POWER, wealth, luxury, decadence, death! In these five words we have the epitome of the history of every nation that has ever risen, flourished, and fallen. The little State branches out, conquers its neighbors, grows rich on the spoils won by its arms, becomes weakened by high living, and in its weakness dies. It is the story of Chaldea and Babylonia, of Egypt and Persia, of Greece and Rome; and, if the old eternal rule of temperance is despised, it will be, as sure as fate, the story of every one of the proud nations that now dominate the world.
Times change, and men change with them, but laws never; and so certain as it is that two and two make four, history is sure to repeat itself if the conditions are repeated.
There is a species of patriotism which is the worst form of treason. It is none other than the vain and foolish pride of country which deceives us with the thought that, no matter what happens, the nation is safe. There was never a greater lie. The subjects of the Pharaohs thought that way, but Egypt died. The Greeks thought that way, but Greece passed away. The Romans thought that way, but Rome perished. Temperance was scouted, the people reveled and rioted in their wealth, and the dominion which seemed to them to be as enduring as the everlasting mountains passed away like a summer cloud.
Shall the modern nations expect any favoritism at the hands of fate? Is there to be for the nation of to-day a kindlier consideration at the hands of the Sovereign than that which was experienced by the nations which are no more? Believe it not. The laws—because they are laws—are not only eternal but unchangeable; and alike to the individual and the nation they say and mean what they say: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
What does that old word mean? It means that the nation that forgets the simple life and rushes, passion-blinded, into dissipation, shall perish. The people that gives itself up to the gratification of its animal appetite, that lives to eat and to drink whose gods are the bill of fare and the fashion plate, is doomed—nor will the prayers of all the saints in the calendar, and out of the calendar, avail to save it. It is folly, folly gone mad, to pray that the penalty of a violated law may not overtake us. It will overtake us. As the cannon ball goes to its mark, so moves the consequence of a broken law.
This country of ours has the honor of being the richest land the sun shines on. Tho only a little more than a century old, it has already outstripped England in national wealth, and "holds the palm alone." But how are we using this almost incalculable wealth? To what deities are we dedicating it? Are we using it to make ourselves strong, or are we using it to make ourselves weak? To come to the point, as the years go by are the American people growing more luxurious?
It is upon the answer to that question that everything turns. Our fathers were a plain-living, frugal, temperate people. Their habits were regular, their lives were simple and clean. How is it with us? Are we living as our fathers lived? We are not sure that the question can be answered in the affirmative. We know that it can not be so answered. To tell the unwelcome truth in a word, the rock-ribbed simplicity of the old times is rapidly departing, and we are beginning to place the grand emphasis on life's glittering counterfeits rather than on life itself.
In one of his battles with the Swiss, Charles the Bold, midst the confusion that followed his defeat at the hands of the liberty-loving mountaineers, lost the crown jewels. In the pursuit a Swiss peasant, finding the rich prize, threw the gems away, and took the casket home with him as a present to his wife.
Is there not an alarmingly increasing multitude of the American people who are doing the same thing—throwing away the true life and holding on with a mad frenzy of delight to life's empty and degrading externals? We are not thinking now of the lazy, listless, pleasure-sapped worthlessness which is to be seen flaunting its splendid rags in most of the great cities of the land. It is of the great middle class, it is of the people proper, that we ask the question: Are they being corrupted by the lust of high living? Are they being infected by the feverish desire for the luxury that kills?
To this serious, solemn question it can only be said that luxury has commenced its work upon us. It is here, stanchly, solidly here, doing for us what it has done for every people that has been before us. Can we stop it?—and will we stop it? If so, all will be well; if not, then history will certainly repeat itself, and this nation of ours, with all its prestige, power, and glory, will die the death its foolishness is inviting.
It is the simple life and the simple life alone, that is able to save us. The simple life is the wise life. The simple life makes for health, for happiness, for great thoughts and great deeds. Luxury softens the muscles, weakens the will, corrupts the conscience and winds up by making us imbeciles and degenerates. The moment a man reaches the stage where he thinks more of his dinner than of his duty, more of his coat than his character, more of his so-called social standing than of his value as a man and a citizen, that moment he becomes an anarchist and is helping to overthrow the foundations of the State.
The real greatness of a country is made up of those within its borders who lead lives of temperance; whose motto is "plain living and high thinking;" whose grand business it is not to be amused and flattered and feasted, but to be doing something every day for the promotion of the larger and sounder civilization of the coming time. The men who founded this nation were thinking, not of menus, but of manhood; not of "pink teas," but of principles; not of riches, but of right; not of luxury, but of liberty—and we must think as they thought, or perish.
Will not every clergyman who may chance to read this editorial take it upon himself to preach oftener to his people upon the terrible necessity that they are under of living the simple life?
Will not the clergyman who reads this editorial plainly tell the parents in his congregation that in pampering their offspring, or in instilling into their minds the notions of idle ease and luxurious living, they are making themselves the enemies, not only of their children, but of their country, and of the whole human race?—San Francisco Examiner.
WHAT ABOUT THE THEATER?
THEATER going is on the increase. Sentiment against theater going is on the decline. A good per cent of theater attendance is from the churches. Whatever may be the claims and apologies made for the theater as an institution, its influence is on the side of evil. An old actor, now in active Christian work, said of the theater: "The life is demoralizing and immoralizing." Can the church stand four-square against moral evil, and patronize the theater? Can a church maintain its integrity as a church of Jesus Christ, and suffer its members to attend the theater? What fellowship has light with darkness, has Christ with Belial, has the believer with the infidel? Where will this thing stop? Should not the lines be drawn—at the theater? Doesn't God call for separation?
"Large streams from little fountains flow." Many a fellow has become a confirmed and conscienceless gambler from the turn he got in the polite company of the parlor game. Many a girl has started on the pathway to ruin in the parlor dance. In some of our ladies' colleges the entertainments are nothing more nor less than theatricals on a small scale. They are first lessons in theater life. Girls get "stage struck," and the general effect is to create a taste and a sentiment in favor of the theater. Even churches sometimes take a turn at the theater business. A Baptist church that we know of gave, under its auspices, two theatrical entertainments. The young people, members of the church, learned, practised, and gave a straight-out play. The proceeds were for church purposes. They were amateurs, of course, but the affair was, to all intents and purposes, a theatrical. Is this not indirectly to encourage theater going, and create a taste for it?—Word and Way.
A TRADITIONAL POLICY BROKEN.
By L. A. Smith
[L. A. S., in Review and Herald.]
An article contributed to the Independent (N. Y. City) of January 7, by James A. Le Roy, private secretary to a member of the Philippine Commission, states that "the Catholic schism in the islands [the Aglipay following] is by no means the unimportant, even amusing, movement that might be expected from the character of the men who organized it in August, 1902. To be sure, the Associated Press has practically ignored it [under Catholic influence], and one might well gather, from the hiatus of information upon it for nearly a year, that it had come to naught; but this is not the first time the Associated Press has committed serious errors of omission in regard to the Philippines. Plainly told, the truth of the situation is that the Catholic Church in the Philippines is literally rent in two."
Under the conditions which now exist in the islands, there being two rival Catholic parties, one of which is supported by the authorities at Rome, the United States Government, which is called upon to decide the disputed question of the title to much of the church property in the islands, will have no small difficulty to avoid interfering in religious affairs, and becoming an ally of the Papacy. Indeed, such interference is already an accomplished fact, and Mr. Le Roy sees it. He says:—
Confining ourselves entirely to our Philippine difficulties, we might as well frankly realize that, on our own part, we have practically broken with our traditional policy of non-intervention in church matters, and that we may have to go still further in this direction before our hands are again entirely free. Governor Taft was not formally an "ambassador to the Vatican," . . . but, far from being merely a business negotiation about friars' lands, his mission was really a diplomatic mission, by whatever phrase we may choose to call it.
The fact is recognized that this nation has "practically broken with" its "traditional policy of non-intervention in church matters," and even that it might have to go further in this direction before it can see the way open to return to its former position. It means to return, of course, whoever knowingly ventured a little out of the right path without meaning to return? And now it seems necessary to go on a little further in order to return, to get back safely without unpleasant consequences. That is the old story. It is much easier to venture into the wrong path than to get back again from the wrong path to the right one. It is much easier to get entangled in the meshes of papal diplomacy than to get out of the tangle after Rome has drawn the lines to cut off retreat and make further advancement in her pathway appear the only feasible course.
Political Corruption and Reform
By Editor
A recent expression on the part of a leading politician is a startling admission that even the prominent citizens of our time—those whom people choose to conduct public affairs—can not long be trusted. The utterance to which we allude is: "I say it is a good thing to have a turn of the political wheel; if we did not have it once in a while we should soon have a social and political revolution." So corrupt would any set of men in our republic become with a too long continuance of opportunity that, were it not for the occasional "turn of the political wheel" there would of necessity come a social and political revolution. Such is the open corruption among the chosen representatives of the people that one who for years has occupied an influential position, and knows by experience whereof he speaks, frankly and publicly voices the sentiment we have quoted. Nor is it a partisan charge; it is an unqualified statement of conditions touching all parties, by one who knows.
HOW CRIMINALS ARE DUMPED INTO THE UNITED STATES.
ONE of the most important facts in connection with Italian emigration is that the questor of each district is slowly and effectually clearing the district of its criminal class by dumping the lot into North and South America, the most dangerous coming to the United States as the best field for their future operations.
Here is the syllogism:—
Since American police records and prison statistics, especially those of the United States secret service, show large and increasing numbers of Italian criminals in this country;
And since the mass of these can enter only by immigration;
And since the emigrant must have a passport from the chief of his local police district;
And since every criminal record is kept in the district in which he was born, and he must go there to get the birth certificate on which he gets his passport;
Then these thousands of passports issued annually to criminals are given by chiefs of police who know the records of the men who are receiving them, and are thus deliberately ridding their districts of them to save themselves trouble, and increase their reputation for efficiency.
That those secret instructions which are issued from Rome to the chief of each district advise any such procedure I do not believe. They do advise, so I have been reliably informed, that passports be not issued to prostitutes easy of detection or to persons over forty-five not accompanied by sons, inasmuch as both classes are very nearly sure to be turned back, and to become a matter of expense to the government. That is the bugaboo of Italian statesmen—expense.
True Liberality
True Liberality.—The Examiner (Baptist) says truly: 'There is a kind of 'liberality' that belittles one's own faith in order to exalt the faith of others. But this is a spurious liberality. The truly liberal soul freely concedes the right of others to hold their own opinions, but claims the same right for himself, and acts upon it.'
A terrible conflagration has eaten out the entire business portion of the city of Baltimore, licking up the great stone and brick 'fireproof' buildings as tho they had been made of wood. All the water that could be poured on the flames by three hundred lines of hose seemed to have no appreciable effect. Building after building was dynamited to stop the progress of the flames, and firemen and fire-fighting apparatus were hurried to Baltimore on special trains from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington; but human efforts seemed utterly futile against the destroyer, which, for more than twenty-four hours, swept through the city. Twenty-five hundred buildings were burned, and the loss is placed at more than a hundred millions. Reports state that about 25,000 employees have been thrown out of work. This is the most disastrous fire that has ever visited Baltimore.
A bill has been introduced in the Legislature of the State of Iowa, providing for the punishment of those physically able to vote, who do not go to the polls, and exercise that privilege. The bill defines such neglect as a misdemeanor, and proposes, as a penalty, disfranchisement at the two following elections. Opinions have been expressed to the effect that the provisions of the proposed bill are constitutional.
Wu Ting Fang has memorialized the throne of China, asking that the province of Manchuria be declared open to the trade of the world, the consequence of which would be that Russia would hesitate to make enemies of the powers by opposing such a course. The empress is reported greatly pleased at the suggestion, and has promoted Wu Ting Fang for making it.
A Brooklyn physician has announced the discovery of the fact that lemon juice will kill the germs of both pneumonia and the grip. The germs of pneumonia have been killed by this simple remedy in culture tubes, and the virulency of the above-named diseases has been materially lessened by its use. Lemon juice has long been used as a germicide in typhoid fever cases.
The great ship-building trust, known as the United States Ship-building Company, against which suit had been brought by bondholders, is now undergoing reorganization, which will take it out of the courts. The peculiar methods of the concern have been the subject of much comment throughout the world.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has authorized a favorable report on the Urgent Deficiency Bill, which includes in its provisions a loan of $4,600,000 to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, in return for which the government is to be given a lien on the first receipts of the exposition.
A violent break in cotton prices occurred on the New York exchange on February 2, as a result of the dissolution of an extensive cotton syndicate, known as the Sully Pool. The organizers of the pool are said to have made millions by the manipulation of the market.
British soldiers in South Africa found a new intoxicant. The form of smokeless powder known as cordite was dissolved in their tea or eaten by itself, inducing intoxication. When this was followed by drinking beer, it resulted in inciting 'almost demoniacal actions.'
The German forces in South Africa are believed to be in great danger from the blacks, who have risen against them. Some of the German settlers have been murdered, and it is feared that at least a portion of the relief forces are surrounded by the negroes.
Resident Commissioner Degetau, of Porto Rico, has taken advantage of the enlarged powers granted him by the House of Representatives at Washington, and has introduced a bill 'expressly to declare the citizens of Porto Rico citizens of the United States.'
The German emperor, according to report from Rome, has requested the pope to appoint another cardinal for Germany. The request is in line with the recent acts of the emperor in cultivating closer relations with the head of the Catholic Church.
It is feared that the recent severe weather in the eastern part of the United States has caused serious damage to next year's fruit crop. In many places the tree trunks have actually been split by the severe cold.
Officials of the express companies who have aided in the violation of the prohibition laws of Kansas and the prohibition counties of Texas are being indicted by the Federal Government.
The last of the Cuban fortresses has now been turned over to the officials of the Cuban Government, and the last American forces in Cuba have sailed for the United States.
Former Governor Taft, of the Philippines, took the oath of office as Secretary of War, at Washington, D. C., on February 1, the office for some time held by Elihu Root, of New York.
The co-operative agricultural interests of the Mississippi Valley are planning a farmers' trust, and a meeting to establish the organization will be held at Omaha on March 1.
Dollar wheat was a reality in the Chicago markets on February 3, the highest price paid for wheat since the Leiter wheat corner of 1898.
THE ACME OF LABOR UNIONISM.
By Editor
WHAT labor unionism means when full-fledged is thus expressed in the Labor Leader, of Lancaster, Pa.:—
Labor is now supreme in New South Wales. No employer or employee is allowed to appear in court in a labor case unless he belongs to a registered industrial union. It is illegal to employ free labor when union labor is available.
Whether the employers and employees of the United States who do not as yet yield to the demands of unionism (and they form a large majority of their classes) will permit such a condition to arise here is a question yet to be fully settled. The trend is strong in that direction. When it becomes "illegal to employ free labor," where does the freedom come in? That expression, however, is an admission that union labor is not free—an admission that tells a great truth, and lays bare a most pitiable, yea, abject, condition. Think of the masses of men, supposed to be intelligent, skilled in their handicraft, and claiming to be capable of directing every employer in the proper manner of conducting his business, then persistently placing themselves in a position where they must admit that they are not free laborers! And such a consummation—the denial of legal rights to free laborers—is deemed something to boast of, a great move in the interest of labor!
To add to the Leader's evident satisfaction with such a condition, the editor says, "When Parry hears this he will issue another proclamation." Well, in the face of such a prospect, it would seem that even the "blind leaders of the blind" would be able to see the necessity of at least a warning from some source. Surely those who welcome such conditions are hardly safe custodians of "supreme" power in any country. The tyranny of capital, as far as it has yet been manifested, pales into insignificance before such a prospect.
Those who regard the doctrine of Christ, which is embodied in the Golden Rule, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;" those who regard the commandment of God, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," will not be found in confederacies which seek to deny to any man his legal rights. In a time when there was a marked rejection of the commandments of God, His prophet said: "The Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary." Isa. 8:11-14. This is good counsel for to-day.
Waste and Want.
By Editor
A press item says that "statistics of the indigent in Chicago show that 13,000 families, or about 80,000 persons, were aided by the Bureau of Charity the past year." And besides this there were thousands of the labor strikers who for months had to be assisted by the charities of labor unions from other States. There is always plenty for all in this country, but, owing to greed and waste and mismanagement and misdirection of effort and misuse of means, there are all the time thousands in want while necessary supplies abound. The foregoing situation is only one of many, of more or less magnitude, surrounded in the aggregate by a general condition popularly called "prosperity." One feature of the general misuse, or actual waste, of the world's resources was recently elucidated by General Miles, in a speech at Washington, in which he said:—
In this enlightened age of progress and intelligent, refined civilization we would be glad to believe that the burdens and dangers of war have been lessened; yet, strange as it may seem, there never has been a time in the world's history when so much wealth was squandered in preparation for war, nor when so many millions of trained, skilled, and disciplined men, armed with the most destructive weapons, were taken from the avenues of peaceful industry, as at the present time.
It is a fact that is continually being demonstrated by individuals, and it is just as true of nations, that "wilful waste brings woful want."
LOWERING CLOUDS IN THE ORIENT.
By Editor
AS THESE columns close, there is every prospect of war in the far East. Japan has become impatient at Russia's diplomatic tactics, and has broken off diplomatic relations with Russia, ordering her minister at St. Petersburg, with the entire legation, to quit Russian territory at the earliest possible date. Russia, therefore, telegraphed her minister at Tokio to demand his passports, and leave Japanese territory. These officials are making hasty preparations for departure, and the two nations are preparing for the clash which they feel must follow the severance of diplomatic relations. Japan has felt that Russia was strengthening her position in the East, while delaying negotiations to the farthest possible limit, and she knew that Russia would lay upon her the blame for any hasty move toward serious consequences. This Russia has now done. Japan is losing sympathy, to some extent, by breaking off relations, and yet she feels that her very existence is at stake in permitting Russia to continue, unchecked, the course which she has been pursuing in the East. It is rumored that Japan will at once despatch troops to Korea, and a clash between the navies of the two powers may be looked for at any moment. The Russian ships are reported cleared for action, and Japan has called home those of her subjects in America, who are known as "first-call" men. The conflict is bound to be a gigantic one—Japan fighting for national independence, and Russia fighting for a long-cherished purpose. The result of the conflict is terrible to contemplate in the waste of means but far more in the waste of human life and the untold suffering which is bound to result.
HOME RELIGION.
By Ellen G. White
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THE work of sanctification begins in the home. Those who are Christians in the home will be Christians in the church and in the world. There are many who do not grow in grace because they fail of cultivating home religion.
In the home the spirit of criticism and fault-finding should have no place. The peace of the home is too sacred to be marred by this spirit. But how often, when seated at the meal-table, the members of the family pass round a dish of criticism, fault-finding, and scandal. Were Christ to come to-day, would He not find many of the families who profess to be Christians, cherishing the spirit of criticism and unkindness? The members of such families are unready to unite with the family above.
God expects His children to use the talent of speech in a way that will honor the Saviour. Let evil-thinking and evil-speaking be put away as leaven that will produce contention, alienation, and strife. Let the unruly tongue be brought under the control of God.
No harsh, passionate word is ever spoken without grieving the Lord Jesus, and hurting the heart of speaker and of hearer. From the Christian home all angry or trifling speeches will be excluded; for in the home above nothing of this character finds place.
Parents, be sure to spend some time each day in private prayer, asking the Lord for wisdom, lest self-importance take possession of you, and you give the talent of speech into the control of the enemy. In the home circle, generous, gracious, Christ-like words are of more value than any earthly treasure.
Remember that your children will follow closely the example that in word and act you set them. Live lives that will help them to prepare for translation into the courts above when the last trump shall sound, and Christ shall come to gather His faithful ones to Himself. Do not neglect your children. They are your first care. The home is to be their first school. And in this school you yourselves are to learn lessons that will prepare you better to work for their salvation and for the salvation of others. These lessons will be of the highest value to you in your religious experience.
As you labor successfully for your children, you are working out your own salvation, and God is working in you, to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Kindly but firmly correct every inclination to wrong that may appear in the lives of your children. When you are obliged to correct a child, do not raise the voice to a high key, bringing into it that which will arouse the worst passions of the child's heart. Do not lose your self-control. The parent who, when correcting a child, gives way to anger, is more at fault than the child.
Restrain every hasty speech that struggles for utterance. Before you speak that fretful, impatient word, stop and think of the influence which, if spoken, it will exert. Remember that children are quick to hear every word, and to mark every intonation of the voice. Remember, too, that angels hear the words you speak. You are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Follow a course that will be an honor to Jesus, a course that will bring angels to your side. Let your home be such that Christ can enter it as an abiding guest. Let it be such that people will take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him.
The home in which the members are kindly, courteous Christians, exerts a far-reaching influence for good. Other families mark the results attained by such a home, and follow the example set, in their turn guarding their homes against evil influences.
Angels of heaven often visit the home in which the will of God bears sway. Under the power of divine grace, such a home becomes a place of refreshing to worn, weary pilgrims. Self is kept from asserting itself. Right habits are formed. There is a careful recognition of the rights of others. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul stands at the helm, presiding over the entire household. Under the hallowed influence of such a home, the principle of brotherhood laid down in the Word of God is more widely recognized and obeyed.
A SMILE FOR HOME.
"TAKE that home with you, my dear," said Mrs. Lewis, her manner half smiling, half serious.
"Take what home, Carrie?" and Mr. Lewis turned toward his wife curiously.
Now, Mrs. Lewis had spoken from the moment's impulse, and already partly regretted her remark.
"Take what home?" repeated her husband; "I don't understand you."
"That smiling face you turned upon Mr. Edwards, when you answered his question just now."
Mr. Lewis slightly averted his head, and walked on in silence. They had called in at the shop of Mr. Edwards to purchase a few articles, and were now on their way home. There was no smile on the face of Mr. Lewis now, but a grave expression instead—grave almost to sternness. The words of his wife had taken him altogether by surprise; and, tho lightly spoken, jarred upon his ears.
"Take that home with you, dear." Ah, me! I wish these words had not been said. There will be darker clouds now, and they were dark enough before! Why can't Mr. Lewis leave his cares and business behind him, and let us see the old, pleasant, smiling face again? I thought this morning he had forgotten how to smile! but I see that he can smile if he tries, and why doesn't he try at home?" So Mrs. Lewis talked to herself as she moved along by the side of her husband, who had not spoken a word since her reply to his query.
"What then, Carrie?"
"It would send warmth and radiance through the whole house," said Mrs. Lewis, her tones all trembling with feeling.
"It isn't so easy a thing to put on a smiling face, Carrie, when thought is oppressed with care."
"It did not seem to require much effort just now," said Mrs. Lewis, glancing up at her husband with something of an archness in her look.
"You, Carrie, are guilty of a sober face at home as well as your husband," Mr. Lewis spoke with a tender reproof in his voice.
"But the sober face is caught from yours oftener than you imagine, my husband," replied Mrs. Lewis.
"Are you certain of that, Carrie?"
"Very certain; you make the sunshine and shadow of your home. Smile upon us; give us cheerful words; enter into our feelings and interests, and there will be no brighter home in all the land. A shadow on your countenance is a veil for my heart; and the same is true as respects our children."
"I am glad, Carrie, that you have spoken thus plainly. I only wish that you had done so before. I see how it is; my smiles have been for the outside world, the world that neither loved nor cared for me,—and my clouded brow for the dear ones at home, for whom thought and care are ever-living activities."
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were now at their own door, where they paused a moment, and went in. Instantly on passing his threshold, Mr. Lewis felt the pressure upon him of his usual state. The hue of his feeling began to change. The cheerful, interested exterior put on for those he met in business intercourse began rapidly to change, and a sober hue to succeed.
When the day's business was over, his mind fell into a brooding state, and lingered over its disappointments, or looked forward with failing hope into the future—for hope in many things had long been deferred. And so he rarely had smiles for his home.
"Take that home with you, dear," whispered Mrs. Lewis, as they moved along the passage, and before they had joined the family.
The warning was just in time.
"Thank you for the words," said he, "I will not forget them."
And he did not; but at once rallied himself, and, to the great surprise of Jennie, Will, and Mary, met them with a new face, covered with fatherly smiles, and with pleasant questions in pleasant tones of their day's employments. The feelings of children move in quick transitions. They had not expected a greeting like this; but the response was immediate. Little Jennie climbed into her father's arms. Will came and stood by his chair, answering in lively tones his questions, while Mary, older by a few years than either of the others, leaned against her father's shoulder and laid her white hands upon his head, smoothing back the dark hair, just showing a little frost, from his temples.
A pleasant group was this for the eyes of Mrs. Lewis as she came forth to the sitting room, from her chamber, where she had gone to lay off her bonnet and shawl and change her dress. Well did her husband understand the meaning look she gave him; and warmly did her heart respond to the smile he threw back to her.
"Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver," said Mr. Lewis, speaking to her as she came in.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Mary, looking curiously into her father's face.
"Mother understands," replied Mr. Lewis.
"Something pleasant must have happened," said Mary, "you and mother look so happy."
"And we have cause to be happy," answered the father, as he drew his arm tightly around her, "in having three such good children."
Mary laid her cheek on his and whispered, "If you are smiling and happy, father, home will be like heaven."
Mr. Lewis kissed her, but did not reply. He felt a rebuke in her words. But the rebuke only gave a new strength to his purpose.
"Don't distribute all your smiles. Keep a few of the warmest and brightest for home," said Mrs. Lewis, as she parted with her husband the next morning.
He kissed her, but did not promise. The smiles were kept, however, and evening saw them, tho not11for the outside world. Other and many evenings saw the same cheerful smiles and the same happy home. And was not Mr. Lewis a better and happier man? Of course he was. And so would all men be if they would take home with them the smiling aspect with which they meet men in business intercourse, or exchange words in passing compliments.
Take your smiles and cheerful words home with you, husbands, fathers, and brothers. Your homes are dark and cold without them.—Selected.
OUR OWN.
By Margaret E. Sangster
If I had known in the morning
How wearily all the day
The words unkind
Would trouble my mind
I said when you went away,
I had been more careful, darling,
Nor given you needless pain;
But we vex our own
With look and tone
We might never take back again.
For tho, in the quiet evening
You may give me the kiss of peace,
Yet it might be
That never for me
The pain of the heart should cease.
How many go forth in the morning
That never come home at night;
And hearts have broken
For harsh words spoken
That sorrow can ne'er set right.
We have careful thoughts for the stranger,
And smiles for the sometime guest,
But oft for "our own"
The bitter tone,
Tho we love "our own" the best.
Ah, lips with the curve impatient,
Ah, brow with that look of scorn,
'Twere a cruel fate
Were the night too late
To undo the work of morn!
—Margaret E. Sangster.
MONTY'S UNDOING.
By M. S. Johnson
[Rev. M. S. Johnson, in Union Signal.]
"MONTY's dead!" These were the startling words of a freighter, as he turned out, driving perilously near the cliff's edge, to give room for the stage to pass.
"What? You don't say!" exclaimed the stage driver, reining in the restive bronchos and throwing on the brake.
"Yes, shot himself with a little 'twenty-two.'"
"When?"
"'Bout two hours ago. I just come from there. His widder's all broke up."
"Poor Monty!" said the rough rider, the mist gathering in his eyes. "I was afeared of this."
Seated on a box by his side, I drew from the driver the story of Monty's undoing.
Mr. Montgomery, or, as he was familiarly known, "Monty," had been a well-to-do ranchman. The rich, level bottom lands of his ranch stretched far along on either side of the river; his herds roamed over the adjacent mesas and slopes miles away to the very crest of the divide. A wife and two daughters gave sunlight and cheer to his simple, but comfortable dwelling, and the snow-clad peaks of the Rockies looked down benignantly upon a happy home.
Then a saloon was opened in a log-house near the frontier post-office. One winter evening Mr. Montgomery dropped in to see what was going on. Before leaving he was induced to take a drink. A few evenings later he went in again, and again he took a glass with a neighbor. He watched a game of cards and felt the excitement as the stakes were won. Soon he, too, was drinking and gambling like the rest.
The long winter wore away, and the busy season came on, but he neglected his ranch. Things went from bad to worse, money was scarce and he borrowed money, mortgaging his ranch. Mr. Montgomery was losing his grip, every one could see that.
"An' last trip up," said the driver, "he told me, if it wasn't fur his belief in a futur' he'd blow his brains out. Poor Monty, he was a good fellow," and my companion on the box wiped his moist eyes, stuffed the red bandana into his pocket—beside a quart flask now almost drained—cracked the whip over the lead team, and on we rolled across the bridge and past the ranch, where the happiness of another home had been wrecked by the home's worst enemy—the saloon.
