JAPAN has been frequently referred to as the "children's paradise," and with considerable justice, for in no other country is childhood made so much of, and are children surrounded by so many devices for their amusement. In every town there are numbers of street venders and hawkers whose sole customers are children.
One class of these venders carry two charcoal stoves, or furnaces, swung, in the conventional manner of the country, from the ends of a pole which rests across the shoulder. Arriving at a convenient corner, the load is put down, and a group of eager children quickly gathers. For the moderate sum of one or two rin the children are each supplied with a tiny cup of sweetened batter and a spoon. Thus equipped, they proceed to bake their own cookies on the smooth iron top of the stoves, fashioning the dainties into whatever shape they please, and when they are crisp and brown, devouring them.
The ame vender also devotes his skill to children. His "stock in trade" consists of dried reeds and a quantity of midzu ame, a sort of malt paste. Some of the ame is put on the end of a reed, and is moulded or blown into some fantastic shape by the vender. The young customers dictate as to the figures, and butterflies, flowers, gourds, or what not, are shaped from the sweet paste. The children, after having satisfied their tastes for artistic design, eat the finished work, the reed handle preventing their fingers from becoming sticky.
There is another of the child amusers that can be seen in the streets of Tokio or any other Japanese city. This artisan moulds fruit, flowers, and vegetables from colored rice-flour dough, and does his work so deftly that it is really difficult to distinguish the artificial from the real fruit. This universal love and regard for children is also displayed at every temple festival, where numerous booths, gay with toys, flags, and games, form always a prominent feature.—Popular Science Monthly.
A GOOD LESSON.
Most young people are very fond of display in dress. Rings, breastpins, and similar superfluities are in great demand among them. We have known a girl to spend a month's wages for a single article of this kind, and a young man to run in debt for a cane when he had scarcely clothing enough to appear respectable. The following story of a successful merchant will show to such how these things look to sensible people. Said he:—
"I was seventeen years old when I left the country store where I had 'tended' for three years, and came to Boston in search of a place. Anxious, of course, to appear to the best advantage, I spent an unusual amount of time and solicitude upon my toilet, and when it was completed, I surveyed my reflection in the glass with no little satisfaction, glancing lastly and approvingly upon a seal ring which embellished my little finger, and my cane, a very pretty affair, which I had purchased with direct reference to this occasion. My first day's experience was not encouraging. I traveled street after street, up one side and down the other, without success. I fancied, toward the last, that the clerks all knew my business the moment I opened the door, and that they winked ill-naturedly at my discomfiture as I passed out. But nature endowed me with a good degree of persistency, and the next day I started again. Toward noon I entered a store where an elderly gentleman was talking with a lady near by the door. I waited until the visitor had left, and then stated my errand.
" 'No, sir,' was the answer, given in a crisp and decided manner. Possibly I began to look the discouragement I was beginning to feel, for he added in a kindlier tone, 'Are you good at taking a hint?'
" 'I don't know,' I answered, and my face flushed painfully.
" 'What I wish to say is this,' said he, looking me in the face and smiling at my embarrassment, 'If I were in want of a clerk, I would not engage a young man who came seeking employment with a flashy ring upon his finger, and swinging a cane.'
"For a moment mortified vanity struggled against common sense, but sense got the victory, and I replied with rather shaky voice, 'I'm very much obliged to you,' and then beat a hasty retreat. As soon as I got out of sight, I slipped the ring into my pocket, and, walking rapidly to the Worcester station, I left the cane in charge of the baggage master 'until called for.' It is there now, for aught I know. At any rate, I never called for it. That afternoon I obtained a situation with the firm of which I am now a partner. How much my unfortunate finery had injured my prospects on the previous day I shall never know, but I never think of the old gentleman and his plain dealing with me without always feeling, as I told him at the time, 'very much obliged' to him."—Selected.
IN EVERY LINE.
THE poet Bryant, while editor of the New York Post, insisted that young poets should be sympathetically noticed in the book column of the paper. Once a sub editor handed him a thin volume of poems, saying that they were worthless. Mr. Bryant looked through the book, and then said, "You might say that it is prettily bound and clearly printed."
The editor of whom this story is told also had a soft side for young men who would write poetry.
"Give me your candid judgment of these lines," said the young man of literary aspirations. "Do they convey the idea of poetry at all?"
"Yes, sir," replied the editor, looking them over, "they do. There is something in every line that conveys the idea. Every line," continued the kind-hearted man, letting him down as gently as he could, "begins with a capital letter."—Youth's Companion.
A TOUCHING SCENE IN A COURT ROOM.
It is not often that anything but the rough and seamy side of human nature is exposed in a court of justice. Yesterday in Judge Horton's chambers the kindly side was shown in an unusual degree.
The incident took place over an attempt by John Ritter to adopt the little daughter of Leah Benjaminowski some days ago. Leah is the poor Russian Jew who created a scene in the court room by clasping her child in her arms, refusing to part with it, and, in a flood of tears, rushing from the court room. Judge Horton was so affected by the scene that he determined to investigate. He accordingly sent for a city detective, Louis Boch, and put him on the case. Boch found that the woman was a refugee from Russia. Her husband had been sent to the mines in Siberia, and had died there. Soon after coming here she married a poor tinsmith, who worked for $7.00 a week.
In the meantime Judge Horton had a visitor, who was a wealthy and well-known resident of Chicago. He had seen the story in the papers, and his sympathy was aroused.
"Judge," said he, "my cigars cost me $10 a week. I'll cut the expense down to $5.00 and give a bond to give that poor woman the rest. I couldn't sleep last night thinking about it. Tell her to keep her child."
The same day a letter was received from Mrs. J. H. Stenier, who is stopping at the Victoria Hotel. She wrote the judge that she would give the woman and her children a good home in the country.
Yesterday morning Judge Horton had Detective Boch bring Mrs. Benjaminowski and her two children into his private rooms. An unusual scene was witnessed. When the poor woman was told that she need not give up her child, she fell on her knees, grasped the little one in her arms, and wept tears of joy. It proved too much for the court and the detective, and their tears were mingled with those of the happy mother.—Chicago Herald.
"REFRESHING SLEEP."
By Christian Advocate
AN interested observer assures us that in order to enjoy the most refreshing sleep one should sleep in the dark. The sweetest and most undisturbed sleep is always enjoyed in a thoroughly darkened room. Light acts upon the brain, and those who sleep with their blinds up will find that in the summer time, when so few hours are really dark, their sleep is restless and disturbed. This is often placed to the account of heat, but more often than not it is the light which causes wakefulness, when, as a natural consequence, the body becomes aware of the heat. Night lights should never become a matter of necessity. A match and candle by the bedside should be quite sufficient. The wish for artificial light through the night is a depraved taste in the young and healthy, and should not be encouraged.—Christian Advocate.
Is God Dead?
By Eli Perkins
"PAPA," asked a little girl whose father had become quite worldly and given up family prayer, "I say, papa, is God dead?"
"No, my darling; why do you ask that?"
"Why, papa, you never talk to him now as you used to do."
These words haunted him, until he was reclaimed.—Eli Perkins.
Dress and Moderation
By Montesquieu
In the matter of dress, people should always keep below their ability.—Montesquieu.
THE GOSPEL IN THE LAND OF THE INCAS.
By Frank C. Kelley
[Arranged from the Spanish by Frank C. Kelley.]
LIMA, the capital of Peru, is, and has been for centuries, the most important center of the Andean countries. It was the center of the Spanish power. From it they extended over these countries their scepter. Its seaport is Callao, which really is a part of Lima. It is nearly thirty years since the gospel reached these cities and a church was organized among the English Protestants in Callao, where there is still a church and a school. But for a long time they had no pastor nor worship. Later a like organization was formed in Lima, which now has a church and a school, and supports a pastor. But he only works among the English, and entirely abstains from evangelical work among the people, considering that, in view of the laws and opposition in Peru, such a course is essential for the church's existence. The country is open for the presentation of the gospel in this manner.
Other efforts have been made by abler, more heroic, and faithful men, yet one after another have failed, leaving the field still barren in that important center. In other places earnest efforts were made, all of which failed; so that in the year 1888 there was not in all of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador a single active gospel worker. But from these true yet seemingly wasted efforts have come good results. The city of Lima is now the center of a work which has sent its messengers through all of Central America, and even to the frontiers of Mexico. It is the Lord's work, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
First, there was only a small company in Callao, who lived under a load of the cruelest hostility, suffering persecution, their pastor, Penzotti, being eight months confined in prison. Recently another company was formed in Lima, which both its friends and foes said would never be allowed to remain, that, before it would be tolerated, it would be drenched in blood. But it has already stood for a year, and is still growing. There are preparations for the organization of other companies in various parts of the country. The work produces converts, whose hearts are regenerated. Much could be said upon this point. Last April Bishop J. P. Newman (M. E.) visited that country, and, although having had a long experience in missionary countries, was much surprised at the spirituality which he found in Peru, and left well pleased.
Heroes and heroines are produced who know how to stand persecution. There are always cases of violence, imprisonment, and persecution, so that an adherent to the cause must be a man of valor. The English minister at Lima, Sir Charles Mansfield, recently said, in view of this fact, that the converts in Peru appeared to him to be more sincere than those in many other places.
Once two Bible distributors, John Arancet and Joseph Illescas, were working in a village in the southern part of Peru, when a mob attacked them. Those who caught Arancet told him he must die immediately. He asked for time to pray, which was granted him, and while he prayed for his own soul and those of his persecutors (with a piety the like of which they had never heard), they stood with stones in their hands ready to stone him. Arancet, not knowing at what moment he was to be stoned, continued to pray. At last he heard the voice of an officer who came to save him; and, to pacify the mob, he was taken to the prison, as Illescas had been. That night they were in the care of the guards. The mob returned again, and the guards feared they would lose their lives, but Illescas spoke to the leaders of the mob, replying to their questions, and in the same street he preached the gospel to them, until at last the mob dispersed and returned to their homes. The following day the two prisoners were set at liberty and in peace left the village.
Also two lady Bible distributors, Luisa Hurtado and Melchora Montenegro, who were working in the interior of Peru, were set upon by a crowd, or mob led by a priest, who laid hold of them with the evident intention of killing them. But they were met so bravely that the priest declared that it would be better to burn them alive. Nor was this a vain threat, because these women knew that in the mountains another priest had already burned a woman. Nevertheless, they replied to the threat with firmness, saying, if they were to die, if they were to be burned, they would furnish the fagots for the bonfire. This reply enlisted the sympathy of the people, and they refused to let the priest carry out his design. This is an example of Christian heroism seen in the unfolding of the gospel work in the land of the Incas. Laborers are produced who extend the work.
The men who are actively working from house to house in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, are all native converts of these countries, with the exception of Penzotti and Arancet. These two are from Uruguay.
During the long period of Penzotti's imprisonment, preaching was sustained by members of the native church, who did the work of the minister. Two preached regularly and kept up their theological studies, hearing each other's lessons in the absence of the missionary or his wife.
The school work began in 1891 with one school; in 1892 it opened with two schools more, and in 1893 a fourth, and recently, 1894, another. Eight teachers are employed, and others are pushing their studies.
To the poor the gospel is preached, and they, even in their poverty, sustain and spread it. Not many rich, not many of the mighty, have been called to join the ranks of the persecuted. Yet from the beginning of the good work you see it sustained in all of its departments. Two of the schools paid all of their expenses for the past year. The churches paid all of their smaller expenses and had some money left over. This is in the poorest part, and the most enslaved by the priests, on the Western Hemisphere. It is truly a triumphant victory. The gospel destroys caste and unites in one all classes.
In one of our schools we meet children of European, Indian, African, and Chinese parentage. If there is another school in the world with such a mixture of races, I have no knowledge of it.
The legal difficulties are disappearing. The long imprisonment of Mr. Penzotti, which resulted in giving him his freedom without condemnation or costs, was a victory that could not have been gained in any other way. This victory, which was the fruit of sufferings and earnest labors of Mr. Penzotti, was the beginning of an agitation for more religious freedom, which is growing, and will without doubt end successfully.
The initiatory measure for freedom of religious worship was introduced into the Peruvian Congress during the imprisonment of Penzotti. This initiatory bill was rejected and its supporters burned in effigy. Since then a great change has taken place, and many public men are now favorable to the reformation. This shows us that the day draws near when freedom of religious worship is to be realized in the land of the Incas. The prospect for the future is encouraging and full of promise. And we prophesy that when the day comes for the first American Missionary Congress, there will be in that convention many from this, the darkest part of America, who have been rescued from the darkness and power of Satan to that of God.
THE LAND OF COREA.
THE very name of Corea is suggestive of mystery. This little kingdom, way out here at the uttermost part of the earth, is still unknown, though she stepped out from her hermit life as long ago as 1882, and entered into treaty relations with the civilized nations of the world. Corea has not yet recovered from her air of bewilderment at sight of the great outside world, and those who have visited her, either as newspaper correspondents or travelers, seem to have shared in this same bewildered condition of mind.
When one first comes in sight of this east coast, instead of beholding a country clothed with beautiful forests of maple, black walnut, cherry, oak, varnish trees, red mahogany, and every other common and uncommon wood, as has been represented, there is presented a panorama of mountains, whose rugged outlines, excessively steep slopes, and severe, wild aspect, produce a grand but melancholy and inhospitable expression. 'It seems a forsaken land, given over to solitude.' For the most part it is utterly treeless, nude and barren, though here and there are growths of unthrifty, crooked, weather-beaten pines. From the lofty mountain summits, which tower to the clouds, to where the foothills meet the sea, scarce a human habitation is to be seen; but, on searching more closely, in unexpected valleys that stretch far into the hills, we find many villages and hamlets, surrounded by fertile fields of rice, millet, and other productions, that give a comfortable support to the inhabitants.
The Corean towns are composed of unattractive collections of houses, low and ugly. These dwellings are small, straw-thatched mud hovels of one or two rooms, devoid of furniture, where the people sit, eat, and sleep on the floor. The streets are only narrow, filthy alleys. The mud floors of the Corean houses, heated by flues from beneath, are called kangs. They are heated in summer and winter to a degree that would be intolerable to one not used to it from infancy. Fuel gatherers scour the country to find means to feed these primitive furnaces. All the hillsides are shaven every autumn with short, strong iron sickles. They are stripped of587every growing thing; every stalk and branch is taken off; every little bush that has sprouted from the old, old roots that lie buried in the rich, black soil; every chrysanthemum and bluebell, and every coarse blade of grass, they cut down and bind in bundles for fuel. This is all they have. The impression prevailed, until recently, that Northern Corea was rich in timber, but it is now known that, except in temple grounds, or places sacred to some deity, or to the memory of some great person, there exists very little timber of any value. Everything like a stick of timber is very precious and costly.
Every plank for building, every timber of our houses, is brought by ship from Japan. There is not, there need not be, a sawmill in all the country, for there is no wood to saw. All bricks for building are also brought on steamers from Japan or China; although clay is abundant, and coolies are waiting to make brick, there is no wood to burn them. No Yankee enterprise will avail here to tide over these hard places.
If age fills one with veneration, then you will find enough here to impress you most profoundly, for everything your eyes fall upon looks so old. The rocks are crumbling so you can break them with your fingers. And when the rainy season comes, in summer, the mold of ages gathers on everything, even to your gloves and shoes, if you drop out of them for a few days. The very air you breathe at such times seems to be charged with malaria and old age. It is all made plain when you are told that this is one of the oldest countries in the world; that some of its walled cities date back to King David's time; that most of them are more than a thousand years old.
The Coreans are proudly conscious of their antiquity. They say they have nearly lived out their allotted time as a people. Their slow sensibilities, ancient customs, grave language, and inert manner of life, all befit the aged. They speak of Europe and America as just beginning life; and in a stately way they show they have no intention of yielding any of their venerable ideas to such frivolous youth. No influence can move them to change their slovenly-fitting white cotton garments for anything of a darker color or better shape. They insist on squatting on their heels when they work in your garden, while they use the short-handled, awkward Corean hoe of the past ages, instead of the civilized implement of to-day. This squatting posture is a favorite one with them. We see long lines of squatting men by the roadside, in the hot sunshine, resting; they seem to be perfectly happy, in a half-comatose condition, with watery eyes, after a surfeit of rice and pickle, dog chops and soup of garlic, strings of meat and dough, and some indescribable white lumps, neither flesh nor fish, bread nor fat, that cause a gagging sensation when you feel them upon your tongue, and they slide down your throat as though they might be lizard or snake. This leaves a fierce burning behind it, and your eyes fill with tears; you plunge a brass spoonful of rice into your mouth to put out the fire of red pepper.
So wedded is the Corean to his ways that any change, even in the smallest detail of life, seems to him perfectly absurd. With as much hope might you interfere with the rising and setting of the sun, or try to change the stars in their courses. All his ancestors have sewed up their fearfully and wonderfully made trousers, queer stockings, and long, flowing white outer garments, in just the same painstaking way, and therefore the Corean of to-day refuses our offer to stitch the long seams on the sewing machine, rather choosing to 'sit up of nights' and rip and sew according to the good old custom. They will tell you that some strange appearance and movement in the water is caused by a dragon. You need not take the trouble to deny the existence of the winged serpent, for they will adhere to every old superstition.
Our pretty little Corean bride, who has been educated in a mission school, could not endure the thought of foregoing the custom of brides, so she gladly bore the pain of having all the short hair pulled out which is devoted to bangs by American ladies. Also a professional in the art plucked out her eyebrows. It cost many a tear, to be sure, but it was sufficient comfort to know she was following the good old custom.
The art of acupuncture is practiced largely among the Coreans, and in the most reckless, unskillful manner. Ye Babang has a painful knuckle joint, probably a sprain. Though he is a convert to Christianity, a fine Chinese scholar and teacher, he contends most learnedly for many of these customs and superstitions. He had this suffering joint punctured deeply in three places with long needles. Now, after three days, it is inflamed so we fear lockjaw. Needles are often pushed into the bowels and stomach as far as the length of the hand, without the least regard to the situation of the internal organs, to say nothing of the quivering nerves. Sometimes these needles are roasted in the fire and taken out red-hot, and dipped in the medicine, the heat and medicine giving added agony—the treatment thus becoming more hopeful to the minds of these benighted people.
The young man Mar was sick. All sorts of medicine men were called in. It was decided that some spirit was disturbing his head, so they burned the top with a hot iron, but he grew worse, and the most learned of the wise men decided that the only remedy would be a medicine made of a finger of his only brother. The devoted brother submitted to have his finger cut off. In some way it was pulverized, so the sick man swallowed it—we never knew with what result.
Our teachers and translators in Corea are philosophers in their way. They discussed the case of Hansabang, who has been ill for a long time. Our American doctor says he has consumption. These learned Coreans reported that there was doubtless some unbalanced condition between the male and female atmospheres within the chest and stomach of Han. All sorts of medicines, made of the most repulsive reptiles and unclean things, were mixed up, with incantations, and given, but with no avail, for this morning the poor man lies silent in death in his mud hut, and the mourners go about the streets wailing hideously. The old sorcerers say it was all because he had passed the point where anything could rectify his internal atmospheres.
There is much unexplored country in Corea, and it would delight the heart of the intrepid sportsman to visit this unfrequented region. Among the mountains he would find many wild animals. Tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, foxes, badgers, hogs, and deer are not uncommon in the lower hills. Great numbers of sable, ermine, and otters are trapped in the highlands. Multitudes of birds are met with on hill and plain. Game birds are seen in great numbers. The beautiful pheasants are extremely plentiful. The turkey bustard, water hen, pigeon, plover, quails, and partridges are common. In spring and autumn the waters of every inlet and stream are crowded with such quantities of wild fowl—swans, geese, ducks, and teal—as to astonish and delight the heart of the sportsman.
The Coreans still practice the ancient art of falconry. They use with great skill trained hawks and dogs to beat up the game. Corea has been famed for her fine pearls, but of late the pearl fishery has been unsuccessful. The seas literally teem with fish, but the Corean shuns a life of toil, hardship, and danger. He does not venture out upon the seas, and only gets such fish as he can catch in rudely constructed traps, set along the shore, which only require attention an hour or so each day. Whales, sharks, and seals abound on the east coast. Multitudes of salmon, cod, haddock, herring, sardines, and innumerable other tribes, crowd the waters. Oysters of an excellent quality form a staple article of food.
The Japanese artificers drew their first knowledge and inspiration from Corea; but one will search in vain among the Corean handiwork of to-day for the slightest traces of the renowned craftsmen of ancient Corea. He will only find rude pottery and brass utensils without the least ornament. The present generation, no doubt, looks just like the ancient ones, for, clad in the same fashion, we see these tall white figures going down by the sea, or winding up the steep hills and mountains, by the same beaten footpaths that then, as now, are the highways to China and Russia.
There are no ruins of ancient cities, temples, or palaces—no enduring marks of the generations who have lived, labored, loved, and died here. Only the old graves that billow the hillsides tell the sad story. They are recorded most carefully, worshiped, and guarded as the precious treasures of the kingdom of Corea.—San Francisco Chronicle May 15.
FOR JESUS' SAKE.
By Frances L. Mace
THERE is a word which, murmured low
By humblest child of human woe,
Soars swiftest to the eternal Ear,
And angels hush their harps to hear—
"For Jesus' sake."
It is the one true countersign
That passes every guard divine,
The golden key that, borne from far,
The inner temple can unbar—
"For Jesus' sake."
All precious things in earth or heaven
The Father to the Son hath given,
And we, through holy gates of prayer,
May enter in and freely share—
"For Jesus' sake."
Though weary cares oppress our years,
And sorrow fills our cup with tears,
The hope that angels cannot know,
The peace of God, is ours below—
"For Jesus' sake."
Oh, let us then that watchword take,
And bear life's cross "for Jesus' sake,"
And when we lay our burden down,
Be ours the victory and the crown—
"For Jesus' sake."
—Frances L. Mace.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
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THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW.—A pamphlet of 190 pages; price, 25 cents. It is the argument of Alonzo T. Jones before the United States Senate Committee on Education and Labor, together with the text of the Blair Sunday Bill introduced in the U. S. Senate. Address orders to your State Tract Society secretary or to Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.
THE PROHIBITION PARTY AND FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. Showing how a political party, on a specially moral pretext, really advocates the religious enslavement of the people. 8 pp.; $1.00 per hundred. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
TALENTS OF MEANS.
By Ellen G. White
THE Lord requires that those to whom he has lent talents of means make a right use of them, having the advancement of his cause prominent. Every other consideration should be inferior to this.
The talents of means, be they five, two, or one, are to be improved. Those who have a large amount of means are responsible for a large number of talents. But the comparatively poor men are not released from responsibility. Those who have but little of this world are represented as having one talent. Yet they are in just as great danger of having too great love for that little, and of selfishly retaining it from the cause of God, as are the more wealthy. They do not sense their danger. They apply the stirring reproofs addressed in the word of God to the lovers of this world, to the rich alone, while they themselves may be in even greater danger than the more wealthy. Whether they have much or little, all are required to put their talents out to the exchangers, that when the Master comes he may receive his own with usury. They are also required to maintain a consecration to God, and an unselfish interest in his cause and work. Seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, they are to believe his promise, that all things shall be added. In comparison with every other consideration, the salvation of the souls of their fellow-men should be primary; but this is not generally the case. If there is a neglect anywhere, it is the cause of God that must suffer.
God has lent men talents, not to foster their pride, or to excite in them envy, but to be used by them to his glory. He has made these men agents to disperse the means with which to carry forward the work of the salvation of men. Christ has given them an example in his life. He left all his heavenly riches and splendor, and for our sakes became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich. It is not the plan of God to rain down means from heaven in order that his cause may be sustained. He has intrusted, or deposited, ample means with men, that there shall be no lack in any department of his work. He proves those who profess to love him by placing means in their hands, and then tries them, to see if they love the gift better than the Giver. God will reveal, in time, the true feelings of the heart.
In order to advance the cause of God, means are necessary. God has provided for this necessity by placing an abundance in the hands of his agents, to use in any department of the work where it may be required in the labor of saving souls. Every soul saved is a talent gained. If truly converted, the one brought to a knowledge of the truth will, in his turn, use the talents of influence and of means which God has given him, in working for the salvation of his fellow-men. He will engage with earnestness in the great work of enlightening those who are in darkness and error. He will be instrumental in saving souls. Thus the talents of influence and means are continually exchanging and constantly increasing. When the Master comes, the faithful servant is prepared to return him both principal and interest. By his fruits he can show the increase of talents that he has gained to return to the Master. The faithful servant will then have done his work, and the Master, whose reward is with him to give every man according as his work shall be, will return to that faithful servant both principal and interest.—Testimony for the Church, No. 20.
FIELD NOTES.
By Editor
OUR valuable colaborer in London, the Present Truth, reports a sale from house to house of 6,000 copies weekly.
ELDER H. A. ST. JOHN reports the baptism of five persons in San Francisco, and increasing attendance at the Sabbath meetings of the church.
A SERIES of tent meetings is being conducted in Walla Walla, Wash., by Elder R. S. Donnell and Brother D. E. Scoles, and a good interest is reported.
ELDER WM. INGS attended the quarterly meeting at Sacramento, Cal., held four meetings, and baptized four persons. Arrangements have been made to hold meetings every Sunday evening.
CALIFORNIA TRACT SOCIETY, 1059 Castro Street, Oakland, advertises three tracts in the Chinese language: "The Sinner's Need of Christ," price 2 cents; "The Judgment," 5 cents, and "The Love of God," 3 cents.
THE church at Burrough, Fresno County, Cal., was recently increased by the addition of three members. Brother H. S. Guilford, who has labored in that vicinity for some time, has changed his field of labor to San Joaquin County.
BROTHER T. T. STEVENSON, secretary of the Texas Tract Society, sends this notice: "Our new post office is now in operation, and hereafter our mail will be sent to Keene, Johnson County, Texas, instead of Cleburne. Will all our correspondents please take notice, and save us extra trouble and expense."
A DISCUSSION of the Sabbath question in Williamstown, Australia, is quite fully reported in the local papers. The participants were Elders M. C. Israel and J. O. Corliss, and Rev. E. Handel Jones (Congregationalist). The latter takes the ground that "The Old Testament dispensation is superseded by the Lord Jesus Christ." The difference between this statement and the truth is thus expressed by Christ himself: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Mr. Jones admits that the moral law, including the Sabbath, was fulfilled by Christ; and Paul, in the eighth chapter of Romans, says that589God sent his Son "that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
SOMEONE PRAYING FOR YOU.
By Mrs. M. E. Durkee
BY MRS. M. E. DURKEE.
THERE is someone praying for you, my brother;
There is one who cares for your soul;
You are helpless, sick, and forlorn, my brother,
But Christ can make you whole.
You have tried the pleasures of earth, my brother,
You have counted loss and gain;
You have toiled both early and late, my brother,
But it brought only fruit of pain.
And where are you drifting now, my brother?
What charms has earth for you?
With gold and silver you cannot buy
One grain of happiness true.
In God's own word there are mines of wealth
That would give you blessings untold,—
Wisdom, and joy, and peace, and health,
And a home in the city of gold.