Messiah University Mosaic

Evangelical Visitor (1887-1999) Brethren in Christ Church Archives

11-15-1890

Evangelical Visitor- November 15, 1890. Vol. III. No. 22.

Henry Davidson

Follow this and additional works at: https://mosaic.messiah.edu/evanvisitor

Part of the History of Religion Commons, and the Religion Commons Permanent URL: https://mosaic.messiah.edu/evanvisitor/46

Recommended Citation Davidson, Henry, "Evangelical Visitor- November 15, 1890. Vol. III. No. 22." (1890). Evangelical Visitor (1887-1999). 46. https://mosaic.messiah.edu/evanvisitor/46

Sharpening Intellect | Deepening Christian Faith | Inspiring Action

Messiah University is a Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. www.Messiah.edu One University Ave. | Mechanicsburg PA 17055 •Jfc

VISITOR0 DEVOTED TO THE SPEEAD OP EVANGELICAL TEUTHS AND THE UNITY OF THE CHUEf^^. Entered as Second-class Matter at the Post-OflXP^~'pY\^ ^i^on, Mich. IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE.—Je.

VOLUME III. WHITE PIGEON, MICHIGAN, NOV. 15, 1890. NUMBER 22.

THE SKEPTIC'S-DAUGHTEE. "O dear father, show mo favor, Hear it, through the starry region, I've not joined that ignorant horde, How its heavenly anthems rise ; A True Story. But I've found the blessed Savior, O dear husband, her religion On the banks of Rosedale's water, Who is Christ the righteous Lord." Is the doctrine of the skies." Where the blooming flowers smiled, "Well, vay daughter, your behavior But these words were scarcely spoken Lived a pure and lovely daughter, Seals your doom without delay ; Ere_ she sank in .anguish wild, A rich skeptic's only child ; You must cither leave your Savior And the father's heart was broken, Crowned with knowledge, health and Or your father's house today." As he fled towards his child, beauty, "O dear father, I will love you, Up the mountain, dark and lonesome, Learned in all her classic lore, Tho' you drive me from your door, Guided by ber lovely song, And for virtue, love and duty, None on earth I'll place before you, Clasped his daughter to his bosom, She was queen of Rosedale's shore. But I love my Savior more." "O, iny child, forgive this wrong. Famed for genius, sense and wisdom, "Then be gone from me forever, O come home and save your father, She became her parent's pride ; I will see your face no more ; 'Tis your prayers that let him live ; When she gained the skeptic's system, All your kindred ties you sever . Come, my child, embrace your mother, She was almost deified ; When you leave your father's door." And our wretched hearts forgive." Far and wide they saw her power "Only let me have your favor, "Yes, my parents, I'll go to you, Over all disputants rise, And I'll be your willing slave ; And we'll join the heavenly theme, And her genius seemed to tower, But I cannot yield my Savior, Singing glory hallelujah ! Like a goddess in their eyes. No, I'd rather choose the grave." To our Savior's glorious name." A large meeting was progressing "There's your likeness, clothes and purses, Shouting glory to her Savior, Near her father's flowery grove, Take them and at once "depart, She returned in heavenly love, Where poor sinners were professing For your prayers seem more like curses Where her parents soon found favor All the bliss of Christian love. On my wounded, broken heart." In the joys of heaven above. "Father, let me show the Bible "Goodby father ; will you greet me They, with all their sins forgiven, To this poor illiterate clan, Where the happy millions dwell ? Went rejoicing on their way, That it's nothing but a libel Here's my hand, Oh will you meet me, To their home high up in heaven, On the character of man." Where we'll no more say farewell ?" In the realms of endless day. "Go, my daughter, you are able "My dear mother, I have often "He that loveth father or mother more To destroy their Sabbath theme ; Thought of riches, pride and wealth, than me is not worthy of me." Matt, xi, Go and prove their book a fable, But I'm now an outcast orphan, 37. And their doctrine all a dream." With no home or friends on earth ; Selected by LYDIA A. DAVIDSON. Dressed in all her pride and glory, Though my father and ray mother She went forth to join the throng, Drive me homeless from their door, THE TEACHING OF OHEIST. Where she heard the gospel story, I've a friend more dear than brother, Both in sermon and in song. Who will keep me evermore." BY SAMUEL T. SPEAR, D. J). Soon a thrill of deep conviction Leaving mansion, fields and fountains, Seized upon her slumbering soul, From the scene she turned away ; The gospel narrative reports in Filled her heart with an affection, Up the wild and rocky mountains, detail only a part, and the smaller That her mind could not control. Where her path in twilight lay, part, of what Christ said during his Calmly rose she without falter, To the bright and distant sago, public ministry. The part reported All her follies bade farewell, Slowly journeyed she along, And came in before the altar, in the words used by him, consists While her voice in lovely echo in a. series of miscellaneous and Where in humble prayer she fell. Filled the valley with her song. somewhat fragmentary sketches of Casting all her care on heaven, Roseate evening mild and gentle, r his sayings, without any formal ar­ Every prayer w ent to the throne, In sweet zephyrs fanned the moor, Till her sins were all forgiven, And the night had spread her mantle rangement of the subject matter, And the Savior was her own. As the skeptic left his door. and not always in theexactchrono- Then she hastened to her father, "Oh dear Mary, come and listen logical order of the utterance. It is To inform him of God's love, To the lovely sound I hear ; upon these sketches, given by the And to tell her aged mother, Oh, come quickly : how my system four evangelists, that we are depend­ There's a better world above. Feels a weight I cannot bear." ent for our knowledge of what Christ "Well, my daughter, it's reported The wife came on the veranda, You have joined that ignorant horde, Where she heard the notes abroad : taught "in thedays of his flesh." To their doctrine been converted, What then, as thus ascertained, did 1 "O my husband, it's Amanda AH against yguf fatheH'^ Woi'fts" In sweet eonveree with her GocL H

338 KYANGKMdAK Yf^fTOPi. Nov. 15, 1890. he teach? The following is the an­ knowing that he would on his own so must the Son of man be lifted up, swer to this question: confession be summarily condemned that whosoever believeth in him 1. Christ set his seal to the sacred to death. (Matt, xxvi, 63, 64, and should not perish, but have eternal writing's then existing among the Mark xiv, 61, 62.) These are ex­ life." (John hi, 11-16.) The Jews Jews, designated as "the law and amples of such a claim positively at Jerusalem, in his attendance up­ the prophets," familiarly known as made. on his second passover, heard him "the Scripture" or "theScriptures," It is worthy of note, however, that say what they understood and what and now known among Christians Jesus did not assert his Messiahship he meant they should understand, as the Old Testament. He never in a way, either to excite the hostili­ as "making him equal with God," antagonized, contradicted or modi­ ty of the Roman Government and as claiming "that all men fied those Scriptures, but uniformly against him, or to attract the Jews should honor" him, even "as they assumed their divine origin and au­ to him as a temporal prince. This, honor the Father." He presented thority, and often incidentally refer­ humanly speaking, would have been himself to these Jews as a divine red to them, sometimes for the pur­ imprudent, and would have put in Messiah, having power to raise the pose of illustration, and at others peril the real purposes of his minis­ dead. (John v, 17-47.) So, also, to confirm his own teaching. The try. He hence avoided everything in the synagogue at Capernaum, he traditions of the Jewish Rabbis he like a general proclamation, in ex­preached himself to the Jews as "the criticised, but the Scriptures them­ press words, of his divine Messiah- living Bread which came down from selves, never. In his sermon on the ship, and on several occasions heaven," of which if a man eat, "he Mount he said : "Think not that I charged his disciples not to report shall live forever." (John vi, 51.) am come to destroy the law or the him as such to others, plainly in­ Standing in the temple at the feast prophets; I am not come to destroy tending that the full and complete of the tabernacles, he said to the but to fulfill. For verily I say unto announcement of this fact should be people: "I am the light of the you, till heaven and earth pass, one reserved until his own ministry was world; he that followeth me shall jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass finished. (Matt, xvi, 20, and Mark not walk in darkness, but shall have from the law, till all be fulfilled." ix, 9.) Jesus showed great purity the light of life." (John viii, 12.) Matt, v, 17, 18. of motive, and equal wisdom, in dis­ Soon after he represented himself as The entire ministry of Christ cor­ closing his Messiahship sufficiently "the good shepherd" who "giveth responds with this explicit and em­ for the time being, yet by a method his life for the sheep," and as hav­ phatic disclaimer. His position, and that would shun all assumptions of ing power to lay down his life and that of his apostles after him, con­ regal splendor, and all apparent ef­ power to take it again. (John x, stitute a sure and safe guide as to forts to mount an earthly throne 11, 18.) wha.t Christians should think of the rather than going to the cross, and Thus Jesus, in asserting and ex­ Old Testament Scriptures, as a.tha t would not at the same time pounding his Messiahship, invested whole, and in their several parts. prevent him fronrlayingthefounda- himself with divine attributes and They certainly can do no better than tions, by his preaching and miracles, prerogatives, and made himself a to accept and believe what the great and finally by his death, for faith in sin-atoning Savior who had come Teacher and his apostles accepted his divine mission as the Messiah of into this-world from a pre-existent and believed. the Old Testament Scriptures and state, and assumed human nature,. 2. Jesus, sometimes by express the Savior of the world. A thought­ in order to "give his life a ransom statement, and at others by the evi­ ful writer has well remarked: "A for many." (Matt, xx, 28.) He dence of his works, claimed to be the sufficient number were enlightened had not come as a military Messiah Christ, or Messiah, or great Deliver­ to attest his miracles and proclaim to lead a Jewish army, and fight the er predicted in these Scriptures. He his religion, and enough were left in Roman authority; but, upon his told the woman of Samaria that he their ignorance to condemn and own showing, he had come down was this Messiah. (John iv, 26.) crucify him." from heaven, and from the glory He stated the same fact to the blind 3. The Messianic claim, as assert­ which he had with God the Father man whom he had healed in Jerusa­ ed by Jesus, was connected with "before the world was," to be the re­ lem. (John ix, 35-37.) He accept­ doctrines in regard to himself, relat­ ligious teacher and guide of men, ed and commended Peter's con­ ing alike to his nature and work, and to save them by the one offer­ fession of him as "the Christ, the which explained his Messiahship. ing of himself for their sins. Such Son of the livingGod." (Matt, xvi, He told Nicodemus that he wasar e the adjuncts of doctrine and fact 13-19, and John vi, 67-69.) To God's gift of love, to the end that which he connected with his own Caiaphas the high priest, when he "whosoever believeth in him should Messiahship, and with which he ex­ was on trial before the Jewish San­ not perish, but have everlasting- plained it. hedrim, he declared that he was "the life," and that "as Moses lifted up 4. Christ, without any stereotyp­ Christ, the Son of the living God," the serpent in the wilderness, even ed formula of statement, taught the Nov. 15, 1890. EXVJ^KCJEIEXICAC TISIT0R. 339 doctrine of a personal God; and this said: "If ye then, being evil, know him in the supreme obligation that God was the historic God of the Old how to give good gifts unto your bound his soul to that God; and Testament, who "in the beginning children, how much more shall your the preaching was suited alike to created the heaven and the earth," Father which is in heaven give good the man and the circumstances. was called Abraham, who appoint­ things to them that ask him?" The theology of Jesus, while not a ed Moses and established the Jewish (Matt, vii, 11.) Enforcing the duty systematic treatise about God with system,, who "at sundry times and of loving our enemies, he referred to its ponderous phrases, was full of in divers manners spake in time past God as our "Father which is in elementary thoughts, telling and unto the fathers by the prophets," heaven," and called attention to the pregnant points, sharp and effective and with whom Jesus asserted his fact that "he maketh his sun to hints and suggestions, all of which, own oneness in a sense peculiar to shine on the evil and on the good, being taken together, give us his himself, and true only of himself. and sendeth rain on the just and on doctrine of God. It is a theology Referring to this God, he said : "All the unjust." (Matt, v, 45.) Design­ suited to general and popular use. things are delivered unto me of my ing to guard human hearts against It fits the pulpit, the prayer meeting, Father; and no man knoweth the all undue anxiety about the things psalmody and song of saintship, de­ Sou, but the Father; neither know­ needful for this life, he said: "For vout hearts, penitential and anx­ eth any man the Father, save the your heavenly Father knoweth that ious thought, the emergencies and Son, and he to whomsoever the Son ye have need of all these things." sorrows of life, the fears awakened will reveal him." (Matt, xi, 27.) (Matt, vi, 82.) To this heavenly by a sense of sin, the decline and de­ Jesus, in this language, assumed Father he assigned a providence of cay of years, and the wants of the that he was the authorized expound­ supply and regulation over men, dying hour. It gives faith something er of God, and that his teaching was and in them and around them, so substantial to believe, and hope a by absolute authority, and from ab- minute and constant that even the pillow on which to rest its aching- . solute knowledge, thus making him­ hairs of their heads were all num­ head. It has done more to enlight­ self the best theologian that ever bered, and not a sparrow fell to the en, relieve and comfort the race than appeared among-men. His theology ground without his notice. (Matt. all the learned essays about God came out in scintillations and glow­ x, 29, 30.) ever written or read. Jesus knew ing flashes of truth, scattered here The grace principle in the charac­ how to preach the doctrine of God and there all along the track of his ter of God was set before the mind to men, and adapt it to all the vary­ ministry, rather than in any con­ of Nicodemus, when Jesus said to ing phases of human character and' tinuous and exhaustive presenta­ him that "God so loved the world human condition. He knew when tion of the subject at any one time, that he gave his only begotten Sou, and where to make it the ground of or in any single discourse. that whosoever believeth in him hope and good cheer, and when and It was fittingtothecircumstances should not perish, but have ever­ where to make it the ground of of the moment that Jesus should lasting life." (John iii, 1G.) The anxiety and alarm. This doctrine, say to the woman of Samaria that wrath principle in the character of as he presented it, was one of the "God is a, Spirit" and that ."they the same God was stated to his dis­ great elements of power in his pub­ that worship him must worship him ciples when he said : "And fear not lic ministry. in spirit and in truth." (John iv, them which kill the body, but are 5. We see in the ministry of Christ 24.) The essential nature of God not able to kill the soul; but rather no metaphysics, no analysis of hu­ and the character of all true wor­ fear him which is able to destroy man faculties, no discussion about ship rendered to him are here defin­ both soul and body in|hell." (Matt, the freedom of the will, and indeed, ed. The Lord's Prayer, so simple x, 28.) The will of God as to what nothing that we can call mental that even childhood can apprehend men should do under thegospelisin science after the fashion of earth; and repeat it, while a formula for these words: "This is the work of but, in his ethical conceptions relat­ devotion is, in its implications with God that ye believe on him whom ing to man, we do see a most respect to God, the most compre­ he hath sent," (John vi, 29.) The thorough and pungent dealing with hensive utterance that ever fell from caviling lawyer, who wished to know human nature, as a real, a conci-ete any lips. (Matt, vi, 9-13.) The race "which isthegreatcommandment," and living moral structure, having istaughttosay : "Our Father which was thus answered: "Thou shalt capacities. for action, bound by art in heaven." The petitions, pre­ love the Lord thy God with all thy duties to be done, and in a condi­ scribed as a guide to thought, are, heart, and with all thy soul, and tion to meet relief. To the primary indeed, a wholy body of divinity in with all thy mind." (Matt, xxii, and supreme affection due to God he a condensed form. More was never 37.) Jesus did not discuss any added the one due to man under said or suggested in fewer words. question with this lawyer as to the what James calls "the royal law," Availing himself of a familiar feeling- divine existence or the divine charac­ which reads as follows: "Thoushalt resident in the parental heart, Jesus ter, but at once preached God to love thy neighbor as thyself." <_

340 EllT^MCjEXExfGAE^ VISITOR.. Nov. 15, 1890. (Matt, xxii, 39.) The two rulers— est form, let him make this sermon and the destruction of the whole Jew­ the one relating to God, and theth e subject of earnest study. That ish nationality. (Matt, xi, 20-25, other to man—embrace "all the law discourse, in its ethical conceptions and xxiv, 1-51.) In one of his predic­ and the prophets." The second rule and principles, is suited to all ages. tions, he declared that' 'the kingdom is, in the sermon on the Mount, It can never grow old, or lose its of God" would be taken from the stated as follows: "Therefore all relevancy to man. All ensuing ages Jewish people, and "given to a na­ things whatsoever ye would that have paid tribute to its grandeur, tion bringing forth the fruits, there­ men should do to you, do ye even and joined with those who heard it of." (Matt, xxi, 43.) Jesus as a so to them." (Matt, vii, 12.) The in being "astonished" at the teach­ prophet, anticipated the future, in whole law of duty to man is in a sin­ ing of Christ. respect alike to himself and his own gle affection. It is comprehended G. The exposure and denuncia­ kingdom among men; and proph­ in "the royal law" of love. tion of sin constituted another ele­ etic utterances formed a part of his This law, as illustrated by Jesus ment in the ministry of Christ. The ministry. Many of these utterances in the parable of the good Samari­ age in which he lived was a very have already been fulfilled. tan, regards any human being as our corrupt one, especially in the eccles­ 8. We find also in the teachings neighbor, for the purpose of action, iastics thereof. The priests, scribes of Christ a distinct and definite doc­ who needs our help, and when we and Pharisees were bad men under trine in respect to the future and in­ can help. (Luke x, 30-87.) As ex­the garb of a pretentious sanctity. visible state which succeeds this life, pounded in the sermon on the They confronted Jesus with malig­ and into which man is introduced by Mount, it makes an enemy our nant opposition, and in the end pro­ death. This doctrine, beginning at neighbor in the sense that we are cured his death. He had occasion death, extends onward to the gener­ not to hate him, but to do good to speak to them and of them ; and al judgment of the race, and thence unto him and prayforhim. (Matt. he did so with unsparing truthful­ onward forever. There is a: future v, 44.) One who has trespassed ness. On the last day of his public aud eternal heaven for the righte­ against us is our neighbor in the ministry hexlenounced them in the ous, and equally a future and eter­ sense that we are to forgive him. most appalling terms. (Matt, xxiii, nal hell for the punishment of the (Matt, vi, 14, 15, and xviii, 21, 22.) 13-39.) His gentleness and sweet­ incorrigibly wicked. Christ, while The doctrine of Christ is that the ness of temper did not neutralize or not absolutely originating these law of love binds all men, under all debilitate the great forces of his ideas, and while preaching a full circumstances, toward all men, with­ moral nature, any more than the and free salvation for all who be­ out any exception. He built his eth­ love of God makes him complacent lieve in him, made the ideas them­ ical system for the government of toward sin. His was not that phil- selves an integral part of the relig­ this world on this single principle, aiithropisni which looks with favor ion which he taught, and on them illustrating it by his own example, on sin, or treats it as a qunsi in­ based the most urgen t exhortations. specifying the applications thereof, nocence. His own purity gave him He treated heaven and hell as reali­ and with it antagonizing all the an intense aversion to the eccles­ ties in the government of God, and sundry depravities of feeling and ac­ iastics of his age, and made the gen­ in theJife to come, and placed them tion that have degraded and cursed eral condition of the people offen­ in the relation of a moral sequence mankind. He was, in this respect, sive to his moral sentiments. The of character and conduct in this life. a radicalist of the most uncom­ language of rebuke, and sometimes Both of these realities are stamped promising type. He proposed to of sharp condemnation, hence came upon the Parable of the Tares, as bring the law of heaven into action from his lips. expounded by him, and also that of amid the scenes of earth, and thus 7. A part of the teaching of Christ the rich man and Lazarus. (Matt, assimilate the latter to the former; consisted in predictions, one class of xiii, 36-43, and Luke xvi, 19-31.) and just in proportion as his ethics which related to his own death, On The plain and obvious teaching of rule earth, they make it heaven in three distinct occasions he stated to these parables is that there is a fu­ its spirit and temper. his disciples both the fact and thetur e life for the soul of man, and The qualities of character which, manner of his approaching death. that what that life will be, as to the as the conditions of membership in (Matt, -xvi, 21-23, and xvh, 22, 23, question of happiness or misery, de­ Christ's kingdom, fit men for the and Mark x, 32-34.) Anotherclass pends on moral and spiritual condi­ joys of heaven, and those that spring related to the persecutions that tions supplied in this life. Take from a dethroned selfishness and the would come upon his apostles and these thoughts out of the ministry enthronement of love. These quali­ followers for his name's sake, of of Christ, and the result would be a ties are stated in the beatitudes of which he made frequent mention. radical change in.the whole of it. It the sermon on the Mount. (Matt, Still another class referred to the de­ would no longer be the ministry re­ v, 1-23.) If one wishes to know struction of cities, as Capernaum, ported in the four gospels. what virtue is in. its truest and pur« Chorazin, Bethsaida and Jerusalem, Carrying forward this doctrine to

-J Nov. is, 1890. EXVAKCr.EXI^fGAI^ VISI'POFi. 341 the scenes of the final judgment, i, 8-5.) A part of his ministry was who highly prized their scanty Christ represented himself as coming- devoted to the education, instruc­ means of grace. back to this world, as raising the tion and preparation of these apos­ One fact exceedingly encouraged dead, as judging all mankind, and tles for the work which he intended me. Wherever I visited, the people as rewarding the righteous and pun­ to commit to them, and which he told me of an aged widow and her ishing the wicked. (Matt, xxv, 81- did commit to them just before he idiot daughter, who lived by them­ 4(3.) The idea, of retribution in the left this world. Having given to selves art the edge of town. They after-life, resulting from and follow­ them their commission, he himself spoke of the widow's remarkable ing conduct in this life, is nowhere went to the heavenly sanctuary. religious experience, and urged me more vividly and solemnly set forth Tho above sketch presents, in a to visit her. I did so, and after­ than in the ministry of Christ him­ general outline, the contents of wards went often. Her prayers and self. His doctrine on this subject Christ's teaching, a»s we find them in sympathy were of such benefit to me, we have in these emphatic words: the gospel narrative. No steno­ that I desire to state my experience "He that believeth and is baptized grapher was present to take down with her; for it is profitable to think shall be saved; and he that believ­ his words when he was speaking of such a Christiancharacter culti­ eth not shall be damned." (Mark either to his disciples or to the peo­ vated amid poverty, lifelong afflic­ xvi, 16.) The same doctrine is stat­ ple ; yet he knew that these words tion, and loneliness. They lived in ed in these words: "He that believ­ would uot be lost in the air, or to an old dilapidated house, kept from eth on the Son hath everlasting life; the memory of man. He knew that falling only by props. and he that believeth not the Son he was speaking to the race, and de­ Every thing around the house shall not see life; but the wrath signed to leave his sayings as a corresponded, the yard being filled of God abideth on him." (John legacy of light and truth to guide with raspberry-bushes and wild iii, 86.) Christ is an all-suffici­ the thoughts of after ages. His grass, so that hardly a trace of a ent Savior, and \ret not in fact recorded utterances still live, and path remained. As I entered the and result the Savior of those who will live to the end of Mme. They first time, the daughter, of about reject his gospel and die in their sins. solve problems too great for unaid­ sixty years, met me. She shrieked He did not save Judas, and he will ed human reason and deal with the most pitifully, distorted her body, not save any one who defies his deepest and most lasting interests and ran into the other room. Soon grace, and refuses to be saved there­ of our nature. They give to us a re­ I went in, and found her crying with by. On this point his teachingisas ligious system to believe, and offer her hands over her face, and lying clear as the light of day. to us a glorious and much needed down in one corner. She was amost salvation to accept. Knowing God. 9. Christ, in a portion of his min­ repulsive being, but yet her and knowing man, Christ spake of istry, particularly after his resurrec­ humanity excited my sympathy all both with absolute certainty. His tion and before his ascension into the more. By the stove sat her ideas are laws for thought, rules for heaven, gave special instructions to mother, of eighty-six years, dressed faith and hope, and guides to prac­ his apostles, and made to them neatly, and seemingly calm and tice.—The Independent. special promises, for their guidance happy. She was in perfect contrast and support in the work assigned to Brooklyn, X. Y. with that "child," as her mother them. His plan was to commit to called her. 1 introduced myself. them the preaching of his gospel "Good-morning, sir. I am glad the THE WIDOW ON THE MOUNTAIN, after his own personal retirement Lord has sent you here. It is now from this world; and for this pur­ four days since 1 have seen any one, pose he chose them, admitted them BY REV. AXSELM B. BROWN. except this poor, unfortunate crea­ into the most intimate relation to In a little out-of-the-way town I ture. My neighbors are very kind; himself, and made them pupils in commenced my life-labor for the sal­ but during this busy season it is his school, as eye-witnesses and ear- vation of souls. It was in Vermont, impossible for them to come often, witnesses of what he did and- said, nearly at the top of one of the Green and you know they are few and live that they might be the teachers of Mountain ranges, and contained at a great distance." others. To them he "showed him­ scarcely two hundred and fift}7 in­ "Are you not lonely, and some­ self alive after his passion by many habitants. For many years the times afraid?" infallible proofs;" he spoke to them preaching of the Gospel there had "Oh no; in my loneliest hours I "of the things pertaining to the been very irregular. Sometimes it can say I am not alone, for my kingdom of God;" he promised to had been interrupted for months. Father is with me; and as for being them the special endowments and 7 Mam families made no pretensions afraid, that would be mistrusting gifts of the Holy Ghost; and in this to religion, and did not wholly sus­ my Saviour. If he is for us, who will way he fitted them to plant the pend work on the Sabbath; yet there be against us?" Christian church in his name. (Acts were not a few earnest Christians, She then showed me her old Bible, 342 E^AKG-EXM(f!i^Ex VISITOR, NOY.15,1890. and said that she had become too which, blessed be to God, will be eter­ buried in the plainest way, and the blind to read that, but she loved to nal." neighbors only acted as mourners. handle it and think what was in it. Whenever I called, she conversed A simple stone, erected over their "I have here a fine book of psalms, in this strain, and her neighbors say grave by Christian friends briefly as good, they say, as there is in town. that she always appeared just so. commemorates the mother's love On clear days I can read this quite I attributed it all to her ripeness for and faith. well. I read them for prayers, for her eternal home in heaven. But who dares to measure their they are so much better than my Strange to say when I read the influence for Christ? The mother own, and contain just what 1 want Bible the idiot daughter would keep has been a, light in that town for to say." still, and during prayer she would an entire generation, has led many She lived in a spirit of resignation sit down on the floor or kneel. One to Christ, and was an example to to God's will, and seemed to recog­ day after I had prayed the mother all even unto the end. Verily she nize him in every event of her life. said: dwelt on Mount Pisgah, near to I never saw such a home before. "I have no fears for her beyond heaven, a,nd was a well-spring of It was the picture of misery. The the grave; she is not a responsible righteousness to all about her. aged mother could not move about creature, and I know Jesus will ac­ The students who labored there to keep things clean, and the child cept her much sooner than some will carry through their ministry knew not how to appear decent. Yet more favored than she is. I often the lessons of patience and humility the mother's patience and sub­ think that she understands what we which she so unconsciously taught mission and love to "poor Jane" say, and enjoys 'the meetings.' them. threw a, sunlight over the broken She was fair and sound until she was Just as rivers and brooks, which chairs, mended dishes and dingy six months old, when she had fits flow over our land, have their origin walls, that made the place sacred to and become foolish. My only in uninhabited forests and on moun­ all her neighbors. Her face was all anxiety is that, after I am dead, she tain-tops, so our rivers of righteous­ aglow with love to Jesus. may never he neglected. This troub­ ness may rise in the hearts of the She conversed in a very decided les me much; my faith is too weak poor and unknown in our land. manner, and gave evidence of a good to trust her to God. I would like to How much we owe to such people as education. Her firm reliance on live and die with her; but man only pooi' old Mrs. G—and her idiot Jesus was brought in, no matter proposes, God disposes." daughter.—The American Tract what topic was discussed, and she God satisfied her desires. For on Society. seemed to confirm almost every the sixteenth of November last they > •» • statement with Scripture. I spoke died. Notice the striking account A MOTHEE'S LAST PEAYEE AWSWEE- ED. of her old age. which a neighbor sends me: "You think I have been long in "Mrs. G—and her daughter are at A gentleman walking along one of this world, but to me it seems very rest. The cold winter, which they the streets in Philadelphia was ac­ short. My days have passed swifter so much dreaded, cannot reach them costed by a boy who plead for a than a weaver's shuttle; my months now. Their departure was very penny. What do you want with a are numbered, and are nearly gone; sad. They were found lying insen­ penny? Buy bread, sir, was the my years have passed, and, like sto­ sible under a balsam-tree, a few rods prompt answer. Boy, are you tell­ ries, are forgotten, and my whole from her door, the daughter just ing me the truth? looking him lifeseemsbut as a vapor that is now breathing her last, and her mother, steadily in the face. I am, sir. fast disappearing." in an attitude of prayer, upon her Have you a, father? asked the gen­ Then.pressing heavily on her cane knees. Oneof her limbs was broken, tleman. No, father is dead. "Where and leaning over to ease her pains, and an a rm bruised. She was carried is your mother? She died last she continued: to her house, and all means used night. Come with me and I'll show "Yes, my life seems but as a week, for her recovery. She breathed you my mother. The gentleman and oh, how I thank God that T about two hours but never spoke to takingthe hand of the boy followed gave my heart to Jesus on Monday reveal the awful deed. All remained his guide down a narrow alley and morning of my life. All through a mystery, until it was found that a stoped before a miserable place this week of my life he has clothed neighbor had a cross sheep in the which the poor boy called his home. and fed me and my poor child. Now lot where they were found. The Pushing open the door he pointed it seems as if I am spending my people conjecture that this sheep to his dead mother aud said, there Saturday on earth, and that too hit the idiot daughter, and the sir, is my mother. Who was with may be almost gone. I am now lay­ mother, hearing her cries, went to your mother when she died ? asked ing aside the things of this world, herrescue, but was too feeble to give the gentleman now more deeply and-getting ready for a Sabbath the needed help." moved. No body but me. Did your Thus they lived and died, were mother sav anything before she Nov. 15,1890. KYANGRMGAEx Vf^fTOFi. 343 died? Yes sir, she said, God will right and proper, but don't forget God ever more gloriously known—• take care of yon, my son. Sooner that future good conduct can never toglorifyby his life and hislovehim than his dying mother had dared to blot out past disobedience. for whom and by whom he was creat­ think or hope, God had honored her A merchant finds thatheisiu diffi­ ed. Everything that we do on this faith by sending this gentleman culties. He takes his cash-book, and earth is meajit to subserve that end; whose heart was touched with the begins a "new leaf," forgetting that and he who has this end in view does tenderest pity for her poor honest there is a "carried over" and a all not for himself—not for this one son. The gentleman was a Chris­ "brought forward" column. New or that one; he does it from the tian to whom God had intrusted figures on the "new leaf" won't pay eternal motive of love and for much of this world's goods. the old debts. Every page of oureternity . May every new gift of The little orphan is kindly cared life account is headed with a God, then, which we receive fromthe for. For verily he shall not loose "brought forward." . hand of nature remind us afresh that his reward. The poor dying moth­ Header, "turning over a new leal" the earthly exists only for the sake er's prayer was heard in high heav­ won't do for you. You m ust become of the eternal, in order that the en. Yes, my, son God will take care a new creature in Christ Jesus. Divine Being may manifest himself of you. ever more clearly in men who are WHAT GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US. his offspring, and that the glory of WHAT EELIGION DID POE A GLEL. his only begotten Son, and the glad­ Boys and girls can you tell me some light of his Spirit may shine A little girl of twelve was telling who gave us everything we have? 1 ever more brightly out of all works in a simple way the evidence that can almost hear you say, "God." of men.—Shleiermacher. she was a Christian: "I did not like Are you sure? Think again. "Yes," to study, but to play. I was idle at you say, "I am sure, God gives us The way to be safe in the time of school, and often missed my lessons. everything." Now, I do not think trouble is to get the blood of the Now I try to learn every lesson well so. There is one thing that I think Lamb sprinkled upon our doors.— to please God. I was mishievous at God never gave us, and that is sin. Bishop Renolds. school when the teachers were not "Oh!" you say, "I forgot that." Why can men not begin to glorify looking at me, making fun for the But you must not forget it, for it God with a yard-stick, a pair of children to look at. Now 1 wish to makes all the trouble in the world. shears, a hand-saw, and a pen in please God by behaving well and If it were not for that one thing that their hands, and not wait for golden keeping the school-laws. 1 was selfish God did not give us, we would all be harps ? at home, didn't like to run errands, happy. If it were not for that the and was sulky when mother called dear Savior would not have had to THE PEESIDENTS. come down here and live and die. me from play to help her. Now it is Come, young- folks all and learn my rhyme, area! joy tome to help mother, and Will you try to remember that sin Writ like the ones of olden time, to show that I love her." is satan's gift, not God's Will you For linked together, name to name, all try hard to get rid of it?—Sel. The whole a, surer place will claim ; "I'LL TTJEN OVEE A NEW LEAF." And firmly in your mind shall stand The names of those who've ruled our land— It is true that thought is deeper A noble list: George Washing-ton, It is all very well to say tha.t you than all thought; yet it is equally John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, - will ''turn over a new leaf.' But true that feeling indicates itself in James Madison and James Monroe, let me ask, what about the past thought andjjspeech, and manifests John Quincy Adams—and below black leaves of guilt? The school its power in action. He who never Comes Andrew Jackson in his turn ; boy, after spilling the ink on the Martin Van Buren next we learn, shows a loving spirit in his conduct, Then William Henry Harrison, page of his copy-book, turns over a and who never speaks a word of lov­ Whom soon John Tyler followed on, new leaf, resolving that in the future ing tenderness, gives no proof that And after Tyler, James K. Polk ; he will be more careful; but "turning he has a loving heart; and if he has Then Zachary Taylor ruled the folk, over a new leaf, does not remove the Till death. Then Millard Fillmore came ; one, no one but himself knows it, And Franklin Pierce we next must name. blotted one, and soon the teachers and he is mistaken if he thinks him­ And James Buchanan then appears, eye detects the blots and punishes self its possessor.—Sunday School Then Abraham Lincoln through those him for his carelessness. Times. years It may be, dear reader, you were Of war. And when life was lost at one time addicted to drinking Thousands of worlds are rolling 'Twas Andrew Johnson filled his post. or swearing, or other bad habits; around us, but we do not know, Then U. S. Grant and R. B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, each had place, but "turned over a new leaf," and of though we may conjecture, that And Chester Arthur :—and my rhyme late you have become what the world there is active, intelligent life there; Ends now in Grover Cleveland's time. calls a "reformed" person. This is but man is set in this world to make —Wide Awake. 344 EkV^MGirEXMGAEx ^fiB^TQEl. NOV.i5,i89o. EVANGELICAL VISITOR. special days to the glory of God. The location is a beautiful one on A Semi-Monthly Religious Journal. We are well aware that these ob­ high ground and where four roads Published in the interest of the Church of the servances may become formal, and center. It is easy of access and in Brethren in Christ commonly called in the Unit­ they may be observed in snch a ed States "River Brethren" and in Canada a thickly settled country of church- "Tunkers" for the exposition of true practical way that God would not be honored, going people and near the school- piety among all classes. but if observed for the glory of God, house where the protracted effort SUBSCRIPTION, per year, $1.00: six months, 50 c. Specimen copies free. certainly good will result from their of Bros. Zook and Long was held faithful observance. We would sug­ two years ago. The land on three EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY gest, then, that in order- to a faith­ corners is occupied, but the proper­ H. DAVIDSON, White Pigeon, Michigan, ful observance of our next national ty where the church will be built is To whom all communications and letters of bu­ siness arc to be addressed. day of Thanksgiving, that every still owned by non-residents and is member of the Ch urch, ever true child a beautiful 80 acre lot a,nd we think To CORRESPONDENTS.— Write only on one side of the paper with black ink, and not too near the of God, devote the day to faithful, can be bought at a fair price. It is edge. W5o communication will he inserted with­ earnest thanksgiving and prayerfor not improved. If our people wish out theauthor's name. Not necessarily for pub­ lication, but as a guarantee of good faith. a great revival of the religion of to avail themselves of the opportu­ All communications for this and each suhse Jesus Christ. The church webelieve nity of locating in a newer country quent issue of the "Visitor" should he in not lat­ er than the first and fifteenth of each month. needs a more earnest spirit of reviv­ with church privileges, it would be IF YOU wish your papers changed f'om one Post Oftice to another, always give the Office al. Thereis danger thatformality is to their interest to look at this where you now receive it, as well as the Office to which you desire it sent. getting too much of a foot-hold and country. If you do not receive the VISITOR in'en days from date of issue, write us and we will send you in some localities it is to be feared We would now say to all who the necessary No. If you desire to know when your subscription there is a drifting away from the have collected money in their dis­ expires, look on the printed tag, on which your name and address is, and that will state to what spiritual life, the humble, sincere, trict, and to all who purpose to do­ date payment is matte. For instance, April 8rt meins that the subscription has been paid up simplicity of the Gospel plan of sal­ nate, that the work will go on and to that date. If you find any error in the date please notify us and we will make the correction. vation . Let there be more of a conse­ your generosity will be greatly ap­ To those who do not wish to take the VISITOR cration to God and his service, more longer we would say, when you write us todis- preciated by an early remittance to continue the VISITOK, please send us also tin- of a self-denying of the pleasures of balanceof your subscription up to the date at the Treasurer of the Building Com­ which you wish to have it discontinued, and it life, more of a lifting of the heart to will receive our prompt attention. mittee, Bro. Charles G. Baker, Car- Send Money by Post Office Money Order, Register­ God—let us get nearer to the foun­ land, Shiawasee co., Mich. May the ed Letter, or "Bank Draft, to Henry Davidson, While Pigeon, Michigan. tain that is opened in the house of work prosper. David, and let us seek to have the White Pigeon, Michigan, Nov, 15,1890, cleansing blood applied to ourselves, TO THE FEIENDS 0E THE VISITOE. and our souls filled with the Spirit THANKSGIVING, of the Master. Let us be in earnest We have in the three years just in the work we are engaged in and closed, received many favorable Before an other issue of the VISITOR we may rest assured that God will notices of the benefits resulting will be printed our annual day be glorified and sinners will be con­ from the publication of the VISITOR. of Thanksgiving' will have come verted. Some of them we have published but and gone. It is a duty always to Oh for more of this spirit of con­ many we have not; but now that recognize and accept and obey any secration to the work of the Master. the time is not far distant that the and every request of those in question of its continuation is to be authority over us, when that request TO THE FRIENDS OF OAKLAND MIS­ determined, we have felt as though SION. is made to glorify God and to render we would like to know for ourselves thanks unto God for blessings re­ We have finally, after considera­ how the VISITOR is appreciated at ceived . ble delay, secured a site for a church present. We are well aware that frequently of an acre of ground, and we can We would therefore respectfully much sin is committed by wicked now state that the church will be solicite testimonials from all those people on these national holidays built. Several times before this we who favor its publication in some and some take this as a reason why thought there was an arrangement form as a church paper, with their they should not be observed; but made for a location, but from some reasons for it, and their experience is the excuse a valid one—because cause when we were ready to take or the benefit they have deri ved from sin and wickedness is committed by possession we were disappointed. it. evildoers on these days? Is that But through the kindness of the ex­ We do not wish these letters for any reason that Christians should ecutors of the estate of Ira Daven­ publication but for our own private not observe them ? We think not. port, of New York, we have obtain­ information and satisfaction. On the contrary it should stimu­ ed from them a contract for ail Please respond soon and send on late and encourage greater efforts acre of ground for church purposes. seperate paper from other matter. toward a faitful observance of those It is a gift on certain conditions. ED. E. V. Nov. 15, 1890. EX^i^MGrEXMCxi^Ex YISITOR. 345

The meeting in Clay co., Kansas, 0UE DEAD. that he returned to God what a narrow es­ cape from eternal misery. Truly what a closed Nov. 2nd. Our informant warning' to others to not neglect their sal­ states that they had a very good GRIPE.—Died, Oct. 11, 1890, near Nap- vation so long. The deceased was the meeting. The church there was panee, Ind., Josephus Gripe, aged 20 yrs., oldest son of Jacob and Sarah Brechbill greatly revived; two were baptized 2 months and 23 days. Funeral was held and was married to Miss Coloma Smith by Oct. 12th at the Brick church at Union during the meeting and several oth­ whom ho had four children, two sons and Center, from 2 Timothy iv, 6. The offic­ two daughters. He leaves wife and four ers made a start for the kingdom. iating ministers were John Englemier and children and father and mother with They effected a partial organization E. Miller of the German Baptist church, brothers and sisters and many friends to by electing Bro. Win. Kyner and and John A. Stump, of the church of the mourn their loss. Bro. Jacob Heer as Deacons. The "Brethren in Christ." The deceased left BOWERS.—Alice Matilda Bowers nee good evidence that he had peace with God. Gregory was born at Brookville, 111., Aug. membership of Clay county mission He leaves a mother, five brothers and one numbers now about fifty members. 11, 1858, died Oct. 22, 1890, making her sister to mourn his early departure. S. age 32 years, 2 months and 11 days. She During their meeting there they had BENNER.— Died, Levi Benner, young­ spent most of her life at her birthplace prayer meeting every afternoon and est son of Bro. Levi Benner, two miles with the exception of one year and a half preaching at night. The meeting north of Orrville, Wayne co., Ohio, on Oct. at Haldane and nearly four years at Chica­ closed with communion service in 20, 1890, of typhoid fever. Deceased was go, 111. At the age of sixteen she was sick about ten days. Aged 29 years, 9 the evening. "Praise the Lord." converted to God and joined the Evangel­ months and 14 days. Ho leaves a wife, ical church and remained faithful unto her small children, father, mother and a broth­ end. She lived an exemplary Christian An error crept in the article of er to mourn their loss. Deceased did not life, to which her own family, friends and church news from Belle Springs, profess religion, but was a moral and neighbors bear witness. She was a regu­ Kansas, near the close—"motions" respected young man, and in his sickness lar attendant upon divine service if health felt the need of a Savior, and before he and circumstance would at all permit. should read "motives." died ho expressed of having received She bore her sickness with Christian pa­ peace with God and was ready to die. He tience and resignation, having the assur­ BENEVOLENT FUND. was buried on the 25th, at the Paradise ance that all things work together for A Brothei-, $2.00 cemetry. Funeral discourse in the Paradise good to them that love the Lord. The church by Rev. D. M. Irvin, in the English strongest tie that bound her to earth was A Brother, 1.00 from 1 Cor. xv, 1-14, and in German from the family ties. She leaves a blessed tes­ A Sister, 1.00 Col. iii, 1-4, by the writer. timony that she has gone to be with ELLAS SHROOK. Christ. She leaves husband (Dr. L. S. Bowers, a son of Daniel Bowers) one child, WHAT AS AFFLICTED BEOTHEE MYERS.—Died near Upton, Franklin parents, brothers, sisters and many friends THINKS OF THE VISIT0E. co., Pa., Oct. 15, 1890, Barbara Myers, aged 46 years, 11 months and 13 days, and to mourn her early departure. May she rest in peace until the resurrection morn­ WiNCxEK, OCT. 25, 1890. was buried at the Montgomery cemetery. Services were held in the Montgomery ing. Funeral service by Bishop Trump Dear Bro. and Editor:—Please meeting house. Text from 37th Psalms. and H. Moser. find inclosed one dollar for renewing Sister Myers belonged to a family of ten my subscription to the VISITOR. I children, all of whom with the parents Our duty, privileges, and security aim sorry I could not send it sooner, were members of the Brethren church. are in believing, not in knowing; in Sister Barbara, as well as her Sister Su­ but as I said before it is hard forme san, whose death was published in the VIS­ trusting God, and not our own to raise money and I can't feel satis­ ITOR some time ago, were both unmarried understanding. They are to be fied without the VISITOR, for this is and both very much afflicted, but were pitied who have no more trust­ the only way that I know what is very faithful in the service of the Lord. worthy teacher than themselves.— going on among the brethren. It They have gone from labor to reward. Dr. C. Hodge. May they rest from their labor. E. seems if the brethren knew what a A religion without Christ, a re­ comfort the VISITOR is to those that BRECHBILL.—Died near Garrett, Ind., Oct. 30, 1890, Martin Brechbill, aged 30 ligion that takes away from Christ, are deaf like myself, they would be years, 9 months and 19 days. Services a religion that adds anything to more willing to help it along more were held Nov. 2nd in the Union Church. Christ, or a religion that puts sin­ than they do; for oftentimes I feel Text, Matt, vi, 33, and his remains were cerity in the place of Christ, all are so discouraged, and yet every time deposited in the cemetery near the church. alike dangerous, all are to be avoid­ the VISITOR comesit has some food The attendance was large. His sickness was typhoid fever and hemorrhage of the ed, and all are alike contrary to the for my soul, for I see how it goes with bowels, which terminated in death in less doctrines of the Scriptures. others. Yes, dear brother, I often than a week after he took his bed. The To a mind which justly estimates think of you in my prayers and wish deceased made no profession of religion the weight of eternal things, it will you much grace from God in your until on his sick bed, but at that late hour he professed to have experienced peace appear a greater honor to have con­ work that it may be done to his with God, and as we learned from others, verted a sinner from the error of his honor and glory and that you may he left good evidence that he had obtained ways, than to have wielded the receive a blessing from him for your the evidence of being accepted, but regret­ thunder of a Demosthenes, or to labor. From your brother in Christ. ted that he had put off his return to God have kindled thejdia,me of a Cicero.— MARTIN SIDER. so long. If it was only at so late a day Robert Hall. 346 RfANGRMGAEi VfSS'FOPi. Nov.i5,i890. in peace, and the God of peace shall Stauffer, of Harvey county, were CHURCH NEWS. be with you.'' Closed by Elder En­ valuable aids to our ministry. From gle. The duties which we owe to the hour of opening, Saturday DEDICATION SEEVIOE. God and his house were clearly morning, the spirit of God dwelt pointed out to us. richly among us. One soul turned The brethren and sisters of Cum­ 0 God we pray, bless the labors to the Lord, and Zion was greatly berland District, Pa., met together of thy servants, and may God help blessed. Nearly three hundred mem­ in their new meeting house on Mar­ us to keep in memory how conse­ bers communed. ble street, Meeanicsburg, Nov. 2, crated God's house should be, that At a baptismal service held at 1890, in order to dedicate their no doves may be sold and no mon­ Abilene yesterday, two new mem­ house to the worship of God. The ey tables be therein. No not sober s were received into church fel­ day being pleasant, a. large congre­ much as a worldly conversation. lowship and had the rite of baptism gation collected. The church was No tobacco used. Oh my brother, administered. well represented and quite a, num­ can it be possible that a, brother A series of meetings is now in pro­ ber of members from the adjoining would soil the floor of God's house gress in the Clay county mission. counties and some from other Brethren David Bood and Elder states were present. The ministers with that which defiles the body, Samuel Zook are in charge of. the with us on the occasion were Elder which shall be a temple for God to meetings at this writing. Jacob Engle, John Breueman, S. dwell in, and how kindly they ad­ E. Graybill and Elder Henry Pleisey, monished us to let brotherly love Several brethren from this dis­ all from Lancaster co., Pa., andcontinue , and how we should stand trict will begin special evangelistic Bro. Noah Zook from Abilene, Kan­ together and be of one mind. Will work in the Rooks county mission sas. The collecting together began the readers of the VISITOR join in a few days. May the Lord bless early. The first hymn sang in thewit h us to still further pray God their efforts abundantly. new house is found in the church to help us to consecrate our bod­ A band of young members in this hymn book on page 20, no. 33 : ies wholly to his service? locality have formed a mutual union Remember the brotherhood of for the purpose of studying the "There is a name I love to hear, Cumberland district. Word. The course they are pursu­ I love to sing its worth ; It sounds like music to mine ear, From your brother in the Chris­ ing, is to eugage in weekly Bible The sweetest name on earth." tian faith once delivered to thereadings , judiciously selected, be­ After that we engaged in a season saints. sides a wholesome miscellany such of prayer. Then followed a season J. H. MYERS. as committing a choice psalm each Shepherdstown, Pa. of experience and fellowship servic­ week classifying the books of the es. At 10 a. m., the house being Bible. That the Lord may approve BELLE SPEINGS, KAN AS. well tilled, the services were opened their zeal and supply correct mo­ by singing the 288 hymn and read­ Dear Bro. Davidson :—The church tions in their work is sincerely to be ing the cxxxiii psalm, and prayer of this county (Dickinson) has en­ hoped. by Bro. Breneman. The dedication joyed signal blessings during their Work has begun on both the sermon was preached by Bro. Zook. lovefeasts this fall. The first, which brethren's new meeting houses on Text, St. Mark's gospel, 11th chap­ was held in the church at Abilene, the south side. They will doubtless ter and part of the 17th verse: "Is Saturday and Sunday, Sep. 26th be completed before the holidays. it not written, my house shall be and 27th, was well attended. The The church here acknowledges called of all nations the house of preaching, which was done by thepleasan t fraternal visits recently from Bro. Warren Dohner, of West prayer *?' He was followed by Bro. local ministers, was truly helpful Graybill, closing services by Elder and inspiring. Personal consecra­ Milton, (.)., Bro. J. R, Zook and Engle. Afternoon services at 2 p. tion to Christ was the prevailing wife, Bro. Stoner and Bro. Henry m., sermon by Bro. Graybill. Text, theme which characterized the meet­ Garwick, of Whiteside county, 111., Bom. i, 3 0:. "For I am not asham­ ing. Many honest, inquiring Chris­ Daniel Wolgeuiuth, of Mt. Joy, Pa. ed of the gospel of Christ, for it is tian people were set to thinking JOHN H. ENGLE. the power of God unto salvation to along this line. A number profess­ every one that believeth; to thee d Christ for the first time, two of ODE LOVE PEAST. Jew first, and also the Greek." He them having since been received in­ was followed by Elder Heisey in the to the church. The other, and by Our love feast at the Woodbery German. Services at 7 p. m., even­ far the larger meeting was held at church on the 25th of October was ing. Preaching by Bro. Zook. the home of our brother John Stanf- well attended by the brethren and Text, 2 Cor. xiii, 11: "Finally, fer, Jr., near Hope, a week later. sisters. When we arrived on Sat­ brethren, farewell: be perfect, be of Brethren Jacob Eshehnan and urday noon we meet many familiar good comfort, be of one mind, live Stephen Richardson and Jacob faces from a distance. Among them

' Nov. 15, 1890. "F^VSTSA M GrE Eyl (S ^ T\ ^Tf^Bf ^©Fi. 347 was Elder Wengert of King-gold, ing a little late, having had to go acted too much as though we want­ Maryland, and brethren Heise and on foot, we arrived to find a full ed .to stay here; we desired to have , from Franklin county, and T. house and an overflow in the yard much to do with the government of A. Long of Howard, Center county. sufficient for one of their preachers this world; we wanted to be some of We heard the dear brethren and sis­ to have addressed with profit and the officers in control, or we desire ters tell of the goodness of God till no doubt pleasure. As I listened to help others to get into office, etc. it was time for the afternoon meet­ outside I was determined to hear This as pilgrims and foreigners we ing to begin the preparatory service. further what this preaclier had to should not do; simply be obedient We heard much what it is to eat un­ say, for well was I convinced of his to the laws but not help to make worthy of the embldms of the earnestness by his rapidity of them. Christ's body. Then the meeting- speech and force of language, coup­ Some are rich in this world's closed at four o'clock for refresh­ led with scriptural quotations. I goods, and should they lose a farm ments till the hour of six then they verily knew he could not be making- or some money, they whine and all came together again to com­ all this himself, so I edged in and pine and groan and cry and lament memorate the death and suffering found it literally jammed, aisles be­ over same. Their hearts are wrap­ of our Lord and Master. It seems ing filled on both sides with anxious ped up too much in these things. to me I could, with faith, look up listeners, standing, to hear the word Therefore we see these things: They and see our dear Lord and Master of God expounded. The text was are citizens here; they have their re­ led to Calvary's hill in the garden from the prophet Isaiah, xxxv, 8,9. ward. Comparison was then made of Gethsemane nailed to that rough "And an highway shall be there, to Jesus our Master: poor, wayfar­ tree, to see him bleed and die for you and a way, and it shall be called ing, a man of sorrows and acquaint­ and me. Not only you and me, but the way of holiness; the unclean ed with grief. Fools—we must be for the whole world. I often think shall not pass over it, but it shall fools for Christ's sake. We need of that dark and doleful night when be for those: the wayfaring men, not err, the way is plain. The the Savior of this world was crucifi­ though fools, shall not err therein : apostles were all unlearned men, ed for the sins of the whole world. No lion shall be there, nor any rav­ fishers, tax-gatherers, tent-makers, Then on. Sabbath morning long- enous beast shall go up thereon: it etc., etc.; none rich, all poor, all ig­ before time for meeting the house shall not be found there, but the re­ norant save one, Saul of Tarsus, was again filled with brethren and deemed shall walk there." and he counted all he knew as dune- sisters and many others for meeting. Not having heard the text given so he might know of the excellency Then the meeting began with ex­ out I had to hunt same up this of Jesus Christ his Savior. He periences. The brethren and sisters evening. The explanations of that would fall at the foot of his cross told how they had been built up by highway and that way were indeed and call aloud, "what wilt thou coming there, to the meeting, and grand to the believer in Christ. It have me to do?" and now by the their desire to still go on in this nar­ was a way of holiness, said the foolishness of preaching men must row way and live for the Master preacher. Some people did not like become saved, hear and obey the while life shall last. Time came for to hear of holiness—some members word of God. In this way we need preaching, and Bro. Brown was in­ of churches he meant; referring at not err. Question is, are we on stalled as minister for the Wood- this point to a certain Methodist that way ? It is for you and I to berry church. Then T. A. Long- preacher who had once remarked in answer. preached one hour to a large con­ his hearing, "if this holiness doc­ "No lion shall be there, nor any gregation. trine did not bring his people back, ravenous beast shall go up thereon, FROM SISTER L. then he feared they were gone, GONE, it shall not be found there." Fie:- Martinsburgh, Pa. GONE. No redemption, irretriev­ urative language. The preaclier able, gone beyond any shadow of said, no one of a lion's disposition, On Sunday morning last Oct. 26, doubt," etc. This man was honest trying to overthrow as the king of 1890, the writer bethought himself in his expressions and views and beasts always did, no meekness as to which of three meetings he really felt what he said. Question must characterize the followers of should attend in his immediate was for us to consider, are we on Jesus Christ. No lion or serpent neighborhood, viz., the Yorkers— that way, that highway, that way either or bearish spirit can be found who hold forth once in thirteen of holiness? It was not for the un­ on this way. That spirit must all weeks; a. very plain-going, honest clean, but for the wayfaring men, be takeu away; must be lamb-like and God-fearing sect—the Luther­ men on a journey, on a pilgrimage, like the Son of God our Captain and ans communion meeting, or the sojourners, etc.; some whose home our Leader. Some manifest that River Brethren or Brethren in was not here, but who sought a bet­ sneakish nature and underhanded Christ near Woodbury, Bedford co., ter country, that is an heavenly. way of undermining their brethren Pa. We attended the latter. Be­ The preacher thought some of us and sisters; such is condemned here 348 EXVJLKG-EXIMC^^.K YISITQR. Nov.ir>,isoo. even, and is not the spirit we ought his life that he ever stopped there. the foregoing in another direction to manifest toward each other; are But there was da.nger impending, and we shall find thousands who not regenerated, not converted yet. and caution had been given, but the are acting with indiscretion to a How is it with us individually, caution was not heeded. A storm still greater extent in the matter of brethren and sisters? Let us exam­ did come up, the tree broke down, their everlasting welfare. ine a little in our hearts; peradven- and Mr. Rhodes was killed in his The over-hanging tree represents ture something; is wanting- there. bed. the messenger of death, and death "But the redeemed shall walk Some years after the above de­ is the sinner's impending danger. there." Some go to law to redeem scribed occurrence a man by the Death will come some time, and just their character, etc. We need not name of Crossman, who had been as certainly as an overhanging old do so. Just confess our sins to God, living in said "Cove" was then liv­ oa,k; and yet poor mortals flatter pray to God to forgive us, and the ing west of the Alleghany and some­ themselves with the hope of many blood of Jesus Christ will redeem us where near Johnstown. Being a more years of life, and all this with and we shall be redeemed arid shall man of limited means, the house he a full knowledge that death sweeps walk on that way—on that high­ occupied was one of such construc­ away thousands of human beings way of holiness for way-faring men tion as he was able to own. A large in advance of the time they had set and fools. tree stood a little to the west of it, for themselves. H. P. BRINKWOKTH. and in case the tree should fall east­ Rhodes and Crossman died the Maria, Pa. ward its top would come crashing natural death by reason of disre­ on the house. The man's attention garding the caution given them by For the Evangelical Visitor. had been called to this matter time their friends. But of how much IMPENDING DANGEK. and again and he had acknowledged sorer punishment will be eternal Less than one hundred years ago, the prudence of felling the tree in death which awaits all those who when the western part of Pennsyl­ another direction when the wind die the natural death unpardoned. vania was yet sparsely settled, was favorable. But it was neglect­ Hence: many people from the eastern part ed by reason of other work con­ "While the lamp holds out to burn, of the state moved westward in stantly on hand, and the tree might Hasten, 0 sinner, return, return." prospect of cheap lands and com­ stand till some convenient time. C. STOXEK. fortable homes. Well, on a certain Sunday before Polo, 111. such a convenient time came, Cross- Their manner of going was in cov­ For the Evargelical Visitor. ered wagons drawn by horses. At man lay composedly on his bed IMPKOVING THE TIME. night they would stop, unhitch their resting himself, the rest of the fam­ horses and feed them from a trough ily being in the same room with After asking God what I should that was carried along and fasten­ him. The door stood open, and a write, that would be to his honor ed on the wagon tongue when want­ little girl looking out, said "the and glory, I opened his blessed Book ed. The beds of these moving fam­ tree is. coming," and in less time a,nd my eyes rested on this: '' What­ soever thy hand findeth to do, doit ilies were spread out in the wagons than it takes to tell it that house with thy might; for there is no work, under cover, and thus the night was was a wreck and its owner dead. nor device, nor knowledge, nor wis­ passed in sweet sleep. He had not heeded the admonition dom, in the grave whither thou On one occasion a number of such against impending danger, and paid goest." Eccl. ix, 10. This verse wagons stopped for the night, their for it with the loss of his life. The seemed to rivet my attention, and I destination being Morrison's Cove, rest of the family escaped unhurt. could not pass it by. It contained a fertile valley a few miles southeast A strong blast of wind broke the so much I was brought to think how of where the city of Altoona has tree down. fast time is passing and much of it Now these were actual occurrences since sprung up. When all had unimproved. "Whatsoever thy stopped, it was noticed that one of which the writer was credibly in­ hand findeth to do, do it with thy man, a Mr. Rhodes, had unhitched formed many years ago, and no might;" no time for idleness. There right under a, large tree that leaned doubt every one that reads this art­ is so much to do, and timeisswiftly over. One of the company caution­ icle will agree that it was a matter passing by, and 1 fear sometimes we ed him against risking his life at of criminal carelessness as well as are as the Psalmist says, "spending such a place, as a wind storm might great folly for those men to hazard our years as a talethatistold." Ps. come up and break down the tree. not only their own lives, but also xc, 9. How much of our time is spent He treated the matter indifferently those of their families in the face of as the poet says, by saying he had no fear, since that the fact that their attention had tree had stood the storms of many been called to such impending dan­ In painful cares, in empty joys, Our life its precious hours destroys ; years, it was not likely to break ger. "While death stands watching at our side, down that night, the only night in Let us make the application of Eager to stop the living tide. Nov. 15,1890. ElYi^ISCxEXIMGAI^ VlBf^TOFi. 349 Was it for this purpose that we the garner; but he will burn up the our Savior? If there is then I fear were created and placed in this chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt. we lack something yet. We rea,d at world? No. The poet further says, iii, 12. Now is the time to sow. Just one place, "love not the world neith­ er the things that are in the world. For nobler cares, for joys sublime, what we sow we shall reap. "If we He fashioned all the sons of time ; sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh If any man love the world the love Then let us every day give heed, reap corruption; buthethatsoweth of the Father is not in him." I can That we his servants be indeed. to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap say to the praise and honor of God there is nothing that I love so well I am afraid we are not so much life everlasting." Gal. vi, 8. as my heavenly Father who has engaged in the service of the Master, Dearly beloved let us be more zeal­ been so merciful to me; while I was as we should be, or our patient ous for the cause, and spend more lying on my bed of sickness his love of our time in the service of the Editor would not have to urge so was shown to me.- His guardian much to have articles on hand for Lord. When our time is spent in care was over me. He saw fit tore- the VISITOR. Why is it so? Are we this way, at the close of day, we can store me to health again. 1 feel for not concerned about this great work say, "one more day's work for Je­ no other purpose than for me to pre­ of the Lord? We should be willing sus, one less of life forme." Buton pare my soul more fully for the to do what we can, be it ever so the othev hand when the day is change that awaits us all. I want small. No doubt we have all learn­ spent in foolish talking and jesting, to love and serve him all my days, ed by bitter experience that ''pro­ when evening comes what an aching if God will give me grace. I can say crastination is the thief of time." void is there, what a sting to the as the Psalmist, "So teach us to How much more good we all might conscience. We feel, as if the day is number our days that we may do, if we would always obey our lost. The time is gone never to re­ apply our hearts unto wisdom." first impulse. The apostle says, turn again. My prayer is that I There are many ways that we can "Eedeeming the time, because the may not spend any more time in show our love to the Savior, by our days are evil." Eph. v, 16. How this way, God being my helper, but actions and words and the light we necessa.ry it is that we take the ad­ that I may "do with my might show to the world. If we would al­ monition of the apostle. The days what my hand finds to do." ways watch and pray and be on our are surely evil, so much wickedness guard, we would not so often be ANNIE M. NEWCOMER. seen in places of worldly amuse­ in the world, so many things to Xe\v Carlisle, Ohio, draw the mind away from God, so ments where the Savior would not much time wasted. 0 how sad. Are go. Neither would we indulge in For the Evangelical Visitor. those things that pertain not to our we, dear brethren and sisters, im­ LOVE, soul's welfare, but we would be proving our time as we should? oftener found reading our Bible or There seems to be so much coldness Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. in our secret closets lifting our among the professed followers of When I read this passage of Scrip­ hearts to God to keep us from do­ Christ, that we are made to believe ture I have to think what love our ing evil, and we would love to be that the +ime draweth near when heavenly Lather has shown toward there often. If we love our Savior Christ shall come to claim his own. we will love every body. Those that Are we prepared to meet him? us. He has sent his only begotten Son in this lower world that through are trying to do the Lord's will and when we are full of his love, we will Paul told Timothy that there his precious blood we might be sav­ be willing' to lay our lives down for would be a departure from the faith. ed from our sins and he is willing to one another, and we will love those "Nowthe Spirit speaketh expressly, save you from all that is sinful to that are unsaved, for how many are that in the latter times some shall you if we put our trust in him. How living without God ? Would to God depart from the faith, giving heed many precious promises we have in that our love would be so great that to seducing spirits, and doctrines of the holy Bible where we can be the dear ones that are out of the devils," etc. 1 Tim. iv, 1. Jesus guided by. The Savior says, "We ark of safety could not stand, but says, ''Because iniquity shall are not to live by bread alone but turn and taste of his rich love. abound, the love of many shall wax by every word that proceedeth out Therefore be ye also ready for in cold." Matt, xxiv, 12. Is it not of the mouth of God." The Lord such an hour as ye think not the too true? But Clod wants his work has done so much for us poor be­ son of man cometh. to go on. We are not to lay the ings here on earth ; while we were re­ armor by. The prophet says, "but belling against him his protecting F.arth love is deep and long ; Is heaven-love less faithful ami less strong? who may abide the clay of his com­ hand was over us and he showed us Nay ; only brighter, purer, will it shine ing, and who shall stand when he our sins. But what are we doing When love half-human grows to all-Divine ! appeareth? for lie is like a refiner's To Christ's own little band for him? Do we love him as we "Love one another !" was his last command, fire, and like fullers' soap." Mai. iii, should? Do we love him above all "As I have loved ;" how did the Savior love? 2. "And he will thoroughly purge other things here on earth, or is To death below ; eternally above ! his floor, and gather his wheat into LYDTA A, DAVIDSON. there something we love better than West Milton, 0, -

350 "Fi^TA T^rCr"F\Pvf C5! %. T\ ^J^Bfl^OFl. Nov. 15, 1890.

THE CONVEETED INFIDEL, at his frank avowal of infidel prin­ of the change in his children, he was ciples, or resent his keen, half-jovial sorely puzzled to know what to do. BY REV. H. P. ANDREWS. sarcasms upon the peculiarities of He had given his consent for them Some two miles from the village some weak-minded, though sincere to attend the Sabbath School, and of C , on a road that wound in members of the church. should he now be offended because among the hills, stood a great white But Mr. Lowe saw and acknowl­ they had yielded to its influence? house. It was beautifully situated edged the saving influence of the And after all, would what they call­ upon a gentleslopefacingthesouth, morality of Christianity. He had, ed religion make them any worse and overlooking the most charming especially, good sense enough to children? Though at first quite dis­ landscape. Away in the distance a perceive, and frankness enough to turbed in his feelings, he concluded, mountain lifted itself against the confess, that the Sabbath School upon second thought, to say noth­ clear blue sky. At its base rolled a was a noble moral enterprise. He ing to them upon the subject, but broad, deep river. Nestling down was not blind to the fact abundant­ to let things go on as usual. in the beautiful valley that interven­ ly proved by all our criminal records, But not so those happy young ed, reposed the charming little vil­ that few children trained within its converts. They could not long hold lage, with its neat cottages, white influences grow up to vice and crime. their peace. They must tell their church, little red school house, and Hence the permission for his children father also what they had experi­ one or two mansions that told of to attend the Sa.bbath school. enced. Mr. Lowe heard them, but he wealth. Here and there in the dis­ Among the children who kneeled made no attempt to ridicule their tance a pond was visible, while farm as penitents in the little vestry one simple faith, as had been his usual houses and humbler dwellings dot­ bright, beautiful Sabbath, were course~with others. They were his ted the "picture in every direction. Sarah Lowe and her brother and children, and none could boast of Such was the home of three prom­ sister. It was a moving sight to better. Still he professed to see in ising children, who, for the last see that gentle girl, with a mature their present state of mind nothing three mouths, had been constant thoughtf ulness far beyond her years, but youthful feeling, excited by the members of the village Sunday take her young brother and sister peculiar circumstances of the last few School. The eldest was a girl of by the hand, and kneel with them at weeks. But when they began in some fourteen years. John, the the mercy seat—a sight to heighten their childish ardor to exhort him second, was a bright, amiable lad of the joy of angels. also to seek the Lord, he checked eleven. The other, the little rosy- When the children told their moth­ their simple earnestness with a cheeked, laughing Ella, with her er what they had done, and express­ sternness which said to them, "The golden curls and sunny smile, had ed a. determination to be Christians, act must not be repeated." just gathered the roses of her ninth she too was greatly moved. She had The next Sabbath the father could summer. been early trained in the principles not prevent a feeling of loneliness as The father of these interesting and belief of Christianity, and had he saw his household leave for children was the rich Captain Lowe. never renounced her early faith. church. The three children, with He was a man of mark, such, in Naturally confiding, with a yielding, their mother, and Joseph the hired many respects, as are often found in conciliatory spirit, she had never boy, to drive and take care of the rural districts. Strictly moral, in­ obtruded her sentiments upon the horse, all packed into the old com­ telligent and well read, kind-heart­ notice of her husband, nor openly modious carriage and started off. ed and naturally benevolent, he at­ opposed any of his peculiar views. Never before had he such peculiar tracted all classes in the community But now when her little ones gath­ feelings as when he watched them to himself, and wielded great influ­ ered around her and spoke of their slowly descending the hill. ence in his town. new love for the Savior, their joy To dissipate these emotions, he But notwithstanding ail these ex­ and peace and hope, she wept. She took a dish of salt and started up cellences, Mr. Lowe was an infidel. remembered the faithful sermons of the hill to a "mountain pasture,"' He ridiculed in his good natured her old pastor. She remembered, where his young cattle were enclos­ way the idea of prayer, looked ujjon too, the family altar, and the pray­ ed for the season. It was a beauti­ ful day in October, that queen conversion as a solemn farce, and ers which were offered morning and month of the year. A soft melan­ evening by her now sainted father. believed that most professing Chris­ choly breath in the mild air of the tians were well-meaning but deluded She remembered the counsels of her mellow "Indian summer," and the people. He was well versed in the good mother, now in heaven. All varying hues of the surrounding subtile arguments of infidel writers, these memories came crowding back forests, and the signs of decay seen had studied the Bible quite carefully, upon her, and under their softening upon every side, all combined to and could argue against it in the influences she almost felt herself a deepen the emotions which the cir­ most plausible manner. Courteous child again. cumstances of the morning had and kind to all, few could be offended When Mr. Lowe first became aware awakened. Nov.is, 1890. ExY^KGrEiMGAI^ VfeiO^OFi. 351 His sadness increased, and as his the jaws of death was constantly whispered conversation of his happy path opened out into a bright, sun­ ringing in his ears, and the sadness children. ny spot far up on the steep hill-side, of the morning increased. Little Ella came and climbed to he seated himself upon a mossy Returning to his house, he seated her long a.ccustomed place upon her knoll and thought. Before him lay himself in his library and attempt­ father's knee, and throwing her the beautiful valley, guarded on ed to read. What could be the mat­ arms around his neck, laid her glow­ either side by its lofty hills, and ter? Usually he could command ing cheek, half hidden by the cluster­ •watered by its placid river. It was his thoughts at will; but now he ing curls, against his own. He knew a lovely picture, an das his eyes rest­ could think of nothing but the scene by her appearance that she had ed upon the village, nestling among on the mountain, or the little com­ something to say. but did not dare its now gorgeous shade trees and pany in the house of God. Slowly to say it. To remove this fear, he scarlet shrubbery, he could not help passed the hours, and many time began to question her about her thinking of that company who were did he find himself, in spite of his res­ Sabbath School. He inquired after then gathered in the little church, olution not to do so, looking down her teacher, and who were her class with its spire pointing heavenward, the road for the head of his dapple- mates, what she learned, etc. Grad­ and asking himself the question, grey to emerge from the valley. It ually the shyness wore away, and "Why are they there?" seemed a long time before the rum­ the heart of the guileless, praying While thus engaged, his attention bling of the wheels was at length child came gushing forth. She told was attracted by the peculiar chirp­ heard upon the bridge which cross­ him all that had been done that day, ing of a ground sparrow near by. ed the mountain stream, followed in what her teacher had said of the He turned, and but a few feet from a few moments by the old carry-all prayer meeting at noon, and who him saw a large black snake with creeping slowly up the hill. spoke, and how many requested the its head raised about a foot above The return of the family somewhat prayers of Christians. Then folding its body, which lay coiled upon the changed the course of his thoughts. her arms more closely around his ground. Its jaws were distended, They did not say anything to him neck and kissing him tenderly, she its forked tongue playing around about the good meetings they had added, its open mouth, flashing in the sun­ enjoyed, and who had been convert­ "Oh, father, I do wish you had light like a small lambent flame, ed since the last Sabbath; but they been there." while its eyes were intently fixed up­ talked it alloveramongthemselves, "Why do you wish I had been on the bird. There was a clear, and how could he help hearing? He there, Ella?" sparkling light about those eyes learned all about "how farmer Has- "Oh, just to see how happy Nellie - that was fearful to behold—they call talked, ' and "how humble and Wilson looked while her grandfather fairly flashed with their peculiar devoted esquire Wiseman appear­ was telling us children how much he binding fascination. The poor spar­ ed," and "how happy Benjamin and loved the Savior, and how sorry he row was fluttering around a circle of Samuel were," though he seemed was that he did not give his heart some few feet in diameter, the circle busy with his book, and pretended to his heavenly Lather when he was becoming smaller at each gyration to take no notice of what was said. young. Then he laid his hand on of the infatuated bird. She appear­ It was indeed true then that his Nellie's head, who was sitting by his ed conscious of her danger, and yet friend, the old lawyer, had become side, and said, 'I thank God thathe unable to break the spell that bound pious. He had heard the news be­ ever gave me a little praying grand­ her. Nearer and still nearer she fore, but did not believe it. Now he daughter to lead me to the Savior.' fluttered her little wings to those had learned it as a fact. That And, father, 1 never in ail my life open jaws; smaller and smaller grew strong-minded man, who had been saw any one look so happy as Nellie the circle, till at last, with a quick, a skeptic all his days, and had ridi­ did." convulsive cry, 'she fell into the culed and opposed religion, was Mr. Lowe made no reply—how mouth of the snake. now a subject of "the children's re­ could he? Could he not see where As Mr. Lowe watched the bird, he vival." What could it mean ? Was the heart of his darling Ella was? became deeply interested in her fate. there something in religion, after Could he not see that by what she He started a number of times to de­ all? Could it be that what these had told him about esquire Wise­ stroy the reptile and thus liberate poor fanatics, as he had always call­ man and his pet Nellie, she meant he the sparrow from her danger, but ed them, said about the future world should understand how happy she an unconquerable curiosity to see was correct? Was there a. heaven, should be if her father was a Chris­ the end restrained him. All day long and a hell, and a God of justice? tian? Ella had not said so in words the scene just described was before Were his darling children right, and —that was a forbidden subject—but him. He could not forget it or dis- was he alone wrong ? Such were the the language of her earnest, loving msis it from his mind. The last cry thoughts of the boasted infidel as look and manner was not to be mis­ of that poor little bird sinking into he sat there listening to the half- taken ; and the heart of the infidel 352 EiYA-KGrEXIlUIGAK Y1SITOR. Nov.i5,i8oo. father was deeply stirred. He kiss­ of newly a.wakened terror through agonized. With undoubting trust ed the rosy cheek of the lovely girl, his throbbing heart. in the promises, they waited at the and taking his hat left the house. Hastening to his chamber, he mercy seat, and their prayers were He,walked out into the field. He threw himself into a chair. The ac­ heard. Faith conquered. The Spir­ felt strangely. Before.he was aware cents of prayer again fell upon his it came and touched those penitent of the fact he found his infidelity ear. He listened. Yes, it was the hearts with the finger of love, and leaving him, and the simple, artless clear, sweet voice of his little pet. then sorrow was turned to joy— religion of childhood winning its Ella was praying—was praying for their night, dark and cheerless and< way to his heart. Try as hard as him! "0 Lord, bless my dear father. gloomy, was changed to a blessed he might, he could not help believ­ Make him a Christian, and may he day. ing that his little Ella was a Chris­ and dear mother be prepared for They arose from their knees, and tian. There was a reality about her heaven." Ella sprang to the arms of her fath­ simple faith and ardent love that Deeply moved, the father left the er, and together they rejoiced in was truly "the evidence of things house and hastened to the barn. God.—Sel. not seen." AVhat should he do? He would fain escape from those Should he yield to this influence, and words of piercing power. They were A scholar in one of the mission be led by his children to Christ? like daggers in his heart. He enter­ schools in New York wrote a letter What! Capt. Lowe, the boasted in­ ed the barn. Again he heard a to his superintendent. Six little fidel, overcome by the weakness of voice. It comes stealing down from words written on a piece of brown excited childhood? The thought the hay-loft, where John his only wrapping paper; but they were full roused his pride, and with an ex­ son was praying for his father. It of meaning: "Mr, Wells, I've got to clamation of impatience at his folly, was too much for the convicted man, Jesus." His footsteps in the right he suddenly wheeled about, and re­ and rushing to the house, he fell, road had gladdened the heart of the tracing his steps, with altered ap­ sobbing, upon his knees by the side teacher; but at length he had got pearance he re-entered his house. of his wife, and cried, all the way to Jesus. It was no His wife was alone, with an open "Oh, Mary, I am a poor lost sin­ longer moving toward Jesus, but Bible before her. As he entered, he ner! Our children are going to he was now with Jesus. saw her hastily wipe away a tear. heaven, and 1—I—am going down In passing her, he glanced upon the to hell! Oh, wife, is there mercy for THE BEST BOOK, open page, and his eye caught the a wretch like me?" words, "YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN." Mrs. Lowe was completely over­ O blessed Book, whose every line They went like an arrow to his come. She wept for joy. That her Tells of some wondrous truth divine ' 0 Book of books ! God's holy Word, heart. TRUTH, said a voice within, husband could ever be her compan­ Preaching of Jesus Christ our Lord ! with such fearful distinctness that ion in the way of holiness she had 1 love to read the sacred page, he started at the fancied sound ; and never dared to hope. Yes, there Of patriarch, prophet, priest and sago ; the influence which he had just sup­ was mercy for even him. "Come Of saints of old who lived and died, posed banished from his heart, re­ unto me, and 1 will give you rest." Of Jesus Christ the crucified : turned with a tenfold power. The Christ had said it, and her heart The story of the Savior's birth, strong man trembled. Leaving the told her it was true. Together they "Good will to men, and peace on earth," When listening shepherds in the night sitting room, lie ascended the stairs would go to this loving Savior, and Glad tidings heard from angels bright. leading to his chamber. Passing their little ones should show them And then that life of perfect love, Sarah's room, a voice attracted his the way. Mercy descending from above, attention. It was the voice of pray­ The children were called in. They When God with man did come to dwell, er. came from the places of prayer Jesus our Lord—Immanuel— "0 Lord, save my dear father. where they had lifted up their hearts Who lived that we might learn to live, Who died eternal life to give, Lead him, to the Savior. Let him to that God who had said, "What­ Rose from the dead that we might rise see that he must be born again. Oh, soever ye shall ask the Father in my To dwell with him beyond the ?kies. let not satan deceive him, let not name, he will give it you." They God's law must guide my wandering feet, the serpent charm him. Save, .0 had agreed in asking the Spirit's in­ God's promises my refuge sweet, save my dear father." fluence upon the hearts of their God"s pardoning love my hope and trust He could listen no longer. "Let parents, and it had been granted. When this frail form returns to dust. O best of books ! the Way ! the Light! not the serpent charm him!" AVas They gathered around their weep­ Grant I may read its truths aright, he then like that helpless bird who ing, broken-hearted father, and peni­ Live by its laws of love divine, fluttering around the head of the tent mother, and pointing them to And make its priceless blessing mine ! serpent, fell at last into the jaws of the cross of Jesus, long and earn­ Selected by Jos. E. BAKER. death? The thought sent a torrent estly they prayed, and wept, and Easton, Ohio.