Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 2, 1882
General Articles.
By Mrs. E. G. White
Daniel a Temperance Reformer.*
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
To RIGHTLY understand the subject of temperance, we must consider it from a Bible stand-point. The first chapter of Daniel presents a most comprehensive and forcible illustration of the principles of true temperance and the blessings to be derived from their observance. Inspiration has recorded the history of Daniel and his companions as a shining example for the youth of all succeeding ages. What men have done, men may do. Did those faithful Hebrews stand firm amid great temptation, and bear a noble testimony for God and the right? We may bear a similar testimony, even under circumstances as unfavorable.
It was not their own pride or ambition which had brought Daniel and his associates into the king's court, into the companionship of those who knew and feared not the true God. Infinite wisdom had placed them where they were. It was their duty to honor God and to give to the world an example of faithfulness. They considered their position with its difficulties and dangers, and then, in the fear of God, made their decision. Even at the risk of the king's displeasure, they would be true to the laws which had been divinely given to their fathers.
Besides a portion of his wine, the food apportioned them "from the king's table," would include swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, and which the Jews were forbidden to eat. The Hebrew captives requested the officer who had them in charge, to grant them more simple fare. The officer demurred, fearing that such rigid abstinence as the young captives proposed would unfavorably affect their personal appearance, and thus bring himself into disfavor with the king. Daniel pleaded for a ten-days' trial. This was granted, and those youth were found at the expiration of that time to present a far more healthy appearance than those who had indulged in the king's dainties.
Hence the simple "pulse and water" which they at first requested was thereafter supplied to Daniel and his companions.
These young men had received a right education in early life, and now, when separated from home influences and sacred associations, they honored the instructors of their childhood. They obeyed the divine law both natural and moral, and the blessing of God gave them physical strength and comeliness, and intellectual power. With their habits of self-denial were coupled earnestness of purpose, diligence, and steadfastness. They had no time to squander in thoughtless pleasure, vanity, or folly. They were not actuated by pride or unworthy ambition. They sought to acquit themselves creditably, for the honor of their down-trodden people, and for His glory whose servants they claimed to be.
God always honors the right. The most promising youth of every land subdued by the great conqueror, had been gathered at Babylon, yet amid them all the Hebrew captives were without a rival. The erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance showing that the blood was uncorrupted, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath,—all were so many certificates of good habits,—insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those who render obedience to her laws.
When their ability and acquirements were tested by the king, at the close of the three years of training, none were found "like unto Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah." Their keen apprehension, their choice and exact language, their extensive and varied knowledge, testified to the unimpaired strength and vigor of the mental powers. Would that youth of to-day would emulate the example of these Hebrew children. All who will, may, like them enjoy the favor and blessing of God.
Not only did these young men decline to drink the king's wine, but they refrained from the luxuries of his table. The lesson is one which we would do well to ponder. Our dangers are not from scarcity, but from abundance. We are constantly tempted to excess. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired for the service of God must observe strict temperance in the use of all his bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence.
The youth are surrounded by allurements addressed to the appetite. In our cities, liquor saloons on almost every corner make indulgence easy and inviting. The evil does not often begin with the use of intoxicating liquors. Tea, coffee, tobacco, as well as alcoholic beverages, are different degrees in the scale of artificial stimulants. Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile themselves, will reap the reward of their temperate habits. With their greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency.
Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity, depend upon immutable laws. There is no happen-so, no chance, about this matter. The higher powers will not interfere to preserve men from the consequence of the violation of nature's laws. There is much of sterling truth in the adage that every man is the architect of his own fortune. While parents are responsible for the stamp of character they give their offspring, as well as for the education and training of their sons and daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in the world depend, to a great degree, upon our own course of action. Daniel and his fellows enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they became. The time came when they must act for themselves. Their future then depended upon their own course. They decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood. The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation of their greatness. His Spirit strengthened every true purpose and noble resolution.
The great work of temperance should begin with the child in its mother's arms. With patient care the little ones should be trained to unperverted tastes and simple habits. Fathers and mothers will have a fearful account to render at the day of final reckoning. The rich, highly seasoned, unwholesome food which the mother spreads upon her table, produces indigestion, headache, and other unpleasant sensations. The children are permitted to eat whatever they please, and at any hour of the day, thus allowing the jaded stomach no rest. Hence they are constantly in a state of nervous irritation. Then, perhaps following the example of the father, they become addicted to the use of tobacco, wine or beer, and in many cases, the path to drunkenness is short. Habits of strict temperance always have been and always must be the only safeguard for our youth.
Let old and young remember that for every violation of the laws of life, nature will utter her protest. The penalty will fall upon the mental as well as the physical powers. And it does not end with the guilty trifler. The effects of his misdemeanors are seen in his offspring, and thus hereditary evils are passed down, even to the third or fourth generation. Think of this, fathers, when indulging in the soul and brain benumbing narcotic, tobacco. Where will this practice leave you? Whom will it affect besides yourself?
We rarely pass through a crowd, but men—we cannot call them gentlemen, for they do not deserve the name—will puff their poisoned breath into our face. Is it honest thus to contaminate the air which others must breathe? Wherever we go is the tobacco devotee, enfeebling both mind and body in the enjoyment of his darling indulgence. Have men a right thus to deprive their Maker and the world of the service which was their due? Is such a course Christlike? There is no middle ground. If not in harmony with the divine will, it must be Satanic.
The slaves of appetite are constantly spending their earnings in sensual indulgence, and thus robbing their children of food and clothing and the advantages of education. Millions of gallons of intoxicating liquors are drank annually, and thirty million dollars are spent for tobacco. It is estimated by Dr. Cole, an able writer on health, that professed Christians of the different denominations annually squander five million dollars in these indulgences. It is said that a larger sum is spent for the single article of cigars than for all the churches and common schools in the Union.
Opium, tea, coffee, intoxicating liquors, and tobacco are extinguishing as fast as they well can, the spark of vitality left for the race. We are suffering for the wrong habits of our fathers, and yet how many take a course in every way worse than they. Can any be called Christians who thus willfully destroy themselves?
There can never be a right state of society, until the law shall close up liquor saloons, not only on Sunday but on all other days of the week. This would render it much easier to maintain public order, and would conduce greatly to domestic happiness. And why cannot this be done? It is not too much to say that liquor saloons would be closed at once, in obedience to the dictates of reason and religion, if public officers, judges, police, sheriffs, magistrates, and others were not the patrons. These men are by their influence corrupting society, and then they concur in judging and condemning the poor souls who follow their example!
98Only men of strict temperance and integrity should be admitted to our legislative halls and courts of justice. Property, reputation, and even life itself is insecure when left to the judgment of men who are intemperate and immoral. How many innocent persons have been condemned to death, how many more have been robbed of all their earthly possessions, by the injustice of besotted jurors, lawyers, witnesses, and even judges! The records of crime published in our public journals show that intemperance and profligacy are increasing. While every right-minded person stands aghast at the condition of the world, is it not time to inquire, Who are giving their influence to increase this tide of evil? Who are digging the pitfalls for our youth? But every inquiry is met by the authoritative announcement that the process is sustained by law. We are expected to look on in silence, while our youth are engulfed in ruin.
Notwithstanding thousands of years of experience and of progress, the same dark blot which stained the first pages of history remains to disfigure our modern civilization. Drunkenness, with all its woes, is to be found everywhere. Its victims are more numerous to-day than before the license laws were enacted. Legal regulation has not stayed its progress. Efforts are now made to establish institutions where the victims of intemperance may receive help to overcome their terrible appetite. This is a noble work, and yet how much wiser, how much more effective, would be the removal of the cause of all this woe! Considering only the financial aspect of this question, what folly is it to tolerate a business that is making paupers by the thousand! The laws of the land legalize the trade of making drunkards, and then at great expense provide an institution for converting them again into sober men! Is this the best solution of the question that can be furnished by our legislators?
The fact is, government can provide only one effective safeguard against inebriety, and that is prohibition. This is the grandest inebriate retreat ever erected. Such a law, rigidly enforced from ocean to ocean, would produce the greatest temperance reform that the world has ever known. Take away from men all opportunity for indulgence, and the appetite for intoxicants would cease. But as long as the sale of liquor is sanctioned by law, the poor victim of appetite can receive little benefit from inebriate asylums. He will not be content to remain there always. He must again take his place in society. The appetite, though dormant, is not wholly destroyed; temptation assails him on every hand, and too often he falls an easy prey.
The use of intoxicating liquor dethrones reason, and hardens the heart against every pure and holy influence. The inanimate rocks will sooner listen to the appeals of truth and justice than will that man whose sensibilities are paralyzed by intemperance. This change is not wrought at once. Those who venture to enter the forbidden path are gradually and unconsciously seduced, demoralized, corrupted, and maddened. And while Christians are asleep, this evil is constantly gaining more strength and making fresh victims.
There is need now of men like Daniel to do and dare. A pure heart and a strong, fearless hand are wanted in the world to-day. God designed that man should be constantly improving,—daily reaching a higher point in the scale of excellence. He will help us, if we seek to help ourselves. It is the duty of every Christian to see that his example and influence are on the side of reform. Let ministers of the gospel lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show the people their transgressions, and the house of Israel their sins. The youth need to be instructed. Our hope of happiness in two worlds depends upon the right improvement of one. We should be guarded at every point against the first approach to intemperance. If we would preserve our children from evil, we must give them a right example, and then teach them to make God their fear, their wisdom, and their strength.
DIVINE PEACE.
By Horatius Bonar
PEACE upon peace, like wave upon wave,
This the portion that I crave;
The peace of God which passeth thought,
The peace of Christ which changeth not.
Peace like the river's gentle flow,
Peace like the morning's silent glow,
From day to day, in love supplied,
An endless and unebbing tide.
Peace flowing on, without decrease,
From him who is our joy and peace,
Who, by his reconciling blood,
Hath made the sinner's peace with God.
Peace through the night and through the day,
Peace through all windings of our way,
In pain and toil and weariness,
A deep and everlasting peace.
O, King of peace, this peace bestow
Upon a stranger here below;
O, God of peace, thy peace impart
To every troubled, trembling heart.
Peace from the Father and the Son,
Peace from the Spirit, all his own;
Peace that shall never more be lost,
Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
—Horatius Bonar, D. D.
The Coming of Christ.
By Rev. Geo. Muller
BY REV. GEO. MULLER, OF BRISTOL, ENGLAND.
IN the days of the apostles, the disciples were comforted and encouraged by the prospect of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ. An angel had said to them as they watched the Lord depart from the earth, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11.) This, and not death, was the hope of the church; and thus it ought to have remained up to his actual return. His coming should have continued to be the hope of the church; but this, alas! for centuries had not been the case.
In confessions of faith the truth that the Lord Jesus will come again may still have had a place; but practically to by far the greater number of his disciples it has been a mere doctrinal statement that has not been enjoyed, and which has had no influence upon their lives. The Lord, however, desired it should be otherwise. He intended that his church should look for him, that she should watch and wait for his return. Again and again during his personal ministry, the Lord Jesus foretold this great event; and after his ascension the apostles referred continually to it.
Very many passages of Scripture might be quoted in proof of this assertion, but I will only mention the following: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” (Matt. 25:31.) “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” (John 14:2, 3.) “As it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the Judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvation.” (Heb. 9:27, 28.) “The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then (afterward) we, which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:16, 17.) These quotations suffice to prove that the second coming of the Lord Jesus means that he will return in person, and has no reference to the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, nor to his manifesting himself in an especial manner to the believer in the way of comfort, instruction, or help of any kind; nor has it reference to our death.
The whole church will at once be introduced to full eternal happiness and glory at our blessed Lord’s return. Not only as individuals will our cup of joy be full to overflowing, but we shall rejoice throughout eternity with the whole company of the redeemed. What has been said therefore is, I trust, sufficient to show that the second coming of Christ will be his personal return, and that there is a vast difference between the death of individual believers and the coming advent of our Lord in glory.
During the present dispensation, before the return of our Lord, Satan will not be bound; therefore sin and open wickedness will continue to the end of it; and instead of becoming better, things, according to Scripture, will become worse and worse. It is impossible to shut one’s eyes to the fearful wickedness now around us everywhere; for murders of the most cruel character, and numerous other atrocious crimes are, even in this enlightened nineteenth century, continually being committed. How certainly does all this prove that Satan is not yet bound, that he is even now the god of this world, and has power still; and because he knows that his time will be comparatively short, he manifests his hatred against God and against his people to the very utmost. But this state of things will not always last; for when Jesus comes again he will lose his power in the earth, and will be shut up in the bottomless pit for a thousand years.
In connection with the return of the Lord Jesus is another event, namely, the separation between the wheat and the tares. Read carefully Matt. 13:24-30; also verses 37-43. In this parable, together with our Lord’s explanation of it, we can see what to expect during this present dispensation while Jesus tarries. Civilization, mental cultivation, and advancement in knowledge of every kind may continue to the utmost; but man, fallen man, remains a ruined creature, except he be regenerated by the power of the holy gospel through the acceptance of the gospel. Intellectually he may be improved and polished to the very highest degree, but he is a sinner, and, in his natural condition, remains lost, ruined, and undone. He may even possess natural religion and a form of godliness; but if he is not born again he is still at enmity with God, and as assuredly as he does not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ “the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36.)
Sin is not, as some suppose, a comparatively little thing. It is a deadly spiritual disease, as the word of God declares it to be; and no progress in education, no mental culture, can eradicate it from the heart, nor change depraved human nature. For notwithstanding every effort at improvement, the heart remains “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” Until the return of the Lord Jesus, therefore, the present state of things will continue, and, as we shall see presently from the word of God, will become worse and worse.
This, then, plainly shows the notion entertained by many godly, excellent persons, that the world will be converted during the present dispensation by the preaching of the gospel, and that the millennium will thus finally be introduced, to be not according to the Holy Scriptures.
The gospel, indeed, was to be preached “as a witness to all nations,” but it was not to be the means of the conversion of the world. (Matt. 24:14). Moreover, from Acts 15:14, we learn the character of the present dispensation, which is, that God “takes out from among the Gentiles a people for his name,” but does not convert all the nations. This is confirmed by the parable of the wheat and the tares; for if the whole world were to be converted before the return of the Lord Jesus, there would be no truth in the explanation given of it by our Lord himself. He tells us that the tares (the children of the wicked one) were to grow together with the wheat (the children of the kingdom), until the end of the age, namely, up to the time of his own return. Thus therefore, the word of the Lord, is in direct opposition to the common notion that the world will be converted previous to his coming again.
And in addition to this we find passage after passage in the New Testament in which we are expressly told, either by Christ or by the apostles, that at the close of the present dispensation wickedness will abound both among professed believers and in the world at large, in proof of which I will refer to one single passage of Scripture only. In 2 Tim. 3:1-5 we read, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” Here we have particularly to keep before us that this is not a description of Pagans or Mahometans, but of the professed disciples of the Lord Jesus; for to such a state will Christendom, or the professing church of Christ, be reduced at the end of the present dispensation.
Notice especially that of these persons it is said, they have a form of godliness. They wish to be considered Christians; they are not avowed infidels and atheists, but professed believers. Are we, then, to expect that things around us will gradually improve, or rather, that as we approach the end of the age the darker they will become? True is it that one day, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea,” but this will never be until Jesus himself comes. In the meantime lawlessness will increase, and the socialism, the communism, the nihilism, etc., of which we now hear so much, will at last be headed up in the man of sin.
In Matt. 24:36-41, our Lord himself enjoins it upon us to wait for his return, and to watch. In Matt. 25:13 the Lord said to his disciples, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.” Again in Mark 13:35-37 Jesus said, “Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house
The Fountain Beside the Afflicted
When Hagar was quite disconsolate with the fatigue of the body and distress of mind, there was a fountain by her, though she knew it not. So the weeping believer has relief at hand which he cannot see. God's word, God's Spirit, and God's ministers are the angels that direct and lead his afflicted people to the fountain opened.—Toplady.
Money Spent on Others
Money spent on myself may be a millstone about my neck; money spent on others may give me wings like the eagles.
Courage in the Lord.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE Lord is leading his people. The great work of the last message will soon be accomplished. The way is being prepared. Facilities are being increased. The importance of united effort is being felt; and, to this end, system, government, leadership, are seen to be a necessity, and the true hearted, those who have faith in God and his work, will find their place in the organized, disciplined army of the Lord.
How can those who hope for salvation in the soon-coming day of the Lord sleep on now and lose the prize almost within reach? How can the backslidden in heart be content to remain so to their own eternal loss, having the heart engrossed in the world, the family altar broken down, and having no relish for the duties of religion? Awake, sleeper! Dispel those false dreams, and cry to God for pardon, before it shall be too late!
God has spoken. Will we hear his voice and heed the reproofs of his Spirit? It is time the decision was made. How long halt ye between two opinions? Who will be on the Lord’s side? It is high time to be one thing or the other. If this is the work of God, it is time to show by works that we have faith in it; if it is not, the farther from it we get the better. “Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early.” But let those who trust in God and believe his providence in fulfilling his word have courage in the Lord.
Oh! for a sense of the fearful responsibilities of the present hour! Oh! for a love of souls approaching to that which brought the Saviour from Heaven! Awake, my soul, to the important and solemn work of the Lord, in these few remaining hours of probationary time. Oh! for that Spirit which is to effect the work—the refreshing from the presence of the Lord—the supping with the true and faithful Witness!
R. F. COTTRELL.
Watching for Christ’s Return
cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.”
Again in Rev. 16 : 15 the Lord says, “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
Now, are we, as believers, all watching? Are we earnestly longing for the return of that blessed One? Do our hearts truly yearn after him, and long for his glorious appearing? Are we also doing our part to hasten his coming? And is it habitually our prayer that the Lord will be pleased to hasten the fulfillment of the events yet to be fulfilled before that day comes?
And now the last part of our subject remains to be considered, namely, the practical effect this truth should have upon our hearts. If it be really received and entered into, the child of God will say, “What can I do for my blessed Saviour before he comes again? How can I most glorify him? His will concerning me is that I should occupy ‘until he come.’ How then can I best use for him the talents with which I am entrusted, my physical strength, my mental powers? How can my sight, my tongue, all my faculties of mind and body, be best devoted to his praise? How should my time, my money, all that I am and have, be used for him? How can my whole spirit soul and body be best consecrated to his service?”
These are deeply important practical questions, which all believers in the Lord Jesus should ask themselves, seeing that we are not our own, but are bought with a price, even with his precious blood. Instead of indulging in inactivity and listlessness, on account of the evil state of things around us, we should pray and work, and work and pray, as if it were in our power to stem the torrent of abounding iniquity; for who can say how much good one single child of God who is thoroughly in earnest, may accomplish; and how greatly he may glorify God by walking in entire separation from all that is hateful to him? We have especially also to guard against the temptation of slackening our efforts for the conversion of sinners, because the world will not be converted before Jesus comes. Rather should we say, “The time that he delayeth his coming may be short; what therefore can I do to warn sinners, and to win souls for him?”
In conclusion, I would direct attention to 2 Peter 3 : 11–14: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming (or hastening the coming) of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
As assuredly as the practical character of the Lord’s second coming is really apprehended in the power of it, the most blessed effects upon the life and deportment of Christians will follow. By means of it we are taught what awaits the world lying in the wicked one, and what will be the end of all this world’s glory, pride, and pomp. The future destiny of the children of God is also unfolded to us, even that we shall be perfectly conformed to the image of our risen Lord, both in soul and body, when we shall see him as he is.
Then shall we enter upon the possession of our inheritance, which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away; and shall be seated with Jesus on his throne (Rev. 3 : 21), to judge the world in union with him, and to spend a happy eternity together with our Lord in glory. “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22 : 12.—Messiah’s Herald.
CHRISTIAN HABIT.
The very habit of godly life helps to keep one from temptation and sin. There are times perhaps, when spirituality is at a low ebb in the heart, and little of God’s sweet love seems to have place therein. Then this habit of correct living—a habit acquired through years of watchful prayer and persistent purpose—holds the man to circumspectness, and keeps him from many things that might soil his soul.
A Word to the Purpose
If what is said be not to the purpose, a single word is already too much.—Chinese Proverb.
Thirteen Millions of Utah Trade.
It has come to the knowledge of the Chicago anti-polygamy committee that certain New York merchants have telegraphed to members of Congress, "New York sold $13,000,000 worth of goods to Utah last year. Hands off!" Certainly. By all means. With $13,000,000 in one scale, and nothing in the other but the fine sentiment of ministers and philanthropists and other fanatics about morality and decency and obedience to law—what else should be done? These abstractions foot no bills. They make no show in Wall street. They buy no brown stone fronts, no diamonds at Tiffany's, no spans and carriages for the boulevards. What is anything worth if it cannot do that.
And as to these Latter-day Saints one must be charitable. It is true, they have a taste for sundry little amusements that are frowned upon by the seventh commandment; true that they seem to be cutting out work, if we leave them to themselves, on a rather large pattern for the American people. But then—$13,000,000! That puts another face on matters! They are men of weight. What have we to do with their family affairs? These zealots in Congress will hinder business. And is there no enterprise in the metropolis? Philadelphia may get quicker and lower on her knees to those $13,000,000. Down promptly, every one! Hands off in Washington from the private matters of our customers!
This is the kind of policy to raise the character, name, and standing of American merchants. For $13,000,000 customers bring riches; and with riches comes respectability. This righteousness in rags shows well in a sermon. But it makes a sorry figure on Madison Square. Get money—honestly, decently, with some self-respect, if you can, but—anyway get money.
Seriously, who are these tradesmen who sell their souls with their goods—or would, if such souls were worth buying? Is there no way of exposing them by name to the contempt they deserve? Are honorable merchants in that city to be disgraced by such company? While patriotic, Christian citizens are pleading with Congress to awake to this foul and blighting shame to our civilization, are a few such money-grabbers as these to be secretly holding them down? Is there no possibility of concentrating a fire of indignation, as in a burning-glass, with heat that shall find some vulnerable point in faces even as brazen as theirs? Exposure is to them what it is to a sneak-thief. We saw, once, at the New York Police Headquarters, the "Rogues' Gallery," a collection of photographs of the most notorious criminals of the metropolis. It was curious to see how they had dreaded the terrible truth-telling eye of the camera. One had put on a grimace to destroy his identity. Another had fought furiously and the miniature showed the grip of a policeman in his hair. They were a precious set of physiognomies. And we should like to see, added to them for universal circulation, the faces of the authors of this telegram to Congress.—Advance.
Good Advice.
MANY good people are much troubled by the multiplicity of duties. They see so much to be done, that they are ever in a worry and a hurry, and thus are in danger of doing nothing well, and also leaving many things undone. In their eagerness to do great things of their calling, they are apt to overlook what seem to be the smaller concerns, which perhaps lie just at hand. They are looking ahead and aloft, and pass over what really ought to be attended to, and which, if attended to and thus put out of the way, would lead on naturally and quietly to greater works. These little things may be indispensable to the accomplishment of the greater. They may be the little stones which together make up the building. They may be the first rounds of the ladder, leading up to the loftier heights of achievement.
Now let such persons consider what the great German poet, Goethe, said—and hardly uttered a wiser one—“Do the thing that lies next you.” Be it little, do it. It may be great in its necessary relation to something else. Neglect not the present, the immediate thing. The person who adopts this rule will do a world of work—a world of good. He will begin at home, in his little circle, and so branch out as each day gives new and, perhaps, wider opportunities.
A Problem.
A YOUNG man distinguished for his mathematical attainments, was fond of challenging his fellow-students to a trial of skill in solving difficult problems. One day a class-mate came into his study, and laying a folded paper before him, said: “There is a problem I wish you would help me to solve,” and immediately left the room. The paper was eagerly unfolded, and there, instead of a question in mathematics, were traced the lines, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”
With a gesture of impatience, he tore the paper to atoms, and turned again to his books. But in vain he tried to shake off the impressions of the solemn words he had read. The Holy Spirit pressed home his convictions of guilt and danger, so that he could find no peace, till he found it in believing in Jesus. He subsequently became a minister of the gospel he had once despised, and his first sermon was from the words, so eminently blessed to his own soul: “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”—American Messenger.
Affliction Endears the Promises.
We never prize the precious words of promise, till we are placed in conditions in which their suitability and sweetness are manifested. We all of us value those golden words, "When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," but few, if any, of us, have read them with the delight of the martyr Bilney, to whom this passage was a stay while he was in prison awaiting his execution at the stake. His Bible is still preserved in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and has the passage marked with a pen, in the margin. Perhaps, if all were known, every promise in the Bible has borne a special message to some one saint, and so the whole volume might be scored in the margin with the mementoes of Christian experience, every one appropriate to the very letter.
The Purpose of Affliction
By George MacDonald
I NEVER came to know the condition of such as seemed exceptionally afflicted, but I seemed to see reason for their affliction either in exceptional faultiness of character, or in the greatness of the good it was doing them.—George MacDonald.