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Signs of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 20.

The Influx of Foreign Immigrants

Signs of the Times

May 27, 1889

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 27, 1889

The Influx of Foreign Immigrants

IT now seems probable that the present year will witness a greater influx of foreign immigrants into this country than any since 1882. During five days of a recent week 10,000 emigrants left Liverpool for the United States. In one day 1,200 sailed from Queenstown. At many European seaport towns the emigrant carrying trade is unusually active. Five thousand arrived recently at Castle Garden in a single day, and indications point to larger arrivals in May. This unusual rush is attributed partly to the admission of four new States into the Union, and partly to the anticipation said to be prevalent that Congress will pass stringent immigration laws at its next session. Whatever its causes, we cannot view it with unmixed satisfaction. Every new immigrant is at any rate a fresh re-inforcement of the reasons for home missions.—Advance.

LOVE AND OBEDIENCE.

By Ellen G. White

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." It is not enough to profess love for God, Christ asks an evidence that we do love him. Willing obedience to the law of God proves the truth of our profession. We have heard from the pulpits of to-day that the law is not binding, but this cannot be. Christ says, "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous." How could we know what sin is, unless we could look into the law of God? John, the beloved disciple, defines sin as the "transgression of the law." He says, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law."
Says the prophet, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." We must search as diligently in the word of God as did the noble Bereans, who "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so." We should dig as for hid treasure in the mines of truth. Christ has warned us that false prophets would arise and would deceive many. There are many who profess to have great faith. They make great claims to holiness, but do they speak according to the law and the testimony? If they do not, it is because there is no light in them. Men fold the garments of their self-righteousness around them, and claim perfection of character; but they have only measured themselves with a standard of their own creating, and with sacrilegious hands they have torn down the true standard of all righteousness. The law of Jehovahis a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The sinner wants to get it out of the way because it condemns him. It is thought burdensome by the transgressor, but the obedient can say with David, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward."
The law of God, so defamed and trampled upon by transgressors, is declared by Paul to be holy, just, and good. David prayed, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law." If David could make that prayer in his day, how much more should it be our prayer in our day! We see on every hand that the law is trampled under unholy feet. There was never a time when we needed to walk more carefully in the path of righteousness, nor to pray more earnestly, than at the present time. The same spirit of prejudice exists now against the commandments of God that existed when Christ was upon the earth; and if we think that we can keep the commandments without exciting the malice of Satan, we mistake; but we shall never have to suffer one-hundredth part of what our Redeemer suffered.
We should meditate on the sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf. He left his honor and glory and majesty, to come to our earth, to be a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. It seems astonishing that the world did not accept and believe on him whom the Father had sent from Heaven. He said to those he came to save, "Ye will not come to me that ye might have life." How grieved he must have felt when he entered the cities and found so few who manifested any interest in his mission. Every soul was precious in his sight; but the things of time and sense claimed the attention of men, and blinded their eyes to the Redeemer's merit. When I think of the many disappointments our Saviour met, I do not wonder that he was a man of sorrows. How sad it makes us feel when we make earnest efforts to bring the truth to those we love, and they will not hear us. Christ felt this sorrow as much more keenly than we can, as his nature was higher and holier than ours. When we think of what the Saviour endured, can we become discouraged in our work? We have a precious truth to bring before the people, and just as long as we have breath, we should lift up our voices and proclaim that the transgression of God's law is sin.
Christ said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." Those who have faith in Christ will obey the words of Christ, "for faith without works is dead." If we have genuine faith in Jesus as our Saviour and example, we shall reflect his character, and correctly represent him to the world. We must keep his commandments, even as he kept his Father's commandments. If we do this, we shall find that there is not a precept of the law but that is for the good and happiness of mankind, both in this life, and in the future, immortal life. If we want to be like Christ when he is revealed in his glory, we must purify ourselves, even as he is pure, in this our day of probation. We want living faith, faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Although everything around us may be dark and trying, yet we must show that we have implicit confidence in our Redeemer. We should cast ourselves upon the promise, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." Genuine Christians are the happiest people in the world, and they have the assurance that God will enable them to stand as faithful sentinels for the truth.
In the last days there will be a people who will be loyal to God's holy law. Through obedience to his precepts, they will be prepared to stand in the great day of wrath. Trouble and affliction will come upon them, for Satan will come down, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he has but a short time. He will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; but we need not be deceived by his fatal delusions. We should study the Scriptures for ourselves, so that when the enemy comes in like a flood, we may not be moved from the foundation of eternal truth, but may find that the Lord will raise up a standard against him. Let no soldier of Christ be discouraged. The Captain of your salvation will aid you in your battles with the enemy. If you have done all on your part that you can do, his arm will be stretched forth in time of need, and you will realize that help has been laid upon One that is mighty to save.
Men may talk of the law as a yoke of bondage; but the question of vital interest is, If you are found disobedient to God, can they pay a ransom for your soul? I beg of you, do not take the word of man that the law is abolished, for that law is as immutable as the throne of God. If the law could have been altered to meet man in his fallen condition, Christ need never have died. The cross of Christ is an unanswerable argument demonstrating the changeless character of the law. The very fact that Christ died establishes the law. Says the apostle, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." Christ died to vindicate the justice of God, and to remove the obstacles that man had placed between himself and eternal happiness. Through the intercession of Christ, man may now lay hold of eternal life. While we see that sin and iniquity abounds, we would say, Pray, pray as you never prayed before. We must walk in humility before God, rendering obedience to his holy law, and by and by we shall receive the reward. When the warfare is ended, Jesus will, with his own right hand, place the crown of immortal glory upon our brows, and we shall each hear the heavenly benediction, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

What Is Religion?

By Editor

In a recent editorial article the Jewish Exponent raises the question, "What is religion," and offers to "open its columns to a full and free expression of opinion on this subject. It will welcome any thoughtful contribution upon the meaning, scope, purpose, and influence of religion at the present day."

The Pope as Father of All

"THE Pope," says the Catholic American, "is the Father of all people. Catholics and heretics, faithful and enemies, strangers and neighbors, warlike and peaceful, all Christians have an equal title as his children." Whereupon the Lutheran Witness says: "Why then does the Pope not aid us Lutherans financially in the establishment and maintenance of our schools, churches, colleges, and seminaries?"

Europe’s Return to Romanism

By Editor

THE Congregationalist says: “We regret to see, from the Ultramontane Univers, that recent alterations in St. Paul’s Cathedral are interpreted as a sign of England’s return to Romanism. Much the same, also, is alleged of Westminster Abbey.” And if we read prophecy and the signs of the times aright the day is not far distant when not only England but all of the nations of Europe will practically return to Romanism and “give their power and strength unto the beast.”

Is Death a Reality?

By Editor

"Is death a reality, or only a wise and beautiful change?" is a question discussed by Dr. E. B. Wheelock in a late number of The Carrier Dove. Of course the conclusion arrived at is that there is no death; that "what we call death is only transition." It is significant that while this is in harmony with the teachings of the modern orthodox (?) pulpit it is contrary to the word of God. Death according to the Scriptures is a sleep, a state of unconsciousness, but popular theology and Spiritualism make it a state of great activity and increased knowledge. We prefer to believe the Bible.

Life’s Unbalanced Accounts

LIFE is a reckoning which cannot be made twice over. To-day's work, good, bad or indifferent, is sealed up with the nightfall, and to-morrow brings its own work to be done and accounts to be settled, leaving no place in which to make amends for past failures. This makes life truly a serious business, and when we have done our best, it is all too full of unbalanced accounts. To the humble, believing soul, however, one great comfort and inspiration comes in the assurance that there is forgiveness with God, and that we shall enter the paradise of God, not for our own good deeds, but for Jesus's sake.—Sabbath Recorder.

Jews and Christians Worship Together

APRIL 30, Jews and Christians worshiped together in Newark, N. J. "The congregation of the First Congregational Church and the congregation of the Temple B'nai Jeshurun had convened to hold appropriate services in observance of the centennial. The temple was filled with people. The temple organist opened the services, and the Cæcilian choir rendered a fine anthem. Dr. Boyd read from the Scripture, and offered prayer. Rabbi Joseph Leucht then delivered an address of great eloquence and power, in which he paid a great tribute to our history and progress as a people and a nation." Whether or not the prayer was offered in the name of Christ is not stated.

Creed Tests

In a recent article entitled, "Creed Tests," written concerning the trial of the Bishop of Lincoln for ritualistic practices not authorized by the Book of Common Prayer, Archdeacon Farrar well says:—
"Men say that they multiply ritual observances in order to glorify the sacrament. Is the sacrament glorified by postures and vestments, or by meek, pure, and humble hearts? Over half of Europe men do not only glorify, but worship the sacramental elements; they genuflect to them and pageant them about like an idol. Are these countries better for this blank idolatry? One of the vilest kings of France, Louis XV., went on his knees in the mud before the host, and was cheered as a religious king; yet he did so coming from the Caprea of his loathly palace, returning to the sty of his habitual vices. Nations are saved by righteousness, manliness, and self-denial; by preaching a simple Christ to simple men; not by miters and candles and such gewgaws."

SEEK GOD.

By James Ashcroft Noble

FIND work, but find thy Master first, Or all thy toil may be accursed; If thou wouldst free thyself from doubt, Find God within, and work without, What shall be worthy worship will Be thine, and calm thy spirit fill. Seek him, nor think he hideth far In some slow-circling distant star. From thine own self set thyself free, And thou shalt find He seeketh thee. —James Ashcroft Noble.

A SIGNIFICANT DREAM.

A PASTOR relates the following dream: "I dreamed that I was hitched to a carriage, attempting to draw it through the mud. Why I was assigned that position I could not explain. There I was, pulling with all my might, as though I was the best carriage-horse in town. I had almost reached the church when the mud seemed to get deeper and the carriage to draw so heavily that I gasped for breath and sank down exhausted. Looking back, I saw the entire congregation behind the carriage, apparently pushing; but the more I tried the harder it pulled. Finally Istopped to examine into the difficulty. I went to the rear, where I supposed the congregation was, but nobody could be found. I repeated the call, but still no reply. By and by a voice called out, 'Halloo!' and looking up, whom should I see but one of the deacons, looking complacently out of the window. On going to the door of the carriage, what was my astonishment to behold the whole congregation quietly smiling inside."
Many a pastor who reads will say, "Alas! that was not all a dream." Reader, are you sure it was not your pastor?—Selected.

A FOE TO GODLINESS.

By Arthur T. Pierson

We are more and more persuaded that secularism is the worst foe of holiness, not so much for the sin it openly brings in as for the God it actually leaves out. The worldly spirit is negatively atheistic. Its plans, its culture, its pursuits, its pleasures, its ambitions, its philosophy—are all godless. It is full of the idols which Francis Bacon quaintly classified as those of the den, the tribe, and the market-place. Worldliness is so much the more seductive and ensnaring because it presents so little that is grossly and repulsively sinful. And yet it remains true that sensuality and carnality do not more surely leave flesh-spots on the white garment, than does conformity to the world leave world-spots upon it. "All that is in the world, the [objects of the] lust of the flesh, [of] the lust of the eyes, and [of] the pride of life, are not of the Father." The spirit of the age is against God.
And here, in conclusion, we call attention to a great risk of deception. We often imagine the world to be getting Christianized, when it is only the Christianity that is getting secularized. There are two ways to bring things to a common level: you may level up that which is low, or level down that which is high. Satan's master device it is to get us to level down our piety, rather than level up our secularism. And so we foolishly imagine that the world is becoming Christian when it is only the Christian getting worldly. We reduce all to a common plane by removing all those sublime and lofty heights of holy living which by their very altitude preach separation unto God. . . .
We have no consciously critical or falsely "pessimistic" spirit. But after watching for a quarter of a century and more the tendencies of our times, we feel more and more that the drift, even in the church, is away from God, toward a worldly conformity that destroys all distinctiveness in discipleship. The touch and taint of worldliness is upon our garments, upon our altars, upon our churches, upon our worship, upon our amusements, upon even our charities. Much of the Lord's work is done in the energy of the flesh, not in the energy of the Spirit.
We shall never save the world by conformity to it—we shall only sacrifice and imperil ourselves. We must not cultivate the spirit of the age, but thrill the age by the spirit of the ages to come. The law of a carnal commandment is to be displaced by the power of an endless life.—Rev. A. T. Pierson, in The Truth.

Obedience and Meetness for Heaven

Though a Christian's obedience can't merit Heaven, it is a blessed token of his meetness for it.—Selected.

GIVING AND GIVING UP.

"HE certainly is a most generous man. He has just given $20,000 to the work of foreign missions. It is one of the most munificent gifts we have ever received." "Not quite so," was the answer. "I know of at least one more generous giver." "Really? Well, I was looking through the reports of the last few years, and I saw nothing like that sum on the donation list." "No; the gift to which I allude has not appeared in print, and will be known by very few except the Lord. The other day I was calling on a friend of mine, a very aged man, who told me, with tears running down his cheeks, that his only son was about to leave home for missionary work in a far-away land.
The father had discovered that the young man felt called of God to such service, but was tarrying at home for his sake.
'How could I keep him back?' said the old man. 'I had prayed nearly all my life, "Thy kingdom come;" "send forth laborers into thy harvest;" and with all the pain of parting with my boy, in the certainty I should never see him again on earth, there is a deep joy in giving him up for Christ's sake.'—Christian at Work.

WHO WANTS THE LAW ABOLISHED?

By W. N. Glenn

It is a bad sign to see a man striving to set aside the commandments of God. When we see men opposing any law of a human government, we know it is because they want the privilege of doing that which it forbids. In fact, the reasons generally assigned are to the effect that the obnoxious statute infringes upon the right to do that which it prohibits, or requires that which is distasteful to the objectors.
This proposition needs no illustration; it is a truism, being continually demonstrated all over the world. And the principle holds good as to opposition to God's law; wherefore the unhesitating assertion that it is a bad sign when one sets himself against it, and it may reasonably be inferred that he does so because he desires to indulge in the things which the law disallows.
The first commandment says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Who wants that law abolished? Certainly not God himself, for he will not give his glory to another. Isa. 42:8. Then it must be some of his subjects—and it must be such as do not like its provisions—who want to have other gods in preference to Jehovah, or imagine it a hardship to be restricted in the matter of adoration.
The second commandment says, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing; . . . thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them." Who would have this command abolished? Not the Lord; for he is "a jealous God." In the very beginning he established an institution (the Sabbath) that should have been a continual preventive of idolatry. God's chosen people were, over and over again, severely chastened for indulging in idol worship; and, finally, the gospel was sent to the Gentiles to turn them from idols to the worship of the true God. Then it must be those who deem his service a "bondage," or a "grievous yoke," who desire to have this law repealed.
The third commandment reads, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." Who would set aside this commandment? Not the Lord; for he has declared, "My name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering, for my name shall be great among the heathen." Mal. 1:11. It must be those who have no regard for his name who would abolish the third commandment.
The fourth commandment says, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work." Who would desire to see this command revoked? Not the Lord; for it is the memorial of his creative power, and that power marks the distinction between himself and all false gods. He surely would not have that removed. It must be those who have some counter object in view, and find this command in their way.
The fifth commandment enjoins honor to parents. Who wants that abolished? Surely not the Lord; for one special object of his "Messenger" was to turn the hearts of parents and children toward each other. Mal. 4:6. And disobedience on the part of children is pointed out as one of the vices of the last days. 2 Tim. 3:2. This last reference also indicates what class would do away with this commandment.
Who would abolish the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill"? Not the Lord; for his inspired word says, "No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15. It must be that class of people who consider it grievous to be restrained from any degree of malice toward their fellow-creatures.
God would not repeal the seventh, or eighth, or ninth, or tenth commandment; for he has expressly declared that violators of these cannot enter his kingdom. "Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor. 9:10. Shall we say that those who do not want to recognize the law containing these commandments consider it a "bondage" to be forbidden such indulgences, even at the expense of losing an inheritance in the kingdom of God? It cannot be denied that this is the logical conclusion.
The great majority of the professed Christian world claim that the fourth commandment has been changed. When asked for the authority of Scripture, they are driven to assumethat the whole moral law has been abolished.
Now just one glance at their position. It is shocking to contemplate to what lengths apparently good men will run in pursuit of an idol; but they have placed themselves upon the record, and must bear the responsibility. They deliberately enter into league with the infidel to set aside the first commandment; with the idolater to abolish the second; with the blasphemer to ignore the third; with the "man of sin" to change the fourth; with the disobedient to disregard the fifth; with the murderer, the adulterer, the thief, the reviler, and the covetous, to trample upon the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth—for what?—Just to evade the obligation to observe the seventh-day Sabbath, the Sabbath of the Lord, which he himself did bless and make holy.
W. N. GLENN.

A LESSON FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

By A. S. Hutchins

A GENTLEMAN of the legal profession was once called upon for counsel by certain parties respecting the legality of some business transactions under consideration, liable to be subjected to the test of statutory laws of another State. With pen in hand he readily commenced to draft a document for the occasion. When a few strokes of the pen had been made, he laid it aside, remarking, "I will not produce an article to be submitted to the test of the statute laws of a State of which I know nothing."
It seems that the verdict of every candid mind must be that if this gentleman regarded the interests and rights of the parties in question, he acted a wise and honest part. We then thought of the law of God, that royal law, by which "every work," with "every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil," will be tested in the Judgment of the great day. And we were led to reflect, Are ministers of the gospel, and teachers of the word of God, as careful to preach and teach in harmony with the law of the Lord?
In this case a few hundred dollars were at stake. But with the higher law, the perfect law, eternal interests are involved. Says James, "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty."
Rather than mislead souls inquiring the way to Zion, by teaching a change, or the abolition of the law of the Most High, how much better to so speak, and so do, that it may be said of us, "The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity." Oh! that the mind of the blessed Saviour might be within us, by which we might proclaim, "I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart."
A. S. HUTCHINS.

TRUST AND OBEY.

By Mary M. Lightcap

All night long our Lord's disciples Toiled upon blue Galilee, And, discouraged, landward going, On the shore a stranger see. O'er the waters floats this question— "Children, have ye any meat?" "Nay," they answer, "morning finds us Weary, and with naught to eat." Then the tender, loving Jesus, Ever ready to provide For the wants of all, now bids them Cast their nets on the other side. And their net was filled with fishes When they hearkened to his word. Then the loved disciple knew him, And proclaimed, "It is the Lord." Weary ones, who've long been toiling On life's rough, tempestuous sea, On the shore our Saviour standeth— Let us ne'er discouraged be. We must follow his directing If we would success attain; Cast our nets where'er he bids us, And a rich reward we'll gain. Should affliction's waves beat o'er us, Or the storms of sorrow lower, Still upon the shore he standeth, To protect us by his power. When at last we reach the harbor, And our stormy voyage is o'er, He himself will bid us welcome, To the bright, eternal shore. —Mary M. Lightcap, in Presbyterian Journal.

Spoiling Children

By H. F. Phelps

GOD'S OBJECT LESSONS. NO. 6.

SPOILING CHILDREN.

WE often read essays and listen to lectures on "How to Bring Up Children," but we do not hear of any definite plan laid down for spoiling them. I might quote that oft-repeated saying of the wise man, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." But how to do this is quite another thing. I might refer to good old Abraham, of whom the testimony was borne, "I know Abraham, that he will command his household after him." And I might exhort to follow his example; but to follow that example successfully is a good deal more. I might refer to Timothy, in whose veins ran the blood of a faithful mother and grandmother. And I might exhort mothers to do their duty as did those godly women of old. But to find those who do this work, in these days of degeneracy, and backsliding, and selfishness, and want of natural affection on the part of parents as well as children, is a task not so easy to perform. Of course there are a few here and there.
I might write and talk as though I knew just how to train up children (I confess I once thought I did), but I see there are more children spoiled than otherwise, and I begin to think it is easier to spoil a child than to train one properly. Of course there are many ways in which to spoil a child. The way is broad, the means are legion. I am quite sure that none of them are patented, but they are all easy; yes, just as easy as floating down stream. A parent can just lay down the oars, let the child have his own way (for "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child," and "a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame"), and the spoiling will be sure to come.
To bring up a child properly requires more wisdom than most people possess. It is not all wisdom either that is needed; for grace, too, is an absolute necessity. The grace of God in the heart of the parent or guardian will do an infinite amount of good in this work. And if this grace abounds, much patience, wisdom, tact, and judgment will be manifested, and thought, and study, and prayer will not be wanting. For no one who has the grace of God in the heart, and has been made to feel his utter helplessness, and need of divine help in this responsible work, will ever think of trying to go a day's journey without the Saviour, and his presence is only secured by the asking; persistent and earnest asking is needed. Not but what he is ever ready, and more than willing to help, but we must sense our utter emptiness, and weakness, and want, and that in him there is help, and then we will get it; then we can pray for what we want, and get the help we need.
It is a responsible work, this spoiling children. Very few, I think, will care to meet their work in the Judgment. And the influence of that work is far-reaching. Who can measure the influence of one child spoiled; or more, the influence of the work done, or left undone, in spoiling one child. That influence is as wide as the sea, as deep as the ocean, as far-reaching as eternity. The terrible result of spoiling children may be seen every day. But the results in all their terrible reality, and in all their magnitude, and far-reaching consequences, of souls lost, lost in the blackness and darkness of eternal death itself, will never be seen till the result of our life-work is unfolded before us in the eternal world. Who will care to meet that influence?
If I were to go to my Bible for examples, I would find that spoiled children were the rule, and those trained up in the way they should go the exception. Of the first two children born in this world, one was spoiled, and became a murderer of his brother, who was better than he. Of the many sons and daughters begotten by Adam there is no very encouraging record left of only two of them. Of the forty-two kings of Israel and Judah, only eight were good kings. Spoiled when children is no doubt the record with the others. And their lives were destitute of moral character, and ruin came at last upon the nation ruled by them.
Then there was David, the king of Israel. Of his sons who were born to him, it were far better for them had they been laid in a child's grave. There was one who was very attractive—Absalom. He was praised for his beauty. There was no blemish in him. I certainly think he must have been spoiled. Petted when a child, praised when a young man, and he turned traitor to his country, and pursued his father to take from him his kingdom, and his life. He must truly have been a spoiled child.
Why are the lives of these men written out so minutely? Why are their biographies given? Ah, reader, these things were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come! They are God's object lessons for parents of all succeeding ages to look upon. And the history of their lives, thus given complete, can be looked upon, with all their vices and failures, as something to be dreaded; that parents may instruct their children to avoid such pitfalls. They are written to stir up parents to their duty; to arouse them to the fact that if they would not see their children going down to ruin, they must stem the tide. And with all the power that God and nature can give them, they should rouse themselves to the fearful responsibilities resting upon them, that they may at last be able to say, "Here am I and the children thou hast given me." May this at last be the lot of writer and reader.
H. F. PHELPS.
Continue reading: THE GOSPEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT