging with their jaws a number of holes in the ground, into each of which a dead ant was laid, where they now labored on until they had filled up the ants’ graves. This did not quite finish the remarkable circumstances attending this funeral of the ants. Some six or seven of the ants had attempted to run off without performing their share of the task of digging. These were caught and brought back, when they were at once attacked by the body of the ants and killed upon the spot. A single grave was quickly dug, and they were all dropped into it.”—Evangelist. Spontaneous Combustion of Oiled Shavings
SHAVINGS from the oiled wood used in the manufacture of planes at an Eastern factory were recently put into a barrel, and twenty-four hours later were found to be almost on fire, their temperature being over 300° Fahr. Before six o’clock the shavings were charred and smoking a few inches beneath the surface. This is a practical demonstration of spontaneous combustion, and illustrates how many mysterious and destructive fires may have originated. Oiled rags and waste operate in the same way.—Selected. THE UNSANITARY CONDITION OF COUNTRY HOMES.
DR. LUCY M. HALL, who recently lectured before the Academy of Anthropology, in Cooper Union, New York, on "Sanitation in the Country," told some plain and wholesome truths on the subject. She has, it appears, given this matter close attention, has examined over one hundred and fifty country houses, both East and West, and gave the audience her opinion—that the average farm-house is not the healthful place that it is supposed to be by the people who pour out of the crowded cities in the summer-time. On the contrary, she has found that disease and death lurked within many a vine-clad and moss-covered cottage, because simple hygienic laws were violated. Some of the evils she referred to were improper drainage, uncemented cellars, failure to ventilate sleeping apartments, exclusion of light, too much shade about the house, and the improper disposal of kitchen refuse.—Scientific American. MENTAL and bodily overwork is the most general and least regarded form of illness in this age. Its treatment requires that due attention be paid to the two great essentials of timely rest and wholesome diet. A man may work on a liberal scale, provided he interrupts its continuity by timely and adequate intervals of rest, and will eat heartily of plain food. So long as appetite and sleep are unimpaired, there is little danger of overwork, but the failure of either is nature’s warning signal that the strain must be relieved. Every man should lay this warning to heart. The wretchedness, too terrible for expression, that the victim of overwork endures when the sleeplessness and indigestion attendant upon it have taken firm hold upon him, only those who have experienced can have the faintest conception of. Let that man take warning who is not sleeping well; but if to this, gradually increasing indigestion is added, he may rest assured he is rapidly approaching the whirlpool of destruction, from which nothing can save him but an immediate and radical change of life. Edison and Ericsson Contrasted
THOMAS A. EDISON and John Ericsson, both inventors, the former forty-two years of age, the latter just double that age, are great physical contrasts. Edison never takes any exercise. Ericsson has a gymnasium fitted up in his house and takes regular exercise every day. Edison is almost totally deaf, is pale of face, and stoops. Ericsson has all his organs in their early perfection, is ruddy of face, and straight as an arrow. A General Antidote for Poison
A GENERAL antidote for poison, according to the American Journal of Pharmacy, May, 1888, may be made by mixing equal parts of calcined magnesia, wood charcoal, and hydrated oxide of iron, and is applicable in cases in which the poison is unknown. It should not, of course, supersede the stomach pump or other forms of emesis. DIPHTHERIA CARRIED BY TURKEYS.
Doctor Paulinis, in the Bulletin Medical, reports a most interesting epidemic of diphtheria which occurred in Skiatos, one of the Grecian isles, in the year 1884. The population of this island, at the time, was about four thousand. Doctor Bild, an old practitioner, is the authority for the statement that for thirty years no case of diphtheria had been known on the island. In June a child aged twelve years was attacked with diphtheria, and died. Seven other cases occurred in the immediate neighborhood; five of these died. The disease extended, until, within a period of five months, one hundred persons were attacked, of which number thirty-six died. Three weeks before the sickness of the first child, a flock of turkeys had arrived from Salonica. Two of these were sick on arrival, and each of the others was subsequently attacked. Doctor Paulinis found in the throats of the sick ones, patches of false membrane. The glands of the neck were swollen, and in one bird the disease had extended to the larynx, making it hoarse. One of the turkeys, after recovery, had paralysis of the legs, and was unable to walk. Although there had been no immediate contact between the sick birds and the first child attacked, still the distance between them was slight, and a wind had for some time been blowing in a direction favorable to the transportation of the disease. Doctor Paulinis believed that the disease was contracted from the turkeys, its germs being carried by currents of air.—Selected. THE other day I saw a poor little boy looking into a baker’s store window. There were cakes and pies and bread all spread out, and he looked very hungry. A kind lady came near and asked him if he was hungry. “Oh, so hungry, ma’am!” he said. She gave him some pennies, and he went into the store and bought some rolls. He did not eat them all himself, but ran down the street to where a little barefooted girl was standing, and gave half of the rolls to her. They ate as if they were starved. The lady asked him, “Why are you so hungry and ragged?” “Father drinks,” said the boy, and then the lady knew all about it. She knew that liquor drinking costs money, and makes people poor. If a man should love milk and buy it for drink, it would not make him poor; oh, no! because he would only drink when he needed it. Eating beefsteak will not make a man poor, because he wants it when he is hungry. The milk and meat would do him good and make him strong. But bad liquor does not do this. It makes a man keep wanting it, and his money goes for that, instead of good food for his family. It makes him sick and lazy, and he cannot work. That is why so many children are ragged and hungry.—Christian Advocate. Disinfecting the Kitchen Sink
BE very particular about disinfecting the kitchen sink. Washing-soda, two tablespoonfuls to a gallon of boiling water, makes an excellent wash to pour hot into the sink at night after you have finished using it.—Scientific American.