AFTER thirty days' confinement, Huss was brought forth to receive his sentence provided that he would not recant. His long confinement in the damp prison and fetid air had told upon his health. The principal men of Europe had come together in the council. Wylie thus describes the assembly: "There sat the emperor; there were the princes, the deputies of the sovereigns, the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and priests; and there, too, was a vast concourse, which the spectacle, that day was to witness, had brought together.
"It was meet that a stage should be erected worthy of the act to be done upon it, that when the first champion in the great struggle that was just opening should yield up his life, all Christendom might see and bear witness to the fact." At length Huss was brought in by the archbishop of Rigi. Mass was being said as they came to the door of the council room. They remained outside, as it was not proper to hold religious services in the presence of so bad a heretic. As he was brought to the platform prepared for him, he kneeled down and remained for some time in silent prayer. The bishop of Lodi had been selected to deliver a sermon fitting the occasion. He took these words for his text: "That the body of sin might be destroyed."
To give a synopsis of the sermon would be too lengthy for this article. He bewailed the condition of the Christian church. Heresies, he said, had destroyed its peace and harmony, and God had chosen the emperor to rid the church of the dreadful schism that existed. Heresies must be put down at the expense of our dearest interests. The sword, the fagot, and other measures were to be employed. The sentiments expressed were in contrast to the teachings of our Saviour, who commands us to forgive our enemies, and to pray for them who despitefully use us. At the close of the discourse the decree was read by which the council enjoined silence. It first condemned Wycliffe and his writings, and afterward presented a long list of charges against Huss and his preaching. To many of them he attempted a reply, but was forced to desist only as he would from time to time deny them. One of the concluding articles was that Huss claimed to be the fourth person in the Trinity, one having been added.
Many of the charges were equally false, having originated in the brain of the one who drew up the articles. One accusation was that Huss had appealed to God as the supreme Judge. Whereupon Huss replied: "Most blessed Jesus, behold how this council holds as error, and reprobates, thine own deed, and the law which thou didst prescribe; when thou, thyself, overwhelmed by enemies, didst commend thy cause to thy Father, God, the most holy Judge, leaving us an example in our woe and weakness, that, with prayer for aid, we should suppliantly flee in our wrongs to the most righteous Judge." For a moment he paused; and then added: "But I say confidently that the surest and safest of all appeals is to the Master, Christ. For he it is whom no one can sway from the right, by any bribes, nor deceive by false testimony, nor snare in any sophistry, since to each he gives his own reward."
Then Huss gave his final refusal to abjure. This he accompanied with a brief recapitulation of his proceedings since the commencement of the matter, ending by saying that he had come to this council of his own free will, confiding in the safe-conduct of the emperor there present. As he uttered these last words, he looked full at Sigismund, on whose brow the crimson of a deep blush was seen by the whole assembly. The gaze of all present was at this instant turned toward his majesty, and the circumstance made a lasting impression on Germany. It was about one hundred years later when Luther was summoned to Worms, and his enemies importuned Charles V. to have the Reformer seized, notwithstanding the safe-conduct he had given him. "No," replied the emperor, "I should not like to blush like Sigismund."
But Huss did not blush. His countenance was cheerful, and he was happy in God. He felt that the power of the Highest upheld him, and that the peace of God was in his heart. The sentence of condemnation was now passed on Huss as a heretic. Then followed the ceremony of condemnation and degradation from the priesthood. This ordeal brought no blush to the brow of the martyr. One after another of the priestly vestments was produced and put upon him until he stood before them in the attire of an officiating priest. They put into his hands the chalice as though he were to celebrate mass.
They asked him if now he was willing to abjure. He replied, "With what face then should I behold the heavens? How should I look on those multitudes of men to whom I have given the pure gospel? No! I esteem their salvation more than this poor body, now appointed unto death." They took from him the chalice, saying, "O accursed Judas, who, having abandoned the councils of peace, hast taken a part in that of the Jews, we take from you this cup filled with the blood of Jesus Christ." "I hope this very day I shall drink of this cup in his own kingdom; and in one hundred years you shall answer before God and before me." There was a dispute among them whether they should use a razor or shears in cutting his hair, so as to obliterate the mark of the crown. He, turning to the emperor, smilingly said: "They cannot agree among themselves how to insult me." They placed upon his head a pyramidal crown made of paper, upon which the figures of demons were painted. "Most joyfully," said Huss, "will I wear this crown of shame for thy sake, O Jesus, who for me didst wear a crown of thorns."
When thus attired, the prelates said: "Now, we devote thy soul to the devil." "And I," said John Huss, lifting up his eyes toward heaven, "do commit my spirit into thy hands, O Lord Jesus, for thou hast redeemed me." They took him past a pile of books that was being consumed, and informed him that they were his books that were being burned. He smiled at this futile attempt to extinguish the light that he foresaw would one day light up all Germany. As he came to the spot where he was to be consumed, he kneeled down, and prayed, and repeated penitential psalms. Many who saw him said, We know not what his life has been, but he prays after a godly fashion. While engaged in prayer, his paper crown fell off. One replaced it, saying that he must be burned with the devils he had served. Huss smiled.
He was first bound facing the east. Some thought that this was not the proper position in which to burn a heretic; he was turned to face the west, and made fast to a beam, by a chain around his neck. He exclaimed: "It is thus that you silence the goose, but a hundred years hence there will arise a swan whose singing you shall not be able to silence." After the fagots were piled around him to his neck, he was once more asked to confess his errors. His last words to man were, "What errors shall I renounce? I know myself guilty of none. I call God to witness that all I have preached has been with the view of saving souls from sin and perdition; and therefore most joyfully will I confirm with my blood, that truth which I have written and preached."
The fire was rekindled twice. The second time the fire went out, his heart was found entire amid the ashes. Finally, all being consumed in the fire, the ashes, and even the soil was dug up to a great depth, and all were thrown into the Rhine, so that his very name might perish from among the faithful. From the stake of Huss, blessings have flowed to the world, and from the moment that he expired, his name became a power for truth and light. The martyr is dead, but the truth he confessed lives. Within one hundred years was fulfilled his prediction that the truth would triumph.
Upper Columbia Conference Proceedings.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE sixth annual session of the Upper Columbia Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Milton, Or., beginning June 3, 1885. The first meeting was called by the president, June 4, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Elder H. W. Decker.
The secretary, Elder G. W. Colcord, being absent, E. G. Winkler was elected secretary pro tem. The following churches were represented by delegate: Walla Walla, Milton, Dayton, Farmington, and Echo; Pataha, Goldendale, and Lostine were represented by letter.
After the reading of the minutes of the last session, the chair appointed committees as follows:—
On Nominations: J. Bartlett, Wm. McCoy, S. T. Page; on Credentials and Licenses: Wm. Russel, I. M. Johns, Wm. Semple; on Resolutions: Elders H. W. Decker, E. J. Waggoner, and Wm. Raymond; on Auditing: E. G. Winkler, S. T. Page, T. Chabot, Wm. Nichols, I. M. Johns, G. W. Reese.
The president stated the necessity of adopting a new constitution, and read, for the consideration of the members, the constitution recommended by the General Conference.
SECOND MEETING, JUNE 5, 1885.
Prayer by Elder J. Bartlett. After the minutes of the last meeting were read, the Committee on Nominations presented the following report:—
For President, Elder H. W. Decker; Secretary, E. G. Winkler; Treasurer, B. F. Winkler; Executive Committee, H. W. Decker, Wm Raymond, I. M. Johns. After some remarks the persons above named were elected.
The State constitution recommended by the General Conference was then considered, section by section, and with a few verbal alterations, was adopted as the constitution of the Upper Columbia Conference.
THIRD MEETING, JUNE 7, 1885.
Prayer by Elder E. J. Waggoner. Minutes of preceding meeting read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommended that Elders H. W. Decker, J. J. Smith, Wm. Raymond, and J. Bartlett, receive credentials from the Conference. Credentials were granted.
The following resolutions were presented:—
WHEREAS, We consider it the duty of all our people to become familiar with the evidences of our faith, and,
WHEREAS, The "Biblical Institute" held on this camp-ground has proved to be a decided success, and one of the best means of imparting the needed instruction, therefore,
Resolved, That we request that such means of instruction be provided for us as often as is practicable, and that we recommend a general attendance of our people, if another such privilege should be offered.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference are due and are hereby tendered to the General Conference for kindly and freely furnishing the instruction that has been given in this "Biblical Institute."
Favorable remarks were made by Elders Loughborough and Decker, and the above resolutions were adopted. The congregation also showed their approval by a rising vote.
The fourth meeting, held June 8, at 9 A. M., was mainly devoted to hearing reports from the field.
FIFTH MEETING, JUNE 9, 9 A. M.
After the reading of the minutes, and remarks by the president on the financial condition of the Conference, the following resolutions were presented and adopted:—
WHEREAS, The report of the Auditing Committee shows that there is a debt on the Conference for labor performed, and,
WHEREAS, The work is greatly crippled for want of means, therefore,
Resolved, That we request the ministers of this Conference to labor to bring all the churches up to their full duty in the matter of paying tithes.
Resolved, That we heartily thank the California Conference for the kind offer to pay the expenses, and for the time, of one laborer in this Conference this year.
WHEREAS, Many churches and small companies become weakened because leading brethren move away, therefore,
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of persons before moving away from churches, to consult with the Conference Committee.
On recommendation of the Nominating Committee, Wm. Nichols, Wm. Russel, Wm. Goodwin, Charles Hughes, and Noah Miller were elected as camp-meeting committee.
Adjourned sine die.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres.
E. G. WINKLER, Sec. pro tem.
Norfolk, Nebraska, Camp-Meeting.
By A. J. Cudney
THE attendance at this meeting was not more than one-fifth what it should have been. It was held in the northern part of the State for the accommodation of those living north of the Platte River, but there were only a few that seemed to appreciate the pains that was taken for their benefit. Even some of the churches nearest the place of meeting were very poorly represented. Notwithstanding the small attendance, the meeting was an excellent one; some said it was the best meeting they ever attended. Elder Cook, of Kansas, was with us, and rendered valuable aid.
The grounds were pleasantly located one-half mile from the business center of the town, on a piece of fine meadow, with a beautiful grove and stream just back of the camp. The grove afforded a pleasant retreat for prayers and secret devotion, and as there was no business connected with the meeting, much time was spent by individuals alone, and companies of two or three, seeking God for special blessings. God's ear was not closed to the prayers of his people, and many were greatly strengthened and better prepared to return home and again engage in the struggles and battles of life. There were several present who had never attended a meeting of this kind before; they seemed to enjoy it very much.
There were four baptized. It rained every day of the meeting, but as we were all supplied with good tents, and the ground was sandy, we suffered but very little inconvenience from the rain. The greatest difficulty with which we had to contend was the wind. Friday evening the wind blew so hard that large circus tents in a town near us were all blown down, but our tents passed through the storm without damage. Sunday night the wind blew still harder, the gale lasting about three hours. We had difficulty in keeping our tents up. We lowered the large tent, and only one small tent blew down. No one was hurt. When we heard the next day of the immense amount of damage done in surrounding towns, the number of lives lost and buildings wrecked, we all felt like praising and thanking God for his protecting care over us. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
A. J. CUDNEY.
Fremont, Neb., June 20, 1885.
Columbus, Ohio, Mission.
By E. H. Gates
THE work in this mission is onward, and we have many evidences that God is willing to bless missionary efforts put forth in his fear.
Since our camp-meeting in this city last fall, Brethren Van Horn and Randall have labored here almost constantly in canvassing and giving Bible-readings. During the winter and spring I held meetings here for a few weeks. About the first of May we rented a large hall in the city, near the capitol, where we have our State depository, reading-room, and meeting-room all on the same floor.
As the result of labors here, there are from fifty to sixty in attendance at our Sabbath-meetings, including old and young, and new ones are constantly being found who are interested. Last Sabbath, June 13, we went out of the city to a beautiful stream and buried six dear souls in baptism. Several more will be baptized in the near future. Another whom we visited a few days ago promised to keep the next Sabbath. Brother Van Horn speaks to the people each Sunday night, and his meetings are well attended by interested hearers.
We feel sure that the proper way to reach our cities is by personal effort in canvassing and holding Bible-readings. In our Columbus experience it is demonstrated that well directed labor will produce good fruits. We need scores of consecrated men and women who will go into our towns and cities in Ohio and give the precious truth to perishing souls.
E. H. GATES.
Six Months and a Half.
By W. H. Saxby
FROM October 22, last, myself and wife and uncle were engaged in the canvassing work in southern Kentucky, and notwithstanding the interest in the presidential election last fall, the exceptionally cold and stormy winter, and the close times in money matters, we delivered as follows: 215 copies of "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," (mostly library binding), 272 "Sunshine at Home;" obtained 131 subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, for short term, 235 "Sunshine" and SIGNS for three months, 54 "Sunshine" and SIGNS for six months, five persons took the SIGNS one year without "Sunshine;" 33 took Good Health one year, with premium; sold 3 "Man's Nature and Destiny," 3 Vol. 4 "Great Controversy," and 2 "Early Writings," and a few dollars' worth of pamphlets and tracts. Another brother delivered in ten weeks, this spring, 300 "Sunshine," accompanied with that number of SIGNS for three months. All are especially interested in Sister White's pieces from the first. Truly the Lord is ready to bless and do a great work with our publications in Kentucky.
We now expect to pitch two tents in Hopkins County—the second county in which we canvassed. May the Lord bless the seed sown is our prayer. We are of good courage.
W. H. SAXBY.
Loving Christ
THEY that love Christ, love to think of him, love to hear of him, and love to read of him. They love to speak of him, for him, to him. They love his presence, his yoke, his name.—N. Y. Observer.
Sovereigns of Europe.
THE following concise statement concerning the countries of Europe, showing what is the form of Government in each; the name of the sovereign; the date of his birth and of his accession to the throne; the name, relation to the sovereign, and the date of the birth of the heir apparent; and the number of people over whom the sovereign rules. The list will be found a useful one to preserve, inasmuch as only one of the monarchs named is under the age of thirty years, and as the average age of all the sovereigns in the list is fifty-one and a half years.
Austria-Hungary, monarchy, Franz Josef I., emperor, born August 18, 1830; succeeded December 2, 1848. Heir, his son, Rudolph, crown-prince, born August 21, 1858. Population (1880), 37,786,346.
Belgium, kingdom, Leopold II., king, born April 9, 1835; succeeded December 10, 1865. Heir, his younger brother, Philippe, born March 24, 1837. Population (1880), 5,520,009.
Denmark, kingdom, Christian IX., king, born April 8, 1818; succeeded November 15, 1863. Heir, his son, Prince Frederick, born June 3, 1843. Population of Denmark (1880), 1,964,039; of colonies, 127,122.
France, republic, Jules Grevy, president, born August 15, 1813; elected (for seven years) January 30, 1879. Population of France (1881), 37,672,048; of colonies, about 9,250,000.
Germany, empire, Wilhelm I., emperor, born413March 22, 1797; proclaimed January 18, 1871. Heir, his son, Friedrich Wilhelm, imperial crown-prince, born October 18, 1831. Population (1880), 45,234,061. Germany comprises (1) Prussia, kingdom, Wilhelm I., king, succeeded January 2, 1861; (2) Bavaria, kingdom, Ludwig II., king, born August 25, 1845; succeeded March 10, 1864. Heir, his brother, Prince Otto, born April 27, 1848; (3) Wurtemberg, kingdom, Karl I., king, born March 6, 1823; succeeded June 25, 1864; (4) Saxony, kingdom, Albert I., king, born August 23, 1828; succeeded October 29, 1873; and many grand duchies and duchies.
Great Britain, kingdom, Victoria I., queen, born May 24, 1819; succeeded June 20, 1837. Heir, her son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, born November 9, 1841. Population of United Kingdom (1881), 35,241,482; of colonies and dependencies, about 222,000,000.
Greece, kingdom, Georgios I., king, born December 24, 1845; elected March 30, 1863. Heir, his son, Prince Konstantinos, Duke of Sparta, born August 2, 1868. Population (1879), 1,979,305.
Italy, kingdom, Umberto I., king, born March 14, 1844; succeeded January 9, 1878. Heir, his son, Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, born November 11, 1869. Population (1881), 28,459,451.
Montenegro, principality, Nicholas I., prince, born October 7, 1841; succeeded August 14, 1860. Heir, his son, Danilo Alexander, born June 29, 1871. Population, about 250,000.
Netherlands, kingdom, Willem III., king, born February 19, 1817; succeeded March 17, 1849. Heiress, his daughter, Princess Wilhelmina, born August 31, 1880. Population of Netherlands (1883), 4,172,971; of colonies (1881), 26,841,597.
Portugal, kingdom, Luis I., king, born October 31, 1838; succeeded November 11, 1861. Heir, his son, Prince Carlo, Duke of Braganza, born September 28, 1863. Population of Portugal and islands (1881), 4,708,178; of colonies, 3,333,700.
Romania, kingdom, Carol I., king, born April 20, 1839; elected April 20, 1866. Heir, his nephew, Prince Ferdinand, of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, born August 24, 1865. Population (estimated), 5,376,000.
Russia, empire, Alexandria III., emperor, born March 10, 1845; succeeded March 13, 1881. Heir, his son, Grand Duke Nicholas, born May 18, 1868. Population (estimated, 1882), 100,372,553.
Servia, kingdom, Milan I., king, born August 22, 1854; succeeded August 22, 1872. Heir, his son, Alexander, born August 14, 1876. Population (estimated, 1882), 1,820,000.
Spain, kingdom, Alfonso XII., king, born November 28, 1857; succeeded December 31, 1874. Heiress, his sister, Infanta Isabel, born December 20, 1851. Population (estimated, 1883), 16,858,721.
Sweden and Norway, kingdom, Oscar II., king, born January 21, 1821; succeeded September 18, 1872. Heir, his son, Prince Gustaf, Duke of Wermeland, born June 16, 1858. Population of Sweden (1882), 4,579,115; of Norway (1875), 1,806,900.
Switzerland, republic, Charles Schenck, president (1885) for one year. Population (1880), 2,846,102.
Turkey, empire, Abdul Hamid II., born September 22, 1842; succeeded August 31, 1876. Heir, his brother, Mehmed-Reshad, born November 3, 1844. Population (estimated, 1883) of Turkey in Europe, including semi-independent States, 8,600,000; Turkey in Asia, 16,200,000; of Egypt and Tripoli, 17,400,000; total, 42,200,000.—Youth's Companion.
The Claims of Children upon Parents.
By Mrs. A. M. Worden
IT is an oft-repeated formula that nothing is imperative but duty, and as all human relations and obligations grow out of parentage, parental duty must be most imperative of all. The social, the moral, the religious, the political are rooted and grounded in the family life, around and in which is supposed to cluster every holy affection, out of which is supposed to spring every lofty ambition and aspiration. But what if parental duty is neglected or shirked or set aside for something more inviting or desirable? What if outside affiliations, the delights of society, the pleasures of the club-room overpower the sense of obligation to the lives they have invoked, and the shrine of affection is neglected and the fire dies out measurably upon the home altar? Aye, what then?
I think there is one property of parental affection that has scarcely been acknowledged—certainly not by parents themselves, for they seem utterly unconscious of it—and that is a sublime egotism that looks upon its own as scarcely lower than the angels; as not to be corrupted by evil associations or in any way to be defiled by impure surroundings. We have seen mothers flush with indignation at the mere intimation that their boys might be going wrong, or that such and such associations might not be quite safe for their daughters, and refuse to see or hear until the young feet had strayed far away. Fathers manifest the most serene indifference to their boys' whereabouts and companionship and would feel insulted by a word of warning. It seems strange this should be so, when we are all so human and the own of the best of us all so impressible. Why, the young mind is like the snow, catching and retaining everything that stains.
We have been led into this train of thought by the oft-repeated accounts of juvenile depravity. Scarcely a paper comes to hand that does not detail some story of youthful or boyish crime.
Where are the respectable parents who do not supervise their reading, who do not know where and how their boys are occupied and the associations they are forming during the many hours they must inevitably be away from home? Perhaps they would say they are so engrossed in business or household cares or in work for society they have no time to be watchful. But that will not do, for the children's claim to a pure guidance stands first, and, besides, they might bear a part in the business or the household cares, and as for society, why the children are society themselves and are to make the society of the future, and will the parents lead them so truly that they will be its bulwarks and strength, or will they leave them to become its sappers and miners?
It is probably this class of young people denominated "respectable" who fall by the way, furnishing a large percentage of the elopements, the premature and ill-assorted marriages, divorces and suicides, as well as the depredating bands we so often hear of. It is all the result of sheer indulgence that submits everything to the choice of the child, which, not having been born with a mature judgment, is more than likely to go wrong. Now we do not believe in rods over the mantel-piece, nor in a long code of rules and regulations with penalties attached for the governance of children, but we do believe in parental authority that rules, not arbitrarily, but lovingly and wisely; in a watchfulness that knows unmistakably where the boy or girl is every hour of the day or night, and especially the night—that wins the love and confidence of the children into a quiet and willing obedience, that furnishes attractive occupation and that keeps something good and elevating, or at the very least innocent before the children's mind, instead of leaving them to find or make for themselves pastimes that are often reprehensible and debasing.
Now it seems that if this influx of juvenile depravity is to be checked—and unless it is checked what of the future?—it must be by the parents; for if we can believe what we read, theology is shorn of its creedal terrors, our civil liberty is largely construed into license, the prison and the gallows have lost—if they ever had any—their deterrent force, the schools are futile to keep men honest, since our penitentiaries are full of educated men, and the law apparently connives at crime, or at least confesses it, for the sake of emolument, so that the chances of genuine reform are very small. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and though the ounce of prevention involves an eternal vigilance, it is the only security. And what as to the fathers? Has the Creator, think you, made the mistake of throwing upon the "weaker vessel" the entire responsibility of child-rearing? Is fatherhood an unconsecrated office? Can men afford to forego all self-sacrifice, that elevating and purifying force that crowns every woman who patiently accepts it with new grace and dignity? No, a thousand times no; and we believe every true man and father will so recognize it.
There is too much talk of what is expected of the mother, and too much blame accorded her oftentimes when she strives hard to do her part, yet is cast down by the want of the needed moral support of her husband. This is not a matter of imagination, as some may suppose. It is but a few days since the writer heard the mother of a fine family express regret that her husband took no interest in the welfare of the children. He liked them while they were playthings, but after that seemed to forget that they needed his watch and care.
Go out upon the street of an evening where the little boys are playing; listen a few moments, and if you do not hear profanity and vulgarity you are fortunate. There is where the father is needed, with a restraining and guiding influence, or the boys should be at home. Fathers would find it for their own interest to share the evening sports of their young boys, and while they keep the lads pure, will grow better themselves. There is no society this side of Heaven so good as that of little children, the pool-room, and the club-room, and political headquarters to the contrary notwithstanding; and if there is any business in life worth pursuing it is that of growing better and making the world better.
Can we do anything to make the world better more effectively than by guarding the children from corrupting influences, and especially from the mischievous miasm of sensational literature? But the trouble is, too many parents like the sensational newspaper, and they are quite as corrupting as the dime novels, though they come in a different guise. Now we owe it to society, to the citizenship of the future, to discourage pernicious reading, and we urge it upon all parents to look well to their children's reading and whereabouts. "Take trouble for your children or they will make trouble for you," said Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and we think she was right. There is plenty of good literature to be had at little more expense, and once a good taste is acquired the sensational will not be attractive.
The writer remembers the lady with whom we boarded—and she was a lady every inch, though a hard-working woman—used to gather other children into her kitchen, and with her own boys let them litter with scissors and paper, blocks and knives, until it looked like a work-shop, and she would take time to read some instructive and entertaining story, which perhaps would delay her own work into the night. Then when the play or the storm was over and time to go home, they were invited to sweep and put the room in order, and in time she taught some of the mothers it was better to cultivate the best that was in their boys, instead of selfishly sending them away from the fireside. Her own boys were taught to be helpers in the house, in kitchen and dining-room, and to take care of their rooms. Another thing she did which was wise, and which all mothers do not do, she gave them as pleasant a chamber as she gave her daughters, and then put them on their good behavior towards appointments, and never regretted it.
Is it not time that parents, and particularly fathers, waked up to a sense of their duties to citizenship? There is a great deal of society work which is merely decorative. Is it wise only to adorn the topmost arches of the superstructure while you leave the foundations to dampness and decay?
Build to-day, then, strong and sure,
With a firm and ample base,
And, ascending and secure,
Will to-morrow find its place.
The Home Circle.
THE LESSON OF THE RIPPLES.
I WALKED at evening by the lake;
The air was hushed, and all was still.
I could not hear a ripple break,
Or leaf stir on the wooded hill.
My heart was sad with long desire,
With aims it could not realize.
Hope seemed to fade like sunset fire
Upon the borders of the skies.
I took a pebble, round and white,
And idly cast it from the shore.
It vanished, wavering out of sight,
And I could see its gleam no more.
“Such are the deeds which I have done—
All lost in life’s great deep!” I cried.
“I cast them, round and white, each one,
And they have vanished in the tide.”
But, even as I spoke, there came
A silv’ry rhythm at my feet,
And, looking down, I saw with shame
The ripples on the white stones beat!
And then I looked into the sky,
And one bright shining star was there,
Like angel presence waiting nigh
To fly to Heaven with a prayer.
“I thank thee, God in Heaven!” I cried,
“For the sweet lesson thou hast sent.
Help me henceforth thy times to bide,
Striving and waiting with content.” —Sel.
Dress of School Girls.
A LITTLE fairy in white embroidered dress, pink sash, pink kid shoes, and with flaxen ringlets hanging over her shoulders, stood looking at a sturdy miss of her own age, whose face was rosy and sunburned, whose locks were short and disheveled, and whose dress was of stout gingham, plainly made, and whose feet were bare.
"Your dress ain't a bit pretty," said the fairy.
"I don't care," answered the little rustic, "I can climb in it."
"You haven't got any sash," continued the fairy.
"I don't want one," replied the rustic, "it would only get caught on the fence."
"See my pretty shoes; your feet are bare," and her face and tone expressed horror at such defiance of propriety.
"I don't care. You can't wade in your shoes and I can in my feet."
"Your hair don't curl like mine," persisted the fairy.
"I wouldn't have curls," stoutly rejoined the rustic, "they pull too much when they are combed. I'm going to wear short hair as long as I live."
"Have you got a pretty pink parasol?" queried the fairy.
"Parasol!" sniffed the rustic, "what'd I want of a parasol a-digging in the sand, or a-fishing with Jim?"
"Don't you like pretty things?" insisted the fairy, who was not to be bluffed off.
"Yes, I like nice sunsets and flowers and I like to look at you, but I wouldn't like to be tied up, even if the ribbons were pretty. If I had all those nice things I'd have to sit still, and my mamma would be all the time saying, 'Now, Katie, be quiet or you'll tear your dress,' and that would just worry me to death."
Here is a picture from real life, a miniature lady contrasted with a real child. What sadder sight can there be than a merry, fun-loving little maid restricted to decorous and lady-like amusements on account of fine dress? No wonder that the instincts of the child, perverted from natural channels, should turn in after years toward the gauds to which her childish liberty was sacrificed, as towards idols to be worshiped and still to demand sacrifice.
Dress the girls, then, from infancy upward, in strong, plain, inexpensive clothing, and let them play; never let them feel that wool or cotton is more valuable than flesh and blood. Let their ideas of fine dress be a simple, pretty garment with which to honor God's holy day, and their idea of adornment be clean hands and a pure heart. A girl who has not been fettered with dress in childhood will not be apt to be led into undue devotion to dress in after years. A child's love of beauty need not be sacrificed; plain dresses can be made prettily, even if simply, and the beauty of utility and of fitness be taught, rather than that of profuse ornamentation, without regard to congruity between the dress and the occasions on which it is to be worn.
"Susie is most twelve years old," said a fond mother, "don't you think I had better put corsets on her? She does not want to wear them. She says they hurt her, but I am afraid she414will not have a good figure if she does not put them on soon."
"Never let her have it to say that her mother put corsets on her," said I.
"But she will grow all out of shape, and get round shoulders. She is as large around her waist now as she is under the arms."
"Thank God for that," said I.
Mrs. Y. looked shocked. I continued: "You are a Christian, Mrs. Y. Don't you think the Lord made Susie's body, and that the figure she has is moulded by divine wisdom? I say, reverently, thank God if a girl of twelve has a waist of natural form and size. She has a better future before her than one who has a slender, compressed waist. Did you worry about Tommy's figure, and put corsets on him?"
"Why, no; but he is a boy."
"Must I infer, then, that the Lord knows better how to make boys than girls?"
Mrs. Y. looked as if she thought me a little deranged, and I presume did not heed my suggestions, and yet I believe they are correct. The clothes of the girl ought from the very first, to be so loose that the mother's hand can be inserted between them and the body of the child, even around the waist. All skirts, drawers, and even stockings, should be suspended from the shoulders. I would rather use the old-fashioned garter than to suspend the hose from a band around the waist. The underclothing should be equally distributed over the whole body, arms and legs receiving as many thicknesses as the trunk. The combination underwear is the best that has yet been invented. With these, fewer skirts are needed, the extra clothing being added in a suit that covers the whole body, like the layer of an onion. One petticoat will then be enough, and this can be sewed to a waist. Dresses of the princess pattern are the most healthful, as they have no belts. Sailor dresses are objectionable, because they must have a tight belt to keep the blouse in place. So, while they look loose and pretty, they are in fact unhealthful, because constricting the waist.
If a skirt and basque, or polonaise, is worn, the skirt should be suspended by a waist or straps. Even the weight of that one skirt is enough to tire out the physical strength, and worry the girl, who cannot understand why she feels so dragged down. An experiment will prove the truth of this statement. Underwaists can be made to fit beautifully, without being tight at any point, and the girl who has never felt the constraint of corset bones will find them instruments of torture. Not long since I was in a room where a delicate girl was taking a lesson in singing. She felt faint, and went to lie down upon the sofa. I followed her to loosen her clothing, and when she recovered I could not refrain from saying, "My dear, your dress is too tight."
"Oh, no, it is not tight at all."
"Now," said I, "your dress is unfastened, see if, after taking a deep breath, and while holding the air in your lungs, you can fasten it." Of course she could not.
"But I don't ever want to breathe that way," said the girl. And with an air of offended dignity she held her breath, and drew together the stiff corset steels. A premature grave, or a life of invalidism doubtless awaits her.
Girls, when by proper dressing and careful living you have attained an eminence of power and usefulness, no one will ask whether you wore homespun or silk in your girlhood. Be brave enough to defy fashion, and live for that day when you shall be able to do something in the world. Without health you can never be an active verb. Is it not better to do than merely to be, or to suffer?—Congregationalist.
A GENEROUS, wholesome diet is less expensive than doctors' bills; and less trouble than the care of the sick; and no money nor time spent in furnishing it is ever wasted.