Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 11. (3/14/1912)

Review and Herald

Mar 14, 1912

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 14, 1912

Wave and Tide

ON the far reef the breakers recoil in shattered foam, While still the sea behind them urges its forces home: Its song of triumph surges o’er all the thunderous din; The wave may break in failure, but the tide is sure to win.

The reef is strong and cruel; upon its jagged wall One wave, a score, a hundred, broken and beaten, fall: Yet in defeat they conquer; the sea comes flooding in, Wave upon wave is routed, but the tide is sure to win.

O mighty sea! thy message in clanging spray is cast, Within God’s plan of progress; it matters not at last How wide the shores of evil, how strong the reefs of sin, The waves may be defeated, but the tide is sure to win! — The Outlook.

The April Number of

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Frontispiece, “Factory Recreation Grounds.”

Dogs and Clouds in God's Out-of-Doors, by George Wharton James.

Use of Soothing Syrups, by Wm. C. Woodward, health officer District of Columbia.

Reform Clothing in Dresden, by G. H. Heald, M. D. (illustrated).

The Witches of Hazel (Story of Witch-Hazel).

The Factory in a Garden, by the editor.

Health and Common Sense, by Eva J. DeMarsh.

How to Cook Legumes (part two), by G. E. Cornforth.

Medical Missionary Work and the Gospel.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis, How to Prevent, etc.

The Truth About “The League of Medical Freedom.”

Reopen the Canteens?

Drink and Safety.

Questions and Answers.—Digestibility of Fruits—Treatment of Biliousness—Blistered Feet—Gall-Stones—Feeding the Baby—Remedy for Warts, etc.

Safety of Oysters as Food.

Alcohol and Insanity.

Licking Stamps.

Athletics in Educational Institutions.

News Notes, Current Comment, and other departments of interest.

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Nearness of the End

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

Troublous times are right upon us. The fulfilling of the signs of the times gives evidence that the day of the Lord is near at hand. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men and women and little children. All these things testify that the coming of Christ is near at hand.

The doctrine that men are released from obedience to God's requirements has weakened the force of moral obligation, and opened the flood-gates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness and dissipation and corruption are sweeping upon us like an overwhelming tide. In the family, Satan is at work. His banner waves even in professedly Christian households. There is envy, evil surmising, hypocrisy, strife, betrayal of sacred trusts, indulgence of lust. The whole system of religious principles and doctrines, which should form the foundation and framework of social life, seems to be a tottering mass, ready to fall to ruin.

Courts of justice are corrupt. Rulers are actuated by a desire for gain, and love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance has beclouded the faculties of many, so that Satan has almost complete control of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed, deluded. Drunkenness and revelry, passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort, are represented among those who administer the laws. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity can not enter.” Men are rushing on in the mad race for gain and selfish indulgence as if there were no God, no heaven, and no hereafter.

The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. The apostle James pictures the greed and oppression that will prevail. He says: “Go to now, ye rich men, . . . ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” This is a picture of what exists to-day. By every species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal fortunes, while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God.

In accidents and calamities by land and by sea, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hail-storms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes,—in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. The visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, . . . the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.”

The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling against one another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse-races, gambling-hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation's hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agents to work, that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy be forever shut. The time is right upon us when there will be sorrow that no human balm can heal. Sentinel angels are now restraining the four winds, that they shall not blow till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads; but when God shall bid his angels loose the winds, there will be a scene of strife such as no pen can picture.

The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation

than in reality, but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation can not reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that trial every man must stand for himself before God. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters;” “they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness.”

Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept his Father's commandments, and there was no sin in him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

“Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself.”

The Two Prayers

By Mrs. L. R. Reynolds

MRS. L. R. REYNOLDS

In olden times, on a certain day, Two men went up to the temple to pray; Or one went to pray, but the other to boast; Now which do you think received the most? The boastful one was a Pharisee; A very self-righteous man was he, Who stood, and prayed with himself, and then Thanked God he was not like other men. He felt so sure he was righteous and good, As he looked across where the other stood, That he said, “Thank God, I am not like such,” Then he told of his alms, and boasted much. He extolled his deeds, and with eyes aloft, He told the Lord that he fasted oft. But he never confessed a sin in his prayer, Nor asked for mercy while standing there. And the publican prayed, but he did not dare To lift his eyes while he uttered his prayer. That he was a sinner he there confessed, And he begged for mercy, and smote his breast. His sins pressed heavy, he felt his need; That God be merciful did he plead; But he went from the temple justified, Rather than he who prayed in his pride.

Wichita, Kans.

The Bible the Word

By Clarence Santée

CLARENCE SANTÉE

There is no book that in this day elicits more question and criticism than the Bible. While many are circulating it, and God, through these agencies, is leaving the world without excuse if its precepts are not obeyed, yet the larger number of those who love to see its copies scattered, reject many of its most direct and simple teachings. The creation, the flood, the books of Jonah, Esther, and Job, as well as other portions of the Bible, come in for total rejection, or for such reshaping as modern science and Higher Criticism may dictate.

The Scripture was given by inspiration of God. It is no common book with which men can lightly deal. God says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. “That the man of God may be perfect.” This is the declared reason for the inspiration of Scripture. No person can be made perfect by following an imperfect rule or pattern. Either the intent of God must fail, or perfection will come through obedience to that God-given Word that is brought so near to us in Christ. The Scriptures which Timothy had studied—the Old Testament—were able to make him wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. See 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

When Christ would prove his mission and work to the two disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus, we read: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27. There is the fountain of truth. He who would turn to the wisdom of men in seeking light and a basis for hope, will later find the truth of another statement of the Inspired Word: “They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jer. 2:13.

Even in the writing of the Scriptures, God has assured us that the unerring guidance of his Spirit was given. In 2 Peter 1:20, 21, I read: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” “Scripture,” or script, is that which is written. In this text we have the statement that in the Scripture, or writing, “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” This was also recognized in ancient time. “All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me.” 1 Chron. 28:19.

The Scriptures are pure. “Every word of God is pure [“purified,” margin].” Prov. 30:5. God not only had the Scriptures written pure and unadulterated, but he has promised to keep them pure. “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them [“that is, every one of them,” margin] from this generation forever.” Ps. 12:6, 7.

In the language of an earnest writer and speaker, I would say:—

“My brethren, let the Word of God stand just as it is. Let not human wisdom presume to lessen the force of one statement of the Scriptures. The solemn denunciation in the Revelation should warn us against taking such ground.” — “Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, page 711.”

Again: “Do we receive the Bible as the ‘oracle of God’? It is as really a divine communication as though its words came to us in an audible voice.” — Id., page 533.

Christ’s life was the embodiment of the “Word.” He is called the Word in John 1:1-4: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. . . . In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” “And his name is called The Word of God.” Rev. 19:13, last part. His words are spirit (John 6:63), and the power of the Spirit is in them. The following scripture is a good illustration of this power: “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. . . . For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Ps. 33:6-9.

Not only were the worlds brought into existence by his word, but every change that brought this world from a state of chaos, “without form and void,” to a state of order, symmetry, and beauty, rested upon that never-failing power, “God said.” See Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 11.

Notwithstanding that this Word is so far-reaching and powerful, we may clearly understand it. Men may deny this. They may mystify its teachings to many inquiring minds. But God has made his Word plain, and assures all who come to him earnestly desiring to know, that they shall know. Through John he says, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7:17. In Amos 3:7 he says: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” “Those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children.” Deut. 29:29.

With these assurances all may have courage. God’s Word becomes to each soul a lamp unto his feet, and a light unto his path. Ps. 119:105.

A Chosen People

By H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS

PAUL has a word to say to the “faithful in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 1:1. He mentions those who were chosen before the foundation of the world (verse 4), that they “should be holy and without blame before him in love.” God has a work, a purpose, in the life of each of us. He has chosen us as his children, and wishes us to attain to that position where he can present us as “a glorious church.” All that is defective in our hearts must be rooted out. This work is to go on “all the days of our life.” Luke 1:75.

The Word of the Lord Was Unto Them

“Precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:10), is the Lord’s way of making known his requirements to his chosen people. To keep his words ever before us we need to have our memories often refreshed, else a spirit of indifference and carelessness creeps in unawares, and his wise precepts are forgotten.

The children of Israel’s long journey of forty years through the wilderness might have been avoided had they been obedient to God’s requirements.

In Peter’s day God said: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.

“Those who would be joint heirs of Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance will be peculiar; yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as his.

Think ye that he will receive honor from and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from others only in name? The Israel of God are in constant danger of mingling with the world and losing all signs of the chosen people of God.”

Is Modern Israel Peculiar?

Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world.” And the spirit of prophecy says that “some are so conformed to this world, one can scarcely distinguish them as His people.” Some are losing their holy, peculiar character, and are imitating the fashions and following the customs of the world. Love of dress is wrecking the happiness of thousands. Vanity in dress is a grief to the dear Saviour. All display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind is out of keeping with our faith. “Some have been so unfortunate as to come into possession of gold chains or pins, or both, and have shown bad taste in exhibiting them, making them conspicuous to attract attention. I can but associate these characters with the vain peacock that displays his gorgeous feathers for admiration. It is all this poor bird has to attract attention; for his voice and form are anything but attractive.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. III.

“The way of the cross is an onward and upward way, and as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things that belong to this earth.”

As pilgrims and strangers seeking for a home in that city which has twelve foundations, whose gates are of pearl and streets of gold (just in sight), shall we be obedient, stand every test, give up every idol, heed the counsel of the “True Witness”? Shall we who have been long “in the way” give up the battle now? The angels of God have their charge,—“They are joined to their idols; let them alone,”—and they leave them, with their evil traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels.

“God will give grace to those who fear him and walk in the light of truth, and he will withdraw his blessing from all that conform to the world. Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold, and preparing for the mark of the beast.”

Loma Linda, Cal.

T. E. BOWEN

By T. E. Bowen

Job's Experience --- No. 1

T. E. BOWEN

If chronology can be relied upon, Job lived about the time that Moses was forced to flee from Egypt to sojourn in the land of Midian. It is thought that Moses, while a fugitive in Midian, wrote the account of Job's experience. But be this as it may, Job's experience is written out, and has been handed down to us in the Book of God. It must therefore contain important lessons for those who live prior to the coming of the Lord.

That Job was a man, that he encountered the common experiences of men, is very evident from the brief outline of his situation in life. He had seven sons and three daughters, besides “a very great household.” His possessions included seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses. The summing up of it all is briefly expressed by one statement: “So that this man was the greatest of all the men of the East.”

Being thus great, we may naturally suppose that he had special temptations from Satan. That the enemy would not pass by such a one without an extra effort to overthrow him might be expected. And the sequel for his being made a special object for attack is given us in the opening verse of the book, our very introduction to the man: “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

Any person who places before his face the fear of God, and thus departs from evil, will make himself a special mark for Satan. This is true of Seventh-day Adventists in a special sense to-day.

A time came when the sons of God came together (representatives from the different worlds), to appear before the Lord. Satan came also. He may have come as a representative from the earth, the Son of God not yet having been born into our family to live that sinless life which was to constitute him our representative — the “second Adam.” God asked Satan whence he came. He answered, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” The Lord then asked, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”

To be sure, Satan knew him. He had been at Job's home many a time. He had tempted him in every conceivable manner, but somehow he could not get at him as he would like. Job had such a firm trust in the protection of his Heavenly Father that powerful angels had shut him in, and all that he had, so that they were like a wall about him, a barrier the enemy could not pass. His experience was like that of which David wrote, years later: “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” “He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Thus Job was secure.

The vital question with Satan was how this situation could be changed. He longed to make an example of Job to show how easy it would be to overthrow a man's faith and trust in God. And now is his opportunity to attempt it. He answers God by one of his artful insinuations: “Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

This was another charge upon God. Job is not serving you because he loves you or your service. It is a hired service. Before Satan was cast out of heaven, his charge was that the service of the angels was a forced service. Angels must obey God. They therefore were not free. Lucifer proposed to give them liberty. In Job's case the motive of the child of God is questioned. The same is true to-day. Satan contends that there is no such thing in the human breast as sincere love for God, prompting true, unselfish service. There is some ultramotive — a reward in view, or something of that sort.

These words of the accuser moved the Lord (without cause so far as Job himself is concerned) to say to Satan: “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”

What a scene! Could Job have known this conversation, what a comfort it would have been to him! But no; not even God could tell him. He must suffer injustice, take the bitter cup as if given by God, when in reality it was not God at all, but Satan. Satan's purpose gained, we are not told that he remained longer at the council. He had important business that required his presence in the earth, and “so Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.” Disasters, in quick succession, follow, until Job, instead of being the great man of the East in point of possession, is now childless, penniless, and well-nigh friendless. Satan no doubt lingered about to hear him curse God to his face, as he had declared that Job would do.

Here the climax is reached. Would Job do this? Angels, no doubt, looked on in breathless silence during this supreme moment, to see what God's dear servant would do under such circumstances. Not long had they to wait. After listening to the tidings of all the calamities that had taken place, “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

What a joy to the holy angels! What a disappointment to Satan! Yes, and what a victory for God through the victory of his servant Job! Ah! brother, sister, much more may be at stake than you realize when you are brought into a very trying place through a combination of circumstances. It means something to Heaven, to the work of God upon earth, to the unseen powers of darkness, as well as to you, how you endure when you are tried. Is God charged foolishly? Much depends upon whether we recognize who is responsible for the temptation. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: For God can not be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” But

God may permit Satan to prove us. Yet in it all he shows his confidence in our loyalty, our love, by giving the permission. Shall he be disappointed in us? “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Washington, D. C.

Funeral Services

By E. K. Slade

E. K. SLADE

The form of funeral services has varied much with the passing of years and among the different nations. A service consisting of proper music, prayer, words of comfort and consolation, and manifestations of respect and sympathy, is quite universally approved at this time, though there is some tendency to become objectionably formal. To deviate radically from the prevailing customs in the main features of a service would be unwise, and should be avoided as long as truth and principle are not involved.

A minister of the gospel seldom performs a service that calls for more ability and divine aid. At no time are tact and appropriateness more needed. It is not only an occasion for ministering to the mourners, but it affords an opportunity to place before the many neighbors and friends who usually attend, some beautiful gems of truth which they might not receive in any other way. However, a desire to impress such friends favorably should not lead a minister to neglect to present some of the precious, comforting truths to those whose hearts are broken, that they sorrow not as others who have no hope.

A funeral sermon should never be argumentative. It is unfair and unprofitable and altogether out of place to conduct a study or give a discourse dealing with doctrinal subjects known to be offensive to many of the hearers. I recall an incident not altogether pleasant to think about. The speaker discoursed to a large gathering of people at great length on some of the lines of prophecy. While he was presenting these prophecies, it was evident that his hearers were displeased and perplexed, and the comments heard afterward only emphasized the inappropriateness of the service. This is perhaps an extreme case, yet it is without doubt true, generally speaking, that too little care is exercised in this matter by our ministers. An argumentative sermon on the nature of man, the state of the dead, or the resurrection, would, in the mind of the writer, be out of place. Beautiful truths regarding these subjects may be presented in most attractive setting and in an inoffensive manner. In connection with such themes as Life in Christ, Triumphant Death, and the Home of the Saved, it is possible, in a short sermon, to leave the hearers favorably impressed, and deeply interested in some of the vital truths not so commonly believed. This is a matter of great importance, and should be given careful consideration by those called to conduct such services. Careful preparation is required, and a broad knowledge of the great truths of the Bible is necessary in order to stand before all classes and people of varied religious views, and conduct a service that will be appropriate, winning, and effective.

Long funeral services are decidedly objectionable. We have known of people listening to a funeral sermon an hour and a quarter in length. Their respect for the occasion would not permit them to escape the ordeal. Every circumstance calls for brevity. Usually there are long drives. The friends and relatives are weary and worn, and some may be very feeble. Teams are often out in bad weather. From twenty to thirty minutes is plenty of time for the sermon.

It seems out of place to eulogize extensively, or to be too pronounced in regard to the fate or lot of the deceased. We can speak very definitely about the reward of the righteous, but we are not required to express a specific opinion, as some frequently do. There can be no question as to the appropriateness, in some cases, of dwelling to some extent upon the life-work and Christian experience of the deceased. The mistake is sometimes made of unduly appealing to the emotions of those present. Many openings have been created for holding meetings and raising up churches through wisely conducted funeral services. The situation in connection with such occasions should lead ministers to be discreet, tactful, and well prepared for such duties.

Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

My Sanctuary

By Arthur W. Spaulding

ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

I do not find the world a place of love; For every man goes barbed with private rights: Who must, he parries; and who can, he smites; The trodden murmur, and the headlong shove; And, world-forgetful, if some urchin sing, There lights upon him wrath of priest or king.

Through haunts of fear and misery I move. The nightmare of the sodden faces frights, While lust blots o’er the face of pure delights; And O, the world, it sorely lacks for love! And I, if I must strive that lack to fill, Where shall I find the balm to cure the ill?

The crowd are not awaiting love from me: They know not any love, and count them lies,— The tales of cheer, the deeds of sacrifice; And only looks of moping unbelief I see. But O, their downcast eyes are never drawn above! They do not know my secret place of love.

Within the veil that balks the ribald gaze There lies the sanctuary of my heart; And they who minister with me in part Delight to serve within that holy place. For not alone for us is censer waved: We serve that all the world, perchance, be saved.

An outer and an inner shrine are there: The first, our sacred common minster place; The second, where we see our Father’s face. The first is home; the next, the place of prayer. And here, the sacred fire shall ever flame; And there, we hide our face before the Name.

And O, when heart is numb and hands grow cold Against the frozen anguish that we move, How sweet to know the great rebirth of love Awaits me there behind the curtain’s fold! And, as a pleader for the world’s great woe, Within my sanctuary as a priest I go.

The Expectant Attitude

By Zelia Margaret Walters

A TEACHER was telling her pupils of a thing that they were forbidden to do. “And if you do,” she finished, and went on to tell the penalty of disobedience.

When the pupils were dismissed, the principal said, gently: “You have provided for disobedience, I see. Do you expect them to disobey you?”

She had expected some of them to disobey her. Did her attitude have anything to do with it? The question set her thinking, as the principal intended it should.

The same question might be suggested to many mothers. I recall one who was sending her eight-year-old son on an errand that necessitated riding on the street-car. She multiplied warnings and admonitions and directions, and after the boy started she exclaimed, “I know he won’t do a single thing I told him to!” And he didn’t. During her talk with him an onlooker could see that with all her emphasis she was throwing herself against the blank wall of the boy’s indifference. She knew he would not heed, he knew that she knew, and it was just so much wasted breath. But how much of his heedlessness was traceable directly to the fact that she did not expect obedience of him? When you hear a mother that expects to be obeyed giving directions to her children, what a different effect it has upon all who hear! It would be a bold child who would disappoint the confident expectation expressed in her tone and manner.

The attitude of the one in authority has everything to do with the child’s obedience. We see it most clearly with the child and his teachers. Most children have only one mother to experiment with in a lifetime, while the teachers are various. To some he yields a prompt, cheerful, loyal obedience; others must fight

for every inch that they carry their authority. But the mother might take her lesson from this: Is she one who receives cheerful obedience, or must she drag the child a protesting captive after her?—Zelia Margaret Walters, in American Motherhood.

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