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The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 21.

THE MOLLY MAGUIRES
Earlier text: SUBSTITUTES

THE BEACON LIGHT.

By Jos. Clarke

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119 :105. We should read the Bible much, and with prayer, in order to get the meaning of this saying of king David; and the longer we walk by this light, the more we experience of its power and truthfulness, the more we shall value such testimony as David here gives.
There is no difficulty or temptation incident to human life, in which the word of God may not apply as a rule and a test of life action, and character. The little child, if properly taught, will soon learn the moral science the Bible inculcates, and will apply it correctly.
As the weather-beaten mariner compares chart and compass with the beacon light, which warns of hidden rocks or shoals, so the Christian closely compares his life with the word of God. If his principles and life accord with the principles and teachings of the word of God, he enjoys the approval of God, and the light of Heaven shines fully and freely into his soul.
A light-house is placed upon those points of land which stand out most prominently and thereby endanger the safety of commerce; and as the ships pass by them, by night and by day, these dangerous points of land, or these hidden rocks, or unseen shoals, are thereby advertised to all who pass them, that each vessel, with its precious freight of life and treasure, may steer clear of danger, and find a safe and pleasant passage.
So in the Bible, there are recorded instances of rebellion, of obstinacy, of wickedness, and of sin, and the consequences thereof, each sufficient to deter those who read from the like act; so, on the other hand, virtue with its rewards has its bright examples. Cain stands out in a clear light as an instance of malice, hateful and loathsome; and Daniel and others are resplendent lights on the side of virtue.
David is a light to encourage the erring, while his sins with their terrible effects strike dismay to the presumptuous and the proud. The good and bad mentioned in each Testament are beacons for us. Central among the bad stands Lucifer, luring to ruin; and high and ineffably bright, above prophets and apostles, stands the great central light, Jesus, the bright and morning star, inviting us to the haven of final rest. JOS. CLARKE.

The Old Prophecy of Turkey

The condition of Turkey will remind the curious of the old-rhymed prophecy said to have been made in 1453. It is noteworthy that it will be “twice ten years” next spring, from the conclusion of the Crimean war:
“In twice two hundred years the Bear, The Crescent shall assail; But if the Cock and Bull unite The Bear shall not prevail. But look, in twice ten years again, Let Islam know and fear. The Cross shall wax—the Crescent wane, Grow pale and disappear.”

THE TURKISH TROUBLE.

RESPECTING the recent outbreak in Salonica, of which an account was given in last week's REVIEW, the Boston Journal, after speaking of the hostile elements in European Turkey, and the small minority of those who are really Ottomans, says:—
“Nothing but outside pressure—the result of mutual distrust and fears and of the expediency of maintaining the existing status in Europe—has kept those hostile elements from coming into collision or has made the arbitrary rule of the hated minority tolerable at any time during the last quarter of a century. It is possible that the point of forbearance is passed now. The official representatives of Germany and France have been slain under circumstances which show not only that the fanaticism of the Turks against the Christians is as fierce as ever, but that the Turkish government is unable to protect the latter. We may be sure that neither Bismarck nor MacMahon will stand this affront, and it may be that they will agree with the other leading powers of Europe that the time has at length arrived for the Turks to decamp and betake themselves to their Asiatic home.”
A dispatch, dated London, May 12, says:—
“The Paris correspondent of the Times has received a communication from a person of unquestionable authority who considers that the fanatical movement in Salonica is gaining ground.
“The correspondent thinks the Salonica affair may be the effect of an agitation which has been carefully fomented, in view of the eventual necessity of a ‘holy war.’ He hopes the powers will take prompt measures to prevent horrors which may be foreseen.”
“Prepared for an emergency. The Times’ dispatch from Berlin says Russia and Austria have placed their men-of-war in the Archipelago at the disposal of Germany, in case there should be any further attempt to molest the Germans in Turkey before the arrival of the German squadron.”

IN MOURNING FOR GOD.

By Emily Christlieb

Once when Martin Luther was paying a consolatory visit to a noble lady of Wittemberg, widow of Hans von Selmnitz, who had been murdered in Halle, in 1519, after conversing with her for some time and listening patiently to her complaints, he related two incidents in his own life.
“At one time I was sorely vexed and tried by my own sinfulness, by the wickedness of the world, and by the dangers that beset the church. One morning I saw my wife dressed in mourning. Surprised, I asked her who had died. ‘Do you not know?’ she replied; ‘God in Heaven is dead.’ ‘How can you talk such nonsense, Katie,’ I said, ‘how can God die? Why, he is immortal, and will live through all eternity.’ ‘Is that really true?’ she asked. ‘Of course,’ I said, still not perceiving what she was aiming at, ‘how can you doubt it? As surely as there is a God in Heaven, so sure is it that he can never die.’ ‘And yet,’ she said, ‘though you do not doubt that,—yet you are so hopeless and discouraged?’ Then I observed what a wise woman my wife was, and mastered my sadness.”
“Another time my friend Pommer comforted me in the following way: ‘No doubt God in Heaven is thinking, What shall I do with this man? I have given him so many great and glorious gifts, and yet he cannot trust my grace.’ These words comforted me as though they had been spoken by an angel from Heaven; they went straight to my heart and remained firmly there.
“And now, I will say to you, God is thinking how many good things this child of mine has received from me. She is my child by baptism; to redeem her I gave my only Son from Heaven to suffer death on the cross. In the sacrament of the Lord’s supper I gave her all my heavenly gifts, and yet she doubts my grace! When temptation comes, take your eyes quickly from your own sinfulness, and fix them on the Man who bore your sins on the cross. Thus you will take fresh courage. There is nothing pleases the devil better than when you torture yourself with doubts, and lose sight of Christ.”
Luther had a special gift for comforting the tempted, and many were the requests that came to him from far and near to help such. Mrs. Selmnitz said that, when he had been thus comforting her, she only wished to be able to close her eyes and not open them again in this world, for she then felt perfectly safe and assured of her acceptance in Christ.—Emily Christlieb, in Day of Rest.

TENNESSEE

By Orlando Soule

After becoming acquainted with the people by visiting from house to house, I commenced holding meetings in Bledsoe Co. the 19th of March, and closed them April 30. Have given in all thirty-nine lectures. Meetings were discontinued twice on account of bad weather, at one time for a full week; at another, only two days. When I had spoken twice from the prophecies, a person, without being provoked, came in and spoke against the Sabbath. I had freedom in reviewing him, and he said no more. A man that had burned tracts, and who held the offices of deacon and Sunday-school superintendent, came to hear and take notes, intending to review me. Upon going home and trying to arrange a review, he became much perplexed, and got but little sleep and no rest; after considerable time spent in this manner, he concluded that there was safety only in obedience. He is now keeping the Sabbath and using his influence, which is not a little, in favor of the truth. To the Lord be all the glory.
Twenty have signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; if these are faithful and live as near to the Lord as they ought, there are a number that will soon join them. Presenting the truth here has been very laborious; the neighborhood is thinly settled, and the few books that I had in my trunk were at the railroad station forty miles away, so the work depended much upon my exertions, under God. In fair weather I spoke eleven times a week, and visited from two to six families each day, making a journey of from eight to twelve miles.
Urgent invitations are coming from all directions for labor. Eight neighborhoods now stand anxiously waiting for their turn to come. The Sequatchie Valley is from 3 to 5 miles wide and 65 miles long, and as far as heard from, the people are all awake to hear. I am now at Pikeville, a little village situated a little above the middle of this valley; have held two meetings with a very good attendance. Brethren, pray that the Spirit of God may set the truth home to men's hearts in this long-neglected part of the vineyard.
ORLANDO SOULE.

TEXAS

By Dudley Marvin Canright

DALLAS, Texas, is 860 miles from Battle Creek and is as far south as Charleston, South Carolina, and as far west as Omaha, Neb. I arrived here Friday, May 5. For so short a notice all had been done that could be to get the brethren together, prepare a suitable place for meetings, etc. A fine bower was made of lumber and evergreens which answered for a tent. The brethren have rented a hall for their ordinary meetings. It is near the Union depot on Swiss street, No. 118. Sabbath morning about twenty-five brethren and sisters came in, and we had an excellent prayer and social meeting, nearly all taking part promptly.
I gave a history of our work, and then spoke on baptism and organization. After this a church of eighteen members was organized. Sunday morning we went two miles to a small lake for our first baptism in Texas. Eleven good souls were there buried in baptism. Everything about it was pleasant, and we were all very happy. I spoke each evening on some point of the present truth. I can truly say that the word was received with all readiness of mind.
The next Sabbath other brethren came in, so that there were about forty present. Then we had one of the best social meetings I have enjoyed for a long time. Every one took part, some who thought they could not a week before. Those who were baptized said they had never been so happy in their lives before. After speaking two or three hours upon various duties, we again went to the lake for baptism. It was a beautiful day and a lovely place. We found a large Sunday-school party there. We told them our business, and so they gathered around and witnessed the baptism with the greatest respect. Six were baptized, among whom were a father, mother, son, and daughter, of the same family. All four went into the water together, hand in hand, and remained there till all were baptized. This was so touching a sight that many were moved to tears.
All these were thorough southerners, one a Confederate soldier. Two of those baptized before were also Confederate soldiers. Ten more joined the church this Sabbath, making twenty-eight in all. Then Bro. E. G. Rust was elected and ordained deacon, after which we celebrated the ordinances. All entered into it heartily, and the Lord blessed them greatly. They will not soon forget this meeting. A very fine-appearing S. D. Baptist family living near here heard of our meetings, inquired us out, and attended upon the Sabbath. They will now attend every Sabbath; we are glad of this.
Sunday morning we came together and organized a T. & M. Society of thirty-two members, every one paying a dollar for membership; $69 more were paid and pledged for a tract fund. Then I set before them the subject of Systematic Benevolence. All entered into it heartily, making a pledge of $264.80. Considering their circumstances, this was liberal. I sold quite a number of books, and obtained nine subscribers for the REVIEW, nine for the INSTRUCTOR, and five for the REFORMER.
In the week between, I went out twelve miles to the home of Bro. A. B. Rust, and then ten miles farther to visit a family of new Sabbath-keepers. Bro. Rust's neighbors urged that I should preach to them. A new house was being built near there, so they seated it and appointed a meeting at 3 P. M., Thursday. As the notice was short and work was pressing, I did not expect many. But at the hour appointed, here they came from every direction, afoot, on horseback, and with wagons, men, women, and children, both white and black, to the number of a hundred or more. The horses were lariated around the house, border style. Here I saw something new,—the whites all seated inside the house and the colored people all outside,—an invariable custom through the South. I had the best of attention, and a deep impression was made. I advertised our papers and two came up and subscribed for the REVIEW and six for the INSTRUCTOR. Our tracts were taken readily. We were strongly urged to come back and tell them more about these doctrines.
Near here Eddie Capman, one of our young brethren, has a night school three evenings in the week for the colored people. I attended one evening. It was held in a little log cabin about 12x14. In this were rude seats with a rough table in the center. On this was an ordinary lantern for light. Around this table were seated about a dozen colored people, ranging from parson Green Medlin, with his white locks, down to little children of eight or ten years. All the older ones had been slaves. Now they were learning to read, spell, write, etc. The younger ones seem to get along well; but the older ones have hard work of it. To me it was really touching to see a man of forty trying to learn his letters. But the effort is commendable, and many of them do better than could be expected.
We find that there are now about sixty Sabbath-keepers in Texas, but considerably scattered. Dallas is the center, as it is of all Northern immigration. Brethren from the North are constantly moving in, and so are thousands of others from all the Northern and Western States. We now have one church and a Tract Society organized. About half of these persons are Southern people who have moved here from Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, etc. Like good Christians, they are now sending the truth back to their friends in these States. We expect to see fruit of this in opening fields for the truth in the South.
The Southern people who have embraced the truth here love it just as dearly as our Northern people, have taken hold of it just as zealously, and receive the health reform and all parts of the message just as readily as any people I ever saw. All have given up tobacco, and pork is laid aside. In this section there is but little prejudice now against Northern people,—not enough to stand in the way of judicious labor in the truth. I see no reason why Northern Texas is not just as good a field as any of the Western States. A tent can be run here the year round. There are plenty of good openings to preach in school-houses where brethren live.
It seems to me that the time has come for labor among the freedmen. But it will have to be a distinct mission. A man can not labor for them and for the whites too, as the white would not associate with him if he did. There is no objection to laboring for them and teaching them, but it must be separately. The colored people can not attend schools nor churches with the whites, and little or nothing is done for them by the whites. They are left to shift for themselves as sheep without a shepherd. At least that is the way it is here. They are anxious to be taught, and would welcome laborers among them. They are locating in small settlements where they can get land. Could a man and his wife come among them with a tent in which to hold school for the younger ones and meetings for the others, I am sure many would embrace the truth readily.
Our brethren are very anxious to have a faithful minister sent to Texas as soon as may be; but will give no countenance to any one unless sent by the General Conference.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Little Rock, Arkansas, May 16.

WALDRON, ILL.

By T. M. Steward

When I made my last report, I was holding meetings under very unfavorable circumstances. It continued to rain until the country was flooded, and the mud so bad the people could not get out. We had to close our meetings and seek a more favorable location.
I went to Waldron, into the sandy region, where it was more favorable. Here I labored some six weeks. The Lord helped me. The people were interested, and came out as well as could be expected. Some twenty have decided to keep the Sabbath. To the Lord be all the praise. About ten or twelve more promised to keep it, and I wish they had grace to carry out their convictions of duty. Others are convinced. May the Spirit of God quicken their consciences to obey the truth. Obtained six subscribers for SIGNS, one for REVIEW, twelve for INSTRUCTOR, and one for HEALTH REFORMER.
Appointed a leader, and meetings are to be held every Sabbath. Organized a Sabbath-school with sixteen scholars. The dear children are bright, intelligent, and interested to learn. If their parents will encourage them by showing a respect for the word of God themselves, they will have a very interesting school. May the Lord gather these dear children into his fold, shield them from the storm of his wrath, and give them a peaceful home in his kingdom at last is my prayer. The Lord is good and his mercy endureth forever.
T. M. STEWARD.

AN IMPRESSIVE DREAM.

By C. W. Stone

[Bro. C. W. Stone sends the following dream for publication in the REVIEW, at the request of his brethren.]
One night several weeks ago, I dreamed that a stranger stopped in front of my door with a span of horses and a double sled. He unhitched the horses and led them into my neighbor's barn. I went out and stepped upon the sled. It began to slide back down a little descent into the road. With a very even and gentle movement it passed across a level space of about six rods, then up a little rise, such as it descended at first. I thought it a little strange that the sled should go so far; for the hill down which it slid at first was slight, and the sled had moved slowly all the way; but I concluded that it was all right, and did not study very deeply into the matter. As the sled was about to cross the railway, I put my foot down and easily stopped it.
It was now down hill in the opposite direction, so it was not very surprising that the sled began to slide back over the same ground. With the same easy movement it returned to the place where I first got on, and passing onward it ran up over a bank into the field, and moved in a large circle around the buildings. I was somewhat puzzled with the moving of the sled up over the bank, but I stopped philosophizing and settled down to an enjoyment of the ride. There was something about it that was so bewitching, so fascinating, that my misgivings were soon quieted. With that same lulling movement, the sled completed the circuit, coming down into the road over a bank, which, though usually very steep, was then very well graded.
The sled began the second round. This time it ascended a very steep bank, and as it reached the field its speed began to increase rapidly, although on rising ground. I was aroused, and queried, What makes this sled go? The answer came into my mind, This is spiritualism. Some invisible hand draws this sled.
Then I reasoned thus: This is a wonderful power that I have. This feat is fully equal to that of the medium in London who was transported from a high window to another on the opposite side of the street by unseen power. I shall become famous. I shall be sought after by people from all parts of the world. But is it right for me to dabble in spiritualism? I know it is of the devil. But it is so charming to ride on this sled and the honor will be so great that I will ride awhile. I can get off just when I want to do so; and as I know that it is wrong, of course I will get off before any harm comes.
Having thus put down my wholesome fears, I thought to enjoy myself a little longer. The speed increased. I looked ahead to the bank between myself and the road, with some fear that the sled would not run down over it so smoothly as it did before. My fears were realized. When I reached the bank I found it a perpendicular fall of about fifteen feet. The sled went over, and, falling faster than I did, it turned over twice, striking right side up. Thrilled with fear, I floated down easily to the sled. I ought then to have got off, but recklessly I rode on. The sled now took a different course, running down through a field full of stumps and hollows. It was very rough.
There was now no pleasure in riding, nor was there a prospect of being able to get safely off, so great was the speed. My whole strength was now employed in clinging to the sled which was just entering a forest. The route was descending, and as far ahead as I could see it was down hill. The forest grew denser, and as I peered down into its dismal shades a cold shudder passed over me; for I saw that I was being borne rapidly down into the deep, dark valley of despair and everlasting destruction.
Before me was death. An effort to stop could result in nothing worse. I must make it. I struck my foot firmly against a rock. The sled stopped. I arose to retrace my way, but I could not move a step. A mighty attraction, which seemed like magnetism, held me. I looked, and, lo! thirty feet from me, with a triumphant smile on his dark visage, his feet firmly braced, stood an evil angel. He held a mass of cords in his hands which, I then saw, passed from me, proceeding from all parts of my body from my head to my feet. Close to my body the cords were invisible, but they held me with such power that I could not move.
Oh, the terror of my situation! “Led captive by the devil at his will,” on his own ground, how should I escape? I saw that my own strength was not sufficient to take me back, even one step. I began to pray. I took my eyes off from my enemy and looked toward Heaven. Thick clouds hung over me with awful darkness. I prayed in agony. I pleaded for help. I confessed my sin. The cloud parted a little, and a ray of light fell down like a cord. I seized it and was inspired with hope. I clung to the cords and began to pull my way back to the clearing. It was hard work, but continuing in earnest prayer, I pressed forward. The opening in the cloud enlarged, and a large bundle of rays of light like cords, by which I held, came down through. I gained strength. The farther I went, the faster I could go, and the more help and light I received.
I reached the field of stumps and struggled up through it, never once ceasing to pray, nor taking my eye off from the opening in the clouds. Just as I was stepping from the field of stumps into the road before my own door, the cords by which Satan held me dropped off. Prayer was turned to praise. It seemed light all around. I praised God for victory over the enemy, and in God's name I bade him defiance. He turned and fled in great haste down into the dark woods from which I had been delivered. The joy of that moment cannot be told.
A voice near me said, “This dream is to illustrate the way individuals yield to temptation and indulge in petty sins, until they are ensnared by the devil; and also to show that man cannot overcome in his own strength.”
I awoke. The dream was fresh in my mind. I pondered its application. I saw that it was a perfect illustration of the downward course of him who yields to temptation. He begins to violate the Sabbath by cutting a little off from each end. He grows more careless until he takes the whole. He associates occasionally with evil companions. He knows it is wrong, but thinks to leave them at some future time. He clings to them till the prison or the gallows looms up before him, when he awakes to his lost condition.
The young are often fond of gay society. Such a youth is converted. He knows that the influence of his trifling companions is not good. Still, for this once, he will go to that party. He knows that it is not just right, but he does not mean to make a practice of it. He goes. The lively talk, the flattering attentions of some one, the excitement generally, are too much for him. He goes again and again. Light conversation and vain thoughts take possession of his mind; and if he thinks at all of reforming, he puts the day so far in the future that he may never reach it.
A young man begins to take an occasional glass, or smoke an occasional cigar, with his friends. He does not wish to become a drunkard nor a smoker. He says he can take a glass or let it alone; he can smoke a cigar or not; he can stop when he wishes. Ah! that is a deception of the devil. He knows it is wrong, and yet he has not the power to resist the first temptation to indulge, nor the second, nor the third, or else he does not wish to resist. How does he know that he will ever wish to stop? or that he will have the power when he does desire to reform?
The best way is not to get on the sled—not to place yourself where you will be tempted. But if you are on the sled, stop it when you can do it easily. Show your power to resist temptation by doing it at first. It can never be done so easily as then.
Dear reader, what sin is binding you down and making you a slave? Set your foot down firmly, and call upon God for help. There is no time to lose. The Judgment will soon reveal every secret sin. None but the pure in heart shall see God. Jesus soon is coming. Those who will have the confidence to say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us,” will be found yielding to no sin. They will have gotten a complete victory. May the reader and the writer be among that happy number. C. W. STONE.
Richford, Vt.

THE ADVENT.

Hark, the glad sound! the Saviour comes— The Saviour promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song.
He comes, the pris'ners to release, In Satan's bondage held; The gates of brass before him burst, The iron fetters yield.
He comes, the broken heart to bind, The bleeding soul to cure; And, with the treasures of his grace, T' enrich the humble poor.
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace! Thy welcome shall proclaim; And Heaven's eternal arches ring With thy beloved name. —Sel.

WISCONSIN TENT, NO. 1.

By I. SANBORN

We pitched the tent in Prestonburg May 10, and will commence meetings in it Sabbath, the 13th. We have labored in this place four weeks. Fifteen have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and many others are interested. But the opposing party locked up their meeting-house and school-house, so we had no place to hold meetings unless we pitched the tent. We now have the tent seated, and the weather is fine.
We shall remain here and in an adjoining neighborhood till the Sparta Camp-meeting. Pray that the Lord may give us wisdom to labor successfully in building up his cause. I. SANBORN.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
One of my dear children, Mrs. Eliza A. Horgepool, in the 29th year of her age, upon the 10th of April, 1876, after a short illness, bade us farewell, and fell asleep in Jesus. She said she had no fears, but her own language was: “I am as happy as I can be.” Oh, the blessedness of the death of the righteous. “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints.” My daughter is dead, but her life is hid with Christ in God, and he will raise her up at the last day. Thank God for that blessed promise. B. H. LEWIS.
Died, Sept. 12, 1875, in Bowling Green, Ohio, our beloved sister, Elmina Getman, aged 54 years. Sister Getman was one who joyfully received the truth while we were laboring in that place some two years ago. Being then in very feeble health, she heard but one discourse, but read the silent messengers, our publications, and immediately embraced the Sabbath with her aged mother. The soon coming of our Saviour was an especial theme of interest with her. She remained firm and steadfast until her gradual decline yielded to death’s stern demands. A kind and tender husband and dear aged parents are left to mourn their loss. May that loss be made up by meeting her robed in immortal bloom, where the willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land. Funeral discourse by Eld. Hubbard, Congregational minister. E. S. LANE.
Died of consumption, in Dane, Wisconsin, May 3, 1876, Bro. Phineas Martin, aged seventy years and eight months. He leaves a wife, eight children, and thirty-one grandchildren to mourn their loss. He became an Adventist in 1844, and commenced keeping the Sabbath in 1861. He was a strong believer in the third angel’s message. He sleeps in Jesus, and we believe if faithful we shall meet him in the morning of the resurrection. May the Lord bless the afflicted family. Remarks by the writer from Ps. 71:20. N. M. JORDON.
Died in Weybridge, Vt., April 23, 1876, of cerebro-spinal meningitis, Eddie E., son of Lovias J. and Matilda Everts Hall, aged fourteen years and six months. Eddie was an intelligent and amiable boy. He loved the truth. He kept the Sabbath of the Lord, and delighted to attend the Sabbath-school whenever he could. He would learn and repeat many verses. This dear child is greatly missed in the family circle of Bro. Hall. A comforting discourse was preached at the funeral by Eld. D. T. Taylor, from the words, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” A. S. HUTCHINS.

MANAGING CHILDREN.

[The following article on managing children appeared in the REVIEW a little more than five years ago. I think it worthy of republication. J. Lamont.]
Our children are our mirrors. If we would know ourselves, we have but to study them. They give back a true reflection. Can there be a sadder sight than the one so often seen, of a worn and anxious mother, scolding, and shutting up, and whipping, aye, and praying over, her bright, wayward child; when, were she but to turn a clear look, unblinded by self-love, inward, she could see that almost, if not quite, all which causes her so much anxiety and annoyance, and her child so many punishments, is her own fault. But children are not mere reflections. They have inquisitive little minds and warm little hearts, and if we, through weariness or thoughtlessness, withhold information from the one, or sympathy from the other, they are genuine sufferers.
I was once visiting a home, of which a dear little girl was the light. One after noon she was crying quietly. Her mother's conversation was interspersed with, “Hush, I tell you,” “Stop crying,” “Do hush,” “I'll send you off by yourself,” “Hush.”
“Mother, what ails the little girl?” I asked at last.
“Nothing at all; she is just a naughty little girl, and I shall have to punish her. I've let her bring all her playthings into the parlor, and isn't she bad to annoy and mortify me so?”
But that little, low, suppressed, sobbing cry, and those great, round tear-drops told another story, and I asked,
“May I talk to her?”
“Certainly, I wish you would.”
“Come here darling,” I said, and taking her on my knee, I kissed her. “What is the trouble, my little pet?”
“I doesn't mean to be bad. I don't want to plague mamma; but Dolly is very sick, and I can't get nobody to do nothing for her!”
“Bring Dolly to me.” Feeling her pulse, “Why she is in a high fever; bring me some paper, and I will make her some powders. There are three powders, all folded up nicely; now bring me a baby cup and tiny spoon. I've filled it with air mixture, and you must give her a teaspoonful every time she cries. Now undress her, and rub her with a flannel, and then rock her to sleep.”
The little girl was happy and singing all the afternoon, occasionally bringing Dolly to me, to see how she was, which I enjoyed as much as the child did. At night, she kissed me again and again, with, “I does love you.”
“But the child was crying for nothing.”
I beg your pardon; the child was crying for love and sympathy, just what you and I cry for, even yet.
“But her troubles are imaginary.”
So are most of yours and mine; yet we bore all our friends and weary God with them.
Children not only imitate our faults, and suffer by our carelessness, but govern us through our weaknesses. A friend came to visit me, and brought a generous, frank, and manly boy of four years old. But he disturbed our whole circle by his constant crying. This habit was not in keeping with the brave, proud, independent character of the child. I therefore felt a curiosity to find the cause. My first discovery was, he never shed a tear.
His mother wished to take a trip, but could not take her boy.
“Leave him with me.”
“He'll torment the life out of you.”
“I don't think so.”
“I will, indeed, be most grateful. You may whip him as often as you please.”
“I should not strike a child, except in a most extreme case.”
“Then you can do nothing with him.”
She was gone. The next morning after breakfast Willie asked:—
“May I go and play in the yard?”
“It rained last night, and it's too damp now. You may go at ten, not before.”
“Boo, whoo, whoo,” rest. I kept quietly sewing. “Boo, whoo, whoo,” bass. “Boo, whoo, whoo,” tenor. I sewed on. “Boo, whoo, whoo,” double bass. “Boo, whoo, whoo,” falsetto—rest.
“Now may I go?”
“You may go at ten o'clock.”
Concert repeated—I silently sewing the while.
“Ain't your head most ready to split?”
“No.”
“Mayn't I go out now?”
“Not until ten o'clock.”
Concert resumed; rest.
“Ain't you most crazy?”
“No, not at all.”
Concert resumed, with the addition of throwing himself on the floor, and knocking his feet up and down. After a while:—
“Ain't you most crazy yet? Why don't you shake me, and call me the baddest boy ever was, and send me out doors?”
“Because you are not going out until ten o'clock.”
Concert resumed, with the addition of bumping his head as well as his toes; rest; a pause. Then, picking himself up, he stood erect before me, with his hands in his pockets.
“Why don't you whip me, and send me off to get rid of my noise?”
“Because you are not going out until ten o'clock.”
He stood a moment.
“If I bump my head, ain't you afraid it will kill me?”
“Not in the least.”
“But it does hurt me awfully.”
“I am happy to bear it.”
He drew a long breath.
“What can I do next? I've done all I knows how.”
“See if you cannot think of something else.”
“May I take my blocks?”
“Certainly.”
At nine he started up:—
“Now may I go?”
“That's nine.”
He went back to his blocks without a murmur.
At ten he went out.
He had been used to kneel by his mother, say his prayers, and hop into bed. I wished him to kneel with me, by the bed, and say his prayers slowly, and then I would make a short prayer for him. The arrangement did not please him; so the third night he gave battle. Being tired, my head did feel as if it couldn't, or rather wouldn't, bear it. Out of all patience, I determined to give him a good whipping. But never having struck a child, I was not quite hardened enough to take my slipper, and couldn't see anything else. As I looked around, a voice—my God, speaking through my conscience, asked: “What! whip in anger? whip a little boy because he cannot govern his spirit, when you cannot govern your own? Another than the boy needs to be prayed for.” And, kneeling, I asked my Father to give me his strength, his grand patience, with a disobedient, self-willed child. As I knelt, Willie crawled under my arm, and commenced to say his prayers very slowly, and kept still while I prayed a few words, and then asked:—
“Now, mayn't I pray my own self?”
“Yes, darling.”
And these were his words: “It's a real mean little boy. She wont do nothing ugly a bit, and I's made her head most split. O God, don't let me be a mean little boy any more at all.”
The splendid little fellow had had a fair trial of strength, and was conquered, and surrendered manfully; and I had no further trouble or annoyance during the seven weeks he stayed with me.
But how nearly I had lost my vantage ground! If we would rule our own spirits, how easy it would be to rule our children and our servants.—Congregationalist.

COME

By Rev. R. S. Hutton, M. A.

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.
You are invited to go to Christ. He is your great High Priest, he once offered himself up for our sins. He stood as your surety in the most momentous of all positions. He suffered, the just for the unjust. He bore your griefs, and carried your sorrows. The Lord laid on him your iniquities. If you go to him, receive him as your Saviour, and put your trust in him; he will in no wise cast you out.
He is infinitely able to save. Man is powerless to save; angels are powerless to save; but nothing is impossible to him. You may be deeply sunk in sin, but he can raise you from the horrible pit and the miry clay. You may be stained with sins of crimson dye, but he can purge you, and make you whiter than the snow. A multitude which no man can number have already been washed in his precious blood, but the cleansing virtue of that blood is as great now as ever.
And he is infinitely kind. You may be a sinner of the greatest enormity; you may have had godly parents; your teachers may have been earnestly religious; you may have waited on a faithful and impressive ministry; but you may have drowned convictions in worldliness and sin. You may have spent many a long year in infidelity and vice; you may now stand on the shore of a dark eternity, worn out with sin; but you need not despair. The mercy of the Lord reacheth unto the clouds. Christ is still willing to receive you. Beyond all knowledge is his love. It is an ocean which no line can fathom, and no shore can bound. Sinners as great as you he has saved, and his mercy endureth forever. Tell me not that your iniquities are too black to be forgiven. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.
An excellent and pious man, when on his death-bed, was for some time under considerable darkness respecting his spiritual state, and said to a friend: “For all that I have preached or written, there is but one scripture I can remember or dare grip to; tell me if I dare lay the weight of my salvation upon it: ‘Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.’” The friend replied: “You may depend upon it, though you had a thousand salvations at hazard.” It was a most true and wise reply. A man may make a promise, and may change his mind, and be unwilling to perform it. Not so Christ. He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. A man may make a promise, and be afterward placed in circumstances in which he is unable to fulfil it. Not so Christ. All power in Heaven and in earth is his. A man may make a promise, and be indifferent whether it be realized or not. Not so Christ. He longs with unchanging love for your eternal weal. You may then depend on his word, though you had a thousand salvations at hazard.
Do not distrust the Saviour’s promise. Take him at his word. You may rely on him with assured confidence. “This man receiveth sinners.” You may be deeply unworthy; you may have wandered from him ever so far; you may have brought discredit by many a year of worldliness and sin on the name of Christian; but Jesus is waiting to be gracious. He invites, encourages, beseeches you to come to him; and you may be sure that, if you do so, he will prove true to his promise, and never cast you out.—Rev. R. S. Hutton, M. A.
Continue reading: GOOD SOLDIERS OF JESUS CHRIST