Earlier text: Publishers’ PageTHAT judges in their official capacity are not averse to settling the Sabbath question was shown recently at St. Paul, Minn., when Judge Hanft decided that “for legal purposes the sabbath day is Sunday.” The judge also made the startling declaration that the legislature “did not legislate for the minority.” We had supposed that one of the most sacred duties of legislators was to protect and guarantee the rights of the minority. This decision is a new principle in jurisprudence, and if carried out, would jeopardize every individual right, and make equity the plaything of majorities. But this very principle has long been advocated by members of the National Reform Association when discussing the rights of minorities in religious matters. Only last year at Winona Lake, Ind., two National Reform leaders informed the writer that while they were in the majority, they had a right to compel the people to observe their sabbath, and that when we [Adventists] were in the majority, we would have the same right to compel all to keep our Sabbath—a total denial of the most fundamental principles of religious liberty. Such a course would make conscience the football of the rabble, deprive the Almighty of obedience to his commands unless that obedience suited the whim of the majority; in short, put human majorities in the place of divine commands, exalting the creature above the Creator, and rekindling the fires of medieval persecution. All that is in the principles of the association; but this is the first time we have seen it so plainly stated by a member of the bar. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund
By I. H. Evans
For Special Work at Home and Abroad Received on the $150,000 Fund
Atlantic Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| Central New England |
$2,635.61 |
| Chesapeake |
480.29 |
| Eastern Pennsylvania |
1,793.50 |
| Greater New York |
462.07 |
| Maine |
563.78 |
| New Jersey |
552.63 |
| New York |
1,626.50 |
| Southern New England |
1,138.50 |
| Vermont |
922.83 |
| Virginia |
468.58 |
| West Pennsylvania |
1,376.84 |
| West Virginia |
351.86 |
| Western New York |
1,675.50 |
| Total |
14,048.49 |
Canadian Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| Maritime |
317.43 |
| Quebec |
63.64 |
| Ontario |
682.31 |
| Total |
1,063.38 |
|
|
|---|
| Colorado |
1,219.08 |
| Iowa |
3,935.12 |
| Kansas |
2,445.89 |
| Missouri |
1,279.39 |
| Nebraska |
5,384.82 |
| Wyoming |
740.94 |
| Total |
15,005.24 |
|
|
|---|
| Washington churches |
1,325.94 |
|
|
|---|
| East Michigan |
1,824.77 |
| Indiana |
5,177.27 |
| North Michigan |
422.57 |
| Northern Illinois |
2,378.74 |
| Ohio |
4,002.50 |
| Southern Illinois |
1,060.08 |
| West Michigan |
3,577.34 |
| Wisconsin |
3,038.07 |
| Total |
21,481.34 |
North Pacific Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| Conference not specified |
429.66 |
| British Columbia |
122.80 |
| Montana |
452.48 |
| Upper Columbia |
2,286.53 |
| Western Washington |
1,782.37 |
| Idaho |
854.90 |
| Western Oregon |
1,925.35 |
| Total |
7,854.09 |
Northern Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| Alberta |
156.10 |
| Manitoba |
239.70 |
| Saskatchewan Mission Field |
34.85 |
| Minnesota |
5,129.95 |
| South Dakota |
2,645.47 |
| North Dakota |
1,768.66 |
| Conference not specified |
73.82 |
| Total |
10,048.55 |
|
|
|---|
| Arizona |
236.99 |
| California-Nevada |
6,032.42 |
| Southern California |
649.03 |
| Utah |
327.43 |
| Total |
7,245.87 |
Southern Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| South Carolina |
135.69 |
| Alabama |
264.05 |
| Tennessee River |
723.55 |
| Florida |
551.77 |
| North Carolina |
455.50 |
| Kentucky |
30.36 |
| Cumberland |
732.74 |
| Louisiana |
390.61 |
| Mississippi |
252.76 |
| Georgia |
357.89 |
| Total |
3,894.92 |
Southwestern Union Conference
|
|
|---|
| Not specified |
20.18 |
| Arkansas |
373.86 |
| Oklahoma |
2,562.23 |
| Texas |
1,198.91 |
| Total |
4,155.18 |
|
|
|---|
| Algeria |
13.33 |
| Australia |
163.84 |
| Bermuda |
35.00 |
| China |
31.60 |
| South Africa |
228.16 |
| Jamaica |
13.41 |
| Yukon Territory |
20.00 |
| England |
256.32 |
| West Africa |
14.06 |
| Mexico |
2.00 |
| Costa Rica |
6.25 |
| India |
18.88 |
| South America |
40.95 |
| Switzerland |
9.69 |
| Panama |
19.00 |
| Nicaragua |
4.00 |
| Central American Mission |
26.00 |
| Trinidad |
.34 |
| Norway |
25.00 |
| Japan |
12.50 |
| Hayti |
5.00 |
| Egypt |
51.55 |
| Palestine |
2.00 |
| Tobago, W. I. |
1.22 |
| Cuba |
8.00 |
| Hungaria |
3.00 |
| Total |
$1,011.10 |
THE following conferences or districts have finished their allotments in the matter of the $150,000 fund:— District of Columbia, Arizona, Nebraska, Southern New England, Central New England, Egypt, Indiana, Utah, Ohio, Virginia, West Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Wyoming. It has been a source of encouragement to those carrying the burden of the general work to know that so many of the conferences are determined to continue their efforts toward the completion of the $150,000 fund, even after their individual allotment had been raised. It indicates a spirit of loyalty that will not allow self-interest to stand in the way of the success of this work. Coming on a Cloud
By Edith B. Goodrich
He is coming on a cloud,
With the sound of trumpet loud,
With a golden crown of glory on his head;
As our King shall thus descend,
Holy angels will attend,
And his mighty voice will wake the righteous dead. Do you feel the thrilling power
Of that great and solemn hour?
Do you know that it is very, very near?
God is finishing his work,
Sifting out the ones who shirk;
Let us hasten and his high commands revere. Now for means your Lord doth plead,
Now of workers hath he need,
For the harvest-fields are fully ripe to-day;
Soon he will not ask you more,
For the harvest will be o'er,
And he'll turn you with your gold and greed away. He is coming on the cloud.
Blow the trumpet long and loud
With a certain sound, that all may hear and heed.
Do to-day what you should do,
That it may be well with you
When the Judge awards mankind for every deed. An Appeal
By Ellen G. White
SANITARIUM, CAL., Sept. 10, 1907. To My Brethren and Sisters in America:— I have a deep interest in the work of the Southern field. I am especially interested in those branches of our work that are established at Huntsville and other places where efforts are being put forth for the training of laborers to work for the spiritual uplifting of the colored race. The work at Huntsville has been in special need of help since the fire. In Huntsville promising colored youth are to be trained to labor as missionaries for their own race. Many teachers must be educated and sent forth to enlighten those in the darkness of error. Our donations are needed that this work may go forward. Our buildings in Huntsville are being put up with as little expenditure of means as possible; and our workers have gone forward almost as far as they can with this work until means come in so that they can advance. The work there now demands that we have a modest but roomy sanitarium, where the sick can be taken in and treated. The colored race should have the benefits of such an institution as verily as should the white people. In this sanitarium colored nurses are to be trained for service in the field as gospel medical missionaries. Our ideas of what should be done for this people are too narrow and limited. Years ago they should have had the benefits of an all-round education. As I consider how much is needed in order to do for this people all that God expects us to do, I am urged to call upon our church-members to give of their abundant fulness that the work may be accomplished. In a few places in the South, noble efforts have been put forth for the salvation of the colored people; but God asks that they be labored for more diligently. We can all pray for them; some of our missionaries can work among them; and many of us who have not done so in the past, can help with our means. We may not be able to do all that we desire; but if we will remember that the colored race is the purchased possession of Christ, bought by the shedding of his precious blood, this thought will teach us to deny self in order that they may have the privileges that Christ died to give them. When I see those who claim to believe present truth spending their means for useless trimmings and personal adornment; when I see their tables loaded down with story-magazines which have cost money; when I see the many photographs which have called for the outlay of means that might have been used in blessing the needy, my heart is made sad, and I pray, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” I wish such souls could understand the spirit in which Christ, the Prince of heaven, came to this world. He laid off his kingly crown and royal robe, and for our salvation assumed human nature. He would give to every church that should be established in his name an example of what every true missionary worker should be. He was in the world as “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Though he was one with God, and had made the world, he became a member of a humble family, and experienced the privations of the poor. Throughout his life he ever manifested a burden for the souls of men. The example of the humble life of Christ should lead us to ask ourselves the question, Do I practise his humility? Fathers and mothers, are you educating your children to follow the example of him who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor that he might give to us eternal riches? Are you teaching them to deny self, and take up the cross of Christ, and follow him? I do not speak these words to wealthy men and women only, but to those also who by works of self-denial and self-sacrifice can have a part in giving the message to the colored race. This work should not be confined to the few places where a good beginning has been made. It should extend to every place where the colored people live; for every soul needs the knowledge of this last message of mercy to the world. There is a great and grand work to be done in the South. Shall we not, my brethren and sisters, redeem our past neglect? Shall we not appreciate the gift of God to us, and work for the salvation of the colored people with a zeal that is proportionate to the light we have had? To as many as receive him God will give power to become the sons of God. The collection for the work among the colored people has been left until near the close of the year. Many other calls for means have been made. But I would say to my brethren and sisters who have been liberal in their offerings to other missionary enterprises. Let your gifts for the support of this branch of the work in the Southern field be generous. Keep in mind the great need of this mission field within the shadow of our doors. Let every member of the family have a part in the work of giving, and let each feel that it is a work for God. Through the efforts that have been put forth by faithful workers, churches have been raised up among the colored people in the South. When the company in Vicksburg, who had received the truth under the labors of Elder J. E. White and his associates, met for the dedication of their church, I was present with them, and the Lord gave me freedom in speaking to those assembled. Quite a large number of persons from other churches were present, and many of them were surprised to see the neatly dressed women, and to hear the excellent singing. These colored people had learned to know that Christ had died for them, and their hearts were glad in the truth. They bore sincere testimonies to the goodness of the Lord. My heart rejoiced as I saw these converts to the faith. And this is an illustration of what can be accomplished in other places for this people. We must never forget that Christ died for all,—the negroes as well as the white people. All may alike be the recipients of his grace. The apostle Paul declares, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.9“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” My brethren and sisters, your talent of means is needed. The Lord grant that you may use it at this time to his name’s glory. Just as long as we drift with the current of the world, we need neither canvas nor oar; our labors begin when we turn to stem the tide. Now, just now, let your works of self-denial testify that you are stemming the current of selfishness. It is the duty of every soul who names the name of Christ to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. My brethren, yoke up with Christ. He left the royal courts and clothed his divinity with humanity, that he might make all humanity partakers of the divine nature, and enable them to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. He practised self-denial that he might save perishing souls; his followers are to work his works. Shall we not let the Spirit of Christ take possession of our hearts, that we may be cleansed from every taint of selfishness? When we allow our lives to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God, we shall with willing hearts bring our gifts and offerings to him, that he may use them where they are most needed. EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D
By Eva M. Shively, M. D.
A Plea for Bible Study—No. 2
I believe that the Lord would have us be systematic in preparation for his service, and thoroughly conversant with “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” If we wish to gain a thorough knowledge of any author’s work, we read carefully the book as a whole, and then we may be able to select that part which may please us to use when occasion demands. Should we not in like manner become thoroughly acquainted with the Bible as a whole, getting a good outline of each book, and learning it as thoroughly as possible? Then when we wish to present different subjects, we have this great source from which to draw, and the Lord may lead our minds whithersoever he will, and we, through the wisdom he gives us, will be able rightly to divide the word of truth. So much burdened was I to know how to store away “every word of God” in my mind that I might live thereby, that I began Oct. 26, 1906, to read the Bible carefully through. Every moment aside from my work I read, and on Dec. 19, 1906, I had finished. This of course is a closer application than would seem necessary or possible to continue; but between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1, 1907, the Lord helped me to make out my plan for yearly Bible study, so far as my efforts were to be directed toward the Bible as a whole, which I will submit as a suggestion, hoping it may be a help and blessing to many. I am now following this outline, and find it not burdensome. This plan is made out on a basis of reading an average of three and one-half chapters daily, or three on week-days and six and one-half on Sabbath. Dan. 6:5-10 says that Daniel prayed three times a day, and we know how God approved and blessed him. We feel it necessary to take regularly our physical food that we may be physically strong. Is it not as necessary to be spiritually strong? We know the results of neglecting to take physical food. Daniel seemed to realize that his spiritual food was necessary to make him strong to do the will of God, even when the lions’ den awaited him. And Ezra prepared his heart to seek, to do, and to teach the law of God, and the Lord prospered his work. In this outline, the numbers following each month’s portion with a plus or minus sign preceding, show how many chapters more or less than this general average (three and one-half chapters daily) is apportioned to each month. Notice that in August we have —31. This allows about ten days to study Daniel, and leaves all of December for Revelation, and Daniel may be taken up again with it, so by the week of prayer we may have finished. In April, if Haggai and Zechariah are read in connection with Ezra, we would have instead of —5 + 11 for April, and —47 for August, giving more time still to study Daniel. January.—Genesis to Numbers, + 9.
February.—Numbers to Judges, — 4.
March.—Judges to 2 Kings, — 6.
April.—2 Kings to Nehemiah, — 5.
May.—Nehemiah to Psalm 76, + 21.
June.—Psalm 76 to Isaiah, + 21.
July.—Isaiah to Jeremiah 42.
August.—Jeremiah 42 to Hosea, — 31.
September.—Hosea to Luke, + 6.
October.—Luke to 2 Corinthians, — 3.
November.—2 Corinthians to Revelation 16.
December.—Study Revelation and Daniel. When each book is finished, I have tried to group the chapters, making a little outline. For example: Genesis may be divided into groups of ten chapters each, the first ten chapters reaching to the death of Noah and chronology of his family, taking in all of the antediluvian world. The second group begins with the birth of Abraham, and reaches to Lot’s death. The third group continues Abraham’s journeys, and reaches the birth of Jacob’s family (the twelve tribes). The fourth group begins with Jacob’s return, and reaches to where Joseph begins his work in the Egyptian prison. The fifth group gives an account of the journey to and sojourn in Egypt. By grouping the chapters in this way, as we go about our work or awake in the night, we may take each group separately and meditate upon the contents of each chapter; and when we have mastered this so that we can call to mind the principal things in each chapter, then we may take the next group, keeping in mind the general outline of each group, thus gaining for ourselves this knowledge according to the instruction given in Deut. 6:6, 7, and Ps. 1:2.10 For instance, in the first ten chapters of Genesis already spoken of:— Chapter 1.—First six days of creation, and learn each day’s work. Chapter 2.—Sanctification of Sabbath and family ties established. Chapter 3.—The account of the fall and the punishment, and the first line of prophecy. Verse 15. Chapter 4.—Birth of Cain and Abel; banishment of Cain, polygamy of his descendants, and birth of Seth. Chapter 5.—Chronology down to Noah. Chapter 6.—The unequal yoking together of the children of God with unbelievers; as a result, destruction determined, and directions for building the ark given. Chapters 7 and 8.—Noah’s family in the ark, and the covenant of God. Chapter 9.—God’s blessing to Noah. The rainbow set in the cloud as a sign of God’s covenant with man. Sin of Ham, and death of Noah. Chapter 10.—Genealogy of Noah’s family. I have been able by a simple outline like the above more firmly to fix the contents of all the books in my mind, at the same time selecting important texts from each chapter to commit to memory. The results to be gained are certainly worth the effort. We plan systematically for our other and less important work. Why not have definitely arranged plans for the important work of storing our minds with the knowledge of God’s Word, that we may be ready to use what we have learned when the Lord gives the opportunity, and pass on to others the strength we have received? In the time of trouble these precious promises will be more valuable to us than mines of gold or precious stones. God’s Business Our Business
By S. H. Carnahan
How diligent the successful man is in his business! The stockman is out in all kinds of weather to see that his animals do not perish; the laborer and mechanic put in every hour possible that their income may be increased; the marketman looks closely after each little detail, that he may not only supply the wants of his customers, but also prevent loss on his own part; the frugal housewife counts carefully every pound of butter and dozen of eggs to be sure they shall figure to her benefit. As Christians we should be diligent in our work, but should see to it that our motives are not simply for worldly gain; for, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Jesus, the Saviour of the world, at the early age of twelve years said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Thus he worked for the salvation of men while he labored at the carpenter’s trade. The great missionary, Carey, was a good cobbler as well as preacher. A friend of his told him that if he would lay aside his missionary work and pay strict attention to his business (shoe-making), he would make a success. Mr. Carey replied, “Missionary work is my business, and I do cobbling to meet expenses.” He made a success in his Father’s business. The great apostle Paul made the teaching of the gospel of Christ his life-work, while he wrought as a tent-maker for his support. The early Waldensian Christians traveling in the guise of peddlers, were really colporteurs distributing portions of the Holy Scriptures and tracts. Ought not we, brethren and sisters, to be as faithful in dispensing the truths of God—circulating our precious literature to all with whom we come in contact? Should not this really be our business, while our worldly work is simply a means for the support of our families and the cause? We are admonished to be diligent in business and fervent in spirit. Are we not all ambassadors for Christ? Then let us all by our talk and our actions interest others in his kingdom. What Does the World See in Us?
By A. C. Ames
“Ye are our epistle . . . known and read of all men: . . . manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.” 2 Cor. 3: 2, 3. Do you enjoy reading the epistles of Paul, wherein the gospel of Christ is set forth? Of course you do. But do you realize how few in the world ever read the epistles of Paul, or the gospel of Christ as set forth in any part of the Bible? What do they know of the gospel then? They know just what they read in us. “Ye are our epistle . . . known and read of all men.” Yes, all men read that “epistle . . . written not with ink, . . . not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.” Is it indeed what it is “manifestly declared to be, the epistle of Christ . . . written . . . with the Spirit of the living God,” or is it a representation of the character of the fallen one? We profess to be Christians, and as such to represent Christ to the world. The world takes us at our word, and forms its opinion of the gospel of Christ as it sees it represented in our lives. If we truly represent Christ, the world has the gospel preached to it. If we do not truly represent Christ, the world thinks it knows the gospel when it does not; and how sad is the condition! What a libel we have acted out! We have represented the character of Satan, and made the world believe it to be the character of Christ. What an insult to the dear Redeemer who died that we might live! The vast majority know nothing of the gospel of Christ except what they see in the lives of his professed followers. They know nothing of the light that shines from the throne of God, except as they see it reflected in his disciples. “Ye are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5: 14, 16. We can not keep our light from shining. We are like a city set upon a hill, which can not be hid, therefore let us take heed how we let it shine. Let it “so shine before men, that they may see your good works,”—the fruit of a pure heart, a heart regenerated by the Spirit of the living God,—“and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” If we let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works, and in them Christ, whose epistle is “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart,” then they will glorify, not us, but our “Father which is in heaven.” Driven Back
By CHAS. G. BELLAH
“Ye did run well; who did drive you back that ye should not obey the truth?” Gal. 5:7, margin. Notice the expression in the text, “Who did drive you back?” not, Why did you go back? but, “Who did drive you back?” There is a vast difference between deliberately choosing to go back, and being driven back by some mighty, overpowering adversary. Fierce battles are implied by the phrase “driven back.” Christ did not censure the dweller in the tombs, whose name was Legion, because he had been “driven of the devil into the wilderness,” but cast out the unclean spirit, and gave the poor man the victory. Neither does he condemn us when he finds us driven by Satan into the dismal wilderness of sin, but he stoops to where we are, and places beneath us those everlasting arms of love, and lifts us to where the sun is shining. “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?” asked Jesus of the woman who had been taken in adultery. “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” Look at that stately ship as she moves over the quiet waters. How peacefully she glides along! But look! A storm is coming. As it breaks in fury upon the vessel, she is strained from stem to stem. All is excitement. Sails are furled, and the heavy anchor quickly dropped. As the strong steel fingers clutch the rocks below, the ship brings to with a mighty lurch. Now comes a furious struggle for ground. The storm rages. The cable strains, and the anchor digs deeper and yet deeper. Will she hold against the tempest, or will she be driven back? With terrific force the hurricane sweeps on. Still the anchor holds. Again with mighty, overpowering strength the storm hurls itself forward, as if to carry everything to destruction. Look! the anchor is coming home! She’s drifting! yes, slowly drifting! Closely she hugs the rocky ocean bed, strongly contesting every inch surrendered. But she is being driven back. When a brother is defeated in battle with the enemy, and gets discouraged, let us consider him as having been driven back, not as wilfully going back, but as having been conquered after a fierce struggle. This will give us a more kind and considerate feeling toward him, a readiness to help instead of to condemn. We know not how many desperate battles he has fought before surrendering. When his soul is hanging in the balance, as it were, how wicked to give him a downward thrust! How Christlike to tenderly place our arms about him, and give assurance that there is One standing ready to help, who was never driven back in battle with the enemy. Let us consider such a one as a defeated hero, and not as a cowardly renegade and turncoat. Let us call to mind how it was with us when we were driven back by the enemy. The Lord has told us through the spirit of prophecy that “we are to guard our brother’s character as carefully as our own.” In these last days it is Satan’s studied purpose not only to drive back men and women in the final race for the kingdom, but to have human agents ready to keep them back by undue censure and severe criticism. May God help us to have the heart of sympathy for another’s woe, the mantle of charity for another’s failings, and that close relation with our Saviour that will enable us to lift the fallen and encourage the downhearted. Open to God, Closed to Evil
“Some people are like a door, open to every influence, good or evil. Such souls God has to fence around with boards of cedar. There is little reserve, little sacredness, and, of course, little security for such a spirit. Others are like a wall, closed against the entrance of temptation and evil, locked on the inside, and open only to the heavenly Proprietor. On such a foundation God says he will build a palace of silver. These are times when we need not only to be open to all that God has to say and impart, but closed against the wiles of the adversary.” Teaching Children to Have Faith
By Mrs. Luella B. Priddy
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17. All true faith is based upon a knowledge of God's truth. In order for the child to have faith, he must have a knowledge of God's plans and purposes. There is much that passes for faith in the world that is founded upon human desires, emotions, or opinions, and like the house upon the sand, will fall when the storm attacks it. In the near future the children of this generation are to be brought into trying places such as no other generation has known. It is important for them to have a knowledge of the events that precede the second coming of Christ. It is also needful for them to be familiar with God's dealings with his people in past ages, and with the facts that show the hand of Providence in founding the remnant church. The children of Israel were instructed to teach their children of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and the signs and wonders that God wrought for them. When they failed to do this, their children drifted away from the true faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Teach the children that the same God who delivered Daniel from the lions' den, and Peter from prison, and who fed Elijah by the brook, lives and reigns to-day, and that he will be the help of his people. Bible stories are of absorbing interest; but they are more than pleasant tales of long ago. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10:11. When God's children have been brought into perilous places where no human hand could deliver them, there divine power has been manifested. Amid the disasters that are becoming more and more frequent, we have no assurance that we shall never meet with financial loss, or that we shall altogether escape difficulties. But we have the promise that we shall be kept, and that bread shall be given, and water shall be sure. If our own hearts are full of anxious care for the future, how can we teach the children lessons of trust? As parents go about their daily tasks, little, wondering eyes look on at what they do, and sharp ears listen. If seeds of doubt and distrust are planted in their hearts, there may spring up a crop that we will not care to reap. Talking faith increases our own faith, and helps others to have faith. We may be brought into places of perplexity. At times we may have to feel the cold Red Sea waters splashing against our feet, before we are permitted to see the waves parting before us. But God will open the way, and we can tell the children that he will. Teach them that whatever God gives is enough. However limited our visible resources, God can make them enough. Five barley loaves and two small fishes given by a little lad, multiplied in the hands of the Lord, and fed five thousand men. Teach the children to avoid debt even in a good cause. If it is a cause that God has assured us must be carried forward, he will provide a way for his own work, if we are obedient and trust him. Let us express confidence in the way he is leading us, and in the way he is carrying forward his work in the earth. We can not speak lightly of the minister and talk over what may be considered his faults, and expect the children to have confidence in him as God's messenger. When they hear the truth from his lips, it will seem to them as idle tales. Teach them to respect those whom God has called to positions of responsibility. Disparaging remarks regarding brethren and sisters in the church will convey the impression that we are connected with a cause that we condemn, and will not lead the listener to have faith in it. Let us be what we would have the children among us be.