Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 17.

The Eastern War

Review and Herald

Apr 26, 1877

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 26, 1877

The Eastern War.

Such is the heading that has lately taken the place of “The Eastern Question” in many of the political papers, although that war may not formally have commenced. To nearly all human appearances, however, the winds of war are about to be let loose, and ere these lines meet the reader’s eye, the tide of blood may have begun to flow. To the student of prophecy, the moves of the Eastern nations are full of intense interest; and he is anxiously looking for the time when that power whose history was given in advance in Daniel 11 “shall plant the tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain,” and “shall come to his end” with none to help him; for “at that time shall Michael stand up,” and every one that is “written in the book” “shall be delivered.”
We have gathered the following notes during the week, which show the present state of affairs, and which will enable the reader better to follow the future moves of the nations as they shall become present. The Evening News gives the following summary of the situation up to April 15:—
The Turks Reject the Protocol, and All Hopes of Peace are Abandoned. Both Sides Fully Ready for the Conflict. Hostilities likely to Begin at Any Moment.
The Turkish reply to the protocol is published. The porte is prepared to accord to all the promised reforms, but must carry them out in conformity with the constitution. They cannot have a special or exclusive character. The Turkish government will replace its armies on a peace footing as soon as it shall see Russia take the same step. It protests against the demobilization of the Russian army being made contingent upon internal disturbances in Turkey, as such disturbances Europe knows to be due to outside instigation. The porte sees no necessity that a special envoy go to St. Petersburg to treat on the question of disarmament, as it can be done by a simple telegraphic order.
The most emphatic section of the reply asserts that Turkey cannot permit any foreign supervision or protection over any portion of its subjects. It appeals to the treaty of Paris, but not as giving the empire any rights it did not possess without it, but as showing how vital to the peace of Europe is the maintenance of its rights. It goes on to resent the clause which gives the powers the right of recurring to ulterior measures in the event of Turkey’s delaying to carry out the promised reforms, which it looks on as an attempt to intimidate. It protests, therefore, against the views enunciated in the protocol of March 31, and expresses Turkey’s determination to ignore what has been decided without her and against her, and her firm resolve to retain in the world the place which Providence designed for her. She appeals to the conscience of the cabinets, which she has a right to consider animated toward her with some sentiment of elevated equity and friendship, as in the past. Immediate and simultaneous disarmament would be the only efficacious means of avoiding the dangers by which the general peace is threatened.
Lord Derby has sent a dispatch to the British chargé d’affaires at Constantinople, dated April 12, in which he mentions the Turkish ambassador’s having submitted a copy of the reply to the protocol. He says: “Mussurus Pasha stated that matters could not be settled satisfactorily unless the powers should consent to annul the protocol. I replied that the divergence between the views of the two governments appeared so wide as to render further discussion useless, and I said I could not see what further steps England could take to avert war, which appeared inevitable. Mussurus Pasha answered that the attitude of his government was simply defensive; that they did not desire war, but they would prefer it to the sacrifice of national independence, which appeared to be involved in the acceptance of the protocol.”
Negotiations looking to the prevention of an immediate outbreak of war are going on at Vienna between Russia and the powers.
The London Standard of this morning says that a last appeal is being made to Russia in behalf of peace, but that it has no confidence in its success.
No hope of peaceful settlement is now entertained at Constantinople.
It was reported in Paris last evening that the Russian embassy would leave Constantinople to-day, and that the Russian fleets on the Atlantic and Pacific had been ordered to the Mediterranean.
A vessel is waiting at Constantinople to carry away the Russian embassy the moment it receives orders to that effect.
The Russian newspapers clamor for war. The Turkish generalissimo has gone to the Danube to assume the immediate command.
The czar is about to start for Kischeneff, the head quarters of the army on the Turkish frontier.
It is thought in Pesth that Austria and Hungary will ally themselves with England against Russia.
The Vatican is reported as jubilant over the prospect of a general war.
Persia, taking advantage of the porte’s extremity, has put in a formal claim to Bagdad.
Rumors of prospective internationalist risings in various parts of Europe, chiefly Russia and Poland, are current.
The Greek government is organizing a force of 60,000 men to be ready for service in case of need.
The News gives the following geographical note:—
Kischeneff, or Kichenev, the head-quarters of the Russian army threatening Turkey, is a town of about 40,000 or 50,000 inhabitants, the capital of the Russian province of Bessarabia, on the borders of Roumania. It is 85 miles northwest of Odessa, on the Black Sea, and about 40 miles inside the Russian frontier. It is almost due north of Constantinople, and about 400 miles distant. It is connected with the Russian system of railroads. The river Pruth, which here forms the boundary, is a branch of the Danube, and has a due southerly course, entering the Danube a short distance above its mouth. It is here that the Russians will cross into Turkish territory upon the formal declaration of war, which is expected to be proclaimed this week.
Later advices as received through the week are as follows:—
LONDON, April 16.—Advices from Vienna are to the effect that Austria may be drawn into the war, and will at once be obliged to assume a position of defensive neutrality.
ST. PETERSBURGH, April 16.—The war feeling is intense, and the war bids fair to be the most popular ever undertaken by the Russian government.
The following is from the News of Apr. 17:—
Gen. Ingatieff will accompany the czar to Kischeneff, where they are expected the latter part of this week, when a formal declaration of war is looked for.
Four Russian corps began the march on the 13th to the river Pruth, and two other corps are marching to take their place at Kischeneff.
The question of mobilization is still in suspense in Austria.
It is rumored that Turkey is willing to cede to Austria a portion of Herzegovina.
From the News of the 18th:—
The Russians are marching toward the Roumanian frontier, and it is believed will cross the Pruth without waiting for the formal declaration of war. The czar is expected at Kischeneff on Sunday next, and we shall then certainly have something decisive. It is announced, however, that Russia has dispatched a new circular by special messengers to the various powers, which will probably be presented on Monday. Its purport has not transpired, but it is taken to mean that war is not absolutely decided upon. The Roumanian government is preparing for any emergency by mobilizing its entire military force.
Latest war notes.—Apr. 21.
Prince Charles has issued a decree ordering the mobilization of the Roumanian armies.
Turkey is reported to be dismayed at the prospect of imminent war, and would back out if it were not too late.
The Russian war manifesto says that as every endeavor by the emperor to preserve the peace has failed, owing to the stubbornness of the porte, while the condition of the Christians in the East is unimproved, therefore his majesty, as the natural protector of the Slavonian nations in the east, has been compelled to resolve on obtaining by force of arms such guarantees for his distressed fellow-believers on Turkish soil as appear absolutely necessary for the security of their future welfare. It says that conquest is not aimed at, and that Russia will quit fighting when she secures these guarantees.

THE GRASSHOPPER QUESTION.

By C. W. S.

The work of destruction that has been done in some of our Western States by the locust and the fearful possibilities and probabilities of its future career are but faintly understood by people who have not been eye-witnesses of its work, or who have not been made to suffer thereby. This evil has been gradually increasing in proportions for twelve years until the official voice of the afflicted States has pronounced it a national calamity.
A “Petition for Relief from the Ravages of the Grasshopper,” signed by a large number of the people of Minnesota was presented to the Congress of the United States last fall. It called attention to these three facts:—
“1st. That four years ago, a vast swarm of grasshoppers from beyond the Missouri River settled down on the south-western portion of this State to the very great distress of its inhabitants; whose crops were almost wholly destroyed.
“2d. That since this time they have multiplied in countless numbers year by year, until they have at length spread themselves over a section of the State averaging 150 miles in width by 350 miles in length, or nearly two-thirds of its whole area.
“3d. That during this period, the settlers in this infested district have suffered untold privations. Thousands of families have been reduced to utter poverty, and would have perished had they not received assistance. Millions of dollars’ worth of property has been destroyed, and portions of the entire region blighted as if by fire.”
The petition then prays Congress to take measures to exterminate the locust by offering bounties for the destruction of the eggs and insects, or by other means. A conference of governors for consultation upon the grasshopper problem was held at Omaha, Nebraska, the 25th and 26th of last October, a full report of which was given in the St. Paul and Minneapolis Pioneer Press. From this we gather the following facts: The States that were formally represented were Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, Minnesota. Gov. Pillsbury, of Minn., in giving a reason for invoking the aid of the national Government used these words:—
“Considering the sudden and fitful movements of the locusts, the limitless field of their operations, and the mysterious and predatory nature of their inroads, they constitute a formidable enemy with which no single State or community can expect to cope successfully; and it is my profound conviction that an evil which, by threatening our agriculture, threatens the source of productive industry, deserves the prompt and thorough consideration of the general government.”
Prof. Thomas, speaking for Illinois, favored action both by the national and state governments, declaring that the destructive insects were a national evil, and required a national remedy. Gov. Kirkwood, of Ia., said that the pests had deposited their eggs in much new territory this year, and he greatly desired a practical plan for saving next year’s crops. Gov. Pennington said that no grasshoppers were hatched in Dakota, but that they lighted down upon them from elsewhere in countless millions. Gov. Hardin said that thirteen counties in Missouri were totally ravaged in 1875, and the people were saved from starvation only by the contributions of more fortunate counties. He was decidedly favorable to congressional and state action, and thought that every able-bodied man should be called out in an emergency, as for defense against a common enemy. Gov. Garber, of Neb., spoke similarly. Gov. Osborne, of Kan., said that the entire State, with few exceptions, was literally perforated with grasshopperholes which were filled with eggs, and that great anxiety was felt for next year’s crops.
The conference adopted a report which provides for an appeal to the president of the United States for a national commission to investigate the subject, and recommends the several state legislatures to adopt, among other means, a bounty law to encourage the destruction of eggs and insects.
Gov. Pillsbury, in his message to the legislature of Minn., given Jan. 4, 1877, says, “The extended and increasing destruction of the locusts, or grasshoppers, is a matter of portentous and vital concern for the interests of agriculture. With a constantly encroaching area, these insects now occupy more or less of the vast region lying between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains—between Hudson’s Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They invaded no less than sixteen States and Territories during the past year, including, indeed, seven States lying east of the Mississippi. Their mysterious habits, the celerity and evasive nature of their flights, their inconceivable numbers, the illimitable theatre for their incursions, and their insatiable rapacity, combine to render them a national scourge which demands a national remedy. Against such an enemy, while it may be doubtful whether any human agency may avail, it is certain that, unless speedily checked, nothing less than the combined power, ingenuity, and resources of State and Nation can be successful.”
The governor thinks that so far as concerns the hatching of the insects in home soil, it is practicable, by assailing them at every stage of existence from embryo to maturity, to so far exterminate them and guard against their attacks as to secure substantial exemption from their ravages; but says that against the full-fledged swarms that, unheralded, swoop down upon them from abroad in such myriads as to defy human reckoning, “man, with all his resources, can but stand helpless and aghast.”
With commendable philanthropy, Gov. P. has taken steps to acquaint himself with the destitution of the people. In his message, he says,
“To obtain possession of the proper information respecting the actual condition of such sufferers, I recently visited a portion of the ravaged territory, and by mingling with the people around their hay fires, witnessing their scanty clothing and partaking of their scanty fare, became thoroughly satisfied of their destitute condition as well as of their noble patience under severe afflictions. . . . In this connection, I cannot refrain from an expression of my severe reprobation of the practices of a class of money loaners who, by their extortions and the merciless sacrifice of securities upon default of borrowers, add to the suffering of these people. In some of the towns of the ravaged districts, not only is the farm of nearly every resident encumbered, but scarcely a cow, horse, team, or farming implement, remains uncovered by a chattel mortgage; and loaners often strip a helpless family of its last defense against impending starvation.”
We are forcibly reminded of the language of James to the rich men of the last days. Please turn to James 5, and read it.
An appropriation of $7,500 has been made by the State of Minnesota for the aid of those whose crops were destroyed last year. Applications for relief coming from thirty-one counties have been received from 3,455 persons.
A Minnesota paper of January 13 says that a large portion of Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, and nearly all of Kansas, is “seeded down with grasshopper’s eggs.”
The Chicago Times of April 16, says the “flying scourges of the West” are making their appearance in Kansas, and that the grasshopper question is beginning to engage the attention of business men and farmers alike in Missouri. A dispatch from Omaha, April 15, says that they are hatching out in that vicinity by the million. The people expect these will emigrate, but they fear a visit from ’hoppers hatched elsewhere.
The same paper of the 19th inst. says that the soil in fifteen counties in north-western Iowa is “literally honeycombed” with the nesting places where the “winged plague” have deposited their eggs. A shovelful of dirt taken up and placed in a warm room soon develops scores of the pests. Many people are leaving the thrice devastated region, while many are too poor to get away.
Prof. C. V. Riley, in an interesting article upon the habits of the grasshopper, in the Scientific American of April 28, writes as follows:—
“In a few weeks the ravages of the Rocky Mountain locust will, in all probability, be creating more attention than ever, as the area threatened by the young insects is larger than ever before, beginning in south-eastern Dakota, including the south-western half of Minnesota, the western half of Iowa, four counties in north-west and twelve in south-west Missouri, Benton Co. in Arkansas, Texas from that point to the mouth of the Sabine River, thence along the Gulf to Austin, and more or less all the country west of these points to the mountains.” Gov. Pillsbury says that their grounds extend north to Hudson’s Bay.
Now we ask the question, Is this the “Northern army” foreseen by Joel the prophet? And is this army being recruited for its work of great destruction? Do the events in the East indicate that the nations are preparing to act the final scenes of Dan. 11? and of Joel 3? If so, “Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”—Joel. Read the book of Joel, and parallel prophecies.
c. w. s.

FAME AND DUTY.

By Schiller

“WHAT shall I do, lest life in silence pass?” “And if it do, And never prompt the bray of noisy brass, What need’st thou rue? Remember, aye the ocean-deeps are mute; The shallows roar; Worth is the ocean—fame is but the bruit Along the shore.”
“What shall I do to be forever known?” “Thy duty ever.” “This did full many who yet slept unknown.” “Oh! never, never! Think’st thou perchance that they remain unknown Whom thou know’st not? By angel trumps in Heaven their praise is blown— Divine their lot.”
“What shall I do, to gain an endless life?” “Discharge aright The simple dues with which each day is rife, Yea, with thy might. Ere perfect scheme of action thou devise, Will life be fled, While he, who ever acts as conscience cries, Shall live, though dead.” —Schiller.

THE MILLENNIUM NOT DAWNING YET.

By Wm. Penniman

The great metropolis of the western continent, with its schools of learning, its churches, its commercial advantages, should be a beacon light, not only to the western continent, but to the nations of the earth; yet it has become so wicked it is a wonder that the judgments of God do not descend upon it as they did upon Sodom. It is only because there are a few righteous in the city that it is not destroyed. The Morning recently speaks as follows of some of its terrible sins:—
“New York has its ‘regions below’—regions infernal, down steep, slimy steps, in basements stretching far away under ground, and divided into apartments where debauchery of all forms revels nightly, where the victims of temptation and sin hold loathsome orgies, where robbery is safe from the eye of justice, and where murder leaves no bloody footprints. The glare of gas-light and sounds of revelry come up from these hells; painted, gaudily-dressed creatures flit past the open doors; and unsuspecting youth, gay and thoughtless, reared in the lap of luxury and refinement or in the quiet retreat of country homes, go down those steps into the company of the vile, to be tainted in soul; and to continue to go down, down, the steps of moral depravity till ruin and the grave shall finally end their career. Reckless men of all grades go down there.
“There are no restraints of shame or law. The policemen saunter back and forth, well knowing that crime in every form is there committed; they march lazily along, swinging their maces, badges of their official character, stopping occasionally to hob-nob with the proprietors or to dally with a favorite; they make the corners ring the ‘All’s well!’ by a brisk thump on the pavement—and that is all. None are restrained from entering the sinks of pollution, no crime is prevented, no criminal brought to justice.
“If any complaint be made to them of robbery, they mockingly inform the victim that he had no business to enter such a place; and so the revelry goes on, night after night, year after year—a disgrace to civilization and humanity, unrestrained by law, and unchecked by the sentiment of the community. No picture drawn from the most degrading practice of barbarous nations could half equal in revolting hideousness what actually transpires in this city of free schools, gorgeous churches, and marble halls of commerce.
“The peal of the church bell and the sounds of bestial revelry from these cloisters of shame blend in sad discord—when above are the symbols of enlightenment and Christianity, while below are the insignia of Satanic excrescences.
“How long shall these things be? Is there a day of accountability? Is there a just God? When shall the apathy that prevails in the community and the halls of Congress towards the poor and lowly emigrant cease? When shall justice prevail, and just laws be enacted and administered? When shall those who seek our shores be brought over in American ships under the protection of influences and regulations established by a people imbued with humanity and a high sense of the scope of free institutions? Until a radical change takes place in the public sentiment in sympathy with which our law-makers act, these hells will continue to be a link between shame and the grave—a foul blot on our national character, a disgrace to humanity, a mock to Christianity, a king-demon that revels in the ruin of the innocent, and shouts in triumph over the souls plunged downward into darkness and despair.”
Wm. Penniman.

RELIGION!

By Roswell Fenner Cottrell

“RELIGION! What treasures untold, Reside in that heavenly word! More precious than silver or gold, Or all that this earth can afford.”
To these words of the poet we heartily respond, Amen! But what faculty, propensity, or sentiment of humanity has been more abused and perverted, than the religious? That part of our nature which was intended to be the greatest blessing to man by allying him to his Maker, by being turned from the channel of truth has been turned to a curse, degrading him below the level of the beasts that perish; for beasts never thought of offering their own kind in sacrifice to appease the wrath of an offended, tyrannical deity.
Attracted by the sound of music, I entered a Catholic church-building, just in time to witness the closing scene. There, before a splendid altar, made radiant by lighted candles, stood the priest arrayed in costly, though clumsy, regalia, attended by a considerable number of lads in white livery, to attend his nod, and bend the supple knee as they passed his august presence, or he passed them. But the scene soon closed; and the devout worshipers, bowing the knee as they passed out of their seats, and dipping their fingers in the fonts of holy water near the door, and making the sign of the cross upon themselves, while they cast a farewell glance back to the altar, left the house.
“And this,” said I to myself, as I walked away, “is religion! These deluded dupes of a blind superstition doubtless feel that all is well with them. They have attended the confessional, paid the priest, and heard mass; and what more do they need?”
The ancient pagans, from whom the Roman Church derived their doctrines and rites, were ostensibly pious and very devoted. They had “a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” Their blind credulity and devotion led them to the most barbarous and inhuman acts; even to the sacrificing of the life of their own children. Such was their religion. Were they lacking in religious zeal? Witness their tremendous shrieks and cries as they call aloud to their gods, till very hoarseness forbids the utterance of articulate sounds. See them leap upon the altar, and cut their flesh with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out and trickled down their persons to the earth. Zeal is not the ingredient that is wanting. It is lack of knowledge. It is the lack of a faith, calm and reasonable, based upon facts; such facts as are revealed in the glorious gospel of the Son of God.
The religion of the Bible consists in a calm and steadfast faith in clearly revealed and proven facts, a firm reliance on the promises of God, and obedience to his commandments. Those who are in the exercise of such a religion as this have a right to be zealous; they have a right to shout the high praises of God. But their zeal will be tempered with reason. “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the congregations of the saints.” “All things are to be done decently and in order.” Order implies a regular arrangement and succession of things. All may prophesy “one by one,” that all may learn; not all at once, for that would tend to confusion and not to edification; and in case “there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?” The Lord would not have his people give the impression to outsiders that they are madmen. Christians are the most sane and reasonable persons in the world. They are the light of the world. R. F. COTTRELL.

KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE.

By Nellie F. Heald

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We cannot over-estimate the importance of giving heed to this precept. Something of exceeding value is given us to keep; and this precious gift of God, which we are exhorted to keep with all diligence, is the heart, or the thinking, intelligent part of our being, especially the affections.
In our bodily organism, the heart is that vital organ from which flows the life current to all parts of the system. We know if its action is healthful, and the blood pure, the whole body will be in health and vigor, while if the reverse of this is true feebleness and disease will follow. The affections are vital to the moral nature. If they are pure, being set upon things above, and not on things on the earth, then the moral nature will exhibit moral beauty and vigor. It is because our affections naturally cling to earth,—to its joys, its honors, and its treasures, that we are so earnestly exhorted to keep the heart, lest God should be forgotten, and heavenly things despised.
That we may keep the heart in the sense that is here meant, it must be renewed by the Spirit of God. The current of our affections must be turned from earth to Heaven, by its divine agency. To keep it in this direction we must exercise all diligence and watchfulness on our part, thus becoming co-workers with Him. But the Word says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” We do not know our own heart; and are in a great measure blind to its evil tendencies. We cannot control our affections by an effort of the will, as we can our hands or our feet. How then shall we keep the heart, since our own wisdom and ability are insufficient? We cannot know the hidden tendencies of our hearts, except they are revealed to us by the Spirit’s enlightening power.
“I cannot trust my heart; ’tis only known To Thee, who searchest all its depths of ill.”
We cannot keep the heart only as we commit it in simple trust to Him who says in tender, pitying love, “Give me thy heart.” Our thoughts and affections are the springs from which our actions flow. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” If pure and correct principles govern our thoughts and affections, our characters will be developed in harmony with such principles. If evil thoughts are cherished, and our affections are set upon unworthy objects, the result will be seen in the life and character.
The reason why we should keep our hearts with all diligence is given in the text,—“for out of it are the issues of life.” The issue is the end, or ultimate result. Whether the final result of life will be happy or the reverse, depends upon the keeping of our hearts. If we are careless and indifferent about the matter, or refuse to obey the divine command, Satan will be sure to gain possession of our affections, and control them to his own liking, and sad indeed will be the result. Not only in this life will it bring evil upon ourselves and others, but in the world to come, the wrath of God, and eternal death. But if with all diligence we keep our hearts in the love of God and obedience to his righteous law, then will the result be happy, thrice happy, sweet joy and peace no language can portray. Instead of eternal death without one ray of hope to cheer its gloom, or dispel the mist of darkness forever, it will be eternal life in the light and glory of paradise regained.
Who would not choose the latter as his portion? Who would not shrink in terror from the former? One of these two issues we must inevitably meet. Shall we choose now the portion of the blest, while Mercy spreads over us her wings of love, and broods in tender pity over our fallen race? Shall we choose now, while a loving and compassionate Saviour says, Come, give me thy heart, and I will preserve its affections pure; and the issue shall be joy unspeakable, and full of glory? Shall we choose now, while angels watch with tearful interest our decisions, that they may bear on swift pinions of light the glad tidingsof a new-born soul, so there may be joy amid the angelic host, over the repenting sinner? Shall we choose now, while the Spirit says, Come?
“Oh! sinner, turn, why will you die? God, your Maker, asks you why.”
“Only one hope I see,— O sinner, seize it now, The blood that Jesus shed for thee, No other hope hast thou.”
NELLIE F. HEALD. Temple, N. H.

WE MUST BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN.

By J. M. Gallenmore

“Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16.
The above language is supposed by very many to teach that all little children who die such will go to heaven. This may be so, and it may not be so. The Bible does not say anything upon this point; and what the Bible is silent upon, men also had as well be silent upon. The Bible does say of little children, “Of such is the kingdom of God.” It also says, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3. Now what is this language designed to teach? We believe it is this: faith and trust in our heavenly Father.
The little child trusts its earthly parent; it knows its parent is ever mindful of it, and will administer to all its wants. It feels its own inefficiency, and trusts not in itself; but depends upon one more capable and powerful. It takes no thought of what it shall eat or wear, knowing that it has a parent who will provide all these; and if it feels that it has wants, it lays those wants before that parent in whom it has all faith—in whom it confidingly trusts. Just so must and will the Christian feel toward his heavenly Parent. He feels the same helplessness and dependence upon his heavenly Father that children feel, and has the same faith and trust in him that children have in an earthly parent.
If we have the evidence that we are God's children, then why take such thought for food, raiment, etc., as we often do? Will not God care for his own? Most certainly he will. No good thing, we are told, will be withheld from them. Also, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” If earthly parents, “being evil, know how to give good gifts unto their children, how much more shall our Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” The Christian lays hold on these promises, and trusts them, as the child does the promises of a kind earthly parent. How appropriate, then, are the words, “Seek first the kingdom,” etc.
If we have the evidence that we are God's children, and heirs to the kingdom, all is well. We have his care, his help, which is more than all the world can give, and where is the use of taking thought for the things of the world? Our work is to go forward in the discharge of duty, act our part, and leave the balance to God, who will most certainly discharge his part. The man who trusts in an arm of flesh is cursed, (Jer. 17:5,) while the man who makes the Lord his trust is blessed. Jer. 17:7.
The man who attempts the battles of life without the help of the Lord is sure of a failure, in the end. Why attempt such a task in our own feeble strength, when we may have the help of the Lord? Men are foolish enough to attempt such a task in their own strength, but ah! how very foolish! It is worse than the man who built his house upon the sand. We want God's help. We may have it. We want more faith in God and his word. This we may obtain. May the Lord increase the faith of his trusting children. J. M. GALLENMORE.

PATIENCE

By S. M. C.

THIS is a subject of vital importance to those professing godliness. While we have to try to live godly in this present evil world, we have to battle against a wily foe, who is working with all his power to deceive mankind, and if possible to make their damnation sure. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses, and knows the very point upon which we can stand the least temptation. The enemy throws trials and temptations in our way, hoping that through some of these things we might become impatient, and grieve the good spirit, and so give the enemy a stronger hold upon us.
Patience is one of the Christian graces which should be carried into every avenue of life. At home by the fireside, at work on the farm or in the shop—patience is needed at all times and in all places. We see many men who are always fretful, disagreeable, unpleasant, unhappy; who cannot live peaceably with their neighbors nor with their families. Everything goes wrong with them. Poor fellows; what trouble they have! What is the matter with them? We think they have need of patience.
We have seen such people professing godliness, and those, too, who are hoping that it may be said of them, “Here is the patience of the saints.” Rev. 14:12. What shall we say to them? The apostle Paul says to such ones, “O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6:11, 12. God regards patience as a great virtue in the Christian life. Read the following texts: Heb. 12:1; Jas. 5:7, 8, 11; 2 Pet. 1:6; Luke 21:19; 1 Pet. 2:20; Rom. 12:12; Heb. 6:12; 10:36. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Then, my brother, let us remember that patience is the mainspring to a Christian life. And may God help us to lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us. S. M. C.

SHARP CORNERS.

By M. E. Steward

I have often thought of the remarks of Bro.—— concerning a co-laborer. “He takes but little room; one is not afraid of running against sharp corners when he is around.” That young man must have got self out of the way; and how agreeable it made his presence! My young friends, how is it with you? Are you trying to find and hew down the sharp corners? “I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong”—strong to overcome evil, envy, pride, self-will, etc., corners so “sharp” as not only to be in the way of others, but to keep good angels from coming very near you. Your characters are yet very impressible. Let me entreat you to begin at once to round them up by well directed, continued effort and help from on high. Be not only a tower of strength, but a graceful column of moral beauty. Get ready for a position of loved and honored usefulness in the broad field you will soon enter.
Young lady, do you fill so large a space that brothers and sisters and even parents have to move very carefully lest they hit you somewhere? Do you feel that your mates are not always free and cordial toward you? and have you never thought they may be afraid of some “sharp corner”? Look out for selfishness, jealousy, etc. You may expect always to be treated with this reserve unless you go to work resolving that every unlovely trait shall be subdued, everything that could cause a stinging word or unkind glance. The easiest way to conquer is to live for others instead of yourself. Try it, relying on Jesus for the help you need, and see if you long have cause to feel you are unloved. Beware of unconscious irritability always. Oh! what blessed treasures our daughters are to us when the “sharp corners” are removed, and the grace of God lives in their hearts.
Have we come to middle age without paying much attention to these “sharp corners”? How they will stand in the way in the bustle and perplexities of active life, often preventing the interchange of warm friendship, and closing avenues of usefulness! Though our habits are strong, yet “he giveth more grace” to those who need more. He can easily break the rock, and in him we may and must conquer.
There are aged persons (with sorrowful respect for grey hairs I write) who always seem to require a wide berth. Unloving, they fail of securing the love that would so smooth their descending way. I have known old age sweetly blessed and cheered with the confiding love of old and young, because kindly sympathies had always so ruled their lives that even in the weakness of life’s decline, asperity could find no room. Oh! how we reverence such a grand old age as that!
Mother, are you watching for unlovely developments in your little ones? Yielding clay are they in your hands. With a firm hold from above, shall we not train these precious ones for a place in the temple of our God? It is a golden moment for our work. A little effort now will tell far more than a mighty one a few years hence. Dr. Kellogg remarked in a public meeting here not long since, that the brain of an infant is so very soft that the mother can make its mind just about what she will. Thus it is that “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rocks the world.” But who is awake to these things, and who is sacrificing self for the formation of right characters in her children? Let us wisely, kindly, firmly, subdue or develop as the case may require, laying a secure foundation till we shall come to stand before the master with sweet, grateful triumph, exclaiming, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me.”
M. E. STEWARD.
Battle Creek.
Continue reading: BIBLE BUTTER