p. 14 | Review and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 1. (6/23/1868)

Earlier text: THERE'S A GOOD TIME COMING

REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.

By John Norton Loughborough

At the time of my last report I had just closed my labors in Allegan Co., Mich. The first Sabbath in May, according to previous appointment, I met in Monthly Meeting, with the Windsor, Charlotte, and Oneida churches, at the Potter School-house in Windsor. After giving one discourse, six were baptized, all of them having embraced the truth during the last winter. On first-day, the brethren and sisters of Charlotte and Windsor assembled at the house of Bro. Hill. The Lord gave me good freedom in speaking to them on Systematic Benevolence, after which it was organized for the two churches. There was a good increase in the figures of those who pledged, showing that an effort had not been made without effect, as fruits began to appear. May the Lord bless and prosper the cause in these two churches, and may they come up to every good work, that in the day of God they may be found complete in the will of the Lord, "perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

After returning home to Battle Creek, my time was occupied in preparations for the Conference till Conference time. This Conference, which has already been mentioned by several in the REVIEW, was indeed a heavenly season. The meetings of the ministers for prayer, &c., the two weeks that followed, have left their influence on my mind. May the good impressions made there never be effaced, but may I have strength to love my fellow-men with such love as Christ has manifested for us, and labor with earnestness that they may be saved. The decision made for Bro. Bourdeau and myself to go to California, shed light on my mind on previous impressions I had had of duty. This decision called for rapid work, that we might get as soon as possible to our field of labor, and the preparations necessary for the journey has worn upon our strength, yet we feel that God blesses us at every step, and that holy angels are about us to protect us and help us. We believe if we trust in God, walk in the path of humility, and press on in the cross-bearing way, that God will go with us. We expect your prayers to follow us, dear brethren, as we go on this mission. It touches a tender chord in our hearts to part with our dear brethren, friends, and near relatives, but in the strength of the Lord we drink of the cup. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

MONTHLY MEETING AT CONVIS.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

The meeting at Convis, I attended on the 13th and 14th inst. Bro. and Sr. Byington, and others from Newton, were present on the Sabbath. In the forenoon I spoke to them on the present work of the Christian, and the reward of the overcomer. All appeared to be strengthened in the faith and work of the gospel. This was followed by a social meeting, in which ready and cheering testimonies were given. Before the close of the Sabbath, we met at Bro. Smith's to celebrate the ordinances. Our Saviour fulfilled his word of promise, and we were blessed in doing his will.

First-day morning, I spoke on the subject of the Sabbath as presented in the New Testament. The attendance was not large, as no appointment for preaching had been given in advance; but the interest was deep, and we think some may be added to the church there. I had a strong desire to speak again in the afternoon on the prophecies, but thought it not prudent in my state of health. So I returned to Battle Creek in the afternoon.

Though I have resided in the same county for a number of years, this is the first time I ever was in Convis. It may appear strange to some; but it is not possible for our ministers to command their time. I hope to be able to visit them again this summer.

The next Monthly Meeting will be held at Burlington, the second Sabbath in July.

J. H. WAGGONER.

AFTER THE RESURRECTION.

“WE shall be changed;” but yet the eye shall tell, Among the multitude of that blest place, Those that were dear ones, whom we loved so well, And every lineament they wore shall trace.

Changed, yet the same! a paradox, indeed, To us, poor gazers through the darkened glass; Great is the mystery of that life we read,— The dead like shadows o’er our vision pass.

A body glorified and clothed with light, The face all radiant with a perfect bliss, Thus shall appear to the enraptured sight, In yonder world, whom we have loved in this.

Their voice were needless, for we’d know them though The lips ne’er opened and pronounced our name; But they shall speak, and sweetly will it flow, Their voice, far sweeter, yet a voice the same.

We’ll rove with them through fields of living green, Where flowers perennial in rare beauty blow; And o’er the hills whose fragrant sides between The stream of water crystal clear does flow.

The mind expanded, and expanding still, Grasping for aye the verities of Heaven; Oh! what full bliss will then the bosom thrill, What “joy unspeakable” to us be given!

There we shall talk in tireless converse sweet; Talk of the theme redemption, and the love That gently brought us to the Saviour’s feet, The mercy that has seated us above.

And there the children whom I’ve laid in earth, With many tears, will, with extended arms, Run swift to meet me, clad in Jesus’ worth, And beautiful in their augmented charms.

Then will these arms, that oft, in sweet caress, Have circled them and drawn them to this breast, Again enfold them; all with love no less Than that between us when they passed to rest.

REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.

By R. F. COTTRELL

We have had the second meeting of Sabbath-keepers in Randolph, June 13. Eleven were present that have embraced the Sabbath since our meetings commenced four weeks ago. Two of them made known their decision at this meeting. With Bro. and Sr. Williams and myself, there were fourteen present, assembled to celebrate the Creator's Sabbath, besides the children of believers, some of whom love the truth as well as their parents. We had an excellent meeting. Most of the Sabbath-keepers bore their testimony, and all seemed to realize something of the blessedness promised to him who “keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” Others were present who are deeply interested, and I hope they will soon take a decided stand. But some have drawn off, and do not come to meeting. They began to see where the Bible would lead them, if followed, and not willing to follow the truth, they drew off with the spirit of opposition.

I intend to remain here till the work shall ripen into decisions for or against. May God direct in his work. R. F. COTTRELL.

P. S. Since writing the above, I have heard of another man, the head of a family, and well esteemed in community, though a non-professor, who had commenced to keep the Sabbath. His wife and daughter, and his small children, I knew had commenced. If he seeks the Lord in earnest, his whole family will doubtless go with him. R. F. C.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA.

By H. F. PHELPS

The meeting at this place was held according to appointment. Bro. Ingraham was present to minister in word and doctrine. May the Lord bless him in his labors. A goodly number of our brethren were present; and it seemed that the Spirit of God was present also, without which our meetings would truly be in vain. Upon first-day some of our neighbors were in to hear. We can but believe there are a number who will yet be led to embrace the truth. Oh! that they may not delay too long! May we have wisdom to live right, and set right examples before them, is my prayer. Sabbath afternoon the brethren came together, when we celebrated the ordinances of God's house. This was a good meeting. First-day morning we held a business meeting; elected delegates to the conference; attended to s. B., &c.; over $50.00 were paid into the treasury. This looks some better than it did some time in the past, when not one dollar would be paid. This may seem strange, yet it is true. As large a church as this (when all together), to meet upon a quarterly occasion, and not be able to raise one dollar of s. B. No doubt some were excusable; but some we know were not, and still are not, excusable. But we see omens of better days, and we hope the leaven will work till the whole is leavened, and not one be found missing in that day.

The next Sabbath some from here went to the Mantorville meeting. There we received a blessing in trying to lean upon the strong arm of God, in behalf of the sick. Oh! that God may still bless the afflicted, is my prayer. This, we can say, was truly a good meeting. Both Brn. Pierce and Ingraham were present. We expect they are now gone west, to attend the other meetings. May the Lord, by his Spirit, go with, bless, and strengthen them; and may we all be blessed in obeying the truth.

H. F. PHELPS. Pine Island, Minn.

Sorrow for the Erring

A BEAUTIFUL SENTIMENT.—Dr. Chalmers beautifully says:—“The little that I have seen in the world and known of the history of mankind, teaches me to look upon their errors in sorrow, not in anger. When I take the history of one poor heart that has sinned and suffered, and represent to myself the struggles and temptations it passed; through the brief pulsations of the soul’s sanctuary, and threatening voice within; health gone, happiness gone; I would fain leave the erring soul of my fellow man with Him from whose hands it came.”

Judging Merit by Success

THERE are those who know not how to judge of merit by success, and who therefore blame the leader of an enterprise for a defeat, when the fault was not in him, but in themselves, the instruments he worked with.

News from Around the World

—A “FEARFUL hurricane” occurred near Utica, N. Y., on the 6th. A large factory is a total wreck. Two lives lost; others injured. A brick chimney, eighty feet high, was broken off at fifteen feet from the ground, lifted in the air, and dashed on the factory buildings.

—MARQUETTE, Mich., was visited by a most disastrous fire last Thursday night. Over one hundred buildings were consumed, involving a loss of a million and a half dollars. The entire business portion of the village, including the railroad shops, and all the docks but one, were burned.

—THE persecutions of the Israelites in the Principalities have enlisted the sympathy of the Austrian Government. It is reported at Vienna that Baron Von Beust has decided, in the event of a satisfactory reply not being given by the government of Roumania to the last dispatch of Baron Eder, the Austrian Consul General at Bucharest, to refer the matter to the decision of the guaranteeing powers. This course is rendered necessary by the Treaty of Paris, which forbids the intervention of any single power in the affairs of the Principalities.

—THE North German Parliament has passed a bill authorizing the Government to raise a loan, the proceeds to be applied to the enlargement and improvement of the Federal navy.

—The Paris Siècle says that, “the Chassepot rifles having been manufactured in sufficient number for the French arsenals, the War Department has issued orders for the immediate manufacture of rifled cannon.” Victor Hugo has sent to Pope Pius IX a little ode, embracing only twelve lines, and pronounced by French critics to be one of the finest poems he has ever written. It says that the thought uppermost in the mind of the Supreme Pontiff of the religion of peace and love, is a murderous weapon (the Chassepot rifle) with which twelve persons can be killed in a minute.

Grasshoppers.—We received a call last evening from Levi Higgins, Esq., of Chicago. He was on his way home from the West. He reports that the grasshopper crop in the vicinity of Des Moines will, at the present time, yield full forty bushels to the acre; that when they have attained their full size the crop will average seventy-five or eighty bushels. They are making their way eastward at the rate of four miles per day. The little rascals are not at all dainty about their food, but relish dog fennel and smart weed with a perfect gusto. Mr. H. reports many farmers as disheartened at the prospect of not realizing anything from their crop this season. Many talk of selling out unless the plague is stayed.—Davenport (Iowa) Gazette.

The War Prospect in Europe.

PARIS is again startled by rumors of an impending European war; so at least says Le Nord, the Russian organ in Paris, which is generally well informed whenever Russian interests are at stake. The announcement of this paper that war is to break out even before the close of next autumn, is certainly as serious as it is unexpected. For many months the political atmosphere in Europe has been uncommonly serene. There was a reorganization of the standing armies in Austria and France, but it has all along been accompanied by so emphatic assurances of peaceful intentions that the belief in a long continuance has evidently gained strength. It may be that the announcement of Le Nord is one of those sensational reports which so frequently turn up on a sudden to disquiet the money market, and then as suddenly disappear. At all events, the semi-official and usually cautious character of Le Nord will give to the above report a greater significance than is usually attributed to war rumors.

Whenever a war of large dimensions shall break out in Europe, it must arise from one of the two central, still-unsolved questions—the German or the Eastern. The former, for some time, has been almost altogether lost sight of. Prussia has declared that she intends to exercise not the least pressure upon any of the Southern States, and that if Bavaria and Wurtemberg refuse to enter into a closer union with Northern Germany, Prussia will be entirely satisfied with the present arrangement. Apparently the official declarations of Prussia have given entire satisfaction in Paris, and ever since the end of the Luxemburg complication, the official papers of both Governments have been overflowing with assurances of mutual love and esteem. It is true this state of affairs may suddenly be changed; for the views of the two Governments on the solution of the German question widely differ. France has never yet renounced its opinion that Prussia has no right to overstep the line of the Maine, and that France has an international right to prevent such a movement. Prussia, on the other hand, while disclaiming any wish to coerce a South German State into a closer union, insists very strongly that the consolidation of Germany is an affair purely German, in which no foreign power has a right to meddle, and that when Prussia can arrange an agreement with any of the South German States, she will do so without any regard to what foreigners may say or think about it. This case may arise at any time. The Grand Duke of Baden is an ardent partisan of union, and the majority of the Diet and of the popular voters agree with him. He smooths the way for the consummation of the Union as rapidly as he can. Whenever he may deem fit to make a formal application for joining the North German Confederation, there would be a new complication between France and Germany. France is now a much more formidable opponent of Prussia than she was a year ago. The new military organizations have been carried through, her army, in point of numbers, being equal to that of the North German Confederation, and a recent dispatch states that the whole French infantry is now supplied with the Chassepot rifle, which Marshal Niel persists in declaring superior to any rifle in use in European armies. But, notwithstanding this military improvement, we believe that France still shrinks from a war with Germany. The proceedings of the Zollverein Parliament, which has just closed, have again proved that even the bitterest enemies of Prussia among the South Germans are ready to fight side by side with her against any foreign foe. The military force of Northern and Southern Germany combined is still superior to that of France, and neither Italy nor Austria, nor any other State, can be called upon as a trustworthy ally.

We are, therefore, of opinion that if war clouds should again gather on the horizon of Europe, the Eastern and not the German question is probably the cause. In the Eastern question Russia is still virtually arrayed against Turkey, Austria, France, and England, the alliance of which States would probably be joined by Italy. It required, last year, a very emphatic remonstrance on the part of the Allies to prevent Russia from carrying out her threats against Turkey. Russia yielded for a moment, but that there has not been any notable change in her plans and policy is universally known. Russia does not conceal her continued eagerness to seize the first opportunity for achieving the independence of the Christian provinces of Turkey. Apparently inactive in Europe, she has recently been all the more demonstrative in Asia. After a rest of nearly two years in Central Asia, she has suddenly resumed her march toward the frontier of British India. Once there, she is a formidable foe of Great Britain, and, by fomenting an Indian insurrection, she may reasonably hope to prevent the English Government from rendering any effective aid to Turkey. She has recently obtained supreme influence at the Persian Court, and is goading that Government on to a war against Turkey. Her movements both in Central Asia and in Persia, are causing the utmost uneasiness both in Paris and London. The Persians appear to be ready to invade Turkey, as soon as the order is given in St. Petersburg.

It is evident that the successes of the Russians in Asia have greatly changed both the aspect and prospect of the Eastern question. Turkey is now completely encircled by Russia, and it is difficult to see how she could defend herself against a simultaneous rising of the Christian population in Europe, and an invasion of the Persians in Asia. Generally, we attribute very little importance to vague reports of an approaching war in Europe; but whether the news of Le Nord is true or untrue, we regard it as unquestionable that the plot in the East thickens, and that a great war for settling the long dispute will at last become unavoidable. — N. Y. Tribune.

THE CARELESS WORD.

'Twas but a word, a careless word; As thistle-down it seemed as light; It paused a moment on the air, Then onward winged its flight.

Another lip caught up the word And breathed it with a haughty sneer; It gathered weight as on it sped— That careless word—in its career.

Then rumor caught the flying word, And busy gossip gave it weight, Until this little word became A vehicle of angry hate.

And then that word was winged with fire, Its mission was a thing of pain, For soon it fell like lava drops, Upon a wildly-tortured brain.

And then, another page of life With burning, scalding tears was blurred; A load of care was heavier made, Its added weight—that careless word.

That careless word! Oh, how it scorched A fainting, bleeding, quivering heart! 'Twas like a hungry fire that scorched Through every tender, vital part.

How wildly throbbed that aching heart! Deep agony its fountain stirred; It calmed, but bitter ashes marked The pathway of that careless word.

Exaggeration

EXAGGERATION.—Modern civilization has taken from life so much of its former simplicity that the old names of things are almost forgotten, and it is considered a sign of ignorance to talk in plain Saxon words of one or two syllables. This is partly chargeable to the general tendency to exaggerated expressions, but very much to the notion which obtains among business men, that the most high-sounding advertisement is the best paying, and that a taking and mysterious name is half the battle of getting any new thing into use. Hence there is nothing common now. Everything is “improved,” and the more patents it can boast of the better. If it is also a combination article something is gained. A melodeon is a harmonium or a cabinet organ; a piano is an agraffe instrument; cheap cologne is a triple-refined bouquet, and even that name is beaten by Egyptian lotus and night-blooming cereals; and common dissolved gum-arabic is bottled under the name of extra-adhesive mucilage. There is no tooth-powder, but every druggist, who is now a pharmaceutist or a pharmaceutical chemist, sells dentifrices, such as fragrant sozodont, or philodont, or florimel, or swietenia, or balm of a thousand flowers. Gin is aromatic schiedam schnapps; paregoric is soothing syrup. Then there are an anodyne, an elixir of life, a buchu, a pectoral balsam, a bloom of youth, an ivory pearl-powder, a saponifier, a magical pain-extractor, a rheumatic remedy, a pulmo-bronchial troche, a chemical pomade, a hair-rejuvenator, a mammarial balm. Corns are removed without pain by chiropodists. Doctors are medical gentlemen. A conjuror is a prestidigitateur; a circus is a hippotheatron. Every concert, large or small, is a grand, vocal and instrumental concert. A fire is a devouring element. A man who dies by a rope is launched into eternity; if dying otherwise the vital spark becomes extinct.—N. Y. Evening Gazette.

In Memory of Celia Stites

By H. A. St. John

DIED, in Ransom, Hillsdale Co., Mich., May 23, 1868, of consumption of the blood, Sr. Celia Stites, third daughter of Bro. D. M. and Sr. Sarah Stites, aged 13 years, 10 months, and 13 days.

For several years this dear young sister has been a lover of present truth, and her faithfulness in the house of God is seldom equaled by those of her age. Her sickness, of nearly three months' duration, was characterized in an eminent degree by patience and resignation to the will of God. She died with the full assurance that her sins were all forgiven, and in bright hope that eternal life would be her portion when the Life-giver comes. We mourn her loss, but not without hope, for we expect she will come again from the land of the enemy.

Discourse by Eld. Stout, from 1 John iii, 2.

H. A. St. JOHN.

RUFUS BAKER

By Rufus Baker

DIED, June 13, 1868, at Marquette, Wis., of congestion of the lungs, Alice Augusta, daughter of Joseph and Calista Calkins, aged 6 years 7 months and 25 days.

After a short illness of less than 24 hours, this sweet child was suddenly removed. She was uncommonly lovely and affectionate in her disposition, and loved to pray and talk of heavenly things. Her weeping parents feel that they sorrow not even as others who have no hope.

Remarks by the writer from Jer. xxxi, 15–17.

RUFUS BAKER

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD

On and after Friday, May 1, 1868, Passenger Trains will run on this road as follows:

GOING WEST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Detroit,.....	7:05 A.M.	10:00 A.M.	5:45 P.M.	9:30 P.M.
Battle Creek,	1:10 P.M.	2:48 P.M.	11:30 P.M.	2:42 A.M.
Chicago, Arrive,	8:15 P.M.	9:00 P.M.	6:30 A.M.	9:30 A.M.

GOING EAST.


Chicago,.....	4:20 A.M.	7:00 A.M.	5:15 P.M.	9:30 P.M.
Battle Creek,	11:35 A.M.	1:10 P.M.	11:30 P.M.	3:40 A.M.
Detroit, Arrive,	5:30 P.M.	6:00 P.M.	3:40 A.M.	8:30 A.M.

These trains all run by Chicago time, which is fifteen minutes slower than Detroit time.

The Old Man in the Mountains.

Far off in Switzerland there once stood a very small, old house, in a narrow valley, which was just wide enough for the house, and for the mountain-brook that ran close beside it. Like most of the houses in Switzerland, the roof of this one was kept on by heavy stones resting upon it.

Only two people lived in the house—an old man and his little boy, Tobi. All the rest of the family had died, and you can well imagine how very much attached the old man and his son were to each other. The old man's name was Mr. Limpking, but there was very little known about him by the people living in the village some three miles off; for he and Tobi had scarcely a neighbor nearer than that. The old man was very lame and small, and went half bent, for he was evidently in bad health, and perhaps could not live long. He had only lived in that little old house five or six years, and there was nobody who knew where he came from, nor, in fact, anything about him but his name. Still, for some reason or other which nobody could tell, he received a great many letters and newspapers, and was very fond of reading. Even in that gloomy old house he had some splendid books, which he had brought with him when he bought the property.

Sometimes he and little Tobi would go down to the village together, and when they did so, they always walked, for they had no horse and carriage, and the valley was so narrow where they lived that no carriage road went through it. Whenever Mr. Limpking and Tobi were seen going along the street by the children of the village, they always made a great deal of fun of the old man. Some of them even used to mimic him; and the children generally called him “Old Limpy,” because he was so lame and half bent. They used to say to each other when they saw him, “Look yonder—there is Old Limpy again.”

It was suspected by some of the people of the village that old Mr. Limpking had led a very peculiar life, and, indeed, that there was something very interesting in his early experience, if anybody could only find out what it was. But all the inquiries that they made of each other, and of the strangers that went through the village, proved fruitless. Nobody knew anything about the old man and his little son, Tobi, except that he still received a great many letters, and sometimes the envelopes had the Government seal upon them. But the boys in the village did not care anything about this; they still made a great deal of fun of him, and there was not a child in the village who was not familiar with the nickname, “Old Limpy.”

Autumn passed, then the cold winter, and then spring came on. It was as beautiful a spring as had ever been seen in Switzerland. The birds sang very sweetly, and the flowers were lovely. It was on one of the most beautiful mornings in May that little Tobi came down to the village, and stood before the door of the undertaker, and told him that his dear father was dead.

“Who is your father?” said the undertaker in a coarse voice. “My father!” said he; “don't you know him? Why it is old Mr. Limpking, who lived in the little house in the narrow valley, about three miles from here.” “Oh! indeed!” said he; “Old Limpy is dead. I am sorry for you, my son, for you now are left alone.” “Never mind,” said Tobi; “the boy that is taught to pray is never left alone.”

The funeral passed by, and nobody seemed to lament the death of old Mr. Limpking. But at the funeral there was a gentleman present who had never been seen in the valley before, and when the funeral was over, Tobi went away with him, and the little boy was not seen there again for many years.

Now, it is high time that I should tell you something about the early life of this queer-looking, lame old man. He had been very prosperous in business when he was young, and lived in Holland; but he once met with a very severe accident, which came quite near killing him. After he got out of his bed again, it was found that he was left in a very bad shape, for the surgeon could not succeed in bringing his body back to its former erect position. Not long after this, all his children died except Tobi, and last of all his wife died. Thus he was left completely alone, with the bare exception of his dear Tobi. Feeling sad beyond expression, he determined to make a journey to Switzerland, and took little Tobi with him. He was so pleased with the country that he resolved to buy an humble little cottage somewhere, and make it his home, for he knew that he had not long to live. He had his agents in Holland attending to his business still, and his property increased every year, until the time of his death, when it amounted to an immense sum. The many letters that came to the post-office for him were from his agents and friends far up in Holland, who wrote to him frequently concerning his business. The gentleman who appeared at the funeral was a brother of his wife, and, therefore, Tobi's own uncle, who, by a good providence, had just then arrived in the village, and was going to make a long-expected visit to Mr. Limpking. Of course he took Tobi home with him after the funeral was over.

Now, it so turned out that Mr. Limpking had made a very singular will, which was in the hands of the best lawyer in Amsterdam. The will read on this wise: “All my property, which, at the lowest calculation, is computed to be worth two hundred and eighty thousand dollars, is left in the hands of my brother-in-law, to be disposed of as follows: To establish an orphan asylum in Amsterdam, another one in the Hague, and another one in B——, Switzerland, and a fund for the support and education of the children of Swiss guides and other Swiss people who are killed in the mountains by avalanches or by other accidents, and leave children unprovided for, and the balance to belong to my son, Tobi.”

The death of Mr. Limpking made a profound impression throughout Holland, for he was known there to have been one of the kindest men toward children that had ever lived in the country. The news spread to Switzerland, and by and by a paper reached the obscure village near where he had lived, which told his whole history, the place of his death, and the singular disrespect which had been shown him by the old, and especially the young, of the village near where he died.

When it became known that he was so kind to children, and had left such a large amount of money for the taking care of poor children, you can imagine how these boys and girls felt who had for years called him nothing but “Old Limpy.” They little thought that, when they mimicked him, and called him all manner of nicknames, and were even allowed to do so by their parents, with scarcely a word of reproof, they were making fun of one of the best friends of children that had ever lived in Switzerland or in any other country.

The fact of his kind heart, now that he was dead, made such an impression upon many of the children, and even upon the older people, that it was never forgotten by them in after life. In fact, in the following summer, a public meeting was held in the village, when all the children were dressed in white, and marched along the street, and bore a banner, on one side of which were inscribed these words, in gilt letters, “We repent,” and on the other, “Forgive us our trespasses.” All the people gathered into the village church, and addresses were made which expressed the general sorrow of the community at the death of one who was such a friend to all, and who yet had received in return nothing but the neglect and unfriendliness of man.

The Goodness of God.

By D. E. St. John

Do all the dear children and youth realize that God is good? Do their hearts glow with gratitude and love to Him who is the author of their innumerable blessings, who has given them a home and friends to love them, and instruct them in the things of God?

We fear not, but we know that very many feel, and acknowledge, that God is good. They often exclaim, as did the Psalmist, “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

When we were walking in the broad way, loving not God, neither regarding his commands, and seeking our own pleasure, he called after us, saying in gentle, loving tones, Come unto me, and find rest. Come repenting, come in faith, and I will receive you. Your many sins will I freely forgive. You shall become my sons and daughters, and be heirs to a glorious inheritance, which shall be yours to enjoy eternally. We come tremblingly, feeling our lost, undone condition, without an interest in Christ. We throw ourselves at his feet, pleading that his mercy may be extended toward us. He graciously receives and pardons us, when we, rejoicing in his love which is so full and free, exclaim in the fulness of our joy, God is good! and we will serve him, let others do as they may.

Alas! that our love should ever grow cold! But as we mingle with those who have no love for God in their hearts, our love grows cold. We lose our zeal and earnestness in his cause, and grieve his Holy Spirit from us. Still the Lord loves us. Jesus pleads for us, and heavenly angels are interested in our behalf.

The dear Saviour stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, saying, Open the door that I may come in. We refuse to admit our best friend. Still he intercedes for us with the Father, and says, Spare, oh, spare them a little longer! What love! What goodness and divine compassion! When we return to the Lord with all our hearts, he, according to his promise, returns to us and heals our backslidings. He lifts us out of slippery places, and in his strong arms bears us up. Ought not our hearts to be filled with deep love to God for his great goodness to us? Yes, we certainly should love and obey him. Let us ever strive to do this, that we may be his children indeed and in truth.

D. E. St. John. Battle Creek, Mich.

The Dangers of Idleness

SOME employments may be better than others; but there is no employment so bad as the having none at all. The mind will contract a rust and an unfitness for everything, and a man must either fill up his time with good, or at least innocent business, or it will run to the worst sort of waste—to sin and vice.

Hospitality to Enemies

THE Hindoos extend their hospitality to their enemies, saying: “The tree does not withdraw its shade even from the woodcutter.”

LOOK NOT UPON THE WINE.

SHUN the flashing wine-glass! Shun its glittering light! Shun its deadly poison, Shun its withering blight!

Look not on its color— Rosy to the brim; Neath its rosy sparkle, Calls a serpent grim.

Yield not to the spirit, Lurking in its glow! Yield not to be smitten By its fatal blow!

Should the hand of beauty Proffer you the bowl, Dash to earth its contents, Peril not your soul!

Trample on the goblet, Shattered let it lie; In your noble manhood Pass the Tempter by.

—Riverside Echo.

YOUTHS' DEPARTMENT.

By James White

The REVIEW is designed to be, in the fullest and strictest sense, a family, religious paper. Its pages give ample room for each department. And it seems proper that a family paper should be adapted, as far as possible, to all the members of the family. The numerous family circles, visited by the REVIEW, are composed largely of the youth. And shall not these have a department in which they may feel an especial interest?

The Instructor is a valuable little sheet, but makes its visits only twelve times in one long year. Our youth and children need a new feast of spiritual and intellectual entertainment for each Sabbath. With the consent of the editor I shall labor to contribute something each week to the interest of the youth's department of the REVIEW. Others will gladly join in the work of making the REVIEW especially interesting to the lambs of the flock, and all those young persons who may be induced to read it. JAMES WHITE.

"Please Make Me a Christian."

By Rev. Dr. Boaz

I WILL recollect, in the course of my labors, a poor Hindoo youth, who followed me about the garden of the school, asking of me to make him a Christian. I said: "It is impossible, my dear boy; if it is possible to do so at all, it is possible only through the Lord Jesus Christ to make you a Christian. Pray to him."

How well I recollect the sweet voice and face of that boy when he soon after came to me and said: "The Lord Jesus Christ has taken his place in my heart." I asked, "How is that?" He replied: "I prayed, and said, 'O Lord Jesus Christ! if you please, make me a Christian!' And he was so kind that he came down from Heaven, and has lived in my heart ever since."

How simple and how touching! "Lord Jesus Christ! if you please, make me a Christian!" Can you say that you have made a similar appeal in such a spirit as this poor Hindoo boy? And can you say, my young friends, that Jesus Christ has come down from Heaven to live in your hearts?—Rev. Dr. Boaz.

A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

I know a good brother, now serving God, who, while he was a wicked man, and without God and without hope in the world, was wonderfully preserved in great danger. He, with others, was driving logs on the river. They had to pass some dangerous falls, where two men had been killed not long before. Just above these falls he accidentally fell into the water. The current was strong, and it took him down stream without any possibility of his saving himself. As his companions saw him thus swiftly going to destruction, it struck them with horror, but they were powerless, they could do nothing to help him. As soon as he should go over the falls, a score of heavy logs would come rushing down upon him, and crush him to atoms. It was awful thus to stand powerless and see a fellow-man go into the jaws of death. But it happened that, just on the edge of the falls, a sharp rock arose a little above the water. As he fell into the water he caught hold of the back end of a long log, as it was going down stream endways. As it came to the falls the front end of this log hit square against that rock and stayed there. Then the other end, to which he was holding, swung round across the stream and just reached the bank! This, of course, landed him safely ashore! An eye witness told me that probably there was not one log in a thousand, of that lot, that was long enough to reach from the rock to the shore! Surely God's angel was there to save that man. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Brethren

By J. M. A.

BRETHREN in the West are doing nobly for the California Mission and Benevolent Association.

In addition to the liberal amounts receipted in this and the preceding No. of the REVIEW, which are mainly from the brethren in the West, we have several hundred dollars in pledges from them, for each of the foregoing enterprises.

We have no doubt that the brethren in other localities will follow their example. Let the good work move on. J. M. A.

Note from Iowa.

By M. E. O.

Bro. Cornell sends the following postscript to a business letter:

“We have had a good Conference here. I join with Bro. Butler with tent.

“Bro. J. N. A. started north this morning, with his wife, and his brother and wife, for Waukon, 5 days’ drive, 160 miles. We have had a most precious season, a Pentecost. The sick raised instantly, and a great blessing to Bro. Andrews and poor me.

“In haste, M. E. O.

“My address is Washington, Iowa, for the present.”

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