BEING now fully prepared to intelligently examine the causes of dyspepsia, we will proceed at once to do so, for convenience dividing them into two great classes—general and special.
GENERAL CAUSES.—As might be readily presumed from the foregoing considerations, anything which should affect the general healthy tone of the organs engaged in digestion would materially derange their function, just as the strong arm of the pugilist may become weakened by constitutional disease. Under this head, then, we include all those influences which interfere with digestion by affecting the general health, by lowering the vitality of the individual. Constitutional causes, they might very appropriately be termed.
Prominent among causes of this nature, we may mention improper dress. Especially among females is this a frequent source of dyspeptic disorders. Corsets are among the most devitalizing of disease-producing agents. They compress the lower part of the chest, and thus diminish the breathing capacity, besides rendering almost useless the powerful abdominal muscles, so that the respiratory movements are confined almost wholly to the upper part of the chest. Improper modes of clothing the feet and limbs, leaving them exposed to the cold of winter and the dampness of fall and spring, are also prolific sources of constitutional debility, which is felt in the stomach more readily than in any other organ.
Men are not entirely free from errors in the same direction. The habit so common among working men of sustaining the pantaloons by drawing them tightly about the waist, instead of properly suspending them from the shoulders, is productive of the same injury to their abdominal viscera as results from a similar habit among females with reference to their heavy skirts.
Impure air is another unhygienic agent, which, by undermining the constitution, and so enfeebling the digestive powers, gives rise to indigestion. The healthy functional activity of the stomach is largely dependent upon the purity and abundance of its blood supply. When the blood is imperfectly aerated, it cannot impart the usual and requisite force, and dyspepsia is the consequence.
Sedentary habits are specially promotive of the various forms of dyspepsia, especially when accompanied, as is usually the case, with excessive or continuous mental labor. Physical exercise is necessary to maintain the healthy tone and elasticity of the muscular tissues of the body; and, consequently, when it is neglected, the stomach must of necessity suffer, as it is almost wholly composed of this kind of tissue. The energetic contraction of the walls of the stomach upon the food is one of the essential processes of digestion. It is readily seen, then, that when they are in a measure deprived of the ability to perform their usual function, digestion is interfered with.
Overwork is quite as injurious to the digestive organs as insufficient exercise. Moderation is the happy mean. Too little exercise injures because the system is deprived of that activity which is essential to healthy nutri-235tion. On the other hand, too much exercise, or severe physical labor, tears down the tissues more rapidly than nature can repair them, and so debilitates.
The same is true of brain labor as well as physical. Mental activity, even if it be somewhat severe, is healthful. Only the excess is damaging. When too much of the nervous energy is expended by cerebral activity, the stomach suffers from the general nervous prostration. Too great activity of the brain also exhausts the nutrient properties of the blood, and so deprives the other vital organs, especially the stomach, of its due proportion of nourishment.
Insufficient sleep, which is so commonly the accompaniment of late hours that the two expressions usually mean the same thing, is sure to show its effects upon the digestion sooner or later. Its effects are essentially the same as those of overwork. The strongest constitution ultimately succumbs to its influence, sooner or later. Nature must have sufficient time in which to repair the worn tissues and renew the wasted energies.
In addition, we may mention, as general causes of indigestion, the depressing influence of the violent passions, as grief, fear, great joy, and sexual abuses.
SPECIAL CAUSES.—The special causes of disease in the digestive apparatus are almost as numerous as the symptoms of such disease, or as the peculiar habits of different individuals. We shall not attempt to enumerate more than a few of the more common. Some of these seem to belong more properly to the class of general causes. But it will be observed that while such do really induce constitutional disease independently of their effect upon digestion, they also seem to exert a powerful influence for evil directly upon the digestive functions.
Errors in diet, we mention first, as being the most deserving of notice. Having so fully described the several digestive processes, it will be hardly necessary to dwell long upon the particular manner in which each morbific agent of this character works its particular mischief, as a reference to the remarks alluded to will suggest a fuller explanation than can be given in the limits of this short treatise.
Improper quality of food is perhaps the most common of dietetic evils. Civilization and ingenuity have, unfortunately, overstepped the bounds of their proper sphere in introducing the so-called refinements of modern cookery. It really appears as though the constant effort was to disregard as much as possible the dictates of nature, and to compel the natural instincts of man to conform to the requirements of perverted and capricious tastes. The excessive use of condiments of all kinds, as cloves, cinnamon, mustard, pepper, spice, salt, and all other irritating substances of like nature, cannot be too strongly condemned. Indeed, to the wholly natural taste, they present nothing at all desirable, since they are neither palatable nor nutritious. When taken into the stomach they irritate its delicate lining membrane, and so pervert its function and produce inflammation, acute at first, finally becoming chronic, perhaps assuming the form of corroding ulcers. Pickles, highly seasoned articles of food, pastry and all kinds of fried food, and all articles which contain large quantities of lard, butter, or fat of any kind, are exceedingly difficult of digestion for a healthy stomach, and utterly impossible for a weak one. The abundant use of sugar in the form of preserves, sweetmeats, etc., is wholly incompatible with healthy digestion. The use of salt pork and salt fish, and of the same articles salted and smoked, is exceedingly unwise for a person who cares anything for the health of his stomach. Old cheese is another dietetic abomination which has very few equals as a cause of indigestion, notwithstanding the old notion expressed so often in the couplet,
“Cheese is a mighty elf,
Digesting all things but itself.”
Lastly, but not the least important, we mention fine-flour bread as being a very prolific cause of dyspepsia. Its universal use makes its notice important. Its concentrated character makes it an article illy fitted for alimentary purposes, on account of its clogging nature. It is, perhaps, the most frequent cause of constipation. In addition to its other bad qualities, it is a very poor aliment, having been deprived of its most nutritious portions by the process of bolting.
Improper quantity of food is nearly as bad as improper quality. Indeed, we do not hesitate to say that the man who eats to great excess of the most healthful food does a greater injury to his organs of digestion than he who takes a moderate amount of much less healthful food. Gorging the stomach with a larger quantity of food than it can use not only imposes upon it the severe task of getting rid of the surplus aliment, but renders it quite impossible for it to make the best use of even the required amount of nutriment, thus doing a double injury. It is also a fact that prolonged abstinence, or deficient alimentation, will work as great injury to digestion as will overeating; but there is little doubt that the latter evil is incomparably greater than the former, from the fact that excessive abstinence is a very rare thing indeed, while gluttony and surfeiting are almost universal.
Hasty eating is another very prevalent evil which, as already explained, greatly impairs the digestive process, making it impossible for the succeeding processes to be properly performed.
Drinking at meals is a serious evil for two reasons: 1. It encourages hasty eating by washing down the food half masticated. 2. It dilutes the gastric juice and thus renders it inefficient, making it necessary for the absorbents to perform an arduous task before the work of digestion can begin, and so wasting both time and vitality.
Tea and coffee, besides being open to the objection common to all drinks, are open to several other objections as dyspepsia-producing agents: 1. They are taken hot, and so injure the teeth and the sense of taste. 2. They first excite, and ultimately relax, the stomach. 3. They contain poisonous principles which exert upon the stomach and upon the system a medicinal or poisonous effect.
But without further remarks, we may enumerate as other fruitful causes of dyspepsia, the following:—
Irregularity of diet, late suppers, eating between meals, violent exercise immediately preceding or succeeding meals, habitually eating cold food, tobacco, alcoholic drinks, and hard water. To these, several others might be added, the most important of which is drugs of all kinds. Anodynes, as paregoric and “Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Sirup,” make sad havoc with the stomachs of delicate infants, while bitters, tonics, blood foods, and cathartics, ruin the digestive organs of adults.
It may be thought by some that we have falsely accused many harmless articles as being the causes of dyspepsia. To such we would say, Ordinary individual experience is quite deceptive in the determination of the truth in this as well as many other cases. The chief cause which leads to error in deciding what is injurious and what is not, is the fact that many of the most fruitful causes of indigestion are such as apparently produce no immediate effect. For instance, a person may acquire the habit of drinking tea and coffee, and for a long time experience nothing but pleasurable sensations; such a person will be quite certain to maintain that he receives no injury from his indulgence in the fragrant cup. The same will be the case with the moderate drinker, the tobacco-user, the opium eater. Nevertheless, in the case of each one of them the digestive powers are being gradually undermined, and permanent injury is being wrought.
It will be readily understood how this deception with regard to the real condition of the stomach may exist, when the fact is considered that this organ is so constituted that, while its sensibility to a certain kind of sensations is exceedingly delicate, it is remarkably devoid of those nerves which recognize pain, and which exist in such great numbers in more exposed portions of the body. In accordance with this fact, it is well known that very extensive lesions may exist in the stomach without the manifestation of pain. Dr. Beaumont, to whom the credit of this discovery is due, had the opportunity of observing for some months the interior of a soldier's stomach which had been laid open by a gunshot wound. He repeatedly noticed that the stomach might be in a condition of the most extensive inflammation, as the result of hard drinking, and yet there be no feeling of pain or uneasiness upon the part of the individual. It is apparent, then, that the present or apparent effects of any agent are not always to be considered reliable.
The Day Is at Hand.
Poor, fainting spirit, still hold on thy way—
The dawn is near!
True, thou art weary; but yon bright'ning ray
Becomes more clear.
Bear up a little longer—wait for rest—
Yield not to slumber, though with grief oppressed.
This night of life is mournful—but look on—
The dawn is near!
Soon will earth's shadowy scenes and forms be gone,
Yield not to fear.
The mountain's summit will, ere long, be gained,
And the bright world of joy and peace attained.
"Joyful through hope," thy motto still must be,
The dawn is near!
What glories will that dawn unfold to thee!
Be of good cheer!
Gird up thy loins; bind sandals on thy feet;
The way is dark and long, the end is sweet.
Pasteboard Piety.
Do you recollect the scene in Don Quixote in which the immortal knight put upon himself a helmet made of pasteboard? That helmet being smitten and pierced by a sword, he sewed it up again, and would not part with it, but in his insanity wore it, and felt that he had an all-sufficient helmet on his head. Are there not many Don Quixotes among men, who put on armor that looks very well till some sword or spear is thrust into it, but which then is found to be like the pasteboard helmet that went to pieces the moment it was touched? If we are to have a piety that shall sustain us in the flood and in the fire; if we are to have a faith that shall be an all-sufficient armor by day and by night, the year round, and from year to year, we must have one that is made up of something better than mere pasteboard instruction or a paper belief.—Plymouth Pulpit.
A Good Mother.
Sometimes one hears said of a good wife and mother that "she's a regular home body." The phrase is simple, but what a world of ennobling qualities it indicates, and what a universe of frivolities it excludes. The matronly home body is indeed "Heaven's best gift to man." Dashing ladies, whose mission is to set the fashions, won't you look in upon your gentle sister as she sits in her well-ordered nursery, making the children happy with her presence? Note how she adjusts their little difficulties, and admonishes, encourages, instructs, amuses them, as the case may require. Do you think any nurse-maid could produce such harmony in their little circle? Is she not an enchantress? Verily, yes, and her charm is "love stronger than death" for those sweet young faces, where you may see her smiles and frowns (though she seldom has occasion to frown) reflected in glee and sorrow like sunlight and cloud shadow in a quiet pool. What she is, she will teach her daughters to be; and blessed are the sons that have such a mother.
RELIGIOUS NEWS AND NOTES.
—About one hundred and forty Mormons arrived in New York October 30, and were soon to depart for Utah.
—Mohammedanism has 150,000,000 followers. In Syrian Universities, 10,000 boys study nothing but the Koran.
—During the past twelve years 800 English, Irish, and American Protestants have joined the Catholic church in Paris.
—The funeral of Cardinal Cullen took place in Dublin, October 30, and was witnessed by 65,000 people, while 10,000 took part in the ceremonies and procession.
—There were 12,000 Hebrews in the yellow fever districts of the South when the scourge began. The 250,000 Jews in America have contributed to their relief $60,000.
—The American Baptists in Rome opened a new church October 3, near the Valle theater. All evangelical ministers, members of the Young Men’s Christian Association, and Rev. Mr. Taylor, at the head of the Baptist Mission, took part in the services.
—A Sunday-school was founded in Hamburg, Germany, as early as 1789, but in 1862 in all the States now composing the German empire there were only thirty-two schools. At present it is estimated that there are 1,500, with a membership of more than 100,000.
—From the proceeds of the sale of the Moody and Sankey hymn books, Mr. Moody has given $5,000 to Wellesley College for Women. It is not specified what use shall be made of the money, but it is said that it will be permanently invested as an endowment fund for Moody and Sankey scholarships.
—An undenominational chapel will soon be built in the Yosemite valley. The structure is to be of stone, and the cost $5,300. The Call says the building is to be ready for occupancy, by the 6th of June, 1879, when the great Sunday-school Assembly will convene. The funds come from the issuance of certificates, most of which are purchased in single shares, of twenty-five cents each, by Sunday-school children. The committee, in whose hands the arrangements for the Yosemite Sunday-school have been entrusted, have sent circulars far and wide through the eastern States, explaining its object and inviting the co-operation of Sunday-school workers.
SECULAR NEWS.
-Seven million deaths are reported from the famine in China.
-Over 55,000 immigrants have sought homes in America so far this year.
-The quarantine in southern cities having been raised, the Louisville and Great Southern railroad has commenced running double daily trains to Little Rock, Memphis, New Orleans, and all southern and southeastern points. Hundreds of refugees are returning to their homes.
-The Japanese government has agreed to grant a loan of $1,500,000 for the purpose of working some of the coal fields which spread over an immense area in the island of Yezo. Recent surveys by geologists warrant the estimate that there is workable coal enough in that island alone to produce a yearly yield for a thousand years equal to that of all Great Britain.
-The Danish government has published a small book of statistics. The total population of the kingdom exceeds 2,000,000, of whom 1,950,000 live in Denmark proper, 72,000 in Iceland, 9,800 in Greenland and 37,500 in the West India colonies. The population of Copenhagen and its suburbs is about 250,000. The average duration of life in Denmark is 50 years, while in England it is 45, in France 32, and in Italy only 30.
-Not a few of the Turkish officers taken prisoners during the late war have accepted service in the armies of their conquerors. The terms offered them were liberal, and they felt no scruple about accepting them. Most of them are to be sent to the Caucasus. Nothing, however, could induce the Turkish privates to follow the example of their chiefs. The inferiority of the Turkish officer to the Turkish private soldier in soldierly qualities has always been insisted upon.
-The Italian newspapers call attention to the prevalence of pellegra, a malady which, beginning with the skin, impairs the digestion and nervous system, and becomes fatal. In Lombardy, in 1830, there were 20,000 peasants attacked by it; in 1856 there were 38,000; and, though no statistics have since been published, there are believed to be now 40,000. The disease is produced by the habitual consumption of the flower of damaged maize, but also by overwork, uncleanliness, and unhealthy dwellings.
-Correcting Behm and Wagner's tables of 1878, for the changes just made in Turkey, the population of the several states of Europe is now as follows, the total being in round numbers 312,400,000: Germany, 1875, 42,727,360; Austro-Hungary, 1876, 37,350,000; Liechtenstein, 1876, 8,664; Switzerland, 1876, 2,759,854; Netherlands, 1876, 3,865,456; Luxembourg, 1875, 205,158; European Russia, 1872, 72,392,770; Finland, 1875, 1,912,647; Sweden, 1876, 4,429,713; Norway, 1875, 1,807,555; Denmark, 1876, 1,903,000; Belgium, 1876, 5,336,185; France, 1876, 36,905,788; Great Britain, 1873, 34,242,966; Faroes, 1876, 10,600; Iceland, 1876, 71,300; Spain (without Canaries), 1871, 16,526,511; Andorra, 12,000; Gibraltar, 1873, 25,143; Portugal (with Azores) 1875, 4,319,284; Italy, 1876, 27,769,475, European Turkey, 8,459,000; Roumania, 1878, 5,149,000; Servia, 1878, 1,642,000, Montenegro, 210,000; Greece, 1878, 2,200,000; Malta, 1878, 145,000. It is stated the cession of Bosnia to Austria increases the population of the Austro-Hungarian empire something over 1,000,000. If Turkey is further reduced by the populations of the practically independent principalities of Bulgaria (1,773,000 inhabitants) and Eastern Roumelia (746,000), there will remain to that empire considerably less than 5,000,000—2,500,000 being Mohammedans.
-In pleading for the protection and perpetuation of forests, the Lumberman's Gazette gives some interesting particulars of the amount of timber consumed every year in this country. "We have now," it says, "about 90,000 miles of railroad; the annual consumption for ties or sleepers alone is 40,000,000, or thirty years' growth of 75,000 acres. To fence these roads would require at least 130,000 miles of fence, which would cost $45,000,000 to build, and take at least $15,000,000 annually to keep in repair. We have 75,000 miles of wire, which requires in its putting up 800,000 trees, while the annual repairs must take 300,000 more. The little lucifer match consumes annually in its manufacture 300,000 cubic feet of the finest pine. The bricks that are annually baked require 2,000,000 cords of wood, which would sweep the timber clean from 50,000 acres. The packing boxes made in the United States in 1874 amounted to $12,000,000, while the timber manufactured into agricultural implements, wagons, etc., is now more than $100,000,000. Our consumption of timber is not only daily on the increase, but our exportation of timber is also rapidly increasing. Our staves go by the million to France annually, walnut, oak, maple and pine to England, and spars and docking timber to China and Japan."
Hope.
By J. V. A.
Is there a person in the land that can truthfully say, I have nothing to look forward to, or, in other words, I have no hope? If such there be, God pity them; for life to them must be dreary. They can only look on the dark side, and everything is so dreary and gloomy that they must be perfectly miserable! But need this be the case? Can we not be happy if we choose? Do we not all know that this world is a world of trouble if we have a mind to give up to it and let every misfortune mar our happiness? Of course, we have troubles that others know not of; but do not others have troubles we know nothing about? Then let us make the best of it, cheer up and be happy. Let us look through this vale of tears, to the home that is promised us in a brighter world than this. Hope on, hope ever. J. V. A.
The Morn Approaching.
By L. E. M.
GLOOMY, and dark, and long, the night has been, and tears, and sighs, and groans, have been our portion here; but glory to the Lamb that was slain, the bright eternal morn appears. Already its bright beams are seen in the distant horizon.
Mourning pilgrims lift your heads. Banish sorrow and sighing. Lift your heads and rejoice. Soon will you see the King in his beauty, with all the shining angel hosts attending.
The trumpet of God shall sound, and the long-promised Redeemer shall come. Our salvation is drawing nearer. Weary pilgrims, up and adorn thee. Bridal robes are awaiting thee. Come, for all things are ready, the feast is preparing. Come, and welcome, without money and without price, is the gracious invitation. L. E. M.
OBITUARY.
By Delia E. Walker
DIED, in Mukwa, Wapaca county, Wisconsin, October 22, 1878, Annie, wife of Jaines Parfett, aged 19 years, 10 months and 7 days. Sister Annie embraced the third angel's message during her illness. She died in full hope of a resurrection to immortality at the coming of the Lord. Words of hope were spoken by Elder Cady, from 1 Thess. 4:13.
She shall sleep, but not forever,
Soon a glorious day will dawn,
Soon we'll meet, no more to sever,
At the resurrection morn.
DELIA E. WALKER.
Denmark.
By John G. Matteson
FROM Sjelland I went to Uhe and held three meetings with the brethren there. They still love the truth. We administered the ordinances. After traveling all night through a rain-storm, in the dark, and part of the time on foot, and riding all day on the cars in a perfect cloud of tobacco-smoke until I was well-nigh sick, I arrived late in the evening at Tylstrup. Here I preached three times on the Sabbath and administered the ordinances.
Early the next morning I was on my way to Hellum. Here I preached three times, and then went to Alstrup on Monday. Brother K. Brorsen has labored some in Hellum and vicinity. Four good souls were keeping the Sabbath before he came, and eight more are now rejoicing in the truth.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
October 8, 1878.
England.
By Wm. Ings
[Translated from Les Signes de Temps, by D. T. B.]
During my stay of sixteen weeks in England, I have been able to ascertain the measure of interest Christians would be likely to manifest in present truth. Wherever I have been, I have found the same eagerness to read our publications ; and, being so far from our publishing house, I could scarcely satisfy the wants of my readers. Wherever I distributed tracts, they became the principle topic of conversation, and many persons were astonished that these things had not been found out before.
We believe that the people are ready to receive the message, and it seems that the providence of God has gone before us to prepare minds to receive the truth. They are benevolent, friendly, and desirous to hear preaching on the prophecies.
As the result of my efforts in the missionary work, ten persons have received the truths of the third angel's message. Among these is an evangelist, who will certainly communicate to others the light of truth he has received. Others are convinced, some of whom I am confident will embrace the Sabbath.
England, by her position and relations with other nations, has many advantages that will facilitate the propagation of the message. During my stay in that country, I sent publications to the island of Cypress, to Portugal, and to the Bermudas ; I have also distributed some on vessels starting for the Red Sea, for Scotland, and for the East Indies, and have scattered our works in different parts of England.
Thousands of persons who a few months ago knew nothing of these great truths, now read our publications ; and we hope that much good will be accomplished by this means. We are certainly on the eve of great events, and if all those who have received the light of present truth are disposed to do the work God has assigned them, we shall soon see the truth spread in all parts of the world, uniting a people on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Wm. Ings.
Texas.
OUR meetings continue nightly. The last two Sundays the high gulf winds have prevented meetings during the day. Our congregations are still good, though the cold nights have caused a reduction in numbers. Many are listening attentively to the word; about four hundred were out this Sunday night. About thirty are keeping the Sabbath. Our temporal wants are supplied by the people. We are encouraged to hold on.
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"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently). Jer. 48:10.
$2.00 EACH. Mary A Barnes 5-42, M B Miller 5-42, A E Estlace 5-42, Amanda Carpenter 5-42, Miles Standish 5-42, C S Briggs 6-1, W H Holmes 5-42, Wm Gifford 5-42, C Allen 6-2, Aaron Miller 6-1, Edith Donaldson 5-36, James Abdill 5-29.
$1.50 EACH. B F Whitney 5-42, J C Cain 5-42, Mrs L T Henry 5-42, John H Monsen 5-42, Isaac Kaufman 5-42, N Grant 5-42, S W Sedore 5-46, Anna A Stewart 5-42, James Connor 5-42, Mrs Eliza Davis 5-33, Mrs Adelina Wood 5-42, Stephen Marlon 5-42, Mrs Wm B Pierce 5-42, Mrs C C Greenfield 5-42, Mrs M A Hollister 5-42, R S Whetstine 5-42, W Henry Beed 5-42, F M Owen 5-42, M B Lasley 5-42, Joseph Rowlings 5-42, J L Kinewalt 5-42, Mrs Lucy C Wiley 5-42, Rev Pristell Johnson 5-42, Parker Dickenson 5-42, C Eddy 5-42.
$1.00 EACH. Mrs Wm Howard 5-18, John Orwig 5-18, E Douglas 5-26, G W Groin 5-18, B F Williams 5-18, Mrs E J Eaton 5-16, S E McClellan 5-18.
75 CTS EACH. N T Hinkley 5-18, E J Carpenter 5-18, A H Farwell 5-9, Mrs Park 5-18, Chas Pangburn 5-18, E Wilkenson 5-18, John Kemp 5-18, Johnathan Green 5-18, A L Edminster 5-18, Mrs L C Griswold 5-18, Thomas Morris 5-18, Peter Dodds 5-18, J W Nelson 5-18, R A Cook 5-18, Amos L Clark 5-18, Bishop Beed 5-18.
50 CTS EACH. R J Russel 5-10, Whiteman Hall 5-10, Mrs Emma Barkley 5-10, L Mitchell 5-10, W B Barrett 5-10, E M Shafer 5-10, Rev O P Ross 5-10, Rev E J Snetter 5-10.
MISCELLANEOUS. Addie B Bennett (2 copies) $3.00 5-42; L M Videtto (6 copies) 7.20 5-42, Augustus Rasmussen 2 50 5-42, Mrs J Jones (2 copies) 3.00 5-42.
California Conference Fund.
Vacaville church $13.50.
Cal. Publishing Fund.
B G Snyder $50.00, H M Donaldson 10.00, Mrs A A Carter 10.00, Alice Papworth 10.00.
Received on Account.
Missouri T and M Society $100.00.
A War on Opium.
The repressive measures adopted by the Chinese government in opposing the use of the opium drug is commented on by W. H. Hallock, in Christian Statesman, as follows:—
Is there to be another opium war in China? Exactly forty years have passed since the government at Peking, to stay the progress of moral corruption in the empire, made the use of opium a capital crime. In the enforcement of its decree $20,000,000 worth of the drug in the hands of British merchants was seized in Canton and destroyed. As will be remembered, hostilities followed, in which numerous Chinese fortifications were destroyed. Again word comes that the imperial government has resolved to check the use of opium by every means in its power. Sales will be kept within the narrowest possible limits. Persons hopelessly addicted to the habit will be kept under close supervision, and places to which they habitually resort will be licensed and regulated under severe restrictions. . . . The moral aspect of the opium question, as related to the millions of China, far transcends in importance all others, though it is possible that political complications may arise. The prohibitory laws of 1828, by interfering with traffic, exasperated the English beyond measure. It remains to be seen whether the Chinese government is able to contend successfully with an evil of such magnitude, and so deeply rooted in the social fabric. There is at least hope for the young, under the severe restraint imposed, but as for the incorrigible it will not be strange if millions perish simply from the physical shock of sudden privation. As a social problem, this new departure in the realms of Confucius will be watched with no common interest by the "outside barbarians" of other climes.
Song Anchor.
"THE SONG ANCHOR," for Sabbath-school and praise service, by J. E. White; in size and style like "Pure Gold" and books of that class. It is issued from the Pacific Press Publishing House, in Oakland, California. It deserves special consideration at the hands of Sunday-school people of this coast for these reasons: 1. Of the real excellence of the book as a book of Sunday-school music. 2. Of the most creditable style mechanically considered, in which it is gotten up. 3. That it is a California production, both composition and manufacture. Send for a copy and try it.