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Signs of the Times, Vol. 4, No. 16.

JESUS AND THE PHARISEES
Earlier text: LIFE SKETCHES

State Quarterly Meeting.

The third quarterly meeting of the California State Tract and Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists, for the year, convened at Oakland, according to appointment, April 21, 1878. Of the eight districts four were represented by directors.
After the usual opening exercises and the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved, the secretary's report was called for and read, showing the following results:—
Annuals distributed 1,500 300 1,000 100 600 500 4,700 3,000 11,700
Other periodicals distributed 161 144 37 43 300 131 822
Signs distributed 723 40 464 125 88 2,129 881 4,450
New subscribers for other periodicals 40 17 2 14 22 61 156
New subscribers for Signs 4 11 5 61 13 104
No. pp. Tracts, etc., loaned 5,511 1,045 9,488 2,588 1,821 13,101 5,219 38,773
No. pp. Tracts, etc., given away 13,005 4,020 9,008 10,126 4,294 39,081 17,103 96,637
Widows and Orphans 4.60 $4.60
Book sales $8.80 6.60 9.60 13.35 19.40 12.85 $70.60
Donations $37.33 5.50 32.42 22.90 20.05 86.70 84.40 $289.30
New Members $1.00 1.00 2.00 6.00 $10.00
Letters written 35 26 18 217 39 350
Ships visited 2 21 23
Families visited 30 25 11 5 144 71 284
No. of Reports 43 18 44 21 10 48 33 217
Memberships 112 36 62 48 14 61 52 385
District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Totals
The whole amount of money received is $374.50. The number of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away is 135,410.
In view of the good work being accomplished by the Vigilant Missionary Society of Oakland, it was:—
Voted, That the directors urge the organization of these societies in the various churches in the State. It was also
Voted, That the Oakland V. M. Society be requested to take 50 copies more of the Signs, making a club of 150 instead of 100, and that the 50 copies be paid for from the T. and M. one-third.
It was recommended that the V. M. Society of Oakland, take, in addition to the number given the Society by individuals, 10 copies of the French paper, Les Signes des Temps. A donation of $7.50 was made the Society to meet the expenses. It was also
Voted, That 1,000 copies of the next issue of the supplement published at Battle Creek, Mich., devoted to the missionary work, be forwarded to the Signs of the Times as soon as issued.
Adjourned to call of the chair. J. N. Loughborough, Pres. Mrs. A. M. Loughborough, Sec.

Reports from the Field.

By Editor

(Condensed from Review and Herald.)

Rhode Island.

NIANTIC AND GREEN HILL.—Elder Sanborn writes: "We have just visited Niantic, by special request, and held seven meetings in the Seventh-day Baptist church. It was truly a very interesting occasion. Several came from Westerly. All seemed to be deeply interested. On Monday evening, March 25, commenced the meetings with the Green Hill church. There are twenty or more here who keep the Sabbath. Several have embraced the truth this spring as the result of the labors of the church, with the blessing of God. We assisted them in organizing a Sabbath-school. They were strengthened and encouraged to increased activity in the work of the Lord; and we believe they will stand shoulder to shoulder in battling for the truth. The Lord assisted in presenting close, practical instruction, which was received as meat in due season."

Maine.

NEW SWEDEN.—Brother J. Sawyer writes: "Yesterday, April 6, was an important day to us here in New Sweden. The Sabbath-keepers from different parts of the colony assembled at a central place, where remarks were made from Luke 15. It was the manifest determination of many to 'arise and go to their Father,' and in the language of the prodigal say, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee.' The importance of instructing the children was set forth, and appropriate remarks were made by Brethren Olson, Anderson, and Gelotte. It is thought best to form Sabbath-schools in each district where the brethren reside. This will require four schools. There are now about seventy in this vicinity who acknowledge the claims of the Sabbath, and are endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; and many search the word daily."
REPORT OF LABOR.—Elder Goodrich reports profitable meetings by Elder Haskell's recent visit to the State. He also writes: "I met with the church on Crotch Island, March 28. Found them all firm in the truth. The 27th, I spoke to the friends on Long Island, and was rejoiced to find two more keeping the Sabbath, and still others are interested. Those who embraced the Sabbath readily leave off the use of tea and tobacco. This is just as it should be."
AROOSTOOK COUNTY.—Brother S. J. Hersum writes: "Commenced meetings on Silver Ridge plantation, Aroostook county, February 25, and continued them until March 23. As a result, eleven are keeping the Sabbath. I took an expression of the congregation to ascertain how many believed we have the truth according to the Bible, and about thirty raised their hands."

New Hampshire.

WASHINGTON.—In a report from Brother Mead he states that April 6 was a good day for the church in Washington. In the forenoon each one present responded to his name, briefly relating his experience for the past few months, and telling his determinations for the future. The forenoon meeting prepared them to engage in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house. As each, with ready hand and cheerful heart, engaged in this work, the tender, melting Spirit of Jesus was felt in their midst.

Vermont.

JAMAICA.—Elder Sanborn met with the church at this place April 5, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a goodly number were present. Gratitude to God and to the Conference is expressed for sending them help. The way is now open to commence labor in a new field a few miles from this place, where there seems to be some interest to hear the truth.

New York.

WELLSVILLE.—Brother Knapp writes: "Our quarterly meeting yesterday and to-day was very interesting. The Niles Hill church met with us, and we were encouraged to be faithful, trusting in his holy name, doing his will in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Sabbath afternoon, Brother Babcock, pastor of the Scio Seventh-day Baptist church, preached a good sermon from Luke 22:42. After the sermon we had another conference meeting, and two members united with the church, making five additions since our organization, and we trust there are others still to follow."

Pennsylvania.

COVINGTON.—Elder S. B. Whitney writes: "We can still report progress here. Our Sabbath meetings continue to grow better. There are about twenty-five good substantial persons now keeping the Sabbath, quite a share of whom were either backsliders or had never made a profession of religion. They have a weekly evening prayer-meeting arranged. Last evening, April 9, I spoke, by invitation, at Blossburg, a town five miles from Covington, to an attentive congregation with good effect. We have the usual opposition to meet, but it does not hinder the work. We expect others to be gathered in."

Kentucky.

ELIZABETHTOWN.—Elder S. Osborn writes: "Our quarterly meetings held near this place was considered one of the best we have ever had here. Truly God is moving upon the hearts of the people. We have never before had such an outside interest here as there was at this meeting. If we had the men and means to keep up with the interest, a great work could be accomplished in this Conference this year. God is going out ahead of us. But times are so hard that great sacrifice will be required on the part of those who keep the work moving this year."

Georgia.

HOUSTON AND BIBB COUNTIES.—Elder C. O. Taylor writes: "I have recently visited these counties, spoke in the court-house in Perry five times. Sometimes the audiences were quite large, and at all times they were very attentive. Brother Killen has labored faithfully to call the attention of the people to the truth. They wanted me to speak on the Sabbath at my first meeting. There was a large congregation, composed of all classes. There was the very best of attention while I read the Bible. One gentleman expressed himself much interested, and pleased with the manner of the preaching in appealing to the Scriptures. The freedmen improved the opportunity of attending, as the meeting was in the court-house. They were much interested, and urged me to send them a minister of their own color to speak the truth to them. I know of no one. Should any go there, they will have a good hearing. In Bibb county I spoke at a place four miles from Macon, where Brother Wimbish has had meetings the past year. The interest was good."

Illinois.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY.—Brethren Shonk and Morrison report: "We held meetings in a district a few miles from Watson, and as a result, six are keeping the Sabbath. Commenced meetings at Elliotttown. The congregations range from fifty to one hundred and fifty."

Iowa.

WEST UNION.—Elder Canright reports: "The meeting at West Union was held April 4-7. There are very few of our brethren in this place. About a year ago they built a small meeting-house which would seat about seventy-five persons. Of course it was not large enough for our meeting, so the Baptists very kindly gave us the use of their house. There were about seventy-five of our own brethren present, and we enjoyed very good seasons with them, and they seemed to receive the word with much interest and profit. Thus closed my four weeks' labor in Iowa, with Brother Farnsworth. We hope the Lord may bless these efforts to the good of the cause in this State."
LOGAN.—Brother J. Bartlett writes, April 1: "The meeting at this place closed on Sunday night. The Lord was with us, and we had a good meeting. Six were added to the Logan church. This church is growing in the knowledge of the truth."

THE HOMECIRCLE.

Over the Crossing.

"PLEASE, sir, take me over the crossing," said a little faint voice, as I was leisurely taking my morning walk.
The strange request roused me from my reverie; and looking imploringly in my face stood a thinly-clad, shivering little girl, who carried a small bundle, which she held in her hand with a singular tenacity. I gave a searching look into the child's face, while she imploringly repeated:—
"Will you take me over the crossing quick, I'm in such a hurry."
Tossing her in my arms I bounded over the muddy pathway; and just as I set down my little charge, the bundle slipped from her grasp, or rather its contents, leaving the empty paper in her hands, and an embroidered vest on the sidewalk. I picked up the vest, and in doing so unrolled the same, when lining, sewing-silk and padding were all disengaged, so that the nimble fingers of the poor child picked up, and brushed, and packed them together again with scrupulous care; and tying them firmly, she gave me a sweet smile and bounded along. She would soon have passed from my sight had I not again called after her, and interrogated her why she made such haste.
"O sir," she replied, "because my mother must have expected me an hour ago. I have been waiting for the young gentleman at the tailor's shop to decide which color he preferred, and then the tailor told me to stop while he cut it, and then he gave me such a beautiful pattern for my mother to embroider it by—but it's a sight of work to do it, sir, and I'm afraid she will set up all the long nights to sew, while I am sleeping, for the man said he must have it completed by next Thursday; the young gentleman is to be married then, and will want it—and if it isn't done, may be he would never give mother another stitch of work, and then what would become of us?"
And as the child hurried on I caught the same hurried footsteps, and followed on until we came to another crossing, when again came the beseeching tone:—
"Will you take me over this crossing too, sir?"
It was done in a trice, and my interest in the child increased as her prattle continued:—
"Mamma is to have a dollar for this work, and she means to buy me a new frock with part of the money, and then we shall have a great loaf of bread and cup of milk, and mother will find time to eat with me—if there is any money left, she says I shall have a little open-work straw bonnet, and go to Sabbath-school with Susy Niles."
And her little feet scarcely touched the walk, so light and fairy-like was her tread.
"And does your mother work for one man all the time, little girl?" I inquired.
"Oh, no, sir; it is only now and then she gets such a nice job. Most of the time she has to sew for shops where she earns but about twenty-five cents a day, and then she has hardly enough to pay her rent, and it isn't all the time we get enough to eat—but then mother always gives me the big slice when there is one big and one little one; sometimes she cries and don't eat her's at all."
A coach was passing—the child looked toward it and remarked:—
"I know the lady in that pretty carriage; she is the very one that is going to marry the young gentleman who is to wear this embroidered vest. She came to my home yesterday to get my mother to spangle the wreath round her white satin dress; and it's just the same pattern that is to be put on this vest; but she could not do it, 'cause her eyesight is so poor, and the spangles shined so."
My tongue was silent. Could it be that these were to be the very articles that were to be worn at my Ella's wedding? For did I not pay for spangles yesterday, and what was it that vexed Ellen but because she could not find anybody to sew them on when she returned? She said Mrs. Taggard was almost blind.
"My little girl," said I, "Is your name Taggard?"
"Yes, sir—'Gusta Taggard, and we live down in Sullivan court. Are you going home with me?"
It was a sensible conjecture; for why else should I follow on?
"I am going to see you safely at the door, and to help you over all the crossings."
"There's only one more, sir, and here it is: we live down there at No. 3, on the third floor back."
The child looked kindly, and as she sweetly bade me "good by, sir," I thrust my hand in my pocket and drew from it all the change it contained, which was a bright fifty cent piece, and placed it in her little palm. 'Gusta Taggard gave me her heartfelt thanks, and was soon out of my sight.
An hour before, I had started from my home an invalid. I had long deliberated whether an exposure to a chilly east wind would not injure rather than improve me. I was melancholy, too; my only daughter was about to be married—there was confusion all over the house—the event was to be celebrated in fashionable style. Ellen's dress had cost what would have been a fortune to this poor seamstress, and I moralized. But I had forgotten myself; the cough which had troubled me was no longer oppressive. I breathed quite freely, and yet I had walked more briskly than I had done for months, without so much fatigue as slow motion caused, so that when I returned, my wife rallied me upon looking ten years younger than when I left her in the morning; and when I told her the specific lay in my walk with a little prattler, and the satisfaction of having left her happier than I found her, she took the occasion to press the purchase of a diamond brooch for Ellen, affirming if the gift of half a dollar made me so much happier, and that, too, to a little errand street girl, what would fifty times that amount confer upon one's only daughter, upon the eve before her marriage?
I gave the diamond brooch—I paid the most extravagant bills to upholster's, dry goods establishments, confectioners and musicians, with which to enliven the great occasion, and yet I found more real satisfaction in providing for the real wants of little 'Gusta Taggard and her mother than in all the splendid outlay of the wedding ceremony; and it was not that it cost less which made the satisfaction, but it was that all extravagant outlays, in the very nature of things, are unsatisfactory, while ministering to the necessities of the truly needy and industrious confers its own reward.
I had seen the glittering spangled dress—but it was made ready by some poor, emaciated sufferer, who toiled on in patient trust, and the embroidered vest as finished by the strained vision and aching head of another, who was emphatically one of "God's poor," upon whom blight or disgrace had not fallen, save by His appointment; and the diamond brooch was borne off by admiring throngs but to be envied and coveted, while the simple coin bestowed upon my little street acquaintance had introduced me to a new species of enjoyment, which never cloys in the retrospect or causes uneasiness in the prospective. I had learned to do good in small ways—my morning walks have now an object and aim. I pass by splendid palaces to hasten to Sullivan court, and thence on to yet other sources of enjoyment, so that my invalidism is fast leaving me by the new direction which is given to my thoughts.
I am free to acknowledge that while I cheerfully pay for flannel robes, and silver-ware, and servants, and all the requirements which fashion imposes, I derive far less pleasure from surveying them, than in sitting beside some worthy recipient of charity, who tells me that "the little sum you gave me saved me from despair and self destruction, and enabled me to become helpful, so that no other assistance is now necessary." Such a confession fills a void which administering to a luxury never can; and all the satisfaction originated in first helping a little child over the crossing.—Sel.

A Change of Place.

ALFRED ROGERS was a skillful young mechanic in the city of Hartford more than thirty years ago, but like many a young man of that day and this, he had fallen into evil habits. Not all the endearments of a loving home circle could win him from the enchantment of the occasional glass and when the first was taken another and another were sure to follow, until a week was very likely lost in a "drunken spree."
An old writer used to give us a very good reason for not drinking, that it consumed too much time. It took "one day of sinning, one of suffering and one of repenting," every time he indulged in his cups.
Alfred had an excellent friend in a lady who had received him into her family when a boy and had always taken the deepest interest in his welfare. Not long after his marriage she had interceded with a gentleman who employed many workmen to take him into his establishment, feeling that his welfare for time and eternity might depend upon that decision.
That man had many scruples, fearing the influence of one who was intemperate upon his young apprentices. But Alfred consented to sign the pledge to abstain from "ardent spirits," which, with the little light then existing was considered all that could be reasonably asked of a man. I do not fully understand the nice distinctions made about the kinds of liquors, but there seems to have been various sorts of intoxicating drinks that were not counted as "ardent spirits." These the young man felt his pledge did not require him to abstain from.
For a while all went smoothly. Alfred was valued as a superior workman. He was respected everywhere, and his family were handsomely supported. But in an evil day a glass of something not called "ardent spirits," set on fire the old smouldering embers of a depraved taste. A second and a third glass fanned the blaze until it fired every drop of blood in his veins. The result was, not "one day of sinning, another of sorrowing and another of repenting," but two whole weeks of drunken insanity. Knowing that his wife had some money, he gave her no peace by day or by night until she gave it up to him. Then he set out for New York, where he spent it all in wild carousals, pawning a part of his clothing, and coming home at last a miserable, despicable object. "Who hath woe?" Surely there can hardly be a woe more terrible on earth than that of the drunkard and his family.
But yet he was not wholly lost, for when he came to himself he was overwhelmed with despair and self-reproach. Days of repenting were long and many, yet he shunned the path which led to his old employers. How could he hope to be received again, after all that had transpired. But he hears that the Spirit of the Great Master goes after the lost sheep and seeks diligently for them among the dark mountains of sin; perchance he may save them from being dashed to pieces upon the fearful rocks."Why do you not come back to the shop Alfred?" he asked kindly.
With a look of anguish and despair in his bloodshot eyes, he said: "I never can come into your shop again; I have abused your confidence, treated you with the basest ingratitude, and destroyed my last hope of reformation."
A few strong, earnest, cheering words were like oil on the troubled waters of his heart. He clutched like a drowning man at a straw, to hope that he might be a man again. He came to the shop and worked more faithfully than ever to prove his gratitude to the hand so kindly held out to him in his time of need.
Three bright months and then a terrible fall again. Ah, what a tyrant is a depraved appetite! stronger than a man's love of respectability, or happiness of the wife and child, stronger than his fear of eternal retribution!
At every successive fall Alfred sunk deeper into the mire. This time he grew so violent that he was obliged to be put under arrest.
Another season of suffering and repenting, and then another trial in the service of an employer who had learned the lesson of forgiving until "seventy times seven."
The intervals of sobriety also became shorter and shorter, and the days of drunken debauch longer and more terrible, as the tyrant got the young man more and more into his clutches.
At last one bright May morning he was gone, no one knew whither; his presence would seem to have been a relief in the home, where he was so often a terror and a curse. But oh, who can measure the depths of a woman's love for even the most worthless son or husband. How the poor bruised heart goes out in all their wanderings, yearning over them and praying for them in all the years of neglect and unkindness.
So Mary Rogers watched and prayed for the return of her worthless husband. When at last in mid-summer a letter came, stating where he was, and that he had got steady work, and begging her to come to him, with many promises of reformation, the poor trusting heart believed them all, and taking her little child she went to him. There were enough to sneer at her faith in such promises, to call her a fool for trusting to them after her past experience, but she heeded them not.
Two years and a half rolled away when a respectable, well-dressed man walked into the door of the old workshop and advanced with a manly, ringing step to meet the proprietor. Could it be Alfred Rogers changed? All that haggard, downcast look was gone. The face had the glow of health and cheerfulness, the bearing of the steady and prosperous man.
You may be sure there was a warm grasp of the hand for him and a cordial greeting. In answer to his inquiries Alfred replied emphatically.
"I am well, well in more senses than one. It is over two years since I have tasted a drop of anything that can intoxicate. That was the only thing for me; I began abstaining from ardent spirits alone—but that was not enough—I could not reform that way. Now I have shut down on everything that can intoxicate, and you see the result."
After various kinds of inquiries after the welfare of his family, to all of which he would give most pleasing answers, Alfred went on to say:—
"I have come now to tell you why I left you. I saw clearly that I should die if I did not leave off drinking, and that I never could leave off in Hartford. I could not turn a corner of the street without passing a grog-shop. I could not go to my meals without meeting some associate who asked me to take a glass. The dealers themselves would use every art to entice me to drink, well knowing that I would not stop after the first glass until they had a good bill against me. My only hope was in going where liquor was not to be had."
He remained away from the city some five years, and returned to his old business thoroughly reformed, and became an active, earnest worker in the church and Sabbath-school.
He could pass the old haunts now with only a feeling of loathing and repulsion.
What was the secret of this man's reformation?
It was in entire abstinence from everything that would intoxicate, and to succeed in this he went where liquor was not to be had. Otherwise he would have soon lain down in a drunkard's grave.—Sel.

My Hands Shall Not Be Idle.

By Mrs. M. J. Smith

My hands shall not hang idly down, When there is so much work to do; When so much seed is to be sown, And laborers are still so few.
Why should I sit with folded palms, Why study my own wants and ease; When to my ears there comes for help, A call on every passing breeze.
Rouse slothful heart go sow the seed, God gives with willing hand, broadcast; Fear not the heat of noontide's sun, Nor yet the evening's chilly blast.
'Tis thine to sow, nor question if Thine eyes shall see the golden grain; God watches o'er the buried seed, Thy labor shall not be in vain. MRS. M. J. SMITH.

GOOD HEALTH.

By John Nevins Andrews

Colds May Be Avoided.

WE will not say that colds can invariably be prevented, but we do say that in the great majority of cases this is not only possible, but entirely practicable. Persons whose stomachs are not deranged by improper food, nor by irregularity in eating between meals, and whose skin is kept clean and properly toned by judicious use of water of a proper temperature, and whose clothing does not impede the circulation, but gives to every part of the system reasonable protection from the weather especially keeping the feet dry and warm, and allowing the head to be cool, such persons are in that condition which will not readily take on a cold, but will enable them to resist its attack. With discreet management they may, under all ordinary circumstances, wholly avoid colds. The writer speaks not simply as a theorist, but as one who has had an experience that has been valuable and instructive to himself. He knows very well that circumstances do arise which compel even the strictest and most careful persons to expose themselves to the danger of colds. And he has learned also that if this be at a time of great exhaustion from over-labor, it is then nearly impossible to resist such attacks. And while he would not recommend to any that they bring themselves to this condition, for it is certainly not the principles of health, which justify and even constrain us to this state of extreme weariness. Unavoidable exposure when we are thus exhausted is one of those things which make colds nearly impossible to be resisted. But the most of the colds which prevail are quite unnecessary and with proper care in regard to the laws of health may be wholly avoided. If chilly, and you feel the need of protection, put on extra clothing. Do not make a great change; but a moderate one, and you will at once be relieved. When you find yourself in a draft of air, get out of it. No matter how refreshing a cool breeze may be to you, do not sit down in it for a moment. I mean when you are in the house; for under proper circumstances this may be done with impunity in the open air. If you are in a place of assembly and are thus exposed, put on your hat and overcoat or shawl, or better yet, move out of the draft. If your clothes are even slightly wet when you come in to sit down, change them for dry ones. If you have no dry ones, keep walking till those you have on are dried. Be determined that you will not take cold. Getting wet is not dangerous if we change our clothes as soon as we cease our active exercise.
Use good common-sense. Learn how to live without colds. Learn how easy under ordinary circumstances it is to resist their approach or even to repel them when they have gained some advantage over you. These things are worthy of your thoughtful observation. Set up your will that you will not come under the power of this unpleasant evil, and maintain that determination with a wise use of simple common-sense means.
J. N. A.

Importance of Learning to Cook.

By Nellie F. Heald

THAT health is in a large measure dependent upon the quality of the material which we select for our daily food, none will deny. But however excellent the material selected, it may be rendered unhealthful and indigestible by the manner in which it is prepared. It thus becomes unfit to nourish the system; hence great care should be taken in cooking and preparing food for the table. Much suffering, physical and mental, is the result of unhealthful cooking.
We know that our blood is formed from the food we eat, and unless our food is such that it can be converted into pure blood, it will not meet the demands of the system. Ill-cooked food cannot be converted into pure blood. It disturbs the digestive organs, causing fretfulness, gloomy and disagreeable feelings, and benumbs the moral sensibilities. Since health and happiness are so closely connected with the art of cooking, it becomes of the utmost importance to learn to cook healthfully. To be a skillful, hygienic cook is a rare and valuable accomplishment, and should be deemed an essential branch of household education.
Very many, especially young ladies, seem to think it degrading to perform household labor. To learn the art of cooking seems beneath them. We think there is some reason for this prejudice, from the fact that so many families who employ girls to do housework look upon them simply as servants. But why should it be thought a menial service to be a good cook? Life cannot be sustained without food, much of which requires cooking, and health demands that it should be properly cooked. Life and health are very precious, and it cannot be a menial service to aid in their preservation. By preserving the health of the body, we aid in securing a healthy action of the moral powers; hence it becomes the Christian duty of those who cook to learn to prepare simple, healthful, and inviting food. "To cook well, and present healthful food upon the table in an inviting manner requires intelligence and experience. The one who prepares food that is to be placed in our stomachs, to be converted into blood to nourish the system, occupies a most important and elevated position. The position of copyist, dress-maker, or music-teacher, cannot equal in importance that of the cook."
We should seek simplicity in cooking, while we may have a suitable variety. Food should be agreeable to the taste, not only because it adds to our enjoyment, but it promotes digestion. The delicate sense of taste was designed as a detective to guide us in the selection of food, but it has been so abused and perverted by the use of injurious and highly seasoned food, and other wrong habits, that it is not safe to follow its guidance without the aid of reason and judgment. Taste and appetite are greatly modified by habit. Indulgence in stimulants, etc., lessens the sensibility of the nerves of taste and destroys the natural relish for food, so that what might otherwise be delicious seems insipid. The taste should be cultivated so as to relish plain, healthful, well-cooked food.
Mothers should deem it a Christian duty to understand the art of cooking according to the laws of health, and to educate their daughters very young in this important branch of household labor. It will be much easier for them to learn thus early in life, under the loving, patient, skillful guidance of a mother, than in after years, when compelled by necessity, and obliged to bear the responsibility alone. Mothers who understand their duty, and have true love for their daughters, will take them into the kitchen when young and carefully instruct them in its duties. They may make mistakes, but these should be corrected with patience, and they should be encouraged by a word and smile of approval in all their efforts to do well. Thus they will be fitted to be useful; very many temptations will be avoided, and mothers will reap a reward in their dutiful, well-trained daughters.
NELLIE F. HEALD.

RELIGIOUS NEWS AND NOTES.

—A hundred Chinese have professed faith in Christ, at a recent revival at Pekin, China.
—Mr. Spurgeon's church has now 5,055 members, having had a net increase of 100 the past year.
—A Sandwich Islander recently died, leaving $4,000 to be divided among various missionary societies.
—There are in London 1,030 charitable institutions, of which the total income for last year was $23,255,660.
—It will take three years to finish the revision of the Bible which is now being made by the American and British committee.
—The Baptists in Texas are seeking to combine their educational institutions, and to have one central university for the State.
—There are ninety-four church edifices in Washington county, N. Y., valued at $925,450. The aggregate membership is 14,065.
—In seven years the students of Talladega College alone have organized Sunday-schools in which have been taught over 20,000 scholars.
—The Presbyterian Board of Home Missions has commissioned ten missionary teachers for women in Utah, and two for Alaska, besides having six in New Mexico. There is room for more.
—The Hindoos have a strange religious prejudice which forbids them to kill snakes, and yet according to statistics, 17,000 human lives were sacrificed in India last year, to the bite of poisonous snakes.
—The applications for admission to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church being now more numerous than can be entertained, it is proposed to raise the standard of qualifications required of candidates.
—The receipts of the Reformed (Dutch) Foreign Mission Board have been greater during this than the preceding fiscal year. Still, the sum needed for outstanding obligations and to close the year without debt is $40,000.
—Two Seventh-day Baptists were recently fined four dollars each in a town in central Pennsylvania for working on Sunday. They refused to pay, and were sent to jail for four days. They claim that the State law of 1794 is unconstitutional, and that it is opposed to any Sabbath at all, since it abolishes the Sabbath of Scriptures and ordains a new one, which is really no Sabbath.
—An exchange says: "The Catholic schools in St. Louis, which have heretofore accommodated 15,000 pupils, are to be closed and the pupils placed in the public schools. This is the result of mutual arrangement between the Public School Department and the Catholic authorities. The Department dispenses with reading the Bible and morning services, and also eliminate objectionable selections from the readers. All sects agree to relegate religious teaching and training to the home circle, the Sunday-school and the church."
—The activity of the Romanists among the negroes in the South, and the success of their work is seen from the statement of President Tanney, that "the Romish church spends $600,000 a year upon the freedmen, and counts 150,000 of them in her schools. It has nearly 10,000 young men in its higher schools and seminaries; with 750 professors, chiefly Jesuits. There are 500,000 scholars in its schools of lower grade. There are seven religious orders of men, and thirty-six of women, to whom this work is committed."
—Persecution is not at an end yet in Mexico, as the missionaries have daily cause to know. A gentleman connected with the American Board in the state of Jalisco describes some of the outrages committed on converts. Recently one of them was assassinated on the streets. Many lose their employment, are driven from their houses, and are looked upon as the filth of the world by their own families. In the Pueblas one had his house burned down because he spoke of Jesus, instead of Mary; another was stoned in the plaza for not taking off his hat when the bell struck twelve o'clock; a third was followed with the cry of "Death to the Protestant," because he read the Bible to his family and others who would listen to him. Four persons, because they possessed a Bible, had to leave their homes at midnight, under cover of darkness, to save their lives, the priest having said that the inhabitants of the place had proved themselves cowards for allowing such books in their midst, and tolerating the persons who had them. It is this church that has undertaken, for us, to educate and religiously instruct the Freedmen of the South in the United States.—Ex.
—A lively discussion has been in progress for some time between a certain class of spiritualistic scientists and Dr. Carpenter, one of the leading physiologists of the present day. Dr. Carpenter repudiates the claims of mesmerists, clairvoyants, animal magnetizers, etc., and demands of them more satisfactory evidence of the genuineness of their claims than they have yet given. Among other interesting facts developed in this discussion is the following: In 1837, Mr. Burdin, a member of the French Academy of Science, put the claims of clairvoyance to a very simple and seemingly decisive test. He placed the sum of 3,000 francs, equal to $600, in the hands of a notary, subject to the order of the Academy, to be paid to any person who could read writing placed in an opaque box carefully sealed. Three years' time was given to the mediums of the world to read the writing, but all utterly failed; and in many instances in which the attempt was made, the manner of the fraud was discovered. It was not long ago that Dr. Lankester, one of England's foremost scientists, thoroughly exposed the renowned letter-reader, Slade, and even secured his arrest and prosecution as a vagrant.
—Health Reformer.

Music.

By Eliza H. Morton

MUSIC is one of the most ancient of the fine arts. The Scriptures are full of canticles of praise and mourning, and songs of thanksgiving and joy. Since the "morning stars sang together" the world has marched to music. It has been said, that, "the universe is an instrument, and God is the player"; and it is true, that all nature tends to music. The birds sing beautiful songs in the wildwood. The brooks murmur tender solos over the pebbles. The winds play a louder treble among the tree-tops, and the great ocean dashes its waves over the bare rocks on the sea shore, with a deep base melody. The tiny raindrops beat a diminuendo and crescendo over the roofs and against the panes, while, ever and anon, mingling with the gentler music, comes the hoarse, deep-toned peals of thunder, forming a chorus, grand and sublime.
Music speaks to the soul. It touches the hidden strings of the heart, and whatever is pure and noble in man is often awakened by hearing again the sweet strains of some simple long-forgotten melody.
Human life may be called a song. Tenderness and love are the keynotes of that mysterious harmony and if these are omitted discord is the result.
The songs of earth are but the prelude of the song to come. Rich and full will be the symphonies of heaven, when the saints are crowned with "songs and everlasting joy;" and the celestial arches echo and re-echo with the "song of Moses and the Lamb." In that glad day the jars of this discordant universe will all be blended into "eternity's grand anthem."
ELIZA H. MORTON. Allen's Corners, Me.
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