Review and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 3. (12/13/1864)

Review and Herald

Dec 13, 1864

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 13, 1864

Growing Rich.

THE following is a graphic description of the course that is being pursued by too many of the present generation. Brethren, are any of you growing rich in the sense set forth below? If so, we join in the conclusion of the writer, that you are growing "miserably poor."—Ed.

"Your nephew, Felix Graham, is growing rich, I hear," said my neighbor Jones, as he carried me to the depot whence I was to start for a visit to my sister's son.

"Perhaps so," was my brief reply: "I do not know the state of his finances."

"There is no doubt of it, I should think," he rejoined. "My brother met him last winter at the City Savings Bank, and saw him deposit a thousand dollars as the net gains of his farming the past year. I hear he is driving a great business this summer, and he will probably have another pile for investment when January comes round again. But you are going there, and will see for yourself; so good bye."

I had not visited Felix in four or five years. But having sent notice of my intention to go there by the early morning train, I was a little disappointed on my arrival at the "Cross Roads," which was the nearest station to his dwelling, and about two miles distant, not to see the horse and chaise, which had always been sent to meet me. However, there was a decent conveyance called the Grahamville Express, which would take me almost to my nephew's door; and so I went along. The driver knew me, for the village had been my home before my marriage and removal to the city; and he too spoke of Felix Graham as a man to be envied for his steady and growing prosperity.

"I hope to find him well, then," I said. "When I missed him at the depot, I feared something was the matter."

"Ah, he was too busy to leave, I suspect. When a man has made up his mind to be rich, he can't stop for trifles, you know," and the expressman laughed as if his joke was good as the subject of it, and perhaps it was. My nephew's daughters met me as the wagon stopped, and welcomed me most heartily. Jane and Lucy were sensible, affectionate girls, fast growing to womanhood. Taking my bag and handbox in their arms, they escorted me to the house; and then, leaving me to the cordial greeting of their mother, they went back for my trunk.

"That is too heavy for the girls," I said, rising hastily to prevent it. But Mrs. Graham held me back.

"Felix expects us to manage such little matters," she replied. "He and the men are so busy always, and their time is worth so much more than ours," she added apologetically.

I did not meet my nephew till supper was on the table. "Glad to see you, Aunt Lois," he said, as he shook my hand furiously, and hastened to take his seat. "I suppose you expected me at the depot, but this is my cucumber harvest; every hour is worth so much gold to me. I shall get 25 cents for every cucumber I can send to market this week, and that will count up the money fast." The complacent, self-satisfied smile with which he said this was a revelation to me.

"Have you read Mr.——'s last volume?" I enquired of Jenny, as she sat for a few moments in my chamber that evening.

"I have hardly seen a book since I left school two years since," was the reply. "Father says he cannot afford to buy them, and Lucy and I are too constantly occupied during the day, and too weary in the evening to read much if we had them." The sigh which followed Jenny's explanation went to my heart, for I knew how she loved to read and study when I saw her in childhood.

"You are working too hard," I said to my nephew's wife, as I followed her through the round of toil from Tuesday to Saturday. "With so many hired men to cook for, and such a dairy to tend, you need a stouter frame and stronger arms than you or the girls can boast."

"Yes, aunt, we are all doing too much," she said sadly. "But Felix is so bent on getting rich, that he cannot afford to hire help in the house: that would take off the profits, he says," and the wearied woman shook her head hopelessly.

Sunday came, and with it the morning and evening family devotion, which I had missed during the week. I suppose my looks must have shown the surprise I felt, for my nephew attempted a hasty explanation.

"We got no time for this, week days, Aunt Lois, as you must have observed. I have so many men on hand, that I can't afford to have them lose half an hour in the morning, and they don't value these things, you know. I have to keep a sharp eye to business, myself, to bring the year round right. But I don't mean to give up my religion; so we read two or three chapters on Sundays, when we can spare the time better."

Monday morning my visit was completed, and I started for home. Felix accompanied me to the depot, having business in that direction. When we reached the cars, a pale and feeble soldier, who had lost a leg in his country's service, solicited help. My nephew turned a deaf ear to the moving appeal, his whispered apology to me being two facts, "that he wanted to lay up $1200 this year," and that "really government ought to take care of the soldiers."

When I reached home, I sat down and wept. And though I did not explain the matter to my neighbor Jones, who came to meet me, I did say to myself, and I tell it in confidence, dear reader, to you, that it is my opinion Felix Graham is growing miserably poor.

Springfield Republican.

The End.

By C. H. Rogers

THE subject of the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is one of the greatest importance, and one which interests every true child of God. It is the grand center of the Christian's hope.

The Saviour gives us a definite sign in Luke xxi, which shall immediately precede the sign of the Son of man, by which we may know without one shade of doubt that the consummation is just before us, yes almost in view: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity, men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth."

Let us look about us and see where we are in the world's history. Says the apostle, Mark xiii, 24, "But in those days, after that tribulation," speaking of the persecution during the Papal supremacy, "the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." In addition to this it is recorded by the apostle, Luke xxi, 25, "And upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity."

We wish to inquire before going further, if these signs have taken place. In part they have. During the 1260 years of the Papal supremacy, but after the tribulation, the sun was darkened; we find that the last martyr for the sake of Jesus was put to death in the year 1779; and the next year, 1780, on the 19th day of May, the sun was darkened, and the moon refused to shine according to the prediction.

Thus we see that this startling sign of our coming salvation has taken place far back in the past. The stars shall fall from heaven. This too has met its strict fulfillment in the year 1833. What next?

There shall be distress of nations with perplexity; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth. Has this been fulfilled? I answer, I believe we are living exactly in the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy. Let us take a glance over our world, and what do we see? There is not a nation that pretends to be a nation, but that is waiting, as it were, like the arrow in the high-strung bow, for the guiding hand to send it on its mission of wrath. And while they are thus preparing for some great emergency, they stand in doubt and perplexity, not being certain as to what is the meaning of all this preparation; for in fact such gigantic preparations for war, aggressive and defensive, were never before known since there was a nation on the earth.

All Europe is convulsed in this one motive scheme, while the half-civilized nations of Asia are beating their plowshares into swords, and their pruning-hooks into spears; and they now only wait the will of Jehovah, in whose hands is the destiny of nations, and who takes cognizance of the affairs of men, when there will be such an upheaving and overturning of nations, monarchies and kingdoms, as would be sufficient to startle, if it were possible, the ancient warriors from their dusty beds.

But while across the ocean there is such great commotion, let us draw near and survey our own distracted country. Only a few short years ago the most inveterate hater of our institutions could not be made to believe that this land could be thus convulsed. But the angel of slaughter is abroad in the land, and it is being baptized in the blood and gore of fathers and husbands, brothers and sons, who have gone to preserve their country from the foul and ruthless grasp of traitors.

And now comes the important inquiry, What shall be the end of all these distractions in the world? Now mark the language of the Saviour: There shall be distress of nations with perplexity, and the very next thing in order is, "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." We do not believe that these troubles will cease, until Jesus shall come and drive sin and wickedness from the land. There may be a short time of peace and quiet, while the servants of God are sealed with the seal of the living God, when war and persecution will burst forth in ten-fold fury, and God's people shall be oppressed and persecuted and made perfect; and he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Then brethren and sisters let us be encouraged; time is very short. Already over the hilltops of earth's trials and troubles, the glorious light of eternity's bright morning may be seen resplendent in glory, inviting us to partake of its bliss. Soon we shall be freed from all our trials and temptations. Soon we shall have finished our course. Soon will come the welcome invitation, Child, thy father calls thee, come home.

C. H. ROGERS.

Milton, Wis.

Abide with Us.

By H. F. Lyte

"Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." Luke xxiv, 29.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide, The darkness thickens. Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day, Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see— O Thou, who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I crave, a passing word; But as thou dwell'st with thy disciples, Lord— Familiar, condescending, patient, free, Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings, But kind, and good, with healing in thy wings; Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea, Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile, And though rebellious and perverse, meanwhile Thou hast not left me, oft as I left thee; On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour; What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, the victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. [H. F. Lyte.

The Lord's Pity.

By Lera E. Dibble

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." Psa. ciii, 8.

When journeying through this world, confessing ourselves "pilgrims and strangers" indeed, to faith, Heaven with all its glories seems so near at times that our hands can almost touch the glittering gates, "ready to enter in;" then some strong temptation comes—we yield—and lo! in a moment the portals are closed, and we are far from them, in the backward track, enveloped again "in the shadows of this world." And oh, how discouraged we are then! We feel as if there was no use trying any longer; that the way is too straight and narrow; that salvation is not for us. The Lord seems too far off for our prayers to be of any avail; and through sheer recklessness we are ready to give ourselves up to Satan, and if possible enjoy one world.

We review our past course since we professed to love the Saviour; and the tempter ever officious in evil, hands us his glass to look through; all the places where we enjoyed the approbation of God, are concealed, and we see only the huge blots sin has made on our Christian character; and forgetting that it is in Jesus' strength we must urge our way on, we have no faith in ourselves for the future, and doubt the patience and mercy of God.

But "like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." He pities us in our wanderings, and "he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust." If Peter who had known the Lord, and lived on familiar terms with him, could be forgiven for denying any knowledge of the one who had loved him so much, surely we may believe that he will heal us if we return to him.

We do not expect to be saved through good works alone. Christ groaned and suffered for our sins, that we might be saved, be we ever so poor or despised, as much as he did to save the great ones of earth. And what if we have temptations and sorrows? If all was bright and joyous here, we should never care to leave this world, and the great sacrifice made that we might enjoy Heaven, would be esteemed of little account. The dark hours we have, do not overshadow the light that the love of Christ sheds "abroad in our hearts" and if we live religion it will repay us even here for the little crosses we sometimes bear. But

What if we always suffer tribulation, And if our Christian warfare never cease? The gaining of the heavenly habitation Shall gather us to everlasting peace.

Oh, do not let us think of ever giving up the Christian service of Him who crowneth our lives "with lovingkindness and tender mercies," to turn to the world for happiness and sympathy. If it could not satisfy us before we knew the Lord, how utterly void and empty will it seem after having tasted his rich grace; and "what treasure in the land Egyptian" can in any measure repay us for losing Heaven and the love and companionship of angels and saints? Let us trust the mercy of Him who is so interested in our salvation; and if our faith and love fail not, he will bring us safely to his rest at last.

Lera E. Dibble.

Winspear, N. Y.

Have we Got the Truth?

By A. S. Hutchins

"It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace." The platform of Bible truth is sufficiently broad for every one to be fully rooted and grounded thereupon. To stand in doubt and uncertainty in regard to where and what present, sanctifying, saving truth is, not only robs us of our happiness, but of our usefulness and prevents our growth in grace.

No progress either in usefulness or happiness, can be made while we stumble or stand balancing between error and truth, at every evil suggestion of the enemy. "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."

Says James, "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Jas. v, 7, 8.

Patience is here first enjoined upon us, and then that we should be stablised in the work of the Lord, in the truth of his word. Then as we prize sound reason and judgment, and unanswerable arguments drawn from the word of God, above a flight of feeling or a noisy show, let us stand by the truth, and in holy confidence look the world in the face, assured that the man who receives the truth and lives it out, will overcome and gain the reward of eternal life.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. xiv, 12.

Dear brethren and sisters, is not here the great fort of truth around which the remnant church should gather? Have not the first and second messages of this chapter been given? Is not the third now sounding? Is it not gathering the people of God into the unity of the faith? Have we not reached the time of the cleansing of the Sanctuary? and should we not now keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus?

If any of these questions will admit of a negative answer, who will tell us what is truth? Our opponents do not agree in their testimonies or platforms, nor have they for the last fifteen or eighteen years. Shall we then let go at once of the great cable of truth, and grasp the air?

Suppose some one really thought that he had found a people that had less trials and seemed to be more free in spirit than Sabbath-keepers are; should we conclude that the pillars upon which the edifice of truth

tests, are all knocked out? Oh, no, beloved of the Lord, let us rather "be patient." "Stablish your hearts." We shall see a glorious result soon, but not without suffering with Christ first.

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Pet. v, 10.

The Jews shouted in clamorous triumph, while the dear Saviour cried, "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?" He was accomplishing the great work of man's redemption, yet not in a very happy flight of feeling.

O ye lovers of the blessed Lamb of God, let us feel after the pillars of truth. Let us understand our whereabouts. Let not principle and sound reason yield to airy flights or noisy shouts. It is not the most noisy streams that afford the sweetest water.

Let the question be settled, Have we got the truth? And let it be fully obeyed and joy and peace and endless life will be our sure reward.

"There will we sing, our suffering o'er; And praise Thee evermore." A. S. HUTCHINS.

Order in the House of Worship.

By B. F. Snook

THIS is a subject of much importance, and we will offer a few thoughts upon it, which we hope may be perused carefully, by some at least.

1. Our deportment in the house of worship. The place of worship is a truly solemn place. God is there in terrible majesty, and has promised to meet and bless his people. Then, how soberly we should appear in his presence! When we enter such a place, we should do it with awe and reverence, and have our hearts fixed upon God. How I have been made to feel at the levity and careless indifference of some in the congregation; of some of whom we expected better things. Oh, how I have felt for the cause of truth, on seeing our enemies in the audience, and seeing the brethren and sisters talking and laughing, with a spirit of light and silly indifference, enough to make them think that instead of being in a house of prayer, they were in some monkey show. These things ought not to be so.

Dear brethren, if you get to meeting before the time, do not desecrate the Sabbath by your worldly conversation, but meditate, and secretly pray for the good Spirit to be in and guide your devotions.

2. When the worship begins, be united and all take a part. Let all who can, join in singing. It looks bad, and is bad, for any one who can, not to take part in the singing. Remember that to sing with the Spirit, is part of the worship of God.

Take part also in the praying and speaking. Do not neglect any of these duties. In doing them you will gain strength, in neglecting them you will grow weak, and will be easily overcome by the enemy.

Besides, never wait to be the last to do your duty. Be prompt, and do not wait and wait, and so grieve away the good Spirit.

Also be engaged. Be active, earnest, zealous and wide awake, and do not be tedious. Remember your brethren get tired of you when you are lengthy.

Ever have strong faith in God. Rely upon him, and do your duty, and you will be blessed abundantly.

B. F. SNOOK.

Remarkable Answer to Prayer.

By L. G. Bostwick

BRO. WHITE: The following remarkable account of answer to prayer may be of some encouragement to God's people. The case is this. Sister S. Ward, who belongs to the church at Durand, Pepin Co., Wis., has for about ten years been sick, so that she has not been able to do her own work. About the first of October she was taken with a very severe attack on the lungs, so that she raised blood. Medical aid was at once sought, but no relief came. The doctor said at last that he could do nothing for her, and she was liable to die at any moment. Seeing that there was no help from earthly sources, she concluded to go to the Great Physician. The brethren and sisters were accordingly called in to pray for her, and as they prayed, they commenced to exercise faith in God, and the blessing of God rested down upon them, and sister Ward arose and dressed herself, and praised the Lord. She sat up that evening till about 9 o'clock. The next morning she got up and went to work, and the same week, did her own washing; something she has not been able to do for a number of years. Now, she is able to go to meetings through all kinds of weather, a privilege which she has not enjoyed for a great while. Sister Ward says she believes that if it had not been for the prayer of faith, ere this time she would have been laid in the silent tomb. But now, through the blessing of God, her health is better than it has been for a number of years.

Dear brethren and sisters, why shall we not have faith in God, and believe his Son, that these signs shall follow them that believe? May God help his people to have more faith in his promises.

L. G. BOSTWICK.

Are We Ready?

By Rosina F. Phippeny

WHAT a momentous question is this, to all those who have an interest in the atoning merits of a Saviour's blood. It implies more than we are willing to acknowledge at all times. With what deep feelings should we examine our hearts, and see whether we would be willing to see the sign of the Son of man coming in the clouds. Are we ready for such an exhibition? I think it should engross our every thought constantly, that we may be numbered among those that shall inherit the promised land. We hear on every hand, almost, the question, "What use is there of making such an outcry about the coming of Christ, and the end of the world?" This question is not asked by the world's people, but by those denominated Christians. Methinks if they gave heed to the teachings of the word of God, they would be answered satisfactorily. Are not the signs thickening around us? Yes, and fulfilling hourly, too. What does this mean, "Distress of nations, with perplexity?" and also, "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth?" Luke xxi, 25, 26. It seems to me, if I understand the word of God aright, that we are living in the very fulfillment of the above, and we read that immediately after this we shall see the Son of man coming. *Does it not behoove us to be ready for that glorious morn? Why this lethargy among professed followers of Christ? Let us awake from this slumber and be ready, that we be not overtaken as a thief, but that we can hail our Lord with joy, at his glorious appearing. God forbid that we should be found among those that lull themselves into the belief that they have many years to make their peace with God. Oh that they may be aroused from this soul-destroying doctrine of a thousand years of peace. But may God in his infinite mercy grant us his Spirit to lead us in our journey through the remainder of time, and while we are waiting for the appearing of our great King, may we by our daily walks show to the world around us that we are trying to live so that we may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

ROSINA F. PHIPPENY.

North Star, Mich.

Watch.

AMID all the "distresses and perplexities of nations," we believers have a blessed hope, "even" as Paul expresses it "the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." There are many children of God—and I wonder at their blindness—who are looking only for a more copious effusion of the Holy Ghost than at any former period, and not for the coming of Jesus

Now, believers in Jesus, cherish what was Paul's blessed hope—the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no millennium beforehand. I never wrote what I more firmly believed. There is no millennium before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. None; for "distress and perplexity of nations" continue till "the Son of man comes in a cloud with power and great glory." None; for the adversary (Luke xviii, 1-8) continues to oppress the widow—the church—till "the Son of man cometh." None; for the man of sin is destroyed by the brightness of the Saviour's advent (2 Thess. ii, 8). None; for, as Isaiah says in a memorable passage, (chapter xxvi, 18, 19,) "No deliverance," worthy of the name, "shall be wrought on the earth" —no deliverance of the earth from its sin and miseries—till "thy dead men shall live"—O church of the living God—"till the earth shall have cast out her dead;" and we know that the dead in Christ shall awake and arise "at his coming." 1 Cor. xv.

Brethren, the "coming of the Lord draweth nigh;" its precursors are thickening around us.

A Thankful Heart.

By D. H. Lamson

'Twill give us peace from day to day, Add strength to strength, while in the way Which leads from earth to Heaven above, That home of everlasting love.

It points the soul when bowed with care, To that eternal temple where A living Saviour intercedes, A loving Father grants its needs.

Oh, why should we not thankful be For what we have, for certainly, The ills of life are as a dream, Things are not always what they seem.

How oft the case that blessings come, And without notice one by one Go by, yet fail the soul to bless, Just for the want of thankfulness.

Then let us truly thankful be, For that we have, and cheerfully Praise with the heart when once we know The hand from which our blessings flow. D. H. LAMSON. Olivet, Mich.

Bible Comfort.

WHEN Dr. Watts was almost worn out and broken down by his infirmities, he observed, in conversation with a friend: "I remember an aged minister used to say that the most learned and knowing Christians, when they come to die, have only the same plain promises of the gospel for their support, as the common and unlearned; and so," said he, "I find it. It is the plain promises of the gospel that are my support; and I bless God they are plain promises, that do not require much labor and pains to understand them; for I can do nothing now but look into my Bible for some promise to support me, and live upon that."

This was likewise the case with the pious and excellent Mr. Hervey. He writes about two months before his death: "I now spend almost my whole time in reading and praying over the Bible." And again, near the same time, to another friend: "I am now reduced to a state of infant weakness, and given over by my physician. My grand consolation is to meditate on Christ; I am hourly repeating those heart-reviving lines of Dr. Young:

*"This—only this—subdues the force of death, And what is this? Survey the wondrous cure, And at each step let higher wonder rise! 1. Pardon for infinite offense!—2. And pardon Through the means that speak its value infinite!

A pardon bought with blood!—4. With blood Divine.
With blood Divine of Him I made my foe!
Persisted to provoke!—7. Though woo'd and aw'd,

Bless'd and chastis'd, a flagrant rebel still!—

A rebel 'midst the thunders of His throne.
Nor I alone!—10. A rebel universe!—
My species un in arms!—12. Not one exempt!—
Yet for the foulest of the foul He dies!
Most joy'd for the redeem'd from deepest gulf!
As if our race were held of highest rank,

And Godhead dearer, as most kind to man."*

The First Step in Religion.

A GREAT king has told us his religious experience. He has told us several steps of the intelligible process by which he became possessed of that one thing which, above all others, is needful.

He began by soberly reflecting upon his course of life—its object, its aim, its governing principle, its everlasting destiny; 'I thought upon my ways.'

This was not enough. He felt the necessity of an entire change. As he had been pursuing the world in its various forms, in all things seeking mainly his own gratification, he felt the necessity of now setting his face and desires toward Heaven—toward God—toward a Divine Saviour, as made known in the Sacred Scriptures; 'I turned my feet unto thy testimonies.'

Nor was this done languidly. Those who were but half resolved never accomplished anything. Only 'the hands of the diligent make rich.' Those who are always putting off things, never thrive. Their resolution is like a note without date—it never becomes due. Those who never feel religion is the most important of all their interests and pursuits, and has a claim before all others—those who, at no specific time, feel that it must now be attended to—can never become truly pious. 'I felt' said one, respecting the great crisis, the turning point of her destiny, 'I felt that the great decision must be made to-day.' It was made, and she found peace. So the Lord says, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness'—first in point of time as well as importance. In like manner, the primitive disciples at once forsook all to follow Christ. Mat. iv, 13, 22. On the spot they began to regard him in preference to every thing else—their property, their business, and their nearest earthly relations, and without a moment's delay. They pressed their way into the kingdom. They 'took it by force.' In the same spirit, the king referred to says of himself, 'I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.'

The first and most important of these commandments is, to 'join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant'—to receive Christ Jesus the Lord, and to walk in him; to obey and trust him in all things. Begin at once, reader, to hear his voice, and follow him. At once set your heart upon him with supreme affection. Delight yourself in him for all the beauty and excellence of his character, as portrayed in your precious Bible. Direct your thoughts and desires toward him and that gracious Spirit whom he gives. The first step in religion is, on many accounts, the most difficult, as well as important. How many alas, never take this first step! How many, just by this one neglect, render their salvation impossible.—Intelligencer.

A. Queer World.

By A. B. Longstreet

THE following passage closes the Baccalaureate Address of Hon. A. B. Longstreet, President of S. C. College, Columbia, to the recent graduating class:

"You are embarking upon a strange world, my young friends. It banished Aristides, poisoned Socrates, murdered Cicero, and crucified the Lord of Glory. The spirit of Themistocles, of Melitus, of Anthony and Caiaphas, is still in the world, greatly subdued and law-bound to be sure, but not extinguished. You may expect, therefore, at times to be depressed by your rivals, condemned for your patriotism, and tormented for your benefactions, your confidence abused, your integrity derided, and to suffer a thousand impositions in smaller matters—from those from whom you had a right to expect better things. These are hard things to bear, say you. They are so, my young friends, and you will never bear them as you should unless you take the good book as your guide, and look only to its Author for supplies of strength sufficient for your trial. Do this, and all will be well at last. With that chart in your hand now launch your bark upon the troubled ocean of life; and when the squalls strike you, be at least as prudent as the common sailor, and be found hard at the helm, with your chart before you, and your eye fixed on Bethlehem's star."

The Furnace of Affliction.

Afflictions make some people better, and others worse, as the fire reduces some things to a plastic state, capable of being moulded to any form of usefulness and beauty; while the same mighty agent applied to other things utterly ruins them. Sickness is an affliction that almost always softens the heart, at least for a time.—Pliny's observation was correct:— “I have always noticed that we are better men when we are sick, than when we are in health”

Don't do it.

Don't speak that harsh, unkind word, and thus make sad the heart of another. Speak gently : 'tis better.

Don't make the burden of another heavier, when it is in your power to lighten the same. Keep in good humor ; anger is a pure waste of vitality. No man, and no boy, does his best except when he is cheerful. A light heart makes nimble hands, and keeps the body healthy and the mind free.

Don't let others say that you are selfish and care for yourself.

Don't live for your own comfort and enjoyment alone ; live for others.

Don't neglect that precious soul committed to your charge.

Don't waste the holy Sabbath ; its hours are too valuable.

Don't turn away from the Bible ; it is the Book by which you will be judged !

Don't live merely for this world ; remember the endless future.—Calendar.

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