OBJECT to amusements for little folks or great folks? When—on what occasion? Not a breath of it. We delight to see every one, little and big, mounting up on eagle’s wings joyfully. The whole world is alive, on fire, with things beautiful, musical.
The twinkling stars, the sun, the moon, and all nature pour forth their sweet melodies. The little hills skip like lambs, the mountains break forth into singing, and all the trees of the forest clap their hands joyfully. The birds of the air amuse themselves; the beasts of the field, the fishes of the sea. Sooner hush the tuneful lark, tie the legs of the skipping squirrel, stop the flowers from blooming, or the woods and the fields from growing green, as deprive the buoyant youth of innocent recreation.
The question is not between amusements, and no amusements, but between those that are innocent, and those that are hurtful. The world is on fire for something to feed the passions, gratify a corrupt taste. Volumes on volumes are written, regions above, and regions below, ransacked to kill time, and murder the soul! The rush is perpetual after the ephemeral or evanescent, the thirst is to sip at the foul sediment of corrupt pleasure, which, at last, biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder; though every sunbeam is winged with glory, and every snow-flake drops heavenly benedictions from the skies for our pleasure.
God is love. Gladness meets us at every step. Our walks, our rides, our pleasure labor, our social interviews, our books, our innocent, virtuous, hallowed festivities, afford ample and varied means for rational exhilaration. Who, then, but a fool or a madman, would plunge into the whirl of fashionable dissipation?
All amusements and recreations, lawful and innocent, are those, and only those, which tend to promote health of body, vigor of mind, purity of soul, and thus qualify for a better discharge of higher and more important duties.
We consider all amusements or pastimes which tend to stimulate the passions unduly, excite impure emotions, and corrupt the heart, sinful, and to be strictly avoided. Oh! that parents and children would see and feel this. How many are now weeping tears of blood for the first step in this downward path! One wrong step prepares the way for another. The way of evil is downward.
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Prov. 4:14, 15.
Dancing parties, masquerades, every species of gambling, chess, checkers, marble and card-playing, prize-fighting, cock-fighting, betting of all kinds, horse-racing, the public revel, the barbecue, the circus, the theater, the billiard-table, the soiree, the tea-party, going from house to house on the first day of the new year, partaking to surfeiting rich and costly dainties, sipping the wine-cup, deemed by some innocent, are more or less expensive, foolish, hurtful, soul-destroying, pitfalls of Satan.
The most popular amusements are inconsistent with the principles of Christianity, hazardous to the soul’s life. Theaters in all ages have been nurseries of vice, sinks of iniquity, places of abominations, and strongholds of the devil. The very atmosphere around these haunts of iniquity is polluting! In these strongholds of Satan are personated the worst characters in vivid colors, utterances given to profane and immoral sentiments, and they are resorted to, by the most vicious characters. Thus they offer the contamination of corrupt associations, and are prolonged to late hours, which are additional sources of danger. Every diversion, beloved reader, attended with dissipation, cruelty, immorality, and impiety, everything giving pain to a fellow-creature, everything tending to vitiate or pollute the mind, or render it indisposed to devotion, must be wrong and strictly avoided.
We have no right to visit any place of amusement from which we cannot return to our closets with as ardent a flame of holy devotion as when we left them. Some of the amusements we consider lawful and innocent, and which may be safely recommended to persons enjoying health, strength of body and mind, are gardening, walking and riding, sacred music, drawing, painting, botany, a survey of natural and artificial curiosities, the use of the globes, the telescope, the microscope, useful company, agreeable conversation, and entertaining books.
“Let us not so wrong and vilify the bounties of Providence, as to allow for a moment that the sources of innocent amusement are so rare that men must be driven, almost by constraint, to such are of doubtful quality. On the contrary, such has been the Creator’s goodness, that almost every one of our physical, intellectual, and moral faculties, and the same may be said of the whole creation which we see around us, are not only calculated to answer the proper end of its being by its subserviency to some purpose of solid usefulness, but to be the instrument of administering pleasure.
“Our Maker, also, in his kindness, has so constructed us that even mere vicissitude is gratifying and refreshing, a consideration which should prompt us often to seek from a prudent variation of useful pursuits, that recreation for which we are apt to resort to what is altogether unproductive and useless.
“Yes, rich and multiplied are the springs of innocent relaxation. The Christian relaxes in the temperate use of all the gifts of Providence. Imagination, and taste, and genius, and the beauties of creation, and the works of art, lie open to him. He relaxes in the feast of reason, in the intercourse of society, in the sweets of friendship, in the endearments of love, in the exercises of hope, of confidence, of joy, of gratitude, of universal good-will, of all the benevolent and generous affections, which, by the gracious ordinance of our Creator, while they disinterestedly intend only happiness to others, are most surely productive to us of complacency and peace.”
We might mention numerous other things equally innocent and useful; but this is sufficient to prove how easy we may be amused, without running after the silly frivolities of an unsanctified world, and which, under the pretense of enjoying necessary recreations, debase our nature, and involve us in misery and disgrace.
A passion for amusement wastes time, enfeebles the body, dissipates the mind, destroys usefulness, and leads to great expense. “He that loveth pleasure,” says Solomon, “shall be a poor man.”
D. F. NEWTON, Ed., “Apples of Gold.”
Faith, Patience, and Christian Service
When the Lord bestows his gifts, he designs them for use, and not for idle display. The faith which he gives, is a working faith, and must be tried. The patience which he imparts, must have its perfect work. Thus wrote St. James to the twelve tribes who were scattered abroad: "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." Oh! what an honor does God put upon poor mortals, when he employs them in his service.
Trials and the Grace of God
If there were no trials to endure, the grace of God would be quiescent, and like a standing army in time of peace.
Christian Obedience and Freedom
SOME persons think of obedience as if it were nothing else, and could be nothing else, than servitude. And it must be admitted, that constrained obedience is so. He who obeys by compulsion and not freely, wears a chain upon his spirit which continually frets and torments, while it confines him. But this is not Christian obedience. To obey with the whole heart, in other words, to obey as Christ would have us, is essentially the same as to be perfectly resigned to the will of God; having no will but his. And he must have strange notions of the interior and purified life, who supposes that the obedience which revolves constantly and joyfully within the limits of Divine Will, partakes of the nature of servitude. On the contrary, true obedience, that which has its seat in the affections, and which flows out like the gushing of water, may be said, in a very important sense, to possess not only the nature, but the very essence of freedom.
Honey-Comb of the Psalms.
By Theodore L. Cuyler
MARTIN LUTHER styled the book of Psalms "an epitome of the word of God—a little Bible in themselves." They have been read, and sung, and studied, and prayed over, and wept over, for twenty-five centuries of time. The most ancient of them has been in existence for 3,000 years ; the latest written was composed at least 2,500 years ago. While the Iliad of Homer, and the Æneid of Virgil, have been enjoyed by the intellects of the learned few, yet the Praise-Songs of David and Moses have been the heart heritage and delight of the lowliest as well as the loftiest. Scholars, statesmen, and poets, have all united in extolling the incomparable beauty of these songs of Zion. Lamartine in his florid French, exclaims : "The Book of Psalms is a vase of perfume broken on the steps of the temple, and shedding abroad its odor to the heart of all humanity." The little shepherd has become master of the sacred choir of the universe. A chord of his harp is found in all choirs, resounding forever in unison with the echoes of Horeb and Engedi. David is the psalmist of eternity ; what a power hath poetry when inspired by the Almighty !
A thousand eulogies have been uttered over these hymns of the heart, these soul-songs of all God's children. Good old Dickson, of Scotland, speaks of them as "this sweet-smelling bundle of Psalms." Gerhard, the German, says : "The Psalter is a deep sea, in which are hid the most costly pearls ; it is a paradise, bearing the most delicious fruits and flowers." How many an one as he (or she) lays down this brief article will respond : "Yes ! blessed be God for the Psalms ! From childhood they have been my solace and my song on the life-journey. Sweeter are they to me than honey or the honey-comb."
—Theo. L. Cuyler.
Gilroy and Hollister.
By John Norton Loughborough
AT Gilroy last Sabbath I had a very interesting meeting with the little band. They seem to be growing in grace, strength, and courage in the work. We leave them now for one Sabbath by themselves, but in two weeks we meet them again when they will have an opportunity, if the Lord will, to sign their names to a covenant.
The interest is still good in Hollister. Two opposition sermons on the Sabbath were preached to-day. To these Bro. Waggoner listened while I was speaking to a moderate sized audience in the tent. A reply will be made to-morrow evening. These investigations are leading souls to seek for the truth. Several kept last Sabbath here.
Hollister, Cal., Aug. 15, 1875.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Departure.
By William Clarence White
WEDNESDAY morning, Aug. 11, we bid adieu to Eld. Canright and wife, who took the overland train for the Eastern States, expecting to reach Battle Creek just before the close of the Michigan Camp-meeting.
Eld. Canright’s sudden departure will be a disappointment to the California brethren, who had anticipated his labors at the camp-meeting, and the tent-meetings following; but the wants of the broader eastern field seemed to demand it.
It is expected that he will attend most of the eastern Camp-meetings, those at least which Bro. and sister White cannot attend, if they return West in time to be at our California Camp-meeting.
W. C. W.
Letter Writing.
By M. L. Huntley
LETTER writing is a very important part of the missionary work, and is becoming more and more prominent. There are lonely individuals who are receiving light on present truth in every direction, and there are many among us who, if they were consecrated to the work of God, might speak words of encouragement and instruction to such, and thus exert an influence for good over many minds. From the various reports of labor, it is evident that writing letters is quite a large part of missionary work. It is a field of labor in which much has already been accomplished. Perhaps a few thoughts with regard to writing will not be out of place. In all branches of this work it is of the utmost importance that the true object should be kept constantly before the mind, and especially is this the case with writing letters. It is not sufficient to write that which will merely please or gratify the receiver, and thus merely form pleasant associations, if we would be the means of doing good in this direction. But the object of the writer should be to communicate that which will be most beneficial to the person addressed.
The circumstances of different individuals vary widely, so much so that no definite rule or directions can be made to apply in every case; but under all circumstances, whether it is desired to comfort the afflicted, encourage the desponding, strengthen the wavering, or warn the erring, or to impress the one to whom we write with the importance of some truth, a definite object should be kept in view. Write for a purpose. A careful and prayerful selection of words and ideas is also indispensable. It is impossible to address individuals without making some impression upon their minds, and therefore every effort thus put forth results either favorably or unfavorably. Impressions are made which are not easily effaced. In worldly enterprises all the faculties of the mind are called into use, and men study to know the most successful way of accomplishing their object. Should not the same ambitious determination to excel and succeed be shown in what we attempt to do in the work of God? If there is any cause that is worthy of the highest and noblest powers it is that of saving souls. Is it not showing disrespect to God, his work, and the great sacrifice that has been made for man, to employ to the utmost for our personal interest the powers he has given us, and to bestow but little care or thought on what we do in his service? We should not be novices in anything connected with the cause of God. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (negligently, margin). Letters may be faultless in sentiment, in construction, &c., all of which is desirable and important, and still be powerless for good. Love to God and to our fellow-men, such as was manifested in the life of the Son of God, and without which far greater efforts are fruitless, must be the actuating principle. If this is in the heart, a winning influence can be exerted through the medium of the pen on those we love who have no interest in present truth.
There is perhaps no one who has not near and dear friends, who, unless they turn from their course, will be lost in a little from this. We see their danger, and their blood will surely be required at our hands unless we do all in our power to save them. Parents, children, brothers, and sisters are in the road to death, and are we unconcerned in the matter? When too late they will rise up, and in words burning with anguish and reproach, condemn us for not having warned them of their danger. Will they have occasion to say that we seemed to care but little for these things? and that we valued earthly interests more than their salvation? Now is the time for us to do all in our power to save those around us, that our garments may be freed from their blood. Our life is a failure unless we are instrumental in the hands of God to lead some precious soul to the Lamb of God, and thus be able at last to enter into the joy of our Lord, in seeing the results of our labor in the kingdom of God. All have an interest in these things inasmuch as all must give an account for the use of the talents committed to their care. The greatest of results depends upon our being good and faithful servants, which all may be by the grace of God.—M. L. HUNTLEY, in True Missionary.
The True Missionary.
By James White
“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” are the words of the Great Missionary, as he closed his mission here below, and was about to ascend to Heaven to enter upon another work. And this high and holy commission given to Christ’s first chosen representatives upon Olivet, more than eighteen hundred years ago, has not lost its power to move the very soul of those who have within them any thing of the true missionary spirit.
Christians have ever had a world-wide mission. And from the time this commission was first given until the present time, there have been a few men who had the “Go” in them. But in the closing message, fraught with the deepest interest, the word is; “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Luke 14:21, 23. And the extent of this work is indicated by the prophetic declaration, “Thou must prophecy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Rev. 10:11.
Jesus, the great missionary, made an infinite sacrifice. His mission was one of toil, care, and of weariness. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Among the children of men in this world, he was a homeless stranger. And he did not hold out inducements of worldly prosperity and a life of ease and affluence to any who were disposed to become his followers.
When a “certain scribe came and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,” Christ would give him to understand on the start what his followers might expect, and says to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matt 8:19, 20.
Jesus says to the twelve, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16. “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” Verses 24, 25.
In the wonderful conversion of Paul, and his call to the work of the ministry, he does not receive the impression that even his learning and superior talents would secure to him a large salary and a high reputation as a Christian minister. But on the very start, the Lord says of him to Ananias, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:16.
The missionary work is that of sacrifice. Christ set the example. And the true-hearted missionary will bid adieu to worldly hopes, and worldly prospects, and will hang all his hopes for this life, and for that which is to come, upon Jesus Christ. He has hold from above. The earth may tremble beneath his feet, worldly comforts may for a time be beyond his reach, and earthly prospects may fade. He has hold from above, and can rejoice in tribulation.
It is the Lord’s plan that men should swing out by faith on his promises, and stay swung out until they have fully proved their strength. The hundred-fold, in the line of friends to administer to their needs, does not come until the missionary has first forsaken houses, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, and lands.
Our gracious Lord has his hands full of blessings for his people, waiting to respond to their acts of faith. He is more willing to pour the Holy Spirit upon them than parents are to bestow good gifts upon their dear children. But these blessings come in response to acts of living faith.
It is the Lord’s will that men and women should give themselves fully to him, to be fully his, the representatives of their Lord, and his true missionaries. And it is also his will that all his people should cherish the spirit of willing sacrifice to send the light and truth of our time, by our publications, and by living teachers, to every Christian land.
We are told that the sacrifices and the missionary efforts of Seventh-day Adventists fall below other denominations. A case came to our notice, while passing over a railroad in the State of Illinois. We entered into conversation with a Presbyterian missionary to China, who had just returned with his two children, both born in China, to find homes for them and have them educated here, while he and their mother would return to close their labors and their lives in China, away from their children. Where are the men and women among us who would make similar sacrifices? And yet the world have reason to expect of those who are looking for the soon coming of the Lord greater sacrifices than are being made by any other people.
J. W.
Work for Home Missionaries.
By Editor
WHEN the SIGNS was started, calls were made for lists of names of those who would read the paper six months on trial. It was understood that the paper should be stopped at the end of the six months; but at the close of the half-volume of the SIGNS, the publishers decided not to stop all these papers, for they were receiving letters daily from these trial subscribers that they were just becoming interested in the SIGNS, which led them to search the Bible with a pleasure never before experienced.
The persons who have sent papers to their friends and acquaintances have been urged to visit them and ascertain if they are reading the paper with interest. If they are, the publishers should know it. If not, the paper should be discontinued.
But this should not be the only object of these visits, nor the chief object. Here is a glorious opportunity for missionary work. How many deeply interested ones there may be who have become partially convinced, but do not yet see the whole line of Bible truth; who have become thoroughly aroused to their lost and helpless condition, but have not yet found peace in their Saviour; who need some earnest Christian brother or sister to come to them in love, and point out to them some Bible requirement, or some blessed Bible promise. While it is the privilege of each to give a word of cheer to the desponding, of faith to the doubting, and of instruction to those seeking for light, it is the duty of all to force their views upon no one, but to be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you, a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
That there are those who are earnestly inquiring for light and duty, and who feel that they need encouragement and instruction, may be seen by the following extracts from a letter which, although a private letter, we take the liberty to publish. To the writer we would cite the words of the apostle James: "If any man of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
THE LETTER.
It may be some over a year ago since a gentleman called and wanted me to take the SIGNS OF THE TIMES on trial. I was not much interested at first; for I had a kind of horror of anything that was all religious. I have been to Sunday-school more or less all my life, and read the Bible some, and my teachers have explained it to me; but I never read it with the attention and understanding that I have since I have been reading your valuable paper. I see things in a new light; but Oh! how far I am from understanding its truths: how far from my Saviour. How many, many times since I have been reading your paper have I taken my Bible and compared the two; and then wept bitter tears over my own sins. I have no one to go to for help, my mother was a Christian but she died when I was very young, and I do not feel like going to a minister because I am but slightly acquainted and rather diffident about going to strangers, so I am alone in the dark, searching for truth, without a hand stretched forth to help. No one knows my feelings on this subject. I am a mother with two dear little girls to bring up and instruct.
Oh! how I need a strong arm to lean upon, how I need help from God but know not how to seek it. I want to instill into their minds the knowledge I now feel the need of myself, so that when they grow to womanhood they will not have to think as I do, if I had only had Christian parents I might have been different. What a responsibility rests on us parents, when we look at it in the right light. Every hour of my life I feel the need of aid I cannot call for, for it all looks dark before me, yet whichever way I turn these words keep haunting me, "Find your Saviour and be saved."
W. C. W.
God's Sower.
O, SCATTER wide thy grains,
Thou sower of God's seed:
Spare no expense of toil or pains,
And never fear to need.
With hand unsparing fling
Thy seed on every soil;
The sheaves thou doubtless yet will bring
Will well reward thy toil.
Trust God to give thee seed;
Trust God to make it grow;
For these t'is not thy part to heed,
Thy one work is to sow.
But sow, on all sides sow,
And pray, at all times pray;
God's grace sure harvest shall bestow,
And at no distant day.
But see to sow God's seed;
Sow nothing of thine own;
To this attend with trembling heed,
And still in faith sow on.
Soon thou with joy shalt come,
With sheaves a priceless load,
And in Heaven's endless harvest home
Shalt taste the joys of God.
—Sel.
PLANT GROWTH.
By James White
A writer in the Garden-er's Chronicle, of London, has taken the pains to carefully estimate the amount of growth of a small shrub, two feet six inches in hight, during the past season. He finds that 585 new shoots have been out, having a maximum length of about one hundred feet. The number of leaves on these shoots he found 40,000, each of which was about half an inch in length. As may easily be determined, this would make the aggregate length of growth during one season 3600 feet, or more than two-thirds of a mile.
MAKE no Christian living your standard of what is right in faith and practice, however high his name, his rank, or his learning. Let your creed be the Bible, and nothing but the Bible; your example Christ, and nothing short of him.
THE true life begins only when self is lost sight of—when we devote ourselves to others. This is the most difficult of reforms; yet it is it also the greatest, as it removes the most formidable obstacle to the spread of Christianity.
THERE are two reasons why some people don't mind their own business. One is that they haven't any business, and the other is that they haven't any mind.
Questions on Church Order.
By J. H. W.
A CORRESPONDENT asks:—
“Can one obey God’s commandments and refuse to commune with his neighbor? Christ says, you must love your neighbor as yourself.”
ANSWER. That depends entirely on the position which his neighbor occupies. If his neighbor walked disorderly he would break a commandment if he communed with him, for Paul says with such we are “not to eat.” This can refer only to the communion, for it would be idle to suppose that we must separate ourselves so completely from him that we should not partake of ordinary food with him, but should commune with him! This order of the apostle makes it obligatory upon us to discriminate between those with whom we should, and should not, commune. True love for the erring will point out their errors. That is only a false and perverted sympathy which will do violence to the divine requirement and fasten deceptions upon those already deceived.
The writer certainly takes a wrong view of the scripture, for the duty to love our neighbor is not confined to our brethren or Christians. Jesus says: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Must we therefore commune with them? Regard for the harmony of Scripture, and respect for discipline as marked in the word of God, will correct such notions which have their origin in personal feelings.
Again, he asks if one can keep the commandments, and refuse his neighbor the privilege of his church, by which we suppose he means the house of worship. We answer, Yes. Not only so, but many circumstances may and do exist which make it plain duty to refuse “his neighbor” the use of a house consecrated to the service of God. The questioner sadly misapprehends the scripture, for he quotes thus: “If thy brother be thirsty give him drink.” The scripture says: “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Surely this has no reference to church privileges or to communion.
Such loose ideas of discipline have ruined many churches of the present age, and will ruin those who are enlightened by the present truth, if they entertain them. To judge righteously we must not distort one text and neglect another, but receive them all in their harmony, and then the word will be a light to our path. People are sometimes bewildered by the light because their eyes are only partially opened. “We want the truth on every point.” God’s whole word, not our fancies and feelings, is the standard.
J. H. W.
Mothers and their Daughters.
By Ellen G. White
SOME mothers are at fault in releasing their daughters from toil and care. By so doing they encourage them in indolence. The excuse these mothers sometimes plead is, "My daughters are not strong." But they take the sure course to make them weak and inefficient. Well-directed labor is just what they require to make them strong, vigorous, cheerful, happy, and courageous to meet the various trials with which this life is beset.
Mothers, labor will not injure your daughters so much as indolence will. Do they feel weary at the close of their day's duties? A night's rest will refresh and invigorate them, and in the morning they will be prepared to engage again in useful labor.
Many mothers are too ready to shield their delicate, ease-loving, pleasure-seeking, daughters from care and responsibility, as though they feared that a little care would injure them. These mothers make a sad mistake. In lifting responsibilities from their daughters, they make them inefficient for useful labor, and render them useless so far as practical life is concerned.
Their education has a tendency to make them thoughtless of others. They are frivolous, and, perhaps, vain. Their minds are occupied with themselves. Their own amusements and selfish gratifications are their chief study. They become proud, unteachable, and unamiable. They fancy themselves delicate in health, when they have the powers within them, if called into exercise, to make useful, working women.
Indolence is a curse to them. They learn the fashionable, simpering, and artificial lisping, so common with spoiled young ladies. Affectation is seen in almost every action. They are amused with themselves, and are thoughtless of others. They live upon the plenty which surrounds them in their parental homes, and depend upon the bounty given them of their parents. They lean upon parental strength, and fail to acquire the power of depending upon themselves. And those of this class are unprepared for the stern realities of life. They make no provision for the losses and disappointments of this inconstant life. They may be deprived of property and of parents. What then, will they lean upon? They have not acquired a principle of self-support, of noble independence and self-reliance, and they droop through murmuring, disappointment, and discouragement. They may then regret the defects in their education, and blame their mothers for them. These are some of the many fruits of a mother's mistaken fondness.
Inactivity weakens the system. God made men and women to be active and useful. Nothing can increase the strength of the young like proper exercise of all the muscles in useful labor. But the indulgent mother frequently sacrifices her life in her misguided affection for her children. And are they, in any way, benefited by the great sacrifice of the precious strength of the mother? No; they are positively and permanently injured. They are taught to think and care only for themselves. "Just as the twig is bent, the tree inclines."
Especially is this the case with those daughters who are more directly under the influence of the mother. She should instruct her daughters not to yield to indispositions and slight ailments. If they complain of inability to labor, they should not be urged to eat. They should be taught that if they are unable to perform light labor, the system is not in a condition to take care of food. They should fast for one or two meals, and drink only pure, soft water. The loss of a meal or two will enable the overburdened system to overcome slight indispositions; and even graver difficulties may be overcome by this simple process.
It is very injurious for persons in full flesh to lie in bed, simply because they feel sick. Some, even while thus inactive, eat regularly. The physical, mental, and moral powers are enfeebled by indolence.
Mothers, if your daughters are surrounded with plenty, do not make this an excuse for neglecting to give them an education in the useful branches of household labor. Do not encourage them in indolence, or allow frivolous employment of their time. You should help your children to acquire a knowledge, that, if necessary, they could live by their own labor. You should teach them to be decided in following the calls of duty.
Young friends, learn to lean upon divine strength. All other, in comparison with this, is feebleness. Although you may feel weak, you may look to God by faith, for energy to make your efforts efficient. In the strength of your Redeemer, you can follow in the path of duty. You can stand in his strength self-reliant, with noble independence, working with diligence to develop good physical, mental, and moral strength. You can do this while you depend upon the grace of your Redeemer to aid you in your efforts. Follow in the path of duty, and you may be assured that the dangers, trials, toils, and conflicts, of life, will never intrude their dark shadows in the mansions Christ is preparing for the faithful.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things have passed away."
E. G. WHITE.
Pure Air.
IF I were asked to state the sin to which, before all others, our weak humanity was prone, I should say, most positively,—bad air. For, not only in a physical, but a moral sense, do I find this true. All about me, I see men and women closing the windows of their lives and souls to God's clean atmosphere, and breathing over and over again that which is fouled by contact with unclean thought and deed, just as they will persist in closing their bedroom windows, and inhaling and exhaling a few cubic feet of oxygen gas, until it is absolutely thick with poison.
Well, I do not mean here to give a discourse on moral delinquencies, but simply to note a hint or two with regard to the care of our physical well being, on which, indeed, our moral health depends, far more than we generally understand, and the hint in this case, put into words, is—breathe pure air, always and everywhere, as far as you can.
I say, as you can, yet mindful as I say it, that there are few times and places when a little care will not secure a clean atmosphere. To be sure, there are districts in every great city, where smoke and dust and foul odors load the air continually, and yet, even in these, nine-tenths of the evil might be removed if people were but mindful of the importance of a pure atmosphere.
God has given this most priceless blessing in such abundance, "without money and without price," that the sin must lie on our own heads if we persist in poisoning ourselves in close, unventilated rooms. And here I must record a fact that amazes me. To wit: that, generally speaking, I have found more indifference on the subject of ventilation, and more ignorance, apparently, of its necessity, in country homes where no possible excuse could exist for its lack, than in homes of a crowded city.
Ventilate your rooms, then, mothers and house-keepers, wherever you are, ventilate them by day and by night. True, nine hundred and ninety-nine out of every thousand of our houses, are built with a disregard of the need of ventilation that would disgrace a tribe of Hottentots, but we cannot help that now, my dear madam; the houses are built, and we must accept them as they are, and make the best of them. We must let our windows down from the top, air out our bed-rooms with good fresh breezes, during a part of every day—making the best that we can of our illy-planned domiciles.
It is often said, that the first thing to be done in the morning, is to open your bed-room window. Good enough advice so far as it goes, but I think that it might be improved by adding to it—and the last thing at night. The process of taking in oxygen through the respiratory organs, and throwing it off again, laden with poisonous carbon, goes on during the sleeping as well as waking hours, and if you need proof of how thoroughly the air becomes fouled by this process, leave your bed-room in the morning, closed as it has been during the night, and return to it after a ten minute walk in the fresh air. You will be shocked at its offensiveness.
A mother once said to me, that she could not understand the reason why her little boy always woke up cross and peevish every morning. I ventured an inquiry about the ventilation of the child's sleeping room, and finding that it had been wholly neglected, suggested a change in that respect. The change was carried out, and the immediate improvement of the little lad's moral and physical condition at "getting-up time" was most marvelous. And I would say to the thousands of persons who complain of pain in the head, of aching limbs, of feverish mouths, and general languor in their early morning hours, to try the plan of plenty of air in the room during the night, and I will guarantee a speedy improvement, both in their health and their tempers.—Sel.