“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile [margin, “destroy”] the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3: 16, 17.
There are three things spoken of in the Bible as temples of God:—
1. His temple in heaven. “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Rev. 11: 19. This scene takes place in connection with the closing work of Christ just before he comes.
2. The sanctuary erected in the wilderness. The direction was, “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Ex. 25: 8. A sanctuary is a sacred or holy place, a dwelling-place for the Most High, a temple of God. Indeed, the word “temple” is one of the definitions of sanctuary.
The sanctuary in the wilderness was but a movable temple, carried from one place to another in the wanderings of the children of Israel. After they were located, the children of Israel built the temple of Solomon, constructed on the same general plan as the movable sanctuary; viz., with two apartments, the holy and the most holy.
The temple of Zerubbabel was built in like manner. These structures constituted the “worldly sanctuary” here on earth, made after the pattern that the Lord showed Moses and David. Ex. 25: 9; Heb. 8: 5; 1 Chron. 28: 12, 19.
3. As the text quoted at the beginning of this article demonstrates, the bodies of God’s true people are called a “temple of God.”
Webster’s International Dictionary defines “temple,” “Any place in which the divine presence specially resides,” quoting 1 Cor. 3: 16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?” It would, therefore, seem to be absolutely demonstrated that all men are not “temples” of the living God, but only such as the Spirit of God resides in.
As there seems to be some little confusion in the world to-day as to who are “temples of God,” it seems to the writer to be worth while to make some effort to elucidate this question. It certainly should be settled beyond all doubt in every reasonable mind as to who are entitled to this most honorable appellation, “temple of the living God.”
Having quite a deep interest in settling this question in harmony with Scriptural teaching, the writer took Young’s large concordance, and closely followed every use of the word “temple” through the long list of instances where it occurs in our English version. They nearly all refer to the temples built by Solomon, Zerubbabel, or Herod.
The first instance where the use of the word “temple” can be found applied to the human body is in John 2: 21: “But he spake of the temple of his body.” This occurs in connection with the Jews’ statement, “Forty and six years was this temple [Herod’s] in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?”
It must be evident that the use of the word “temple” in Christ’s previous statement, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” was one to which his hearers were not accustomed. It was a new way of using the term. Indeed, in the Old Testament the writer can not recall a single instance where the human body is ever called a temple. But our Saviour in this text plainly speaks of his body as a “temple.”
On what grounds does he so call it? Evidently because the divine Spirit and power tabernacled in that body in a wonderful way. In the writer’s best judgment, there can not be found a single instance in which the human body is spoken of as a temple in all the canon of Scripture, unless the indwelling Spirit of God resides in that human body, not one text in which an unconverted, worldly man or a wicked man is ever spoken of as a temple of God.
The Spirit of Christ is promised to the church in a special sense, as it was never before in the world’s history. Beginning with John 14, and in several following chapters, Christ enlarges upon the special gift of the Holy Spirit. “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14: 16-23.
Here is the special promise of Christ of the Spirit, the representative of the Father and the Son, which enables the human being who receives that Comforter to become a temple of God and the Holy Spirit. In no other way does the Bible ever promise any one to become such a temple.
1. This special gift from the Father and the Son is called the Comforter, because it gives that comfort to the believing disciple that nothing else will.
2. The Lord says distinctly and positively that the world can not receive this Spirit. It can not, till the worldling repents of his sins and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he is no longer of the world, but belongs to Christ. Therefore worldlings can not be “temples of God.” They must first become true Christians.
3. This gift of the Spirit of God is to remain with his true people throughout the whole Christian dispensation. All the various manifestations of that Spirit in miracles, healings, prophecies, etc., come in consequence of the gift of this Spirit, which Christ promised.
4. It is by means of the coming of the Comforter that we become temples of the Most High. The Lord’s representative comes unto us and makes his abode with us. “Abode,” according to Webster’s third definition, is the “place of continuance, or where one dwells; abiding-place; residence; a dwelling, a habitation.” Surely where the Lord has his habitation, there is a “temple of God.” And in no other way can there be a temple of God.—Geo. I. Butler, in Southern Watchman.
Contents of Early Numbers of Advent Review
By J. O. Corliss
The Experiences of Former Days—No. 6
Contents of Early Numbers of Advent Review
J. O. CORLISS
In its earliest form, no name appears as editor of the Advent Review, but the names of Hiram Edson, David Arnold, Geo. W. Holt, Samuel W. Rhodes, and James White stand at the head of each paper as “Publishing Committee.” But inasmuch as all communications to the paper were then to be addressed to James White, it is clear that he was responsible for its contents and make-up.
The first number of the paper enters into an explanation of the prophetic period which led the people of that day through their most singular experience. Among other statements of the position then occupied, the following from Joseph Marsh, in the Voice of Truth of Nov. 7, 1844, was reproduced:—
“Since the tenth day of the seventh month has passed, and we are disappointed in not seeing our Lord, it seems necessary to define our position again. This we most cheerfully do. But first please indulge us a few moments in expressing our great disappointment in not seeing our Lord at the time expected.8We did believe that he would come at that time; and now, though we sorrow on account of our disappointment, yet we rejoice that we have acted according to our faith. We have had, and still have, a conscience void of offense, in this matter, toward God and man. God has blessed us abundantly, and we have not a doubt but that all will soon be made to work together for the good of his dear people, and his glory: We cheerfully admit that we have been mistaken in the nature of the event we expected would occur on the tenth day of the seventh month; but we can not yet admit that our great High Priest did not, on that very day, accomplish all that the type would justify us to expect. We now believe he did.”
To this Elder White replied in a foot-note: “So do we. The type (see Leviticus 16) in connection with the twenty-three hundred days of Dan. 8: 13, 14, justified us to expect ‘that on the tenth day of the seventh month, 1844, Jesus, our High Priest, would enter the holiest of all, to cleanse the sanctuary.’”
Indeed, the motto of the paper at that time, “Call to remembrance the former days,” was significant as pointing out its special mission; namely, to convince those who had passed through the 1844 disappointment that God’s hand had led them in all that experience, and so establish them in the “present truth.” This of course called for articles correcting false interpretations of scripture bearing upon the last days. One prominent idea that then obtained with J. B. Cook and others was that the passing of the prophetic period brought the time of the “shut door,” which meant “no more repentance unto life, or forgiveness of sins.” Much space was given to this point by Elder White, in which he steadily combatted the idea as a gross error. In an “extra” issued in November, 1850, reference is made to this doctrine, and it was met thus:—
“This is certainly a mistake. All who were borne in on the breastplate of judgment, and have not sinned wilfully, may repent and find forgiveness. Jesus says to the Laodiceans, ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’”
In the third and fourth numbers of the paper appears an exposition of the sanctuary and its priesthood, by O. R. L. Crozier, which sets the subject forth quite clearly, considering the bewildered state of mind in which the disappointment left many of those who experienced it. But one of the most interesting series in the little volume is that by Elder Joseph Bates, entitled “Second Advent Way-marks, and High Heaps.” After quoting Jer. 31: 21,—“Set thee up way-marks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest,”—the writer takes his readers over the entire advent experience from the time Mr. Miller began to preach the advent message in 1833 to the disappointment in 1844, and the events which closely followed that time up to 1847, when the Sabbath truth became firmly established.
Mr. Miller’s call to the ministry; Mr. Himes’s acceptance of the advent message, and the publication of The Signs of the Times; the oft-recurring conferences and camp-meetings; the wonderful conversion of the multitudes; the disappointment of 1843, which was designated the “Tarrying of the Bridegroom;” the great Exeter camp-meeting of Aug. 12, 1844, when the cry was first given, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh,” which set the time for the Master’s return on the tenth day of the seventh month of that year; the wonderful energy aroused by that cry, which turned the voice of the popular clergy against the movement, and brought forth the re-echoing proclamation, “Babylon is fallen,”—all these were cited as “way-marks and high heaps,” which proved the leadings of God all along the way.
These articles were not without wholesome effect. Looking candidly over the path which had been traversed, as set forth in this review, many, in the language of Brother Bates himself, fully “determined to correct their ‘dead reckoning,’ by watching every opportunity for an observation of the Sun of righteousness, and, by faith, cling fast to all the promises, doing as the prophet has shown them,—‘I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward every night,’—watching for all the terrestrial and celestial landmarks and heaps in their pathway, . . . trusting in the Lord, which makes them as Mount Zion, which can not be removed, but abideth forever.”
It seems clear that, at that early day, the main features of the truth were as clearly understood by those who constituted the leaders in the third angel’s message as at the present. It is truly refreshing to know that the truth was so well settled then that it has stood the test of all the intervening years. To the writer this seems another “way-mark” and “high heap” by which the truth for these days has been settled once for all.
“And We Know”
By A. E. Place
A. E. PLACE
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8: 28. There is, perhaps, no portion of Scripture more difficult to believe than this one, and no one scripture more important to believe.
It is a very familiar scripture, often repeated; and we often declare that we believe it, and as often show that we do not.—It is one thing to say that we believe, and another thing to believe. It is quite easy to profess to be a Christian, but quite another thing to be a Christian. This is an age of profession of Christianity, but God’s sad commentary upon it is, “Denying the power thereof.”
Many think they are Christians, or “hope” they are Christians, but do not know. But a Christian knows. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Christ is the truth. “If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” When this scripture is fulfilled, then the other one which says, “And we know,” etc., is also fulfilled every day.
As a people we emphasize the fact that we are living near the close of probation, and in the closing moments of the solemn investigative judgment; that Christ our high priest is liable soon to come to the cases of those living, and probation be cut short. Every Seventh-day Adventist who professes this most solemn truth ought to know that Christ is his personal high priest; but I have again and again been sadly pained to find how many there are professing these very truths who do not know. We “desire” to be Christians. We “want to be saved.” We “hope” that in some way circumstances will work for our good. But we do not “know.” “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Paul was inspired of God, and hence when he says, “And we know,” etc., we know it is the word of the Lord, and that it can be depended upon by every Christian. It takes a Christian to believe just what the Lord says in Rom. 8: 28, and only a Christian can really believe it, but every true Christian has had experience enough to assure him that what we say in this is fact.
The Value
If our text were really believed by us as a people, it would cut short every church trial. It would terminate many sad troubles in homes and hearts which to-day are rapidly gnawing the very vitals of all spiritual life. It would effectually tie every murmuring and fault-finding tongue. It would kill the desire, and even the thought, of retaliation, and dry up the fountain of harsh, hasty, and unkind words; for we would “know” that all that comes to us is “for” us, and not against us. What a revolution of “feelings” and actions this would bring. What an increased amount of time would thus be gained for real missionary operations; and how our possibilities for success would be enhanced.
But while it is a fact that the judgment work above is near its close, and “the Judge standeth before the door,” we are too much like ancient Israel who murmured in the wilderness. They murmured because of the manna; because they could not have flesh to eat. They murmured at the organization; they even thought that Moses and Aaron took too much glory and honor to themselves. The Lord says, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” This is not confined alone to the churches or the laity, but it creeps into the sacred precincts of conference laborers, even into the ministry itself, and saps vitality9there which is greatly needed for pushing the work of God.
Some things we seem to know positively, and we are apt to give utterance to our positiveness when occasion permits. Shall I mention a few? Here now they are, and each can select his own portion: We know that we have been abused and terribly misrepresented. We know that Brother A. or Sister B. is seeking to get the position and the glory that rightfully belong to us. We know that we are not half appreciated. We know that we do not have the position we ought to have in view of our ability and attainments, etc. We know that people are jealous of us, et al. And we know that “all these things are against us.” But how is it with the Christian, who really believes the Bible? He knows nothing of the kind. He knows that God is true when he says, “They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me.” “Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.”
The Christian knows that none of these things are against him, but for him; for, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
No sensible man or woman should find fault or murmur about anything which he knows is for him, and for his good. The Christian knows that all things work together for his good, because he loves God, and hence he has absolutely no murmuring to do at all. He lets the murmuring be done by those who are not Christians, and who do not believe the Word of God. They will do enough of it without being assisted by Christians.
This may seem hard on professed Christians. It has again and again seemed hard to the writer. Some of the hardness still manifests itself at times. Truth is always hard to us until we believe it by real acceptance, then its hardness or severity passes away. I have again and again studied and preached these principles for my own personal good, and I am reviewing and writing them to-day as a means of grace to my own soul. My plea to God daily is, not simply that I may get out of the list of murmurers, but everlastingly stay out, and get into full membership with the noble people who, in the dark as well as in the light, “know all things work together for good to them, because they love God, and because God has said so, feeling or no feeling.” My salvation, and I believe that of others, depends upon the proper application of this most important principle.
Good Things
We will at once agree that we believe the following scripture: “No good thing will he [God] withhold from them that walk uprightly.” But the moment we accept this, we must conscientiously study to know what is for our good; and whatever is for our good, is to us and for us a good thing, and all these things God will surely send to us; for “no good thing will be withhold.”
David, the king of Israel, said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” He further states, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, testified, “Tribulation worketh patience.” God must have a patient people. He will have them. “Here is the patience of the saints.” “These are they which came out of great tribulation.” We often sing with the lip, “Blest be the sorrow, kind the storm, that drives me nearer home;” and almost the instant the sorrow or storm comes, our faces lengthen, our voices become sad and doleful, and we lose sight of everything except the sorrow or the storm, and how we are suffering; and we toss about, “driven up and down in Adria,” but as soon as we can get our eyes away from ourselves and our hard time, we see Christ walking on the wave, and cry, “Lord, save,” and suddenly there is a calm. “What fools we mortals be,” that we do not discern in the first mutterings of the storm the voice of the almighty God saying, “My child, I am coming with one of the good things to you and for you.”
David reached this pinnacle of experience at Bahurim, when in the face of the cursing, and stone and dust throwing of Shimei, he cried, “Let him alone, and let him curse. . . . It may be that the Lord will . . . requite me good for his cursing this day.”
(To be concluded).
“I Don’t Believe”
By G. W. Rogers
G. W. ROGERS
This is a declaration often made, and that too by those who make a profession of Christianity; who make great claims to be believers of the Bible, on truths or doctrines which rest wholly on the authority of the Bible. For instance, when presenting the truth for this time, “I don’t believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath.” Now, the fact is, no Christian can consistently express his mind in that manner. Why?—Because as he believes the Bible, he is bound to believe what the Bible teaches; and it is not a question of belief or disbelief, but a question of Biblical authority.
A man may say, “I don’t believe the Bible;” he may scoff at its entreaties and warnings; he may openly disavow it; then the first thing to be settled with such a one, is the truthfulness and credibility of the Scriptures. And he who does not believe the Bible to be the Word of God, of course may express a disbelief of anything the Bible may teach.
Not so with him who believes the Bible to be the Word of God. To be consistent, such a one must believe and accept whatever the Scriptures teach; and when the proposition is placed before him, that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, the question with him is not whether he believes it or not, but whether or not the Bible teaches it. And as the Bible does teach that the seventh day is the Sabbath (see Ex. 20:8–11; Gen. 2:1–3; Heb. 4:4, 9, margin), he does believe it if he believes the Bible; and if he says he doesn’t believe it, he simply confesses his ignorance of what the Scriptures teach. He confesses that he is not informed on the subject. It is not, then, a matter of belief or disbelief with him, but simply a matter of information.
Let no one who believes the Bible, say therefore that he does not believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath. Let him say, instead, that he is ignorant; that he is not informed. But then let him become informed; let him learn what the Bible does teach on this question; and on that condition, in case of every candid inquirer after truth, the belief will adjust itself to the evidence given.
A Good Business
FOR the Christian there is none better than the publishing business. In fact, it is one in which all Christians should at once earnestly engage. It is open to all, and the field is most extensive. There is no competition, but a healthful co-operation on the part of all connected with it. The capital required is large, but it is all furnished free, not even interest being demanded, while all profits go to the agent or publisher.
Nor is there any risk involved for the publication is sorely needed by every person on the globe, and returns are guaranteed, as also sure success. It is a highly honorable business, for God’s Word frequently refers to it, and in fact, enjoins entrance upon it.
1. Moses was a publisher. “I will publish the name of the Lord.” Deut. 32: 3.
2. A multitude once united in it. “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Ps. 68: 11.
3. The beauty of those who engage in this business. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; . . . and salvation.” Isa. 52: 7. Also Nahum 1: 15.
4. A cleansed leper was once very active in it. “He began to publish it [his healing] much, and to blaze abroad the matter.” Mark 1: 45.
5. A once devil-possessed man became a successful publisher. “And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Luke 8: 39.
6. A great territory invites effort. “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” Mark 13: 10.
7. A general call for publishers. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16: 15.
8. Whom and what to publish. “He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully.” Jer. 23: 28.—Beams of Truth.
Lowliness
THE desert rose, though never seen by
men,
Is nurtured with a care divinely good;
The ocean gem, though ’neath the roll-
ing main,
Is ever brilliant in the sight of God.
Think not thy work and worth are all
unknown,
Because no partial pensman paints thy
praise;
Man may not see nor mind, but God will
own
Thy worth and work, thy thoughts and
words and ways.
— Selected.
Health in the Air
By G. H. Heald
G. H. HEALD
CIVILIZED people, especially those living in the cities, have come to be almost afraid of the air. Perhaps not so much is now said about “night air” as formerly; still many people sleep with rooms tightly closed, and wonder why they awake with a bursting headache, or why they feel more tired when they get up than when they go to bed, or why they lack appetite and ambition.
Notwithstanding all that has been written regarding the importance of having an abundant supply of pure air day and night, there are many who through habit, or indifference, or ignorance, still cling to the practise of shutting all ventilation out from their sleeping and living rooms. There seems to be a belief that free ventilation will increase the likelihood of contracting colds; but an abundance of pure air is the surest method of preventing colds.
In one family a mother and two daughters had been sleeping out all summer, either in camp or on a porch. In November, when the nights became quite cold, the mother and the younger daughter went into the house to sleep, and contracted colds which lasted a number of weeks. The older daughter continued to sleep outside, and escaped a cold.
Stories are told of soldiers, who, after submitting to all kinds of hardship and exposure in bad weather without catching cold, have caught cold on returning home and sleeping inside of a house, and indulging — after a long life of soldiers’ rations — in an old-fashioned “square meal.”
Some may not know, although all ought to know by this time, that most remarkable cures of tuberculosis are wrought by the open-air method. Sometimes this with nothing else is sufficient to check the disease. Patients are kept out on porches or in shanties with one side entirely open.
It is not exposure that causes colds. This has been demonstrated. There must first be a susceptibility to colds, caused by such unhygienic practises as overeating, living in an artificial, hot-house climate during the winter, and breathing impure air. Many people contract colds who have been extremely careful to avoid drafts, wet feet, and other ordinary so-called causes of cold.
We must not overlook the influence of germs in the causation of colds; but germs are always present. They may be more prevalent at one time than another, thus producing epidemics of cold; but they are nearly always present in sufficient numbers to set up an inflammation in the air-passages of any one who, through wrong habits, has undermined his powers of resistance.
On a frosty morning the tendency is to hug the fire; but let one break away from habit, and take a brisk walk over the snow, noticing the tonic effect of the exercise. The step will be elastic and bounding, the face will glow with the increase of circulation, there will be a general buoyancy, and what an appetite!
In summer we stay in to avoid the heat, in winter we stay in to avoid the cold. Except during the hottest weather when heat prostrations are possible, one should get out, sun or no sun. If it is too warm during the middle of the day, one can get out during the early morning hours, perhaps as early as four o’clock, and enjoy nature at her best.
The fresh-air habit, with abstemiousness in diet, is the surest preventive of lung and throat troubles.
Religion Beneficial to Health
THE view held by some that spirituality is a detriment to health is the sophistry of Satan. The religion of the Bible is not detrimental to the health of either body or mind. The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine for disease. Heaven is all health; and the more deeply heavenly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of the believing invalid. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness. Religion is a continual wellspring, from which the Christian may drink at will, and never exhaust the fountain.
The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of right-doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood, and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healing power, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in both heart and life.
When men who have indulged in wrong habits and sinful practises yield to the power of divine truth, the application of that truth to the heart revives the moral powers, which had seemed to be paralyzed. The receiver possesses stronger, clearer understanding than before he riveted his soul to the eternal rock. Even his physical health improves by the realization of his security in Christ. The special blessing of God resting upon the receiver is of itself health and strength.
Those who walk in the path of wisdom and holiness find that “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim. 4:8. They are alive to the enjoyment of life’s real pleasures, and are not troubled over vain regrets, over misspent hours, nor with gloomy forebodings, as the worldling too often is when not diverted by some exciting amusement. Godliness does not conflict with the laws of health, but is in harmony with them. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of all real prosperity.—Christian Temperance.
Why the Japanese Are Hardy
MR. H. IRVING HANCOCK in his little book entitled “Japanese Physical Training” says:—
“The Japanese are noted for possessing the sweetest dispositions to be found anywhere in the world. Politeness and good nature seem inborn with the Japanese baby. As time goes on and the child reaches adult age, kindly disposition appears to have increased in geometrical ratio. When a Caucasian applies for physical training under a Japanese teacher, he is required to furnish satisfactory proof as to the evenness of his disposition. Even after he has been admitted to the school, if the white man shows too great a tendency to sudden temper, he is politely requested to seek instruction elsewhere.”
“The commonest Japanese laborer — the one who has to spend the greater part of his working hours in hard manual labor — is in the habit of cleansing his body twice daily. If he does not, and the fact becomes known, he is looked upon by his associates as being something of a pariah. During the warmer portion of the year the more leisurely classes of the mikado’s people take three baths a day.”
“The Japanese eat fresh air with even more gusto than they do food. The samurai of old, rose in the morning to11pass out into the open air, there to take a number of deep breaths. The time of the morning chosen was just as the sun was coming up. At this hour the air is purest. . . . In the coldest nights of winter, air circulates through the native house without interference. If the sleeper feels chilled, he adds more bed clothing. But the passage of fresh air through the entire house is never prevented.”
“When a Japanese suffers from insomnia, he gets up and goes out into the open night air, and if there is a hill near, he climbs to the top of it. But insomnia is very rare in the mikado’s kingdom.—Life.
Making One's Way in the World
It is a useful thing for a man to learn early that even the most exclusive set in the world bows to great achievement. Some years ago Henry M. Stanley made a speech before the Press club of New York City, in which he said:—
Gentlemen: I thank you for your reception. You have always been kind to me. When I first went to Africa, you gave me words of encouragement. At that time I met a noble English lord who was a member of the Royal Geographical Society. I was introduced to him as the man who was going to hunt for Dr. Livingstone. He stared at me condescendingly.
When I returned from Africa, having found Dr. Livingstone, you were kind enough to say very pleasant things about me, and I met my English friend again, and he relaxed and gave me one finger.
Again I went to Africa and you gave me words of encouragement, and my English friend gave me two fingers. I have just returned, gentlemen, and you have been more kind than ever. Once more I met the noble Englishman, and this time he actually gave me his whole hand. Gentlemen, between that first patronizing bow and that handshake lies practically the history of my whole life.
True Success
THE man whose life, outwardly all defeat, is steadily expanding in its interest and sympathies, steadily growing in power to bear and suffer and be strong, has the blessed consciousness of coming into his kingdom. No outward disaster, no external obstacle or limitation, can ever defeat a true life; the soul can escape all these things as the bird escapes the perils of the snare and the net by flying above them. This highest success lies within the grasp of every earnest man or woman, and it is rarely without attestation of its presence and value, even in the eyes of those who take small account of spiritual things. There is a force which streams from a noble nature which is irresistible and pervasive as the sunlight. The warmth and vitality of such natures, while they invigorate the strongest men and women about them, penetrate to the heart of clouded and obscure lives, and minister to their needs. There is no success so satisfying as that which is embodied in one's character, and being so embodied, can not be taken from him, and the influence of which, reacting on the character of others, is also indestructible.—Christian Union.
French Heels and Rheumatism
“THERE’S another of those women with broken-down feet,” said the shoe-store man as he walked back to the case for a particular shape of shoe. “Didn’t you know there was an epidemic of that sort of thing? No? Well, there is, and the French heel is to blame for it. There’s a whole lot of women who think they have rheumatism in their feet, but they haven’t. It’s simply a case of the arch of the foot being broken down. They wore French heels that threw their heels up in the air, and the next season they went to the low heels. The change threw the bones of the instep out of place, and now, when they walk, the bones cause them pain.
“I have fixed up any number of feet for them. Some of them have been to springs, where they treat rheumatism, and some of them even to Europe. When they come in here to buy shoes, they speak incidentally about their troubles, and generally a silver plate and a shoe that will hold the bones in place fix them up.
“Often I can tell what is the matter with a woman’s foot just by seeing her walk. You see that shoe, all worn off at the side? And this one, worn at the toe? Well, that is because the women have tried to ease the pressure on those broken-down bones. A foot that is formed right, and that is in perfect health, will wear the shoe evenly across the sole. If women only knew what was the matter with their feet, the doctors would miss a lot of fees for treatments for rheumatism.”—Selected.
Rest the Eyes
REST THE EYES.—If you want to have good eyes, give these organs an occasional rest. When talking, listening to music, or thinking, close the eyes. You have to use them anyway, ten times as much as your grandfather did his.—New Selected.
Toads as Insect Destroyers
THE wonderful insect-killing capacity of the toad is known in a general way to the enlightened few, says Country Life in America. An imported colony of toads may be the salvation of a flower garden. We now have some interesting figures which show that every toad in the garden may be worth twenty dollars or more. Many gardeners give their children a cent apiece for every cutworm destroyed, considering this a low estimate of the damage caused by these insects. From May 1 to August 1 a toad may destroy 2,160 cutworms, which it would cost $21.60 to destroy by hand. English gardeners are said to pay as much as twenty-five dollars a hundred for toads for colonizing purposes.—Christian Advocate.
Housekeeping Hints
AVOID debt as you would the pestilence. Never spend a penny unless you are absolutely sure you can afford it. Expensive things are to be avoided by the average housekeeper. In furnishing your house, remember that trumpery is worse than useless, and, if you do your own work, will take time that might better be given to reading or resting.
The kitchen is the most important part of the house. It should be well lighted and ventilated, for about half of your time must be spent in this room. A good cook-stove is indispensable, and it must be kept free from soot and ashes, if you wish to keep your temper. Nothing should be cooked that is not essential to health, or rather that is injurious to health, for it would be worse than a waste of time. Everything about the kitchen should be kept scrupulously clean, whether the rest of the house is or not. Use as little tinware as possible. Yellow earthenware is more easily kept clean.
Before retiring at night clean out your stove, and lay the fire ready to touch a match to it in the morning. Set the table, and make all other preparations for breakfast that can be made beforehand. It may seem hard to do if you are tired, but it will be easier than to be obliged to make haste in the morning, and get so nervous that you will feel upset for the day.
After breakfast, clear away the dishes, do the baking, prepare the vegetables for dinner, sweep the kitchen, clean the lamps, and put everything in order, then use the remainder of your time in setting the rest of the house to rights. Never do kitchen work in the afternoon. — Australasian Good Health.
The Use of Glycerin
A LEADING specialist, and authority on matters pertaining to the skin, says of glycerin: Glycerin is really very harmful to the skin; it evaporates the water in the pores rapidly, particularly; You will result in breaks of the skin, or chaps and roughness. This may be a surprise to many; for it is a fond belief that for chapped hands and lips it is an excellent remedy and preventive. Mixed with other ingredients so that a chemical change occurs in it, it may not be harmful, but glycerin, in a pure state, should never be applied to the skin, or its health and appearance will suffer, and cracks and chaps will be aggravated.—Selected.
TEMPERATURE OF DRINKING WATER.
— For general drinking purposes cool water, from sixty degrees to seventy degrees temperature, is the most wholesome. Water is cold when below sixty degrees; tepid, when from ninety-two degrees to ninety-eight degrees. Above that water is hot. Hot water drinking, although a temporary stimulus, in the end has the effect to debilitate the stomach.