THE previous portion of the chapter recites that, after many years of warfare, the Lord had given David "rest round about from all his enemies;" that David made known to Nathan the prophet his desire to build a house for the ark of God; that the Lord reminded David that he had not required a house at the hands of Israel in all the years that he had walked with them; also that David had been taken "from the sheep-cote and from following the sheep" to be ruler over the people. And furthermore, the gracious promises of the permanent establishment of the kingdom with the house of David, and that his son should build a house for the Lord, were also vouchsafed to the king.
THESE are the considerations that call forth the gratitude of the king, and cause him to exclaim (verse 18), "Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?" A candid contemplation of the goodness and mercy of God will never fail to arouse feelings of gratitude. It is not necessary for one to have been promoted from a shepherd to a king, to find occasion for such an expression as this, here recorded of the psalmist. The individual who realizes no earthly promotion from the lowliest sphere of life may reflect upon his possible elevation from condemnation, to an eternal life in the kingdom of heaven—all through the undeserved mercy of God. The word of God and the guidance of his Spirit are sufficient to keep these things impressed upon the mind.
VERSE 19: "And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come." Great as had been the temporal honors bestowed upon David thus far, the greatest was yet future. The promise was to establish his throne forever (verse 16), and that included the reign of the Messiah, of whom the angel said to Mary: "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:32, 33. The lesson teaches that though one may attain the highest possible position in this world, it is "a small thing" compared with the future blessings comprehended in the promises of God to the faithful servant.
"AND is this the manner of man, O Lord God?" 2 Sam. 7:19, last clause. No, indeed, it is not; it is the manner of none but God. These promises and their fulfillment were based on the sacrifice of the Son of God. The highest possible ideal of human magnanimity is thus expressed by Inspiration: "Peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." Now mark the contrast: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8. Here is the "mystery of godliness." Verily it is not the manner of man, but of a long-suffering God, whose mercy endureth forever.
"FOR thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things." 2 Sam. 7:21. How great is God's regard for his word! What long patience he has exercised toward his wayward servants, and what "contradiction of sinners" he has endured that his word should not be broken. The unfailing integrity of his word has been so perfectly demonstrated that we are warranted in giving it our unflinching confidence, though it make "every man a liar." It was upon the infallibility of God's word that David stayed his faith in the promises.
THE unconverted man cannot understand this immovable firmness. He will see, whether he be a professor of religion or not, many apparently plausible excuses for deviation; and, strange to say, he will imagine that God will overlook it. "Thou thoughtest I was altogether such an one as thyself." Even the backslidden prophet Balaam was constrained to confess, even in the face of a coveted reward for proving otherwise, "God is not man that he should lie." Num. 23:19. And a like testimony is found in 1 Sam. 15:29.
IN addressing his Father, Jesus said, "Thy word is truth." Here is the basis of truth, and whatever does not agree with this standard is consequently false. And David says (Ps. 119:151), "All thy commandments are truth." And again, the psalmist says (Ps. 111:7, 8): "All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever." Both these scriptures refer directly to the law of ten commandments, yet men believe and teach that the law has been changed; yea, that it has been utterly abolished. And the immutability of both the law and the word spoken through the prophets is emphatically set forth by the Saviour, in the declaration that he came not to destroy them, and that, till heaven and earth pass, not "one jot or one tittle" should pass from the law. It was this unalterable nature of the law, which man had violated, that made it necessary for Christ to suffer its penalty in man's stead, in order that he might obtain pardon. The broken law must be satisfied in order that the honor of God's government should be vindicated.
"SIN is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4. "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23. "But the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."—Ib. "Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Chap. 5:12. And the only hope of eternal life is through implicit faith in Christ, the Son of David, of whom we learn in the unfailing word. W. N. GLENN.
1. WHEREIN was Jesus made like unto his brethren?
"Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Heb. 2:17. See verse 14.
2. For what reason was he made like his brethren?
"To make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Verse 17, last part, and verse 18.
3. How does the priesthood of Christ relate to things pertaining to God? Heb. 2:17. See also 9:15. In making reconciliation for sins he vindicates the law of the Father. Pardon recognizes the authority of law, and the justice of the condemnation.
4. What strong assurance have tempted sufferers that Jesus can sympathize with them and help them? Heb. 2:18.
5. Because of these things what are we exhorted to do?
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." Heb. 3:1.
6. Why is Jesus called an apostle? John 17:3, 8, etc. See Webster. Apostle means "one sent."
7. Than whom was he counted worthy of more glory? and why?
"For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house." Heb. 3:3.
8. Who built all things?
"For every house is builded by some man; but he that hath built all things is God." Verse 4.
9. What bearing has this fact on the glory of Christ? Compare Heb. 1:2; John 1:1-3.
10. In what capacity did Moses act over his house?
"And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after." Heb. 3:5.
11. What purpose of God did he fulfill? See note.
12. Over whose house does the Son preside?
"But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Verse 6.
16. From what scripture does the apostle quote in Heb. 3:7-11?
17. To whom does he apply the warning?
"Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day if ye will hear his voice." "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Verses 7, 12.
18. What is the character of an unbelieving heart? Verse 12.
19. Who wrote the psalm which is here quoted?
"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To-day, after so long a time; as it is said, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7.
21. What other apostle spoke of David as a prophet?
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne." Acts 2:29, 30.
22. What did Christ say concerning the psalms?
"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." Luke 24:44.
23. How, then, should we regard the book of Psalms?
NOTE.
MOSES was a servant, as a testimony of those things to be spoken after. That is, Moses, in his official capacity, was a type of Christ. See Deut. 18:15. And, of course, his house, the house of Israel, bore the same relation to the household of faith that he bore to Christ. This is the second point in the apostle's argument on the Hebrew Scriptures concerning the dignity of Christ. First, he proves by the prophets that the Messiah is above the angels; that they are commanded to worship him; he is the Son of God, by whom all things were made. Secondly, being a Son, he is superior to Moses, who was but a servant. As the one by634whom the worlds were made, he must have more honor than the creatures he has made. It will be seen, as we proceed, that the writer constructs his argument on the main points of the Scriptures which they knew and believed, so as to settle and establish them in the faith of the gospel; for it was to Hebrew converts to Christianity, to the brethren, that he was writing.
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
FOR an explanation of the nature of Christ, as referred to in Heb. 2:14-18, see the article on that subject on page 630.
THE Revised Version, margin, reads on verse 18, question 2: "For wherein he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." In order to help one, we must know his condition. Man's sinful tendencies and weaknesses were taken by our Saviour that he might help us. He bore them all, that he might know the temptations of all. And the text teaches that only in this way could he help us. Wherein he was tempted, or in those things wherein he was tempted, he was able to help others. It is, therefore, necessarily implied that wherein he was not tempted, he is not able to help us. But as he is able to help to the uttermost all who come unto God by him (Heb. 7:25), and as he helps in those things in which he has been himself tempted, the conclusion is irresistible that he was tempted in all points even as we are. "For in that he hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Heb. 2:18. If tempted does not mean the same in one case as the other, there is no force in the apostle's statement. What a gracious, sympathizing Redeemer!
JESUS is called an "apostle" because he was "one sent forth" (which the word means) of God. Jesus says of God, "I am from him, and he hath sent me." John 7:29. He is called "the apostle" because he was the one over all others sent forth of God. God sent forth his fullness in his Son; that Son was the truth manifested to men. See John 3:34; 6:29, 57; 10:36; 18:37. As Christ was chief Shepherd, so was he also chief Apostle; and he is also chief Angel, or Archangel, in the sense of being a messenger; for "angel" means "messenger." He was the "messenger of the covenant" (Mal. 3:1), and the chief Commander of all the heavenly hosts. But in nature, and power, and position of Christ, there is no comparison between him and the angels.
THE "house" of Christ (Heb. 3:6) is the same as "the household of God" in Eph. 2:19, and "the temple of God" in 1 Cor. 3:16, 9, and many other texts. The stones are now being gathered for that heavenly temple, and Christ is both foundation and builder. 1 Cor. 3:10, 11; Zech. 6:13. Whoever assumes the position or title of our Lord is antichrist. 2 Thess. 2:4. The quarrying and fitting and polishing of the stones are here; the eternal beauty of each and all will be seen when the temple is complete in the kingdom of God. If we hold fast the confidence and hope, if we submit to the cutting and planing and polishing, we will remain a part of his house here and hereafter.
AN unbelieving heart is an evil heart; and an evil heart is an unbelieving heart. Unbelief comes because of the love of evil, or sin. Says Jesus to the Jews, who had all the mighty evidences of the Messiahship and rejected them; "How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" John 5:4. It was simply impossible for them to believe just as long as they sought their own honor. Selfishness filled their heart, and faith cannot dwell with selfishness. The man who will utterly renounce sin and yield to God will believe. The man who will not, cannot believe. An evil heart will turn him aside. Isa. 44:20; Rom. 1:21, 22. And unbelief will lead to more sin. In fact, unbelief is always an evidence of sin cherished. He who will believe God as regards what is righteousness and sin and duty, will also believe God's promises.
DAVID wrote the words of the Holy Spirit. So it is expressly stated. Heb. 3:7. "Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake." Acts 1:16. "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue." 2 Sam. 23:2. "The word of the Lord" came to Isaiah (chap. 38:4); to Jeremiah (chap. 35:2); to Ezekiel (chap. 7:1), to all the prophets. Paul says: "But we speak the wisdom of God" "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth." 1 Cor. 2:7, 13. Of course this pertains to the original tongue in which the words were written. But there are so many photographs of that original, in the shape of translations, that there can be no doubt of the identity. The words were the words of the Spirit of God; they were the words of man. They were the words of Isaiah, of Hosea, of Jeremiah, of each and all who wrote the Bible; they were also the words of the Holy Spirit. As the Living Word was manifest in the flesh, so the literal word comes to us in the same way. There is as much danger in rejecting the latter as the former, because it hath no form or comeliness pleasing to man.
The Missionary.
By John Norton Loughborough
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE ADDRESS, 1889.
(Concluded.)
THE cause of health and temperance has received some attention in this Conference during the last year, but not on the old plan of organizing clubs and conducting monthly meetings. We have obtained some signatures to the teetotal petitions, but more has been done for the cause in the line of conducting hygienic cooking classes at the College, in the city mission in Oakland, and in connection with our local camp-meetings. We obtained 112 full-pledge signatures at the San Diego meeting. Some of these it is true had previously signed temperance pledges, but with many it was their first signing of the pledge including abstinence from tea and coffee.
There is need for more attention being given to the subject of health reform, both among our people and in our labors for the public, especially if we admit what has been said, that "the cause of health reform holds the same relation to the Third Angel's Message that the arm does to the body."
I am glad to learn by letter from Dr. J. H. Kellogg that he and our leading brethren are contemplating a vigorous campaign in the cause of health and temperance, in connection with our missionary work. I hold in my hand a letter from the Doctor, in which he sets forth the principles upon which it is proposed to conduct this campaign. I will not now read the letter, as it will properly come before a meeting of the State Health and Temperance Society. I think it proper, however, that the Conference, in the appointment of the regular committees, appoint one to take into consideration the subject introduced by Doctor Kellogg's letter, so that it may come in proper form before the Conference and Health and Temperance Society. It is a matter in which both of these organizations are concerned.
I am happy to report that there appears to be in the State a growing interest in favor of hygienic living, and in the rational system of treating disease. This is apparent in the increased application for treatment for disease by hygienic methods. At the Rural Health Retreat, during the four months from June 1 to September 1, there has been the largest patronage that the institution has enjoyed at any time since it was first opened. And of this we may say that the last-named month, August, was the best month the institution ever had. Its patronage this season has been from a class whose recommendation to their friends will tell greatly in its favor.
We express gratitude for the assistance rendered to the institution during the past year from our people in the way of taking stock, and donating to the charity fund, the latter enabling the institution to render assistance to a number of worthy poor invalids. The charity work of the institution has been this season far in advance of this assistance, and it has become a question with the board of directors and superintendent how far they can go in charity work.
We have long felt the need of a chapel on the hill-side in connection with the Retreat, and have spoken to you concerning this through the Signs of the Times and the Pacific Health Journal. Already two persons have come forward and let us have $2,250, without interest, for one year, to aid in erecting the chapel. The rooms are about ready for the first coat of plaster. Some $1,500 has been pledged by a few individuals, in sums ranging from $250 down to $10 dollars each, to pay for the building. Of course when this amount is paid in donations and stock we shall be able to pay the borrowed money. It is not necessary to make any very great ado over this matter, as I have no doubt that our brethren who have means will stand ready to make up what is necessary for the erection of the chapel, and it is in full confidence of this that we have gone forward to erect the building. Our brethren and sisters will, without doubt, lift this debt, and thus add to the facilities of the Retreat.
Lastly, but not by any means least, but rather a matter of the highest importance, is one I wish to introduce to you: It was recommended by resolution 16 of the last General Conference that each State Conference select from their ministers those best suited for the work; to prepare themselves, and be encouraged to go from town to town, and city to city, exposing the principles of the National Reform Association. Still later on, at a meeting of the General Conference Committee, held in Battle Creek from July 4 to 21, there was an appointment made of one person in each Conference to give his entire time to this work; and as our Conference will comprise so much territory, especially if we work up the territory of Arizona and Utah, as the General Conference Committee request us to do, the committee have selected three men of our number to engage in this work.685Still later I have received from the corresponding secretary of the General Conference an invitation for us to take hold of the work of the National Religious Liberty Association, and with this society do all in our power to forward that work. I have in my hand the last number of the Home Missionary, which sets forth the principles and plans of that association. I will not take time now to read what they say concerning that association in this document, but will suggest the propriety of a committee being appointed immediately, who shall take this matter in hand and bring before the Conference such recommendations and plans for forwarding the work as they shall deem proper. The purposes of the association are for the furtherance of the principles of religious liberty to all. Its work relates to the Sabbath and Sunday question, which is rapidly becoming one of the livest issues of the day. We should not for a moment think that because a few persons have been selected to give their entire time and attention to this matter we are released. None of us should for a moment think of relaxing our efforts in gaining signatures to the remonstrance petitions, circulating the Sentinel and anti-Sunday legislation literature. It is the vital point of the Third Angel's Message at this time, and its agitation is the golden opportunity to get the light before the people, and may the Lord give us each wisdom that we may now be found at the post of duty.
While we are anxious for the extension of the truth in new and unoccupied fields, we are also exceedingly anxious for the prosperity of the work in our churches. We are quite aware that the prosperity of the work in the church depends largely upon the efficiency and faithfulness of our church officers. It is important that our church officers be as efficient as possible. To this end we shall, early in this Conference, call our church officers together for instructions in the different branches of church and clerical work.
And now, brethren and sisters, I commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to keep your hearts in Christ Jesus unto eternal life. May the Lord give that wisdom needful to guide in all our deliberations for the advancement of his cause while we are together, and may he guide us also as we shall go forth to scatter seeds of truth, and may we at last come to his garner, bringing our sheaves with us.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
THE twelfth annual session of this association was held in Oakland in connection with the camp-meeting, September 25 to October 7, 1889.
The first meeting was called on Friday, September 27, at 9 A. M., with the president, Elder R. S. Owen, in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder J. N. Loughborough.
The minutes of the last annual session were read by the secretary, followed by a brief report of the work of the association for the past year. This report showed a decrease of six in the number of schools in the State, but also an increase of two hundred in membership. Remarks were then made by the president, showing that the present standing of the Sabbath-school work in California is better than ever before. He urged the importance of having a secretary who could devote her entire time to the work, and also that a person be selected to act as a field secretary, who should spend his whole time in organizing new schools, and in building up the general interests of the Sabbath-school work throughout the State.
The following committees were then appointed by the president:—
On Nominations—C. P. Bollman, C. C. Gardner, W. M. Smith.
On Resolutions—C. H. Jones, Prof. G. W. Rine, Baxter Howe.
On Record Books—Mrs. Nettie Reynolds, Mrs. S. N. Curtiss, Alice Bartlett.
Meeting then adjourned to the call of the chair.
SECOND MEETING, OCTOBER 1, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Prof. H. F. Courter. After the minutes of the previous meeting were read, the Committee on Resolutions presented the following report:—
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the prosperity that has attended the Sabbath-school work during the past year, and for the special outpouring of his Spirit as witnessed in many places.
Resolved, That in view of the shortness of time, and the possibilities within our reach as workers in the Sabbath-school, we hereby pledge ourselves to engage in the work with renewed energy and zeal and with more thorough consecration during the coming year.
WHEREAS, It has been demonstrated that faithful labor put forth in the line of Sabbath-school work always brings good results; and,
WHEREAS, There is a demand in this Conference for more labor in this direction; therefore,
Resolved, That we request the California Conference to employ some competent person who shall devote his whole time to the Sabbath-school work: 1. In visiting the churches with a view to securing better organization, and giving instruction in the best methods of labor. 2. In visiting isolated families and organizing family Sabbath-schools. 3. In entering new fields, as the way may open, for the purpose of organizing Sabbath and Sunday-schools.
Resolved, That we urge our ministers, and our brethren and sisters everywhere, to co-operate with the officers of this association in securing the name and address of every isolated family of Sabbath-keepers, and the location of every Church or company of Sabbath-keepers where no regular Sabbath-school is held.
WHEREAS, It is the distinctive aim of all Sabbath-school work to secure the conversion and spiritual upbuilding of its members; and,
WHEREAS, The Scriptures imply, and experience demonstrates, the impossibility of securing this end without determined, persistent, personal effort; therefore,
Resolved, That we urge upon all teachers the necessity of laboring personally, outside of the regular weekly sessions of the Sabbath-school, with the members of their classes, to that extent as in their judgment, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they regard as necessary to effect the end in view.
WHEREAS, The services of the Sabbath-school are regarded as a part of the worship of God, and we learn from his word that his house should be entered with reverence; and,
WHEREAS, In the exercises of the school there is a manifest lack of respect and reverence on the part of some of its members; therefore,
Resolved, That we urge upon officers and teachers the necessity of continually impressing upon the minds of their scholars the fact that they are in the presence of God, and that a kind but firm discipline be maintained. We would also recommend to both teachers and pupils a careful study of that portion of Testimony to the Church, No. 33, entitled, "Behavior in the House of God."
WHEREAS, Success in all Christian endeavor—other things being equal—is proportionate to the knowledge of, and the familiarity with, the Scriptures, possessed by those thus engaged; therefore,
Resolved, That we as teachers in the senior department of the Sabbath-school do hereby pledge ourselves to study and prepare our lessons directly from the Bible instead of using the published questions and answers in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Review and Herald, and that we will earnestly endeavor to induce our classes to do likewise.
WHEREAS, It is the testimony of successful and experienced teachers, and the evident dictum of common sense, that the complete mastery, on the part of the teacher, of the subject taught, is an absolute precondition to the accomplishment of the best results; therefore,
Resolved, That we regard the ability and disposition to so thoroughly prepare the lessons as will enable him to conduct the class exercise without depending upon the lesson sheet, pamphlet, or book, as a primary qualification of a Sabbath-school teacher.
Resolved, That we heartily approve of the plan that has been adopted of giving all our class contributions, above the actual running expenses of the school, to some missionary enterprise, and we request all our schools to act in harmony with the recommendation of the International Association as to the special enterprise or mission to which this money shall be devoted.
Resolved, That we urge upon officers and teachers the importance of gathering information and securing facts concerning the different missions and missionary enterprises to which our contributions are donated, in order that they may be able to present the same to the school and to the members of their classes in an intelligent manner.
Resolved, That out of the surplus funds now in the State treasury, we donate two hundred and fifty dollars toward the purchase of a missionary ship, provided that steps are taken to purchase or build such a ship within the next six months.
Resolved, That we express our approval of the action taken by the International Association in reviving the Sabbath-school Worker in its original form, and that we pledge ourselves to use every legitimate means to place it in the hands of every officer and teacher connected with our schools, and also to secure subscriptions from others as far as it is consistent.
Resolved, That we again call special attention to resolution No. 1, adopted at the last session of this association, in regard to employing only converted and consecrated teachers in the Sabbath-school.
After six of the above resolutions had been separately considered and adopted, it was moved and supported that the remainder be laid on the table, and that the report of the Committee on Nominations be brought in. By vote carried.
The Committee on Nominations then reported as follows: For President, R. S. Owen; Vice-President, C. L. Taylor; Secretary, Clara Couey; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. J. F. Caldwell; other members of Executive Committee, C. H. Jones, Baxter Howe, and J. W. Bell. The names were considered separately and the nominees unanimously elected.
Adjourned to call of chair.
THIRD MEETING, OCTOBER 6, 4:30 P. M.
The meeting was opened by singing an appropriate hymn, and prayer by C. H. Jones.
A very interesting address was then given by C. L. Taylor upon "How to Teach." He first showed the importance of the teacher being consecrated, that he may be able to prevail with God in prayer, and thus bring to his aid the power of Christ, which alone can "break the heart of stone." He said: "The children are sin-sick, and the work of the Sabbath-school teacher is to make them well. And what is the first step taken in treating a patient? Why, it is the examination. Next in order is making out a prescription. Then we must get the prescription filled, after which the medicine is administered. This is the plan to be followed in the Sabbath-school. The teacher makes the examination (visits and studies his scholars through the week), he makes out the prescription (determines just what truth each child needs), he fills the prescription (studies and plans his lesson to meet the wants of each one in his class), and gives the medicine (actually pours the precious truth into his scholars' hearts)." Baxter Howe also addressed the meeting, stating that he believed the same principles were adapted to teaching adult classes.636(Concluded on page 625.)
(Continued from page 625.)
The remaining resolutions were then taken from the table, and after some spirited and timely remarks by Brethren Jones, Rine, Owen, and others, they were unanimously adopted.
Brother Jones stated that he had an interesting letter from Sister Jessie F. Waggoner which was to be read, but as the time of meeting was already spent, it was voted that the same be published in the Sabbath-School Worker.
Adjourned sine die.
R. S. OWEN, Pres.
MRS. NETTIE REYNOLDS, Sec.
HOW THEY DIVIDED IT.
It was a hot summer afternoon. A gentle breeze stirred among the tree-tops and occasionally came down into the garden and fanned the flowers that drooped their heads under the sun's fervent heat. It was very hot out there, where something seemed to be quivering in the air, but under the wide varanda, where the sun could not penetrate, it was cool and comfortable. A hush pervaded everything, as though nature were taking her afternoon nap, and the only sounds to be heard were the distant buzz and hum of the insect world and the click, click of "jack-stones" on the hard floor of the veranda. Then a voice was heard to mingle with the click, click.
"It must be fine to make a will like that."
"Like what?" asked another voice.
"Why, didn't you hear papa tell mamma about old Mr. Smith's will. You know he died the other day."
"The Mr. Smith the boys call 'Stingy Smith,' Howard?"
"Yes, only he wasn't stingy, Laura, 'cause he gave away all his money in his will, and he had loads of it."
"But," said Laura, "he never gave anyone a cent if he could help it, while he was alive; I heard mamma say so one time."
"He must have been saving it," said Howard, "to put it all in his will so it would be worth while to make a will. I tell you it must be splendid to give so much money away."
"But he's dead, Howard," said Laura, with her hands full of jacks. "I guess he thought he might as well give it away, 'cause he can't have it any more, anyhow." Laura was a little girl, but she sometimes spoke very plain truths in a very plain way.
"Why, Laura, aren't you ashamed to say such a thing," said Howard; "if he is dead his money's going to do lots of good, 'cause he gave it all to societies and things."
There was a pause in the conversation and the click, click mingled again with the buzz and hum. Then Laura looked up and said:
"Do you know, Howard, it seems to me if I had lots of money like Mr. Smith had, I'd rather give it away while I was alive, so as to see the good it would do, than to just die and not know anything about it."
"But what would you live on, Laura, if you gave it away when you needed it yourself?"
"Oh," said Laura, "I'd keep enough for that; anybody would."
Laura was nearer right than she knew. Howard was silent for a few moments and the jacks began to fly again. Then he turned to Laura and said, "Anyhow, Laura, I wish I had some money to give away, don't you?"
"What would you give it to?" asked Laura.
"Oh, lots of things!" replied Howard; "missionaries and hospitals and poor people and—oh, lots of things! But I haven't, and I suppose I never will have enough to do any good," and a cloud passed over the bright face.
"But, don't you know, Mr. Freeman said last Sunday that sometimes the little things help the most, and he read about the widow's mite."
"Yes, I know," said Howard, "but don't you remember that lesson we had about giving a tithe (a tithe is a tenth, our teacher said), and a tenth of such a little as I have isn't anything at all."
"Then you can give more than a tenth," said practical Laura.
"But the Bible says a tenth is enough," replied Howard, who, like a great many others, was for following the Bible rule to the letter, in this particular at least. With such authority Laura could not argue. She soon gathered up her jacks, and, walking to the farther end of the veranda, threw herself into a deep chair and closed her eyes, while Howard stretched himself out full length on the smooth, hard floor; and soon they had joined nature in her afternoon nap, and the insect world won the day with the buzz and hum.
Howard and Laura were the children of Christian parents, whose greatest desire for them was that they, too, should be followers of the blessed Jesus. But there was one subject upon which their father and mother did not talk much to them, and that was the subject of giving. Not that they were not generous people, for they were and always gave freely to every good cause. They had their children give, too, and every Sabbath morning handed them each a nickel or a dime, which they dropped into the contribution box without another thought. Like all other children, Laura and Howard liked to earn a little money sometimes, and Laura would help mamma with the mending and Howard would keep her favorite flower-beds free from weeds, for which they would always be well paid, for there is no employer so generous as a mother. But the thought never entered their minds that they should give the money for which they had worked to any object. Papa could provide such offerings, and their own money was to be used for their own pleasure. That is about the way it would have been expressed if it had been put into words, but the subject was never discussed because it was so well understood.
A short time before that hot summer afternoon, however, they had received a new idea. Their minister had preached a sermon to the children on giving; and he made it all so plain to them, how, and why, and what we should give to God, that the closing hymn, "What hast thou done for me?" had a new meaning to them as they thought how great were God's gifts to them, how small theirs to him. After that they were more careful of their earnings, and mamma, laughing, said she feared they were getting miserly, for she received so many offers of help that her ingenuity was oftentimes taxed to keep them occupied. Their business was "strictly cash," and as soon as a task was completed and paid for, away they would run to deposit their earnings in their savings banks. What was to be done with all this money they did not know, but they did know that the more they put in them the more they would have to give away when the time to divide it came, for they were going to follow the plan of giving one-tenth.
At last the time came. One day at the dinner table papa looked at mamma and said, "It is terrible the way those poor people in the South are suffering."
"What is the matter, papa?" asked Laura.
"My daughter," he answered, "hundreds upon hundreds are sick and dying with that terrible disease, yellow fever. We can have little idea of what a dreadful thing it is to feel that our dear ones all about us, and strangers as well, are sick and dying, and we are likely to be the same any hour."
"Can't anything be done for them, papa?" asked Laura, whose face expressed her lively sympathy and interest.
"Nothing to prevent the spread of the disease, dear," he replied, "but they are asking for money to help care for the sick, and contributions are being sent them from all over the land."
"O Laura," exclaimed Howard, who had been listening intently to what his father had said, "let's send them our money, it might help a little."
"Yes, indeed, Howard," replied Laura, pushing back her chair eagerly, "let's get it and count it now. It will be giving it to God, won't it, mamma?"
"Yes, dear," she answered with an approving smile. "Whatever is done to relieve the suffering of God's children is done for him."
So they ran for their banks and were soon poring over their contents. It required all the arithmetic they were able to master to divide it into two piles, nine-tenths in one and one-tenth in the other. At last it was accomplished, but they were evidently not pleased with the division, as they looked from the little pile to the big one and back to the little637one. It didn't seem right, somehow, to keep so much for themselves and give so little to the One who gave them such rich gifts. They sat in silence for a moment, then Laura said, softly:—
"Doesn't it look mean, Howard?"
"Yes, Laura, it does," he replied. "I am going to divide mine differently," and he commenced to take from the larger pile and add to the smaller one.
Still Laura sat looking from one pile of hers to the other and over and over in her mind rang the words:—
"I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,
What hast thou brought to me?"
At length she looked up, her face beaming with happy decision as she said, "Howard, I'm going to give them the large pile and keep the small one for myself, and even that seems very little to do when I think of all I have beside."
"You're right, Laura," Howard answered, "and I'll do as you do." So he divided his money as before, and after returning the portion they were to keep to the banks, with happy faces they carried the remainder to papa, who gladly took it in charge and sent it on its way.—Nellie Helm, in Interior.