p. 14 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 17.

Economy and Thrift in the Home

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

MORE than nineteen hundred years ago, in the mountainous desert near the village of Bethsaida, and within sight of the blue waters of the sea of Galilee, a vast multitude had gathered to listen to the wonderful teaching of the Man of Nazareth and to be healed of their diseases.

At last the setting sun tinged the waters of Galilee, and the evening zephyrs stirred its calm depth,—and still the people lingered, forgetful of hunger and weariness.

But the Great Physician did not forget; and well He knew the needs of the multitude. At the suggestion to dismiss the people, He replied: “Give ye them to eat.” We all remember the story, how, seated in that desert place, the Master spread the table for five thousand hungry people, from the basket of a little lad.

Finally the multitude arose, and the mighty Miracle-Worker dismissed them to go to their own homes.

“Now,” says the Master to His disciples, “gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” “What! gather up the fragments? Why, Master, do you ask us to spend our precious time in such a manner as this? Surely it is folly to talk of economizing now! Why,” they say to one another in amazement, “here is a power which is able to multiply bread indefinitely by a single word; surely we are in no danger of coming to want,—so why economize? it is folly to do so.”

Not so, for the words of the Master are imperative: “Gather up the fragments!” And still this command is as imperative as when, nineteen centuries ago, it fell upon the ears of the astonished multitude in the desert of Bethsaida. Especially should those words appeal to the profligate pleasure lovers of this extravagant twentieth century.

“Extravagant?”—yes; recklessly, criminally extravagant. Do you see that lordly palace over there? It is evening, and the brilliantly lighted parlors are filled with the butterflies of fashion, flitting to and fro, as purposeless as the vain insects which they resemble. Diamonds and precious stones which cost the wealth of a Rothschild are gleaming everywhere. Massive vases and ornaments of priceless value are scattered about in barbaric splendor and profusion; and as the modern devotees of fashion gather around their tables of regal magnificence, we are irresistibly reminded of the impious feast of Belshazzar, when the lightning fingers of the invisible scribe traced those mystic characters upon the richly carved walls of the vainglorious and fated monarch; and we listen in imagination to the awful interpretation of the aged seer: “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

“Yes,” sighs Mrs. Spendthrift,—now Mrs. Spendthrift is a church member, and her husband is far from being a rich man,—“yes, it’s awful the way these wealthy people do spend money!” Yet the heedless and senseless manner in which this foolish woman spends her husband’s hard earned dollars is as culpable and blameworthy as is the extravagance of the millionaire who spends his thousands foolishly.

We are all likely to think it no harm to indulge in petty extravagances; but this means as much to us, perhaps with our limited means, as the greater follies of the rich mean to them.

Let us, then, try to be sensible. There is probably no one but who is very economical in some one particular. All of us have our hobbies. Perhaps we may have a hobby of economizing in the kitchen, and the result is such poor and meager fare that our impoverished blood cries out in the pangs of neuralgia or rheumatism. So I beg you, my friend, don’t plume yourself on your economy and thrift, because you begrudge a crumb of bread to the little birds, while you recklessly throw away or dump into the garret last season’s hat or gown, almost as good as new, because it is a little out of style.

“Well, now, I’m glad to hear you talk to Mrs. Spendthrift,” smiles Mrs. Niggardly, “The way that woman goes thru with money is awful. My husband’s salary is double hers, but I shouldn’t think of doing so. Why, she doesn’t seem to realize the worth of money. And Mrs. Liberal is just as bad. Only last week she gave away—just think of it!—absolutely gave away to the various charities and missions and poor fund and what not, three large baskets of food, besides any amount of clothing; and she actually asks her husband almost every day what he would like for dinner; and she sees that he has it, too,—no matter if it does cost extra,—and I’m very glad to find that you don’t approve of it.”

Pardon me, Mrs. Niggardly, I am speaking in favor of economy and thrift—not of penuriousness and littleness. I’m afraid you don’t appreciate the difference between the terms.

But Mrs. Niggardly only looked puzzled and passed on.

“But what can we do to teach the true principles of economy and thrift to our children?” some one asks. It is a first-rate plan to give them an object-lesson by allowing them to do a little business for themselves. Let Mary learn to make her own dresses, instead of hiring the dressmaker, and then give her the money, or part of it, for missions. Then she will feel that she has earned it herself. Let Johnnie have a little garden of his own, and allow him to handle and sell his own produce. Thus he will learn the true value of money, and learn many lessons of thrift and economy.

But while we are not to be slothful in business, we must not forget the command to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

Praise the Lord

“LET everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

Becoming What We Were Meant to Be

You see your true self when you believe that the best and purest and devoutest moment which ever came to you is only the suggestion of what you were meant to be and might be all the time.—Phillips Brooks.

Unsimplified Spelling.

The proprietor of a Chicago hotel tells of an eccentric guest who registered with him about the time of the simplified spelling flurry, and who undertook, in an ingenious way, to show his contempt for the opponents of the proposed reform.

When the newcomer spread his signature on the register, it was at once observed that the name was a most unusual one—“E. K. Phtholognyrrh.”

“Beg your pardon,” said the clerk, “but how do you pronounce it?”

“Turner,” was the reply, “and spelled in approved fashion, too.”

“Will you kindly explain?”

“Simplest thing in the world,” said Turner. “First, we have ‘phth,’ the sound of ‘t’ in ‘phthisis;’ then, ‘olo,’ the sound of ‘ur’ in ‘colonel;’ thirdly, ‘gn,’ representing the sound of ‘n’ in ‘gnat;’ and finally, ‘yrrh,’ the equivalent of ‘er’ in ‘myrrh.’ If the combination doesn’t spell ‘Turner,’ what does it spell?”—Harper’s Weekly.

The "Naval" Number.

By Editor

The attention of the world is now upon the U. S. Battle-ship Fleet, entering the Golden Gate.

The SIGNS of May 13 will be devoted to this event. It will be beautifully illustrated, and will contain most valuable information with reference to the increasing power of the nations.

Reduced facsimile of first page "Naval" Edition.

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Notes on This Issue

By Editor

Our Naval number will contain many things of use as reference, entirely apart from its religious instruction. It ought to have a large sale thru the news agencies, especially on the Pacific Coast.

The articles in this issue are all worthy of careful reading. The paper beginning on page 4, by Mr. A. Delos Westcott, will bear a careful study. It will continue thru three issues. It will help to answer some queries in the minds of our readers.

The Royalists carried the elections in Portugal by a large majority April 5, but the announcement of the results was followed by wildest disorders in Lisbon. The mobs were suppressed only by strenuous efforts on the part of troops, and a large number were reported killed. Stormy times are evidently before the little kingdom.

Those desiring to keep well informed in regard to the leading movements in British social, religious, and political affairs should not fail to read our London letters that appear from time to time from our special correspondent. The letter to be found on pages 10 and 11 of this issue is not only instructive but interesting. Since our correspondent mailed his letter, the despatches inform us of the resignation of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and Mr. Herbert H. Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has been summoned by the king to form a new cabinet. Sir Campbell-Bannerman's resignation was made at the demand of his physicians who say that the condition of his health renders it imperative that he be relieved from the weighty responsibilities of Prime Minister.

There is a strong temperance agitation in Urbana, Ill., and the sentiment has run so high that it has compelled the students in the state university at that place so to revise their college songs as to take out of them the laudation and praise of wine. Many of the songs sung by the boys in colleges abound in references to the merry-making that accompanies strong drink. Young men who are usually temperate in their habits are frequently compelled to sing these maudlin songs, or else be sneered at by their companions. It is to be hoped that the temperance sentiment will grow strong enough in each university town to compel such songs to be banished from the whole country. The bad influence that such jingles have upon the minds of young men while in school is incalculable. And they should be made so unpopular that no institution would tolerate them anywhere.

The Bible and the Bible Only.—One gentleman writes us that he admires the loyalty to the Scriptures manifest in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, but, he remarks, that we can not, of course, expect him to accept what we say concerning the Sabbath. No, we do not wish this man or any other soul to accept what we say if it is not in harmony with God's word. In all these things we are not choosing our way. Years ago this journal was established to teach the truth of God as it is in His word. Years ago it nailed to its masthead the motto: "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." We have no desire to tear it down. Nay, more, we would emblazon the words anew on our banner and seek more earnestly for the grace and wisdom to live to its noble aim. He who seeks to please men can neither please God nor win men to life. Therefore we choose to abide by our motto, however much we may be misunderstood or misinterpreted. God's word is a good foundation on which to stand. It has been tested thruout the centuries; we have tested it, and it has never been found wanting. Therefore we plead with our readers to stand on the word.

Bible Reading

Bible Reading.—Revival services are being held in Philadelphia under the lead of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman. In connection with these services, what is called the "Pocket Testament League" has been formed, the members of which pledge themselves to make it the rule of their life to read at least one chapter in the Bible each day, and to carry a Testament or Bible with them wherever they go. Its headquarters' address is "The Pocket Testament League, 518 Witherspoon Building, Philadelphia, Pa. This is good. We rejoice at every new impetus given to the reading of the words of life. Small Testaments, easy to carry, can readily be obtained. Ladies who belong to the League are having pockets made (think of it!) in which to carry the Testament. But thinking, judgment-bound men and women ought to find time, ought to take time, to read more than one chapter a day. Read the Bible thru with the year. But one chapter a day is better, infinitely better than nothing. God bless the movement.

It Is Well Said.—Speaking of "Our Workless Workingmen and Our Worthless Workingmen," the Western Watchman remarks: "God has blessed the prosperous many with ample means to meet the necessities of the dependent few. Religion teaches those who have something to share what they have with those who have nothing. And the greatest alms that the rich man can bestow is the means of making an honest living. The employing classes are God's best almoners. But among the dependent throng there are thousands who would be beggars in Golconda; whose hearthstones would be black if they lived in New Castle. These are the manifestants against whom the police must arm. They demand both work and drink, as the lazy rabble in the declining days of the Roman Republic demanded bread and amusements. Between the millionaires who water their stock, and the worthless workingmen who liquor their labor, the industries of the world are made to suffer. Would that some way could be devised to rid mankind of both."

The Summer Session of the University of California offers opportunity for teachers who wish to spend their vacation in study in science, literature, manual training, domestic science, agriculture, and forestry. Price for the session, $15.00, regardless of the number of courses. No formal examinations required for entrance. Fees entitle to full privileges of the library, also to medical advice and hospital care without extra charge, in case of illness. Particulars may be obtained from the Recorder of the Faculties of the University of California, Berkeley, Cal.

An automatic violin after the plan of the piano player is the latest musical invention. The notes are produced by perforated music paper rolls, which influence the action of automatic fingers for fingering and revolving disks for the bowing. The mechanism is controlled by electromagnets and a small motor. The most intricate pieces are played accurately and with a sweet tone. It will, it is said, compete successfully with the most accomplished human fiddler.

A Hindu temple was dedicated in San Francisco on April 5. This is said to be the first temple of the kind ever dedicated in the Western World. The despatches, however, tell of another that is being erected in Oregon, and soon to be dedicated. There is quite a large class of people who seem to think that religion should be shrouded in such impenetrable mysticism that no mind can comprehend anything in connection with it. For all such these mystic religions of the East are quite in harmony with their ideas of things.

"Correct English."—Three numbers of a bright and useful little magazine with the above name have come to our table. It stands for "Correct English in the home" as well as for "Correct English in the school." It is of itself a course in English, helpful, instructive, stimulating. The editor is Josephine Turck Baker. It is issued by the Correct English Publishing Company, Evanston, Ill. The price is $1.00 a year.

Religious liberty, if it be true religious liberty, belongs to no class, but to every man.

Contained in This Issue.

With Our Inquirers Questions Nos. 2473 to 2480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

General Christ the Teacher and Healer . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Were the Christians of Past Centuries Sealed without the Sabbath? . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 That Ill-Favored Compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Home Bible Studies The Gifts of the Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 "The Spirit Is Life" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Our Bible Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Editorial Lent and Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Outpouring of the Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Is the Sabbath Fictitious? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Studies in Romans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Constant War Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Outlook Our London Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Missions From Our Missionaries to China . . . . . . . . . 12

The Home Economy and Thrift in the Home . . . . . . . . . . 14

Poetry He Was Afflicted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Her Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cling to the Bible.

CLING to the Bible, tho all else be taken; Lose not its precepts, so precious and pure; Souls that are sleeping its tidings awaken; Life from the dead in its promises sure. Cling to the Bible, this jewel and treasure Brings life eternal, and saves fallen man; Surely its value no mortal can measure; Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can! Lamp for the feet that in byways have wandered, Guide for the youth that would otherwise fall; Hope for the sinner whose life has been squandered, Staff for the aged, and best Book of all. —Anon.

The Special Bible-Reading Series

By Editor

This is the last of our Special Bible-Reading Series, but it is not the last issue to contain Bible-readings. These will continue from week to week, tho not given quite as much prominence as during the last six months. The great themes of the Book of God will be set before our readers in stronger, clearer light than ever before. Continue with us. You may not agree with all the paper teaches. It is your privilege to disagree. We will not quarrel with you for this. All that we ask is your cooperation in standing by the Bible, holding to the great essentials of Christianity, making the Scriptures the rule of faith. Are you skeptical?—Then study with us some of the great evidences of God's truth.