A LITTLE incident—it is a true story—occurred a few years ago in Philadelphia, which has its significance for many of our readers.
The owner of a large retail store gave a holiday to all his employes in the middle of June. Cashiers, foremen, salesmen, and women, cash boys and porters, all were invited to spend the day on the grounds of the country seat owned by their employer. Tents were erected, a bountiful dinner and supper were provided, a band of music was stationed in a grove, and special trains were chartered to carry the guests to the country and home again.
Nothing else was talked of for weeks before the happy day. The saleswomen, most of whom were young, anxiously planned their dresses and bought cheap and pretty muslins, which they made up in the evenings, that they might look fresh and gay. Even the cash boys bought new cravats and hats for the great occasion.
There was one girl, whom we shall call Jane, who could not indulge herself in any pretty bit of finery. She was the only child of a widowed mother, who was paralyzed. Jane was quick and industrious, but she had been but a few months in the store, and her wages barely kept her and her mother from want.
"What shall you wear?" said the girl that stood next to her behind the counter. "I bought such a lovely blue lawn."
"I have nothing but this," said Jane, glancing down at her rusty black merino.
"But that is a winter dress! You'll melt, child. There'll be games and boating and croquet. You must have a summer gown or else don't go."
Girls of fifteen like pretty gowns. Jane said nothing for a few minutes.
"I must wear this," she said firmly. "And I think I will go. Mother wishes it and I like to get all the fun I can out of life."
"But you can't play croquet in that."
"It is always fun to see other people have fun," said Jane, bravely.
The day came, bright and hot, and Jane went in her heavy, well-darned dress. She gave up all idea of "fun" for herself, and set to work to help others find it. On the grounds she started games for the children, ran to lay the table, brought water to the old ladies, was ready to pin the torn gowns, or to applaud a "good ball;" she laughed and was happy and friendly all the time. She did not play; but she was surrounded by a cheerful, merry group wherever she went.
On the way home to town the employer, who was a shrewd business man, beckoned to his superintendent.
"There is a girl here whose friendly, polite manner is very remarkable. She will be valuable to me as a saleswoman. Give her a good position. That young woman in black," and he pointed her out.
The next day she was promoted into one of the most important departments, and since that time her success has been steady.
The good humor and kindness of heart which enabled her to "find fun in seeing others have fun" was the best capital for her in her business. She had the courage, too, to disregard poverty and to make the best of life—a courage which is rare, and which rarely fails to meet its reward.—Youth's Companion.
ABOMINABLE AND DANGEROUS.
A GENTLEMAN, fond of good cigars, says in the New York Times: "A prominent physician told me lately that, from the practice of cigar makers wetting the wrapper with their saliva and biting the end of the cigar into shape, a spread of syphilitic disease was taking place; that he knew of several cases. Somewhat alarmed, I managed to visit a number of factories. Two-thirds of the cigar makers, I found, daub the whole end of the cigar with their saliva. Thinking that Cuban workmen might not do it, I visited places where they were employed, and found that not only did they use their saliva to make the wrapper stick, but that most of them before wrapping bit the end of the cigar into shape with their teeth. As the physician informs me that many of the cigar makers have sore mouths from disease, it is a dangerous habit."
In New York great numbers of cigars are made in cheap tenement houses. In one small room the poor cigar maker and his family live, sleep, and work. The leaf tobacco is spread and moistened on the filthy floor, walked on by the women, children, cats, and dogs. Then it is made into cigars. These are finely perfumed, given a popular Spanish brand, and sold at extravagant prices as a first-class luxury. Those who chew fine-cut occasionally find in it old dried-up quids which have been worn out by some careless or covetous chewer. Some kinds of smoking tobacco are made, wholly or in part, of refuse tobacco quids and stumps of cigars which have been gathered by children from sidewalks, gutters, and spittoons. Cigarettes are also made of this tobacco garbage, tobacco stems, opium, and paper containing a large percentage of arsenic and other deadly poison. In San Francisco one finds boys who are breaking out about the mouth with leprosy from smoking cigarettes made by Chinese lepers. Smoking produces dyspepsia, diseases of the liver, paleness, sallowness, weakness, inability to procreation, indolence, paralysis, congestion of the brain, blindness, cancer of the mouth, tongue, and lips, and early death. Dr. Pidduch says: "In no instance is the sin of the father more strikingly visited upon the children than in the sin of tobacco smoking; the enervation, the hysteria, the insanity, the dwarfish deformities, the consumption, the suffering lives and early deaths of the children of inveterate smokers, bear ample testimony to the feebleness and unsoundness of the constitution transmitted by this pernicious habit."
Smoking is far below beasthood. The lamb or pig that smoked would be treated as a nuisance. Could dogs be induced to imitate their masters, smoke and chew at home, in the streets, stores, saloons, etc., flavoring everything with tobacco filth, what a shocking exhibition it would be of cruelty to animals; but if mankind would only imitate the dogs in their disuse of tobacco and intoxicants, to what sublime height our race would be elevated, what measureless happiness and prosperity would follow such a glorious reform! How holy angels must wonder at the folly of those fiendish smoke stacks who court disease, while they glory in their shame, fancying their superior manhood because they smoke a filthy poison!—Tract.
ONLY A WORD.
Only a word may leave a sting
To wound some kind and loving heart,
It may be but a trifling thing
That cuts as deeply as a dart.
Only a word may stir up strife
And quickly cause a bitter hate,
The deepest sorrow make for life,
Then may repentance come too late.
Only a word may be a blow
Of torture keen as any pain,
And cloud a bright young life in woe,
From which it can ne'er rise again.
Only a word may be a ray
Of sunshine in some dismal room,
And help to brighten many a day
Which is spent in hours of gloom.
Only a word, but in it lies
Power to change full many a fate.
How little do we realize
In but one word what may await!
Only a word may lead the way
From clouds of darkness to the light,
May help some weary one to pray,
And guide them to the path of right.
"TOO MUCHEE BY AND BY."
By Little Christian
"WHAT is your complaint against this young man, John?" said the magistrate to the Chinese laundryman who had summoned a young gentleman whose laundry bill was in arrears.
"He too muchee by and by," was the answer of the aggrieved Celestial, who evidently knew what ailed the young man, even if he could not express his views in the most classical English.
There are other youngsters who are troubled with the same complaint—"too muchee by and by." The boy who has to be called four times in the morning, and then is late to breakfast; the boy who says, "In a minute," when his mother calls him to do chores or run errands; the young gentleman who forgets his promise to bring wood or draw water; the young lady who always "meant to" do things and have them in order, but who never, never carried out her intentions; the legion of folks who always have to be waited for—all these have "too muchee by and by."
People are likely to sing themselves into perdition with "the sweet by and by." What they need is the sweet "now," which is "the accepted time and the day of salvation."
Obituary.
By Mrs. E. A. Briggs
JOHNSON.—Died at the Sanitarium, Crystal Springs, Cal., of Bright's disease, James L. Johnson, aged 68 years. He joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church May 23, 1880, in Nevada City, Cal. This church was organized by Elder J. D. Rice. Brother Johnson lived a consistent member, and died in the hope of a glorious resurrection when the Life-giver comes. Funeral services were conducted by Elder W. M. Healey. He sleeps in the beautiful St. Helena cemetery.
Mrs. E. A. Briggs.
Baker
By M. C. Wilcox
BAKER.—Died of anemia, at the Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, Cal., April 21, 1891, Robert G., second son of Brother and Sister G. A. Baker, of Oakland, at the age of 15 years, 10 months, and 20 days. He had been troubled for some time with a malignant sore on his leg, induced by a bruise. He went to the Retreat for help in this respect. After going there he was attacked with la grippe, and this, with his wonderfully rapid growth for the last year, seems to have exhausted his vitality, and he did not recover. He had for some time made a profession of religion, and was baptized. For several weeks before his death, although not expecting to die, he especially sought God, putting away his sins by confession, and the Lord drew near to him. When his father told him that he could not live, Robbie was not surprised. He told his father that he expected the Lord would call him in the morning of the resurrection, and sent word to his mother and brothers and sisters to meet him. He then kissed his father good-by, and sank to sleep in Jesus as sweetly as a wearied child. A father and mother, two brothers and three sisters are left to mourn, but not without hope. His remains were brought to Oakland for interment. Funeral services by the writer. M. C. W.
MAGGIE D. HOLLAND
By Maggie D. Holland
DICKIE.—Died at Fremont, Wis., on Sabbath morning, March 21, 1891, William Dickie, aged 77 years. Father was born in Nova Scotia. The early part of his life was spent there and in Canada and Vermont. He came to Wisconsin about thirty years ago, and has lived at Fremont twenty-six years. He was reared in the Presbyterian Church, and embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths under the labors of Elder C. W. Olds, and united with the Fremont church at the time of its organization, in May, 1874. His disease was thought to be cancer of the stomach. His sufferings were very great, but were borne with patience. The Lord came very near to him during his last illness. He seemed to know that he had not long to stay, and he wished the children to be sent for, that he might give them his last words of counsel, and admonish them to prepare to meet him again. His wish was granted except in the case of one son. He selected as the text for the funeral services Job 14:14. As none of our ministers were within reach, the services were conducted by the German Lutheran minister. A wife and eleven children, seven grandchildren, two brothers, and three sisters are left to mourn. May God help us to so live that we may again be united.
MAGGIE D. HOLLAND
FROM THE SEA.
By A. J. Read
THE Pitcairn left Tahiti early in the afternoon of February 10. The next morning the missionaries put off in a small boat to Morea, a neighboring island. This island was the scene of John Williams' early labors, and the place where he learned the Tahitian language. The Tahitian is spoken in all the group, and in two other groups of islands, so that one who understands it can converse with the natives on over fifty islands.
Most of the few hours on shore were occupied in visiting the only missionary on the island; and before the boat left, a good supply of reading matter was given him. Late in the afternoon of the 11th our little vessel sailed away toward Raiatea, the most northerly of the Society group. We reached our destination, one hundred and thirty miles away, the following noon, amid thick and stormy weather; the vessel passed through an opening in the dangerous coral reef, however, without mishap, and we soon found ourselves in the broad lagoon.
These coral reefs seem to be a wise provision of the God of nature, by which most of these islands are furnished with copious natural harbors. There are many interesting historic places here, the scenes of the early labors of Williams, Platte, and their colleagues. Raiatea was also the great religious center in times of heathenism, and here are to be seen to this day the ruins of the old altars, called marai, where human sacrifices were offered. Piles of large, flat stones, some of them weighing nearly a ton, were used in forming the huge altars, and now the moss-covered ruins are strewn with fragments of half-decayed human bones. The marai are looked upon with much superstition, and it is little to be wondered at, for they are indeed canny-looking places, half concealed neath the thick shade of the cocoanut, orange, and bourao trees. What wonder that the native guide preferred to remain in the path rather than enter such a dismal-looking place! It was a whole day's journey to the marai and back, but the impressions it made on our minds will not soon be effaced. Oh, to what depths of degradation Satan leads those who close their eyes to light and truth and turn their feet aside from the path of God's commandments! The people of these islands have undoubtedly descended quite directly from very ancient stock; there are many striking indications of this,—their language, their physique, and many of their practices.
Perhaps one of the most peculiar of these practices is the religious custom of passing through fire. A huge excavation, twelve by fifteen feet, larger or smaller, is prepared, into which immense quantities of fuel are placed, and the whole covered with huge flat stones. After it is set on fire, it burns for about twenty-four hours, when the stones become heated to a white heat; then the one who has charge of the furnace takes a branch of the ti plant, and, with a muttered prayer to the god of the ti, sweeps the branch over the scintillating embers and rocks, walking composedly through the oven with his naked feet; then he is cautiously followed by a few of the most daring of the spectators, who pass through without a singe, while the heat rising from the rocks burns the leaves of the tall trees over their heads; these in turn are followed by the whole group of men, women, and children, who pass and repass through the burning mass unharmed.
This custom has probably been handed down from the same source as the ancient fire-worship among the Orientals and early Europeans. Virgil speaks of the same practice in connection with the worship of Apollo by the Etrurians on Mount Soracte. The custom has always been more or less closely allied with sun-worship, and is strongly denounced in the Scriptures. See Eze. 15: 21-23 and 2 Kings 17: 16-18. Though the custom is still continued, it is almost entirely bereft of its sacredness; yet it is to be feared that should the natives relapse into heathenism through political intrigue, this and many worse customs would be revived.
The government of Raiatea and the adjacent islands is in a divided state; the French control part and the natives part. Notwithstanding the unsettled state of affairs, the work prospered at Raiatea, a large amount of religious literature was sold and distributed, some Bible-readings held, and considerable personal work done in visiting and conversing with the people. There were among them three who have been readers of the Signs, and that so far opened the way for us that when we first arrived they received us like friends, and used us very hospitably during our whole stay, and when we sailed from there, March 4, we left them with several leading families honestly investigating the truth.
Early on the morning of the 5th we arrived at Huahine, and after an hour's row in the small boat we reached the shore. Here, as at some other islands, a report had been sent representing that we were either Jews or Mormons, and warning the people not to receive us. We went at once to headquarters, and, after some hesitancy and questioning on the part of the queen and her associates, we were received and cordially welcomed.
We found several very interesting families, whose eagerness to learn the truths of God's word reminds us of the prophecy of Isaiah, "And the isles shall wait for his law."
One of these families was especially interesting to us. We were received cordially, and as soon as they felt well enough acquainted, the man and his wife both began to ply us with questions about our religious belief. In every case we answered the questions, "not in words which man's wisdom teacheth," but by passages of Scripture. This not only satisfied them, but brought out more questions, and they became so interested that they bought a "Bible Reading" book, a "Daniel and the Revelation," a "Marvel of Nations," and a "Home Hand-Book." When we came away, we gave them some tracts on some of the very subjects which we had been talking about, and they received them gladly. They urged us to stay overnight with them, which we did, thus opening the way for further conversation on the subjects of such interest to us both. After evening worship we talked with them till ten o'clock, and they sat up two hours later conversing on what they had heard.
Our friends were great smokers, a very common habit in these islands, but in the morning the wife expressed her desire to give it up, and after morning worship, when we had prayed that strength might be given her to overcome the bad habit, our hostess took us by the hand and thanked us for the prayer, expressing her determination, by the grace of God, to forsake the evil, and before we departed her husband had decided to do the same.
We talked on several of the leading doctrines of the Bible, and it was gratifying to see the leaves of the old family Bible turned down as text by text was cited.
When we left to go on board the schooner, we were loaded with presents and curiosities, to remind us of the warm place we had in the hearts of those who were waiting for God's law on Huahine. A. J. READ.
Papeete Harbor, Schooner Pitcairn, March 11, 1891.
LOOK ABOVE.
If in the hurrying tide of strife,
The weary, toiling march of life,
Some angry hand with passion rife,
Some cruel foe,
Deal on thy shrinking heart a blow—
Then smile and look above,
For God is love.
Or harsher yet if some dear lip
Should let the careless answer slip,
In the dear heart its fierce tongue dip
Harsher than foe,
And deal thy loving heart the blow,
Then smile and look above,
For God is love.
And if the world seems dark and drear,
Thou long'st to feel thy rest is near,—
Lay down thy robe of doubt and fear,
Trust thou in God,
And by thy dark road bravely trod,
Smile thou and look above,
For God is love.
—New Orleans Times-Democrat.
PESSIMISTS.
NOAH was a pessimist to the antediluvian world; Moses was a pessimist to Pharaoh in Egypt, and to the rebellious Israelites; Samuel was a pessimist, and his very first prediction foretold the downfall of the aged Eli and his godless family; Jeremiah was a pessimist, constantly foretelling evil and danger; Jonah was a pessimist, who disturbed the peace of the city, crying, "Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed;" Nahum was a pessimist, crying, "Woe to the bloody city!" Micaiah was a pessimist when he foretold the overthrow of Ahab, the guilty king, who complained that he never prophesied any good of him; the Saviour was a pessimist, for he foretold the overthrow of Jerusalem, and the calamities that were to come upon the world. The apostles, Peter, James, John, and Jude, were all pessimists, for they were constantly foretelling perilous times, departure from the faith, and the coming judgment upon the godless world. The great preachers and poets of the ages have been pessimists, for they were ever warning men of present evil and coming wrath, of predicted calamities and judgments overhanging the godless and profane.—Sel.
Pray for the Man Getting Rich
By Presbyterian
It is said that a small slip of paper was laid on a pulpit cushion, where it would meet the eyes of the preacher, with the following words thereon: "The prayers of this congregation are requested for a man who is getting rich." A small danger, some may think, needing no supplications for deliverance and safety. Nay, the peril is great, though it may not beset a man at once with overwhelming power. "I really must give up the superintendency of the Sabbath-school, my business presses me so," says one. "My husband is deep in a profitable speculation," said a wife, "and he has no time now to go with me to the prayer-meeting as he used to." "My young parishioner," said a pastor, "was once satisfied with two thousand dollars a year. He is making ten thousand now, and he is not content with that, and it is spoiling him as a Christian." Pray for the man who is "getting rich."
Answer Your Own Prayers
UNLESS you do all you can to help answer your own prayers, you don't pray much.
The First Set of Six Books
The First Set of Six Books Comprises the Following:—
Jottings from the Pacific, No. 1—Fiji and Samoa.
Jack the Conqueror.
Savonarola, the Florentine Martyr.
Jottings from the Pacific, No. 2—The Tonga Islands and Other Groups.
Letters from the Holy Land.
Among the Northern Icebergs.
The Set of Six Volumes, in Cloth, in a Neat Box, Sent Postpaid, for $3.
ADDRESS,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,
OR, 43 BOND ST., N. Y. OAKLAND, CAL.
WORDS OF COMMENDATION FROM THE RELIGIOUS PRESS.
Fiji and Samoa.
From Christian at Work. (Oct. 2, 1890.)
The book is full of interest from the first page to the last, and one that will amply repay perusal. It is handsomely printed and bound, and the illustrations, fifteen in number, are very good and add to the interest of the book, which is creditable both to the author and to the publishers, as well as a specimen of good book-making.
From Christian Cynosure. (Oct. 16, 1890.)
The agreeable narrative style of this book, and the interesting character of its information, will make it popular with young readers. The character, habits, governments and social life of these island natives are pleasantly described, and we doubt not faithfully.
From the Independent. (Oct. 16, 1890.)
Everything connected with life in the islands of old Polynesia is of interest. The South Sea has its glamour, its romance, its poetry. A peculiar dreamy picturesqueness marks the whole coral archipelago. It is a readable and in some ways a valuable little book, in which we catch clear and doubtless correct glimpses of things as they are in Fiji and Samoa, with some historical notes thrown in.
From the Congregationalist. (Oct. 2, 1890.)
"Jottings from the Pacific Life and Incidents in the Fijian and Samoan Islands," contains much valuable information in regard to the geography, physical and social peculiarities, natural products, traditions, government and religion of these islands of the Southwestern seas, and there are a few illustrations which, if not always up to the highest style of wood engraving are helpful to the comprehension of the subjects involved.
From the Lutheran Observer. (Oct. 31, 1890.)
This small volume presents a series of pictures of life in the Fijian and Samoan Islands of the South Pacific. They are most interesting and graphic, and convey a large amount of information respecting these islands—the history, their geography and scenery, their products, the character and customs of the people, their evangelization by missionaries, and many other things. During the past year the attention of the world has been attracted toward Samoa by the political troubles that between its rival kings; and this pleasant volume will meet the public interest thus created, with its vivid and entertaining sketches. It is attractively illustrated.
From the Christian Intelligencer. (Sept. 17, 1890.)
This is a small volume of 160 pages, but in it the author has managed to compress more interesting and useful matter than is often contained in a book of twice its size.
From the Illustrated Christian Weekly. (Sept. 20, 1890.)
This illustrated little volume, in pleasing exterior of blue and gold, forms a valuable addition to the excellent Young People's Library. Simple, pure and dignified in literary style, it is as interesting as a story and conveys valuable information, which will be welcomed by young and old. The descriptions are graphic, and the incidents are well told.
From the Interior. (Sept. 25, 1890.)
"Jottings from the Pacific, Fiji and Samoa," by Emma H. Adams, is included among the volumes of a Young People's Library series; but we do not see any reason why the parents of young people may not join in a careful perusal of this special issue. It contains a pleasing record of observations and incidents in the Fijian and Samoan Islands; and one enjoys what is written all the more because of the simplicity and directness of the author-narrator's style. It occurs to us that a missionary society meeting could be made doubly interesting by the reading aloud of many passages from this book.
From the N. Y. Observer. (Sept. 18, 1890.)
"Jottings from the Pacific" is a pleasing account of life in the Fijian and Samoan Islands. Emma H. Adams tells of these interesting places in a graphic manner, by which we are able to substantially add to our knowledge of these people and their life in their Pacific homes. The book is illustrated and tastefully prepared.
From the Golden Rule. (Sept. 25, 1890.)
This book appeals to a large class of readers, and its chapters tell just what one wants to know about the government and religion, physical and social peculiarities, wonderful productions, coral formations, traditions, products and customs of these beautiful and wonderful islands. The book is written in an easy narrative style, and the illustrations are very pretty.
From the Christian Oracle. (Nov. 27, 1890.)
The writer's style is bright and pleasing. The work would be instructive and deeply interesting to young people, for whom it is especially intended.
From the N. Y. Weekly Witness. (Oct. 8, 1890.)
This book will be attractive to those who take an interest in anthropology and sociology, as well as to those who are interested in missions.
Jack The Conqueror.
From the Christian Observer. (Feb., 1891.)
The story of "Jack the Conqueror" is first-rate. It carries a wholesome lesson with it, and the children will enjoy reading the story.
From the Independent. (Feb. 5, 1891.)
It is a good little book to put into the hands of boys. The spirit and pluck of a right-minded lad battling successfully against difficulties are well depicted.
From the Christian Cynosure. (Dec. 18, 1890.)
This is a healthful, cheerful English story, telling of the difficulties about the path of a poor boy, and how, one by one, he overcame them, until he became an illustrious and useful man. The book is tastefully illustrated, and contains excellent lessons for boys who would rise into a useful life, as well as for older people, who may do a great work for God by a little help given in Christ's name and with good sense.
From the Lutheran Observer. (Dec. 19, 1890.)
The design of this story is to show boys and girls how to overcome difficulties by means of energy and perseverance. It is an excellent story, and conveys valuable lessons.
From the Golden Rule. (Feb. 19, 1891.)
"Resolve well, and persevere" is the excellent motto of the book, and is strikingly exemplified by the hero of the story. Jack so completely conquers one difficulty after another as to rise from a ragged, useless boy to an honored educator in cap and gown. The narrative is an incitement to nobler living, and it is pleasant, safe, and easy reading for boys.
From the Christian Intelligencer. (Feb. 18, 1891.)
"Jack the Conqueror, and Other Stories," is a bright little book for children. It is tastefully gotten up, and suitable for the family or the Sunday-school library.
From the Zion's Herald. (Feb. 4, 1891.)
Three short stories calculated to interest and instruct the younger readers. It will please both boys and girls.
The Tonga Islands.
By Editor
From the Christian Cynosure. (April 2, 1891.)
The history of many of the interesting island groups of the Pacific are comparatively unknown to ordinary readers except through the writings of missionaries. When international complications arise, as a year ago at Samoa, or, more lately, at Tonga, so little is known of the locality or the people that it is like showing pictures to the blind. This little volume gives something of the history of the Tongas, the Hervey group, and the Marquesas Islands, before they were visited by the missionaries, and indeed were hardly known to the first navigators of those seas. The habits of the people, their government, the vegetable wonders on shore, and the great wonders of the sea about them, are graphically told in a manner that cannot fail to entertain and instruct young readers.
From the Independent. (April 2, 1891.)
This is the second in a series of "Jottings from the Pacific." The author has produced a series of picturesque, descriptive articles written from the missionary point of view and tending to excite interest in these Pacific islands and people, to show how promising the field is for evangelical work, what has been done, and what may be done.
From the Christian at Work. (April 2, 1891.)
We have here a graphic description of the Pacific island groups, with the manners and customs of the different peoples, products of the islands, curiosities, etc., all which materially differ in each group. Interesting descriptions are also given of pearl fishing in the South Pacific, the vegetable wonders found there, with many other things which will equally charm and instruct the reader.
From the Ill. Christian Weekly. (April 11, 1891.)
It gives an excellent description of the islands, and of the manners and customs of the people. It also tells of the introduction of Christianity to the islands; but its contents are mainly geographical and ethnological. It is quite interesting, and is well illustrated.
From the Christian Oracle. (March 19, 1891.)
This book gives more general information regarding these island inhabitants than we have found in any other work. It is worth reading carefully by both old and young.
Savonarola.
From the Christian Observer. (Feb., 1891.)
A life of Savonarola is an important one to lay before our people, and it is one about which we should know more. The whole story of his life and martyrdom is full of interest, and we hope this book will be added to many of our libraries at home and in Sunday-school.
From Zion's Herald. (Feb. 4, 1891.)
A small volume, giving in brief the life and labors of this eloquent monk. All the disagreements which he had with the pope are given with clearness and strength, so that the reader gets a very good idea of the times, as well as of Savonarola. It is written for young people especially.
From the Congregationalist. (Jan. 8, 1891.)
It is a pleasant, popularly-written account of the career of the great revivalist and martyr. There always is a public for such a book as this, dealing, as it does, with events as historically fateful as they were romantic, and it will do good.
From the Christian Cynosure. (Jan. 1, 1891.)
This is a brief biography of entrancing interest. The prophet and martyr of Florence is a comparatively unknown among the renowned galaxy of the Reformation. The name of Savonarola deserves to be more cherished by the Christian church, and we should be thankful for books like this that help us to understand him.
From the Golden Rule. (Jan. 20, 1891.)
The author has just the gift for biographical writing. She seizes upon the strong points in the character, and sets them out in vivid relief. Indeed, she has a form of dramatic power that makes her work of exceptional interest and value. She writes, too, sympathetically, and seems possessed by the subject. One's general reading, in Romola, for instance, necessitates just such information as is here given. The narrative is marked by vigor, directness, and impressiveness.
From the Lutheran Observer. (Jan. 16, 1891.)
This biography of the great Florentine presents a careful and interesting account of his career and martyrdom at Florence, and within a moderate compass suitable for general popular use. It belongs to the Young People's Library, and is attractively issued, with illustrations.
From the Christian Intelligencer. (Feb. 18, 1891.)
"Savonarola, the Florentine Monk," by Emma H. Adams, is a successful attempt to tell, in an attractive manner, the story of this great "Reformer before the Reformation." The main facts in the remarkable history of the famous Dominican monk are clearly and entertainingly related, and the little volume is well worthy of being read by young and old as an excellent introduction to a more detailed study of some of the facts and causes which led to the moral revolution of the sixteenth century.
Letters From the Holy Land.
From the Interior. (April 9, 1891.)
"Letters from the Holy Land," by Henry A. Harper, is an excellent little work for boys and girls to read. It gives simple but clear and entertaining accounts of the places, manners and customs in Palestine, and is illustrated from sketches made by the author. Its references to Scripture records, by way of example, or enforcing an observation, are numerous. Originally an English book, it has been revised and reprinted, and improved by the addition of an appendix on the geography of the Holy Land, by the American publishers.
From the Christian Cynosure. (March 26, 1891.)
This is a volume of letters from a father to his children describing such incidents and observations of travel as came under his own experience. They tell of such scenes as are often referred to in the Bible, and which we may look upon to-day much as did Christ or David, since the habits of the people have changed little in centuries. In the hand of a child it is a companion for his Bible stories, giving him a more intelligent understanding of the word. The style of the sketches, though adapted to children, is not childish, but simple and entertaining for all.
From the Independent. (April 2, 1891.)
This is the revision of an English work on Eastern manners and customs, made with the requirements of the American public in view. A brief appendix is added on the geography of the Holy Land.
From the Congregationalist. (April 2, 1891.)
Sunday-school scholars and others will find in Mr. H. A. Harper's "Illustrated Letters from the Holy Land" many statements and illustrations of oriental habits and peculiarities which are very valuable in the endeavor to make the biblical times and people real. We recommend it heartily.
From the Christian Observer. (April, 1891.)
These letters are from a father to his children when he was in a far-away land. They tell pleasantly of Eastern customs and manners as they come under his own observation, and other children will enjoy them quite as much as his own.
From the Christian at Work. (April 2, 1891.)
These letters are just as one cultured friend would write to another at home of the incidents and scenes that interested him. They are graphic, interesting, and full of instruction concerning Eastern manners and customs, and will help to give a fuller understanding of the Scriptures. The book has enjoyed a wide popularity, and this handsome new edition should meet with no less favor. It contains quite a number of illustrations, all of which are excellent.
From the Ill. Christian Weekly. (April 11, 1891.)
This is a small book upon one of the most familiar fields in the world, and has the strongest possible competition in the many large, learned, and abundantly-illustrated books that have been published upon the same field. And yet this little book has its place and is well worth reading. It is illustrated also, and its illustrations really illustrate. Size, binding, printing, and illustrations all considered—to say nothing of the contents—the book is a marvel of cheapness.
From the Christian Oracle. (March 19, 1891.)
There have been many books written on the Holy Land, but we have never seen one like this little volume. It was written by the author to his children on eastern manners and customs, and is now given to a wider circle of readers. It will interest young people, and give them some good ideas of that country which they may never find elsewhere. It is to be commended for its simplicity and historical lessons.
Northern Icebergs.
From the Independent. (April 2, 1891.)
This book is a compilation and vigorous condensation of the voluminous history of Arctic exploration, particularly of Capt. Richard Perry's recent volume. It answers the purposes of a brief popular sketch very well.
From the Christian at Work. (April 2, 1891.)
This little book contains very interesting sketches of the Arctic expeditions of England and America in the nineteenth century, and is full of instruction. It is a book which will fascinate young folks, and add very materially to their stock of knowledge. It is written in a pleasant style, full of handsome illustrations, and attractively bound.
From the Ill. Christian Weekly. (April 11, 1891.)
Such books as this are very valuable not only for young people who would not read the larger ones, but for busy men and women who for the want of time cannot peruse them. The book is cheap, contains a number of picture illustrations, is written in a pleasing style, and is just the kind of reading to give to our young people.
From the Christian Oracle. (March 19, 1891.)
This little volume, well printed and handsomely bound, is intended for American youth. It embraces accounts of these wonderful regions which cannot fail to interest young readers. Then it is of real service because of the history it contains. Many books are read eagerly without any good results. A boy cannot read this book without learning something of real service to him.
