p. 42 | Review and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 6. (7/7/1863)

Review and Herald

Jul 7, 1863

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 7, 1863

Do you Pray in your Family?

By Nevins

THERE are families that call not on the name of the Lord. Nor is it a new thing. There were such so long ago as when Jeremiah lived. He takes notice of them. He has a prayer about them. It seems he was divinely inspired to call down the indignation of the Lord upon such families. "Pour out thy fury," he says "upon the families that call not on thy name." I would not like to have been a member of one of those families; and much less the head of one of them. It must have been very offensive to the Lord that there were families in which he was not acknowledged and worshiped. And if there were such families among the heathen nations that offended him, how much more must it have displeased him that there should be such families even among his people Israel! families that did not in the family capacity invoke him! I do not know why it should be less offensive now. I do not believe it is. Families are now under as great obligations to God as ever they were.

Some persons ask why we insist on family prayer as a duty. They say we cannot produce any precept enjoining it. That is true enough. But I wonder if that is not a duty, the omission of which, is the subject of prophetic denunciation. I wonder if that is not by implication commanded, the neglect of which brings down the wrath of God on those guilty of the neglect. There are some things so manifestly reasonable, and of such self-evident obligation, that they need no law expressly enjoining them. It is not necessary that they should be taught in so many words.

But if we have no express precept on the subject, we have pretty good examples in favor of it. I suspect Abraham, who was so careful to instruct his household in the way of the Lord, did not neglect to pray with them. And David, I am quite confident, prayed in his family. It is said of him on one occasion, that "he returned to bless his household." No doubt there were both prayer and praise in that family. Certainly Joshua must have prayed in his house. How otherwise could he have fulfilled his resolution that his house, as well as himself should serve the Lord? What! resolve that his house should serve the Lord, and not join with them in supplication for the grace to serve him! That is not at all likely.

Now I would ask if it is not proper and right that every head of a family should adopt the resolution of him who said, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?" But can there be religion in a house without prayer? Is there not inconsistency in saying, "I and my family will serve God, but we will have no family altar nor offering?" Is not prayer an essential part of the service of God? I wonder if any one ever lived who supposed that family prayer was not more pleasing to God than the omission of it. I wonder if any one ever omitted it for fear of being guilty of will-worship, or through dread that it might for some reason offend God? I wonder if the practice of family prayer ever distressed any conscience. The omission of it has troubled many.

It is admitted, I believe, to be the will of God that we should pray to him socially. The Lord's prayer was constructed for social use. The disciples were directed to use it when they should pray together; and it is accordingly in the plural number: not my Father, but "our Father." Now, is God to be socially worshiped, and yet not worshiped in that first, most permanent, and most interesting form of society—the form of society instituted by God himself—the family? Is that to be believed? But the Lord's prayer seems not only intended for social, but for daily use. "Give us this day our daily bread" is one of its petitions. It does not contemplate the morrow. It asks supplies but for one day. Now if, as it appears from this reasoning, social prayer should be daily, where, but in the family, the society which is abiding, and which a single roof covers, can it with propriety be daily? Should there be public religious services daily, or daily prayer-meetings for this purpose? Then, how suitable it is that those who together share their daily bread, should together daily ask it.

How reasonable and comely is household religion—family worship! Common blessings, such as families daily share, call for common thanksgivings. Common wants, such as families together feel, call for common supplications. Is it not fit that families, in retiring to rest at night, should together commit themselves to the divine keeping; and in the morning unite in praising the Lord for having been their protector? It is a clear case, it seems to me. Besides, fathers are directed to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." But can they do this, while they pray not with them and for them? I do not know how we are to comply with the apostolical exhortation to pray "everywhere," unless we pray in the family, as well as under other circumstances.

Is any one in doubt whether the practice or omission of family prayer will be the more pleasing subject of retrospect from the dying bed, or the eternal world? Parents should not forget, that presently may come the long deferred and greatly dreaded season of taking the last look, and the last leave of those whom their decease is to make orphans. O then, what a sweet thought it will be to enter into the dying meditation, that they have been in the daily habit of bowing down with their children in prayer, and commending them to the care and grace of their heavenly Father, and that they may now indulge the confident hope that he will infinitely more than supply the paternal place which they are to leave vacant.

But what need of more argument? I suspect everybody secretly admits the obligation of family prayer. I judge so from the trouble many are at to apologize for the neglect. It tries them not a little to satisfy even themselves with an excuse. The usual plea is inability. They have not the gift, they say. What gift? Can they not collect their family together night and morning? Have they not so much authority in their own house as that? And then can they not read a portion of Scripture to them; and kneeling down, express their common desires to God. But what if it be hard at first, it will soon be easy, if persevered in. The beginning of almost every good habit is difficult. The most of those who make this apology, presume on their inability. They say they cannot before they have tried. But until they have tried, they do not know whether they can or not. What if some have tried once and failed. One failure should not dishearten them, nor two, nor even twenty. Demosthenes, tried speaking many times before he became an orator. Besides, how do those who presume on their inability to conduct family worship, know what assistance they might receive from God, if they were to make an humble and faithful experiment.

If any one shall condescend to read this, who does not pray in his family, I advise him to commence immediately. He knows that he will never be sorry for it, if he does; but he is not so sure that he may not be sorry for it, if he does not. If there were no other reason in favor of the practice, this alone would be sufficient. I think it is Jay who says that a family without prayer is like a house without a roof—it has no protection. Who would like to live in such a house?

—Nevins.

Characteristics of the Last Days.

THE apostles Peter and Paul both, have spoken expressly of the last days and their characteristics, the most striking of which is the skepticism which shall prevail. “That day shall not come,” said Paul, “except there come a falling away first;” E apostasia, the apostasy. 2 Thess. ii, 3. This falling away, or apostasy, he explains in 1 Tim. iv, 1, to be an apostasy from the faith,—apostesontai tines tes pisteos; “Certain, shall apostatize from the faith.” So also the apostle Peter says; 2 Pet. iii, 3, “That there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming?” &c. He tells us they shall be especially and willingly ignorant about the flood, in the days of Noah. It is remarkable how strikingly these characteristics are being exhibited in our own day, and from the very causes predicted. Paul, for instance, says, “Giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons.” We have reached an age when thousands on thousands,

through the teachings of demons have, not merely given up some one doctrine of the Bible, while holding to other of its great cardinal truths, but have abjured the Bible itself, as a revelation from God. No thoroughly confirmed spiritualist will acknowledge the Divine origin of the Bible. But Peter refers to the fact that the mockers of the last days will be willingly ignorant of the facts taught in the first eight chapters of Genesis:—1st, that by the word of God the heavens and earth were produced: and 2d, that the heavens and earth thus produced being overflowed with water perished; and 3d, that “the heavens and earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

It is a singular fact that the infidelity of this age has seized these very points as its stronghold, in its assault upon the Bible. Geology is summoned and comes forth, a professed science, which is but of yesterday, and with brazen front assails the testimony of holy writ, and with one fell swoop assumes to lay it low, even with the ground. But the true cause of the assault, is, because it brings God too near us and exhibits too clearly his direct interference with the affairs of this world.

This spirit of infidelity is so rampant that it shakes the church of England to its base. The following, taken from an exchange, will give our readers a faint idea of the magnitude of this fearful contest in Great Britain:—

BISHOP COLENSO AND THE ENGLISH BISHOPS.

The Archbishop of Canterbury states in a letter that Dr. Colenso’s Metropolitan, the Bishop of Cape-town, has just returned to his province, ‘prepared to institute those proceedings which will try whether the charges brought against Bishop Colenso can be sustained.’ Meanwhile, His Grace cautions his clergy against admitting Dr. Colenso into their pulpits, or allowing him to minister ‘in the Word or Sacraments in their respective parishes, until he shall have cleared himself from the grave imputations which at present attach to him.’

“The Bishop of Chester and the Bishop of Durham have each addressed their clergy by circular on the subject of Bishop Colenso. They consider it unnecessary to publish a formal inhibition against his use of the pulpits in their sees, having sufficient confidence that none of their clergy would permit his heterodox lordship of Natal to officiate in their respective churches.” The Bishop of Durham observes: “It is not against the mischievous writings of this one author that we have to be on our guard. A wide-spread spirit of skepticism pervades in many instances the scientific publications, the popular periodical literature, the daily journals, and even the theological writings of the present day.”

Bishop Colenso has written one of the most violent attacks upon the Bible which has ever been made. The English Bishops have written him a letter requesting him to resign his Bishopric, but he declines to do so; hence the proceedings which are about to take place as expressed in the quotation above. The Puseyite controversy of a few years ago, was as nothing in comparison with the present contest. Nor is Great Britain alone beset with this prevailing spirit of skepticism; but a Parisian correspondent of the Christian Advocate and Journal informs his readers that the same spirit prevails throughout France. It is not the old Atheistic form of the last century, but this modern and insidious form, which is all the more dangerous for appearing in the guise of a friend. Catholic and Protestant countries alike are coming under the fatal influence of this spirit. And the whole is the very spirit of Anti-christ, who is to deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he has come in the flesh, or is coming in the flesh. 1 John ii, 22; iv, 2, 3; 2 John vii.

The hope of the world’s conversion, still so persistently maintained by many in the face of the Bible testimony to the contrary, is another of the sad evidences of a departure from faith in the word of God.

There is no refuge from this fearful whirlwind which is sweeping over the earth, but in clinging to Christ as the true and long promised Messiah, who is in these last days to return to reign on the throne of his father David. In him, in his sacrificial, priestly and royal character, the law and the prophets, the evangelists and the apostles all beautifully and harmoniously meet and prove each other to have come from God, and to be Divine. Take from the Saviour one of his works or offices, and seek to make it something else, the work is marred, its harmony is broken and its veracity invalidated. And nothing can so effectually arrest the spirit of infidelity as the preaching of the prophetic scriptures relating to the coming reign of the Messiah, as was done among us twenty years ago. God in his providence has placed us as a people of trust with a great mission; and earnestly should we devote ourselves to its accomplishment. Our lectures, tracts and books, should flood the land from one end to the other, as the only antidote to the prevailing infidelity of the age. Then,

“On! let all the soul within you For the truth’s sake go ahead.”

Advent Herald.

"Fear Not, Little Flock."

By L. E. Millne

FEAR not, little flock, the haven is near; King Jesus will soon in his glory appear, To give you the kingdom; the promise is sure For all the dear ones who faithful endure.

Let's take up the cross and joyfully go, Through sorrow and grief, temptation and woe, Remembering the promise we read in his word, To those who leave all and follow their Lord.

A hundred-fold here of blessing he'll give, And a bright crown of gold we too shall receive, Then on let us press, though Satan should strive With his hosts to prevent us from winning the prize.

Yet he who hath promised will safely perform, His dear little flock he'll shield in each storm, O, why should we tremble when danger is near? If Jesus is for us, O, what should we fear?

He's a stronghold, in which all the righteous may run, Here safe from the foe, his temptation we'll shun, Ever looking to Jesus, our Saviour and Friend, Who saith, I am with you even unto the end. L. E. MILLNE.

The New Post Office Law, in Force July 1, 1863.

By Editor

THE amendments to the post office law, adopted during the last session of congress, go into effect July 1. A number of changes are made in the law by these amendments, with which the public should at once become familiar, the most important of which we proceed to point out:

CLASSIFICATION OF MAILABLE MATTER.

Mailable matter is divided into three classes:

1. Letters.—This class embraces all correspondence wholly or partly in writing, except that mentioned in the third class.

2. Regular printed matter.—Under this head is included all mailable matter exclusively in print, and regularly issued at stated periods, without addition in writing, mark, or sign.

3. Miscellaneous matter.—This class embraces all other matter which is by law declared mailable, viz., all pamphlets, occasional publications, books, book manuscripts, proof-sheets whether corrected or not, maps, prints, engravings, blanks, flexible patterns, samples and sample cards, photographic paper, letter envelopes, postal envelopes or wrappers, cards, paper, plain or ornamented, photographic representations of different types, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, and scions.

CLASS 1.—LETTER POSTAGE.

The one cent rate on drop letters is abolished.

The ten cent rate on letters to the Pacific states and territories, is abolished.

The one cent extra required to be paid on letters deposited in branch offices, is abolished.

Letters for the mails.—The maximum weight for the single rate of letter postage is one half ounce avoirdupois, and the rate of postage on all letters sent in the mail, to any part of the United States, is three cents for each half ounce or under, and three cents for each additional half ounce or fractional part of a half ounce. If a letter on which the postage has not been prepaid, by any cause should reach its destination, double this rate will be collected on delivery. That is to say, six cents for every half ounce and fractional part of a half ounce. If a letter is not prepaid in full, the unpaid residue will be charged at double rate. That is to say, if a letter weighs over a half ounce, and not over one ounce, and three cents has been prepaid, the charge for the other half ounce or fractional part of a half ounce, will be six cents. But in all cases where the whole or any part of the postage on a letter is not prepaid, the same will not be forwarded, unless the postmaster is satisfied that the omission to prepay was unintentional.

Ship and steamboat letters.—In the case of letters conveyed by any vessel on inland waters or coastwise, from one domestic port to another, not in the pay of the department, double rates of postage will be collected at the office of delivery, viz., six cents for the single weight if to be mailed, and four cents the single weight if to be delivered at the office where deposited. But if such letter has been prepaid by United States stamps at such double rates of postage, no additional charge will be made. If only partly prepaid by stamps, double the unpaid balance will be collected on delivery.

Drop letters.—Letters deposited in an office or a branch office, for delivery at the same office, or through branch offices or carriers, are to be charged with two cents the half ounce or fractional part of a half ounce, no charge to be made for delivery.

Soldier’s letters.—Letters written by non-commissioned officers and privates in the military service or in the naval service (embracing the marine corps), will be forwarded without prepayment of postage, at the single rate, if plainly marked over the address, “Soldier’s letter,” or “Naval letter,” as the case may be, and signed with his official designation, by a field or staff officer of the writer’s regiment, or by the officer in command of his detachment, or of the post, or by a surgeon or chaplain at a hospital. In the navy or marine corps, by the commander of the vessel, or by a surgeon or chaplain on board, or by the commander of a detachment of marines on shore. Military or naval letters, not thus certified, will be forwarded, but rated up with double postage, to be collected on delivery.

Returned and forwarded letters.—If the writer of a letter endorses on it, in writing or in printing, a request that the same be returned to the writer within a specified time, not exceeding thirty days, post masters are instructed to comply with such request. But this only applies to letters prepaid in full. The return postage is to be charged at the rate of three cents the single weight. And so in regard to letters forwarded at the request, or otherwise, of the parties addressed—the same rate of three cents the half ounce, or fractional part of a half ounce, is to be collected.

Registered letters.—Some improvements are made in the registration system. The registration fee under the new law is twenty cents—heretofore it was five cents. Postmasters are required to take duplicate receipts from the person to whom a registered letter is addressed, on delivery of the same, one of which he is to transmit to the sender, the receipt to be recognized in the courts as prima facie evidence of such delivery. As heretofore, postage at the established rates must be prepaid in full, to secure registration.

CLASS 2.—POSTAGE ON REGULAR PRINTED MATTER.

The maximum weight for the single rate of postage on matter under the second and third classes, is four ounces avoirdupois, except in case of circulars; and no package can be sent by mail that exceeds four pounds in weight, excepting public documents printed by act of congress.

Newspapers to regular subscribers.—The postage on newspapers issued from a known office of publication, and sent in the mails to regular bona fide subscribers once a week or more frequently, each not exceeding the standard weight of four ounces, and payable quarterly or yearly in advance at either the office of mailing or delivery is as follows: For papers issued weekly, five cents per quarter; semi-weekly, ten cents; tri-weekly, fifteen cents; six times a week, thirty cents; seven times a week, thirty-five cents. For any excess over four ounces, and not exceeding eight ounces, double the rates named, and so on for any additional excess over the standard weight of four ounces.

Publishers of weekly newspapers are permitted to send any copy to each subscriber living in the county where published, free of postage, as under the old law.

The distinction heretofore made in the postage on newspapers circulated in the state where published and those circulated in other states, is abolished. The rate is uniform wherever circulated.

Publications issued without disclosing the office of publication, or containing fictitious statements thereof, will not be forwarded unless prepaid at the mailing office at the rate of transient matter.

Magazines and periodicals.—On regular newspapers, magazines, and periodicals, published less frequently than once a week, not exceeding four ounces in weight, issued from a known office of publication, and sent in the mails to regular bona fide subscribers, payable quarterly or yearly in advance, either at the office of mailing or delivery, the postage is one cent each copy—that is to say, if published monthly, the postage will be

three cents per quarter; if over four ounces, and not exceeding eight ounces, six cents, and so on. If published semi-monthly, double these rates, and if published quarterly, one third of them.

Small publications.—The rate of postage heretofore charged on small newspapers, &c., sent in packages to one address, is entirely changed by the new law. The rate hereafter to be charged on this class of publications, not issued as often as once a week, devoted to the use of Sunday-schools, to religion, to education, or to agriculture, sent in packages to one address, is one cent for the first four ounces, and one cent for each additional four ounces or fraction thereof, on each package sent. But at these rates the papers must be for regular subscribers, and the postage prepaid either at the office of mailing or of delivery, for one full quarter in advance. If not thus prepaid, the packages are subject to double these rates, i. e., two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof, to be prepaid by postage stamps at the time of mailing.

Transient printed matter.—On transient printed matter of the second class, that is to say, papers issued regularly, but sent to persons not regular bona fide subscribers, the rate is two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof, to be prepaid in full, by postage stamps, the postage to be charged by the weight of the package, if to one address.

Privileges of publishers.—Publishers of newspapers, &c., sent to regular subscribers, have the privileges, as heretofore, of enclosing without additional charges, bills and receipts for subscription, to write or to print upon their issues the address of their subscribers, with the date when their subscription expires, and to exchange one copy of their publications reciprocally, free of postage.

Circulars.—The one cent rate on circulars is abolished. Hereafter, circulars may pass in the mails at the following rates, viz: Three circulars or any less number, in one unsealed envelope, to one address, at the rate of two cents, and two cents additional for the next three or less number, and so on. A business card on an envelope enclosing circulars, does not increase the rate.

CLASS 3.—POSTAGE ON MISCELLANEOUS MATTER.

General rate.—On miscellaneous matter, the postage (except in the case of books) is fixed at the uniform rate of two cents for each four ounces, or fractional part thereof, by the weight of the package, to one address, to be prepaid in full by postage stamps at the mailing office.

Postage on books.—For books the rate is four cents for the first four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and so on, to be prepaid in full by postage stamps.

General facts.—All mailable matter, properly speaking, is enumerated under the above classification. It often happens, however, that other things find their way into the mail—such as small articles of wearing apparel, etc., etc. When admitted into the mails, all such matter is subject to letter rates. Liquids, glass, gun and fulminating powder, gun cotton, and all other articles that can by any contingency, deface or otherwise injure or destroy letters, books, or newspapers, are strictly excluded from the mails.

An important point in relation to the wrapping or enveloping matter for the mails ought to be especially remembered by the public. All mail matter not sent at letter rates of postage, embracing books, book manuscript, proof sheets, newspapers, and other printed matter, and all other mail matter, excepting deeds, must be so enveloped or wrapped with open sides or ends, as to enable the post master to examine the contents of the package without destroying the wrapper. If post masters cannot make this examination without destroying the wrapper, the package will be subject to letter postage.

With the exception of a business card, printed or impressed upon the wrapper, no transient matter, coming under the head of the second or third class can be forwarded in the mail at less than letter postage, which contains anything inclosed therein in violation of existing laws, or is so marked as to convey any other or further intelligence than is conveyed by the original print, in case of printed matter, except the name and address of the person to whom it is to be sent. If subject to letter postage, from these causes or for any other reason, such matter must be fully prepaid, otherwise it will be excluded from the mails.

THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE.

The franking privilege is materially changed by the new law. Letters addressed to the President or Vice President must be prepaid, unless written by a public officer; and the same applies to all communications addressed to any executive department, or any officer connected therewith, excepting official letters, written by some officer of the department, or some officer under its control or responsible to it; and in this case the official designation and name of the officer shall be subscribed upon the letter. Senators, representatives, and delegates in congress, the secretary of the senate, and clerk of the house of representatives may send and receive letters free; but this privilege is accorded to no one else. The franking privilege granted to certain postmasters under previous laws, to cover private correspondence is abolished, the privilege now being confined exclusively to official correspondence passing between each other and with the post office department.

The weight of packages of seeds, cuttings, roots, and scions, to be franked by members of congress and government officers entitled to that privilege, is limited to twelve ounces.

CONCLUSION.

The foregoing comprise all the changes effected by the late amendments to the postal laws, a right understanding of which is essential to the public to secure the prompt transmission of matter through the mails. Other changes have been made, but those not enumerated above, relate to the internal management of the system, to be well studied by postmasters and others employed in the service, but of less immediate interest to others. It is hoped the public will at once familiarize themselves with the law as collated above; and that this may be done more effectually, we advise every citizen to carefully preserve this article for frequent reference.

Faithfulness in Little Things.

Bro. White: I send you the following excellent article thinking perhaps you may consider it worthy of a place in the Review. M. F. Maxson.

The opportunities for displaying great deeds of goodness, are rare; and when they do present themselves, there are many powerful stimulants to kindle magnanimity and perseverance. But the little occasions to stand firm in the cause of truth come upon us inadvertently; and almost every moment they render it necessary for us, without ceasing, to maintain a warfare against pride, slothfulness, and a domineering, lordly disposition; against precipitancy, impatience, &c.; opposing our corrupt wills everywhere, and in all things. If we will be faithful herein, our fallen nature will have no spare time to draw breath, but must die to all its propensities.

The supporting of a life of godliness, is like unto good management and economy in outward and domestic affairs. If attention is not paid to minute matters, frugally to save, and avoid unnecessary expenses, there is a greater probability, step by step, of a declension in point of property, than by large undertakings which naturally excite caution. He who learns, by divine assistance, to make a right application in small matters of a spiritual nature, will not fail to accumulate much treasure, as well as he who is attentive in temporal concerns. Great things are only great, because many small materials are brought and combined together—he who is careful to lose nothing, will generally increase his wealth. It is well for us to consider that it is not so much what we do, as the motives of love in which our actions originate, and surrendering our own wills; this it is alone which renders our good works acceptable in the Divine sight. People judge of our actions according to outward observation but with God, those things are nothing, which in the eyes of men shine with great lustre, for he requires a sincere intention, a will ready to bend to his will on all occasions, and an upright entire forsaking of ourselves.

Our faith is tried more powerfully in common occurrences, and less exposed to a mixture of pride, than in uncommon and remarkable concerns. We also find that we are oftentimes more attached to certain little things, than to matters of moment—for instance, some would find it much easier to give generous alms, than to deny themselves a favorite diversion. Man is very liable to become beguiled by little things, because he looks on them as matters of indifference, and imagines himself free from any powerful attachment to them; but when God commands him to forsake them, he finds, by painful experience, how inordinate and unwarrantable his attachment to, and practice of them was; besides, through our inattention to small duties, we frequently give offense, and stumble our families, and those about us; for people cannot believe that we fear God with uprightness, when our conduct in small concerns is immoderate and careless: for how can an observer reconcile the idea of our being strong and scrupulous observers of important duties that require his greatest sacrifices, when matters of small account have an undue ascendancy over us; but the greatest danger herein is, that the soul, through careless indifference in lesser things, becomes gradually accustomed to unfaithfulness, grieves the Holy Spirit, and, by degrees, learns to account it a matter of small consequence to go counter to the will of God: on the contrary, true love esteems nothing indifferent; every thing capable of pleasing or displeasing God, appearing great; not that true love drives the soul into a slavish fearful scrupulousness, but it allows of no particular set bounds to faithfulness; it moves the mind in simplicity to pass by those things that God doth not require, but does not hesitate a moment about those things he does require, be they great or small; so that our obedience in small matters does not originate from a forcible terror on the mind; it all arises in and by a continual current and power of love, free from those slavish fears and consultations, accompanying restless, anxious, and distressed souls. Man is drawn into the way of his duty through love to God: for even in the time of greatest trial, when the spirit of truth unceasingly urges the submissive soul, step by step, in the observance of small duties, and seems about to divest it of all freedom, behold, it finds itself on a wide plain, and enjoys the depth of peace and freedom in him.—Oh! how happy is that soul.

Finally, it is particularly necessary for those who are naturally of an inadvertent and unwatchful disposition, to be mindful. Man, by paying little regard to small duties, becomes accustomed to make no account of them; he does not enough consider the lead and tendency thereof; he does not enough view the almost imperceptible ascendancy and assimilation of these things, in and with his fallen propensities; he forgets the compunction and remorse which these things have heretofore occasioned; he had rather indulge an imaginary idea of his establishment, and depend on his own judgment, (which has, however, oft-times deceived him,) than to settle down into a constant, diligent, attentive watchfulness. We are apt to say, it is a little thing, it is nothing, yea, it is nothing! But it is a nothing on which thy all depends—such a nothing as thou so inordinately lovest, as to cleave to it in preference to the will of God—a nothing which thou wilt despise in words, in order to frame an excuse for thy non-observance of it; but in the ground, it is a nothing which thou holdest fast, against the will of God, and which if continued in, will bring thee to ruin.

A despising of small things, does not, as some assert, arise from greatness of mind, but far otherwise, from a short-sightedness, esteeming things small, which in their tendency and consequences have a very extensive reach and effect. The more we discover ourselves inclined to indifference in small things, and the more we find it a trial to us to pay attention herein, the more we ought to fear and to become jealous, yea, and to cast up bulwarks, against a spirit of indifference and carnal security; he that despiseth little things, will certainly fail by little and little. Be not afraid of a constant watchfulness of mind in small things: a godly resolution, is necessary in the beginning, and the exercise and suffering thou endurest, thou hast well deserved; it being very necessary for the perfecting of thy peace and security, out of which there is nothing but disquiet and backsliding. God will render this path more and more sweet, and pleasant. True love is watchful and attentive without great and painful restraint of spirit.

Augustine saith, “Little things are little things, but to be faithful in little things is something great.”

A Feature of the Times.

By Uriah Smith

God is chastening the nation for its sins, yet who thinks of being humbled. While a deplorable civil war is desolating a large portion of the country, and bereavement, sorrow, and mourning, are in tens of thousands of families, the rage for amusement and pleasure, and a disposition to throw off every serious feeling, was never so great, and the exhibitions of the pride of life never so extensive and disgusting. As a specimen, read from the Independent the following description of the unparalleled strides of pride, luxury, and extravagance in the city of New York:

Never, since the Pilgrims landed on these shores, was there such universal prosperity—in the loyal states—as at the present moment. Merchants have made more money during the past two years, than ever before in twice that space of time. Mechanics are, and have been, crowded with work, at high wages. Farmers and laboring men are investing large sums of money in government and other stocks, or are piling it up in savings-banks. Manufacturers, as a whole, are making semi-annual fortunes. Speculators are more numerous than our soldiers on the battle-field. Almost every other business man is dabbling more or less in stocks, or is in some way connected with a government contract; and as for Wall street, never was there such a financial millennium, as since the present rebellion. Millionaires can now be counted there by dozens. Princes are on every block, and bankers are "as thick as blackberries." Who, at the North, would ever think of war, if he had not a friend in the army, or did not read the newspapers? So much on the subject of making money. Now what can be said about spending it? Go into Broadway—not to "Webster's unabridged"—and we will show you what is meant by the word, extravagance. Ask Stewart about the demand for camel's-hair shawls, and he will say, "Monstrous." Ask Tiffany what kind of diamonds and pearls are called for. He will answer, "The prodigious—as near hen's eggs size as possible,"—"price no object." What kind of carpetings are now wanted? None but "extra." Brussels and velvets are now used from basement to garret. Ingrains and three-plys don't do at all. Call a moment at a carriage depository. In reply to your first question you will be told, "Never such demand before, sir." And as for horses, the medium-priced, five-hundred-dollar kind are all out of market. A good pair of fast ones, "all right," will go for a thousand dollars, quicker than a basket of strawberries will sell for f-o-u-r cents. Those a little extra will bring fifteen hundred or two thousand, while the superb 2:40 sort will bring any price among the "high numbers."

The apostle describes a certain time when men shall be covetous, when every advantage shall be taken, and all means resorted to, to aggrandize and gratify self, when the natural affections of men's hearts shall be turned out of their usual channels, or rather, when they shall be "without natural affection," and when an all absorbing spirit of worldliness and irreligion shall envelop and swallow up mankind. The apostle is also careful to state that these days are the last days of this world's existence; and what if our own times answer the description?

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