I AM requested to answer, through the SIGNS, 1 Cor. 14:34, 35: "Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
This text is many times urged upon us to prove that women should not take part in social meetings or in preaching the truth.
That it is not the design of Paul in the above text to forbid women bearing their testimony, in a modest manner in the assemblies of the saints is evident from the fact that in other portions he gives exact instructions how women should speak and pray in public. In this same letter to the Corinthians this instruction is found, "Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head; for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn; but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels." 1 Cor. 11:4-10.
This instruction would have no effect if applied to secret prayer and testimony, but is at once plain if applied to speaking and praying in the public assemblies of God's people. In the margin of verse 10 it says, the hair is a covering in sign that she is under the power of her husband. The "shame" and "sign" are in the public.
In this same chapter verses 17, 18 he says, "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it." This can apply to nothing else than the public assembly of the saints, and proves conclusively that he is giving instructions relative to the demeanor of women in public meetings.
In writing to Timothy Paul says, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." 1 Tim. 2:8-12. In the above text we see that while he would have women, as well as men, pray everywhere, he would have them modest in their apparel and demeanor, and in no case domineering over the men but in such matters as there might be dispute upon, let the women keep silence.
According to the prophecy quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost, and applied in this dispensation, women were to have a part in the work under the outpouring of the Spirit of God as well as the men.
"This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my spirit, and they shall prophesy." Acts 2:16-18.
It is no wonder then, as this was prophesied by Joel, concerning the entire gospel dispensation, that we read in Acts 21:8, 9, of prophetesses. "And we entered into the house of Philip, the evangelist, which was one of the seven, and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." In like manner we read of Phebe, "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is in Cenchrea; that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also." Rom. 16:1, 2. From this we learn that Phebe was a public laborer in the cause of the gospel.
What then shall we understand by the text at the head of this article? From statements made in the last part of the same chapter, we conclude that there was confusion in some of their meetings, several speaking at once, and even women domineering over the men. He would have them keep silent from such demonstrations as that, and even the men are requested to keep silence when another is talking, so that their meetings shall move off decently and in order, and not all be confusion. He says, "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or at the most by three, and that by course, and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter let him keep silence in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God."
"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge. If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Verses 26-33.
He closes the chapter, after his testimony respecting the sisters by saying, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order." Verses 39, 40.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Denmark.
By John G. Matteson
Alstrup.—During the past two weeks we have tried to labor as hard as possible for the progress of the truth, both in Tylstrup and in Alstrup. At the first place especially, we have met much opposition; but the friends have been strengthened in the faith. Evil-minded persons have mobbed together, and in several ways tried to hinder our efforts. I wrote to the district judge asking for the assistance of the police, and he immediately complied with the request. The authorities have now protected us in our lawful efforts, and this has helped much toward securing peace for us for which we are very thankful.
Our meetings have been well attended, and the truth is spreading more and more. Nineteen dear souls have been buried with Christ in baptism. They live in the vicinity of Alstrup and Tylstrup. Yesterday we held a temperance meeting in the meeting-house. Mr. Guldbrandsen, from Vejle, of the society of Friends, assisted us very much at this meeting. Besides, there were representatives from Aalborg, Tylstrup, Stenum, and Saltum, as well as from Alstrup and vicinity. There were about one hundred and fifty persons present. Denmark suffers much from the vice of intemperance, and the temperance cause has very few defenders. In Norway and Sweden, however, where the government aids this cause, it makes good progress. We have made a small beginning here, and we will, by the grace of God, labor on.
April 29.—We have held only three meetings this week. The weather is pleasant, and the soil is ready for the seed, so that it is a very busy time. I have written, and made some family visits. We receive letters both from Norway and different places in Denmark, urging us to come and preach the word. Many despise the truth, and labor against it as much as possible, but others receive it with joy, and long for more light.
We have had baptism again. A brother and sister in the Lord were buried with Christ in baptism. The Lord has blessed the preaching of the word and we feel encouraged. Sabbath afternoon we met to organize a church. Twelve brethren and sisters covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Besides these, there are two others who have been baptized, but were unable to be present. These will hereafter unite with us. After the organization we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and enjoyed much of the blessing of God.
There are also eight or ten others who keep the Sabbath and will meet with the church for worship. Many others are convinced of the truth and are friendly to us. We hope and pray that they may sometime obey the truth to the salvation of their souls. We leave them now for a time, for the purpose of laboring on the islands. John G. Matteson.
Reports from the Field.
(Condensed from Review and Herald.)
Maine.
Aroostook County.—Elder Haskell writes: "In company with Brother Goodrich I arrived at Linneus, Thursday, May 9. Notwithstanding it rained all day Friday, the brethren came from a radius of sixty miles. Elder Goodrich came to this place less than four years ago, and as the result of his labors more than one hundred have embraced the truth. The entire number now keeping the Sabbath in this section, including the Swedes in New Sweden, is over one hundred and seventy-five. They had but little labor after Elder Goodrich's first visit until last summer, when Elder Horsum came here. He has labored in this county since that time, with some success. Brother Sawyer was present and reported the work progressing among the Swedes. An effort will be made to more fully unite the efforts of our Swedish and American brethren in carrying forward present truth. This will be a help to the former. They have purchased a lot and are making arrangements to erect a house of worship. In the northern portion of this State there are some fourteen thousand French, some of whom can read English and are much interested to read on present truth. A club of Les Signes Des Temps was formed to help forward the missionary work among this people."
New York.
Glensdale.—Elder Wilbur writes: "Since my last week's report, five more Sabbath-keepers have joined our class at Otter Creek, near Glensdale, and three of the class have been received into our church organization. The cause of present truth is onward in this county, although we are having, at times, our share of trials and persecutions. A protracted effort has been made by a certain preacher to destroy the work here by his talk in and out of the pulpit; but so far he has failed to accomplish anything in that direction. And now he is trying (in vain, I believe) to get some of our number arrested for working on Sundays."
Miller's Mills.—Brethren H. E. and J. E. Robinson began a course of lectures at this place April 16. Have spoken in the Baptist church nearly every evening since that time, to attentive congregations of from fifty to one hundred and twenty-five persons. There has seemed to be an increasing interest on the part of the people; seven have decided to keep the Sabbath.
Michigan.
Maple Grove.—Elder T. M. Steward writes May 14: "For the past six weeks I have been laboring at Maple Grove, and preaching on Sabbaths and first-days, and visiting through the week as I had strength. Sabbath, May 4, I baptized eight, who were anxious to renounce sin and live a life of righteousness. The interest is still good. I hope others will soon put on Christ by baptism. There are eighteen or twenty who will unite to keep up meetings and Sabbath-school."
Lyman Dean's Testimonials.
I do not believe two more worthy, excellent people could be found than Gideon Randal and his wife. To lift the fallen, and minister to the destitute was their constant habit and delight, so that often they shortened their own comforts for the good of others. Mr. Randal's friends urged him to reduce his charities, as such generous giving might mar his fortune and bring him to want; but his unfailing reply was:—
"I think there's enough left to carry Martha and me through life, and some over. What we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord, and if a dark day comes, He will provide."
A dark day did come, but it was not till after he had reached three-score and ten years. As old age advanced, his little farm had become less productive, and debts accumulated. Being forced to raise money, he had borrowed a thousand dollars of Eugene Harrington giving him a mortgage on his house for security. The interest was regularly paid, and, with this Esquire Harrington was well satisfied; but he died suddenly, and his son, a merciless, grasping man, wrote to Mr. Randal, demanding payment of the mortgage. The old man asked for an extension of time, but he pressed the demand, and threatened if it was not settled within a given time, to deprive him of his home. Mr. Randal was greatly distressed.
"Martha," he said to his wife, "young Harrington is a hard man. He has me in his power now, and I fear he will not scruple to ruin me. I think I had better go and talk with him, and tell him how little I have. Maybe he'll pity two old people, and allow us better terms."
"But, husband, you are not used to traveling, and Harrowtown is a hundred miles away, and you are old and feeble, too."
"True, wife, but I can say to him a great deal more than I can write, and besides, Luke Conway lives there. I took an interest in him when he was a poor boy. Perhaps he'll advise and help me, now that I'm in trouble."
At last, seeing he felt that he must go, Martha reluctantly consented, and fitted him out with wifely care.
The next morning was warm and sunny for November, and Mr. Randal started for Harrowtown.
"Gideon," called Mrs. Randal, as he walked slowly down the road, "be sure and take tight hold of the railing when you get in and out of the cars."
"I'll be careful. You take good care of yourself, Martha;" and, with a parting look, the old man hastened on to take the stage which was to convey him to the railroad station. But misfortune met him at the very outset of his journey. The stage was heavily loaded, and on the way, one of the wheels broke down, which caused such a detention that Mr. Randal missed the morning train, and the next did not come for several hours.
It was afternoon when he finally started. He was anxious and weary from long waiting; and after three stations were passed, he began to ask questions.
"How long before we get to Harrowtown?" he inquired, stopping the busy conductor.
"We get there at half-past eight."
Another question was upon Mr. Randal's lips, but the conductor had hurried on. He looked around as if to appeal to some one else, but turned back, talking to himself. "Not get there till into the evening," he said, "and pitch dark, for there's no moon now. I sha'n't know where to go." The poor old man was sorely troubled.
Presently the conductor came back, and as he passed his seat, he stopped him again.
"Mr. Conductor, how shall I know when to get out? I've never been to Harrowtown, and I don't want to get out at the wrong place."
"Give yourself no concern," was the polite reply. "I'll tell you when we come to Harrowtown. I won't forget you."
Soothed by this assurance, Mr. Randal's mind grew tranquil, and he finally went to sleep.
In the seat behind him sat a tall, handsome boy. His name was Albert Gregory. He was bright and intelligent, but his well-featured face was spoiled by a wicked-looking eye and a hard, cruel mouth.
He saw the aged passenger fall asleep, and nudged his seat-fellow.
"Look there, John. By-and-by, I'll play a joke on that old country greeny, and you'll see fun."
On rushed the swift express; mile after mile was passed; daylight faded, and the lamps were lit in the cars, and still the aged man slept, watched by his purposed tormentor, and the other boy who waited to "see fun."
At length the speed of the train began to slacken, coming near a stopping-place. Albert sprang up and shook Mr. Randal violently.
"Wake up! Wake up!" he called, sharply, putting his mouth close to his ear. "This is Harrowtown. You must get off here."
The old man, thus roughly roused, started from his seat and gazed around him, bewildered. The change from day to night, the unaccustomed waking on a moving train, the glare of the lights, added tenfold to his confusion.
"Wh—what did you say boy?" he asked, helplessly.
"This is Harrowtown. The place where you want to stop. You must get off. Be quick, or you'll be carried by."
The noise of the brakes, and the distracted attention of the passengers on reaching a new station, possibly ignorance of the real locality on the part of those near enough to have heard him, prevented any correction of the boy's cruel falsehood. Mr. Randal knew it was not the conductor who had aroused him; but, supposing Albert to be some employee of the road, he hurried to the car door with tottering steps. The name of the station was called at the other end, as unlike as possible to the name of "Harrowtown," but his dull ears did not notice it. He got off upon the platform, and before he could recover himself or knew his error, the train was in motion again.
Albert was in ecstasies over the success of his "joke," and shook all over with laughter, in which, of course, his companion joined. "Oh dear! that's too good for anything!" he cried, "aint it, John?"
John assented that it was very funny indeed.
Neither of the boys noticed that the seat lately occupied by poor deceived Mr. Randal had just been taken by a fine-looking middle-aged man, wrapped in a heavy cloak, who appeared to be absorbed in his own thoughts, but really heard every word they said.
They kept up a brisk conversation, Albert speaking in quite a loud tone, for he was feeling very merry. "Ha, ha, ha!—but I did think the old fool would hear the brakeman call the station, though. I did n't suppose I could get him any further than the door. To think of his clambering clear out on the platform, and getting left! He believed every word I told him. What a delicious old simpleton!"
And having exhausted that edifying subject for the moment, he presently began to brag of his plans and prospects.
"I don't believe you stand much of a chance there; they say Luke Conway's awful particular," the middle-aged stranger heard John remark.
"Pooh! shut up!" cried Albert. "Particular! That's just it, and makes my chance all the better. I've brought the kind of recommendation that a particular man wants, you see."
"But there'll be lots of other fellows trying for the place."
"Don't care if there's fifty," said Albert, "I'd come in ahead of 'em all. I've got testimonials of character and qualifications from Prof. Howe, Rev. Joseph Lee, Dr. Henshaw, and Esquire Jenks, the great railroad contractor. His name alone is enough to secure me the situation."
At this junction, the strange gentleman turned around and gave Albert a quick searching glance. But the conceited boy was too much occupied with himself to notice the movement, and kept on talking. Now and then the thought of the victim whom he had fooled seemed to come back and tickle him amazingly. "Wonder where the old man is now. Ha, ha! Do you suppose he has found out where Harrowtown is? Oh, but wasn't it rich to see how scared he was when I waked him up? And how he jumped and scrambled out of the car! 'Pon my word, I never saw anything so comical."
Here the stranger turned again and shot another quick glance, this time from indignant eyes, and his lips parted as if about to utter a stern reproof. But he did not speak. Some hidden motive withheld him.
We will now leave Albert and his fellow-travelers, and follow good Gideon Randal.
It was quite dark when he stepped from the cars, and he inquired of a man at the station, "Can you tell me where I can find Mr. Aaron Harrington?"
"There's no such man living here, to my knowledge," was the reply.
"What, isn't this Harrowtown?" asked Mr. Randal, in great consternation.
"No it is Whipple's Village."
"Then I got out at the wrong station. What shall I do?" in a voice of deep distress.
"Go right to the hotel and stay till the train goes in the morning," said the man, pleasantly.
There was no alternative, Mr. Randal passed a restless night at the hotel, and at an early hour he was again at the station, waiting for the train. His face was pale, and his eye wild and anxious. "The stage broke down, and I missed the first train," thought he, "and then that boy told me to get out here. I've made a bad beginning, and I'm afraid this trip will have a bad ending."
There were other passengers walking to and fro on the platform, waiting for the cars to come.
One was a plain-featured, honest-looking boy, who had been accompanied to the station by his mother. Just before his mother bade him "good-by," she said, "Lyman, look at that pale, sad, old man. I don't believe he is used to traveling. Perhaps you can help him along."
Soon a loud, prolonged whistle was heard. The cars were coming.
"Allow me to assist you, sir," said Lyman Dean to Mr. Randal, as the train stopped; and he took hold of his arm, and guided him into a car to a seat.
"Thank you, my boy. I'm getting old and clumsy, and a little help from a young hand comes timely. Where are you going, if I may ask?"
"To Harrowtown, sir. I saw an advertisement for a boy in a store, and I'm going to try and get the situation. My name is Lyman Dean."
"Ah? I'm sure I wish you success, Lyman, for I believe you're a good boy. You are going to the same place I am. I want to find Aaron Harrington, but I've had two mishaps. I don't know what's coming next."
"I'll show you right where his office is. I've been in Harrowtown a good many times."
Half an hour later, the brakeman shouted the name of the station where they must stop. Lyman assisted Mr. Randal off the train, and walked with him to the principal street. "Here's Mr. Harrington's office," said he.
"Oh, yes, thank you kindly. And now could you tell me where Mr. Luke Conway's place of business is?"
"Why, that's the very gentleman I'm going to see," said Lyman. "His place is just round the corner, only two blocks off."
Mr. Randal looked deeply interested. He turned and shook the boy's hand, warmly. "Lyman," he said, "Mr. Conway knows me. I am coming to see him by-and-by. I am really obliged to you for your politeness, and wish I could do something for you. I hope Mr. Conway will give you the situation, for you deserve it. If you apply before I get there, tell him Gideon Randal is your friend. Good-by."
Fifteen minutes after found Lyman waiting in the counting-room of Luke Conway's store. Albert Gregory had just preceded him. The merchant was writing, and he had requested the boys to be seated a short time, till he was at leisure. Before he finished his work, a slow, feeble step was heard approaching, and an old man stood in the doorway.
"Luke, don't you remember me?" The merchant looked up at the sound of the voice. Then he sprang up from his chair and grasped the old man's hands in both his own. "Mr. Randal! Welcome, a thousand times welcome, my benefactor!" he exclaimed. And seating his guest on the office lounge beside him, Mr. Conway inquired after his health and comfort, and talked with him as tenderly as a loving son. It was easy for the quick perception of the merchant that the good old man's circumstances had changed, and he soon made it easy for him to unburden his mind.
"Yes, Luke, I am in trouble. Aaron Harrington owns a mortgage on my farm, and I can't pay him, and he threatens to take my home," said Mr. Randal, with a quivering lip. "I went to his office, but didn't find him, and I thought maybe you'd advise me what to do."
"Mr. Randal," answered the merchant, laying his hand on the old man's shoulder, "almost thirty years ago when I was cold, and hungry, and friendless, you took me in and fed me. Your good wife—God bless her!—made me a suit of clothes with her own hands. You found me work, and you gave me money when I begun the world alone. Much if not all that I am in life I owe to your sympathy and help, my kind old friend. Now I am rich, and you must let me cancel my debt. I shall pay your mortgage to-day. You shall have your home free again."
"Mr. Randal wiped great hot tears from his cheeks, and said, in a husky voice, "It is just as I told Martha. I knew, if we lent our money to the Lord, when a dark day came, he would provide."
The reader can imagine the different feelings of the two boys, as they sat witnesses of the scene. The look of derision, that changed to an expression of sickly dismay, on Albert's face, when the old man came in and was warmly greeted by the merchant, was curiously suggestive. But his usual assurance soon returned. He thought unlikely that Mr. Randal would recognize him in the daylight, and he determined to put on a bold front.
For a minute the two men continued in conversation. Mr. Conway called up pleasant reminiscences of "Aunt Martha," his boy-life on the farm and the peace and stillness of the country town. He thought a railway ride of a hundred miles must be a hardship for a quiet old man. "It was a167long way for you," he said, "Did you have a comfortable journey?"
"Well, I can't quite say that. First, the stage broke down and delayed me. Then I slept in the cars, and a boy played a trick on me, and waked me up, and made me get out at the wrong station, so I had to stay over night in Whipple's Village. To tell the truth I had a good deal of worriment with one thing and another, getting here; but it's all bright now," he added, with a radiant face.
"You shall go with me to my house and rest, as soon as I've dismissed these boys," said Mr. Conway, earnestly; and turning to Albert and Lyman, who anxiously waited, he spoke to them about their errand.
"I suppose you came because you saw my advertisment?"
"Yes, sir," replied both, simultaneously.
"Very well. I believe you came in first. What is your name?"
"I am Albert Gregory, sir. I think I can suit you. I've brought testimonials of ability and character from some of the first men—Esquire Jenks, Rev. Joseph Lee, Dr. Henshaw, and others. Here are my letters of recommendation," holding them out for Mr. Conway to take.
"I don't want to see them," returned the merchant, coldly. "I have seen you before, I understand your character well enough for the present."
He then addressed a few words to Lyman Dean.
"I should be very glad of work," said Lyman. "My mother is poor, and I want to earn my living, but I have n't any testimonials."
"Yes, you have," said old Mr. Randal, who was waiting for an opportunity to say that very thing. And then he told the merchant how polite and helpful Lyman had been to him.
Mr. Conway fixed his eyes severely upon the other boy. The contrast between him and young Dean was certainly worth a lesson.
"Albert Gregory," said the merchant, "I occupied the seat in the car in front of you last evening. I heard you exultingly and wickedly boasting how you had deceived a distressed old man. Mr. Randal, is this the boy who lied to you, and caused you to get out at the wrong station?"
Mr. Randal looked earnestly at Albert. "I declare! Now I remember him. It is! I'm sure it is."
It was useless for Albert to attempt any vindication of himself. His stammered excuses stuck in his throat, and he was glad to hide his mortification by an early escape. Crestfallen, he slunk away, taking all his "testimonials" with him.
"Lyman," said Mr. Conway, kindly, "I shall be very glad to employ you in my store. You shall have good pay if you do well, and I am sure you will. You may begin work at once."
Lyman's eyes danced with joy as he left the counting-room to receive his instructions from the head clerk.
Mr. Conway paid to Mr. Harrington the money owed him by Mr. Randal, and a heavy load was lifted from the good old farmer's heart. He remained a visitor two or three days in Mr. Conway's house, where he was treated with the utmost deference and attention. Mr. Conway also purchased for him a suit of warm clothes, and an overcoat, and sent his confidential clerk with him on his return journey to see him safely home. Nor was good Mrs. Randal forgotten. She received a handsome present in money from Mr. Conway, and a message full of grateful affection. Nothing ever after occurred to disturb the lives of the aged and worthy pair.
Albert Gregory obtained an excellent situation in New York, but his false character, and his wanton disregard of others' feelings and rights, made him as hateful to his employers as to all his associates, and he soon found it desirable to seek another place.
He has changed places many times since and his career has been an unhappy one—another example of the penalty of frivolous habits and a heartless nature.
Lyman Dean is now a successful merchant, a partner of Mr. Conway, and occupies a high position in society, as an honorable, enterprising man.—Sel.
"When He Shall Appear, We Shall Be Like Him."
Oh! mean may seem this house of clay,
Yet 'twas the Lord's abode;
Our feet may mourn this thorny way,
Yet here Immanuel trod.
This fleshly robe the Lord did wear,
This watch the Lord did keep;
These burdens sore the Lord did bear,
These tears the Lord did weep.
Our very frailty brings us near
Unto the Lord of heaven;
To every grief, to every tear,
Such glory strange is given.
But not this earthly robe alone
Shall link us, Lord, to thee;
Not always in the tear and groan
Shall thy dear kindred be.
We shall be reckoned for thine own,
Because thy heaven we share;
Because we sing around thy throne,
And thy bright raiment wear.
—Sel.
GOOD HEALTH.
Proper Diet for Man.
(Continued.)
WE begin our comparative examination with the organs of mastication, the first of which are the
TEETH.
The teeth of man are thirty-two in number, sixteen upon each jaw, each set consisting of four incisors or front teeth, two cuspids, sometimes erroneously called canine teeth, four bicuspids or small cheek teeth, and six molars or large cheek teeth. These teeth, unlike those of any other known animal, are arranged in the jaw in close juxtaposition. Another fact worthy of notice is that the teeth of man are all of the same height, or at least so nearly so that an argument based upon the difference could have little weight. The surface of the incisors is such as to make them well adapted for the purpose of cutting the food, while the molars appear to be specially adapted to the purpose of triturating or grinding substances placed between them. Now let us briefly compare these organs of mastication with those of other animals.
In herbivorous or ruminating animals we find the incisors much longer and stronger than in man. The molars are also better adapted for grinding than those of man. In fact, the whole structure of the teeth is different. Instead of being completely encased in enamel, as is the case in man, they are made up of alternate layers of bone and enamel arranged vertically. As the soft bone wears away much faster than the enamel, the surfaces of the teeth constantly present a rough, uneven surface. There seems to be, however, considerable resemblance in the incisors of each. The teeth of gnawing animals, like the rat, beaver, etc., also differ from those of man to such an extent as to leave no possibility of establishing any dietetic relation between them.
Many, however, profess to find a remarkable resemblance between human teeth and those of the carnivora. Let us consider this matter with some attention. The incisors of flesh-eating animals are usually very sharp, round, and pointed, or acuminate. In man the opposite is the case. Then, when we look at the back or molar teeth, we again find a vast difference. In the carnivora they present a sawlike surface, and the two jaws shut together like shears. But, says one, there is certainly a great likeness in the eye or corner teeth, usually called canine teeth from their supposed resemblance to the cuspids of the dog. Upon examination, however, we find even still less resemblance here than in the incisors and molars. In man the eye-teeth are a little more pointed than the incisors, it is true; but this is merely the result of a gradual transition from the chisel-like incisors in front, to the rough, jagged molars of the back portion of the mouth.
Again, in man the cuspids or eye-teeth are seldom longer than the other teeth, and when there is any difference it is not sufficient to be in any degree appreciable. On the other hand, the carnivora have these teeth very long and powerful, often protruding from the mouth, as well as being very sharp and pointed. Any one who doubts the truth of this statement can easily satisfy himself by looking into the mouth of a cat or dog. Upon doing so, he would find very little resemblance to his own teeth. It is, indeed, surprising that any scientific man who cared anything for his reputation as an accurate observer should claim to find such a resemblance here.
But suppose we grant, for argument's sake, what we do not admit by any means, that the similarity of what is termed the canine teeth in man to the same teeth in carnivorous animals is sufficient to establish man's carnivorous character, then in what a predicament do we find ourselves. Upon a little investigation, we observe that many animals which are universally acknowledged to be herbivorous, observation of their habits for centuries having fully established the fact, not only having teeth of this kind also, but have them developed to an extent incomparably greater than they are in the human species. Let the reader who is sufficiently interested in this matter to wish to investigate it take the pains to examine the mouth of a horse. If he has never before thought of the matter, he will be surprised to see the wonderful similarity between the bridle teeth of the horse and the cuspids of the dog. He will find in the horse two long teeth in the upper jaw, occupying the same position in the mouth and presenting much the same appearance as the canine teeth of carnivorous animals. The stag also has canine teeth, and the camel is furnished with four such teeth in each jaw, presenting very much the same appearance as the teeth of predaceous animals. Judging, then, by the canine teeth alone, we should be obliged to consider the camel even more of a carnivorous animal than the dog.
Then we are brought to the inevitable conclusion that if the so-called canine teeth of man prove him to be a flesh-eating animal, it must also prove the same of the horse, camel, stag, etc., and not only so, but the evidence in case of the latter animals is much more ample and conclusive. Being brought, then, by fair and logical reasoning, to a conclusion at once so absurd as well as fallacious, we cannot do otherwise than decide that the cuspids in man and herbivorous animals were provided for some other purpose than that of tearing meat, and, consequently, that they are in no way indicative of a carnivorous character.
Again, the canine teeth of the carnivora are for the express purpose of seizing and holding their prey, and tearing the flesh from the bones. These teeth in man are evidently utterly worthless for this purpose, and, consequently, they must have some other for which they are adapted.
Here we see this favorite and much vaunted argument for man's carnivorous character fall to the ground when subjected to the test of careful criticism. It, in fact, destroys itself; for it proves altogether too much to be true if it proves anything at all. It is indeed astonishing that so whimsical an argument should ever have been urged by rational men.
SECULAR NEWS.
—The revenue of the United States is about $285,000,000.
—New Jersey has established a State Inebriate Asylum at Vineland. It is to be fitted up at once.
—The Bill re-establishing capital punishment in Iowa has passed the State Senate, and is now a law.
—A recent rainstorm at Denver, Colorado, swept away seven bridges and destroyed other property.
—Within the last ten years the United States has sold $43,000,000 worth of arms and munitions of war to Europe.
—It is estimated that the wheat crop of California will reach fifty million bushels. This estimate is considered by many extravagant, but the crop will be the largest ever gathered, and when sold at fair prices it is thought the times will be flush.
—The women of Virginia have begun a movement to agitate in favor of paying the State debt. They have an organization with headquarters at Warrenton, in that State, and hope to render effective aid in bringing the voters of the commonwealth to a realizing sense of the disgrace of repudiation.
—The population of London for 1877 is estimated by the Registrar General at 4,286,607, or more than one million in excess of the returns of the census for 1871. The section embraced in the Registrar's tables, under the name of London, includes parts of three counties and comprises an area of 122 square miles.
—The sacred monkeys are aggravating the sufferings of the famine-stricken inhabitants in the northwestern provinces of India. Near Mooradabad a number of Brahmins keep thousands of these pests on holy grounds, and allow them to roam at will among the ripening fields, which they strip. The cultivators say they are helpless and must submit to fate.
—In the State of Mississippi there are ninety-two newspapers, whose combined circulation is about 60,000. In Arkansas there are seventy newspapers, whose combined circulation is about 35,000. Mississippi has 828,000 people, so that it circulates one newspaper to every fourteen souls. Arkansas has 485,000 people, which gives it in proportion to its population, about the same newspaper circulation as Mississippi.
—The New City Hall of Oakland has been finished and paid for, and the transfer of the public valuables to its different apartments began May 23. The inside of the building is light, bright and airy, neat and approximately handsome in its finish and admirably arranged in point of utility and convenience. It is presentable in appearance and it is questioned if there was ever a public building as good erected on this coast for the same money, viz. : $22,000.
—It is stated that New York city's population is about 1,200,000. The number of families living in the city is 185,789; dwelling houses, 67,200; houses containing three or more families are classed as tenements and number 20,000, with a population of 500,000. Of this number 523,198 were born in the United States, while forty different nationalities supply a foreign population of 419,094. During the past year there were 20,000 marriages, 35,000 births, and 30,709 deaths. The total value of property within the city limits is set down as $1,101,092,093, paying taxes to the amount of $32,000,000.
Repentance
REPENTANCE.—False repentance has grief of mind and humiliation only for great and glaring offences, until it supposes pardon for these obtained. True repentance is a continued war against sin, a permanent inward shame for its defilements, till Death sounds a retreat.
Judgment and Watches
It is with our judgment as with our watches, none go just alike, yet each believes his own.