tihvavy of Che trheolojical ^emmarjp 
 
 PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Rufus H. LeFevre 
 
 BXi578 
 .5.D7S 
 
■^ ^Aitostas •Hbo*'-*'' 
 
 t/r^i/l1^ 
 
^' " "^v^ 
 
 APR 21 L.. 
 
 imp. 
 
 LS^^ 
 
 ' ^rre' 
 
 Otterbeii^Birtl^^avjBool^. 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 Bzhction^ from ttje turttrngs JDf a large number of 
 men ani momen actbe ant) nsefnl in 
 Cljrlsttan WDork. 
 
 BY RHY. MARION R. DRURY, A. M. 
 
 DAYTON, OHIO: 
 
 W.J. SHUEY, Fublisfcier. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The anniversaries of our birth are among the happy days of life. 
 They furnish occasions for family reunions, social gatherings, expressions 
 of affedlion and esteem, and the bestowment of gifts, together with the 
 narration of pleasing reminiscences. Hence it is that a book in which to 
 chronicle the birthdays of friends soon acquires an interest and value 
 which attach to but few other books. In the course of years such a book 
 becomes a treasure whose worth is above computation. 
 
 Then, too, the modern birthday book, unlike those of former times, has 
 become the receptacle of the choicest utterances of noble thinkers and 
 adlors. This gives to such a volume intrinsic and pradlical worth. 
 
 The design of the compiler of this book has been to put upon every 
 page some word of wisdom, some inspiring sentiment, or some suggest- 
 ive thoiight which will contribute worthy incentives to an earnest and use- 
 ful life. Such words, sentiments, and thoughts abound in the following 
 pages, and it is to be hoped that all who come to possess the book may 
 find many promptings to a strong and hearty purpose to walk in the ways 
 of virtue and true nobility. 
 
 The autographs of a few persons are given under the dates of their 
 birth, thus serving to show how the names of friends may be recorded in 
 the blank spaces of the book. The names of nearly two hundred others, 
 who are widely known in consequence of their Christian charaAer and 
 usefulness, are printed under the dates of their birth. The book is in- 
 tended as an autograph album as well as a book for birthday records, and 
 will make a most suitable holiday or birthday present. There is some- 
 thing in it for everybody, old and young, something helpful and good for 
 eveiy day in the year. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The name of a great and good man deserves immortality. Such a man 
 was Bishop Philip William Otterbein — talented, scholarly, and abundant in 
 labors. Though dead for more than three -score and ten years, he still 
 speaks, and to-day lives in the affe(5lions of grateiul thousands, who ten- 
 derly cherish the memory of his long and fruitful life. 
 
 In 1812 Bishop Francis Asbury, an intimate friend and co- laborer, paid 
 this high tribute to Mr. Otterbein's standing and character: "He is one of 
 the best scholars and greatest divines in America." 
 
 When Bishop Asbury received the ?,ad news of the death of his friend 
 and trusted counselor, he exclaimed, "Is Father Otterbein dead? Great 
 and good man of God! An honor to his church and his country. One of 
 the greatest scholars and divines that ever came to America, or born in it." 
 
 A few months later Bishop Asbury visited Baltimore, and by special re- 
 quest preached a sermon of great tenderness in memory of "the holy, the 
 great Otterbein." Speaking of this occasion in his journal, Mr. Asbury 
 says: "Forty yeai'S have I known the retiring modesty of this man of God, 
 towering majestic above his fe.41ows in learning, wisdom, and grace, yet 
 seeking to be known only to God and the people of God." 
 
 Dr. Daniel Zacharias, a noted and influential minister in the Reformed 
 Church, wrote in 1847 the following: "Mr. Otterbein was a ripe scholar, 
 and a devoted and pious mau, who lived in God and God in him. By his 
 agency a new life was broug nt into the church, at first as a mustard - seed, 
 but later as a tree whose branches afforded a grateful resting - place to 
 many. He was respected -and revered even bj' those who disapproved of 
 his measures, and throughout life his charadler stood unsullied by a single 
 stain." 
 
 Rev. Dr. J. D. Kurtz ( )f the Lutheran Church, Otterbein's friend, and 
 for twenty -seven years " lis co- laborer in Baltimore, preached a discourse 
 in German at his funeral, from Matt, xx: 8 — "Call the laborers and give 
 
 5 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 them their hire." It was a fitting text for one that had spent sixty -five 
 years in the ministry. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Kurtz, years afterward, wrote: " Otterbein, that true and 
 2|.^jng- witness, whose memory I hold dear and cherish in my heart of 
 hearts '^^^ ^'■'^^ laboring in faith and patience when I commenced preach- 
 ing the ^°''P°^! but 'a short time before my arrival in Baltimore the Master 
 had called ^^"^ home. The pious part of the community still delighted in 
 calling to miVi^ ^i^ undlious sermons, his holy walk and conversation, and 
 his wonderful .s't.'^cess in winning sinners from the error of their ways. 
 -;■:■ •;•;- * He was a t'^holar as well as a saint." 
 
 Bishop J. Weaver s^vs, "The memory of such a life as Otterbein lived 
 and the work he perform'^ should never be lost." 
 
 It is to the memory of Jiis eminent, pious, and useful man that this 
 
 book is gratefully dedicated. 
 
 ^ THK COMPILER 
 
IMI 
 
 A NEW -YEAR VISION. 
 
 Midway between the evening and the morning star 
 
 There swung, heaven -poised, a white- winged scroll of time, 
 
 Shedding resplendent gleams of promise from a^ar 
 Of deeds great grown through purposes sublime. 
 
 Above, an angel's face, emerged from heavenly light, 
 Smiled, as he held the scroll and floated down. 
 
 Alluring, while he broke the hidden bolts of night. 
 Each child of earth to win celestial crown. 
 
 Beneath, dark -shaded, bidder, from the light above. 
 
 Another lurked so vile 'twere base to name, 
 With eyes fast set in hellish greed, and ceaseless strove 
 
 All good and impulse holy to defame. 
 
 Of countless throng ctime each upon the scroll to trace 
 
 One line of life, cf good or evil done; 
 Nor pure and true, nor false and vile, could aught efface — 
 
 The record mare was an eternal one. 
 
 Immense diversity of lives, concentering all. 
 
 And blending multitudes of right or wrong; 
 Each heeding now the angel's or the demon's call. 
 
 Allying thus with good or godless throng. 
 
 One poor, disconsolate, and wandering wearied child 
 
 Bowed lovily at the scroll ere he begun; 
 And tears and praj^ers outpoured, till bright the angel smiled. 
 
 And took the trembling hand and traced "well done." 
 
 C. M. Hott. 
 
THE NEW YEAR. 
 
 Good -by, Old Year. Welcome New Year. We say good -by because 
 
 we must, and because we love to do so. We rush on. The tide of events 
 
 •^nd the current of our lives and sympathies are onward forever. The new 
 
 • stands at the door. We gather up our feet and press from the old 
 year. & t- 
 
 ^ ^, new. We love to do so because our bosoms swell with life. We 
 to the 
 
 , J > because time turns its cycles and we can not resist its changes, 
 must do so -^ , 
 
 .ne as this the heart will be chastened by the remembrance 
 At such a til . ,• , J J 
 
 nperformed and many resolves still unaccomplished and 
 of many vows u. . , , 
 
 , , nrealized. It will be of no service to try to place the 
 
 many good hopes u ..,,,, 
 
 , , Enough of the fault lies with self; and as for 
 
 blame here and there. . . , 
 
 rh to bear without our imposing more upon them, 
 others, they have enout 
 
 ^ , . . , , ^ do well to escape it for a better future. 
 
 God pities the past, and wt 
 
 /. IV. Hott. 
 
 otterbein' 
 
 .^ „ ^ , . ,. . . '^ed by those qualities that, 
 
 Phillip William Otterbem was distmguisl . , ^ . 
 
 , ,. 1 , denominated great. Provi- 
 
 wherever found, the consent of mankind has v , , . 
 
 -,.,,. r^ . . r of Otterbem. His per- 
 
 dential direction is plainly manifest in the caret 
 
 . . 1- movement among the 
 
 sonal experience, his position toward the reviva 
 
 ^ . . , . this movement into a 
 
 Germans in America, and his part in ore-anizinsr ... r, . , 
 , ^ . o & -i^jjg jj^g charadter, tal- 
 
 church, furnish the leading points in his career. W- 
 
 :ause us to honor his 
 ents, scholarship, and successful labors of Otterbein i , , , . ,.^ , 
 
 'Its of his life-work 
 
 name, we may also rejoice in that the surviving- resu , . ._ ^ 
 
 . * the most significant 
 
 have the authority of providential sanctions. One of. , , , 
 
 has been pleased 
 and assuring utterances of Otterbein was, "The lyord , 
 
 graciously to satisfy me fully that the work will abide.' 
 
 A. IF. Drury. 
 
January i. 
 
 ^/^C^^lZaJ^ ^^^t^ci^ ^iyLtQ^ 
 
 January 2. 
 
BISHOP OTTERBEIN. 
 
 He is now more favorably known than he was at the day of his death. 
 
 It is known that Otterbein left but few written documents behind him to 
 
 speak of the vigor of his intellecfl, or the purity of his life. It is a fadl, 
 
 however, that, although unconscious to himself, he wrote his name upon 
 
 the hearts of unborn generations. It is not the books that Luther, Calvin, 
 
 or Wesley wrote that cause their names to be so dear to Christians of the 
 
 present generation. It is true their writings extended their usefulness, 
 
 both before and after death, but their fame rests upon something more 
 
 permanent than books. They, like OtterbeirJ^ possessed the nameless 
 
 power, while living, to make an impress, not only upon their countrymen, 
 
 but upon humanity itself 
 
 L. Davis. 
 
 ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN. 
 
 I beg you to settle your course on high moral principles. In choosing 
 what you shall do ask one question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to 
 do?" Deal honestly with your souls and your Savior. As you love your- 
 selves and care for heaven, let your decision of this great question be hon- 
 estly settled now. Do not move without God. Shun no responsibilities, 
 no sacrifice, if he impose them. Dream of no success, no honor, no enjoy- 
 ments, without his sanation. Run lawfully if you would be crowned. 
 Take with you into life the great principles of the gospel. Abide by them. 
 They are strong, and will uphold the weakest; they are enduring, and will 
 last to the end. Lean upon them; build upon them; trust them. Trust 
 them with all the heart and with all the soul, and then be sure "the gates 
 
 of hell" can not j^revail against you. 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner. 
 
January 3. 
 Bishop Henry Kumler, sen., 1775. Rev. William Davis, 1812. 
 
 January 4. 
 
THE WONDROUS GIFT. 
 
 Oil ! how vast the difference between the overwhelming gift of grace in 
 Christ, to us, and our gift of a portion of our money for the purpose of the 
 spread of the light and truth of God far and wide, even to Africa's down- 
 trodden and degraded millions, to those on the frontier or anywhere else. 
 The field is the world, the whole world. 
 
 J. Markwood, i8^^. 
 
 THE CHURCH AT PRAYER. 
 
 There is scarcely a more solemn and beautiful sight than an assembly 
 of Christians, all bowed before the mercy -seat in earnest, fervent prayer; 
 all confessing their guilt, their helplessness, and entire dependence upon 
 the divine vSavior for salvation. It is a sight that moves heaven and earth. 
 Angels look on with delight, and God himself smiles in approbation, lift- 
 ing the cloud from the burdened soul, and making the place luminous as 
 with the light of heaven. Sinners, too, and those who are skeptical on the 
 subject of revealed religion, are often struck dumb in the presence of such 
 
 a scene. 
 
 D. Edu<a7'ds, 1S62. 
 
January 5. 
 Rev. Henry Kephart, 1S02. 
 
 January 6. 
 Rev. M. P. Doyle, li 
 
TO YOUNG CHRISTlANvS. • 
 
 Beware how you enter the dominions of your adversary. Confess your 
 L,ord and Master at all times and on every occasion when and where ex- 
 pedient and necessary. To do so, let all the world know that you are on 
 the Lord's side and determined to be a humble follower of the L,ord Jesus; 
 but never unnecessafily enter into any disputes, on religious subje(5ls, with 
 the ungodly, or such persons as do not enjoy the life and power of re- 
 ligion. You may be enticed to the combat to gratify your vanity in expos- 
 ing to view the proficiency you have made in religion, or you may think 
 more highly than you ought to, of your talent, power, and dexterity to 
 combat your enemy. Rely upon it, if you are not wholly conquered and 
 subdued you will at least carry awaj' some wounds, or receive some stabs 
 injurious to your peace of mind and without application to the Physician 
 
 of souls, they may prove mortal. 
 
 Christian Newcomer. 
 
 THE POWER OF LOVE. 
 
 "Lovest thou me?" The question is important to all. It is especially 
 important to the Christian. It stimulates him and gives him a fresh zeal 
 and a relish for the discharge of all Christian duties. The good man de- 
 lights in religious duties. He loves his closet, he loves the family altar, 
 he loves the place of social prayer, and he loves to worship God in the 
 great congregation. He loves to read the Scriptures, and he loves to min- 
 ister to the wants of the needy. He loves to perform these duties exactly 
 in the proportion that he loves Jesus Christ. The sweetest moments of 
 his life are those in which he holds communion with his God in the use 
 of some means of grace; and there is a sweetness in his life and service 
 which he could not have but for the fadl that he loves Jesus Christ. 
 
 Alexaiider Oiven. 
 
 H 
 
January 7. 
 Rev. Isaiah Potter, 1S19. 
 
 January 8. 
 Rev. David Kosht, 1S37. 
 
 15 
 
THE HIGHEST CALLING. 
 
 Ministers should consider the dignity of the position they occupy. They 
 move in the same train and labor with prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ 
 himself. It is no mean company, nor is it a mean employment. It is the 
 highest, noblest calling on earth. It is not true that James A. Garfield 
 went up to the presidency. He went down from the ministry to the White 
 House. When Andrew Jackson was president a minister called upon him 
 and asked to be appointed to an oiEce which he very much desired to fill. 
 The president asked him what his profession was. He replied that he was 
 a minister. "Well," said the president, "you had better hold on to that, 
 for I have no office within my gift that will compare with it." The old 
 hero was not much of a Christian, but he usually kept on hand a good 
 supply of common sense. The prophet said that those who turn many to 
 righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever. Those who now 
 go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again — come 
 when the work is done; come when the conflicft is over; come in the morn- 
 ing rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 THE TRUE MANHOOD. 
 
 To be a true man is to be one of the noblest objects of God's creation. 
 Some people think that to be a man means to be brave, daring, chivalrou.s, 
 or self- asserting, obstinate, and reckless. Some seem to think it is syn- 
 onymous with conventional politeness, or that it is inseparable from fine 
 clothing and display. Some even regard the cigar, the wine - glass, and 
 cards as the distinguishing marks of the true man. Others make it to 
 consist almost wholly in intelledlual culture and accomplishments. Intel- 
 ledlual culture and accomplishments do not, however, produce the highest 
 type of manhood, else might some of the most notorious villains be es- 
 teemed among the finest gentlemen. There is a good deal that is fictitious 
 and merely conventional in the modern charadler popularly denominated 
 
 a gentleman. 
 
 J. P. Landis. 
 
 i6 
 
January 9. 
 Rev. S. Sutton, 1831. 
 
 January 10. 
 
 [2] 17 
 
RELIGION AT HOME. 
 
 The best provisions for the body can not satisfy the wants of the mind, 
 
 and the best culture and feeding of the mind can not meet the demands of 
 
 the soul. But God has provided for this our highest nature in the gift of 
 
 his Son, bestowing peace, joy, and hope through him. Without being happy 
 
 ourselves, we can not impart happiness to others ; and without our higher 
 
 nature being in harmony with God, we can not be happy. The very nature 
 
 of religion is to diffuse itself. Its light is to shine, and to shine first of 
 
 all and most of all in the family home. And what altar more sacred than 
 
 the family altar? "Where in all the world' is religion so attradlive, so 
 
 blessed, as at home ? When those who are so closely allied by natural ties, 
 
 — father, mother, brother, sister, — bend together at the home altar, it would 
 
 seem as if angels come near to behold the scene, and share in the joy it 
 
 affords. 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 THE BREVITY OF LIFE. 
 
 How emblematic and significant is the flower of the field of our own 
 introduc^lion into this sublunary world, and of our exit out of the same; 
 how short is every stage. How hurriedlj' we pass through each and step 
 from one period of life to another. And infinitely shorter still is our 
 transition from the mortal to the immortal state. And how many gay 
 flowers cease to delight the eye and to perfume the air while soft winds 
 blow, or ere autumn coolness has had time to bid them depart. Even so 
 a dearly loved one has bloomed before our eyes, and by her sparkling 
 beauties promised future hope and delight, but like some sweet flower she 
 is no more. 
 
 H. G. Spayth. 
 
January ii. 
 
 January 12. 
 
 19 
 
INFLUENCE OF A HOI.Y LIFE. 
 
 A holy life is fitly represented by yon lofty tower as it stands there in 
 that desert waste, with its top towering far above the clouds. The winds 
 and storms of the desert are fiercely howling about its base, but its top 
 rests in eternal sunshine and calm. So is it with the saint of God on 
 earth. The winds and the storms of the howling desolations of sin and 
 wretchedness may chant their requiems about him; but his hopes, aspira- 
 tions, and afifeAions being dead to the world, his soul rests in sweet re- 
 pose on the bosom of the Infinite, to whom he has consecrated all. Noth- 
 ing in the church or out of it is so much needed at the present time as 
 this holy consecration, this holy life. The inner life of the soul raises its 
 possessor into the pure heavenly atmosphere of love; and rendering him 
 almost omnipotent for good, he moves among his fellow - men like a flame 
 
 of fire. 
 
 E. B. Kephart. 
 
 FAMILY CONVERSATION. 
 
 There is a real pleasure in the conversation in the family group in which 
 each member performs his part. A finer, deeper, and better acquaintance 
 is formed, which tends to a purer and better love and a sweeter sympathy 
 for one another. The cares of the world and the cares of business are for- 
 gotten, or at least distributed among the whole until the weight is gone in 
 the mutual bearing. Family cares, misunderstandings, and sorrows are lost 
 in the more pleasant hour of sweet family communion. Let the children 
 talk some. Proper parental instrudlion will soon teach them when it is 
 improper for them to be heard; but let them have their turn. Their little 
 minds and thoughts are quick, and they must talk. The parents will not 
 know what the children are when out of sight if they are not permitted to 
 
 talk when with them. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
January 13. 
 
 January 14. 
 
FOIvLOWING CHRIST. 
 
 Christ is not only a commander, but a leader. There is no point of 
 
 temptation, insult, or danger, no place so rough, affli<Slive, or toilsome, no 
 
 vale so dark and dreary or steep, so abrupt, that he does not go before his 
 
 people, leading the way and bidding them look unto him. While Jesus 
 
 teaches the way, and maps the way, and leads the way, it is ours to follow 
 
 him. 
 
 William Davis. 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 Our mother! We shall never forget those soft hands that wiped the 
 
 falling tear from our cheeks. They have left their impress indelibly 
 
 there. And the lips from which fell so many kind words, and have so 
 
 often pressed ours with showers of kisses, have left a touch which shall 
 
 never be erased therefrom — never; no, never. The grace may hide her 
 
 from sight; or if spared, gray locks may cover her temples; her brow may 
 
 be covered with long lines, and her cheeks with furrows, but she will lose 
 
 none of her loveliness. She is our mother still. 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
January 15. 
 Prof. David N. Howe, A. M., 1848. 
 
 January 16. 
 
 Bishop Henry Kumler, jr., 1801. Rev. Randolph Rock, A. M., 1851. 
 Rev. Hiram Klwell, 1S33. Rev. J. W. Fulkerson, 1822. 
 
 23 
 
GOD -CHOSEN MEN. 
 
 That brave, courageous three hundred, eliminated from an army of cow- 
 ards, sifted from a lesser army of men not swift for aftion, went forward 
 for victory, — a few against a multitude. They are the type of the men 
 whom God chooses out of the great mass of humanity to do for him his 
 best work. Courage, adaptation, and agility are qualities indispensible in 
 the struggle. And then, after all, it is not of Gideon's army as of God 
 that the work is done. He chooses his men, and working through them 
 achieves the vidlory. 
 
 D. Berprcr. 
 
 TRUE EDUCATION. 
 
 Moral culture — the culture of the soul — must go hand in hand with the 
 culture of the intelledl. Educate the masses in this their twofold nature 
 and the republic is safe. Give them soul -culture as well as mind develop- 
 ment. No high degree of success can be wrought out without this. Teach 
 them not onh' to know, but to be; for after all is said, it is not so much 
 what a man knows, as what he is, that is of importance. Hence those 
 educational institutions that combine the culture of the soul with the de- 
 velopment of the mind, and only these, are the best promoters of that 
 human culture which is .so essential to the perpetuity of our free institu- 
 tions. 
 
 1. L. Kephart. 
 
 24 
 
January 17. 
 President Samuel B. Alien, D. D., 1S30. Rev. Wm. Fisher, 1S13. 
 
 January iS. 
 
 25 
 
THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST- LIKE. 
 
 Some one has said, ' ' A selfish man will not sow his seed except he 
 reap the whole harvest, nor plant the vines except he press all the grapes 
 into his own vessel. The wheel of his diligence will not move except the 
 oil of profit be in it. ' ' Although we were not born for ourselves, yet it is 
 hardly possible that the natural man can be unselfish. While the world- 
 ling bestows benefits upon others for his own sake, the Christian does it 
 for their sakes. That is the purest benevolence which has the least of self 
 in it, and that benevolence has the least of self in it which has the most of 
 Christ in it. Christ was a perfedl benefadtor of mankind. He could have 
 no selfish motive in what he has done for us. The Christian is, in his 
 capacity, a fac- simile of Christ, and must therefore be admitted to be the 
 true benefa(5lor of his race. Christ loved the world; so does the Christian. 
 Christ gave himself for the world; so does every true believer. Christ 
 
 went about doing good; so does the Christian. 
 
 W. [. S/iuey. 
 
 VICTORY FOR THE RIGHT. 
 
 In the struggle of morals in all ages, the highest type of purity has 
 been in a great minority. In the efforts to educate, ignorance has ever 
 commanded more suffrages than culture has. In the efforts to cure dis- 
 ease, the medical profession has been in most cases defeated. Shall we 
 therefore conclude that morality, and education, and medicine are to be 
 awarded tokens of defeat ? Nay ; but vi<5lory belongs to every one that 
 does a noble part in promoting any of those interests. So vi(5tory is the 
 just award of every one that battles for Christ, for truth, for the right, 
 though his efforts meet with but partial success, and even though he die 
 with the cries of derision pouring into his ears. Any degree of success is 
 
 victory if it is for Christ, for truth, and for the right. 
 
 M. Wright. 
 
 26 
 
January 19. 
 
 January 20. 
 
 27 
 
COMMUNION WITH GOD. 
 
 We may have God in all our thoughts, make him the obje(5l of our 
 highest affec5tions, and the source of our greatest joys. We may enjoy 
 his counsel in all our worldly cares, have him partake with us in all our 
 religious feasts, and have the most bitter cup of sorrow sweetened by his 
 royal presence. The soul wholly devoted to Christ can as well feast at a 
 table spread with bitter herbs as with the richest dainties. Closely wedded 
 to the Lord, the Christian sees him in all his providences. To have con- 
 stant communion with him is to rejoice always, and in everything give 
 
 thanks. 
 
 J{^?>i. Hanbj', /Sjo. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 
 
 The human mind is subject to many and varied influences, but among 
 them all there is none so powerful as that of religion. When it is upper- 
 most in the mind and affedtions, it lays hold of, and holds with great 
 tenacity, the strongest passions of the heart; and being exercised by mo- 
 tives drawn from the world to come, it brings the whole soul into subjec- 
 tion, and rules in it and governs it with a power to which nothing else can 
 lay claim. Its influence also perv-ades the whole man. It not only forms 
 and diredts the outward habits and deportment of a man, but sitting on 
 the throne of the affedlions, it molds and shapes the heart and directs the 
 most secret workings of the mind. Hence religion gives chara6ler to indi- 
 viduals, to societj", to communities, and to nations. 
 
 J. A". Billlieinier. 
 
 28 
 
January 21. 
 
 Bishop Christian Newcomer, 1749. Prof. J. E). Guitner, 1841. 
 Rev. J. W. Nye, 1836. 
 
 January 22. 
 Rev. J. C. Smith, 1819. 
 
 29 
 
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. 
 
 Christianity, in its very nature, is diffusive. It is put into the hearts 
 of men and women that they may place it into the hearts and hands of 
 others. It is the world's only panacea for all its moral evils. There is no 
 substitute for it. It goes dire(5l to the object, and, if allowed its fullest 
 sway, works a radical reformation, beginning in the hearts of men and 
 working out to the habits. It offers no glittering paraphernalia. It goes 
 not in the guise of mysterious pass -words. It offers no political alliances 
 or agencies. Nothing in its hand but the cross of Christ; nothing on its 
 lips but the plain message of the gospel, and nothing with which to en- 
 force it but the persuasive eloquence of divine love. 
 
 M'. J. Shuey. 
 
 TO PARENTS. 
 
 Among all our duties, those we owe to our children stand out most 
 prominently. We owe them a Christian example, hearty encouragement 
 in every good work, and well-timed and wise instructions. We should 
 throw around them a breastwork to secure them from the vices to which 
 they are exposed, and encourage them to battle valiantly against all sinful 
 and soul - destroying influences. This will make the rising generation bet- 
 ter citizens, more useful and influential men and women, and will earlier 
 and more full}' develop in them pure Christian principles. 
 
 Solomoti VoHtiieda, iSjp. 
 
 30 
 
January 23. 
 
 January 24. 
 Rev. Lewis R. Jones, 1S53. 
 
 31 
 
PRAYER FOR COLLEGES. 
 
 If these institutions are such instruments of power, if they are a neces- 
 sity to the success of the church, if they are so closely connedled with the 
 very stability of Christianity itself, how appropriate for Christians, ay, how 
 incumbent it is upon them to pray for God's blessings upon them! Pray 
 that the teachers may be filled with the spirit of wisdom and of godliness. 
 Pray for the students, that their education may be san<flified to the promo- 
 tion of the truth and the glory of God. Pray for the agents, that they may 
 have wisdom and success in their very arduous and often discouraging 
 work. Pray that the people may properly appreciate these institutions and 
 liberally sustain them with their means. Pray that the colleges and sem- 
 inaries may be in the future even more than in the past adlive evangelistic 
 centers, where many shall be converted to God, and whence powerful evan- 
 gelistic influences shall go forth. 
 
 J. P. Landis. 
 
 PREACHING THE GOSPEL- 
 
 The work of preaching the gospel is of fearful import. Sorrow and joy 
 
 will ever mingle in the cup of the Lord's messenger, while in this vale 
 
 of tears. He will ever be obliged to sow in tears, but he. shall reap in 
 
 joy. The great and awful harvest is fast approaching. Soon every living 
 
 minister now in the gospel field will complete his labors and be called to 
 
 render an account of his stewardship. The scenes of the last judgment, 
 
 blended with our responsibility to God, and the salvation of souls, should 
 
 move to vigorous adlion every minister of the cross, if by any means he 
 
 may save some. Oh, that I could repeat the ministers' responsibilities in 
 
 trumpet tones in the ears of such as have partially or wholly left the field 
 
 of gospel labor for secular employments! 
 
 IVm. J?. Rhinehart, 1S48. 
 
 32 
 
January 25. 
 President Charles H. Kiracofe, A. M., 1845. 
 
 January 26. 
 
 [3] 33 
 
UNDERI.YING PRINCIPLES. 
 
 The great want of our times is to search out for great bodies of truth in 
 every phase or department in life. The life is more than meat and the 
 body than raiment. When Christ the great teacher taught, he taught not 
 details but systems; he dignified and glorified fundamental principles and 
 elevated his hearers to them. So it seems to me that for those who are 
 being educated, and to a jjegree will teach and light up the pathway of 
 others, nothing can be more important than the habit of looking for the 
 underlying principle, the inquiry, "Where am I in a system of truth?" 
 
 G. A. FunMiouser. 
 
 TO YOUNG MEN. 
 
 Young man, if you would be right, start right. If you would make a 
 success of life, start in the road that leads to success. Abandon your own 
 way if it is not in harmony with God's way. Seek first to be reconciled 
 to God, and let the all-absorbing purpose of your life be the glory of God, 
 and you have the promise that all needful things shall be added unto you. 
 When you undertake for God, God will undertake for you. His word stands 
 pledged to you that whatever material things are necessary shall be yours. 
 Then if you would be sure of support in life seek first the kingdom of God 
 and his righteousness. Would you be happy, seek first the kingdom of 
 God; for happiness can be found in no other way. Whatever your busi- 
 ness, lay it aside until you have secured the salvation of your soul. 
 
 C. H. Kiracofe. 
 
 34 
 
January 27, 
 Rev. Richard J. Parrett, 1847. 
 
 January 28. 
 
 35 
 
THE POWER OF MUSIC. 
 
 Music is a powerful means of expression and impression. It penetrates 
 the very depths of the soul, seeks out the tenderest emotions and senti- 
 ments, and is able to arouse or subdue, to brighten or extinguish them. 
 How wonderful is its influence over all sentient beings! The fabled 
 Orpheus tamed wild beasts with the bewitching tones of his voice. Es- 
 pecially does music affecfl the morals of men, drawing them from wild 
 passions, and calling out the "better angel of their nature." It has 
 brought tears from the eyes of the drunkard, and helped him to abandon 
 the cup. It lias delivered many a poor soul from his "evil spirit," and, 
 even more than David's harp could do for the proud king, lifted him into 
 a life of holiness before the Lord. What heart is so hard that it can not 
 be touched by the poetical strains of a sacred song? Many who have 
 withstood the appeals of sermon after sermon, can date their conversion 
 to the impression made upon them by some simple hymn. Music is one 
 of our spiritual devotions which will never be abandoned. We shall sing 
 
 in heaven. 
 
 /. IF. Etter. 
 
 GENUINE SUCCEvSS. 
 
 To the young comes again and again this all -important question, 
 "What is real success?" We all wish to succeed. How shall we, unless 
 we know the inherent element of success? Money is not success. Social 
 rank is not success. The applause of men is not success. Abundance of 
 leisure is not success. Worldly achievement is not success. A man ma}' 
 have all these and still be a failure. Real manhood or womanhood, 
 crowned with a rich and varied culture of body, mind, and heart, is gen- 
 uine success. 
 
 G. P. Macklin. 
 
January 29. 
 
 January 30. 
 President Henry Garst, D. D., 1836. 
 
 37 
 
A temperance; i^etter. 
 
 Baltimore, June 5, 1807. 
 
 Friend Hoeflich : — Although writing causes me much trouble, I feel 
 bound in my conscience to write you these few lines. I had not thought 
 to receive from time to time such unpleasant news from you. You are, 
 since you left Baltimore, above all measure in the habit of using strong 
 drink. Some of your friends had a suspicion of your drinking while you 
 were yet in Baltimore; but as we were not sure about it we hoped you 
 were wronged in this, because we thought much better of you than the 
 fadls warranted. Oh, this pains us very much. We must hear all around, 
 "Hoeflich is a great drunkard." Is it possible? A man that knows the 
 truth and confesses it fallen so awfully! This we had not expe<5led. We 
 hoped that you would be salt in your neighborhood — a light and leader. 
 Alas! it is to the contrary. My friend, you bring upon yourself a great 
 calamity. You bring sorrow upon your family. Your children will despise, 
 scorn you. But that is the least consideration. For a man to profess God 
 with his mouth and deny him with his works — that is awful! O Hoeflich! 
 you will be lost. But that is not all. You hurt the cause of Christ; and 
 besides strengthening the wicked in their ways you entice others and be- 
 come a partaker of their sins, and make yourself guilty of their blood, 
 whereby you bring upon yourself an awful judgment. Tremble, and turn! 
 You must either decide to go to hell or give up drinking. There is no 
 other way; and this you know and believe. Hoeflich, O Hoeflich, turn 
 quickly! lycave ofi"; it is time. Give up drinking; otherwise God will 
 give you up, and then, oh, woe! You ask, "Is there any help for me?" 
 There can be; there must be; there is. Your strength is too feeble-, but 
 the power of the Almighty is sufficient. But you must give up strong 
 drink. You must give it up entirely. And dare you hesitate ? Is it not 
 much better to suffer thirst in this world than to thirst in hell through 
 eternity? Oh, resolve to quit drinking. One thing I must tell you — Satan 
 will not let you loose very easily. But you need not fear. The almighty 
 Savior will help you. Venture upon him; he will sustain you. Pray, pray; 
 call aloud; persevere. Tell your wife and children, tell your dear friends, 
 to help you pray. Oh, how much better it would have been if 5^ou iiad 
 stayed with your family in Baltimore. At the time when you were here 
 this hellish spirit was j^et bound. Oh, that the Lord may have mercy upon 
 you, is my wish and prayer, for you and your house. 
 
 Your friend. 
 
 W. Otlerbein. 
 
 38 
 
January 31. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Huber, 17S2. Rev. Stephen Lillibridge, 1815. 
 Rev. John P. Anthony, 1834. 
 
 39 
 
WINTER SOI.STICES. 
 
 These brief bleak days, these long dark nights, 
 
 We rise on tiptoe e'en to mark 
 
 The solstice reached, the utmost verge, 
 
 The sun's return, a quicker dawn. 
 
 So oft in sorrow's long dark night, 
 . By faith we strive to pierce the gloom, 
 And cry, " How long, O Lord, how^ long 
 'Till thou return and bring the light?'' 
 
 Lizzie K. Miller. 
 
 40 
 
^BIMWPMIP 
 
 «> 
 
 THE TRUTH OF GOD PRUVAlI^ETH. 
 
 Why are you oft despairing, 
 
 When God would have you blest? 
 His promise are you fearing ? 
 
 Can in it find no rest? 
 The truth of God prevaileth, — 
 
 It ever must endure; 
 Its justice never faileth, 
 
 Its mercy is secure. 
 
 Though in their pride uprising, 
 
 The nations it oppose; 
 Its sacred form despising, 
 
 Their hatred full disclose; 
 The truth of God prevaileth, — 
 
 It ever must endure; 
 Its justice never faileth, 
 
 Its mercy is secure. 
 
 The moon may lose her station, 
 
 The sun grow cold and die; 
 IJarth lost in conflagration, 
 
 The stars their courses fly. 
 The truth of God prevaileth, — 
 
 It ever must endure; 
 Its justice never faileth. 
 
 Its mercy is secure. 
 
 The promise that he giveth, 
 
 Is sure as his own throne; 
 While God is God he liveth. 
 
 Of truth the corner-stone. 
 The truth of God prevaileth, — 
 
 It ever must endure; 
 Its justice never faileth, 
 
 Its mercy is secure. 
 
 E. S. Lorenz. 
 
 41 
 
CHRISTIAN MORALITY THE BASIS OF NATIONAL SECURITY. 
 
 There are but two principles of power in the government. The one is 
 the moral virtue of the people, the power of self-government, which gets 
 all its vital energy and puissance from the Holy Scriptures, and the other 
 is the power of the sword. And it is impossible to govern a nation with- 
 out one or the other of these forces; for it is certain the nation that throws 
 away the culture and support of religious principles deprives itself of the 
 only enduring security of self-government for the masses, and must ulti- 
 mately come to the last resort for protetftion, which is physical force, or 
 
 the arbitration of the bayonet. 
 
 John Kemp. 
 
 THE REWARD. 
 
 Missionaries and their families who go abroad and labor in the vine- 
 yard of the Lord, sacrificing health, wealth, and ease, will have a rich 
 reward in heaven. Those who give, and give liberally, for their support 
 will have a share with them in the bright world above. Money given to 
 the poor, or to the cause of missions, if given with the right motive, is 
 lodged in the bank of heaven, and will bring a big interest. If you have 
 
 the missionary spirit, keep it alive in your heart. 
 
 /. C. Bright, 1S55. 
 
February i. 
 
 February 2. 
 
 43 
 
THE COLLEGE A CENTER OE SPIRITUAL POWER. 
 
 Nothing will so clearly prove the utility and necessity of a college as 
 the fadl that it is a powerful center of truth — truth vitalized in holy work. 
 Nothing else will so surely bring to it the means for its support. I give 
 it as my judgment that the great need of our colleges and seminaries 
 to-day is power with God, the result of a profound consecration to his serv- 
 ice, both upon the part of those dire<5lly concerned in their management 
 and of the churches in whose locality they are situated. Our colleges 
 need powerful revivals. The young men and women in attendance upon 
 them need to be brought to Christ in great numbers. This will be the 
 result when the pulsations of the divine Spirit are perceptibly felt by all 
 who come in contadl with the college and with the church. Our college- 
 churches especially should "be filled with the Spirit."' 
 
 C. J. Kephart. 
 
 WOMEN LIVING FOR OTHERS. 
 
 Is it not noble, is it not grand, to live for others? And this excellent 
 work is not all given unto the men to do; women also are called. Oh, 
 thank God, women are also called into this glorious work of living for 
 others. Nor are all such workers on foreign shores we know; but in 
 schools, in hospitals, in their own homes are those living for others, suf- 
 fering for Christ's sake as essentially as others in foreign fields. We are 
 glad that woman's missionary societies are now organized and in working 
 order in nearly all the orthodox churches, giving so worthy an outlet to 
 so much soul -energy; and but a glance at woman's work is needed to 
 prove that it is a great power in the hands of God to hasten the fulfill- 
 ment of his commission. 
 
 Lizzie K. Miller. 
 
 44 
 
February 3. 
 
 February 4. 
 Rev. R. W. Parks, 1828. 
 
 45 
 
A ROYAL ROAD. 
 
 There 7S a royal road to learning, an imperial way to high rank in the 
 empire of mind; and it lies through love of learning, definiteness of aim, 
 concentration of attention, and systematic study, subordinated to the guid- 
 ance of the Holy Spirit in the soul. If all should be willing to travel this 
 road, there would be immediate promise of the reign of "sweetness and 
 light," as manifest in him who is wisdom and righteousness. More and 
 more would mind gain control of matter, and more would intelligence and 
 piety prevail to the utter overthrow of the powers of prejudice and wrong, 
 and the glad era dawn, when 
 
 "Deserts shall blossom atid the barren sing; 
 Justice and Mercy, Holiness, and Love 
 Among the people walk; Messiah reign, 
 And earth keep jubilee a thou-sand j-ears." 
 
 _/. E. Guitner 
 
 INFLUENCE. 
 
 Society is a great chain, and in it we all are links. When one is 
 touched or drawn, all are moved with it. We are members of one great 
 body; and when one member suffers, all the other parts sympathize with it. 
 We can not, if we would, avoid affeAing others by this secret power — oiir 
 life, our words, and our looks. The company we keep and avoid molds 
 others for good or evil; ?nd if we would withhold our influence by with- 
 drawing from society into the deepest solitude, that acfl would affeA them. 
 The sum and drift of our condu<5l here is a strong request for everybody 
 to be and do like us. We touch cords every day that will not cease to 
 vibrate, but will bless or curse man while eternity rolls or being lasts. 
 Our least adls are like pebbles cast into water — they start the ripple that 
 will roll until its undulations strike the eternal shore, and fashion char- 
 acter in the unseen regions of the immortal world. 
 
 \Vm. Dillon. 
 
 46 
 
February 5. 
 
 February 6. 
 Rev. George Adam Geeting, 1741. 
 
 47 
 
SINGLENESS OF AIM. 
 
 Every man should have one occupation, and make that his life-work. 
 
 A man who undertakes to be a farmer, preacher, docftor, lawyer, merchant, 
 
 and mechanic in this short life, lives to very little purpose, and is scarcely 
 
 missed when gone. He may have friends enough to bury him, but they 
 
 will feel almost happy to have the privilege of showing him such a favor. 
 
 If in matters of a temporal charaAer dire(5lness of purpose is necessary to 
 
 achieve the obje(5l of our pursuit, how much more in matters of religion, 
 
 upon which hang the destinies of the soul? 
 ^ 31. L. Tibbeits. 
 
 I,AST WORDS OF REV. GEO. A. GEETING. 
 
 "I feel as though niv end had come. Hark! hark! Who spoke? Whose 
 voice is this I hear? Light! light! what golden light! Now all is dark 
 again. Please help me out of this bed." His request being granted, he 
 said, "Now let us sing — 
 
 "Come, thou long expected moment, 
 Come thou Spirit from on high; 
 'Tis thy call, my Lord and Master; 
 How shall I express my j oy. 
 When thy grace and power of love 
 Bids ine rise to climes above!" 
 
 After the singing, the man of God sunk on his knees, leaning against his 
 bed, and prayed fervently, giving thanks to God for his abundant mercy 
 toward him. 
 
February 7. 
 
 Rev. A. Brazee, 1817. Rev. B. M. L,ong, A. M., 1847. 
 Rev. George Sickafoose, 1840. 
 
 February 8. 
 Rev. John W. I<illy, 1847. 
 
 [4I 49 
 
HOME -MAKING. 
 
 Is it not a religious duty to tell every young girl and woman that there 
 
 is no work in this wide world more useful, more far-reaching in its results 
 
 and influences, better calculated to call out all the good qualities of the 
 
 soul, mind, and spirit than doing everything in our power toward building 
 
 up a beautiful Christian home ? Let us think of it more, what it implies 
 
 to make a home. Not a place simply in which to eat and sleep, but — 
 
 how shall I describe it? I can not; but the memory and blessedness of it 
 
 overshadows my life with a holy benedidliou. You know (alas! all do not) 
 
 what it is — for all along memory's wall hang such beautiful pictures, and 
 
 in everyone making one and crowning all, is that of viother. Ah, it is 
 
 only another name for love as bright, as warm, as abiding as the sun in 
 
 the heavens. 
 
 Mrs. D. L. Rike. 
 
 MIND - FOOD. 
 
 Words, sentences, propositions, or signs of ideas presented to the mind 
 
 through the organs become mind -food, generate and grow thought. The 
 
 development of the mind and the formation of character depend upon the 
 
 nature of mind -food as much as the body, and its development depends 
 
 upon bread. As our thoughts are, so will our lives be. "As he thinketh 
 
 in his heart, so is he." There is another scripture which fits well to this, 
 
 — "From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. " Do you ask. 
 
 May I, can I, control my thought ? May I be master of my thoughts ? 
 
 I answer. Yes, if you will it so you may, as well as prevent the "birds 
 
 from building nests in your hair." If not, why the exhortation of the text, 
 
 "Think on these things?" We may not be able to prevent the suggestion 
 
 of a subjedl, but we can refuse to entertain it. We can keep out the evil 
 
 and entertain the good. I would emphasize, that if our thoughts are on 
 
 elevating themes we can not fall, no matter what our surroundings — ay! 
 
 more, we shall ascend. 
 
 D. R. Miller. 
 
 50 
 
February 9. 
 
 Jf^J. &X^^u^ , Z/^/ 
 
 February 10. 
 Rev. Isaac L,. Buchwalter, 1820. 
 
 51 
 
THE HIGHEST HONOR. 
 
 The honor attaching to faithful preachers of the gospel is above all 
 
 human language to express. Jesus said, "If any man serve me, him will 
 
 my Father honor." Let me suffer reproach from men, if it must be; but 
 
 the disapproval of God is intolerable. The sweetest experience in life is 
 
 the' approval of a good conscience and the honor of heirship in God's 
 
 blessed family. No honor can be higher, no fellowship more delightful. 
 
 From some cause I fear the dignity of the ministry and the respe(5l due to 
 
 those who preach the word are not what they ought to be. If the clergy 
 
 is to blame, let us look to Jesus' life and work as our model until we are 
 
 transformed into his image. The mind and spirit of Christ are especially 
 
 needed in those who are examples to the flock. 
 
 M. S. Driiry. 
 
 GRADUATION DAY. 
 
 Manj' have marked out their course previous to the day of graduation, 
 but some are yet looking for a field in which to work. Each face on that 
 great day betrays the questioning and thinking going on behind it, won- 
 dering what life will be, what place in the world's pleasure or the world's 
 work. Some, feeling the stir of high purposes, imagine they see into the 
 near future the desert rejoicing and blossoming as the rose, and others 
 wise enough to know that adlual results in life come slowly, and come 
 only after patient sowing and careful tending, look forward into- the far 
 future hoping in God's time much good may result from a life devoted to 
 his service. l,et each stop and consider whether nature has not given 
 endowments which should be considered in the choice of a pursuit. Are 
 there not among the number men and women who could best serve the 
 purpose of life by giving themselves to mission -work? Such a life does 
 not promise wealth as the world counts it, but shall receive a hundred- 
 fold, and "shall inherit everlasting life," for all sacrifices for the gospel's 
 
 sake. 
 
 Lillie R. Keister. 
 
 52 
 
February ii. 
 
 February 12. 
 
 53 
 
CORRECTING CHII^DRKN. 
 
 You should never corredl your children in anger. If you correct them 
 in a good-natured and affecflionate manner you can not fail to leave the 
 impression on their minds and hearts that you correct them for their good. 
 When I look back to the days of my childhood, I remember that good- 
 natured, kind words, or even corre(5tion with the rod administered in an 
 affedlionate manner, always made the best impression on my mind. Many 
 parents corre<5l their children only when they are angry, and then with a 
 wrong spirit and bitter words till they become discouraged and have no 
 heart to do anything for themselves or any one else. Rather let them en- 
 courage their children and make the impression on their minds that they 
 are dearly beloved and would be greatly missed from the family circle if 
 
 they were taken away. 
 
 William Miller. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN COI.I.EGE. 
 
 "The greatest conception of man is the Christian college." In college 
 the powers of the mind are awakened. Cultivation strengthens them. 
 Here the mind is led to greater depths and carried to loftier heights than 
 it would reach unaided. But if the mind is encouraged to fortify itself 
 against God, or if the moral influence is not good, or if the heart is neg- 
 ledled, it may resist truth, and see no God in nature, which it has learned 
 to love. But in a Christian college, a college which is consecrated to God 
 through Christ by the Holy Ghost, a moral influence is exerted. The vSpirit 
 makes truth impressive, and hearts are won to Christ. The mere college 
 aims to make the intelleAual nature master of the physical; but the Chris- 
 tian college aims at this and more — the moral nature is to govein the in- 
 telledlual as the intelle(5lual governs the physical. There is no less care 
 in mental discipline, there is as much thoroughness in the mastery of the 
 arts and sciences, there is as great attention in the cultivation of taste in 
 literature; but these are not the end. They are the means to an end. They 
 are to pav tribute to a superior. The whole man is to be cultivated, and 
 the cultivated man is to be God's. 5. B. Ervin. 
 
 54 
 
February 13. 
 
 February 14. 
 Rev. D. Berger, D. D., 1832. 
 
 3,^uLy2^J^/^ 
 
 55 
 
MORAIv RECTITUDK. 
 
 Various are the standards by which men determine the moral qualities 
 of their acStions. L,egal sanAion is the rule of some. Hence every adtion 
 which we escape legal censure is right. Expediency is the rule by which 
 not a few determine the character of their a<5tions. The standard of others 
 is their own sense of right and wrong. There is another rule which is 
 founded upon the traditions of the fathers. Well, so far as their example 
 is worthy, all right. But these rules have many exceptions and limita- 
 tions. The moral quality of actions must be determined by the will of 
 the L,aw- giver of the universe as we find it in the Christian Scriptures. 
 Here we have a standard of moral redlitude perfedl, complete, answering 
 to all time. To this standard all actions must be brought in order that w^ 
 may determine their moral quality. 
 
 /. T. Vardaman. 
 
 THE MEEK IN HEART. 
 
 Who sees the most beauty in the earth? Not the man who owns the 
 most of it. Who enjoys his food, clothing, and habitation the most fully 
 and sweetly ? Not the man who has the greatest abundance and most 
 excellent quality. No! He enjoys all natural attainments and possessions 
 who sees the most of the goodness and provident care of the lyord in 
 them. The meek think of their own unworthiness and of their Father's 
 merciful bounty. Every natural gift is a lavish goodness of the Lord, and 
 they recognize his love in it. Not only their bodies, but their souls are 
 fed at these earthly tables. They are contented and happy, for they trust 
 in him, and thus they enjoy every possession without fear of its loss. 
 Even the delights of the natural senses are fuller and richer, for there is 
 a heavenly delight within them. 
 
 W. M. Givens. 
 
 56 
 
February 15. 
 Rev. Levi Field, li 
 
 February 16. 
 
 57 
 
THE COURAGE OF FAITH. 
 
 The courage of faith made L,uther mightier than the Diet of Worms, and 
 the combined power of persecuting and bloody Rome, and enabled him to 
 say to his fearful friends who tried to persuade him not to appear to an- 
 swer the summons of Rome, "I would go if there were as many devils in 
 Worms as there are tiles on the roofs of the houses." He went. Would 
 the infidel or hypocrite have gone for his cause ? No. lyUther was moved 
 by the courage of faith — faith in the righteousness of his cause and in the 
 promise and protedtion of the forty - sixth psalm. He knew he was right 
 and that Rome was wrong. The hardest man to scare is the one who be- 
 lieves he is right and would rather please God than himself 
 
 R. Rock. 
 
 CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Bathing in its pure and limpid waters we shall be healed of the leprosy 
 of selfishness and covetousness, which are the prevailing elements of man's 
 nature, unrenewed by the power of divine grace. Christian friendship dis- 
 penses blessings to all around. While it is pure and holy in its character 
 and noble in its purposes, it does not pass the poor and suffering ones by, 
 but dispenses its gifts to the needy. It waits patiently by the bed of the 
 sick and dying, draws back the veil of mortality, and lets the light of 
 eternity fall upon the couch of death. In the performance of its mission 
 on earth there is a faithfulness, promptness, and constancy that show it to 
 
 be divine. 
 
 Halleck Floyd. 
 
 5S 
 
February 17. 
 
 February 18. 
 
 59 
 
INDIVIDUAIv RE;SPONSIBIIvITY. 
 
 Along with those of the church, our individual responsibilities have 
 kept pace. The increased growth in wealth, talent, and influence in the 
 church argues a providential plan for the discharge of these obligations; 
 for I notice that there are those who have scattered and yet increased, and 
 have realized the blessedness of giving. Can we not give praise to that 
 providence which, while like all unthinking creatures we have rushed into 
 the thick of the conflidt, and are become surrounded by hosts of responsi- 
 bilities, has yet presented plans and prepared agencies for their removal? 
 Now you will kneel to pray to-night, my brother, as a suppliant at 
 mercy's door. How must you feel with past obligations yet resting upon 
 
 you ? 
 
 D. F. U'ilbei-force. 
 
 WOMAN'S WORK FOR WOMAN. 
 
 The great fadt that gave a new impulse to woman's work for women 
 was, that men have almost no access to women in heathen countries, but 
 to women the door has been opened. Christianity is breaking down the 
 barriers which Mohammedanism and paganism had ere(5led, keeping wom- 
 en in worse than Egyptian bondage. Christian women have by these means 
 had their hearts filled with gratitude, and also with humility and a sense 
 of responsibility that has given rise to the various women's missionary so- 
 cieties. The gifts to the treasury of the Lord have thus been vastly in- 
 creased, and greater zeal is manifest in Christian work at home. The 
 influence of all this on woman herself has been most happy. She has 
 grown rapidly intelledlually and religiously, and is just as good a wife and 
 mother to-day as before a woman's missionary society existed. There is 
 no antagonism between the work abroad and the work at home. 
 
 Mrs. S. Haywood. 
 
 60 
 
February 19. 
 
 February 20. 
 Rev. Wm. McKee, 1831. Rev, A. A. Sellers, 1808. 
 
 61 
 
CHEAP .SAI^ES. 
 
 vSorue persons sell themselves for pleasure. They give loose reins to all 
 their appetites. They discard the idea of self-denial. Their motto is, 
 '• Uat and drink, for to-morrow we die." The question with them is, 
 How or where can I enjoy myself the most? They never think of results. 
 Where will this or that course end? is no question with them. They take 
 no thought for to-morrow. They live for the present. The sensualist is 
 such a man. The drunkard is such a man. The glutton is such a man. 
 Surely such persons sell themselves cheaply enough. 
 
 S. A . Mowers. 
 
 CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY. 
 
 When the bells ring the alarm of fire, then it is that the members of 
 the fire-companies run to their engines, seize their hose, their buckets, 
 their hooks and ladders, and citizens hasten along the streets almost 
 breathless, because property and life are in danger. When the nation's 
 life is in peril from an internal or an external enemy, then it is that the 
 government hastens to its preservation by every means within its power. 
 And when Christians see the world of mankind in rebellion against God, 
 that reconciliation can be brought about through Christ only, that all who 
 die irreconciled must perish, and that Christ has committed to his own 
 embassadors the words of reconciliation, it is then they fly on their divine 
 mission; it is then that whatsoever they do, they do it with their might. 
 
 Daniel Shuck. 
 
 62 
 
February 21. 
 
 February 22. 
 
 6-, 
 
BRICKS WITHOUT vSTRAW. 
 
 When a man marries a wife who has always earned her own money, 
 and after marriage goes the weary, wearing round of duty at his hearth- 
 stone, but with whom he never voluntarily divides a dollar of the income, 
 who must know how, where, and when she spends every dime he chooses 
 to dole out to her, upon her earnest solicitation, depriving her of that 
 noble independence which every true woman prizes above gold, one in- 
 voluntarily cries out "injustice," — " bricks without straw." When one or 
 several members of the church shirk their fair share of the church -ex- 
 penses, simply because they can. and leave their brethren to pay their 
 own, and a part of their share besides, one can but cry out injtistice, and 
 wish for a still more vigorous expletive to apply to such condudl. 
 
 C. Briggs. 
 
 TO THE AFFLICTED AND DISCONSOLATE. 
 
 Art thou undergoing some severe ordeal of suffering? Art thou affiicfted 
 in body and perplexed in mind? Hast thou been long tossed upon some 
 bed of sickness? and have days of pain and nights of sleepless weariness 
 been appointed unto thee? Art thou in straitened circumstances, and suf- 
 fering for the comforts of life ? Art thou suffering some wrong or urikind- 
 ness at the hand of atiy one ? Has the light of thine eyes been laid in the 
 grave, and art thou left in sadness and lamentation ? And is the way God 
 is leading thee dark and mysterious? Are there no foot -prints of love 
 traceable in thy way? Is there no light in the cloud which obscures thy 
 sky? No ray of hope for thee in thy earthly future? Be patient; refrain 
 from repining. Utter no impatient or unkind word. You will yet be made 
 to say of God's dealings with you that "he hath done all things well." 
 
 /. Hoke. 
 
 64 
 
February 23. 
 Prof. Cyrus J. Kephart, A. M., 1852. 
 
 February 24. 
 
 O-x^ 
 
 Rev. D. F. Wilberforce, 1857. 
 
 lg^3 
 
 65 
 
A PRAYING MOTHKR. 
 
 There is no other one means so certain to result in the salvation of a 
 sinner as a mother's prayers. There is power in the very thought of a 
 mother, with a Christian mother's heart and faith, pleading before the 
 throne of God day and night for the salvation of a son or daughter. No 
 other being in the universe has such a hold on the affeiftions of her chil- 
 dren, and no other created being possesses such undying love for them. 
 With such a hold on their affec5tions and with such a heart of love for 
 their welfare, is not the true Christian mother qualified to pray for her off- 
 spring? Are not her intercessions next in value to the intercessions of the 
 Savior? Oh, how many thousands have been saved through the agonizing 
 
 prayers of pious mothers ! 
 
 D. Edzvards, iS^g. 
 
 CHRISTIAN culture;. 
 
 We must never forget that all truth is important. To speak of it lightly 
 or disparagingly refiedls on the charadler of the great Author of truth. 
 There may be gradations in truth, and so it may be proper to speak of one 
 truth as relatively more important than another. Take the truths of phys- 
 ical science, by which we learn the relation of things in the natural world. 
 The truths are important, but of subordinate importance. Next take the 
 truths of mental science and you learn the laws by which mind is gov- 
 erned, and the relation of mind to mind. These truths are higher and 
 more important, for they lift us into the sphere of the intelledlual. Now 
 look at the truths of moral science and you learn the laws that belong to 
 the creature's moral nature and his relation to the Creator and the duties 
 growing out of such relation. Is not this the highest department of truth? 
 All believers will say it is. Yet all truth has but one center, and its radi- 
 ations proceed from this center and must proclaim the glory of the great 
 
 Author. 
 
 A, B. Sherk. 
 
 66 
 
February 25. 
 
 February 26. 
 Rev. John Smith, 1796. 
 
 (>! 
 
REVIVALS. 
 
 The responsibility of men for revivals must be insisted upon, oi* we 
 
 make God responsible for their absence. The fa(5l is that God is always 
 
 ready to revive his people, and has placed the means of p/omoting a deeper 
 
 work of grace in their hands. Whenever these means are employed the 
 
 results invariably follow; for the test of the divinity of religious power is 
 
 not its arbitrariness, as men too often suppose. Physical nature does not 
 
 monopolize the order of the universe. Cause and effe(5t may lose the 
 
 elements of necessity in the realm of choice, but none the less obtain in 
 
 the spiritual world. 
 
 E. S. Lorenz, 
 
 THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 
 
 Of this we may be sure : Jesus Christ will not come contrary' to tbe 
 great scheme and plan of hmuan redemption. He must remain in heaven 
 until the time of the restitution of all things. He will remain in heaven 
 as man's puissant advocate so long as men will accept his mediation. But 
 when Christianity has done all its Author designed it to do for the re- 
 demption and regeneration of the human family, individually and colleifl- 
 ively, when the Holy Spirit has exerted himself in man's behalf to the 
 uttermo.st extent of his prerogative, when grace has done all for man that 
 the justice and mercy of God will allow, when the last soul that will be 
 saved is saved, then, and not until then, will be the time of the coming 
 of the Son of Man. How long a time that will be, none can tell; for we 
 know not when the Master cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at the 
 cock -crowing, or in the morning. Only this I know, Jesus died for me; 
 and whether I wake or sleep at the time of his coming, he will own and 
 
 honor me. 
 
 G. P. Mackliti. 
 
 6S 
 
February 2^. 
 
 February 28. 
 
 Rev. George G. Nickey, 1S18. Rev. Z. Warner, D. D., 1833. 
 Rev. J. S. Mills, A. M., 1848. 
 
 69 
 
CHARACTER AND DESTINY. 
 
 We see the dignity and value of human life when we remember that it 
 gives chara<5ter to our future endless existence. It takes the ball but a 
 moment to pass through the gun's muzzle; but that momentary passage 
 fixes the bullet's course. If the gun's muzzle points north, to the north 
 the bullet goes; but if it points south, southward the ball flies. It takes 
 the coin but a moment to pass through the mint; but that momentary 
 passage fixes the charadler of the coin. Whatever stamp it receives it car- 
 ries with it to the counting - room, to the market, to the place of exchange. 
 I hold in my hand a gold coin. I call it ten dollars. Others who once 
 owned it called it ten dollars. I know not through what places of ex- 
 change it had passed; but I know that through all these places of exchange 
 it has had the character stamped upon it as it passed through the mint. 
 So with us. In this brief period called human life we settle the question 
 what we shall be in all the time to come. Enoch walked with God; and 
 he was not, for God took him. Upward was the bent of his being, and 
 upward he went. Moses spurned Egypt's throne, having his eyes fixed on 
 the invisible, and on the Mount of Transfiguration he appeared with Christ 
 in glory. His eye of faith was. turned toward the Invisible, and to the 
 Invisible he went. The rich man was worldly. His eyes were turned 
 downward, and downward he went. In hell he lifted up his eyes, being 
 in torment. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man 
 soweth that shall he also reap." Every soul will reach its own level; and 
 every one settles in this life what that level shall be. What a thought 
 that here we sow the seed for an immortal harvest! What a tremendous 
 significance does this fa(5l give to human life! "Give me the trend of 
 
 your life, and I will tell you your destiny." 
 
 kS. a. Mowers. 
 
 70 
 
February 29. 
 
 71 
 
HE LEADETH ME. 
 
 All the way ray Savior leads me. 
 
 Oh how sweet it is to feel, 
 ' Though I walk in pain and weakness 
 
 He has power on earth to heal. 
 
 All the way ray Savior leads rae; 
 
 And he knoweth why ' tis good 
 I should walk beneath the shadows — 
 
 Kind the hand that holds the rod. 
 
 All the way my Savior leads me, 
 
 ' Though his ways are strange to me. 
 
 He is with rae, I will walk them, 
 Trust for what I can not see. 
 
 All the way my Savior leads me. 
 
 ' Tis a blessed thing to know, 
 Where he leadeth I may follow, 
 
 Where he calleth I may go. 
 
 All the way my Savior leads me. 
 
 Walk I now the narrow road, 
 ' Tis the one he bids me travel — 
 
 And it leadeth home to God. 
 
 Lizzie Underwood. 
 
 72 
 
OUR PRAISE. 
 
 with eyes intent upon the stars, 
 
 My spirit joins the twinkling host 
 In breathing praise through silent lips 
 
 To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
 
 Anon I seek the shady wood, 
 
 And catch the wild bird's joyous note; 
 Instant, I catch the wild bird's mood, 
 
 And pour my praise through joyous throat. 
 
 What matter, since the Father hears 
 
 Our breathings through the boundless blue. 
 
 As well our wild, delightful song? 
 
 What matter — -so our praise be true? 
 
 Lizzie K. Miller. 
 
 7Z 
 
TENDENCY OF A WRONG FAITH. 
 
 Men can not be long without some faith, without beliefs of some sort. 
 When the bond with the church is broken, it does not always end with 
 indifferentism or honest doubts Other beliefs are accepted. Many accept 
 the adage, "I<et us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." There is noth- 
 ing but matter, and while we are living we have only to gratify our de- 
 sires and get our wishes. Matter is the end of all. We lose life and 
 become simply dust. Life perpetuates itself in other forms, but in us it 
 will soon end. To notions like these the books give the name material- 
 ism. Notions like these do not make people stand bravely again.st wrong 
 
 and vice. Materialism is against spiritual religion. 
 
 /. A. Loos. 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 Every young person who possibly can secure a thorough education and 
 does not do it, makes a great mistake. He may not realize it now, and 
 may never find it out; but it is nevertheless a sad mistake. It will rob 
 him of usefulness and enjoyment. It will circumscribe his influence and 
 narrow the range of his mental powers. There is no effort so honorable as 
 the digging for knowledge; no sacrifice more praiseworthy than sacrifice 
 made for mental training. The greatest blessing for a young person, next 
 to heart -felt religion and a sound, vigorous body, is a thorough training 
 under competent teachers. "Stint, starve — anything to get an education," 
 was the motto of one in the past generation oif students; and there seems 
 to be little reason now why any one desiring an education should fail. 
 With seminaries and academies at our doors, endowed colleges and benefi- 
 ciary helps to lessen the expense, a collegiate training is within the reach 
 
 of every energetic and determined young man. 
 
 D. iV. Howe. 
 
 74 
 
March i. 
 
 March 2. 
 Prof. A. W. Drury, D. D., 1851. 
 
use; of the past. 
 
 We should use the past so as to keep open in the soul the fountain of 
 gratitude. Who has not enjoyed the kindly offices of friends? Who has 
 not been the recipient of some precious memento ? Who has not received 
 from true, dear friends words of kindness and cheer, often accompanied 
 with substantial help? Who has not been the object of parental care? 
 Yea, who has not been the constant recipient of the mercies and blessings 
 of the heavenly Father? Think of the solicitude of a father, the love 
 and sacrifice of a mother, the instrucflion and influence of a kind, godly 
 teacher, the delightful association of a school-mate, the joyous company 
 of a friend, the wondrous deliverance and blessings of a gracious God, the 
 produces of human genius in the various forms of invention, discovery, 
 laws, government, and civilization, and let the consciousness of our ever- 
 lasting indebtedness to the past subserve the blessed purpose of keeping 
 open in the human soul the deep fountains of gratitude and praise. 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 A WORK TO GIvORY IN. 
 
 If I had assisted Gutenberg in his great invention (the press), by which 
 we are able to bequeath our thoughts to the civilized world and the un- 
 born millions of the coming generations, I should not be ashamed of it. 
 If I had assisted Professor Morse in the invention of the apparatus by 
 which we are able to send our tidings in advance of the wings of time 
 and the steeds of the hurricane, I should not be ashamed of it. If I had 
 ever assisted God in making a grain of corn or wheat or oats, I should not 
 be ashamed of that. If I had assisted God in making the flowers that smile 
 upon the fields, the shells and gems and pearls that sparkle in the deep, 
 and the golden treasures that enrich the mine, I should be willing to have 
 a particular account of the whole transaAion written in a book, and a copy 
 placed in every library and in every family on the face of the earth. If I 
 had assisted God in making the earth with its furniture, the moon with 
 her mountains, craters, and caverns, and Jupiter with his satellites, I should 
 be willing to have the fadls written on the rainbow and the rings of Saturn 
 in letters of perpetual fire. But I praise the name of the Lord that he 
 grants me daily the privilege of assisting him in a greater work than any 
 or all of these — even the work of rescuing deathless souls from eternal 
 riiin. J. K. Alivood. 
 
 76 
 
March 3. 
 Bishop Samuel Heistand, 1781. 
 
 March 4. 
 
 77 
 
HUNGRY MINDS. 
 
 We frequently meet with those who are hungry for an education, and 
 
 will not be satisfied without it. They are devouring every book that comes 
 
 in their way. They should be in colleges, but will not be. Sometimes 
 
 want of money prevents. Indeed, this is often the only cause. Many of 
 
 the brightest minds in the land are found in log -cabins. But poverty is 
 
 not always the hinderance. Parents with abundant means are opposed to 
 
 putting money to as "poor a use" as that of sending a son or daughter to 
 
 college. This is a great mistake, and often results in wrecking a hopeful 
 
 life. A hungry, starving mind is an obje<5t of pity. The defeat of a legit- 
 
 itnate ambition is sure to lead to disaster in many instances. A starved 
 
 intelleA is of but little use in the adtivities of life. Work not done may 
 
 often be traced to this as a cause. 
 
 Z. Warner. 
 
 THE BIBLE AND THE UNGODLY. 
 
 Men do not like to read the Bible, because the spirit of it condemns a 
 sinful life. God's children delight to read it because it is a lamp to their 
 feet and a guide to their path. It promises rest to the burdened and com- 
 fort to the weary. Those sweet words of Jesus, "Let not your heart be 
 troubled," have calmed the troubled breast of many a tempest - tossed mar- 
 iner on the voyage of life. But to the sinner it speaks of death, outer 
 darkness, eternal night, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of 
 teeth. The Bible discloses to sinful man that there is discord somewhere 
 between the soul, the spirit of order about, and the God who looks within. 
 In the light of this truth man either comes to Christ and accepts the 
 ransom he has made for sin, or hastens to drown all feeling in the tumult 
 of a busy world, or perchance rushes to the extremes of a vicious life, and 
 
 dies without hope and without God in the world. 
 
 Georore Keister. 
 
 78 
 
March 5. 
 
 March 6. 
 
 79 
 
THE GOSPEI. AND THE HEATHEN. 
 
 When a heathen becomes a Christian, the laws of his country, its 
 
 religion and institutions, are all, or most all, against him. There is 
 
 nothing in his surroundings and associations that would tend to elevate 
 
 his mind or heart to things above. He Is a new creature in Christ, and 
 
 finds no pleasure in the things he once loved. They are all foolishness 
 
 and error to him now, and he realizes that he has found the "pearl of 
 
 great price," and entreats his friends to seek the same precious faith. 
 
 None are more rejoiced in finding the precious boon than the oppressed 
 
 women and slaves of those lands. 
 
 Mrs. M. B. B ridsrenian. 
 
 SELF - FORGETFULNESS. 
 
 He who trusts God and does his duty will find the way of usefulness 
 and happiness and success open wide. He who distrusts God becomes 
 distrustful of his fellow -men, and will soon be found out. ' True merit 
 and faithful toil for the Master will commend a man to the confidence 
 of Christian people a thousand times more than he can secure by all his 
 special efforts to secure the favor of the people. Those who are the most 
 successful in life think little about themselves. In the world and its af- 
 fairs men take good heed to themselves. Sometimes men in the church 
 and in the ministry think they can serve their interests better by looking 
 closely to them than by trusting to the I<ord and the church. This is a 
 great mistake. True merit finds a seasonable recognition. It wins its way 
 to a position from which no foe can cast the possessor down. A good 
 man does not have to arrange his own life. God does that for him. It 
 is a wonderful experience for the heart to feel and to know that the life 
 is in the hands of the L,ord. It makes the I,ord more precious and makes 
 the life a thousand times m.ore sacred, as well as ten thousand times mo:e 
 
 happy. 
 
 J. W. Hott. 
 
 80 
 
March 7. 
 Rev. Jacob A. Clemm, 1825. 
 
 March 8. 
 Rev. Enoch Harper, 1842. 
 
THE CHRIvSTlAN'S GOIvDEN AGE. 
 
 With many of the ancient heathens the golden age always lay in the 
 past. It had gone by — irrevocably gone; and all that was left them was 
 to mourn the good past and bear as best they might the ills of the pres- 
 ent. With the Christian the good time, the be.st, lies on before. He looks 
 out and makes provisions for a better time. Even the day of his death is 
 better than the day of his birth. So the organized church, not unmindful 
 of the glorious achievements of the past, — indeed, looking over the records 
 with a degree of satisfaAion and gratitude, here a field of strife and blood- 
 shed, there a bitter controversy, but each time a glorious triumph for the 
 right, and the hosts of God increasing in gratifying numbers, — restlessly 
 and nervously exclaims, "There are better times ahead for us;" and like 
 
 an eagle, it plumes itself for an upward flight. 
 
 G. A. Funkhouser. 
 
 OTTERBEIN'S HUMIUIY. 
 
 Otterbein was, no doubt, a learned, good, and great man, and was so 
 acknowledged by his contemporaries of different denominations; but it was 
 never his desire to receive honor from man. Indeed, he seems to have 
 purposely avoided everything which would in any way lead to worship of 
 himself His highest ambition seems to have been — 
 
 "To be little and unknown; 
 Loved and praised of God alone." 
 
 Could we now consult him, he would doubtless exhort us to employ our 
 
 time in becoming better acquainted with the I<ord Jesus Christ, instead 
 
 of following the example of such as would canonize and worship every 
 
 distinguished leader in their respective churches. Let man decrease, but 
 
 let Christ increase. 
 
 D. Edwards, 18^8. 
 
 82 
 
March 9. 
 Rev. David A. Beauchamp, 1831. 
 
 March 10. 
 Rev. S. W. Kern, 1818. 
 
 83 
 
PRACTICAL, CHARITY. 
 
 Christ asks not that our love should equal his, but that there be a re- 
 semblance; not that it be of the same strength, but of the same kind. If 
 you would be prepared to labor for God and for souls, have charity. A 
 result of every professed Christian possessing this love would be that the 
 coming months would be replete in the salvation of precious souls, and 
 sinners would flock to the fold of Christ like doves to the windows. 
 
 /. IV. Lilly. 
 
 PIETY. 
 
 Can there be a well - developed piety in the church without a due conse- 
 cration to the Head of the church ? As well might we expeA the earth in 
 the regions of eternal snows to bring forth fruits abundantly as to expedl 
 to find piety in the heart frozen by the death -chill of covetousness. And 
 how essential to Christian charadler true piety is! It is the vital spark, 
 the heavenly fire of the soul. It purifies, quickens, and energizes the 
 whole being; and its votary moves among his fellows like a living flame. 
 In the moral world it is the true philosopher's stone, for whatever it 
 touches is changed into gold. What, I ask in heaven's name, is more 
 needed at the present time in the church and out of the church in our 
 own country, yes, in all countries, than a well - developed piety among all 
 
 classes ? 
 
 E. B. Kephart. 
 
March ii. 
 
 March 12. 
 
 85 
 
POLLUTING the; air. 
 
 The Creator has given an abundance of free, pure air for all to breathe, 
 just such as is needed to sustain life; and I wonder what earthly right, or 
 any other kind of right, any one has to fill it with tobacco - smoke so that 
 it is unfit to inhale. There is no such right. It is a grand imposition, 
 and an encroachment upon the rights of our fellows, and if it were not for 
 the fa<5l that I see some well-dressed men guilty of this offense, I would 
 call it a violation of the laws of decency and good manners. It is a de- 
 praved interference with God -given human rights. 
 
 /. Crouse. 
 
 WILLING SERVICE. 
 
 Life is full of opportunities for earnest work. God asks our help for 
 the furtherance of his plans — for the elevation of men. Not all may have 
 the privilege of doing great things, for the greater part of life's work con- 
 sists of little duties; but the high privilege of doing all these willingly 
 may be attained by all. Pride and ambition may seek only prominent 
 places in which to labor, and scruple not to pursue a double course to 
 gain their ends. Such service shall not be remembered. But the tired 
 heart that feels the common and uninteresting duties it performs scarcely 
 worthy of the Father's notice, may joyfully remember that the proof of 
 our readiness to work is found in our willingness to do any and all kinds 
 
 of work, only so it be for the Master. 
 
 Lucy D. Williams,. 
 
March 13. 
 Rev. John Wesley Etter, D. D., 1846. 
 
 March 14. 
 
 87 
 
THE DUTY OF TOTAL ABSTINENCE. 
 
 All know that the habit of dram - drinking is an evil, and that continu- 
 ally, and that it usually leads to the most degrading and brutal dissipa- 
 tion. . It is evil in its tendency, both to the physical and moral man, and 
 often brings most fearful destrudlion upon its viAims. It has been truth- 
 fully said that intemperance kills more than the sword. It kills the repu- 
 tation, the usefulness, earthly prosperity and comfort, the body and soul, 
 and, worse than all, it kills innocent wives and children. Is it not, then, 
 evil in its charadler and tendency; and should not every Christian not only 
 touch not, taste not, handle not, but swallow not the accursed thing? 
 
 IV. J. Sluiey, 18^9. 
 
 THE SUNDAY -SCHOOL TEACHER'S MISSION. 
 
 The teacher's concern should not be for the safety of the truth, but for 
 the safety of his pupils; for 
 
 ' ' Truth crushed to earth will rise again ; 
 The eternal years of God are hers." 
 
 But a soul lost is lost beyond recovery. Man's stay here is limited, and yet 
 
 it affords the only opportunity of escaping the dangers of sin and the horrorg 
 
 of the wrath to come. The teacher's mission is, therefore, a holy one — 
 
 pointing like a prophet's wand to a better life and a better clime. In the 
 
 tender, teachable, and pliable heart of the child is found soil for the seed 
 
 of truth. HoTV to sow should be the question; not merely what to sow. 
 
 Sow the truth of God's blessed word. Sow the rich seed meted out by 
 
 the Spirit from the store - house of grace, and sow that a harvest may be 
 
 reaped for God in the eternity to come. 
 
 /. H. Snyder. 
 
March 15. 
 
 March 16. 
 
 S9 
 
THE I.IFE TO COME. 
 
 We are now making up our accounts for the future. The good person 
 lives well and dies well, and secures the highest felicity of the life be- 
 yond. Sickness and sorrow may fall to his lot here, but he knows that 
 "all things work together for good to them that love God." There is a 
 better day coming. Oh, how this cheers the Christian in the rugged road 
 of life. It will be better after awhile. Joy cometh in the morning. To- 
 morrow we will be in the city "where they die no more," but where they 
 "shall be like Jesus and see him as he is." No night in heaven. For- 
 ever saved and happy. Forever with the pure and good. No mother 
 departing from her children; no children leaving the dear old home and 
 causing bitter tears to flow. No winding-sheet, no coffin, no grave -yard 
 there. The days of their mourning are ended. Thank God for such a 
 
 home as this. Glorious future! 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
 • FAMILY REUNIONS. 
 
 There is no remembrance to me so pleasant as that of the annual re- 
 unions of my well -beloved aunts and uncles, with their respective troops 
 of cousins, at the house of my dear grandmother, of blessed memory. 
 It was pleasant to watch the carriages (there were no railroads then) one 
 by one coming in, laden with friends who had traveled many a weary 
 mile to be present on the ' ' great occasion. ' ' It was pleasant to witness 
 the mutual recognitions of brothers and sisters, and the warm greetings of 
 their respedlive wives and husbands; to observe the transports of the "lit- 
 tle fellows" in their first meeting after a long twelve -month, and to hear 
 their expressions of mingled surprise and delight on being introduced to 
 the "strange little cousins," whose presence increased the number con- 
 siderably above the preceding census, — all these were delightful scenes 
 
 to look upon and take part in. 
 
 B. R. Hanby. 
 
 90 
 
March 17. 
 Jacob Hoke, 1825. 
 
 March 18. 
 Bishop John Russell, 1799. 
 
 91 
 
INFI^UENCE OF THE BIBI.E. 
 
 In a very important sense the Bible has made our turnpikes, canals, 
 railroads, as well as the cars, boats, and wagons used on them. It has 
 made our good houses, steam -mills, factories, ships, our trades, profes- 
 sions, and books. It has made our telegraph lines by which we converse 
 with our friends thousands of miles distant from us. But these are the 
 less important blessings it confers. Our feeble powers are inadequate to 
 enumerate the spiritual benefits it lavishes upon us. Take from us the 
 Bible, and with it must go the holy Sabbath, the preaching of the sandlu- 
 ary, the institutions of the church, the liberties, social, civil, and religious, 
 which we enjoy, and our hope of heaven. 
 
 D. K. Flickinger. 
 
 MARRIAGE. 
 
 Marriage! What a relationship. Ever since humanity has had a history, 
 
 God has put honor on marriage. When in Eden purity, man was put in 
 
 this felicitous state. It is one of the institutions — the Christian Sabbath 
 
 tlie other — that has survived the wreck and ruin of the fall. In these two 
 
 institutions, rightly observed, something of Eden is still left to us. One 
 
 man, one woman, the twain made one, was God's order in Eden. It is 
 
 his order out of Eden. Out of this order come the family, the home, the 
 
 church, and the school. " He setteth the solitary in families." How blessed 
 
 this order. Onlv man has a home. Beasts have dens and lairs, birds have 
 
 nests, man has a home — the retreat of the heart. Home is where the 
 
 heart is. Possession, wife, and love make home. This relationship is a 
 
 blessing to the individual, the church, and the state. Keep it pure and 
 
 the church will grow and the state is safe. 
 
 N. Castle. 
 
 92 
 
March 19. 
 Bishop Joseph Hofifman, 1780. Rev. E. Light, 1834. 
 
 March 20. 
 Rev. Samuel M. Hippard, 1834. 
 
 93 
 
WE MUST EDUCATE. 
 
 The world is educating, and will educate, whether the church does or 
 not. This is the established order of the day in our nation. We can no 
 more prevent it than we can keep the sun from shining. The young men 
 of our day will educate. Intelledtual adlivity and vigor are in demand 
 everywhere — in the commercial as well as the moral and religious spheres 
 of life. Every calling is offering a premium for men who can think cor- 
 re(5lly, vigorously, and pradlically. Both money and position are within 
 the grasp of such men. The masses are not slow to discern this fadl, and 
 are earnestly endeavoring to accommodate themselves to it. 
 
 P. H. Wagner. 
 
 BENEVOI.ENCE. 
 
 The system of the gospel and the promises of the Bible all center in 
 benevolence as the lines of Christian faith and pra(5lice. When we dedi- 
 cate our wealth to the good of the church and the glory of God, we extradl 
 the poison from our riches and wisely register in the book of heaven that 
 which will weigh in our favor in the final reckoning. I shall be happy 
 in this effort if harmony can be established between the Creator and the 
 creature. "The heavens will hear the earth, and the earth will hear the 
 heavens." Benevolence is the image of God and the expression of his 
 essence — the chief a(5lion of man's felicity on earth, the brightest ray of 
 
 man's hope for glory. 
 
 J. W. Fulkerson. 
 
 94 
 
March 21. 
 
 March 22. 
 
 95 
 
THK UNIVERSE VOCAI, WITH PRAISE. 
 
 ' The universe is musical throughout. The heavens declare God's glory 
 in songs. We may not always hear them, but there are harmonies of 
 earth that respond to those of the skies. The melody of flowing waters, 
 the soft music of the breezes, the gushing tide of song poured forth from 
 the throats of myriads of feathered warblers, the lowing of herds, the bleat- 
 ing of flocks, in every variety of tone and modulation, have an effedl of 
 harmony to which the dullest can not be insensible. These voices and 
 many more are laden with joys, and raise the soul to its Maker. 
 
 U^. R. Rhinehart. 
 
 THE TEMPLE OF CHARACTER. 
 
 There is a temple "not made with hands," and it is a strong and pure 
 human charaAer; and when it is finished, is perfedled, what a beautiful 
 temple it is — its foundations of truth, its pillars and walls of strength, its 
 door-posts and doors of gentleness and temperance, its windows of trans- 
 parent purity whiter than snow and cleaner than wool, and its spires of 
 faith, all shining with resplendent luster in the sunlight of God's love 
 and favor. It is more charming to the eye of God than the temple called 
 Solomon's with all its surpassing glory, the temple "exceedingly magnif- 
 ical," or than the star -lit orbs that scatter their gold-dust of light from 
 the firmanent by night. It is more valuable to its owner than the palaces 
 of kings and the temples of the gods all piled together and iheir dazzling 
 splendors wrought into one, the magnificence of which would excel all 
 past architectural beauty; yea, more than the stars, were they so many 
 huge, sparkling diamonds. Many such temples adorn this world to-day; 
 and while there are in this world many beautiful things that charm the 
 ear and eye and heart, they are its chief and crowning beauties. 
 
 R. Rod:. 
 
 96 
 
March 23. 
 Prof. Henry A. Thompson, D. D., lyl^. D., 1837. 
 
 March 24. 
 Rev. Solomon Voneida, 1809. 
 
 97 
 
THE BIBI,E. 
 
 All its precepts concerning all things are right. Where else will you 
 find such a code of laws? And it is true that the word of God enjoins 
 nothing but what is right toward God and man. It condemns falsehood, 
 deceit, dishonesty, — everything, indeed, that looks like hypocrisy and 
 false dealing. What a heaven truly below we would have if every man 
 would "love God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself." It 
 would close up every rum -hole and every gambling den and every other 
 vile den. It would make every bushel measure thirty -two quarts, every 
 yard thirty -six inches, and every cord one hundred and twenty -eight feet. 
 There would be no strife between labor and capital, for every employer 
 would give a fair day's wages for a full day's work, and every employe 
 would give a full day's work for a fair day's wages. And so we would 
 have no panics, no bribed legislators, no bought judges. The universal 
 observance of Bible law would bring about such a state of society, such 
 righteous dealing between individuals, communities, and nations as the 
 world has never known. J. Dickson. 
 
 ESSENTlAIv PRINCIPI.es. 
 
 In nature, as in religion, we come first to the outer court, then to the 
 holy place, and lastly to the holy of holies. In the innermost sandluary 
 of nature we stand face to face with God, and for such a revelation we are 
 are not meet. No doubt Adam was granted a diredl, immediate appre- 
 hension of the determining, governing principles of nature. To him God 
 brought every beast of the iield and every fowl of the air, and whatsoever 
 Adam called every living creature that was the name thereof, and that 
 name corresponded with the nature thereof. Adam apprehended then di- 
 redlly the inner relations of nature. With the loss of his first estate went 
 Adam's exalted privilege; and now we may approach the tree of knowl- 
 edge of good and evil in the midst of the garden only as we approach a 
 meetness for immortal life. Only as we regain what man lost in the fall 
 may we know aught of the hidden life of nature. In short, man is morally 
 incapacitated for a diredl revelation of the ultimate force in nature. Even 
 nature, in its constitution and economy, bears record to the fa6l that the 
 highest scientific attainment is inseparably bound up with religious knowl- 
 edge and moral holiness, or likeness to God, the author and upholder of 
 nature. E. Light. 
 
March 25. 
 Rev. Z. A. Colestock, 1824. 
 
 March 26. 
 
 99 
 
RESPONSIBIIvlTY. 
 
 Men are born unto responsibility. It is not a question whether they 
 will assume it or not. They may choose their pursuit in life, but often 
 in God's providence they are led into positions and have burdens put 
 upon them which of themselves they would never have selec^ted. Men 
 often find occasion to bles§ God for thrusting them into places whither 
 of their own accord they never would have gone, and demanding of them 
 work which they never supposed they could perform. Providence puts 
 this responsibility upon us for our good and the good of the race. We 
 may weaken our powers so as to unfit us for the accomplishment of the 
 work, but we are none the less held to the obligation. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 RKAWTIES OP HEAVEN. 
 
 We are too apt to content ourselves with vague ideas of the glory of 
 heaven. Half our thoughts are lost in a kind of -dreamy uncertainty, as 
 if the bliss of heaven were only true in part. But it is real. Yes, it is 
 real in a degree far above anything we call real here; a real heaven, a 
 real place, a real home, and a real happiness, deeper, brighter, and more 
 lasting than was ever known on earth. Here in this land of shadows we 
 often sit weeping among ruins, like melancholy Marius among the heaps 
 of Carthage, calling back things that have died only to see them die again. 
 But cheer up, my friends, there is a home for you where no ruins are, a 
 land of ever -increasing delights, where fields are green and flowers never 
 die. There, on the banks of that beautiful river, you will see and know 
 your loved ones who have gone from you. In that pure, blessed world 
 will be life without death, day without night, beauty without blemish, 
 bloom without decay, youth without age, meetings without partings. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
March 27. 
 
 March 28. 
 
CROSS AND CROWN. 
 
 The cross consists not simply in the prayers we may offer, nor in the 
 
 Christian experiences we may relate, nor in the money we may give to 
 
 the church, but more in our willingness to suffer with and for Christ. If 
 
 we can afford to be persecuted for righteousness' sake; if we can afford 
 
 to have all manner of evil spoken against us because of our separation 
 
 from the world; if we can deny ourselves of all worldly pleasures, and 
 
 find in Christ and his religion our chief joy and comfort, — then have we 
 
 assurances of a better inheritance over the river. 
 
 J. L. Luttrell. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN HOME. 
 
 There ought to be more good books and good papers and good music 
 in the home. You say the boys do not care for books and papers. You 
 have not tried to suit their wants or to teach them the treasures of liter- 
 ature. Try that. Get them good books. It is a shame, it is a sin, that 
 many Christian homes have so few good books and such a small amount 
 of periodical literature. There ought to be music in the home. Have a 
 singing - class. Get an instrument of music, no matter how humble it may 
 be. Have a piano or organ or dulcimer or flute. Have some instrument 
 of music, and get a teacher to start the boys and girls to play. There is 
 many a burden of sorrow and weight of pain and oppressive care which 
 can be lightened by a song. There is many a lonely hour that can be 
 made cheerful with music. There is many a joy of the heart that can be 
 sweetened and broadened by dividing it with the family group in song. 
 
 We plead for more music in the home. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
March 29. 
 
 March 30. 
 
 103 
 
THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. 
 
 I call upon every one here to do what he can under God to crush out 
 this infamous wrong. I call upon every boy to pledge himself to total 
 abstinence, that he himself may be safe from the dreadful effecfts of 
 drink and lend a wholesome influence to others. I call upon every young 
 lady to refuse the attentions and hand of any and every young man who 
 drinks, that she may save herself from the shame and degradation of a 
 drunkard's wife, and help make drinking- habits appear as low and des- 
 picable as they really are. I call upon every young man to shun these 
 dens of iniquity as he would shun a yawning hell, that he himself may 
 escape a drunkard's end, and bless society with a total - abstinence life. I 
 call upon every person, to discriminate against it, to give no influence or 
 patronage to the acctirsed business. I call upon every voter to make it 
 an issue at every eledlion, until whisky - drinkers and liquor - dealers will 
 shame to ask the suffrage of respecflable people, and until prohibition, 
 universal and complete, shall be proclaimed. I call upon every Christian 
 to wage an eternal war against this curse of curses, until it shrinks back 
 to its native hell, no more to blotch society or damn immortal souls. In 
 the name of all that is near and dear to you as Christians, I urge you to 
 crush out this baneful evil. In the name of thousands of happy homes 
 it has blighted, I urge you to bare your arms and strike down the wither- 
 ing blight. In the name of thousands of noble wives whom it has worse 
 than widowed, I urge you to espouse their cause and dethrone the mon- 
 ster. In the name of tens of thousands of precious children whom it has 
 worse than orphaned, I urge you to redress their wrongs and destroy the 
 curse. In the name of social order and family joys which it has trampled 
 down and destroyed, I urge you to rise up and wipe out this accursed 
 blotch. In the name of our republican institutions which it has usurped 
 and sought to destroy, I urge you to vindicate the right and destroy this 
 traitorous evil. In the name of our holy religion whose altars it has torn 
 down and whose communicants it has decimated, I urge you to rest not 
 
 till this child of hell is driven back to its native home. 
 
 D. N. Howe. 
 
 104 
 
March 31. 
 Rev. John A. Crayton, 1829. 
 
 105 
 
Giving is an essential part of the Christian religion from beginning to 
 
 end. 
 
 John Goodin. 
 
 If a man has sense he can always get a congregation, and it will take 
 
 sensible preachers to convert the world. 
 
 Jacob Bachtel, Jr. 
 
 If a man is a Christian he has two chara<5lers to support, a moral and a 
 
 religious character ; and his religious character can not stand good in the 
 
 estimation of men unless his moral charaAer is well supported by his own 
 
 good condu(5l. 
 
 William Davis, i8j6. 
 
 What noble work the women of the different churches are doing in the 
 
 missionary cause! We have great reason to thank God for the past; and 
 
 rich hopes and bright prospe<5ls for the future loom up before us. What 
 
 great encouragement to do, when such great successes crown the feblest 
 
 efforts. 
 
 Katie P. Beatty. 
 
 If there ever has been a period in the history of our country when the 
 true friends of Christ should be awake to the cause of Christian educa- 
 tion, this is the time. The church should fully prepare herself to confront 
 the devotees of darkness and sin by giving her youth the advantages of 
 a good education, that her sons and daughters may prove more than a 
 
 match for the opponents of truth. 
 
 W. C. Smith, 1S70. 
 
 What God could have done is not our province to decide. One thing, 
 
 however, is certain: He has, in many cases, converted a solitary sinner 
 
 in the wilderness, without outside agencies, through which as instruments 
 
 the way was opened for the gospel. But, as a general rule, he sends his 
 
 missionaries into the remote corners of the earth with the command, 
 
 "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, " and 
 
 when he has a particular v/ork for an individual to perform, impressions 
 
 are made upon his tuind to that efifedl. 
 
 Samuel Htibef 
 
 106 
 
REMEMBER HIM NOW. 
 
 Remember in youth thy Creator and King, 
 In thy vigor and strength some kind oflfering bring; 
 Oh, sing of his mercies, with loud voice and strong, 
 Sing praises to him to whom praises belong. 
 
 Remember him now, lest in vague coming years. 
 Dark days of adversity, sorrow, and tears, 
 Like untimely frosts upon autumn flowers fair, 
 May weaken thy voice and thy memory impair. 
 
 I<et thy presence and love chase the shadows away 
 From homes where the wretched and desolate stay, 
 And wipe from the little child's ej'es the sad tear, 
 Who lovingly trusts thy brave heart in its fear. 
 
 Consider the skill, the great wisdom, and might. 
 Seen in works of creation, which dazzle the sight, 
 The splendor of planets, the order and grace 
 In which they revolve, held suspended in space. 
 
 Let nature and science and scripture, combined 
 With the strucflure of man and all things of that kind. 
 Be topics of converse, of pure sober thought; 
 Thus the hand that created shall not be forgot. 
 
 Julia C. Elwell. 
 
 107 
 
SPRING. 
 
 It is so much pleasanter in the sunshine, amid the warbler's sweet 
 songs, to contemplate our mercies and give to God a tribute of praise 
 for his great goodness to the children of men. O sweet Spring! type of 
 resurredtion, we welcome thy return. In thy absence many poor and desti- 
 tute ones have suffered greatly. Heartless old Winter has pinched, bitten, 
 shook, chilled, and even killed many, which he could not have done hadst 
 thou been here. And as we say good -by to old Winter, we welcome thee, 
 sweet Spring. Now that Spring is here and all hearts are joyous, let 
 none forget that ere the leaves unfold and the flowers bloom, or even the 
 
 grass shoots forth, we may be gone. 
 
 J. L. Ljittrell. 
 
 THE VAI.UE OF BOOKS. 
 
 As the wholesome viands of a liberally laden table tempt and satiate 
 the appetite, so the volumes that laden the shelves of the librai-y lure and 
 aid the mind in its pursuit of knowledge. And as the mind is superior 
 to the body, so, if we are diligent in providing food for the latter, much 
 more diligent should we be in making suitable provisions for the wants 
 of the former. It is impossible for us to estimate the value of books. 
 Think of this world as it was five hundred years ago! Not a printed 
 book — only a few musty manuscripts, and they in the hands of the fa- 
 vored. Now, thanks to the printer's art and to the public library, the 
 masses have access to the literary treasures of the world. By the aid of 
 books we live over the lives of great men of former centuries. We think 
 their thoughts, we fight their battles, we are familiarized with their virtues, 
 and we are inspired to more noble endeavors by learning what they accom- 
 plished under less favorable circumstances. 
 
 /. L. Kephart. 
 
 io8 
 
April i. 
 Rev. Thomas J. Bauder. 
 
 April 2. 
 President D. A. Mobley, A. M., 1853. 
 
 109 
 
BROKEN RESOI.UTIONS. 
 
 / He who fritters away his time in making vows and forming high re- 
 
 solves, but failing to execnte them, is breaking down the strong towers 
 
 of moral strength with which God has surrounded him, and will be like 
 
 a city whose walls have been scaled by the drifting sands from the desert 
 
 or leveled by the storm -king, — without a defense; for his destrudlion is 
 
 as certain as it will in the end be complete. Step by step he is drawn 
 
 into the vortex. All that is left to him is the power of resolving again. 
 
 Faith now in himself and in his resolutions wavers, gives way, and the 
 
 wreck is complete. In every profession and calling of life this work of 
 
 ruin, in a degree, is being wrought. 
 
 E. B. Kephart. 
 
 BUT ONE PERFECT HOUSE. 
 
 No man has ever yet built a perfedl house. Whoever builds sees, when 
 
 he has done, where he might have improved his work. The last temple 
 
 was forty -six years in building, not because the edifice was so great that 
 
 such outlay of time was required for its construAion, but because changes 
 
 and additions were made from time to time. So cathedrals and churches, 
 
 palaces or humbler homes, alike undergo changes because the builders 
 
 were never able to construA a faultless house. There is but one perfe(ft 
 
 house, the "house not made with hands." The house itself is "many 
 
 mansions." It is ample in its provisions for all disciples of the Lord 
 
 Jesus. Its foundations are precious stones, its twelve gates are each a 
 
 massive pearl, and its streets arfe transparent gold. The house needs no 
 
 change, for it was made in infinite wisdom. 
 
 D. Bei'ger. 
 
April 3. 
 
 April 4. 
 
THE INFI.UKNCE OF ONE ACT. 
 
 We talk of little sins. But there are no such sins. We never know the 
 result of a single adl. What seems to us a little thing may be fraught 
 with the direst results. The deed of a single hour may determine a man's 
 destiny for all time, and that will settle it for eternity. Judas by a single 
 adt set in motion a train of forces which have never ceased to work. A 
 single grand aS. has mafle a man immortal. By one deed the betrayer of 
 our Lord has rendered his memory infamous, and consigned himself to 
 everlasting wretchedness. L,et the deeds of our lives be well considered. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 A CHRISTIAN. 
 
 It is a wonderful and at the same time a glorious thing to be a Chris- 
 tian; to be in the flesh and yet not of the flesh; to be in the world and 
 yet not of the world; to be human and yet partake of the divine; to be 
 on earth and in heaven; to live among men and commune with God; to 
 walk on earth and walk with God; to live on earth and live in Christ; to 
 talk with men and talk with God; to die and yet live. Oh, blessed, glo- 
 rious state! And all this comes by the gracious influence of the spirit of 
 Christ. It is no great matter for a man who has the spirit of Christ to 
 exchange worlds. He has in him all the principles of a saint in heaven. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
April 5. 
 Rev. Matthias Ambrose, 1810. 
 
 April 6. 
 
 113 
 
HOME TRAINING OF DAUGHTERS. 
 
 Our schools look well to the intelle6lual training and furnishing of 
 young ladies, so that they shall lack nothing in their educational equip- 
 ment for life. But the question of home training, moral and industrial, 
 mental and physical, in the foundation of good habits, in refinement, in 
 economy, and in a practical acquaintance with all household duties, is de- 
 serving of even greater attention than that of mere school instrudlion and 
 discipline. Indeed, education in the schools finds its best groundwork 
 where the mother's training has been most thoroughly and wisely done. 
 Education can be of but little pra<5lical value without a knowledge of 
 every -day home affairs and duties. Our girls should be taught to cook 
 and to do all manner of house -work with "neatness and dispatch." They 
 should be taught to sew neatly and to mend their own clothes, to beautify 
 and keep tidy their rooms, and, in a word, "to do all those little things 
 which make the mother, the wife, the daughter a power in the nation." 
 They should be taught that there is something more than the mere tinsel 
 of life to love and labor for. They should be taught that dress and airs 
 are as nothing in the balance with a true, earnest, womanly life. 
 
 M. R. Drury. 
 
 CHRISTIAN I,OVE. 
 
 Christian love is aggressively kind. It does not wait to be adled upon, 
 but adls from itself as a central sim. It not only sits in the house with 
 benignity, but goes out into the streets and by-ways to bless. It is gentle^ 
 compassionate, and courteous, without respe(5l of person. Upon the beg- 
 gar and president it bestows their due. On the abandoned and virtuous it 
 sheds like the sun its influence. To the slightest as well as to the favorite 
 it gives sympathy. It may be called good manners to be courteous only 
 to equals and superiors; but it is true Christianity to be courteous and 
 kind to all persons and things. Rowland Hill said, "I would give noth- 
 ing for that man's religion whose very dog and cat are not the better for 
 it." It makes men kind at home and abroad, to beast, to servant, and to 
 man. A heart filled with such an element can not be shut up in a house 
 any more than a mountain can be contained in this room. No one church 
 or country can hold that heart; but it will go out to the isles of the deep 
 and to the lands of the heathen; and into the uttermost and lowest parts 
 of the earth where man is found will it descend and live in adlive love. 
 It is love in kind service that is leavening the world in righteousness, 
 and will leaven until "the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 
 114 
 

 
 April 7. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rev. Halleck Floyd, 1839. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 April 8. 
 
 
 
 
 Bishop 
 
 Wm. 
 
 Hanby, 1808. Prof. George Keister, 
 
 A. 
 
 M. 
 
 1847. 
 
 
 
 "5 
 
 
 
 • 
 
TO THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS. 
 
 The secret depths of personal piety, the mystic potency of a personal 
 call, the desire to do something for God and goodness must still supplj^ 
 motive power, rugged strength, and the genius of unearthly vidtories. 
 Culture is dearly bought if obtained at the expense of courage and native 
 impulse; and how much more so if living faith in God and unfeigned love 
 for man are also sacrificed! While, then, we are expected to study men 
 and the world, let us not negledl our individual character toward God. If 
 we should feel an inclination to turn aside to the small gratifications of 
 time, or turn away to the meager things of the world, let us ask ourselves 
 if it was for these things that we fought the holiest struggles of our life; 
 and if we feel that any subtle blight is settling down upon the state of 
 heart that led us into the ministry, let us fly from it as from the presence 
 of death. We should see to it that this deep individual sentiment between 
 our souls and God, watered by grace, forced to strike deeper its roots by 
 storms and trials, and blessed already, it may be, with some early fruit unto 
 God, may be maintained the central and presiding force over all the ele- 
 ments that Providence has ordained for the progress of the kingdom of 
 Christ. A. W. Drury. 
 
 PRACTICAIv CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 Christianity is to be known not only by what it is in the Book, but by 
 what it is in the life of its friends, — not its pretenders, but its real friends. 
 The great mass of men judge the Christian religion in this way. We do 
 not know that the Savior intended it so; but he knew it would be so. 
 Hence he enjoins, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see 
 your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." We do 
 not know that Paul meant it so; but he, too, knew it would be so. Hence 
 he says, "Ye are our epistles, known and read of all men." This seeing 
 good works and reading good lives has a wonderfully convincing power. 
 Unfortunately so many pick out the worst, not the best, type of Christian 
 life, when they are looking for fruits. Could we have every Christian just 
 what he should be, just what religion requires and helps him to be, we 
 would not objecfl to this method of judging. Or if we were allowed to 
 seledl out the best specimens of Christians in the country, we would not 
 objedl. But, we repeat, men are not used to doing this. Now if men are 
 thus seeing us and reading u.s, how important that we shine with a clear 
 light! How important that we present a clean epistle for their inspection ! 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 ii6 
 
April 9. 
 
 April 10. 
 
 117 
 
THE HARVEvST. 
 
 Gather the grain with thankfulness. Richest blessings demand a return 
 of praise, pure and holy. We can bring nothing so acceptable to God as 
 a thankful heart. There is nothing more hateful to Heaven than an ungrate- 
 ful spirit. We can not make a return to the Lord full and equal, but a 
 thankful heart will renew the blessing of God on the harvest, and gladden 
 the reaping with songs. The harvest is the Master's richest bestowment; 
 it is the life -gift to the whole race. It is food and clothing; the bread 
 with which the hand of God feeds the hungry. From every harvest - field, 
 from every garner and barn let a song of thanks go up to God for every 
 returning harvest. 
 
 /. ir. Hoit. 
 
 HUMIUTY IN THE STUDENT. 
 
 This is a rare grace, and should be diligently sought. It is both an 
 
 ornament and a strength wherever found. No vice is more offensive to 
 
 God or distasteful to man than inordinate self-esteem. Our best and most 
 
 reliable students are always humble and teachable. All teachers know 
 
 this, and often speak of it. An overestimate of either our natural or 
 
 acquired abilities is not only offensive to good taste, but a great hinder- 
 
 ance in the acquisition of knowledge. Hence all thoroughly educated 
 
 people, and especially sincere Christians, feel the importance of guarding 
 
 against this weakness. True, to confess our want of information respecting 
 
 some particular subje(5l may not be the most flattering to our pride; it 
 
 may indeed tend to mortify and humble us. But in this we will be the 
 
 gainers; for, in fa(?l, this humiliation is the very thing needed to prepare 
 
 the mind to receive instrudlion. We are sure at any rate that this is God's 
 
 method in making us wise unto salvation. 
 
 L: Davis. 
 
 ii8 
 
April ii. 
 
 April 12. 
 Rev. I<ydia Sexton, 1799. Rev. I<eonidas S. Cornell, 1842. 
 
 119 
 
THE INSPIRATION OF THE UNSEEN. 
 
 The world to-day is taking its inspiration largely from the thoughts 
 
 of. a better clime. It is the power of an endless life which always has 
 
 and always will make itself felt upon the individual consciousness of the 
 
 human race. There will be a future life. Kant held that the pra(5lical 
 
 reason demands a future world and a judgment -day. The soul of man 
 
 demands also a life of immortality in that world. Sin continues to-day, 
 
 but there will be a time when it shall be overcome. There will be an 
 
 even -tide when all shall be light. Atheistic science may predict one 
 
 golden age after another, pidluring them with all the grandeur and 
 
 beauty vivid imaginations can produce, but Christianity will continue as 
 
 it has in the past to guide men into . the way of everlasting life, which 
 
 leadeth up to God. 
 
 /. W. Sneath. 
 
 FACTORS IN CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. 
 
 The prayer of faith at some time and in some way must be answered, 
 
 and will be. This is a part of the legacy left to us by our sainted dead. 
 
 Some have left us money consecrated to missions; and I am not sure but 
 
 that the most precious legacy is the prayer of faith they left with God 
 
 for the success of that work. These prayers are in the keeping of the 
 
 Holy Ghost. They prayed for the conversion of the world, and believed 
 
 it would come. The ten days' prayer -meeting at Jerusalem may have 
 
 resulted in the separation of Saul and Barnabas to the great work upon 
 
 which they entered. Many good people have little money to give, but 
 
 they are and have been rich in faith and prayer. These they have given 
 
 out of their full hearts. Men, money, and the prayer of faith are divinely 
 
 recognized fadtors. 
 
 Z. Warner. 
 
April 13. 
 
 April 14. 
 
THE SPRING-TIME. 
 
 The birds are coming again with their spring-time songs. It is said 
 that St. Francis called them his brothers, thinking that in some way they 
 were spiritual beings in flesh, and praised God in the forests even as the 
 angels praise him in heaven. Surely their songs ought to remind us of 
 the love and praise due our lyord from our hearts and songs. With the 
 opening spring and its joys let every heart put on a new joy and every 
 tongue learn a new song of praise. To many of us this is the last spring- 
 time till we come to the opening of the eternal summer. 
 
 /. U^. Hott. 
 
 THE PROMISES. 
 
 The promises are outlets of the fountains of grace, and are the streams 
 
 that "make glad the city of God." They are anthems from the harp of 
 
 heaven. They are "the music of the river of life washing its shores on 
 
 high and pouring in cascades upon the earth." They are precious morsels 
 
 from the banquet- table of heaven, and strewed along the pathway of life 
 
 at every step to lure us to our Father's house. They are heaven -lamps, 
 
 hung out by the hand of a loving Father, to illumine our way across life's 
 
 dark and stormy sea, to inspire us with courage, faith, and hope, incentives 
 
 to persuade us to virtue, and celestial lights to dispel the darkness of 
 
 doubt, fear, trouble, sorrow, afflidlions, trials, losses, bereavements, and to 
 
 rob death and the grave of all their terrible gloom. And, blessed be God, 
 
 they are everlasting. 
 
 R. Rock. 
 
April 15. 
 
 April 16. 
 
 123 
 
SHUN the; eddying current. 
 
 There is room enough in the moral universe for motion on a mighty- 
 scale. Already there is a great distance between an infinitely pure God 
 rising upward infinitely, and the devil who has been sinking, yes, flying 
 downward for a long time. Do you hope we can step over the line ? You 
 would better not say so to your boy in the hour of temptation. It might 
 suggest the wicked thought to try it. It might prove a source of weak- 
 ness. I once stood by a small water -fall. The water fell ten feet. It did 
 not make me tremble as I looked down. I<ast summer I stood as near 
 as I dared and looked over the falls at Niagara. As I looked at the boil- 
 ing mass beneath and listened to the roar, it made me shudder. It makes 
 me breathe quicker now as I think, What if I had lost my balance? To- 
 night I have brought you in thought to the Niagara of sin. It is not a 
 fall of ten feet with a bath-tub at its base. A dark, angry flood is beneath, 
 ready to swallow us up. Dare any one try his strength in that eddying 
 current? Don't do it. When the bridge of human life gives way may we 
 all be safe, far, very far removed from that yawning chasm. 
 
 R. J. White. 
 
 CONDITION OF SUCCESS. 
 
 Had we millions of the most learned, eloquent, and holy preachers in 
 Christendom to send forth, and all the funds that could be asked or de- 
 sired to support them, all would be in vain unless the power of the al- 
 mighty Spirit accompany our labors. While, therefore, we labor with un- 
 wavering perseverance for the conversion of the world, while we raise funds 
 with growing liberality, while we selec5t, instru(5l, and send forth the most 
 devoted missionaries we can find, let us remember that all will be un- 
 availing unless the Holy Spirit accompany and give energy to the means 
 eniplo5'ed. He that planteth is nothing, he that watereth is nothing, but 
 God that giveth the increase. Oh, it is sweet to the believing heart to 
 lean on God, to plead his promises, and to rejoice in the assurance that 
 though man can not do it by reason of his weakness, he with whom all 
 things are possible, and who can not lie, has promised that the whole 
 earth shall be filled with his glory, and that he is able and faithful to 
 bring it to pass. In earnest prayer for the Holy Spirit's influence every 
 one can unite, and every tear in the closet, every prayer in the heart over 
 those who are dead in their sin, every prayer lifted up in retirement 
 where no eye sees but the eye of Him which seeth in secret, afford a most 
 important means of entering in at the open door of opportunity. 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner. 
 124 
 
April 17. 
 
 April 18. 
 
 125 
 
POUTE CHILDREN. 
 
 A simple "Thank you" to your parents, to your brothers and sisters, to 
 any from whom you receive any form of attention or favor, for the slightest 
 adts performed, for a question answered, for a hundred nameless things, 
 will tell greatly upon yourself, in making you more gentle and refined, 
 and encouraging a proper self - respe(5l, and in the estimate of others for 
 you. If once you acquire the habit of saying the words, they will come 
 easy, and you would feel embarrassed at the thought of having omitted to 
 express your obligation for a favor. To cultivate the habit of being polite 
 you should address your mother and sisters and all in the home circle as 
 you would address strangers toward whom you desire to be particularly 
 well-behaved. When the habit of constant .politeness is well established 
 at home you will be easy in society, and escape a hundred awkward em- 
 barrassments to which young people are subject because of their defective 
 training in the home. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 WINNING SOUIvS. 
 
 To win souls to Christ implies vastly more than winning them to our 
 opinions, however corre(5l they may be. It implies more than winning 
 them into our church. It implies and includes the winning of the heart, 
 with all its affe(5tions, to Christ. Otterbein and his coadjutors insisted 
 that a vital union to Christ was essential to a true Christian character. 
 Take this vital force out of the church and you will have nothing left but 
 lifeless forms and ceremonies. The church of the living God is a living 
 church, with a living ministry; and the life of this living church comes 
 from the quickening energy of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of each 
 individual member of the church. Am I right when I say that winning 
 souls to Jesus is the great work of the Christian ministry? To save souls 
 Jesus came all the way from heaven to earth, suffered in Gethsemane, died 
 on the cross, was buried, rose again, ascended to heaven, and ever liveth 
 to make intercession. To save souls the Holy Spirit was given, the Bible 
 was given, the Church was organized; and men are called to devote them- 
 selves exclusively to this work. Do not these fadls teach us something 
 of the importance of soul - saving ? Show me a minister who is not yearn- 
 ing after the souls of the people and I will show you a man who was 
 either never called to the ministry or has lost the spirit of a true minister 
 of Jesus. J. Weaver. 
 
 126 
 
April 19. 
 
 April 20. 
 Rev. D. W. Sprinkle, 1843. 
 
 127 
 
FALSB STANDARDS. 
 
 Many souls are ruined by false standards. Whenever conscience is 
 denied, just in that proportion is the moral nature vitiated and driven to 
 shame. The succeeding violations will be easier, and less and less with- 
 stood. All the avenues to the heart should be kept clear of defilement. 
 Forty cents on the dollar may satisfy man's law, but common honesty 
 demands one hundred cents on the dollar. It may do no good to condemn 
 those who have been unfortunate in speculation, and have lost other people's 
 money; but if the course were condemned, as it should be, a standard would 
 be eredled in society from which men would fear to go. When the day of 
 white lying and whitewashing of charac?ter shall have ceased, then will 
 
 come the dawning of the millennium upon the world. 
 
 T. D. Adams. 
 
 MINISTRY OF SORROW. 
 
 Many of the most honored examples of purit}^ and of benevolent and 
 efficient labor have been schooled, chastened, and taught to virtue through 
 privation and disappointment. Not only this, but they have lived their 
 lives through shadows, and have performed their labors from hearts whose 
 sadness was unuttered and unutterable. It is largely by experiencing toil 
 and suffering, by our internal struggles and trials, by the woe and darkness 
 in our souls, by our conscious feebleness and utter want, that our hearts 
 become softened and tendered toward man and lifted upward toward God, 
 by which we are fitted for an existence and a work in the kingdom of love. 
 
 A. W. Drtiry. 
 
 128 
 
April 21. 
 Rev. George Plowman, 1813. Rev. John R. Brown, 1815. 
 
 April 22. 
 Prof. Daniel Eberly, A. M., 1834. 
 
 129 
 
CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. 
 
 The relation of freedom from sin to entire sandlification, the relation of 
 
 a perfedl Christian to a Christian that is perfected, has much similarity to 
 
 the following relations : A dangerous disease may, through the skill of the 
 
 physician and the application of the proper remedies, have been happily 
 
 overcome; but this is not yet complete restoration of lost health and 
 
 strength, — though we are not to forget that the first must take place before 
 
 the latter can be accomplished. A student may entirely withdraw from all 
 
 other occupations, and devote himself never so fully to his studies; he 
 
 may, in short, be a perfe<5l student, and yet be far from being a scholar, 
 
 an educated man. Yet, undoubtedly, he must be the former before he 
 
 can become the latter. 
 
 J. Doerksen. 
 
 MISSION AND MOTIVE. 
 
 "Into all the world" and " every creature " bounds the mission of the 
 Christian church. All lands, all continents, to be visited; all classes, all 
 races, to be discipled. The injundlion is, "Go." For this there must be 
 a fitness — a spirit corresponding to the injunAion. The bare injunftion 
 itself would never have made the first ministers of the New Testament 
 dispensation go, much less those of a later time. But there came into the 
 souls of these embassadors an agonizing yearning to do what had been 
 commanded. Redemption's cry had reached this world, and they wanted 
 to voice it. The spirit of a brother yearning for a brother's salvation had 
 come into the heart. Wild seas and rugged continents imposed no barriers 
 to the accomplishment of this divine mission upon the part of its ad- 
 herents. I<ove impelled the going. 
 
 N. Castle. 
 
 130 
 
April 23. 
 Rev. Wm. K. McDaniel, 1823. 
 
 April 24. 
 Rev. Alexander Biddle, 1810. 
 
 131 
 
THE NEW BIRTH. 
 
 In the spiritual birth man receives all the graces, powers, and per- 
 fections of the Divine Father, as does the child of natural generation all 
 the functions of the human father. Now he is a child, perfect in all his 
 moral and spiritual make-up; only let him go on to perfection, not in 
 receiving new graces or qualities, but in developing those bestowed in the 
 new birth. And upon the principle that face answers to face, in the water, 
 so grace answers to grace in the soul. Every holy desire in the human 
 soul is planted there by the Holy Spirit. God never promotes a desire for 
 which the requisite amount of grace is not pledged. Thus it is that grace 
 
 answers to grace. All is by the favor of God. 
 
 J. L. Luttrell. 
 
 DECIDING TO ENTER COI.I.EGE. 
 
 A college -life means years of study and an expenditure of money, with 
 no income. It is a preparation for a wider field and a more prominent 
 position in the future. But Business calls and opens up her gates, and 
 invites the young man to enter. The almighty dollar is held up to his 
 admiring gaze, and its virtues extolled by its votaries. Better get money. 
 He can make this, as others have done, without special culture. Why 
 this delay ? Enter the lists at once and contend for the prize. Happy is 
 the young man who remembers there are more desirable things even in 
 this life than the getting of money. The chief aim of man is not to get 
 rich. God's purpose in man's creation is not met by the handling of a few 
 thousand dollars. Even if this is all, he sees that a good, thorough training 
 will help him to get it. But he is alive to all money -value, and he must 
 look after himself. A first-class, well -developed human being is of in- 
 finitely more value in God's sight than millions of dollars. 
 
 H. A. Thompso7i. 
 
 132 
 
April 25. 
 
 April 26. 
 Rev. C. Flinchbaugh, 1799, Rev. John Morgan, 1801. 
 
 133 
 
CONSECRATED MEN. 
 
 The men, who, recognizing the call of God, have responded to it, have 
 become the brightest lights of the world, the pillars of the church. What 
 advancement the church of Christ has made during the struggle of the 
 centuries she owes great chiefly to these consecrated characters ; those who 
 made her welfare their first, last, and only thought and theme. It is such 
 who are now her most efficient workers, her trusted counselors and leaders. 
 The hope of the church of Christ to-day is not in wealth, not in her pres- 
 tige, nor in her millions of votaries, but chiefly in her consecrated men. 
 The church needs and must have more of such men — men not only ready 
 to step, ere long, into the places of those who are now upon her walls 
 and manning her fortresses, but also prepared to fill the new posts de- 
 manded by the lengthening of her cords. 
 
 L. Bookwalter. 
 
 SYMPATHY. 
 
 See the disconsolate, sorrow - stricken soul, his mind entirely absorbed 
 ill contemplating the wretchedness of his lot. While he is brooding over 
 his misfortunes, with his face buried in his hands, and the anguish of his 
 heart finds expression in sobs and sighs, a friend approaches and seeks 
 the cause of his distress. With tearful eyes he relates his sorrows. Ere 
 he has half told his story the tear of sympathy starts and mingles with 
 the tear of sorrow. Fitting union! How precious to the sorrolving heart! 
 How soothing to the unfortunate to know that there are those who are 
 moved by their distress, and can pity as well as counsel! One has truth- 
 fully said that the tear of sympathy robs sorrow of half its pangs and is 
 a healing balm to the wounded heart. It diverts the mind from the mis- 
 fortunes and ills of life, and leads it to the contemplation of the tender 
 and noble afifedtions which dwell in the bosom of man. 
 
 , Henry Garst. 
 
 134 
 
April 27. 
 
 April 28. 
 Mrs. Marj^ Ann Sowers, 1S16. 
 
 135 
 
FRUITS OF HOI.INESS. 
 
 Wherever holiness is permitted to enter it is like a neat housekeeper, — 
 first cleansing the house from all pollution, and then placing everything 
 in the proper place. It places the afFeAions on Christ and heavenly 
 things, regulates the passions, sets reason on the throne, places the world 
 under foot, and brings the whole man into complete subjection to the will 
 of God. This is order. This is true beauty. This is the beauty of holi- 
 ness. 
 
 D. Edwards. 
 
 THE MINISTER AND EDUCATION. 
 
 He is in good position to look out young people for college. The 
 young are not always awake to the importance of education. Glittering 
 gold too often dazzles their eyes. A number wish to go to school but 
 lack foresight sufficient to attain the objedt desired. Others are discour- 
 aged by friends, and need judicious assistance. The minister who is a 
 wise master-builder can render these obstacles surmountable. Many of 
 the world's leading scholars went to college through the suggestion of 
 others. One of the best moments of a one's life is when a friend says to 
 you, "I owe to you that I went to college." The parent often needs in- 
 stru(5lion as to his obligation to give a higher education to his children. 
 Many parents do not know fully the claims upon them for a complete cult- 
 ure of their offspring. Other parents do not think it will pay. The 
 worth of it must be reiterated to such. Still others are unwilling to make 
 the sacrifice of educating their children. These can be led to a more 
 complete consecration. As a teacher of the family, the minister can en- 
 lighten the parents. In love he can convince and constrain them to the 
 
 discharge of duty. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 136 
 
April 29. 
 
 April 30. 
 
 137 
 
THY Wlhh. ^ 
 
 Weary in body, sick at heart, I came 
 
 And sat me down beside my lonely door; 
 And to mysalf, — I had none else to tell, — 
 
 With many tears, told all my troubles o'er. 
 
 The good I strove to do has turned to ill, 
 
 My fairest gifts 'neath careless feet are thrown, 
 
 And those to whom I gladly gave my all, 
 Pass coldly by — let me walk alone. 
 
 I longed so much to be a helper here, — 
 
 To write my life -page with no blot or blur, 
 And now — it is so hard, so hard, I cried, — 
 • In all the world I have no comforter. 
 
 And then a presence in ray door- way stood; 
 
 I felt a touch upon my bowed head, 
 And heard a voice like music, soft and low. . 
 
 O troubled one, it is my will, it said. 
 
 Thy will ! And is it i/ioii , dear Lord ? I cried; 
 
 And thou hast seen this bitter hurt of mine? 
 And thou dost care ? Ay, I have seen and cared; 
 
 My heart is pierced with every wound of thine! 
 
 Thy will, not mine, then, Lord, I softly said, 
 
 •And of a sudden life was fair and sweet; 
 Abiding peace came to :ne in that hour, 
 
 And in his strength my strength was made complete. 
 
 Afaud (MaTji A. Share). 
 
 138 
 
A MEMORY PICTURE. 
 
 Among the pidtures on the wall 
 Of niemorj's enchanted hall, 
 
 Is one a brook portraying, 
 And in the forest by its side, 
 Or wading in its limpid tide, 
 
 Myself and sister playing. 
 
 A steep hill rises near the brook, 
 Up which we clambered once to look 
 
 For some prized sylvan treasure. 
 Wild berries growing on its crest 
 Repaid our eager childish quest 
 
 In those dear hours of pleasure. 
 
 Through all the mists of vanished years 
 Upon that picfture still appears 
 
 The glow of life's glad morning; 
 Earth's purest light with rosy sheen. 
 Each innocent and happy scene 
 
 In youth's fair vale adorning. 
 
 The babbling brook flows as of yore; 
 But on its verdant banks no more 
 
 I'll stray as in da3-s olden; 
 And nevermore that hill -side climb 
 As in the one sweet summer-time 
 
 Which wears a halo golden. 
 
 Since then the bonds of helplessness 
 Have held in silent, sad duress 
 
 The feet that blithely -wending 
 Their way in paths ne'er trod again, 
 Unconscious of long years of pain 
 
 And weariness impending. 
 
 But in the land more fair than day 
 From bondage free I hope to stray 
 
 By life's pellucid river; 
 The sunny hills of heaven climb, 
 And through God's balmy summer-time 
 
 Range joyfully forever. Jennie Wilson. 
 
 139 
 
ON GIVING. 
 
 To give is one's duty so long as he expects to receive. While God 
 gives us life, limbs, action, sense, and the proper use of all these, it is as 
 much our duty to give as it is to walk, to talk, to work, to eat, to sleep, to 
 breathe, to pray, to live. While God continues to give to us, we are bound 
 to give to our fellows. For this he gives that we may give to others. Not 
 to give while God gives to us is as wicked as it would be to refuse to walk 
 one rod out of our way to relieve suffering humanity. " God loves a cheer- 
 ful giver." That is enough for me. I want no greater joy than to have 
 
 God love me. 
 
 Henry Kuniler, Jr. 
 
 GIVING OPINIONS. 
 
 Of those who give opinions to the world it ought first to be said that 
 
 they should be honest, noble in nature, earnest for truth, and of patient, 
 
 verifying habit. The heart has much to do in making the opinions. In 
 
 given palpable cases, of course, men could not believe otherwise than they 
 
 do. But by magnifying or diminishing the credibility or importance of 
 
 data, by using doubtful premises in their full force and afterward losing 
 
 sight of the element of doubtfulness,, by bringing up something apparent 
 
 to offset a serious argument, in many cases by unblushing perverseness or 
 
 willfulness — by one or several of these means or methods the mind has 
 
 almost complete control over its beliefs. 
 
 A. IV. Drury. 
 
 140 
 
May I. 
 Rev. Thomas M. Hamilton, 1822. 
 
 May 2. 
 
 141 
 
AN ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY, 
 
 We walk now at times in the brightness of unclouded faith, for God 
 throws sometimes the brightness of glory into our cloudy experience; but 
 when the eternal weight of glory bursts upon us amid the unsetting stars 
 and suns of the upper sandluary, then the soul's deepest and finest feelings 
 will break through every restraint. And as we range over heavenly 
 ground or are seated with Christ upon his throne, this glory with its 
 everlasting fullness will stream into the feelings and out of the feelings. 
 A resemblance between us and Christ is now begun, and the full revela- 
 tion of the heavenly weight of glory will complete it; for we now become 
 better and better, and all the time repeat Christ's character more and 
 more in ours. I plant my hope on no narrow grounds, but from the fadl 
 that this glory is so great that our strongest feelings cluster around it, for 
 that reason the salvation of a single soul outweighs the material universe. 
 
 F. Riebel. 
 
 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MOTHERS. 
 
 It seems to me there is no greater responsibility on earth, in any one 
 capacit}', than that which devolves upon mothers. To them is committed 
 the welfare of the whole human family. The future of the life that now 
 is and that which is to come of all the inhabitants of earth, in all ages, 
 rests in a greater degree, and to a fuller extent, upon mothers than upon 
 any other and all other agencies combined. How few young mothers have 
 any just conception of the responsibilities that the sleeping babe has 
 brought. The mother looks down into baby's .innocent face and her heart 
 yearns with a strangely sweet tenderness and a hitherto unknown love; 
 and she presses her jewel to her heart with the low cry, "All my own! 
 my precious darling!" This, perhaps, is her highest thought and the 
 source of her greatest joy. Personal ownership of the dearest and best 
 gift of God! She may lead and guide that precious life to the light and 
 into the way of life and up to the heights of glory. No other hand can 
 do this so surely as can a mother's; on no other rests the responsibility 
 as upon her. 
 
 Mrs. Emily Day. 
 
 142 
 
THE PREACHING FOR THE TIMES. 
 
 The times require candor, plainness, and earnestness in the pulpit, and 
 the laying aside of all unnatural airs and intonations. Nothing is more 
 disgusting to sensible men than to listen to a man who shows in his 
 pulpit efforts that he is more anxious to display himself than to display 
 Christ and his truth. The minister is not most truly eloquent and im- 
 pressive when he is so deeply interested in his subje<5l as to be utterly 
 oblivious of himself, and of the opinion that his audience will form of his 
 effort. He who, fully impressed and imbued with a sense of the impor- 
 tance of the truth he is about to present and an intense desire to win the 
 hearts of his auditors to that truth, goes before the people leaning by 
 faith on the arm of the Master, will not fail to be eloquent. This is what 
 gave the inspiration to Christ's discourses; this is what made Paul so 
 truly eloquent before Agrippa and in the midst of Mars' Hill; this was 
 the secret of Wesley's popularity; this gave Whitefield his power over the 
 masses. 
 
 /. L. Kephart 
 
 SUCCESS. 
 
 How shall I make life a success ? is a question thousands of young men 
 are now asking themselves. When a young man has fixed the right 
 standard of success the next thing is to know how to reach it, — what 
 kind of helps he most needs and where to find them. If money - making 
 were to be his standard then he ought to go to the Rothschilds, the 
 Girards, the Stewarts, the Vanderbilts. They could give him many sound 
 lessons in the art of money -making. If he is seeking renown, let him 
 consult those meteors that have blazed athwart the sky of nations. If he 
 seeks it irr mere mind -development, let him consult the oracles of litera- 
 ture, past and present. But if he will have the noblest success, one that 
 has the divine approval, and reaches out into the eternal ages, let him 
 consult the inspired word and the best types of intelligent piety he can 
 
 find. 
 
 J . Dickson. 
 
 144 
 
May 5. 
 Bishop David Edwards, D. D., 1S16. 
 
 May 6. 
 Rev. Samuel J. Graham, 1839. 
 
 145 
 
THE PRECIOUS PROMISES. 
 
 The promises of God are the Christian's Magna Charta; they are Heaven's 
 own bonds, issued by the authority of him whose name is Jehovah. Heaven 
 and earth may pass away, but every promise, to the last word, will be ful- 
 filled. God is immutable and can not lie; he is abundantly able to do all 
 he has promised. The whole Trinity is pledged to fulfill every word that 
 has been spoken.- No music is half so sweet, no eloquence is near so 
 charming, no pidture is at all so attr^dlive, as the precious promises given 
 
 to us by the faithful and true witness. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 TRUE CHARITY. 
 
 Charity is the "bond of perfeAness." It gushes in the fountain, runs 
 
 in the rill, floats in the stream, and rests in the deep. It grows in the 
 
 grass, blooms in the rose, waves in the grain, and ripens in the abundance 
 
 of harvest. It moves in the breeze, rides in the lightning, and thunders 
 
 in the storm. It rises in the vapor, appears in the cloud, and falls in the 
 
 shower. It cools in the shade, warms in the sun, and twinkles in the stars. 
 
 It is high as the everlasting throne, wide as the universe, and deep as 
 
 human woe. It lives in the Christian heart, glows in his countenance, 
 
 sparkles in his eyes, and flows in his tears. Oh, Thou art the fountain of 
 
 all charity. 
 
 Wvi. Davis. 
 
 146 
 
TO THE YOUNG. 
 
 Youth is the best time of life to adapt oneself to whatever business 
 
 we may propose for our maturer years. The man who wants to acquire 
 
 an education wisely begins young. If he wants to learn a trade he begins 
 
 young. If he wishes to enter a profession, or acquire a fortune, wisdom 
 
 says begin young. Why should this not hold good in religion? It does 
 
 hold good; and he who aims at extensive usefulness in the cause of Christ 
 
 must begin young. How noble and praiseworthy to see the young abandon 
 
 the pleasures and fascinations of a giddy world and give their best days 
 
 and their best powers to the cause of virtue and truth. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 FRUIT OF THE GOSPEIv. 
 
 The humane institutions of the world are the products of the gospel of 
 
 Christ. Go to those countries where the life and the gospel of Christ have 
 
 not touched, and you find none of these humane institutions, systems of 
 
 law, and asylums which anywhere in Christian countries ameliorate the 
 
 sorrowful condition of the unfortunate of the race. These benevolent and 
 
 humane institutions are the pride and joy of our land and the honor of the 
 
 world. Christ's heart of love as it throbbed and loved and labored and 
 
 suffered for men has touched the hearts of men in all Christian lands, and 
 
 these institutions have risen in the garden of God, bearing their manner 
 
 of fruits, while their leaves are for the healing of the unfortunate of the 
 
 nations. 
 
 /. W. HoH. 
 
May 9. 
 
 May 10. 
 Rev. Henry A. Snepp, 1830. 
 
 149 
 
LABOR. 
 
 The Master ofifers you a million times more than just wages, — wages 
 and a gift which cost the heart's blood of the Son of God. Labor hon- 
 estlyj the Master's eye is upon thee. Labor incessantly; the enemy is 
 very busy. Labor vigorously; the enemy is strong, the human heart is 
 stubborn, the trees of corrupt habits have thrust their roots deep, very 
 deep, into the very fruitful soil. Labor patiently; so does your heavenly 
 Father; so did Jesus of Nazareth; so you will inspire confidence in your 
 sincerity, honesty, earnestness, consecration, and general motives. Labor 
 lovingly; God is love. God in the heart fills it with love. Love sweetens 
 all the bitterness which grows out of labor, and the opposition of Satan 
 and the wicked. Labor faithfully! Doubt and failure are related as parent 
 and child — as cause and effedl; faith and vi6lory are similarly related. 
 Go now and labor faithfully till death, and you shall have a crown of life. 
 
 J. K. Alwood. 
 
 LNTHUSIASM. 
 
 It creates talent and force, overcomes difficulties, and converts foes into 
 friends. Many ministers are weaklings while they ought to be giants. 
 Some seem to think that Christian humility requires that they should be 
 spiritless; that they should be negative creatures. As far as I have been 
 able to conclude from reading the biographies of men eminent for their 
 piety and great services in the Christian church, such men have been 
 persons in whom self has been the center about which crouch powerful 
 feelings, but who have made their wills and their entire nature subjeft 
 to the will of God. Such men will always be a force. But how can the 
 ministry and the lait}^ be awakened to a sense of their strength and of 
 their opportunilies ? The answer is, principally by conta(5l, by associa- 
 tion. Next to the life-giving influence of the Holy Spirit is the dynamic 
 touch of a soul that is itself thrilled with life. It is said that great spirits 
 are generally found in clusters. Some colleges never send out any men 
 of mark. Others, in certain portions of their history, send out scarcely 
 a single mediocre. Some classes are made up of young men of rare in- 
 tensity of spirit and boldness of conception. The character of the college 
 president or of some member of the faculty, or of one or more among 
 the students, might indicate the source of its intelledlual life. 
 
 A. W. Drury. 
 150 
 
May II. 
 
 May 12. 
 
 151 
 
THK SUNDAY -SCHOOIv SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Deep piety is an indispensable qualification for success in superintend- 
 ing a Sabbath - school ; and nothing else can be substituted for this. No 
 talents, learning, or tadl can fill the place of the love of Christ. It takes 
 religion to teach religion. To lead the pupils to Christ, — and this, after 
 all, is the great work of the Sabbath -school, — we must have the spirit 
 of Christ in our hearts. Should not special prayer be offered for the 
 superintendent and teachers of our Sabbath -schools, as well as for our 
 ministers? A school governed by an empty-headed, light-minded superin- 
 tendent accomplishes but little good. The children come to be amused, or 
 to "have a good time" together, but they are not religiously benefited. 
 A really godly man, who earnestly labors for the salvation of the children, 
 has a glorious field in which to work for the Master, and will see the 
 
 fruit of his labors year by year. 
 
 D. Edwards. 
 
 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZENSHIP. 
 
 In a democratic government every man is, to a degree, a politician. 
 
 The people govern themselves; that is, they choose by their own election 
 
 who shall make and who shall execute their laws. Either immediately 
 
 or remotely, every citizen has a voice in saying who shall be state or 
 
 national legislator, judge, governor, or president. First, then, it is the 
 
 duty of every Christian to be so far forth a politician as to go regularly 
 
 to the poles and vote. He may not, as a good citizen, — and a good 
 
 Christian as well, — shirk this responsibility. He owes to Caesar what is 
 
 due to Cjesar. As a citizen of this country, he owes it to himself, to his 
 
 fellow-countrymen, to posterity, to truth, justice, order, and to God, to 
 
 take so much interest in public affairs as to contribute his vote — if he be 
 
 allowed a ballot, as happily all are in this country, — to the support of 
 
 such men and measures as according to his best jixdgment will do most 
 
 to conserve the welfare of the state. It ill becomes a man, especially a 
 
 Christian, to profess too great piety, and to be so heavenly - minded that 
 
 he will not exercise the eledlive franchise. 
 
 W. McKee. 
 
 152 
 
WHAT RUM DOES. 
 
 How much of domestic sorrow has been brought about by the use of 
 wine. What a dark piAure does the picture of Ahasuerus present. The 
 noblest woman in the realm dethroned and divorced. The king himself 
 is conscience-smitten and sleepless. Tens of thousands of women, from 
 India even to Ethiopia, tyrannized over and trampled upon by brutal hus- 
 bands. Such are some of the sad obje(5ls to be seen in the foreground, 
 while in the background stands the demijohn. Nineteen out of twenty 
 divorces in our country grow out of rum. Nineteen out of every twenty 
 family quarrels grow out of rum. Nineteen out of every twenty womanly 
 hearts trampled upon and crushed by brutal husbands have been trampled 
 upon and crushed because of rum. Rum is the key that unlocks hell and 
 lets the burning liquid out to desolate this world of ours. O rum! what 
 
 ha.st thou done? 
 
 5'. A. Mowers. 
 
 HEART -KEEPING. 
 
 The source of all badness, or of all goodness, is in the heart. Sin can 
 
 only be conceived there. It can not come into life without first being 
 
 conceived in the heart. A truly good man's life will seldom contradi<5l 
 
 his heart, — never permanently. The rule is, that if the life is wrong the 
 
 heart is wrong. Judging the heart bj^ the life is philosophical. The life 
 
 is never better in God's view than the heart. The heart as a fountain 
 
 must be kept pure. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
 
 shall see God." "See God!" Yes. It was sin that struck the union 
 
 between God and man in the garden. Sin and holiness can never have 
 
 fellowship. The heart is a garden of rarest flowers, and must be kept 
 
 free from the growing weeds of corruption. The fruits of the Spirit are 
 
 to grow here. They are of very delicate life, and must be kindly cared 
 
 for. 
 
 N. Castle. 
 
 154 
 
May 15. 
 
 May 16. 
 
 155 
 
MEMORY'S TREASURES. 
 
 What, then, are memory's treasures? You will agree with me that the 
 mother's devoted and unselfish love should take the first place, and that 
 because of its rare luster it is justly cherished by memory. Oh, those 
 early days! Oh, that tender, loving heart! And then that friend or those 
 friends who helped us into spiritual. life. Memory recalls the scene vividly. 
 And then there are those in the wider fields whose lives are so beautiful 
 and grand that they seem to tower above us like the peaks of the Alps 
 tower above their neighbors — names that stand for all that is good, pure, 
 and beautiful in this life; names with the fragrance of summer flowers; 
 names that somehow seem to be only half earthly, that conne(5l them- 
 selves with the unseen realities of heaven, so that we can hardly think of 
 heaven without thinking of them; names that are connedled with Christ 
 both here and there, so that we can say with new meaning, "The memory 
 
 of the just is blessed." 
 
 5. IV. McCorkle. 
 
 THE PALM-TREE. 
 
 Along the way grow the stately palm-trees, towering up toward the 
 clouds. As these trees grow up to maturity they cast off all their surplus 
 limbs. While small, the body is covered with them; but as the tree grows 
 up they are dropped off. The top of the tree is a crown of leaves. The 
 center limbs point straight up toward heaven, and the fruit hangs in clus- 
 ters about the crown. Every month in the year fruit can be gathered 
 from this tree. I saw slender vines that could not support themselves 
 cling to and twine themselves about the trunk of the palm-tree, and thus 
 they raised themselves above the earth. Though the palm-tree is so high, 
 and the fruit at its vei"y top, when it is fully ripe it drops it to the ground, 
 and the smallest child or the crippled beggar can gather and eat or sell 
 it. What a type of the true Christian is the palm-tree! As he grows he 
 throws off his loose and bad habits. He rises higher and higher. He 
 drops his blessings for others. The weak may cling to him. But a wicked 
 
 man will not benefit others. He is vile and dangerous. 
 
 J. Gomer. 
 
 156 
 
May 17. 
 
 May 1-8. 
 Rev. G. 1,. Gilbert, 1821. 
 
 157 
 
PROVIDING FOR THE) YOUNG. 
 
 The church must provide for its young people the proper means for 
 their best culture, or means not of the best chara(5ter, and not tending 
 to the best culture, will be provided for them. There is no limit to the 
 amount and variety of worthless and vile literature that is not only placed 
 in their reach, but by every available method thrust upon them. Min- 
 isters, Sunday-school superintendents, and teachers can do much to save 
 the young from evil reading and help them forward in the way of gaining 
 solid intelligence; and it is a duty they can not well set aside. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 he;ave;ni,y attractions. 
 
 Is there nothing in the thought of heavenly things; nothing in the 
 thought of the bright and loving spirits you once knew on earth, who 
 have gone to live in the heavenly city, and who now from its golden 
 portals are watching to see you come; nothing in the thought of a city 
 large and magnificent, whose maker and builder is God, whose golden 
 streets are lined with fragrant flowers that never fade, and thronged with 
 conquerers who never weep, toil, or suffer, and with "immortal blood 
 throbbing in their veins know not how to die;" nothing in the thought 
 of this bright land where every eye sparkles with joy, every cheek blooms 
 with health, every heart quivers with the rapture of peace, and ' ' every fin- 
 ger-tip touches harps of gold, whose silken strings never felt the twang 
 of woe ? " O man immortal ! O woman immortal ! is there nothing in the 
 thrilling thought of these bright, grand, glad, eternal things to attracft your 
 affedtions, lifting them from the perishable things of earth ? 
 
 /,. R. Jones. 
 
 I5« 
 
May 19. 
 
 May 20. 
 
 159 
 
FIRST DUTIES. 
 
 Self-preservation is said to be the first law of nature, and self-salva^ 
 tion may well be called the first law of grace. Self-preservation from 
 temporal want, danger, and injurj-, and self- salvation from sin, its guilt, 
 pollution and dominion, are the first duties or laws of our being. And 
 there is no conflidl whatever between these two — that is to ssy, no nec- 
 essary worldly interest needs to be neglecfted to be a Christian, nor need 
 any religious duty be omitted to be a worldling so far as it is necessary 
 to secure what is needful. By the observance of these laws we secure 
 present and future happiness, and the neglecft of them brings certain dis- 
 grace and suffering. He that does not provide for his physical wants will 
 suffer hunger and cold, and ought to; he that does not provide for his 
 intelleAual wants will suffer as an ignoramus, and ought to ; and he that 
 does not provide for his spiritual wants will suffer as a sinner, and ought 
 
 to. 
 
 D. K. Flickiiio-er. 
 
 SEPARATION FROM THIv WORI^D. 
 
 Many Christians fail to witness effectually for the sufficiency of Christ 
 and his religion to satisty the hungerings and thirstings of the soul by 
 going back to Egypt too often to get a mess of enions, leeks, and garlic. 
 This fa(5l is a great stumbling-block in the way of mankind. One im- 
 portant design in keeping Christians in the world is to teach people on 
 this point, pra£lically, not to labor for the meat that perisheth. But sup- 
 pose the church is just as fond of the party, the dance, the rink, the 
 horse - race, the theater, the opera, of cards, and the novel as is the world ? 
 Why, she is powerless to do the world any good in the way of saving it. 
 She has lost her savor. Christians are bound to show by their condudl 
 that they are adlually satisfied with the enjoyments of religion, without 
 the pomp and vanities of the world; that the joys of religion and com- 
 munion with God keep them above the love of the world. The ship ma5' 
 be safe in the sea, but there is no safety when the sea gets into the ship. 
 People will not go aboard a ship even half full of the sea, neither will 
 they go in large numbers into a church full of the world. There are too 
 many of God's people living out in the world, and too many of the world 
 
 are in the church. 
 
 R. Rock. 
 
 160 
 
May 21. 
 
 May 22. 
 
 i6i 
 
THK CHURCH'S COMMISvSION. 
 
 "Go teach all nations." Tell them "God so loved the world that he 
 
 gave his Son" to die for them. Tell them that I was rich, and for their 
 
 sakes became poor, that they might be rich. Tell them all about my 
 
 sufferings in the garden and on the cross. Tell them that I was buried, 
 
 and on the third day arose again. Tell them that a fountain is open for 
 
 sin and uncleanliness. Tell them that all things are ready. Tell them — 
 
 tell every one, rich and poor, high and low, noble and ignoble — that I 
 
 came all the way from heaven to prepare a way whereby they might be 
 
 saved. Tell them that I have gone to prepare a place for them ; that 
 
 there are mansions and crowns for them in my Father's house. Tell them 
 
 that I will come again, and bring all the holy angels with me ; then all 
 
 who have loved me and kept my commandments I will receive up to 
 
 glory. 
 
 J. Weaver 
 
 THE WAYS OF THE INFINITE. 
 
 God carries on his work by agencies which insure great strides ot 
 vidtory. God's methods are natural, and therefore we too often think of 
 them as necessarily slow in their process. This is a delusion. God's 
 agencies are often the most startling in their adlivity. A nation is born 
 in a day. Peoples that were not rise up and confound the mighty. Flashes 
 of flame from the throne of God smite down his enemies. His love, like 
 the sun otji the winter scene, melts all into tenderness, and nations lie 
 gentle in his formative hand. The conquests of the great God and his 
 Christ are phenomenal and miraculous. The agencies employed may 
 appear inconsiderable, but they are weapons mighty through God in pull- 
 ing down strongholds. We see poorly only the human side of God's 
 work. In our blindness we seek to rein up the events of God's ages to 
 the capabilities of apparent means. We err greatly. God strikes a music 
 too fine and exalted for our dull ears. He employs arms of flesh which 
 have in them nerves of steel which are unseen. Men die and fall out of 
 the ranks of toil, passing into the home and rest and personal dwelling 
 with God, but the great work goes on. "God buries his workmen but 
 
 carries on his work." 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
May 23. 
 
 May 24. 
 Bishop D. K. Flickinger, D. D., 1824. 
 
 163 
 
the; christian coi^lkge. 
 
 Here the youtli may be led through all the intricate yet necessary 
 paths of knowledge by instrucStors who delight to, sometimes, turn aside 
 from the beaten path of investigation and diredl the hungry soul of the 
 student from nature up to nature's God ; to so shape his instruAion that 
 while the student is' absorbed in the wonderful formation of the rock, the 
 beauty of the flower, and the grandeur of the stars his "other soul" i» 
 drawn toward the infinite wisdom that fashioned these things. Here 
 daily prayers ascend. Here daily counsel and kindly admonition are 
 given. And so the youth is guarded through his college - course, that 
 when he goes out to take his place among the struggling millions, if he 
 has not become soundly indodlrinated in the principles of the Christian 
 religion he will at least have imbibed a goodly share of wholesome teach- 
 ing, ard will have his mind open to the nobler impulses of his nature. 
 
 D. A. Mobley. 
 
 KNOWI^EDGE. 
 
 What makes the difference between the conditions of primitive man 
 and the highest conditions of civilized man? Knowledge makes the dif- 
 ference. Knowledge cultivates our fields, invents our machinery, builds 
 up our cities, and manages the affairs of government. Knowledge beauti- 
 fies our homes and utilizes all the energies of nature for our benefit. But 
 knowledge is a power that must be guided by a sense of moral recflitude 
 or it will work ruinous effedls somewhere. It may be in the management 
 of the government municipality, state or nation. It may be in one's own 
 private life which may be ruinous in its effe(5ts upon others and in its 
 reflex influence upon yourself — as the life of the forger or the burglar 
 or the defaulter. No individual is truly great, no country or nation truly 
 prosperous unless the knowledge possessed is utilized under true moral 
 restraint and a healthy conscientiousness of the duty of redlitude and 
 
 honor. 
 
 W. H. Klinefelter. 
 
 164 
 
May 25. 
 Bishop Jacob Erb, 1805. 
 
 May 26. 
 
 165 
 
HOLINESS. 
 
 "What is holiness?" It is not a mere emotion or passion, neither does 
 it exist in any external adts or ceremonies ; but it is a moral state and 
 habit — a condition of purity and re(5litude. It is not a grace, but the 
 assemblage of all the graces necessary to form the Christian character. It 
 is, in a word, the moral image of God, who is said to be "glorious in 
 holiness," and whose nature is love. The heart that is full of love is full 
 of holiness. Yet it abors sin as the "abominable thing that God hates." 
 Such is holiness. It is the harmonious assemblage of all the moral qualities 
 necessary to form a complete charadler. In it are beautifully blended piety 
 and peace, justice and mercy, and truth and righteousness. 
 
 D. Edwards. 
 
 THE MINISTRY. 
 
 This is the most sacred office in the world. In this it rises infinitely 
 above all others. It rests on divine authority and has for its end God's 
 glory in the return of apostate man to original holiness and favor with 
 his Maker. This sacredness attaches to this office a certain dignity which 
 should be understood by those who are called of God to this work, and 
 scrupulously preserved by avoiding all condu6t which is inconsistent with 
 it. Condu(?l which involves the violation of no moral principle, and which 
 may not be a reproach to other Christians, may be altogether improper in 
 a minister. The negledt of his office for the sake of gain or the honors of 
 men is an infringement upon the dignity of a minister as such. Any busi- 
 ness which unfits a man for the pulpit by monopolizing his thoughts and 
 casting a shade upon the sacredness of his office in his own mind should 
 be firmly discarded. No ordinary obstacle should be permitted to prevent 
 
 an earnest engagement in the work of saving souls. 
 
 W. J. Shuey. 
 
 i66 
 
May 27. 
 
 May 28. 
 
 167 
 
PI,AIN PREACHING, 
 
 If a minister does not wish to put himself on exhibition, and if he 
 looks to the good of his hearers, he can have no reason to give the peo- 
 ple anything else than plain preaching. "We say if he looks to the good 
 of the people; for a man with small ability and no piety may draw large 
 audiences, and yet do the people no good. A crowd following a showy 
 man does not decide the question of his usefulness, nor prove the unutility 
 of plain preaching. Plain preaching, though it makes no great show, will 
 still be the means honored of God in saving souls when the eccentric 
 clerical fool and his foolish admirers are in their graves. 
 
 Alexander Owen- 
 
 CHRISTIAN I.OVE;. 
 
 I<ove in man, like love in God, moves in the same diredtion. It gives 
 to faith an easy and delightful acftion. Working by its sweet charms it 
 makes mighty its instrumentalities. Love constrained a host of living wit- 
 nesses for the truth of Christ, in the planting of the Christian church, to 
 give up and sacrifice their most valuable earthly goods and comforts, and to 
 rescue the poor and degraded who were seated in the regions of darkness 
 and the shadow of death. Love, to elevate wretched humanity stimulated 
 its happy possessors, not even to count their own lives dear. It is now 
 moving delightfully hundreds of self- sacrificing laborers in heathen lands 
 to teach and to civilize and save men. Fathers, mothers, children, lands, 
 houses, comforts, and civilization become secondary matters when love, 
 first love, love to God and man, enriches the soul. 
 
 Henry Kumler, Jr. 
 
 i68 
 
May 29. 
 Rev. D. vSpeck, 1827. 
 
 May 30. 
 
 169 
 
PERSONAI. INTEGRITY. 
 
 A man of the completest integrity must be alive both to God and to 
 man. It is as disgraceful to neglect God as it is to overlook man. Near 
 my home in Ohio used to stand two trees. The one had a noble trunk 
 which towered nearly fifty feet without a branch, and was graced at the 
 top with a beautiful crown of branches, whose every branchlet and twig 
 seemed to leap up toward the heavens to embrace the sun. The other 
 had a strong, sturdy trunk near the earth, which extended up a few feet 
 and then gave off circles of branches which grew out in vigorous form 
 and turned downward toward the earth, as if eager to grasp the earth in 
 spite of the sun. Up from these branches went a long, slender, dead, and 
 shaft -like trunk, a resting place for every wandering bird, and the delight 
 of the lightning of many a storm. These trees are emblems of two men. 
 The one of a man who keeps his connexion with earth, healthful and 
 strong, that it may contribute to his crowning glory heavenward and God- 
 ward; he is alive at the top. The other is emblematic of a man who 
 clings exclusively to earth, its treasures, and the manward side of life; 
 he is dead at the top. He doesn't know God in life until he gets into 
 trouble, or comes to die. The better afifeAions of his nature are stunted, 
 the sweetness of the finer feelings of his being are unexperienced, while 
 heaven and God are in some unknown place, millions of miles from the 
 earth. His trunk and his branches crouch to the earth — he is dead at the 
 top. Personal integrity implies a good conscience " void of offence " God- 
 zcai'd as well as vianward. A man of integrity is therefore an integer. 
 His holiness is wholeness. He has the abiding element of freshness in 
 human charafter. We tire of men because they are clay patterns, and not 
 living individualities. Such a man will not be a stagnant pool, but a living 
 stream that gathers as it flows, and becomes the servant and joy of many. 
 By knowing him to-day you can not compass him thereby for to-morrow, 
 for each day paj^s its rich tribute to the wealth of his increase. He hangs 
 on the whims of no one, but lives in the independence of his own en- 
 lightened judgment. Tertullus with his learning, or Felix on his throne 
 with one's life at slake, can not abash him. The harmony of such a life 
 
 is that of many .sj^niphonies. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 
 170 
 
May m. 
 
 171 
 
A TEMPERANCE HYMN. 
 
 Do you slumber in your tent, Christian soldier, 
 While the foe is spreading woe through the land? 
 
 Do you note his rising power 
 Growing bolder every hour? 
 
 Will he not our land devour, 
 
 WhUe you stand? 
 
 Can you sleep while homes are rent, Christian soldier? 
 Are not heavens turned to hells by his power? 
 
 Mark you not the mother's sigh ? 
 
 Hear you not the children's cry? 
 
 See you not their loved ones die, 
 
 Every hour? 
 
 Can you linger in your tent. Christian soldier? 
 Satan's smiling o'er your idle delay; 
 
 Thousands perish while you wait. 
 
 While you counsel and debate ; 
 
 Heed you not their awful fate. 
 
 As they stray ? 
 
 Let us rise in holy wrath. Christian soldiers, 
 Crush the evil 'neath the heel of our might! 
 
 Counting cost, no longer w^ait. 
 
 Forward, manhood of the state 1 
 
 For in God our strength is great 
 
 For the right. 
 
 E. S. Lorens. 
 
 172 
 
RECOMPENSE. 
 
 The night is long and dark and chill, 
 
 The threatening storin is near at hand, 
 And we are tired— my heart and I. 
 
 As pilgrim in a foreign land 
 Turns back with yearning look and fond, 
 
 So we to all that lies beyond. 
 
 We had not thought to find life thus. 
 
 We meant to walk the brighter way, 
 And we never have, and only smiled, 
 
 When sunlight changed to shadows gray ; 
 But now the storm is passing by, 
 
 And we are tired — my heart and I. 
 
 But what of clouds and storm and night, 
 
 When morn's fair light again shall come? 
 And what of wanderings, faint and far. 
 
 When safe within our Father's home? 
 I,ife's sorrows come but by his will, 
 
 And so, complaining heart, be still. 
 
 Maud Mary A. S{hare). 
 
 173 
 
VAI.UE OF COI.I.EGE; - TRAINING. 
 
 The habit of study and the mental acuteness and power acquired at 
 
 college are a lasting treasure to their possessor. Indeed, long after he 
 
 may have forgotten Greek roots, mathematical demonstrations, and the 
 
 lettered intricacies of his old book on logic, he will yet be the possessor 
 
 of that fine di.scrimination, that precision of thought, and that philosophic 
 
 grasp which he secured in their study and recital. As he applies himself 
 
 to some specialty as a life-work, he enters upon its study and pursuit thus 
 
 developed and cultured. He takes hold of his work with a ready hand; and 
 
 if he faithfully wields the power which he has at his command, he must 
 
 succeed in a degree far surpassing the results of the lame and weak efforts 
 
 of his uncultured competitors. 
 
 L. Bookwalier. 
 
 CHILDREN'S DAY. 
 
 One of the most sacred of the duties of the church is the care of the 
 
 little ones. It is, therefore, very gratifying that everywhere throughout the 
 
 Christian world increased and kindly attention is being shown to children. 
 
 One way in which the growing interest in children is being manifested is in 
 
 the happy influences and accompaniments of "Children's Day," a day which 
 
 has its "pleasing accessories of fragrant flowers and singing -birds, of simple, 
 
 gladsome, impressive services," and is now popularly observed during the 
 
 early summer by nearly all Christian denominations. Wherever the day is 
 
 suitably observed, great good is accomplished in enlisting the children in 
 
 the work of the church, and impressing the importance of their proper 
 
 care on the minds and hearts of pastors and teachers, as well as parents. 
 
 Na work in the Lord's kingdom will yield better returns than that bestowed 
 
 on the children. 
 
 M. R. Drury. 
 
 174 
 
KEY TO OTTERBEIN'S CHARACTER. 
 
 It was not a form of philosophy; it was not a type of theology; it was 
 not enthusiasm. The true foundation of his devoted life and sustained 
 labors is to be found in his deep perception of the moral contrasts pre- 
 sented in the Scriptures. This was the basis; other things rested upon 
 this foundation. He saw men lost, and, by the widest contrast imagin- 
 able, beheld them redeemed. He appreciated the unspeakable difference 
 between a soul unrenewed and a soul renewed. The difference was one 
 of quality, fundamental chara<5ler — not one of moral shading. Others 
 were thinking of educating a new man out of the old man; he believed 
 in nothing short of a new creature in Christ. By the aid of the Scriptures 
 
 he read moral truth in its primitive courses. 
 
 A. W. Drury 
 
 PRACTICAI, PREACHING. 
 
 The salvation of the people should be the special objedl of the Chris- 
 tian ministry. The great aim of the fathers in all their sermons was the 
 salvation of souls. Special revival seasons a few months in the year, as 
 we have it, was not the method of the early fathers to secure conversions. 
 Perhaps it were better to-day, instead of periodical revivals, to go back to 
 the old method, and preach so that in all our sermons both saint and 
 sinner might get their portion. While I ani not at all opposed to revival 
 efforts, yet I fear that outside of these special seasons our preaching is of 
 too general a character, and has not enough of salvation in it to reach 
 the unsaved, and, as a consequence, the religious life in many churches 
 is of a spasmodic characfler. The gospel is intensely pradlical, and always 
 
 personal in its applications. 
 
 /. P. Miller. 
 
 176 
 
June 3. 
 June 4. 
 
 /7J6 
 
 Rev. J. K. Billheimer, 18 
 
 • 
 
 177 
 
 31- 
 
 i 
 
LAST WORDS OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 
 
 As the hope of getting well and of a longer term of service became less, 
 the spirit of Bishop Kdwards expressed itself in the following utterance, 
 which more than anything else may be regarded as his last testimony and 
 message to the church: "If it might be the Lord's will, I would like to live 
 to preach awhile yet. I would preach, as never before, salvation by faith 
 alone. Oh, the church has so much machinery, and there is such a dis- 
 position to interpose so many things between inquiring souls and Christ! 
 Oh, I would tell them salvation is by faith in Christ alone. I see this now 
 
 as never before, and I would like to live and preach it." 
 
 L. Davis. 
 
 HOPE. 
 
 Were this afifedlion destroyed from the human breast, men would settle 
 down in despondency, and life itself would be undesirable, if not absolutely 
 insufferable. Life with its attendant affli(5lions, bereavements, and disap- 
 pointments could be scarcely endured by the most courageous and deter- 
 mined of human kind. Hope is the life-giving power of adlion and 
 endurance. When our pathway If ads through afflicSlion and losses — even 
 the loss of all earthly good — hope still lingers with the almost despairing 
 one, to present the fairest side of the pi<5ture, and prominently hold up to 
 view better things to come. When sick it tells of health, when poor it tells 
 of wealth, and when troubled and disappointed it tells of success and 
 happiness in the end. It keeps our heads from sinking, and impels us to 
 
 renewed and more vigorous efiforts. 
 
 D. K. Flickinger. 
 
 178 
 
Junk 5. 
 
 June 6. 
 Rev. A. Helton, 1823. 
 
 179 
 
MONEY VAI^UE OF AN EDUCATION. 
 
 If a college -education does not improve a man's chances for the desir- 
 able positions in life, then the number of college - graduates found ir 
 them should be in proportion to the number of college -graduates in the 
 land; that is, if half the young men of the country go to college, then 
 half the desirable positions in life should be filled by them. If it can be 
 shown that less than half our young men go to college and more than 
 half occupy these positions, then it is evident that a college -education 
 greatly enhances a man's prospecft for such places. If college - bred men 
 attain eminence sooner than other men of like natural ability, that is of 
 great importance in a short life like ours, and is an argument in favor of 
 
 a college -course. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 HOW MUCH TO GIVE. 
 
 The first question a man will naturally ask himself is, What propor- 
 tion of my estate should I give to religions purposes ? The circumstances 
 of people are so varied that no definite rule can be fixed. Much depends 
 upon what a man is worth ; how many children he ma}^ have to provide 
 for and what their necessities are, and what use they are likely to make 
 of their property ; whether they are prodigal spendthrifts or industrious 
 and economical, etc., etc. Some writer has said that the church should be 
 made an equal heir with the rest of the children. This strikes us as a 
 good rule, but will have a good many exceptions. Very many Christians 
 should do more than this; some perhaps ought to do less. Every Chris- 
 tian should settle this question on his knees and in the light of eternity; 
 
 and thus settled, we do not fear the result. 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 1 80 
 
June 7. 
 
 Rev. N. G. Whitney, 1835. 
 
 yk ^* J74^-^^^^^^O^z,i>iC<2>^/^-'4'/ 
 
 June 8. 
 Rev. W. M. Givens, 1S27. 
 
 181 
 
MINISTERIAI. SUPPORT. 
 
 If it is right to pay any man for his labor, it is right to pay the faith- 
 ful minister. He gives his whole time, talent, and strength to this work, 
 and should receive a living support. No man can withhold his means 
 from the support of the gospel without violating the ordinance of God, 
 and rendering himself unworthy of a place among the people of God. 
 Any person refusing to give as the L,ord has prospered him ought to be 
 excommunicated. He is not fit to belong to the church of Christ. "The 
 laborer is worthy of his hire. ' ' So says every honest man, so says the civil 
 law, and so says the divine law. The faithful minister is a laborer, just 
 as much as the man who builds your houses, makes your shoes, or plows 
 in your fields, and is just as much entitled to his pay as any other laborer. 
 If Christians valued souls as God values them, the faithful minister would 
 
 be better supported. 
 
 /. Weaver. 
 
 TWO CHARACTERS. 
 
 From the same family there often come two sons whose ends in life 
 are as different as anything we can imagine. Wealth, culture, society, and 
 paternal care have been the same; yet how different the issue. One has 
 been a vessel of honor, the other of dishonor. One has become all that is 
 lovely in human nature, the other has become all that is unlovely. Cir- 
 cumstances may account in part for this difference in result. Inherited 
 instin<5ts and tendencies may account for a part. But the condition of the 
 heart is the most potent facflor in the problem. A pure heart made one 
 the hope and pride of those who gave him birth. An impure heart made 
 the other the sorrow and shame of those who gave him being. The moral 
 condition of the heart made Paul the apostle to the gentiles, made Nero 
 the monster of all ages, made Luther the champion of the Reformation, 
 made Philip II. the murderer of nations. "Keep thy heart with all dili- 
 gence, for out of it are the issues of life." 
 
 G. P. Macklin. 
 
 182 
 
June 9. 
 
 June 10. 
 
 183 
 
THE LOT FAMILY. 
 
 I would rather obligate myself to furnish a thousand Lots than one 
 Abraham. I think I could furnish a thousand Lots without going far 
 from home, or being long from home ; but I do not know how far I would 
 have to go, or how long I would have to be away before I would find an 
 Abraham. The truth of the matter is, the family resemblance of the Lots 
 has been wonderfully preserved through the long ages. He is the repre- 
 sentative of that alarmingly large class of men who seek offices simply 
 because they are well watered. These hordes of candidates that abound 
 everj'where have not their hearts set so much on the good of the coun- 
 try as on the profitableness of the office. 
 
 S. A. Mowers. 
 
 THE PASTOR IN THE HOME. 
 
 It is a great mistake for a pastor to stay away from the homes of his 
 people. He should know the world in which the adults and children of 
 his charge live. They have a world in which the natural predominates. 
 The books, papers, associates, and business methods of that world should 
 be carefully studied by the pastor. He is a stranger to his people and 
 they are strangers to him if they only meet him on the street or high- 
 way, or in the place of worship. They can not feel any real helpful inter- 
 est in one another because they have no more than a speaking acquaint- 
 ance. In the home of the pastor there are faAs that the people ought to 
 know ; and in the homes of the people there are many fa(5ls that the 
 pastor must know if he would help them to a holy living and dying. 
 
 Z. Warner. 
 
June ii. 
 
 June 12. 
 Rev. J. H. Pershing, 1847. 
 
 185 
 
WOMAN'S MINISTRY. 
 
 There are many spheres of ministry in which woman's hands may do 
 
 nobly for God. It is given to her to nurture and rear the children who 
 
 are to be the acSlors on the stage of life in the coming years. Not by force, 
 
 but by the forceful, plastic hand of love touching the yonng and tender heart 
 
 of childhood she is to guide the destiny of generations. This may be 
 
 quietly in the home circle, or in the Sabbath - school, or in the social 
 
 circle, as day by day the ears of children are open to her utterances, and 
 
 their eyes watch eagerly her adls of love. Never was the field wider for 
 
 the ministry of Christian women than now. Never has the world felt more 
 
 deeply the need of the ministry of love and tenderness in opening the way 
 
 for our I^ord among the poor, the fallen, and those who have not known 
 
 of Jesus, than now. 
 
 /. JV. Hott. 
 
 ILLUSTRIOUS EXAMPLES. 
 
 Albert Barnes has truly said, "We have most illustrious examples to 
 
 imitate. They are as numerous as the drops of dew, and bright as the stars 
 
 of the morning. It is an honor to tread in the footsteps of the holy men 
 
 who have inherited the promises; an honor to feel that we are walking in 
 
 the same path and are reaching out the hand to the same crown." Yes, it 
 
 is an honor to feel that we are engaged in the same work that Abraham 
 
 and Isaac and Jacob were engaged in. We are living, as it were, in the 
 
 presence of these immortal spirits. Like sentinels from their loftj' seats in 
 
 heaven, they are watching with intense interest our journeyings through 
 
 life. Oh, how sad, after having such illustrious examples to follow, that 
 
 we should become slothful and indifferent to our best interests, stray out 
 
 of our proper course, and wander away from God into the deep, dark mazes 
 
 of sin and unbelief, and at last know what it is to suffer all the pangs of 
 
 remorse in the world of woe; know what that worm is that never dies, and 
 
 that fire that is never quenched. 
 
 R. E. Williams. 
 
 i86 
 
June 13. 
 Rev. Daniel R. Miller, 1835. 
 
 June 14. 
 Rev. Samuel Mills, 1831. 
 
 187 
 
CHII.DHOOD. 
 
 If there is on this earth one thing beautiful beyond all others, above 
 all price, and before which the grandest efforts of the most skillful artist 
 fade into insignificance, it is a little child. We may examine its physical 
 frame and learn how "fearfully and wonderfully" it is made. We may 
 consider the intelle<5l which it possesses, and which only needs to be prop- 
 erly developed to become one of the greatest forces in all the universe. 
 We may think of the moral nature with which it is endowed, and which 
 if guided aright in its unfolding shall make it a companion for angels; 
 if warped and injured, shall bring curses and sadness upon all its asso- 
 ciates, and everlasting mysery upon itself. We may refle<5l upon all the 
 capabilities which are in that little body, and that need only the magic 
 word to cause them to spring into life and beauty. No matter from what 
 stand -point we look at it, there is nothing so beautiful, so precious, among 
 
 all created things. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 GET AN EDUCATION. 
 
 No matter if you purpose to be a farmer, a mechanic, a merchant, and 
 not to go into any one of the special professions. You will be a more 
 intelligent farmer, a more skillful mechanic, a more successful merchant, 
 for having first acquired a good education. No matter if you, as a young 
 lady, do- not propose to be a teacher, a dodlor, a telegraph operator, or 
 to follow some other pursuit requiring special training and skill. It is 
 your purpose to settle down into domestic life. Well, that is just the very 
 noblest sphere you can fill, if you qualify yourself to fill it nobly. And 
 to what an elevation and dignity is the domestic life lifted when noble, 
 cultured matrons preside in the household. Some duties will still be 
 drudgery. And there is no calling or profession in life that has not some 
 measure of drudgery. That is an inevitable incident to human life; it can 
 not be wholly escaped. But even drudgery itself is raised up to something 
 of dignity when persons of elevated charadler perform it. And over all 
 the family life there will glow an increasing radiance when culture, in- 
 telligence, and religion brings to it their treasures. 
 
 D. Bersrer. 
 
Junk 15. 
 Bishop John Dickson, D. D., 1820. 
 
 June 16. 
 
 1 89 
 
TRUE RELIGION. 
 
 That service of God which has largel3^ an eye to gaining esteem among 
 
 Christians, or to winning popularity among men, is not the true service of 
 
 Christ. That service that looks to itself as a means of gaining wealth, or 
 
 earthly possessions, is not much better than the piety which would fain 
 
 learn whether there are good mill - sites on the river of life. The true 
 
 service of God is not mainly inspired with a desire to win even spiritual 
 
 happiness here, or bliss in heaven, though valuable incentives these may 
 
 be. It serves not from mere duty, but from loved duty. It loves the will 
 
 of God, the worship of the L,ord, the service of Christ. It delights to 
 
 please the objedl of the heart's great love. It delights to do good. It 
 
 rejoices exceedingly in promoting Christ's kingdom. It finds ecstatic bliss 
 
 in magnifying the name of the Lord. 
 
 M. Wright. 
 
 THE CRY OF THE NEEDY. 
 
 The women I want helped — helped to a broader view of the duties of 
 Christian women, helped to a realization of the blessings and opportuni- 
 ties of a gospel land, helped to a glimpse of the misery and degradation 
 of the millions of women who are in heathen and pagan lands, and the 
 high privilege of being co-workers with God. I wish we could hear the 
 words of the poor Nile woman who, when the missionary told her of our 
 lost state as sinners and of God's love in Jesus, looked up and pitifully 
 said, "Why was I never told this before?" and that other sentence of 
 India's daughter, "These locks have grown gray waiting to hear this 
 news." Many will never hear, and many have waited long and are wait- 
 ing now because we are so tardy. Read those wails again, until they burn 
 
 into your souls. Who are to help? 
 
 Lillie R. Keister. 
 
 190 
 
June 17. 
 
 June 18. 
 
 191 
 
COMMUNION. 
 
 Sometimes Jesus passed all the night in prayer. These were seasons 
 of lone communion with the eternal Unseen. In this, Jesus has shown 
 the world the only way by which man can sustain a great life, which in 
 spirit and temper and deeds rises into the divine. Whoever looks care- 
 fully at the life of Christ, his dodlrines and teachings, his behavior among 
 his enemies, his unparalleled opposition to every sin, and his undisguised, 
 ceaseless love for the sinner, must wonder where lie the sources of such 
 a life. In its development the power to sustain such a life was in his 
 communion with the Unseen. Our ability to live like him must be de- 
 rived alone from long communion with the same divine and heavenly 
 Father. The reason why we do not more fully represent the charaAer 
 of Jesus in our charaefler and life is because we spend so little time in 
 communion with him. 
 
 /. W. Hon. 
 
 THE SABBATH. 
 
 The Sabbath has always Tjeen a monumental day. Among the pa- 
 triarchs it was the standing monument of the work of creation. Among 
 the prophets and priests it was a constant memorial, both of God's cre- 
 ative work and of the giving of the law. But when the work of re- 
 demption was finished, the great sacrifice offered, the commemorative 
 chara(5ler of the day was doubled. Conjoined with these two great 
 events is a third and greater to be held in everlasting remembrance — the 
 redemptive work of Christ. Indeed, so prominent is the commemoration 
 of the latter that it has almost wholly crowded the others out of view. 
 Creating man was a great work, but redeeming him was greater. ■ It is 
 not unnatural, therefore, that the latter and greater should thiis overshadow 
 the former and less. It is altogether natural, too, that the church should 
 hallow and keep the day whereon the greater work was consummated. 
 In accordance with this natural law the day in which Christ rose was 
 henceforth called and kept as the I,ord's day. 
 
 n. uY. Howe. 
 
 192 
 
June 19. 
 
 Rev. Peter C. Hetzler, 1833. Rev. H. J. Becker, 1846. 
 
 • 
 
 June 20. 
 
 1 
 
 [12] 193 
 
- A pi.e;a for education. 
 
 Would you leave a rich legacy to your children! Then educate them 
 as much as you can. No investment of money or labor will pay better in 
 the end. Would you make home pleasant, the abode of social virtue, and 
 those around you happy, educate; it will promote feelings of kindness and 
 respedl toward parents while living, and veneration for their memory when 
 dead. In vicissitudes, in sorrow, and in joy, or in wanderings far away, it 
 will cause them to look back to the home of their youth as a sacred spot, 
 or as to a flower in the desert, and as a star to guide in bewilderment and 
 toil. Would you redlify and regulate their hearts bj' principles of probity 
 and honor, and remove them from the temptations of the lower vices — 
 educate. If you wish to adorn the mind with an increasing knowledge of 
 God as Creator and Ruler of the universe — educate. 
 
 H. G. Spayth, 1S4S. 
 
 HOME READING. 
 
 To have a home there must be a supply of good reading. With the 
 educational advantages of our day the majority of children get what may 
 be called a literary appetite; and if the parents do not furnish the means 
 to gratify that appetite, the young people will furnish it themselves. Un- 
 fortunately, they often make a bad seledlion, and their reading is worse for 
 their morals than no reading at all. I have often been astonished and 
 chagrined in going into families to find so little of this mind -food when 
 there were abundant means to provide it. The stomach and the purse 
 seem to be the household gods of a great many people. What a shame 
 and a reproach that so many are spending their means in luxurious living, 
 fashionable dressing, feathers and jewelry, tobacco and beer, and the minds 
 of their children, as well as their own, dwarfed and degraded for want of 
 books and newspapers. To have a home in the true sense we must value 
 
 the mind more than the body. 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 194 
 
June 21. 
 Rev. Caleb W. Witt, li 
 
 June 22. 
 
 195 
 
GOD IN EVERYTHING. 
 
 Child of God accept the fadl that thy God is in every event of thy 
 life ; that there is not a single occurrence which can be attributed to 
 chance ; that not a single misfortune can befall thee without his notice or 
 permission; that there is a ^^ needs be" for all the affli(5lions and disapoint- 
 ments and trials through which thou art called to pass. "Oh," said an 
 eminent saint, "what a pillow is this 'needs be ' on which to rest an aching 
 head!" What we know not now concerning God's providential dealings 
 with us, we shall know hereafter, — "when the mists have cleared away." 
 
 /. Hoke. 
 
 THE MOTHER'S DEVOTION. 
 
 She will do more for her child than any stranger will do. If her child 
 is stricken with disease, she watches over it day after day, and her highest 
 pleasure is to do anything at all that can contribute to its comfort. She 
 knows no weariness. Her spirit is ever watchful, and her muscles seem 
 to be iron. She is always readjr to get anything the suffering one calls 
 for, and even to stay by its bedside and anticipate its wants. You can 
 not persuade her to leave it alofle. You who have mothers know how 
 this is. You remember the past. Why is the mother thus devoted to 
 her children? Because she has a mother's nature and a mother's love. 
 God foresaw the trials of her situation, the labors of her lot, and merci- 
 fully gave her such an undying love for her infant that it is even a joy 
 
 to suffer for its sake. 
 
 Alexander Owen. 
 
 iq6 
 J 
 
June 23. 
 
 June 24. 
 
 197 
 
GOD'S BATTLES. 
 
 All who are living pure and true lives; who are loyal to God and duty 
 — are fighting God's battles. The farmer following his plow and the sena- 
 tor in Congress, the faithful mother teaching her child the way of life 
 and the learned professor in his chair, the little rag-picker in the streets 
 as well as the woman of means who endows a college, all are alike fight- 
 ing the same battles. No matter how high or low in life may be our sta- 
 tion, how pleasant or disagreeable the work in hand, whatever we do, 
 provided we are in the line of duty, we are fighting for God. All such 
 work is honorable. AH occupations in which this can be done are noble. 
 All others, however high in human estimation, are dishonorable, and not 
 to be engaged in by those who seek God's help. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE. 
 
 Quietly, and yet steadily, a sentiment in favor of woman - suffrage is 
 growing in this country, just as it has been growing for years past in 
 Great Britain. Perhaps in that country the sentiment is strengthened by 
 the experience of the results of woman's influence in government, the two 
 most brilliant and prosperous periods the country has ever had having 
 both been under female sovereigns. Queen Elizabeth and the present 
 reigpning queen. In this country the sentiment has gained force from the 
 prevalent belief that if women voted there would be hope of counteraAing 
 and ultimately destroying the fatal saloon - power. In about a dozen of 
 our states the ballot is already in the hands of women so far as relates to 
 the ele(5tion of school - boards, and in a few of them for all voting pur- 
 poses. Many of the most enlightened and progressive citizens of our 
 country support the principle as just and equitable, and it seems quite 
 probable that at no distant period this intelligent and most virtuous half 
 of our American citizenship will be granted all the privileges that are now 
 given without limit to the ignorant, the vicious, and depraved, of the other 
 sex. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 198 
 
June 25. 
 
 June 26. 
 
 199 
 
IMPORTANCE OF REI^IGION. 
 
 There is no way to get on with the race without religion. The world 
 can not be governed successfully without a public conscience. There is 
 no public conscience when there is no religion. If Christianity were left 
 out of account, then infidels would have to get up some religion which 
 would create a public conscience upon which to govern the world. Could 
 they ever do so well for the world in furnishing a religion as Christ has 
 done? Are not the obligations to extend the influence and dominion of 
 Christianity incumbent upon all. There must be a religion. It is wise 
 to take hold of the best, and the all that is Christ. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 EARI.Y CONVERSIONS. 
 
 Many of the most influential and steadfast Christians of to-day came 
 to Jesus when children. "Many of our most learned divines and most 
 devoted and useful Christian ladies date their conversion to the early age 
 of three, four, five, and six years." Over a century ago President Ed- 
 wards wrote the life of Phebe Bartlett, who was converted at four years 
 of age. She lived sixty years afterward, and never doubted her conver- 
 sion nor gave occasion for others to doubt it. In the Bible there are 
 mentioned Moses, Samuel, Samson, Solomon, Jonah, David, Daniel, 
 Timothy, and others who were in their youth converted to the Lord, 
 In the early history of the church are mentioned Honorius, the great 
 Theodoret, Aldric, bishop of Mans, Paul the first hermit, and Polycarp, 
 bishop of Smyrna, who when called to die a martyr's death, said that he 
 had served Christ eighty-six years. And so a large number of zealous 
 and able Christian workers might be enumerated down to the present 
 time, who when young were brought to Jesus, converted to his love, lived 
 exemplary Christians, and died in the triumphs of Christ. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 
June 27. 
 
 June 28. 
 President G. P. Macklin, 1850. 
 
PASTORAIv VISITING. 
 
 It brings with it a conscious satisfaAion — a peace of mind which no 
 
 other work insures. A day thus spent brings an evening of bliss and a night 
 
 of sweet repose. It secures the feeling which always succeeds a faithful 
 
 discharge of duty. It furnishes food for the mind, original thought, fresh 
 
 and invigorating. Cotton Mather looked upon this work as laborious as any 
 
 in all his ministry, but set a great value upon his pastoral visits. He not 
 
 only did but got good in his conversations with all sorts of persons, and 
 
 thought he never walked more in the Spirit than this walking to his flock, 
 
 to serve and seek their best interests. 
 
 IV. J. Shuey. 
 
 THE BEST KNOWI.EDGE. 
 
 Our Sunday - schools are designed to impart a treasure of divine knowl- 
 edge, to enlighten the intelleA, as "the entrance of thy word giveth light." 
 The memory of youth treasures up the "light," and it becomes pure, healthy 
 material for thought, and is finally transmitted into like characSler. This 
 kind of knowledge is more worthy than any other to become part of the 
 eternal furniture of the mind; it is the highest, the profoundest, the most 
 inspiring. The heart is also improved by this means. "Thy word have I 
 hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." The word of God reveals 
 to the heart its sinfulness, and at the same time it awakens a desire for 
 purity. The heart full of God's word will send forth a living stream to bless 
 the world. What gives light to the intelledt and leads to purity of heart will 
 elevate and regulate the life. The word of God is the blessed code for the 
 
 guidance of human life. 
 
 /. 5. Mills. 
 
June 29. 
 Rev. David B. Sherk, 1837. 
 
 June 30. 
 
 203 
 
I have no objeAion to barrels, jugs, and bottles, if they be properly 
 used, and are not made to hold the inebriating poison. 
 
 IV. R. Coursey, iSjg. 
 
 There is nothing more pleasing to me than to see young men in the 
 
 bloom of life break the ranks of the enemy and enlist in the service of 
 
 Christ. 
 
 Malt Mas Ambrose. 
 
 Some people expe<?l to do something for God and the church before 
 
 they die; and some are thinking of leaving a few dollars in their wills 
 
 for the missionary cause. It wculd be well to bring our alabaster - boxes 
 
 and break them before we die. • 
 
 George Sickafoose. 
 
 The Bible is not only the oldest, but the best book in the world. The 
 matter, the end, the harmony, the success of the Scriptures, together with 
 their wonderful preservation, charadler of the writers, accomplishments of 
 their predictions, should convince as of their divine authority. 
 
 J. Markwood. 
 
 Our religion is the daughter of heaven, the parent of our virtues, and 
 is the only permanent source of happiness. Religion alone gives lasting 
 peace and felicity. She diverts' the mind from all corroding cares, she im- 
 plants substantial joy, and sheds a heavenly radiance in the breast. 
 
 L. S. Grove 
 
 The duty and business of the minister is to instnidl others in the way 
 
 in which they should go. But how can a man teach others that which he 
 
 does not know? In religious experience and practical piety he should 
 
 always lead the way, and be able to say with the apostle, "Follow me as 
 
 I follow Christ." 
 
 E. Van Demur k, 182,7. 
 
 If strong drink dethrones reason, the designs of Heaven are thereby per- 
 verted, and man, the noblest work of God, becomes a debased, polluted, 
 and polluting wretch, incapable while under its influence of enjoying the 
 rich feast of rational enjoyments which the gospel spreads before the real 
 
 lovers of rational piety. 
 
 Jolin Morgan, 182,7. 
 
 204 
 
POSTHUMOUS PRAISE. 
 
 Why not give the true their just meed of praise 
 In their hours of care and their toilsome ways? 
 Whj' not bless their name and inspire their heart 
 'Fore their hands grow faint and their feet depart? 
 
 And the tokens rich you expeift to give 
 When your friends are dead, give them while they live. 
 The kind words you'd say when your friends are gone, 
 Speak them now in life; they will help them on. 
 
 And the flowers you 'd spread o'er their graves when dead, 
 
 Scatter now in life on the paths they tread; 
 
 It will cheer their hearts and illume their way, — 
 
 It will uer\-e their arms for the battle's fray. 
 
 For 'tis better far that their graves be bare — 
 Not a rose to shed its sweet fragrance there — 
 Thau their lives should none of your flowers share. 
 And they fade and droop and the shadows wear. 
 
 L,et your marks of love be no fainter now, — 
 Place no fewer wreaths on the sleeping brow; 
 Speak and think no less of your precious dead, — 
 Plant no fewer flowers on their lowly bed; 
 
 But strew more, still more, in the paths of life. 
 In the rugged way and the battle's strife; 
 Break your fragrant box on the living head, — 
 Speak j'our words of praise ere your friends are dead. 
 
 Speak thy heart to them of a deed well done, 
 Of success achieved, of opinions won; 
 It will help them on in the way so drear. 
 It will cheer the heart and dry up the tear. 
 
 D. N. HowBi 
 
 205 
 
THE TEARS OF JESUS. 
 
 They teach us that we should take Jesus with us to the graves of our 
 
 friends. And what is a tomb without Jesus? It is a place of gloom and 
 
 darkness, a place of bitter regrets, of painful recolledlions, of overflowing 
 
 tears. Go alone to the grave and it is a hopeless place. Go in companj^ 
 
 with Jesits, and hope and resurredlion and life spring up to gladden the 
 
 heart and revive the spirit. Do you, like Martha and Mary, make these 
 
 sad pilgrimages, sometimes, to the graves of your loved ones, to weep? 
 
 Like them, take Jesiis with you. 
 
 .S. A. Mowers. 
 
 WOMAN'S DESIRE FOR AFRICA. 
 
 The hope of the civilization of Africa is with the children. Our mission- 
 aries acknowledge that with adults the power of wicked habits has become 
 so strong that it is almost impossible to make any lasting impression upon 
 them, but that the children taught in their schools, and converted in child- 
 hood, make genuine Christians, We wish to send them schools, — not one, 
 but many here and there in different villages, — that the children may be 
 taught to read as ours are taught. If we can do this, the next generation 
 will not be heathen like this one; for if they can read they will have the 
 Bible. And where the light is, darkness flies away. 
 
 Mrs. D. L. Hike. 
 
 206 
 
PLAN IN DIVERvSlTY. 
 
 Dr. Guthrie once said that God did not plant the forests with trees and 
 strew the fields with flowers according to the classifications of the botanists. 
 A similar remark might be made of the manner of the distribution of the 
 precious things of the divine word. Yet, as the botanist finds in Nature's 
 promiscuous profusion the most beautiful principles of order, so in the rich 
 wealth of the Bible the Bible - student finds a plan whose far-reaching com- 
 prehensiveness embraces the entire realm. The impress of the same mind 
 is borne on every page, its grasp is upon every thought, and a grand and 
 
 perfe(5l plan extends throughout the whole. 
 
 D. Berber. 
 
 THE HIGHEST MOTIVE. 
 
 The highest motive that can incite any being is the desire to glorify 
 God. This all -refined and all -refining motive subdues and controls all 
 passions, and raises the soul far above their control. Going out after God, 
 intent on his honor, the soul becomes forgetful of self and self- gratification. 
 Selfishness is lost in the boundless, blissful ocean of "eternal love. This 
 induces benevolence of adlion. As God is moved by pure benevolence 
 in all his adlions, the soul wedded to him and pervaded by his all - engrossing 
 presence is moved in the same way. The greatest of all treasures is the 
 moral state and heritage of the soul whose supreme pleasure is in the glory 
 
 of God. 
 
 /. K. Alu/ood. 
 
 208 
 
HEAVEN ON EARTH. 
 
 Heaven the eternal abode of the omnipresent Jehovah, and the ever- 
 lasting habitation of his saints and angels! Heaven the resting place of 
 our departed friends, who are now living in light and glory inaccessible to 
 mortals. Oh, how I long for thee! But stay my soul in thy longings after 
 a future heaven at present. Mayest thou not now enter into heaven, the 
 heaven of spiritual rest in Jesus? In this heaven of faith in Jesus we 
 have all the elements of our future heaven. In this rest of faith in Jesus 
 we have our future heaven begun — our future heaven will be our present 
 heaven perfe(5led. 
 
 L. Davis. 
 
 WORK FOR WII.I.ING HANDS. 
 
 "When the ravens brought no more flesh and the brook dried up, it be- 
 came the honored privilege of woman to give food to the great prophet 
 who should afterward ascend up into heaven in a chariot, whose wheels 
 rolled in fire. To some it may be only a handful of meal and a little oil 
 in a cruise; but when the command of the L,ord is obeyed the barrel of 
 meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruise of oil fail. Did not Esther 
 deliver her nation from death? To her it seemed like presumption to go 
 into the king's presence, but with her, as with us, when in the stridl 
 line of duty the king will hold out the golden scepter, and we may draw 
 near and touch the scepter. The woman that broke the alabaster - box of 
 ointment, pouring it on the Savior's head, scarcely realized the greatness 
 of the adl she performed. But the Savior said, "Wheresoever this gospel 
 shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done 
 shall be spoken of for a memorial of her." "She hath done what she 
 could." Ought we not, like her, pour out our best gifts at his divine feet, 
 
 yielding up our all for him? 
 
 Mrs. Benj. Marot. 
 
I^OVE. 
 
 Great is Love; mightier than the mig-htiest of men or angels, yet as 
 humble and as docile as a happy child. It is an emanation of the light in- 
 effable, shining forth clear and bright, with rays bland and mild, yet warm 
 enough to thaw and mellow our frigid hearts, and start in the soul affec- 
 tions pure and holy, kindled into life by the Spirit of the living God. 
 These affedlions in the soul of the truly pious furnish the distindlive and 
 unmistakable tokens of the true sons and daughters of God. This love 
 shed abroad in the heart is a covenanted gift and blessing. "Know, there- 
 fore, the Lord thy God; he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth cove- 
 nant and mercy with them that love him." 
 
 H. G. Spayth, 1852. 
 
 THE THOUGHT OF GOD. 
 
 To have correal conceptions of God continually before our minds would 
 
 soon mold us into his moral image. How our hearts would glow with 
 
 divine love. How would we with holy admiration pattern after his moral 
 
 excellences and long to be like him. Our minds would be strengthened 
 
 and ennobled by communion with him. Our hearts would catch fire by 
 
 contact with the ardent flame of divine love. Our words, our ac5tions, even 
 
 our very manners, would acquire excellence from such association, from 
 
 such heavenly acquaintanceship. We should receive more instrudlion than 
 
 we could derive from the company of sages; more gems than could be 
 
 gathered on the hills of science; better graces than are taught in the halls 
 
 of fashion; finer beauties than are to be seen in the galleries of taste; 
 
 more divine knowledge than can be acquired in che "schools of the 
 
 prophets." 
 
 M. Wright. 
 
July 7. 
 Rev. Jacob Bachtel, Jr., 1812. 
 
 July 8. 
 
 213 
 
the; bibIvE a model book. 
 
 The grandest strides of literature have been made under the diredl light 
 of the Bible. This is to be attributed to two fa<fts chiefly: first, to the in- 
 fluence and power of the Bible upon the chara(5ler and thoughts of men; 
 secondly, to the superior charadler of the composition, thought, and 
 general literature of the Bible as a model. In the simple and diredl in- 
 fluence of this example more has been done for the advancement, eleva- 
 tion, and purification of the literature of the world, than by the example 
 of all other literary masterpieces of the world. Men who have been hon- 
 ored by their race as the chieftains in literature, have never written more 
 grandly than when they have bowed down to pay th^ir holiest reverence 
 to this book as infinitely the superior of all writings. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 HEAVEN TO THE POOR. 
 
 The poor man thinks of heaven as a place of possession ; a place where 
 
 poverty will never show its ugly face; where the wolf will never come 
 
 nigh the door. He has had a hard struggle of it in this world. As he 
 
 has passed the homes of wealth and luxury, as he has seen the children 
 
 of the rich enjoying ease and advantages denied himself and his own, his 
 
 mind has been troubled. He has toiled hard and long to get a home on 
 
 earth where he can spend the evening of life and die in peace. Many of 
 
 these hard toilers have failed in this, and many others have only secured 
 
 a gloomy cabin with scanty fare for themselves and families? Is it to be 
 
 wondered that he longs for the home in heaven — that he, more than 
 
 others, thinks of the "house not made with hands," "the inheritance of 
 
 the saints in light?" Does not the Savior encourage such hopes in the 
 
 promise that he has gone to provide places for his people — a prepared 
 
 home for them in the "Father's house?" 
 
 J. Dickso7i. 
 
 214 
 
July 9. 
 
 July 10. 
 Rev. George Miller, 1837. 
 
 215 
 
SLANDER -PROOF. 
 
 The deeply- pious soul rises in the devotions of his heart far above 
 the aspersions of the persecutor. It is enough for him to know that his 
 record is on high. He pities the poor bigot who seeks no better employ- 
 ment than reviling his fellow -men. He rejoices that he is counted worthy 
 to share with the I<ord in the persecutions of the wicked. There is peace 
 in a consciousness of redlitude before God that the wicked tongue of the 
 slanderer can never destroy. The life of such a soul is hid with Christ 
 in God. Sure he is on the earth, but his conversation is in heaven. 
 
 William Hanby, iS^o. 
 
 OUR HERITAGE. 
 
 The church has passed the days of her deep anguish, sorrow, and blood. 
 Her present members are but faintly impressed with a sense of the weight 
 of sufferings endured by Christians during the first three centuries of the 
 Christian era, within which three millions suffered martyrdom by Jewish 
 and heathen persecutions. The history of the subsequent persecutions and 
 sufferings of Christians by those of the same name is read as a tale that is 
 told. The shocking scenes that transpired in Germany, Bohemia, Poland, 
 Hungary, France, England, and Ireland, when Christians endured all the 
 cruel torture that devils could invent or wicked men could inflidl, till their 
 blood was poured out like flowing rivers to deluge the land, are nearly 
 lost in the dim shades of the distant past, while we enjoy the blessing 
 of liberty, the quietude of repose, and the safety of protedlion. 
 
 William Davis, iSjj. 
 
 216 
 
July ii. 
 Rev. Amos H. Rice, 1849. Rev. John P. Miller, 1853. 
 
 July 12. 
 
 217 
 
ADVICE TO STUDENTS. 
 
 If success is desired you must be prompt and systematic in your 
 studies. In order to this, intrusions during study - hours, no matter from 
 what quarter they come, must not be allowed. Give your fellow - students, 
 and, indeed, all others, to understand this at once. If you will firmly 
 and persistently take this course, study will soon become easy and suc- 
 cessful. This, you may be sure, is the experience of all who have tried 
 it. Nor can you reasonably hope to succeed without a rigid observance 
 of this rule; that is to say, you can not do thorough work without 
 order, system, and perseverance. These are cardinal virtues in the life 
 of a student. Other good qualities may be possessed, but nothing can 
 supply the lack of these. 
 
 L. Davis. 
 
 THE SPRINGS OF TRUE JOY. 
 
 Success in business, the accumulation of wealth, ability to command 
 position, personal influence can not produce such grand results as the 
 possession of eternal life "here" and "now." The possessor of all these 
 may be happy, but it is not his success, accumulations, or position that 
 makes him so. If he does not "now" possess eternal life he will get 
 but a low grade of joy -life from those outward possessions. I have been 
 entertained in wealthy homes where all that money could buy was pos- 
 sessed, yet in those mansions there was a skeleton that turned those 
 princely palaces into garnished sepulchers, cold and sad as death itself. 
 And I have been in cabins of poverty and temporal need and yet with all 
 their seeming dreariness and want they were like the outer courts of 
 heaven — made joyous with the fullness of God's peace and love. True 
 joy is joy within the soul. 
 
 W, M. Givens. 
 
 218 
 
July 13. 
 Rev. Edmond S. Lorenz, A. M., 1854. 
 
 July 14. 
 Rev. Wm. Otterbein Grimm, 1837. 
 
 219 
 
THU "WORTH OF SOULS. 
 
 It would seem that the great worth of souls ought to constrain us to 
 earnest efforts for their salvation. And it would, had we a just estimate 
 of the worth of a soul. Earth has nothing so valuable as the souls of 
 men, nothing that should call forth such earnest, personal efforts as the 
 bringing of them to Christ. Yet, how we labor year after year for the 
 honor that fadeth and the treasure that faileth, while precious immortal 
 souls are perishing all around us. How we economize and bear double 
 loads that our children may secure a good education or have a good out- 
 set. Noble sacrifices! But there is something more important. Better 
 than success in business and better than the ripest culture, is the salvation 
 of their souls. 
 
 D. N. Hoive. 
 
 THANK YOU. 
 
 It is so easy to say "Thank you." The effort it costs is so slight. The 
 two short words are so quickly spoken, and yet they mean so much. 
 They do not mean only that you are really thankful, but they indicate 
 that you observe the gentle courtesies of life, and that goes far toward 
 making up what we regard as the cultured gentleman or lady. There are 
 things that are of far greater value than mere polish and glitter. Solid 
 deeds are of vastly more consequence. But even the best deeds acquire 
 added worth when performed with gentleness and grace rather than ren- 
 dered in a rude or uncouth way. The diamond possesses intrinsic value 
 in the rough, but its worth is immensely heightened when the gem is 
 polished. Gold from the mine is valuable, but its worth is increased when 
 purified and stamped into coin, or wrought into beauty by the skill of the 
 
 artist. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
July 15. 
 Rev. J. K. Alwood, 1828. 
 
 July 16. 
 
REWGION NEEDBD. 
 
 Religion betters the external condition of men by making an industrious 
 man out of an indolent one, a sober man out of a drunkard, an honest man 
 out of a dishonest one. It substitutes economy for prodigality, and, in 
 short, gives a judicious direction to all the eflforts of its subjects. But a 
 man may have all these and not be a Christian. He may be nothing but 
 a thrifty worldling at best, and needs the kingdom of God zvithin him, 
 not to better his temporal estate, but that his soul may be saved, and his 
 talents sandtified to higher ends than those which now engross his at- 
 tention. 
 
 W. J. Shuey. 
 
 VAIvUH OF THE CIvASSICS. 
 
 Classical study gives us a view of the world in the vigor of youth. It 
 opens the fountains of knowledge from which modern authors have drank. 
 It leads us into the history of two of the most interesting people of the 
 past. It directs us into the study of Greek philosophy which has fur- 
 nished thoughts, models, and rivals of modern philosophers. It gives a 
 mental discipline and a culture in taste not obtained by other studies. 
 The study of languages, especially the study of the classical languages, 
 opens the side of our nature toward humanity. Followed by history, 
 logic, and philosophy, it prepares us for and introduces us to the study 
 of mind and immaterial things. 
 
 J. A. Weller. 
 
July 17. 
 Rev. E. S. Bunce, i8ii 
 
 July 18. 
 
 223 
 
FRIENDS. 
 
 We like to have friends. We like for others to know that we have 
 friends. Some friends may have deserted us. Some have gone far away. 
 Others are buried in the grave, and our hearts swell, and our eyes moisten, 
 and there is something chokes up our throats as we think of them and of 
 the sweet past. Still, we want present, living, real friends. Addison said, 
 "There is indeed no blessing of life that is any wa}' comparable to a discreet 
 and virtuous friend." Aristotle felt the need when he said, "There are no 
 friends." Bmenson uttered a true and beautiful sentiment when he said, 
 "Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can. 
 This is the service of a friend." It was Young who said, "A friend is 
 worth all hazards we can run." Who would want to live another day if no 
 heart beat in unison with his own? Who would care to battle with life's 
 ills if there were none to wish him a better lot, or grace to bear the present? 
 It is the heart asserting its itself when it calls up "a friend of mine." 
 
 J. W. Hott. 
 
 RECOGNITION IN HEAVEN. 
 
 Those who have gone from us have not returned to tell us how it will 
 be over there. For aught we know the departed may be very near to us; 
 they may be all around us, but we can neither see nor hear them. Some- 
 times, in our eagerness to catch even a whisper from them, we press our 
 ear against the thin veil that separates this world from that. But all is 
 quiet. Not a whisper comes to us. In spite of this painful silence, we 
 believe — yes, in our heart of hearts we believe — they are living still, and 
 that some time we shall see them and know them. While we may not now 
 understand how we shall know each other in the world to come, we can not 
 erase from our minds the impression that those we have known on earth we 
 shall know in heaven. Does not that mother expedl to know her own child 
 in heaven? It may be that we shall know each other by sight or by some 
 kind of intuition. Be that as it may, "we shall know as we are known, and 
 see as we are seen." It seems to me that this idea of heavenly recognition 
 is in perfect harmony with the highest order of reason, as well as the deepest 
 yearnings of our souls. In memory and affedlion we cling to our loved ones 
 and refuse to give them up. Their image is photographed upon our souls, 
 and our faith and hope say we shall see them again. J. Weaver. 
 
 224 
 
[14] 
 
 July 19. 
 
 July 20. 
 
 225 
 
THE TOBACCO -HABIT. 
 
 The use of tobacco is a barbarism. The civilized race acquired the 
 habit of the savage tribes of America. Being of a barbaric origin, it is 
 not strange that the habit tends to make men swagger and strut and 
 boast and adl more or less like barbarians. That it has this tendency is 
 a fadl apparent to any close observer of the manners and language of 
 many of the young men who smoke. Bven among the juniors and sen- 
 iors in the colleges of this country, the coarse, boorish manners and slang 
 phrases of the smokers contrast harshly with the more genteel bearing 
 of those who have not become addidled to the use of the weed. The 
 habit blunts the sensibilities of its vidlim, and renders him oblivious of or 
 insensible to the requirements of good taste and refinement, and the pref- 
 erences and conveniences of others. 
 
 /. L. Kephart. 
 
 PREACHING TO CHIIvDREN. 
 
 Is it no benefit for one in his early years to be drawn into the church, 
 to be instrudled in the Scriptures, and in righteousness, " made wise unto 
 salvation," to be rooted in the faith, and to be trained for usefulness in the 
 great mission of life ? We can not foresee the immense results in after- 
 life that may accrue from seed sown in the youthful soil. Who can tell 
 but that among those little ones whom we instruct each Sabbath in the 
 sandluary there may be one who will, in after -years, rise up to bless the 
 race with his benedidlions and fill the earth with his praise? John Tre- 
 bonius, a German professor, always appeared before his class with un- 
 covered head; and when asked for an explanation of his reverence he 
 replied, "Who can tell what may yet rise up among these youths?" And 
 among the pupils of the class was Martin I<uther, that "solitary monk 
 that shook the world." 
 
 /. W. Etter. 
 
 226 
 
July 21. 
 
 July 22. 
 
 227 
 
th:^ dignity of man. 
 
 Man is the most solemn thing in the universe of God. He is a sight 
 for angels to look upon. He is the objecfl of God's love. The Savior died 
 to redeem him. The Holy Ghost seeks and enlightens him. The sacred 
 oracles have been given to him. Originally the crown of universal do- 
 minion was put upon his brow. The divine nature itself was made the 
 pattern of his creation. Now if man, as man, from the very dignity of 
 his nature challenges our admiration and wonder, how immeasurably yet 
 sadly grand the pidlure grows in the light of that pitiable ruin in which 
 the gospel presents him to us, with his possible restoration to a life and 
 state of happiness far outmeasuring that in which he was created. 
 
 JV. Casile. 
 
 WARNING AGAINST DRUNKENNESS. 
 
 l,et me warn young men to dread the sin of drunkenness. Keep at a 
 distance from it, and avoid all appearances of it and approaches to it. It 
 has slain its thousands of young people, has ruined their health, brought 
 diseases upon them, and cut them off in the flower of their days. How 
 many fall unpitied sacrifices to this base lust! L,ook not therefore upon 
 the wine when it is red, and when it gives its color in the cup. If you saw 
 poison put into the glass you would not drink it. And if it be provoking to 
 God, and ruin to your souls, it is worse than poison. It is worse than death. 
 There is hell in the cup! And will you not refuse it? Are you, young 
 men, ready to enlist under the banner of prohibition, and by your example 
 and teaching save many from a drunkard's grave and a drunkard's hell? 
 You who have been well educated, who have been brought up in sober 
 families, who have had an example of sobriety set before you, and have 
 known what the honors and pleasures of a sober conversation are, if, when 
 you set up for yourselves, you think yourselves happy in getting clear 
 from the restraints of a sober regimen, and take the liberty of the tipplers 
 or drunkard, what a reproach it will be to you! What grief and sorrow to 
 your friends! What degeneracy! What a fall from your first principles! 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner. 
 
 228 
 
July 23. 
 
 July 24. 
 Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, D. D., 1813. 
 
 229 
 
INDUSTRY AND PE;RSEVERANCE;. 
 
 Many hope to succeed in the professions or in business without patient, 
 persevering labor. Many are in haste to be rich and are not satisfied to 
 await the results of the slow plodding methods of our fathers. So in all 
 the walks in life, in every vocation, many young men are hoping to suc- 
 ceed without proving themselves worthy of success. One of the most 
 striking tendencies of this age is a desire to attain that which is wished 
 for by one bound. The cause lies in the restlessness of our nation and 
 countrymen. I,ess energy is not what is needed, but more perseverance 
 and work. We must apply the remedy; and that remedy is to learn that 
 obje(5ts and ends of real merit and worth are not to be obtained by a 
 single leap, but by .steady growth. Life is a field in which it is the duty 
 and to the interest of everj' man to be an industrious and honored worker. 
 Indolence never led to anj' real distindlion, nor has sloth ever opened the 
 
 path to independence and true nobility. 
 
 M. R. Drury. 
 
 HOW TO PROVIDE FOR THE CHILDREN. 
 
 In looking about to find places to economize, do not begin, first of 
 all, with your children's education. If you must furnish them cheaper 
 clothes, if you must ask them to board themselves, if they appreciate the 
 situation they will gladly make the sacrifices. Cut on your luxuries — 
 your tobacco, your high living, everywhere you can; but do not keep your 
 children from school, except when necessity demands it. Their school- 
 days will soon pass. Help them to economize their time. Put a little 
 money into their brains, and it will be an investment which no panic can 
 affedl, no drought destroy, no failure of banks depress. I press these 
 things, and press them now, because now is the time when these ques- 
 tions must be considered, and now the time when the sacrifices must be 
 made. We must live for our children if we wish them to make the most 
 of life. If we by any mistake of ours wrong them here, and blight their 
 early lives, a wrong has been committed which is irreparable. 
 
 • H. A. Thompson. 
 
 230 
 
July 25. 
 
 July 26. 
 
 231 
 
INFANTS IN HEAVEN. 
 
 If all infants are saved, and we must think so unless we are bidden by 
 the very highest authority to think otherwise, then what an innumerable 
 company ! — a number which challenges the most vivid imagination to 
 grasp. Allowing one half of the human race to die in infancy, according 
 to the present population and mortality, not less than seventeen hundred 
 infants die every hour, forty thousand every day, five millions every year. 
 And these are all in heaven ! Transporting thought ! Five million infant 
 souls enter the regions of bliss every year, all washed in the blood of the 
 I,amb, and robed in the purest white. The most perfe(?l ideal of beauty 
 of which the human mind can conceive is an infant saved and glorified 
 in heaven. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 THE MASSES AND EDUCATION. 
 
 It is estimated that in 1930 there will be a population west of the Mis- 
 sissippi River of 100,000,000 souls. Two hundred thousand come to our 
 shores annually from other countries. This, with the present rate of in- 
 crease in our home population, will soon give us 200,000,000 of immortal 
 souls to be fed, — not on bread alone, but on the eternal truths of God. 
 I,et Imagination stretch her wings and fly above the contending forces of 
 good and evil, and look down upon the possibilities of this golden age. 
 What holy enthusiasm should such a view awaken! But we need not be 
 lifted to the mountain -top to see the battle raging between truth and 
 error. Indeed, the contest is going on in every human heart. Man is 
 destined to be free; but freedom is impossible without a knowledge of 
 the truth. Education of head and heart is indispensable to the fullest 
 grasp of this truth. Our "civil and religious liberty" has its basis in the 
 virtue and intelligence of the ruling classes. The ballot in the hands of 
 the ignorant and vicious masses endangers the dearest interests of every 
 citizen. Is it not clearly the duty of the church to educate its children?" 
 
 M. S. Drury. 
 
 232 
 
July 27. 
 Rev. Phineas B. Lee, D. D., 1844. 
 
 July 28. 
 
 233 
 
THE DISREGARD OF CONSCIENCE. 
 
 An element of weakness is seen in the manner in which conscience is 
 stultified by treating with indifference questions relating to condudt and 
 heart -keeping. Some things are indefensible in themselves; and there are 
 others upon which the question recurs over and over again, Is it right? 
 The minister is questioned by the anxious yet compromising mother about 
 these lines of adlion which are of doubtful propriety. Frequently in answer- 
 ing these questions, we are so anxious to be broad and liberal in our ideas, 
 that we pass beyond the line necessary to be drawn between the church 
 and the world. Does the theater, dance, card -table, and the skating-rink, 
 and similar sources of amusement, tend to the glory of God? Are they 
 not all condemned by that sweeping command, "Whatsoever ye do in 
 word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord?" Any course not opposed 
 by the word of God and the monitions of conscience should be condemned. 
 What is questionable can not be right. Religion champions the good, not 
 the questionable, and it approves what is truthful, pure, and honorable. 
 
 T. D. Adams. 
 
 PRACTICAI, EDUCATION. 
 
 The pradlical elements of society must be recognized. They present 
 themselves in large numbers at the doors of colleges, demanding admission. 
 They desire an education, but every study they take up is eledted with 
 reference to business. It is folly to submit to young men almost traffic- 
 mad, a course of study nearly one half of which is made up of Greek and 
 I^atin authors. What care they for Homer's verses or Cicero's orations? 
 These will not help them in bargaining or to a better understanding of the 
 laws of trade; but they can be readily persuaded that a knowledge of the 
 German and French will be of service to them in our complex national 
 life. In addition to this it is really questionable whether it is prudent to 
 encourage a student to study the Greek and Latin who has a positive dis- 
 taste for them, and whose prospec5tive vocation does not require it. The 
 law of trade, or "natural selection," ought certainly to be observed in 
 such cases. I venture to preditft, therefore, a more liberal policy for the 
 students of the future — one more in harmony with the genius of our 
 country and times, an eledlive policy which may result in an equally pro- 
 found and certainly a more varied scholarship, among which the students 
 of the old and regular classical course will probably rank highest, as in 
 the past, while those of a more practical bent will be more adlive and 
 influential in the business affairs of life. D. D. DeLong. 
 
 234 
 
July 29. 
 
 July 30. 
 
 235 
 
MINISTERS AND MONEY MATTERS. 
 
 If as a minister you seek for the sake of the cause to which you have 
 devoted your life to make your finances a help instead of a hinderance, there 
 are different observations which, holding everywhere, will aid you. As 
 your income is approximately fixed, your wisdom is in your guarding the 
 side of expense. "What you can produce for your living, make the most of 
 Do not go in debt, and train yourself to face unimperative wants with 
 a dollar in your pocket. Remember that a dollar that is coming will 
 not buy all of a dozen one - dollar articles. Voluntarily assume hardships 
 while your necessities are no greater rather than have a burden placed 
 upon you without your option when your circumstances may be less favor- 
 able. If you find that your calculations leave you short, lessen your 
 calculations. Do not deceive yourself by buying an article for every occa- 
 sion; and do not buy so much that under the name of plenty you provide 
 a cloak for waste. Save when you have. Provide a way so that when yon 
 have a dollar to spare you can put it where it will be safe and become a 
 means of help. If buying an article will keep you from paying out money 
 for something of which you will see nothing to - morrow, buy the article. 
 Study the difference between that which goes into your capital or permanent 
 effedls and that which is wholly consumed. Consult and enlist your family. 
 Do not be afraid of some witless person's hinting "premeditated poverty." 
 Try to express sweetness out of your privations. Do not set out to vie 
 with the vain. Buy nothing in haste, and take care of what you have. 
 Cultivate that executiveness which will enable j-ou to see to your house- 
 hold affairs without embarrassing your other duties. Remember that 
 nothing is unworthy of your consideration which may make for your use- 
 fulness, and that that heart can not be quite right which is not willing to 
 try to do the very best in just that situation in which one is placed by 
 the Creator. Lastly, do not allow these little attentions, or God's blessing 
 on them, to be an occasion of injury to your charadler and work. 
 
 A. W. Drury. 
 
 236 
 
July 31. 
 
 237 
 
MYSTERIES OF DEATH. 
 
 I do not know wliy as the long train of ages glides away, the sons of 
 men, the youth in life's green spring, and he who goes in the full strength 
 of yea^s, the maid, the infant in the smiles and beauty of its innocent age, 
 should be cut off; nor why a darling child, whose purity of life and sweet- 
 ness of nature ally it to the angels, is suddenly cut down like a precious 
 flower by an early frost, while a rude child, whose vocabulary is the home 
 of horrid oaths and whose life reaches over the community like a plague 
 in Egypt, grows at large in health and vigor; nor why a young theological 
 student with emaciated frame and faltering step frets the street with his 
 nervous tread, while in the door of the same street stands a man of large 
 frame, rosy cheeks, and seemingly complete health, who is a saloon-keeper; 
 nor why a man of great benefadtions falls like a field of grain by the un- 
 timely hail, and a man who spreadeth himself for himself like a green 
 bay- tree, and whose relations to the country and society are like those of 
 a sponge, lives on in the questionable glory of his selfishness ; nor why 
 Hancock, Grant, Garfield, and Lincoln are dead, and others that might be 
 mentioned are alive; nor why the sick died and the dead were buried, and 
 why the head of John the Baptist was brought in a charger by a worthless 
 fellow who apparently was not fit to live, at the same time when Jesus, the 
 great Healer, was upon the earth. If we turn from God and the Bible, earth's 
 sorrows still remain, its cares multiply, our loved ones sicken, and we can 
 point them to no Savior to lighten the gloom. They die, and we follow 
 them to a godless grave whose darkness no midday sun can dispel. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear 
 
 238 
 
I,ET MK STAY IN HIS PRESENCE. 
 
 Let me stay where my spirit is feasting, 
 On the Lord's redeeming grace; 
 
 Let me stay! for my soul cries with rapture, 
 "Surely God is in this place." 
 
 Let me stay where his presence delights me 
 
 With a peace beyond control; 
 Oh the rapturous love of my Savior 
 
 Sweetly glows within my soul. 
 
 Let me stay in this union so perfedt, 
 
 I in Christ and he in me; 
 Evermore I would drink of the fountain 
 
 Of salvation, full and free. 
 
 Let me stay in the presence of Jesus, 
 Where my soul is sweetly blest; 
 
 Let me stay where my poor, weary spirit 
 Finds in Christ its perfedt rest. 
 
 /. Baltzell. 
 
 239 
 
POWER OF THE invisible;. 
 
 No man ever makes the most of his own powers, nor accomplishes the 
 most for his race unless he has implicit faith in the invisible; unless he 
 possesses that habit of mind which keeps the soul in contact and com- 
 munion with the unseen and distant, the eternal and divine. It becomes 
 a principle of strength; and no other incentive has ever produced such 
 examples of energy and industry, or made a man so mighty as this. It 
 develops in him the highest st5'le of humanity, and gives him a more than 
 human power. It brings to a helpless being the power of a divine nature ; 
 and he who thus allies himself to God holds in his hands all the forces of 
 
 the universe. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 WISDOM AGAINST MONEY. 
 
 Wisdom is superior to gold because its benefits embrace two worlds. 
 
 Wealth, however valuable here, can supply no passport to the skies, can 
 
 secure no distincftion to its possessor in the world to come, but all its 
 
 advantages will cease when he leaves this world. But religion, while it is 
 
 perfectly adapted to the present state, has yet a direA reference to the 
 
 future world. Is it a system of convidlion? it opens our eyes to enable 
 
 us to "flee the wrath to come." A system of instrudlion? it is to make 
 
 us "wise unto salvation." A system of sandlification ? it is to enable us 
 
 to escape the "pollution that is in the world, " so we may be made "meet 
 
 to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." A system of 
 
 gracious influences? it is that we may bring forth fruit unto righteousness, 
 
 the end being everlasting life. Now as heaven is higher than the earth, 
 
 and eternity more important than time, by so much it is better to seek 
 
 wisdom than gold. 
 
 Alexander Owen. 
 
 240 
 
August i. 
 Rev. C. S. Meily, A. M., 1S50. 
 
 August 2. 
 Rev. John Hoobler, 1801. 
 
 [15] , 241 
 
THE I.ABORING-MAN. 
 
 Have you ever contemplated the wonders which a faithful laborer's 
 life -time may accomplish, and yet not learned to respec?l the laboring- 
 man? I love to grasp the hand Of a man that has felled a forest! It 
 may be hard, it may be rough, but it is a true hand, and / love it! Yes, 
 he who has redeemed a single acre from the fertile waste of nature, and 
 subjei5led it to the capacity of feeding the millions, or has planted a tree 
 from which posterity may pluck, has performed a noble a<5t. I tell you 
 it is for such that "the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, 
 
 and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." 
 
 B. R. Hanby. 
 
 NATIONAI, GREATNESS. 
 
 In what does true national greatness consist? I answer, in the diffusion 
 of religious truth abroad; in the recognition of divine law as higher than 
 human law; in making God our ruler as citizens as well as Christians. 
 And, as Christian citizens, we must make those Protean laws of expediency 
 yield to the higher law of right. We must keep party interests always 
 subordinate to the general good. To this end we must vote our religion, 
 elevating men to office who have the fear of God before them — men who 
 are known for religious principles as well as political integrity. We would 
 have every Christian deposit his vote with a sense of his responsibily to God. 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 242 
 
August 3. 
 
 August 4. 
 Rev. Henry D. Healy, 1835. 
 
 243 
 
PA.STOR AND PEOPLE. 
 
 The true pastor sympathizes with every burden and toil and affliftion 
 of his people. If any have burdens of perplexing care, he bears a part; 
 for he has upon him the care of the church. If any are afflidled, he is 
 himself afflitfted with them. If any are poor, he has good cause to sympa- 
 thize with such; for he is himself not above need. Are any who hear the 
 word of God at his lips sick unto death? Are the families over whom he 
 watches broken by bereavement? Does he kneel beside the dying member 
 of his iiock? Standing in the pulpit in the service, does he see in the 
 coffln that one he has been accvtstomed to see sitting in the sandtuarj^ on 
 the Sabbath ? Who can tell the anxiety and care and pain of his heart, in 
 such hours of trial ? Only next to the sorrow of such times is the ex- 
 perience of the heart when any of his flock become cold or walk unrulj', 
 or are disaffedled toward any of their brethren, or alienated from the 
 church. There is no relation outside the family circle so sacred as that 
 
 of a faithful pastor to his flock. 
 
 J. W. Hott. 
 
 TWO CHOICES. 
 
 A few years since there stood upon the rostrum .two college - lads to 
 receive their degrees. They had contended manfully for the mastery in 
 their classes. Each went from his Alma Mater bearing a parchment of 
 recognition. The world was before them. Rich harvests were waving on 
 every hand. The parents of each were proud of them. The hearts of 
 generous friends beat warm in hope of their success. They parted on that 
 rostrum never to meet again as on that day. Their degrees marked the 
 time of their separation. One yielded to the voice of Christianity, repented, 
 and was cleansed from the power of sin. He became a flaming minister 
 of the glad tidings. Many a heart is stirred to its inmost recesses when 
 his name is mentioned. Generations will live to call his name blessed. 
 The other spurned the call of the church. He mocked the prayers of his 
 mother and scorned the advice of his father. He closed his heart to the 
 influence of the Spirit, and nourished in his soul principles the most 
 vicious. He became a minister of unrighteousness. Many a soul is filled 
 with curses deep because he led it into ruin. Many a hearth -stone is 
 craped in mourning because of the spiritual and temporal death wrought 
 by him. He has lived to curse the world, not to bless it. 
 
 G. P. Macklin. 
 244 
 
August 5. 
 Rev. Lyman S. Chittenden, 1819. 
 
 August 6. 
 
 245 
 
FAMILY RELIGION. 
 
 The family altar is a powerful means of domestic education. And when 
 the children are gathered, morning and evening, around this sacred place, 
 the parents may at least indulge a reasonable hope that they will espouse 
 the fear of the Lord. In the daily devotion of the family will be found 
 powerful means for building up a substantial religious characfter. Parents 
 who make a profession of religion, and fail to honor God regularily in 
 their families, deprive their children, whether they be religious or irre- 
 ligious, of one of the most real and permanent blessings that the family 
 
 relation can secure. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 A LIBRARY AN INDKX OF CHARACTER. 
 
 Nowhere do all the sides of a man's nature reveal themselves so fully 
 as in his library. I am speaking now of a true library which is the steady 
 growth of years. The true personal library grows as the trees grow — month 
 by month and year by year. It grows as the turtle's shell grows, adapting 
 itself to the growing mind. It discloses therefore the tendencies which 
 have ruled the owner's mind and the subjedls which have engrossed his 
 attention at various times in his life. To the eye that can read the record, 
 it gives the history of his mental development. You can read vastly more 
 of his personal history and charaAer, more of his unrealized ideals, and 
 more of his future, out of his books than you can out of the bumps on 
 his head, so pregnant with meaning to the expert phrenologist. The date 
 of the purchase of his various books, the amount of use he makes of 
 each, and other like fadls, are important data in his mental history. The 
 manner in which they are cared for, and the order or lack of order, as 
 the case may be, in which they are arranged, are significant. The con- 
 dition of the margins, whether spotless and innocent of any expression of 
 ideas or freighted with suggestive refledlions upon the author's thought, 
 is often an open revelation of charadler. 
 
 E. S. Lorenz. 
 
 246 
 
August 7. 
 Rev. Levi Moore, 1823. 
 
 August 8. 
 Rev. Joshua Cecil, 1829. 
 
 247 
 
GETTYSBURG. 
 
 The battle of Gettysburg has been considered as the turning - point in the 
 war; for from it the ultimate failure of the rebellion was assured. And as 
 that battle was the culminating crisis of the war, so the last great effort 
 of I^ee, when he hurled twenty thousand of his choicest troops against the 
 Union line, was the supreme crisis of the battle, and also of the country's 
 history. The rebellion at that point reached its high -water mark, and 
 from that on the waters steadily receded. That charge then was the turn- 
 ing - point of hi.story and human destiny. It failed, and with its failure 
 was demonstrated the fadt that a government founded upon oppression and 
 wrong could not succeed in the advanced light and civilization of this age, 
 and the shadow be made thereby to go backward upon the dial of human 
 progress. The Republic was "saved, redeemed, baptized, and consecrated 
 
 anew to the coming ages." 
 
 /. Hoke. 
 
 THE I.IQUOR - TRAFFIC HUMBUG. 
 
 The entire liquor -traffic exists to -day for the benefit alone of some few 
 hundred thousand rum -venders and manufacturers, while the entire residue 
 of the fifty millions of the nation are groaning under the vast burden 
 of this gigantic usurper and tyrant. This small number of liquor- 
 dealers are so deluding the masses of the people as to make them be- 
 lieve that the traffic is absolutely useful and necessary, and that the 
 whole fabric of the commercial world would crumble into ruin if the 
 traffic were destroyed, when the facfts are that if the entire business were 
 annihilated in twenty - four hours not a single person outside of the circle 
 of rum - dealers would be harmed a single farthing; and they, in fa(5l, 
 would be infinitely better off. And still the people of this country endure 
 this unparalleled humbug. If the traffic were simply a useless thing it 
 might be endured; but viewing it from the stand -point of its destrudtive- 
 ness, the heart grows sick, and the moral sensibilities are shocked. It 
 pervades the whole social body, corrupting habits of virtue and thrift, 
 destroying industry, begetting a vicious and spendthrift spirit, and pro- 
 ducing poverty, pauperism, vagabondage, and crime. Was there ever a 
 greater humbug? 
 
 W. S. Titus. 
 
August 9. 
 
 August 10. 
 
 249 
 
ivOVK OF fre;edom. 
 
 It is manifest that there can be no uplifting of the faculties, no un- 
 folding of the higher and better qualities of our being when the feeling 
 of self-reliance is either wanting or in any wa}' trammeled in its legiti- 
 mate adtion. Dryden has said, "Freedom is the first delight of human 
 kind." It is, indeed, the key-note to civilization, refinement, culture. It 
 is almost the only thing that gives vital energy to heart and life. Feeble 
 human nature needs the inspiration of high hope, and must have it or 
 sink under the weight of its ignorance and vices. Nor are young people 
 exceptions to this rule. This is known to all those who have had any- 
 thing to do in the responsible work of their government and education. 
 
 L. Davis. 
 
 POWER "OF GODIvINESS. 
 
 It is easy to go into debt for fine houses, fine furniture, or fine cos- 
 tumes, and in this way live on the hard earnings of others, but to earn 
 a living in the pursuit of some honest occupation and pay honest debts 
 is not quite so easj'. So is it easy to give our names to the church, attend 
 to ceremonies, and give a little money to some of her benevolent insti- 
 tutions, but to pray without ceasing, to crucify the flesh, to press into the 
 kingdom of God, to wrestle with principalities and powers, will require 
 some of the power of our holy religion. The form does not forbid the 
 gratification of the flesh — it is the power that would press against wind 
 and tide, that would contend with the elements of all the evil propensi- 
 ties of the heart. 
 
 L. Davis ^ 185 1. 
 
 250 
 
August ii. 
 
 August 12. 
 Rev. Samuel A. Mowers, 1840. 
 
 251 
 
the; measure of the man. 
 
 He who expe(?ls to measure his worth by dollars and cents has cooped 
 
 his soul in a silver dollar, and if he don't get out of there he is danger of 
 
 hell -fire. No material standard can properly measure the worth of the 
 
 energies of an immortal spirit. England pays her qneen tens of thousands 
 
 a year; but a million dollars annually can not be an equivalent for the 
 
 labors of a faithful teacher, an efficient minister, a good housewife, or an 
 
 honest toiler in life's broad vineyard. The slave who was asked by a 
 
 kind-hearted prospective master if he would be honest if he should buy 
 
 him, replied, "I will be honest whether you buy me or not." What a 
 
 worthy motto for every statesman and minister of God in our land ! God 
 
 will always reward personal integrity. 
 
 IF. M. Beardskmir. 
 
 KINDLINESS OF SPIRIT. 
 
 * 
 
 Brotherly -kindness is a jewel of rare beauty. It shines out in the 
 words and aAs of all who have the mind and spirit of Christ. It goes to 
 the erring ones, takes them by the hand, and in words of tenderness says, 
 "Come this way, my brother." It will go to those whom it may think to 
 be in error, and say, "Sit down, and let us reason together." Is this not 
 in harmony with the language of Paul — "If a man be overtaken in a 
 fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meek- 
 ness?" Evil of whatever sort should be met firmly, but not rashly. The 
 erring ones should be met firmly, but kindly. "Good words do more than 
 hard speeches, as the sunbeams, without any noise, will make the traveler 
 cast off his coat, which all the blustering winds could not do, but only 
 make him bind it closer to him." " I,et this mind be in you, which also 
 
 was in Christ Jesus." 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 252 
 
August 13. 
 
 August 14. 
 
 253 
 
THE PUI.PIT AND RE;VIVAI,S. 
 
 Preaching is the greatest human faAor in revivals of religion. In the 
 kingdom of nature there is no fru(5lification until the life -germ is brought 
 in contadt with nature's forces; so in the kingdom of our blessed I<ord. 
 In order that the Spirit may indu6l a soul into the kingdom of heaven, 
 through a supernatural begetment and spiritual birth, it becomes indis- 
 pensable that the truth, as the incorruptible seed of regeneration, be 
 brought by a living ministry in contadl with the mind, heart, conscience, 
 and will. Hence the importance of well - directed effort in the pulpit in 
 order to secure a genuine revival. The preacher who will be successful in 
 reviving his church and saving the people, if I mistake not, must hold up 
 Christ as the Savior of a dying world, and that, too, in a way so as to 
 impress the people that the cross Has lost none of its ancient power, and 
 that he who looks lives. 
 
 E. B. Kephart. 
 
 HOME INFLUENCE OF WOMEN. 
 
 The establishing of homes on earth is the work of God's own hands. 
 Earth without them to mankind would be a weary waste. No position 
 which women are called to fill is so responsible and so fraught with im- 
 portant results as is the position she occupies in her own home. She 
 may discharge her duty to those destitute of the gospel in foreign lands, 
 and to those in her own state and community, yet if she fails to discharge 
 her duty to her own household she fails to meet the obligations which 
 God and society have placed upon her. Upon the home duties and home 
 obligations of Christian women depend largely the existence of nations 
 and the prosperity and perpetuity of the church. From the many homes 
 of earth go forth the influences that bless or curse the world. Woman's 
 strength lies in her influence, and if she properly wield it she may be the 
 prime agent in the regeneration of mankind. In her own home a woman 
 has an empire of her own; and happy is she who so guides and governs 
 it as to bring it into subjedtion to all the virtues and graces which adorn 
 
 an intelligent and Christian people. 
 
 Mrs. A. R. Kiracofe. 
 
 254 
 
August 15. 
 Bishop Andrew Zeller, 1755. Rev. Wm. J. Pruner, D. D., 1839. 
 
 August 16. 
 
 255 
 
CHARACTER AND USEFULNESS. 
 
 Important as is the work of educating the intelleA, important as is a 
 knowledge of natural science, mathematics, the classics, philosophy, the 
 education of the religious and spiritual nature of man, and a thorough and 
 minute knowledge of the word of revelation — of the science of God — 
 of immeasurably greater importance. Though we admire the scholar, we 
 admire the good man more. We may respe5l learning and genius, but we 
 love goodness of heart and purity of character. We may fear the great, 
 but we reverence the good. However bright and cultured the intelledl, it 
 is the condition of the heart which gives us chara6ler,, which fits us for 
 truest usefulness in this life and for glory in the life to come. 
 
 J. P. Landis. 
 
 RIGHTFULNESS OF GAIN. 
 
 It is rather the fault of the many who always remain poor, that wealth 
 
 is so unequally distributed — rather this than their misfortune or the crime 
 
 of the wealthy few. If each individual would only reap the field of his 
 
 own opportunities, there would not be so many overgrown fortunes, so many 
 
 castles and palaces standing to mock the surrounding poverty. But what 
 
 man can accuse his neighbor who only gleans where he himself disdains 
 
 to gather? In one sense there is just so much success in the world, and 
 
 he- who does not put forth his hand for his share adds by so much to the 
 
 fortune of those who are awake to their interests and opportunities. If 
 
 any one persists in regarding the avenues of business with doubting eyes, 
 
 let him look to the reasons for the view he takes. 
 
 A. W. Drury. 
 
 256 
 
August 17. 
 Rev. W. H. Lanthum, 1S28. 
 
 August 18. 
 
 [16] 25; 
 
GIVING TO COLLEGES. 
 
 Daily we pray, "Thy kingdom come." To train men and women under 
 Christian influences for lives of usefulness will bring an answer to that 
 prayer. You would regard those with pity who should say, "Give us this 
 day our daily bread," and refuse or negledl to plow and sow. God has 
 blessed some with means. How much better to devote at least a part of 
 that good to the cause of Christian education than to leave it for children 
 or other relatives to quarrel over and spend in lawing or extravagance. 
 
 R. J. White. 
 
 GETHSEMANR. 
 
 Do I indeed stand in this garden of unutterable sorrow of my Lord! 
 The shadows of the mystic and eternal steal over my heart. I am melted 
 down with the presence of the Lord, and transformed and transported by 
 the fellowship of Jesus. It was here that "he came out as he was wont, 
 to the mount of Olives," unto a place called Gethsemane; and though he 
 had just comforted his disciples with that deep, loving, wonderful dis- 
 course, beginning, "Let not your heart be troubled," and followed it with 
 that prayer of all prayers, yet here he "began to be sore amazed, and to 
 be very heavy." Here there is an appeal to the heart which no pidlure 
 and no words can produce or even represent. I never felt the overpower- 
 ing agony of Jesus in its impressions on my own heart as when standing 
 speechless near the spot of that awful night -anguish of soul. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 258 
 
August 19. 
 
 August 20. 
 
 259 
 
IN CHRIST. 
 
 All who expec?l to live with Christ in the home he has gone to prepare 
 
 must expedt to be very much like him. The resurrecflion will make our 
 
 bodies very much like his glorious body; but the soul must find that 
 
 moral or spiritual likeness this side of the resurredtion. Here and now 
 
 we may be so united to him as to be in him and he in us. We are here 
 
 and now to be partakers of the divine nature. All this grows out of the 
 
 one great thought — "in Christ." What a blessed security. In Christ is 
 
 peace, joy, and consolation. In him is solid comfort. In him is hope. In 
 
 him is safety. He is all and in all. The church and the world should 
 
 hear more about Christ. Take him away, and all is gone. No hope, no 
 
 joy, no peace, no heaven. Take him away, and nothing remains but the 
 
 blackness of darkness forever. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 HOME INFIvUENCE. 
 
 The homes of America are the nurseries of the nation's relation and 
 patriotism, its moral and national hope. As the homes are, such will the 
 nation be, as the youths therein must receive, to a large degree, that edu- 
 cation and bent of mind that will diredt them in all after-life. The piety 
 and spiritual force of the church will be the immediate outgrowth of family 
 religion; and the mothers of the land hold a greater power in their hands 
 than any other class of persons, which, if wielded for the right, will irre- 
 sistibly mold our future religious success. Out of the groups in these 
 sacred centers must come the patriots and apostles that will preserve the 
 nation and our glorious Christianity, as well as to enlarge and increase 
 the power of each. Pure religion, here taught and examplified, will suc- 
 cessfully withstand all the assaults that may be brought against it, how- 
 ever fierce, malicious and long -continued. Young men and women 
 emerging from these holy places into the busy cares and temptations of a 
 wicked world will be followed by a silent influence which will be like 
 
 ointment upon their heads as long as they live. 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
 260 
 

 August 21. 
 
 
 August 22. 
 
 
 M7n.??t<aiLoAL/hi 
 
 
 261 
 
A HAPPY KXPERIENCE. . 
 
 "I,ike as a father pitieth his children, so the I,ord pitieth them that 
 fear him." Why is this symbol so frequently employed in the Scriptures, 
 and so tenderly enjoined by the Savior in the prayer he taught his dis- 
 ciples, if it does not mean all it represents? And why may not I, not- 
 withstanding my afB.i<5lion and weakness, claim what the relation implies ? 
 Soon, as in all former experiences, confidence in the word of God began 
 to increase. I^ight, peace, comfort, and joy followed. Gradually, steadily, 
 these precious influences increased, until mj' despondency and gloom 
 were gone. I felt that my aching, throbbing head was pillowed upon a 
 Father's heart; and everlasting arms pressed me to his loving bosom. 
 
 /. Hoke. 
 
 THE MOTHER'S POWER. 
 
 The family is the oldest and most important institution in the world; 
 for as the creator is more than the creature, the fountain more than the 
 stream, the seed more than the plant, so the family is more than the 
 church or the state. It is a little world in itself. And here is woman's 
 empire — not on royal thrones, nor legislative halls, nor rostrum, but in 
 this sanSluin sanHorum, home, sweet home. Here is the secret of her 
 power. Here is where she sways her scepter over the world; for "she 
 that rocks the cradle rules the world." After all our talk about man- 
 power, we must nevertheless acknowledge that our mothers are our rulers. 
 Their boys will be our preachers, bishops, legislators, governors, presidents; 
 and they will be just what their mothers make them at home. What 
 woman would not prefer the honor of Washington's or Wesley's mother 
 to the glory of England's queen? 
 
 /. ]V. Etter. 
 
 262 
 
August 23. 
 
 August 24. 
 
 263 
 
MANUNBSG. 
 
 Be a man. This expresses all that is possible to us as men. We can 
 not be gods and we can not be angels. If we will only be men, true me^i, 
 we shall fulfill our mission here. Our duty is a present duty. Many people 
 are chiefly concerned about the future — their future good and future happi- 
 ness. If we will attend to present duty well, we need give ourselves no 
 uneasiness about the future. God will take care of that. Yet present duty 
 and fidelity to present opportunities have an indissoluble connedlion with 
 the future, so that if we are true to our highest present interests, we are 
 thereby the most certainly providing for our highest future interests. This 
 is the part of a man, to be true to present duties and opportunities, or, we 
 might say, to be true to one's self; for he that is true to himself can not 
 
 be false to God or man. 
 
 J. P. Landis. 
 
 INFINITE RICHES IN CHRIST. 
 
 The Queen of Sheba in her visit to Solomon brought one hundred and 
 twenty talents of gold, in our currency probably over three millions of 
 dollars, precious stones whose number and value are not estimated, and 
 of spices so great an amount that there came not again such an abundance 
 during all the days of .Solomon. This was her offering to the prince who 
 reigned in so much grandeur in Jerusalem. When she had seen all the 
 king's glory, and had given expression of her amazement at the splendor 
 and magnificence of his appointments, and before she took her departure, 
 it came her time to ask for royal presents. Of all the costly and splendid 
 things she saw, she asked for whatever her heart craved, and the king 
 gave her according to all her desire. Then to this he freely superadded 
 other gifts according to the greatness of his own royal bounty. And so, 
 laden with the abundance of the generosity of the richest prince on the 
 earth, she returned again to her home in her own distant land. After a 
 manner something like this the Christian comes to his King, bringing such 
 offerings as may be in his power. And bringing these he is entitled to ask 
 for whatever his heart desires. And the great Sovereign, bestowing out of 
 his infinite bounty, sends him away laden with riches such as no human 
 estimate can measure. D. Berger. 
 
 264 
 
August 25. 
 Rev. John W. Kiracofe, 1841. Rev. T. D. Adams, 1844. 
 
 August 26. 
 
 265 
 
THE MINISTER'S WORK. 
 
 We want men who can grapple with the great evils of the times and 
 work mightily for the Master; men of large views and deep] sympathies; 
 in a word, men of intellect and heart. We must learn more perfedtly how 
 to take hold of a brother, degraded, and lift him up into a noble man- 
 hood. The work of a preacher is not technical, narrow, and confined. No, 
 no, it is as broad as human wants. It takes hold of man as man, and all 
 that there is of him. It seeks to make the body a fit temple for the in- 
 dwelling of the Holy Ghost, to bring the intelledt, the will, and the sensi- 
 bilities into perfe(5l harmony with God's will and heart of love, to draw 
 out, expand, and strengthen man's spiritual and devotional nature into 
 
 the love of God. 
 
 L. Davis, 187 1. 
 
 SUCCESS BY PRAYER. 
 
 A man in ascending a mountain must go against the law of gravitation; 
 he must lift himself up step by step. So if we come to God we must 
 press against the natural difficulties that surround us, until we get where 
 we can stand on the mount of God. We must take time to pray. "Have 
 not time to pray." Your famil}' cares and business so pressing that you 
 haven't time to pray ? Why, those who are the most busy have the most 
 need of prayer. L,uther said when he had .so much to do, "I can not get 
 along without three hours' prayer a day." That is the way to succeed in 
 business. To get along rapidly, ask God to assist you in your business. 
 I tell 3'ou men get along better in all temporal affairs who take time to 
 pray and read God's blessed book. There is nothing that pays better than 
 prayer. 
 
 D. Edwards, 1867. 
 
 266 
 
August 27. 
 
 August 28. 
 
 267 
 
PREVAIUNG PRAYER. 
 
 "Ask and ye shall receive." Man can prevail with God. He suffers 
 man to lay hold of him, to wrestle with him, even till he overcomes and 
 obtains the desire of his heart. Let ministers weep between the porch 
 and the altar; let every Christian flee to his closet, and there plead, first 
 for himself, until he feels the burden of the I,ord, until his stubborn heart 
 is melted and runs out after souls, and then let him present before the 
 throne of God the state of the church, its unbelief, lukewarmness, worldli- 
 ness, and want of love. Let no one suppose such a state of mind can be 
 obtained without effort. 
 
 D. Edwards, 
 
 A COSTLY OFFERING. 
 
 A poor pious woman had received the last farewell of her only darling 
 boy, a little distance from New York City, who had turned his heart to 
 a foreign mission as the field of labor to which God indicated it to be his 
 duty to enter. When her darling boy had gone from her desolate home — 
 for it was desolate for her to be there without him she loved so well— she 
 did not for a moment regret her offering to God, though one so valued by 
 her heart; but still she would watch him to the last. Just when the mis- 
 sionaries were to take passage aboard the vessel, one of the missionary 
 secretaries observed a woman standing alone, with hot tears streaming 
 down over her cheeks. He stepped softly to her and asked the cause of 
 her tears. She pointed to the tall young man among the missionaries, 
 and said, "That is my only boy. Upon his arm I had hoped to lean; but 
 God wants him. I have come to watch him to the last moment, and to 
 pray for him, but not to prevent his going." That was a costly offering. 
 
 J. W. Hott. 
 
 268 
 
August 29. 
 Rev. John Kemp, Jr., 1813. 
 
 AtTGTJST 30. 
 Rev. O. F. Smith, i8?4. 
 
 269 
 
THE BATTI.E AND THE VICTORY. 
 
 Not a week, not a day, yea, scarcely an hour of our lives passes, but we 
 experience somewhat of this struggle. Satan assails us in a thousand dif- 
 ferent ways. There are " fightings without and fears within. " The passions 
 and appetites clamor for gratification. Conscience, the magnet of the soul, 
 ever pointing to the throne of God, forbids the indulgence. The moral 
 dispositions are fiercely beleagured by the evil propensities. Evil desires 
 rise up from within, and must be subdued. Inducements to error from 
 without, present themselves and must be battled with. And this state of 
 things is experienced almost hourly. As to the final result of this strug- 
 gle there cau be no question. If God is God, the right must win. 
 "For right ts right since God is God; 
 
 And right the day must win; 
 To doubt would be disloyalty, 
 
 To falter would be siu." 
 True, sin is powerful, but God is almighty, and with a potent arm will 
 wield his moral forces until the devil skulks away into hell, ashamed to 
 even show his head again, and the last sinner on earth is converted or 
 destroyed. All the tendencies of virtue, though now in confli(5l, are 
 toward supremacy. -As the ele(5tric current completes its journey over the 
 whole length of the condudlor, thotigh that conductor pass over sandy 
 deserts or through the chambers of the deep, encircling the world, so 
 virtue, having gained a lodgment in the heart, in the community, in the 
 nation, tends to disseminate itself through the whole man, the whole 
 community, the whole nation, to the complete annihilation nf all wicked- 
 ness. Its course is onward, and in its advance it gains strength. L,ike 
 as a stone in a sling when it is made to revolve accumulates momentum, 
 that when it fly it goes with redoubled velocity, so virtue as it advances 
 gains strength and velocity, until it will finally make its last giant effort, 
 and with one fell swoop, rid the world of eveiy system of vice. It may 
 require time to reach this result. But God has an eternity of time before 
 him, and we have no reason to believe that he will ever forsake his cause 
 or abandon his purpose until he has "put all things under his feet." 
 
 /. L. Kepliart. 
 
 270 
 
August 31. 
 Rev. Morgan S. Drury, 1826. 
 
 271 
 
Like the grave which always swallows and is never filled, are the 
 
 hearts of the unconverted. 
 
 J. Russell. 
 
 A distillery is as certain to raise up drunkards around it, as are saw- 
 dust and stagnant water to produce flees and frogs. 
 
 Wm. R. Rinehart, iSt,^. 
 
 No one can doubt that the liquor - dealers are ready to bring any dis- 
 aster on our country, rather than give up their nefarious business. 
 
 Mj'S. a. L. Billheimer. 
 
 In looking back I see where I might have done better service; but I 
 
 console myself with this thought, that I always endeavored to bring an 
 
 honest heart to the work. 
 
 Jacob Erb. 
 
 There is no better way of preventing strife and division in a church, 
 
 or curing it where already existing, than a(5tive, earnest work for the 
 
 salvation of the perishing. 
 
 /. Hoke. 
 
 What thought can be more stimulating, can more nerve Christians to 
 
 labor, can more intensify our religious aAivity than this ? — everything we 
 
 do for our Master hastens his coming. 
 
 John Hayiuood. 
 
 If we fail to enter into that rest that remains for the people of God, 
 
 who can estimate the irreparable loss we will sustain? Ah! the rolling 
 
 years of eternity will never solve the problem. 
 
 W. J. Pruner. 
 
 The college is indispensable. It is absolutely essential. The church 
 
 can not face this nineteenth century and take hold of the work unless the 
 
 colleges are well sustained. They must supply the needed workers that 
 
 can go out strong to do battle for the Lord. This counsel ought to be 
 
 impressed throughout the church in thunder -tones. 
 
 H. Car St. 
 
The days that are yet to be. 
 
 Over the distant hill -tops, 
 
 Nearer the silent sea, 
 O'er whose calm the phantom ferryman 
 
 Passes unceasingly, 
 There lies a vision of brightness: — 
 
 The days that are yet to be. 
 
 Full of the tropic splendor 
 
 Of a never -clouded sun, 
 Rich in deep contentment 
 
 From past denial won, 
 We think of it when the day begins, 
 
 And when the day is done. 
 
 And oft where the skies are darkest 
 
 And clouds rise threateningly. 
 We turn to the calm beyond the hills 
 
 Waiting for you and me, 
 And comfort our hearts with the promise of 
 
 The days that are yet to be. 
 
 Maud {Mary A. Share). 
 
 273 
 
THE USE OF TAI^ENTS. 
 
 There is just as much promised to those who have but one talent as to 
 
 those who have five. The reward is not given according to the number of 
 
 talents, but according to the use made of them. It is not the great things 
 
 which men do which glorify the Savior, but the aggregate of the little 
 
 a(?ts and deeds of a devoted life. These honor him. "He that serveth 
 
 me, him will my Father honor." "He that is faithful in that which is 
 
 least will be faithful also in that which is greatest." It will be safe to 
 
 say that as a rule those who refuse to do what they are called to do, and 
 
 are capable of doing, would dishonor God did they possess the coveted 
 
 talents, means, and position of others. 
 
 J. L. Luttrell. 
 
 THE POWER OF A HOI.Y WFE. 
 
 What a power a holy life is. It is an argument in favor of the Bible 
 and all its teachings; it is salt to preserve the better state of society; it is 
 a light, bright and shining, in this dark world, by which many wanderers 
 are brought into places of safety; it is an elevator by which multitudes 
 are being lifted out of a horrible pit and miry clay, and placed upon a 
 rock, high and elevated. The more lives of this charadler the church has 
 the more power to elevate, to enlighten, to preserve in purity and from 
 decay, and to save. As the church is in her individuality, so is she in 
 her unit. Every member of the church should feel his responsibility to 
 her, and seek to attain the highest degree of usefulness, by securing all 
 the elements of strength it is possible to possess in this life. Do we pos- 
 sess them? If not, will we seek them? 
 
 B. G. Hubej. 
 
 274 
 
September i. 
 Rev. Christian B. Sherk, 1839. 
 
 September 2. 
 
 275 
 
GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 Christianity is gaining more favor each day. It is making inroads 
 everywhere. India, China, and Japan are bowing at the cross. Pagan- 
 ism, Brahmanism, and Confucianism are gasping in agony. ^England, 
 which only a century ago was under the dominion of infidelity, has been 
 liberated from her anti - Christ through the vigorous writings of Butler 
 and Goldwin. Uverything is hopeful. Christianity is becoming stronger. 
 More people listen to the gospel now than ever. During the past ten 
 years the membership of the church has increased twenty -seven per cent. 
 To-day there are more Bibles, more Christians, more Sunday-school chil- 
 dren, more teachers, more sermons, and more spiritual songs than ever 
 there were on any Sabbath since the light of the sun dawned on the 
 garden of Eden. 
 
 /. W. Etter. 
 
 CHILDREN IN COIvI^EGE. 
 
 Fathers and mothers, frequently write to your children while in college. 
 No matter how pleasant may be the circumstances surrounding them, or 
 how helpful the people whom they meet, the transition from the atmos- 
 phere of home to that of a strange place is a sudden one. A new world 
 opens up before them. Hitherto they have been helped and guarded by 
 older heads than their own. Do not thrust them away so far that they 
 will lose hold of your hand. Let them know that not a day passes with- 
 out a thought of them; that daily sacrifices are made for their welfare; 
 that their success will be your joy, and their failure your disgrace. Many 
 a boy is restrained from bad conduct by the strong yet tender cords of a 
 
 mother's love. 
 
 H. A. Thoni-pson. 
 
 276 
 
September 3. 
 
 September 4. 
 
 277 
 
TO YOUNG MINISTERS. 
 
 Instru<5l, brethren, by every power and by all means, and at all hazards. 
 
 Please, if you can, but be sure you leave your people on a higher plane 
 
 of knowledge than you found them. Christ said to Peter, "Feed my lambs 
 
 and my sheep," not call them pet name.s. Your business is to instruct, not 
 
 to make people weep, nor even to preach big sermons. Go to yonder 
 
 shop and you will see where once they put on the tires bj^ heating and 
 
 welding. Now they do it more rapidly and effectively by the simple 
 
 process of cold pressure; and the work turned out is more enduring. So 
 
 put into your work as ministers, in every part of it, from hub to felly, the 
 
 best stock at your command; but be certain you bind all together by the 
 
 cold pressure of solid instruction, and the result will be more enduring, 
 
 and hence more to the glory of God. 
 
 G. A. Ftinkhouser. 
 
 AIvEXANDER OWEN. 
 
 The pulpit was the field where his noble powers found their best ex- 
 pression. His sermons were thoroughly methodical, carefully prepared 
 throughout, and uttered with the freedom and strength of a master. He 
 possessed a lively imagination, and fine powers of delineation, all under 
 perfedt control. His utterance was free, full, easy, glowing, his manner 
 calm, dignified, impressive. He made in the pulpit the impression of being 
 in the truest and noblest sense a minister of the word. He carried to his 
 pulpit service the spirit of a humble dependence in God, and sought for 
 his work the preparation of the Spirit. , We remember once on a Sabbath 
 morning taking a walk with him awhile before the hour of service. Our 
 way lay throitgh a grove where the hills and a thicket closed us in from 
 observation. Pausing a moment and looking about us, Mr. Owen observed, 
 "Here, I think, is a good pjace to pray." We knelt down together, and 
 with great fervency he implored the divine assistance in the approaching 
 service. We did not wonder, a little later, that his, sermon was fragrant 
 
 •with the fresh odors of paradise. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 278 
 
September 5. 
 
 September 6. 
 
 279 
 
the; promIvSes of god. 
 
 God has given unto us exceeding great and precious promises. They 
 are to the believer an inexhaustible mine of wealth — an armory filled with 
 weapons, offensive and defensive. They are as high as heaven, deep as 
 the grave, and vast as the universe. No one can tell how precious the 
 promises are, till he has leaned his whole weight on them. There is no 
 pathway in life exempt from trials and afflic^liqns; no day without its night; 
 no rose without its thorn; no valley without its hills and mountains. But 
 as an offset to all this, there is a promise to meet every possible case. 
 Jesus has gone over the whole length of the way — not by proxy, but in 
 person. He has drank at every fountain, passed through every valley, as- 
 cended every rugged mountain, passed over every desert, crossed every 
 stream, and has thoroughly prepared the way. And there is not a pass- 
 able inch of the way but is well covered with the most precious promises. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 A CHERISHED NAME. 
 
 He will never more lead an army nor guide the ship of state. He will 
 never more join his comrades around the camp-fire. He is dead. No, not 
 dead; such men never die. He is only lifted out of the fogs and mists of 
 the earth, above the hills into the sunlight of immortality, where all can 
 see him and his work in the clear atmosphere of truth. To behold him 
 now we must look away from selfishness and prejudice. We must look 
 above and far beyond the warring passions of mortals into the heavens of 
 immortality. He lives! He lives for evermore in the affe(5lions of his free 
 and prosperous countrymen, in the hearts of the millions he has liberated 
 and the country he has united. And long as the institutions for which 
 he battled shall bless unborn generations, as long as oppressed humanity 
 shall hear of the liberty and prosperity of this great nation, so long will 
 General Ulysses S. Grant live in the memory, the affections, and the grat- 
 itude of mankind. 
 
 M. P. Doyle. 
 
 280 
 
September 7. 
 
 September 8. 
 Rev. Wm. Miller, 1823. 
 
 281 
 
THE CRY OF THE HEATHEN. 
 
 Turn toward the lieathen world and listen to their pitiful cries. Nine 
 hundred million souls, blind, degraded, debased, lost in midnight dark- 
 ness, to whom the gospel has never come; dark, benighted Africa asking 
 to be regenerated; India calling for emancipation; China and Japan with 
 just enough light to awaken within them a deep longing for more light. 
 Indeed, all over those dark, dreary lands the inhabitants are .stretching 
 forth their hands to God, and calling for help. Do you not think their 
 pitiful cries ascending to the throne of God and falling ' upon the ear of 
 the great High - priest touch his heart, and cause him to reiterate with in- 
 creased emphasis the command, "Go; go, ye favored ones, and supply 
 
 these pressing demands." 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 SILENT FORCES. 
 
 "The best things in the world are everywhere the quietest things." 
 With inexpressible softness the light and warmth of the sun come down. 
 The mellowing spring advances quietly. The resurredtion of beauty and 
 life on the earth, the robing of nature with her new habiliments, the burst- 
 ing of myriad buds into fragrant bloom, the ripening into summer's full- 
 ness and autumn's bounty, all proceed with the utmost quiet. Noise and 
 bluster and tvirmoil mark the path of Destruction's agents. Thunder and 
 earthquakes and hurricanes and roaring cataradts do not build up, but de- 
 stroy. Noiselessly the great earth revolves and sweeps onward in her 
 course, and the stars look down out of their dephts in silence. They who 
 think the Lord's work can be carried forward only by noisy demonstration 
 may consider with profit how many of his wonderful agencies work in 
 silence. He has use for the noisy elements, but he owns the quiet as well. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 282 
 
September 9. 
 
 September 10. 
 
 283 
 
WOMAN'S SPHERE. 
 
 Men may lead armies, preside over senates, quiet mobs, and convince 
 multitudes, but women must love, not in illness, ignorance, or wantonness, 
 but in ac5lion, intelligence, and piety. She must love to care for the sick 
 and unfortunate, for the poor and outcast; must know how to apply reme- 
 dies to body and soul. She must make the hard work of a teacher a 
 labor of love; must be willing to take part against the crime and evil that 
 oppress her own land; must, it might be, we can not tell, stand in the 
 pulpit or at the bar, not in the manner of men, but in her own sacred 
 type. Faithful, tender, and true should she be everywhere. But in the 
 home, would that heaven might forbid that she should ever appear other 
 than the queen of wisdom, virtue, and refinement. We need not say that 
 in all her work, public and private, the one great objedl should be to 
 enrich the kingdom of her Lord Jesus. 
 
 Ifiss Josephene Johnson. 
 
 THE LOGIC OF EVENTS. 
 
 What the world of fa(5l is to the philosopher, that the iield of life is 
 to the minister of Christ. Acquaintance with what lies about us corredls 
 our vagaries, breaks the tyranny of our preceptions, adapts and com- 
 pletes our views. We seek to lay our conscious ideas upon things, to 
 force things into the line of our purposes; but we are, at the last, often 
 compelled to receive enlightenment and perhaps corredlion from the 
 events that we are seeking to shape. There is an unconscious as well as 
 a conscious tide in this world's affairs. We are not to defer to events 
 merely because of their force or rapid pace. We are to recognize that 
 often the course of events is the logic of Providence; but we are also to 
 bear in mind that whatever is of God, justifies itself to the divine word 
 
 and the unquestioned principles of the gospel. 
 
 A. W. Drttry. 
 
L. 
 
 September ii. 
 
 September 12. 
 
 285 
 
THE CHRISTIAN vSABBATH. 
 
 Blot out the Christian Sabbath, and you blot out not it alone; for, as 
 the fact that Christ rose from the dead gives vitality and validity to all 
 that he .said and did, so the commemorative ordinance of his resurredlion 
 stands preeminent among all the ordinances that he established, not only 
 giving vitality and validity to the whole, but is the constant support and 
 protection of the whole, so that to abrogate and ignore the Christian 
 vSabbath is to do the same to all the adorning verdure and precious fruits 
 of practical and experimental godliness which it bears, sending a withering 
 blight upon the most hopeful expedlations of the Christian world. 
 
 JV. Davis. 
 
 VISITORS AND CHURCH -ATTENDANCE. 
 
 When away from home, either among strangers or acquaintances, how 
 
 many there are who willfully absent themselves from the house of God. 
 
 Possibly the Sabbath passes without the sight of a worshiping assembly, and 
 
 the day is spent in writing or looking around the town or city for objedls 
 
 of interest with which to while away the tedious moments. The excuse is 
 
 often made, "I did not know where the church was," as though inquiry 
 
 might not have been easily made which would have afforded the information. 
 
 Perhaps a church is struggling in a city for existence. The hard -worked 
 
 pastor is almost discouraged. His little band of earnest brethren and 
 
 sisters are faithfully toiling, bearing heavy burdens. How they would be 
 
 cheered and helped by the sympathy and words of a brother visiting the 
 
 the city, especially if he be an old acquaintance. 
 
 T. D. Adams. 
 
 286 
 
September 13. 
 
 September 14. 
 
 2S7 
 
THE AI.I,- SEEING EYE. 
 
 When the photographer turns his camera toward any objecft, a perfedl 
 image of it is formed in the camera itself. Whether the objedl be near 
 or remote, in the room where he is operating, a distant mountain, or a 
 star in the depths of the heavens, the image is not seen as at a distance, 
 but is formed with all the surroundings of the objedl itself, in his imme- 
 diate presence, and directly under his eye. Protedting his eyes with a 
 dark cloth, he sees distinAly every shade of position or form. So when 
 the eye of God is turned upon us, perhaps out of the distant heavens, he 
 sees us not only as here on earth and far removed from him, but rather as 
 in his own instant presence. And he discerns us thoroughly, recognizing 
 perfedtly every lineament and shade of our being, and every conceivable 
 condition and want of our nature. To the wicked the fadt is one of terror 
 and dismay; to the righteous and the humble penitent before God, it 
 brings exceeding great comfort. 
 
 D. Bej-ger 
 
 TO WORKING-MEN. 
 
 If you would be free, if you would be successful, you must regard 
 Christian principles and Christian institutions. It is God's house and 
 God's word and God's church, which is constanlily and persistently ad- 
 vocating the do(5lrines which affedt the highest degree of civilization and 
 human equality. If the commandment, '' Remember, thou keep holy the 
 Sabbath day," were respected and all public works would cease on that 
 day, it would reduce the overproduction of the country, increase the de- 
 mand for labor, and sooth and lengthen the lives of the toilers of the day. 
 Remember that it was Jesus of Nazareth who taught first the universal 
 brotherhood of man, and placed man high above gold, which perisheth. 
 Thy monej^ shall perish with thee, said Christianity, because thou thought- 
 est the gift of God could be purchased with money. "lyife is more than 
 money," is the dodtrine of Christianity, and when you see this truth 
 closely and realize it in the spirit of the Master, when you teach it to 
 society, and incorporate it in your laws, you will have effe(5led a revolu- 
 tion which will injure no one, but will harmonize every jarring interest 
 and place ever}' man where God intends he shall be, '"equal before law 
 
 and blessed before God." 
 
 3L P. Doyle. 
 
 28S 
 
September 15. 
 Rev. jacob B. Resler, 1821. Rev. Andrew J. Newgent, 1838. 
 
 September 16, 
 
 [18] 289 
 
WORKERvS. 
 
 What the world needs is workers. It as yet owes you nothing. You 
 owe it all there is of you — your thoughts, your emotions, your a<5lions, 
 your life. Whether your individual sphere in life shall be a public or 
 private one, make it one full of good deeds. Have honest conviAions, 
 formed after careful deliberation, and give them courageous utterance. Be 
 loyal to the truth, whatever be the consequences. Not only teach man- 
 kind how they shall live, but give them a correifl example. None are 
 
 under such obligations to mankind as you. 
 
 H. A. Thovipson. 
 
 THE JOY OF UNSELFISH SERVICE. 
 
 There is a joy in the very work of recovering the lost from sinful ways. 
 There are certain exercises of a healthy body which give it great pleasure. 
 There is a pleasure in eating and in employing the strength of the limb and 
 body in honest toil. The husbandman and the father has untold joy in the 
 toil which gives him the fruits of the earth which fill up in the granery 
 a barricade against hunger or want in the home of his loved family. The 
 wife and the mother finds every hour of toil a task of love and pleasure 
 untold, since it ministers to those whom God has given her in such pre- 
 cious bands. vShe asks no reward, she thinks of no pain, she dreads no 
 toil with a bounding heart that offers the life one long sweet libation of 
 love. So does he who is in love with lost souls somewhat as Jesus loved 
 the world, find a wondrous joy in the very toil which stretches out his 
 emotions and thought and affection and faith, and puts them in full har- 
 ness and flying speed after perishing fellow - men. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 290 
 
Septembicr 17. 
 Rev. Henry W. Meredith, 1S38. Mar}' Ann Share (Maud), 1842. 
 
 vSeptkmber 18. 
 Rev. L. Bookwalter, A. M., 1846. Rev. W. M. Weekley, 1851. 
 
 291 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARITY. 
 
 What an amiable and lovely thing is Christian charity. How lovely 
 the mind tindlured throughout with this heavenly grace. How happy the 
 man who has this heavenly fire glowing in his heart, flowing out of his 
 mouth, and diffusing its warmth over all with whom he has to do. Oh! 
 what a lovely thing would Christianity appear to the world, if all who 
 profess it would pay due regard to that command on which its heavenly 
 author laid such stress. " A new commandment I give unto you, that 
 ye love one another as I have loved you." 
 
 J. T. Vardaman. 
 
 THE HAPPY HOMK. 
 
 It does not require wealth to make a pleasant home. We have often 
 passed by the large houses of the rich where all about them and within 
 them seemed barren and chilly. Not far from them were the cottages 
 of the poor. The trailing vines which found it easy to gain the roof, a 
 rich, green sod, and flowers and shrubs, not always perhaps seledled with 
 the best taste, but revealing the love which planted and cared for them, 
 gave ample evidence of the different atmosphere which prevailed within. 
 A cheerful, pleasant, and inviting home takes work among the best bless- 
 ings which a benevolent Father grants to any of his children on earth. 
 Happy, indeed, are those families which are blessed with such a pos- 
 session. Happy are those children that are brought up in such a home. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 292 
 
September 19. 
 
 September 20. 
 
 293 
 
GODLY TEACHERS. 
 
 If it be desired that our children be morallj' as well as intelledlually 
 educated, it is of the greatest importance that they have instructors who 
 have personally embraced the truth as it is in Christ, and who will take a 
 deep interest in the spiritual welfare of those committed to their care. The 
 morals, the principles, the soul of the pupil are intrusted to the teacher's 
 guardianship. Upon him more than any and all other persons and agencies 
 their highest interests must depend during the critical years of college -life. 
 Upon Christian principles and a Christian basis we contend the training 
 of our children should be conduced. The principles of the gospel should 
 have a permanent place and controlling influence in all our- colleges. 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner. 
 
 SOURCE OF HIGHEST JOY. 
 
 We enjoy our homes. There is no place on earth more attradlive. The 
 
 beautiful pictures, the elegant paintings, the choice books, the furniture, 
 
 all minister to our pleasure. But what in the home gives the children 
 
 inexpressible delight? Is it not the presence of their parents? Is it not 
 
 the love and communion of father and mother ? So it is with the Christian. 
 
 Far above the earth with its bounty, and the heavens which declare his 
 
 glory, is God himself— the God of holiness and love. We joy in the Creator 
 
 rather than his creatures. We have unfeigned faith in him. We think Of 
 
 him as a God who loves us, as a King who proteAs us, as a Father who 
 
 pities and cares for us. And under the consciousness of his pardoning 
 
 mercy and tender care, and our growing likeness to him, there comes to 
 
 the believer untiring delight, so that he exclaims with one of old, "All my 
 
 springs are in thee." 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 294 
 
September 21. 
 
 September 22. 
 Rev. G. W. Miles Rigor, 1831. Prof. Robert J. White, A. M., 1851, 
 
 295 
 
THE WIFE. 
 
 In no situation in life does woman appear more like acfling the part 
 of a friend to man than when she becomes a wife. It is a tender and 
 touching sight to see a maiden, in the bloom of youth, standing before the 
 altar, leaning on the arm of him whom she has chosen to accompany- 
 through life. With what confidence she pronounces her part of the cere- 
 mony! She loves her brothers, sisters, parents, with a fervent love, but 
 they do not exclude others ; another image is enshrined in her heart. 
 Trusting in the husband of her choice, she forsakes all to go forth to form 
 new associations, and as an angel of mercy accompanies him along the 
 journey of life. How slow to believe any evil of him! The world may 
 load him with calumny and disgrace, but she heeds them not. To her he 
 
 is pure and unsullied. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 THE CHAPEL OF THE MANGER. 
 
 We were kindly shown through all the portions of the church; and 
 
 with tender thoughts looked again and again upon these narrow walls 
 
 which once held a young mother, joyful at the birth of the long- promised 
 
 Messiah. While the shepherds told the story of his birth, and the Magi 
 
 went to their own land to relate the wonderful tidings, Mary, of royal 
 
 womanhood, "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." 
 
 She had a deeper sorrow and pang; she experienced a higher joy and 
 
 honor; she knew the secret of the L,ord, but turned her loving, calm eyes 
 
 on her infant child and worshiped God, and thought upon his mercy to 
 
 the world and to his handmaiden. Oh, wondrous night! Oh, happy, 
 
 blessed family, crowded from the inn to teach the world a lesson of loving 
 
 humility to the end of time! 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 296 
 
September 2^. 
 
 September 24. 
 Rev. J. H. Snyder, 1842. 
 
 297 
 
SUCCESS IN THE MINISTRY. 
 
 The great law of Christian kindness and human sympathy must be 
 observed by the pastor in his relations to liis people if he would be suc- 
 cessful in winning them to Christ. Whatever of gifts or attainments 
 as pertains to wisdom or grace the minister of the gospel may possess, 
 he can not successfully reach the hearts of the people without the grace 
 of Christian sympathy, and hence can not win them to Christ. As the 
 summer's sun unlocks the frozen seas of winter and warms the elements 
 of the material world, causing vegetation to spring up and the bosom 
 of the earth to throb with life and gladness, so Christian sympathy warms 
 and animates the hearts of those upon whom it is bestowed. It is a fount- 
 ain breaking out in the desert, whose limpid waters refresh the souls 
 of famishing ones as they traverse the plains of life to the world beyond. 
 
 Halleck Floyd. 
 
 CONSECRATION. 
 
 When will Christians respond to the demands of God, from the same 
 considerations that move them to promptness and honesty in the ordinary 
 business affairs of life ? When will the demands of the church be no 
 longer esteemed as the pitiful pleas of a beggar, but the lawful and ap- 
 propriate requirements of her lyord? Not until the world is made to 
 know that the bride of Christ does not beg when she asks for means to 
 carry forward her proper work, but rightfully asks for a portion of what 
 her I,ord has intrusted to her stewardship; not until, in the spirit of entire 
 consecration, the resources of each individual are fully placed upon 
 the altar. Then, and not till then, will the means be furnished to carry 
 forward the enterprises of the church upon a scale commensurate with 
 the necessities of the world, and the sublime grandeur of the ends sought 
 to be accomplished. 
 
 J. Hoke. 
 
 298 
 
September 25. 
 
 September 26. 
 
 Rev. Geo. Muth, 179S. Rev. Wni. B. Shinn, 1844. 
 Rev. I. M. Moody, 1847. 
 
 299 
 
SAVE THI5 DRUNKARD. 
 
 Win him to Christ. Show mercy and kindness and charity to the 
 drinker. Do not be like the priest and the L,evite, pass by on the other 
 side, but be like the good Samaritan; go to these unfortunate brothers of 
 ours who have been overtaken by this enemy and shorn of their strength, 
 reputation, fortune, and self- respedl, and who lie along the highway robbed 
 and bruised and helpless, and by the power of divine love and sympathy 
 seek to lift them up, pour the oil of consolation into their wounds, speak 
 to them words of tenderness and cheer, take them to the church, put your 
 hearts under their hearts and your lives under their lives, and thereby win 
 them to the Lord Jesus Christ and to a better life. 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 TO THE BOYS. 
 
 Do you know that somewhere among your number are the boys who 
 are going to be the future presidents, governors, judges, ministers, states- 
 men, physicians, thrifty merchants, farmers, teachers, professors, and 
 thriving business men of this land? Now, who of your number are going 
 to fill these honorable positions? Listen, and I will tell you. The boys 
 who are obedient, polite, and kind to their parents, who shun tobacco, 
 beer, rum, cigars, and cigarettes; who form no acquaintance with yellow- 
 backed literature, theaters, and circus shows; who carefully save their 
 clothes and their pennies; who diligently improve their time in reading 
 valuable books; who, when in school, strive earnestly to master every 
 lesson, and sacredly observe all the rules; who decide to take a thorough 
 course in college and allow nothing to thwart their purpose. 
 
 /. L. Kephart. 
 
 300 
 
September 27. 
 
 September 28. 
 
 301 
 
the; SUNDAY -SCHOOIv tkachsr. 
 
 There must be a true understanding of the relation of children in Christ 
 and the church. The mechanic must know the nature of the instrument 
 to be used, and also the nature of the material upon which he is to work, 
 or otherwise he will not secure the result sought. If the children are to 
 be trained by the teacher and preacher so as to become efficient members 
 of the church, both must understand the nature of the relation already- 
 existing as well as the one to be sought. These will determine the nature 
 of the instru<5lion to be given. If the children are held in the bonds of 
 depravity, then they must be taught their condition and how to escape it. 
 If they -only need to have the children's Redeemer held up to them so 
 their youthful affedtions may take hold of him, they will need a different 
 kind of teaching. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 
 
 We .should seek to leave behind as good an influence as possible, and 
 as little cause of trouble as can be avoided ; and to do this every one 
 should make the very best disposition of all earthly effeAs, so that there 
 may not be any just cause of dispute and litigation which are so preva- 
 lent at the present day. The making of wills, conveyance of property', 
 settlement of business, should all be attended to, and will be a great 
 benefit to those we leave behind. Make as equitable a division of your 
 property as you can ; and do not forget to give something to the cause of 
 religion that may help it on when you are quiet in the grave. To have 
 your business well and legally arranged, and to provide liberally for the 
 cause of Christ is the earth side of your duty, and more or less connedls 
 itself with the eternal side of your history, for we shall determine here 
 
 what our future shall be. 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
 302 
 
September ag. 
 
 September 30. 
 Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Kumler, 1807. 
 
 303 
 
THY DISCIPI.E. 
 
 lyord, I would be thy disciple; 'tis the longing of my heart; 
 
 But the cross seems very heavy, and I hesitate to start. 
 
 Help me, Savior, make the eifort; strengthen me with heavenly gfrace, 
 
 And permit me in thy vineyard to fulfill a humble place. 
 
 Lord, thou knowest how sincerely I desire to follow thee, 
 How at times the cross seems heavy, — yea, almost to crush me; 
 But I hear thy gentle wooing, "Wilt thou my disciple be?" 
 And I hear thee also saying, "Take thy cross and follow me." 
 
 Shall I stop to mark the distance, or the seeming burden weigh ? 
 Shall I halt though steep the mountain, rough and stonj- be the way? 
 Dare I saj' it is too heavy, and refuse to bear the load? 
 Thou didst bear it to the summit on that long and rugged road. 
 
 Shall I rather not be striving thy disciple e'er to be, 
 Bearing, suffering, singing, praying, anything to honor thee? 
 Blessed Jesus, loving Savior, help me bear the cross for thee; 
 I'll ne'er count it too great labor, since thou didst so much for me. 
 
 D. N. Howe. 
 
 304 
 
VANQUISHED. 
 
 Out on a pleasant path, when years were few, 
 
 And overbrimmed with expedtation sweet, 
 
 I started with my inexperienced feet 
 Valiant all wrong to overcome and good to do. 
 
 Ah, this fair life that all were yet to see! 
 
 The life that was to hold no flaw nor stain, 
 
 But was to silence all the world's disdain — 
 The little world that in its limits counted me. 
 
 I was to have the gold without the dross. 
 
 Drink youth's fair wine and leave the dregs below. 
 What have the slow - revolving years to show, 
 
 Save that my gain is perfe(5t in its loss ? 
 
 For I have walked where sermons led the way. 
 And lost from out my heart the olden trust — 
 Have heard the words of anguish, " Dust to dust,'' 
 
 When heaven seemed deaf to all despair could say. 
 
 And I have seen the strength that was my boast 
 Reduced to naught before temptation's power; 
 And human love has failed me in the hour 
 
 Of all sore hours, when it was needed most. 
 
 I wander on and find no wayside inn, — 
 
 No resting - place my longing eyes to greet. 
 
 The dust clings to my tired, aching feet; 
 And I am lost where I had meant to vrin. 
 
 Alas, alas, sweet Savior, pity me; 
 
 The blinding mist is thick before my eyes! 
 
 Point me to what beyond the valley lies. 
 And hold me with thy strong arm tenderly. 
 
 Maud [Mary A. Shafv). 
 
 30. 
 
AN APPEAL TO EDUCATE. 
 
 Books and schools are accessible to all. There is no young man or 
 young lady too poor to acquire an education. Will you be satisfied then, 
 while you possess ten or a hundred times the facilities your fathers possessed, 
 to go exactly in their tracks? Will you negle(5l to use your faculties and 
 make proportionate progress, or will you resolve at once to be what God 
 designed you to be ? If you have the heart to make the resolution, set 
 about its accomplishment at once. Fix upon the point to which you wish 
 to attain, then bend all your energies to accomplish that objedt. Try it. 
 Try hard, persevere, and you will gain the prize. 
 
 J. Hayzc'ood, iSji. 
 
 TO MOTHERS. 
 
 What the future generation is to be depends upon what the mothers 
 of to-day are. Physically, mentally, and morally the mother more than 
 any one else holds the destiny of the child in her hand. But what are 
 the mothers of to-day doing in the diredlion of making their children 
 physically healthy and sound? Does the training daughters of fashionable 
 mothers are to-day receiving at the hands of these mothers tend to health 
 and sj'mmetry of body ? To secure these, the body must have daily exercise 
 in the open air. How many of these fashionable daughters take such ex- 
 ercise ? Sunlight is essential to health. To secure and preserv^e good health 
 requires the observing of regular hours, regular meals, and wholesome food 
 properly -cooked. Fashionable mothers permit these rules to be violated. 
 How, then, can the evils be remedied? L,et the mothers break the iron 
 chains of fashion, and instead of training their daughters to be weakly, 
 sickl}', pale-faced, hollow-eyed, wasp-waisted, sentimental butterflies of 
 fashion, let them give to them from their infancy such training, physically, 
 mentally, and morally, as is in harmony with the laws of good health. 
 
 /. L. Kephart. 
 
 306 
 
October i. 
 Rev. Isaac Crouse, 1827. 
 
 October 2. 
 
 307 
 
THE OBJECT OF PREACHING. 
 
 The preacher's mission is the sublime, may I say almost superhuman, 
 effort of bringing the human mill into harmony zviih the divine, which 
 must result in the destrudlion of sin; for sin is the antagonism of the two 
 wills. This heroic effort once engaging a Savior's heart, is now delegated 
 by commission to chosen men, and requires moral force as the comple- 
 ment of intelledtual power. On the human side, the preacher has to do 
 with man's will. We preach to the intelledl and to the heart; but these 
 two are only the double -door entrances through which we approach the 
 will, — this adamantine fort, man's Gibraltar, which is the last and greatest 
 resistance to the gospel. He is the strongest preacher who can pound the 
 hardest upon the ponderous gate of man's will. On the divine side, the 
 preacher has to do with God. The secret of his power here lies in union 
 and communion with Deity; and this he uses in his struggle to bring God 
 
 and man together. 
 
 J. W. Etter 
 
 DECISION OF CHARACTER. 
 
 The history of religion furnishes us the mo-st noted instances of decis- 
 ion and stability of characfler of which we have any record in the annals 
 of the world. Such traits in human character are born of a heroic moral 
 courage. Look at Mo.ses, who delivered the children of Israel from their 
 bondage in Egypt; Joshua, the statesman of spotless charadler, and the 
 successful leader of God's people; David, the king; Elijah and Daniel, 
 prophets; Paul, the apostle, all of whom under the most trying circum- 
 stances stood true to their principles and their God again.st the greatest 
 oppression and cruelty. And among the names of these worthies we may 
 well enroll the names of Wycliffe, who gave to England the Bible in the 
 mother tongue; Martin I,uther, who gave to the world an open Bible, and 
 broke the shackles of free thought; John Bunyan, the hero of Bedford 
 Jail; John Knox, who delivered Scotland from the power of her political 
 and ecclesiastical enemies; John Weslej', the enthusiastic and courageous 
 reformer; Columbus, the discoverer of America, and hosts of others, living 
 and dead, whose names are cherished with affeAionate regard. 
 
 M. R. Drury. 
 
 308 
 
October 3. 
 
 OCTOrKR 4. 
 Bishop Nicholas Castle, 1837. 
 
 309 
 
THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 
 
 The kingdom of our Father in heaven carries with it holy purity to 
 banish loathsome corruption. It gives obedience instead of alienation 
 from God, happiness instead of misery, joy and liberty instead of bondage 
 and despair, the glory of God instead of satanic .shame, and salvation in- 
 stead of damnation. It raises man up in the scale of civilization. It gives 
 a new spirit to society and to the nations of the earth. It gives light in- 
 stead of tie pall of moral darkness. It rejoices heaven and earth instead 
 of grieving Christ and the holy angels. Fvery soul saved from sin and 
 brought to the paradise of God, saves an immeasurable degree of degrada- 
 tion and woe, and gives an infinity of noble well-being and of bliss and 
 
 glory. 
 
 M. Wright. 
 
 THE QUIET LIFE. 
 
 Uneasy rests the head which wears the crown. Posts of honor and 
 power are not posts of genuine pleasure. The duty laid upon each of us 
 is to develop our own manhood and womanhood, and then shed the influ- 
 ence which must come from such a life in whatever sphere we may a<5l. 
 The moon is not as large as the sun, nor does it shed as much light, but 
 to the benighted traveler it is just as acceptable. The world's heroes are 
 not all found on the tented field, nor at the head of armies, nor speaking 
 to admiring senators, but wherever men and women come face to face 
 with and grapple with the problem of destiny. They are found in the 
 lowly and lonely cottage, by the side of the sick infant in the hospital, 
 by the bedside of the dying, in the marts of trade, in the slums of the 
 cities, wherever men and women hear and obey the voice of Him who 
 speaks to the inner consciousness the words of everlasting truth. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 310 
 
October 5. 
 
 October 6. 
 Rev. Wm. B. I^eggett, 1846. Rev. R. C. Thomas, 1853. 
 
 3" 
 
HEART - EXPERIENCE. 
 
 To turn men from the error of their ways, and to guide them when 
 turned, is enough to challenge the capacities of the wisest and best man 
 in the world. Men, to do this work, need experience — a deep, an abiding, 
 and an ever -fresh and living experience; an experience that is heavenly, that 
 is from above, that is divine. No man is competent to teach his fellow- 
 man the way to heaven whom the Holy Ghost has not already taught the 
 way. A genuine Christian experience, a genuine change of heart, a Holy 
 Ghost regeneration, is the base -rock of a divinely - appointed minister of 
 the gospel. A man without this may be a man - appointed minister, but 
 
 never a God -appointed embassador. 
 
 G. P. Macklin. 
 
 ETERNITY. 
 
 However quiet all things beyond may seem to us now, there are scenes 
 transpiring which, if we could see, would thrill our souls through and 
 through. If it were a matter of choice with us to stay here or go there, 
 we might settle the matter at once and remain on this side, and then give 
 ourselves no further concern about the hereafter. But it is not left to our 
 choice. The matter is settled, once and forever. We must know by ex- 
 perience what it is to be in eternity. Each must realize in the full light 
 of eternity what it is to be saved or lost. If it is beyond our power to 
 imagine what the ecstacy of the soul of the saint will be as it enters the 
 home of the angels, how much more is it beyond our power to imagine 
 what the anguish of that doomed spirit will be as it passes into the beyond 
 
 with the full consciousness, "I am lost forever." 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 312 
 
October 7. 
 
 October 8. 
 
 313 
 
SHAPING CHARACTER. 
 
 In cutting glass it is not necessary to make a cut that shall extend 
 down through the entire thickness of the sheet to be severed. It is suffi- 
 cient that but a slender thread going but little beneath the surface shall 
 be traced with the diamond, and from this the further breaking will be 
 easily accomplished. So in the destrudlion of charac?ter it frequenly hap- 
 pens that but a very slight abrasion at the first will tend in time to re- 
 sults that are an overwhelming surprise. In dealing with questions of 
 first principles in character -building the teacher has an important mission 
 
 before his class, 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 TO THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS. 
 
 Our age is stimulated to the highest degree. vSatan is bestirring him- 
 self to the utmost. God's people must not be less wise or intense. New 
 measures are being used in Christian work. Invention is being taxed for 
 new expedients. In this state of things some would throw away their 
 books, discard the accepted guides in religion, rush wildly into the field 
 of adlion, and resort to cheap expedients for present effeA. Some may 
 accomplish a measure or a species of good in this way ; but you probably 
 are not called to this method of acftion. Should the church in general 
 take this course, Christianity would be be degraded before the intelligence 
 of man, and true religion would be turned into spiritual jugglery or buf- 
 foonery. Rather, if our natures are to be brought up to a high key, if our 
 adlion is to be intense, if we are to be surrounded by a bewildering maze 
 of fiercely - contending forces, if we are to be given no time for devising, 
 no opportunity for retradtion, then let us know at the beginning what we 
 are to do. Let us gather all wisdom to our aid, collecft our strength, take 
 our bearings, secure our balance, and then make our plunge. A cool head 
 
 must accompany a warm heart. 
 
 A. \V. Drury. 
 
 314 
 
October 9. 
 
 October 10. 
 
 31! 
 
NEARNESS TO GOD. 
 
 Hew happy is the condition of him who draws nigh to God and there 
 abides continually. Notice, there is no command to his children to depart 
 from him. There may they abide — there rejoice. What sunshine does 
 his presence afford! What a glorious hope in the presence of his coun- 
 tenance! What strength is imparted by his vitality! What consuming 
 of sin, what purifying in his presence! In the sunshine of his grace, 
 irrigated by the streams of life, how does every virtue flourish, and 
 every heavenly fruit grow and ripen ! What comfort, what happiness, 
 what security is afforded, what triumph over sin, what vidlory over death, 
 and what a glorious hope of immortality cheers him who thus draws 
 
 nigh to God. 
 
 M. Wright. 
 
 IMMORTAI.ITY. 
 
 Hail, immortality, unsetting sun of light and cheer! With it are em- 
 braced all thoughts that lift man up and that illumine his abode amid the 
 struggles and confusion of time. There is an inspiration not of earth, nor 
 bounded by its narrow limits; for it sweeps onward and upward to the 
 great white throne, and reposes satisfied in the presence of Deity. We 
 revel in the thought that our beloved departed are safe in the immortal 
 home, and await our arrival there, where amid the millions of spirits made 
 perfeA' ours will be recognized and greeted. How the very thought urges 
 us to greater devotion to Christ and more kindness and helpfulness 
 toward every human being. We may safely conclude that every docftrine 
 that brings us comfort, refines us, and makes us better, is of God and is 
 true. Every longing desire, the thought of which improves us in our 
 condudl toward God and man, is founded in reason, proceeds from God, 
 and is worthy of belief. The thought of immortality is hailed with de- 
 light. It finds a hearty response in man's soul, gives him comfort and 
 joy, and may therefore in reason as well as revelation be accounted as 
 worthy of our confidence; and upon its cheerful bosom we may rest our 
 weary heads and joyfully await the coming morning, "when death shall 
 be swallowed up in victory." B. F. Booth. 
 
 316 
 
October ii. 
 
 October 12. 
 
 317 
 
WORK FOR AI,!,. 
 
 It frequently happens in churches that most of the a(5tive management 
 is done by a few persons. Sometimes this is so by the preference of those 
 who take little part in the diredlion of affairs — they are glad to have others 
 do what they do not care to do themselves. At other times this condition 
 arises out of the arbitrary disposition of a small circle of those who aspire 
 to be the leaders. They are not anxious to have others divide this care 
 with them, and in various ways give them to understand that their coun- 
 sels and assistance, further than in the pecuniary part, are not needed. 
 That is the wisest management which finds for all the members something 
 to do. Men will be most interested in that which they have a part in 
 doing. Their time, exertion, and money will be found ready to command 
 
 when they are made true sharers in the work. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 KEEPING RELIGION. 
 
 The great mistake is that many persons seem to think they can get a 
 
 stock on hand which will last a month or more. But that can not be 
 
 done. The Israelites tried it on the manna business; but it was a failure. 
 
 They had to get it fresh every day, except on Sunday. In like manner 
 
 we must go to the Fountain every day. No, that is not the better way to 
 
 express it. The right and only safe plan is to go to the Fountain and 
 
 stay there, and drink every day. Religion on Sunday is not a bad thing; 
 
 but it is not enough. The pattern is too short; it must be full seven 
 
 days long. Many go to church on Sunday and get somewhat stirred up. 
 
 They get a taste of the water of life, and then conclude that this will last 
 
 all week. Religion was intended to keep us; and it will do it if we keep 
 
 on hand a good supply. We must have a good quality — what James calls 
 
 "pure religion;" and then we must have a good quantity. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 318 
 
OCTOBKR 13. 
 
 Rev. J. C. Bright, 1818. 
 
 October 14. 
 Rev. Simeon Austin, i8i{ 
 
 319 
 
TRUK WISDOM. 
 
 Would you be wise, — not only be thought so, but be really so, — study 
 the Scriptures. By them you will get more understanding than the an- 
 cients — than all your teachers. Make your observations upon the carriage 
 and miscarriage of others, that you may take pattern by those who do 
 well and take warning b}- those who do ill — may look upon both and 
 receive instru<5tion. But especially be earnest with God in prayer for wis- 
 dom as Solomon was — and the prayer was both pleasing and prevailing 
 in heaven. If any man, if any young man, lack wisdom, and is sensible 
 that he lacks it, he is dire<5led what to do. His way is plain. I,et him 
 ask it of God. And he is encouraged to do it; for the I,ord giveth wisdom. 
 He has it to give, he delights to give it, and he gives liberally. He has a 
 peculiar eye to young people in the dispensing of his gifts ; for his word 
 was written to give to the young man knowledge and discretion. 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner. 
 
 SMILES. 
 
 There are out -in -company smiles and alone -at-home smiles. It is a 
 very nice accomplishment to wear a smile of proper length and breadth at 
 a missionarj' tea, a social party, and wedding or anj^ festive occasion, only 
 it seems a pity that sometimes the muscles which make up this proper 
 smile grow so tired — by the time the wearer of it reaches home, the ad- 
 mired smile is either gone entirely or has merged into a smirky smile or 
 a scornful smile. There are smiles of sympathy. How much they say! 
 When one is listening to some subtle argument, to some eloquent flight 
 of oratory, to some sweeetly- thrilling song, or looking with admiration, 
 verging into love, upon some rare, rich scene of God's own hand -paint- 
 ing — when the softest word would break the charm — how just a little 
 .smile of recognition from one who appreciates it as you do makes your 
 heart throb and grow full of joy and thanks. There are sunny smiles, as 
 full of life, heat, and blessing, as our noonday sun when the spring-time 
 comes. Happ}- the home if but one inmate thereof brightens it with these 
 
 heart -growing, sunshiny smiles! 
 
 Isadoic S. Bash. 
 
 320 
 
October 15. 
 
 October 16. 
 
 [20] 321 
 
EDUCATION. 
 
 Education is the handmaid of religion. It v/as a powerful auxiliary in 
 the Reformation of the sixteenth century. It was then, and is now, a 
 destrudlive ally against popery, and all forms of skepticism and infidelity. 
 No church has flourished, or can flourish, that negleAs the higher education. 
 If we would secure permanency and enjoy a flourishing growth in cities and 
 towns of the country, we must go to them in the person of men of deep 
 and broad heart and head culture — men possessing an accurate and gen- 
 eral acquaintance with men and things. With such men in the field, we 
 must succeed. Failure is impossible. The past has taught us that we can 
 not get such men from the institutions of the state. What must be 
 done? We must educate them ourselves, or perish. We can not hold our 
 present ground unless we educate. No people will be stable and continue 
 permanent without education. A religion that is not founded on knowlege 
 
 and fortified by education will not endure. 
 
 J?. Rock. 
 
 MARKS OF PROGRESS. 
 
 The present brilliant illumination of our cities with eledlric lights marks 
 an important step in the progress of civilization. With wonderful strides 
 have art and invention advanced within the memory of middle -aged people. 
 Many of these recall readily the excitement that was felt when the first 
 short line of the eledlric telegraph was found to work successfully, and 
 even the surprise that was created by the first sight of the quick flash of a 
 lyucifer match. Now the telegraph wires traverse the seas, and cast their 
 net -work round the world, while in the cities the telephone wires fill the 
 air like the webs of monster weaver's looms. From the present powerful 
 illuminators, which cast shadows of human and other objects many hun- 
 dreds of feet, back to the lighting apparatus of less than half a century 
 ago, seems now like an amazing distance. The eleAric lights, illuminating 
 gas, coal - oil, lard - oil, tallow molds, or dips, and pine knots, mark the 
 several gradations; and there are men not very old who have employed 
 the service of all. The world is advancing in thought, in methods, in the 
 intensity of its life. In the midst of this stirring, moving, palpitating 
 life it is important that the light of truth shine forth with an intense 
 radiance. It should blaze forth with a brightness and power augmented 
 like that of the ele<5tric illuminator. D. Berger. 
 
 322 
 
October 17, 
 
 October 18. 
 
 323 
 
PRACTICAI, HOLINESS. 
 
 That person who makes it the first objeA of life to please God and do 
 good to man is holy, is sanAified. It is not physical, it is moral purity. 
 The begrimed chimney-sweep may shine with holiness. The hand be- 
 fouled in honest toil maybe clean from iniquity — be holy. It is not pure 
 blood, but a pure mind. It does not consist in starch and polish, but 
 righteousness of spirit and uprightness of conduA. Holiness loves its 
 enemies, and returns good for evil. It is humble without baseness, bold 
 without impudence, plain and faithful, but not hateful and abusive. 
 
 ^. Sutton. 
 
 THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 
 
 The Christian religion bears the seal of truth in itself Jesus Christ is 
 its fountain and founder. It rests upon his person and zvork. Faith in 
 his person and work is the ground of our salvation, for this brings men 
 into communion with God the Father. If Christ is what he claimed to be, 
 his religion is true. And who can show that he was not what he claimed 
 to be ? But the do(5lrines of Christ also attest the truthfulness of the Chris- 
 tian religion. He taught with authority. The prophets said, "Thus saith 
 the Lord." But Jesus said, "So say I." The doArines of Christ are just 
 suited to the wants of every man. Hence the Christian religion is destined 
 to be the religion of the whole world. Then, all who believe in Jesus 
 experience the power of God in being created anew in the image of God 
 and in being sandlified through the Holy Ghost. The Christian religion 
 is from God and leads to God. It is the religion that makes men happy 
 in time and eternity. It is what the soul of man needs and what God 
 
 approves. 
 
 Win. Mittendorf 
 
October 19. 
 Rev. Wm. R. Rliinehart, 1800. Rev. James E. Bowersox, 1817. 
 
 October 20. 
 Rev. 1,. 1,. Hager, 1825. 
 
 325 
 
THE BAPTISM OF POWER. 
 
 If need be, I would stop every item of machinery in the Church — our 
 colleges, seminaries, and printing-press; yes, I would stop all our mis- 
 sionaries in the field, all our bishops, pastors, editors, teachers, and agents, 
 everjrthing, — until we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But some 
 one may say that we could not afford to lose so much time. Better lose 
 forty days from aAive work and receive the baptism of power than at- 
 tempt to go forward without it. The apostles gained time by waiting for 
 the Holy Spirit, for when he came they did more in a day than they 
 could have done in months without it. But we need not stop our machin- 
 ery. We can work right on, trusting and praying. But come as it may, 
 we must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit or lose all power for doing 
 good. To receive this much - needed power we must make a full and com- 
 plete consecration of all we have and are to God. 
 
 J. Weaver. 
 
 THE TOMB OF OUR SAVIOR. 
 
 Upon the occasion of a second visit to the tomb of Christ I found an 
 experience quite unlike to that of the first. I was alone. It was no dis- 
 appointment that my Lord was not there. I looked not for the appear- 
 ance of the angels. It was to an empty tomb that I approached. The 
 resurredlion scene rose before me like a pageant of spiritual glory. I was 
 on the other side of the grave. I stood beside the vacated tomb. It was 
 the empty tomb of our crucified and risen Lord. I had often stood by 
 the grave prepared for the reception of the dead ; I had often knelt at the 
 grave where buried loved ones had been placed to moulder back to the 
 unwelcome dust. Not so now, by some wonderful transition I was now on 
 the deathless side of the tomb. I knelt in the foot -prints of the feet 
 which had gotten up and walked out of the dominion of death. I was on 
 the other side of the tomb; somewhere between the grave and the gate of 
 the heavenly city. Jesus and the angels were there. Around me were col- 
 ledled the glorified with whom the bitterness of death is past. It was a 
 precious hour ; it was a heavenly moment. I was beyond the touch and 
 sting of death. I was crowned with the vi(5lory over the grave. I was on 
 the eternal side of all things. I was where there is no death; neither 
 sorrow nor crying. Even now I seem to wish I could gather up my loved 
 ones and be again and forever there. J. W. Hott. 
 
 326 
 
October 21. 
 
 October 22. 
 
 327 
 
AI^EXANDBR OWEN'S HOMK. 
 
 In Mr. Owen's home we found what we have always regarded as the 
 
 most perfe(5l family government we have ever known. The children at 
 
 the time of which we write were numerous, and all of them young. 
 
 There might be ample occasion for conflicts and miniature rebellions, but 
 
 we never saw any. Nor did we ever hear any hurried or emphatic words, 
 
 or see any special exhibition of authority. Yet authority, quiet, steady, 
 
 unyielding, was there, and obedience seemed perfedl. We will not here 
 
 undertake to say to whom, the dead or the living, the greater honor for 
 
 this belongs; but we refer to the fadl as presenting a strong negative to a 
 
 common allegation against the government and training of ministers' 
 
 families. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 I^ASTING IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 How lasting are the impressions of childhood and the memories of 
 
 home. What our mothers do there will never be forgotten. The smiles, 
 
 the kind words, the counsels, the prayers, the tears, how fondly the 
 
 memory treasures them all up; and in after- years, when home is broken 
 
 up and mother laid in the grave, when time has crowded out many recol- 
 
 ledlions or buried them deeply beneath the rubbish of perplexing cares, 
 
 still the true heart will never lose the impressions of youth nor cease 
 
 to thank God upon every remembrance of a pious, good, devoted mother. 
 
 A dying soldier whispered three words — the sweetest in our language — 
 
 ^^ mother, country, God." Should every idea I ever acquired through 
 
 life fade from my memory, these three thoughts would be the last and 
 
 most sacred — my mother, who makes my home; my country that gives 
 
 me liberty; my God, who saves mother and country. 
 
 /. W. Etter. 
 
 328 
 
October 23. 
 Rev. J. L. TvUttrell, 1829. 
 
 October 24. 
 Rev. Chester Briggs, 1821. 
 
 329 
 
RIGHT TO BE HAPPY. 
 
 Why should we not rejoice, we who are children of a King; we whose 
 
 sins have been blotted out, and a hope of eternal life born within us? 
 
 Hath not the inspired apostle said, "For all things are yours; whether 
 
 Paul, or ApoUos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, 
 
 or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." 
 
 If there is a man in all the universe who has a right to rejoice and to sing 
 
 songs daily, it is the man described above, who is the heir of all things. 
 
 How we misrepresent our relationship when we go mourning all the day, 
 
 constantly bemoaning our poverty, and yet gloriously rich; bewailing our 
 
 weakness, yet heirs to all strength; grieved at what seems only humble 
 
 birth, yet children of the King of kings; sad that our years must soon 
 
 close, and yet heirs of everlasting life. Alas! we are ungrateful children 
 
 of an indulgent Father. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 THE GOVERNMENT OF CHII^DREN. 
 
 The extent of human government can not be compassed successfully. 
 Govern the youth, and a large share of their comfort and happiness is 
 secured. It extends from their earliest years, with tottering feet and 
 lisping tongue, through a maturer life to man, as a shock of corn, ready 
 to be gathered to his fathers. It has to do with the boy from the home 
 to the school. It is not a surface - work, but enters the life of a pupil, and 
 follows him into the holy of holies of his profoundest experiences. It goes 
 with him into manhood and business life, pronouncing upon him bene- 
 didlions or breathing forth curses. It is with him in the obligations of his 
 fatherhood, and strengthens or weakens him in these the most important 
 ties of human life. It pursues him in his recognition of the brotherhood 
 of man, and supports him as a philanthropist or enthrones as a misan- 
 thrope. It enters into his characfter, and can not be bound by the lines 
 of earthly measurements, reaching within the discovered but unrevealed 
 relations of that "country where the my.stery of this strange life is solved, 
 and the most needy heart must lay down its burden at last." 
 
 W. M. Beardshear, 
 
 330 
 
October 25. 
 Bishop John Coons, 1797. Rev. Elias Van Demark, 1805. 
 
 October 26. 
 Rev. Jacob S. Kessler, 1812. 
 
 33^ 
 
"THAT SETTI<ES AI.I.." 
 
 We remember reading of an old Scotchman who was accustomed, when 
 
 some point was in dispute, to say, "Hand me your Bible; that settles all." 
 
 Now, of course we understand that there are some questions which the 
 
 Bible does not propose to settle. There are some such questions in 
 
 science, in history, and in other fields of inquiry and thought. But all 
 
 the great questions relating to our condudl in life are fully settled in the 
 
 word of God. In it God has laid down the rules by which we must live. 
 
 And he is a wise man who daily studies these rules as settled by God 
 
 himself, and does his utmost to shape his life according to the principles 
 
 God has laid down. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 TRIBUTE TO OTTERBEIN. 
 
 He was a man of great aclivily. In labors he was abundant. He was 
 instant in season and out of season. Impressed with the importance of 
 his work, and also with the limited time in which to do it, he consecrated 
 himself, soul, body, and spirit, to its accomplishment. He was a man 
 of superior talent and learning. His fine powers of imagination seldom 
 failed to furnish him with the most happy allusions and illustrations that 
 enabled him to bring the truth within the grasp of all his hearers. He 
 studied men rather than oratory. He was a man of pure and spotless 
 chara£ler. He had the greatest regard and reverence for the laws of God. 
 Light, chaffy, and trifling conversation found no ready listener in him. 
 Yet he was a pleasant and affable Christian gentleman, and easy of ap- 
 proach to all. He was a man of great benevolence. It is stated by those 
 who knew him personally that he literally gave away all he acquired. 
 Servant of the living God, farewell. With sad hearts and eyes red with 
 weeping we turn away from thy honored grave on Howard Hill to mingle 
 with thy spirit and to transfer the excellences of [thy pure and useful life 
 into our own /. Baltzell. 
 
 532 
 
October 27. 
 Rev. W. W. Richardson, i8ii. Prof. J. P. I^andis, D. D., 1843. 
 
 October 28. 
 
 333 
 
EDUCATED MEN. 
 
 Who first conceived the glorious idea of sending the gospel to heathen 
 countries from the American churches? Who have been and are now the 
 most able defenders of our holy religion ? What class of men are now 
 being used under God to give the Scriptures to all nations under heaven ? 
 How you delight to read the Scriptures in your own native tongue. Do 
 you know the instrument used in giving you this precious treasure ? Ex- 
 amine your library, and ask yourself the question, Who wrote those ad- 
 mirable works in defense of that religion which is dearer to you than life? 
 In all these cases the answer is one and ever the same — educated men. 
 
 L. Davis, iS^2. 
 
 JOY IN GETTING HOME. 
 
 Have you ever been away from your father's house, and for a long time 
 have not seen his face ? Then you know what it is to visit the scenes of 
 your childhood, to enter the threshold of the old homestead, to behold the 
 face of him who tenderly loved you, to grasp the hand of him who shel- 
 tered you from the storm, to sit by the side of him who guided your 
 youth, bore with your infirmities, soothed your sorrows, and bestowed on 
 you the ministries of a father's love. Ah! I know of no place on earth 
 more sacred than father's house. I know of no company more precious 
 than father's company. But think of the joy that shall fill our souls when 
 we arrive at the eternal home, enter our Father's house, and behold his 
 face in righteousness, and by the power of his infinite tenderness and 
 love be drawn into such nearness with him as to repose in his bosom with 
 
 infinite satisfa(5lion and delight. 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 334 
 
October 29. 
 
 October 30. 
 
 335 
 
THE BLESSEDNESS OF GIVING. 
 
 There are some blessings that people generally do not seek for. Is it 
 because we do not believe the word, or is it because the love of this 
 world and self have been allowed to bind us with chains that can not be 
 broken? The apostle says, "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, 
 how he said, It is more blessed [that is, it is . a greater happiness] to 
 give than to receive." Reader, have you ever given till you were real 
 happy? Are you afraid to try it? Take God's word for it, and give to 
 him of your earthly stores till you are happy. Somewhere we have seen 
 the record of a very short missionary sermon. It was this text; "He that 
 hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the L,ord; " sermon, "If you like the 
 securit}', down with the cash." Do we not miss the blessing by not hav- 
 ing full confidence in the security ? The blessing does not come to those 
 only who give large sums, but to every one who gives "as the lyord has 
 prospered him." Neither does he whom the Lord has given great wealth 
 receive the full measure of blessing, by giving only as much as a neigh- 
 bor who is not worth half as much as he. There is no doubt, — there is 
 always a blessing; blessing in the consciousness that we have the means 
 of doing good; blessing in entering into fellowship with God, who is 
 always giving; blessing in the knowledge that some one has joy by our 
 giving. To secure this blessing, giving must not be done to keep up ap- 
 pearances, or to be like other people, or to gain a reputation; but first 
 having received Christ himself into our hearts we are /wzpelled, not com- 
 pelled, to give ; and when we fully ' ' know the grace of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor," we 
 will never feel that we have given him enough. We are responsible to 
 God for all we have, and should carry on our business here as "unto the 
 Lord." Oh! that we might all believe and fully realize the blessedness 
 
 of giving. 
 
 MiS. L. R. Keiste}-. 
 
 336 
 
GATHER THE HARVEST IN. 
 
 Behold the harvest fields are white, 
 
 Gather the harvest in; 
 Amid the blaze of gospel light, 
 
 Gather the harvest in. 
 
 Young toilers in the Master's cause, 
 
 Gather the harvest in; 
 Fear not to shun the world's applause, 
 
 Gather the harvest in. 
 
 I<et every servant of the Lord, 
 
 Gather the harvest in; 
 And have their sheaves securely stored, 
 
 Gather the harvest in. 
 
 Then when our work on earth is done. 
 We'll shout the har\'est home; 
 
 And then with God's beloved Son, 
 We'll shout the harvest home. 
 
 -S'. J. Grahajn. 
 
 GOING HOME AT I,AST. 
 
 The evening shades are falling. 
 
 Our sun is sinking fast; 
 The holy One is calling, 
 
 We're going home at last. 
 
 The road's been long and dreary, 
 The toils come thick and fast; 
 
 In body weak and weary, 
 We're going home at last. 
 
 We now are neariug heaven. 
 And soon shall be at rest; 
 
 Our crowns will soon be given. 
 We're going home at last. 
 
 Oh, praise the lyord forever, 
 Our sorrows are all past; 
 
 We'll part no more, no never, 
 We are at home at last. 
 
 W. Gossett. 
 
iITMMb-e; 
 
 A PRAYER. 
 
 God! thou canst thy people hear; 
 Forever open is thine ear. 
 
 As incense sweet their prayers arise 
 
 Before thy throne above the skies. 
 
 Oh let a trembling mortal now 
 
 Before thy footstool humbly bow, 
 
 And ask for grace thy will to do, 
 
 While storms and conflidts passing through. 
 
 Forbid that .Satan's fiery dart 
 Shouldst reach thy servant's trusting heart. 
 Forbid that he should w^ounded fall, 
 Or cast away his shield, like Saul. 
 Why should Philistia's chiefs rejoice. 
 And triuiuph in thy people's loss? 
 Thou hast all power, and none can stay 
 Thy potent arm upraised to slay. 
 
 Kingdoms arise at thy command, 
 And fall in ruins by thy hand; 
 The proud waves can not overflow 
 When thou shalt say, "No further go." 
 
 1 would be thine and do thy will; 
 O bid my stormy fears be still, 
 And give a quiet to my soul, 
 lyike Galilee's, at thy control. 
 
 L. L. Hager. 
 
 339 
 
A GOOD TIME. 
 
 To many, a good time means an unceasing round of pleasure — of danc- 
 ing, of theaters, of euclire - parties, of gay dissipation and frivolity. With 
 some it means the wine -cup, the saloon, rude and boisterous hilarity, and 
 even inebriation. The really good time is that which takes hold on the 
 purer and ennobling things of life; the things which conduce to the develop- 
 ment of the highest and truest forms of manhood and womanhood; the 
 
 things which please God and lead to eternal life. 
 
 D. Bersrer. 
 
 THE DIGNITY OF THE MINISTRY. 
 
 The preacher is to fill a wonderful sphere of influence. Were the pulpit 
 silenced, and no one left to proclaim the gospel, the world would soon 
 lapse into heathenism; but ministers become guardians of public virtue, 
 and propagators of the true spirit of progress. It has been observed that 
 nearly all our colleges were originated by ministers, and that many of our 
 cities and towns were founded by them in the wilderness. They stimulate 
 thoughtfulness, morality, manliness, Christianity, and all the virtues of a 
 community, which are forerunners of its advancement. They elevate society 
 and radiate an influence that lives the longest and deepest in the hearts of 
 its recipients. Every one born into the kingdom of God, and kept there 
 through their labors, is a lasting monument of their efforts, living to per- 
 petuate the greatness of their work, not only to the third and fourth 
 
 generations, but through the eternal ages. 
 
 * J. W. Etter. 
 
 340 
 
November i. 
 
 November 2. 
 
 341 
 
THE HIGHER TRAINING. 
 
 Our mental training fits lis for the present life; our moral training is 
 for the life which lies beyond. And since our present life is but a frag- 
 ment of our real existence, how much more important is it that the work 
 for the future exceed the work for the present. Mind - culture and soul- 
 culture should go together as handmaids; but let the culture of the soul 
 be elevated above the culture of the mind. An idiotic brain is no barrier 
 to the tree of life; but an educated mind, however developed, destitute of 
 the proper moral training, can never enter the gates of the upper city. A 
 sandlified mind and a sandlified life give assurance of a glorious future. 
 
 J. H. Snyder. 
 
 SETTI.ED CONVICTIONS. 
 
 There are many who see the right on all moral questions. They can 
 not help seeing it if they but open their eyes. But what we want is more 
 men who not only see, but feel duty; into whose very souls truth and the 
 love of it are burned. None but such can be relied upon in the world's 
 fierce and trying moral confli(5ls. Others shrink and often betray the most 
 sacred trusts. But while the conventional adherents of truth thus in the 
 hour of trial desert her, those who from principle love her stand faithful 
 and unmoved by her side. While the world's stage has been disgraced 
 by many scenes in which none but moral cowards played a part, it has 
 also been honored by the deeds and lives, the martyr deaths, of most 
 heroic men. They have under God preserved his truth untainted, in spite 
 of surrounding error and corruption, and kept the world's movement 
 steadily onward. They deserve the gratitude of every age that has fol- 
 lowed them, and of ages yet to come. 
 
 L. Bookwalte7'. 
 
 342 
 
NOVBMBER 3. 
 
 November 4. 
 
SYMPATHY WITH THK SORROWING. 
 
 We walk to eternity amid the graves of our loved ones. In the bustle 
 and toil and care of life we overlook the fadl that at every hand and on 
 every side of us men and women and even children carry sorrowing hearts. 
 What mean these wailings of mothers' broken hearts which come up from 
 beside the little snow-white and flower- wreathed caskets in which sleeps 
 the angel form, which, dying, took out a part of the mother's heart? Do 
 they not tell us of the deathless love of a mother? Hear those deep throb- 
 bings of the strong man's heart as he kneels beside the dying form of a 
 darling daughter or a loved son. They are the deep tones of the soul as 
 it vibrates under the touch of the death -hand reaching out from eternity. 
 They are the wailings of the heart awfully chastened by mortality. Still, 
 tliey tell us the tremendous power and struggle of love in moments when 
 its objedl goes down in the seething whirlpool of death. Hast thou never 
 had thine own heart-strings broken? Hast thou never listened to that 
 inexpressibly pitiful cry of the orphan who looked for the last time in the 
 dead face of a loving mother, and didst thou not feel thy heart sinking 
 within thee? /. fF. Hott. 
 
 INSPIRATION OF THE CROSS. 
 
 Under the light of the cross, in sight of the nails and the spear, and 
 in hearing of the heart-rending and soul - piercing cries of the anointed 
 of God, we catch the healing stream, are baptized with the prophetic fire, 
 and filled with evangelical love. In the light of the cross differences are 
 forgotten, prejudices fade away, and race and color, advantages and dis- 
 advantages of birth and education, are thrown into the background, while 
 geographical differences between distindt nationalities shorten, and under 
 the powerful microscope of truth form the central foreground of the great 
 dramatic pidlure of evangelism. Let such a pi<5lure be hung upon the 
 walls of every church -house in our Zion, and studied by all our people; 
 chalked upon the blackboard in every Sunday - school throughout the 
 church, and explained to one hundred and seventy thousand young men 
 and women, boys and girls, every Sabbath in the year. Yea more, let it 
 be sketched upon the parlor and kitchen walls of fifty thousand homes of 
 the church, and in a few brief months depleted treasuries will be replen- 
 ished, and abundant means supplied for the extension and prosecution of 
 our mission -work. J. L. Luttrell. 
 
 344 
 
November 5. 
 
 November 6. 
 Bishop Iv. B. Kephart, D. D., 1834. 
 
 345 
 
MUCH TO BE DONE. 
 
 If all the heathen, those who never heard of Christ, were arranged in 
 
 one unbroken line, giving every man one foot of space on which to stand, 
 
 the line would go around the world more than six times, or one line six 
 
 men deep; and if we should allow each file of six men one minute — just 
 
 one — to look in that door and ask the all - important question, "What 
 
 must I do to be saved?" it would take two hundred and fifty years for 
 
 tjiat line to pass; and when the last one had passed, the first would be 
 
 many years in heaven or hell, according as you and I have done our duty 
 
 faithfully. Oh reader, there is much to be done; and it must be done 
 
 quickly, too. 
 
 G. A. Funkhouser. 
 
 ABOUT DIFFERENCES. 
 
 Differences are not usually very serious if kept within the compass 
 of the doctrine and spirit of the thirteenth chaper of I. Corinthians. 
 Somebody says there is more than seeing on all sides of a thing. "It is 
 to have the charit}' to believe that there is still another side." We must 
 not think the bottom's out of the universe because our pint cup has sprung 
 a leak. I believe it was layman Beecher that said the politicians have had 
 the country ruined a great many times. This is quite common when some 
 cherished scheme does not succeed, or when some views or measures of the 
 opposite party obtain. We may think all is lost because certain things 
 prevail that we greatly disrelish, and with which we have long been out 
 
 of conceit. 
 
 N. Castle. 
 
 346 
 
November 7. 
 
 (^h\ d^^ .(y^-zjo^^c^y^'Q'^^s^^ 
 
 November 8. 
 
 347 
 
the; word of god. 
 
 Here are the breathings of holy love, the songs of praise and joy, the 
 
 humble and contrite confession and the ecstacy of pardon, reproof for the 
 
 transgressor, instruction for the ignorant, comfort for the comfortless, joy 
 
 for the sorrowing, promise and hope for the despairing, mercy for the 
 
 penitent, and everlasting life for the believing. The Bible carries with it 
 
 a holy atmosphere: and he who lives much in the Bible breathes in this 
 
 divine influence, which is as refreshing and invigorating to his spiritual 
 
 nature as the June atmospheric air is to his physical system. This divine 
 
 truth is the nutriment of the soul, upon which, if it feed, it will grow fat 
 
 and become "strong in the L,ord. " 
 
 J. P. Landis. 
 
 PUBLIC SPIRIT. 
 
 Men are per force social beings, and there are a thousand concessions 
 and contributions that each is called to make to the general good. A re- 
 sponse to these, calls, without the hope of individual return, is very 
 analogous to the disinterested care the Deity has for men. But the 
 general welfare and the improvement of the individual fortune are 
 inseparable. Rarely anything is given for the public benefit that does 
 not return, increased many times, to reward the generous giver. If we 
 were called upon to designate the unworthiest of men, we would instin(5l- 
 ively point to the person destitute of public spirit. The man whose con- 
 cern reaches not beyond himself is undeserving of human associations, 
 and he who can consent within himself to enjoy the benefits and im- 
 munities purchased by the money and toil of others is a very incubus on 
 the body of society. Nothing is more certain than that such selfishness 
 defeats its own ends. 
 
 A. W. Drury, 
 
 348 
 
November 9. 
 
 November 10. 
 
 349 
 
HOME MEMORIES. 
 
 There is much that unites the heart about our childhood homes. There 
 is a tenderness, a slow sadness that comes to us when we remember all 
 the past; and see how changed is all, save the love of those who still re- 
 n^ain, which has grown purer and stronger. In the presence of all this, 
 th_ heart bows down before friendship, love, and change. But in the old 
 home -church, where childhood first learned to love and trust God; at the 
 old, familiar spot where day after day throngh years, in lonely, secret, 
 struggling prayer the soul found help in Christ and plighted itself away to 
 him again and again, — in these places, — the heart breaks down before the 
 lyord, and the flames of a new life seem to be kindling. It is worth miles 
 and even days of travel to be able to put down the knees on the same old 
 spot, and there empty the heart to the same God. But why does memory 
 conne(5l these two places with each other? Why has God connected them? 
 The Christian knows why. 
 
 /. IF. Hott. 
 
 WALKING WITH GOD. 
 
 "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not: for God took him." 
 The meaning here is that he enjoyed constant communion with Jehovah. 
 The fellowship was complete. The unity was of the purest and sublimest 
 type. He talked with his Maker as with a friend. Yea, more; God di- 
 refted his footsteps, controlled his thoughts, filling his soul with love and 
 peace. His was a daily baptism of delight. In the same sense the true 
 Christian to-day walks with God. Fellowship with the divine now is the 
 same as in Enoch's day. Religion has always been the same and ever will 
 be. No turning aside for three hundred years. While the influences 
 about him were most likely unfavorable to such a life, he remained un- 
 moved. His communion with the L,ord grew sweeter and richer constantly 
 as the years passed by, and as he evidently witnessed the increase of 
 wickedness among his brethren. "He had this testimony that he pleased 
 God." Backsliding was no part of his creed. His "heart was fi.xed." 
 He meant to keep God with him on this side that he might forever be 
 
 with God on the other side. 
 
 W. M. Weekley. 
 
 350 
 
November ii. 
 President David D. DeI,ong, D. D., 1S46. Rev. George W. Rose, 1852. 
 
 November 12. 
 
 351 
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 
 
 To acknowledge with the whole soul that the kingdom, power, and 
 glory of all things belong to God is the state of humility that can not be 
 led into temptations through the greatest of temporal or spiritual blessings. 
 The beginning and end of the L,ord's Prayer expresses an acknowledg- 
 ment of God in such a way as to admit that all things belong to him; while 
 in asking for daily bread, and for the spirit of forgiving and not to be led 
 into temptation, is the acknowledgment of utter dependence. The whole 
 prayer is therefore an acknowledgment of God's love, wisdom, and power, 
 and our need of these, as well as our dependence upon him for them. 
 Prayer is, therefore, the acknowledgment of God, and a desire to be better 
 fitted for the higher blessings which are ever ready to be bestowed upon all. 
 
 /. R. Hoffer. 
 
 vSAVED. 
 
 In reference to this life, this word has a thrilling import, a meaning 
 inexpressible; but in reference to the life that is to come its significance is 
 far-reaching and boundless for who can tell in all its meaning what it is to 
 be saved forever and for evermore in the land that is without a shadow and 
 without a tear? Who has ever weighed it in the scales and estimated its 
 true weight — "exceeding and eternal weight of glory?" The soul that is 
 here saved in the blood of Jesus approximates this weight of glory, receives 
 a foretaste of it, for grace in the soul is glory begun. But the full measure 
 of it — its completeness — will only be fuUj' comprehended when "we see 
 as we are seen, and know even also as we are known," "when the mist 
 has cleared away." Who can now tell the rapture of that soul when it first 
 reaches the land of bliss and repeats, "I am saved?" And all the com- 
 pany of earth's purified millions exclaim, "Saved! Thank God, we are 
 saved!" Rapturous moment! Grand scene! Glorious rest! Here I am to 
 abide alwaj-s. This is my rest. These are my companions. Saved, saved! 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
 352 
 
[22] 
 
 November 13. 
 
 November 14. 
 
 353 
 
HOW TO BE HAPPY. 
 
 Doing good is one among the chief sources of man's happiness. I once 
 heard a man who had begun life poor and acquired a fortune say that 
 there is no pleasure in having money; that all the pleasure is in making 
 it, and in that there is real pleasure. He had not learned how much 
 there is to be enjoyed in giving. To feed the hungry, to clothe the 
 naked, to visit the afSi<5ted, are duties upon which not only the issues 
 of the great day will depend, but duties, the proper discharge of which 
 will bring much of heaven to us here. Nor must this be confined to the 
 bestowment of temporal good. " Charity to the soul is the soul of char- 
 ity." To lead a sinner to the fountain of living waters, to speak words 
 of comfort and encouragement to the distressed penitent, to help the 
 weak and disheartened over the rough places of life, brings enjoyment 
 of the richest and purest kind. 
 
 J. Dickson. 
 
 SCHOOL AND HOME) TRAINING. 
 
 The life of a pupil whose home and school training has largely proved 
 a failure, makes prominent the possibilities of an available future. He 
 thinks of the future by the past. The spell that binds him can be broken. 
 L,et the prevailing "I can" of his nature blend with the whisperings "I 
 ought." The affectionate kiss of a mother incites many a lad to attain- 
 ments hitherto given up in despair. A kind word, an encouraging look, 
 a wise counsel, may open new places in the nature of the youth and lift 
 him to unexpected acquirements of chara(5ter. A wise governor takes 
 mischief in its formative state. The pupil can be more easily controlled 
 before he is bent on and set to miscondudl. The course of a stream may 
 be turned on the mountain summit. The wasp readily manages the spider 
 in the &%^. L,ead the pupil to a voluntary and judicious occupancy of his 
 time. A busy brain shuts out a thousand whims and mischievous devices 
 which, like flies about a sugar - hogshead on the landing, beset an idle 
 
 mind. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 
 354 
 
NuVKMBKR 15. 
 
 Rev. James W. Hott, D. D., iS 
 
 November 16. 
 
 355 
 
THE ONE WAY. 
 
 It is impossible for us to imagine a case which would have more per- 
 fedlly developed the great truth that salvation is by grace than this one. 
 The thief had no honor, wealth, nor righteousness to plead. He had no 
 time to acquire either. If saved at all, it must be by grace. Was he a great 
 sinner? Then Christ was a great vSavior. He magnified his grace in sav- 
 ing him. There is but one way of salvation for sinners, and that way is 
 exemplified in the salvation of the penitent thief You who suppose you 
 have some just distiniflion for wealth, position or wisdom, behold the only 
 way of your salvation — the thief's. Your salvation can be accomplished 
 
 in no way different from his. 
 
 • M'illiam Davis. 
 
 THE CHILDREN. 
 
 Care for the children. The little boy of to - day will be the preacher, 
 and teacher, and business - man of Kb - morrow. The little girl of to - day 
 will be the tender minister of the home to - morrow. In a few days, the 
 whole mass of men and women who stand in the current of toil and trade 
 to - day will be in eternity, and the children you now pass indifferently by 
 will stand in their places. He who speaks a kind word to the child of 
 to-day puts a smile on the brow of to-morrow. He who diredts the 
 current of thought, affection, and pursuit of the child of to-day, makes 
 the destiny of to - morrow. Care for the children. Your chance with them 
 is now. The morning tells the character of the day. Spare the sun from 
 the cloud. I,ittle feet step swiftly, and these will soon have borne these 
 little forms where you can not get your hands upon them. 
 
 /. W. Hotl. 
 
 356 
 
November 17. 
 Bishop M. Wright, D. D., 1828. 
 
 November 18. 
 Rev. Isaac BennehofF, 1841. 
 
 357 
 
HOME A REFUGE OF REST AND JOY. 
 
 What a place is that home where all things go smoothly and pleasantly 
 on! How the weary husband turns from the perplexing scenes of outward 
 life to the quiet, heaven -like place of rest and joy, his own dear, sweet 
 home! As he plunges into this sacred retreat, how soon are all his cares 
 lost in its consoling pleasures! How far above all earthly pleasures is that 
 of the wife, who, after having snugly tucked away her children to their 
 quiet rest and sleep, sits down to an evening's social chat with the partner 
 of her toils, cares, and delights! With the children grown up it is all 
 the same. Well may such hallowed surroundings as these be taken to 
 typify heaven our final home! It beautifully foreshadows the beauty, love- 
 liness, and desireableness of that better land. 
 
 B. F. Booth. 
 
 VALUE OF CULTURE. 
 
 Some are in favor of educating the bright boys and negledling the plod- 
 ding ones. I say, educate them both. They both are equally in need of 
 education. Do not repress, but foster, the aspirations of each after the 
 good, the beautiful, and the true. Life is before all the young, and its 
 problems must be solved. The solution will depend much upon the 
 culture given. Wealth will perish. Culture is indestrucflible. Culture 
 will be of value beyond the grave. To educate means to increase the 
 capacities of man to adl and to enjoy; means to awaken the whole man 
 to a just realization of life and its mission. There is no condition in the 
 life of men where cultured powers are not of very great value. No man 
 can afford to neglect the culture of body, mind, and heart. 
 
 G. P. Macklin. 
 
 35S 
 
November 19. 
 
 November 20. 
 
 359 
 
EI.EMKNTS OF SUCCESS. 
 
 Remember, it does not require a start of extraordinary talent to be- 
 come an extraordinary person. The fable of the hare and tortoise pos- 
 sesses more of the secret of the success of remarkable men than do the 
 marvels of the Arabian Nights. Beware of an erroneous do(5lrine of cir- 
 cumstances. No wind is utterly unfavorable to a skillful sailor. The seed 
 on the mountain side, in its upward search for light, stops not for the 
 hinderance of the rock, but embraces it, and plants itself within the bosom 
 of the everlasting hills. Whatever you do, be in earnest. EJarnestness is 
 the burning coals which give the ore its useful shapes and make the earth 
 hum with its industries. An enthusiastic bee is more powerful and ef- 
 fective than a drowsy elephant. Be possessed of an intelligent earnest- 
 ness. Fuss and feathers may give expression to a bantam hen, and that, 
 too, a very small one of the kind. Season your enthusiasm with '•eason 
 
 and weight it with judgment. 
 
 W. M. Beardsheat . 
 
 EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY. 
 
 "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the .same is greatest 
 in the kingdom of heaven." We have so:ne noble examples of humility 
 recorded in the Bible — Elijah in the wilderness sitting under a juniper- 
 tree, requesting that he might die because he was no better than his 
 father; David, who was sought after by Saul as a lion seeketh his prey; 
 Daniel in the king's court, interpreting his dream; John the Baptist, as- 
 serting that he was not the Christ but the "Voice of one crying in the 
 wilderness;" Peter at the gate of the temple declaring that it was not by 
 his own power or holiness that the lame man was healed, but gave to 
 Jesus all the glory; and as Cornelius fell at his feet he told him to stand 
 up, that he himself was a man. Paul and Barnabas, after Paul had healed 
 the people who would do them homage, showed their humility by rend- 
 ing their clothes and beseeching them to give to God all the glory. Paul 
 in his first Epistle to the Corinthians says that he is not worthy to be 
 called an apostle, and to the Ephesians he says that he is less than the 
 least of all saints, and to Timothy that he was the. chief of sinners, saved 
 by grace. Bitt greatest of all is the example of humility in the life and 
 death of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has a name given him which is above 
 every name. J. R. Brown. 
 
 360 
 
November 21. 
 
 November 22. 
 
 361 
 
GOING HOMi:. 
 
 Oh, there is a beauty, a sitblimity far beyond description in the Chris- 
 tian's going home! Though others may think our "simshine without, 
 clouds, our songs without sighs, our pleasures without pain," yet "the 
 heart knoweth its own bitterness," and there be few of us who do not 
 long, as a tired child, to go home. I^ife at best is a wearisome, weari- 
 some way, where clouds gather and our sun is ofttimes hidden from us; 
 but "there is no night there." 
 
 Maud {Mary A. Share). 
 
 HONOR AND HAPPINESS. 
 
 Would you honor your Savior ? Then keep his commandments. Would 
 you be happy in his service? ' Consecrate your all to him. Would you 
 die easy? Then live well. Would you be crowned with glory? Then 
 seek the happiness of others. Your prayers may be good enough, and 
 your sympathy and tears of human kind, but without the divine touch to 
 fill the soul with compassion and move you out in deeds of consecration 
 and devotion to the claims of the gospel, and the demands of the help- 
 less, your life will be a blank, and of you it may be said. 
 
 That man may last, but never lives, 
 
 Who much receives, but nothing gives: 
 
 Creation's blot, creation's blank. 
 
 Whom none can love, whom none can thank. 
 
 J. L. Luttrell, 
 
 362 
 
November 23. 
 
 November 24. 
 
 363 
 
PARENTS AND THE MINISTRY. 
 
 Parents may do much in inspiring their sons toward the gospel minis- 
 try. Not long ago I heard a mother that has five sons in the ministry say 
 to two young men in the presence of their parents, "Perhaps you will be 
 ministers. No calling is higher or better." The fadl of such mothers 
 may be the explanation why many persons wake up to find that they have 
 a call to the ministry. We want for the ministry men whose hearts God 
 has prepared, of such charadler and diligence as to commend them to the 
 church, who will do all in their power to fit themselves for their duties, 
 and who will then devote themselves wholly to the ministry as their life- 
 work. 
 
 A. IF. Driiry. 
 
 THANKSGIVING DAY. 
 
 The mercies of the I,ord have not failed, and his beneficent hands have 
 been wide open. It is well that Thanksgiving day comes to turn our 
 faces and our hearts to hini whose compassions fail not, and whose 
 mercies are new every morning. How many blessings he has thrown into 
 the lap of our life. In all homes the bestowment is not the same. With 
 some business has been more prosperous than with others. With some, 
 life and health have been sweeter than with others. Still, God is every- 
 where the ever-present Friend. From some of our homes members of our 
 families have gone out to build up homes of their own. There is a son 
 or a daughter less to cherish and love. From some of oiir homes Jesus 
 has beckoned one or two to come up and be where he is. There is one 
 less to caress, one less to love. But if we can not thank the Master for 
 their removal, we can look through our blinding tears and say, " It was 
 Father's voice that called them." We can bless his name for the life, 
 and light, and love they threw into our homes and on our hearts while 
 they were yet with us. In some homes there is a new joy; an angel face 
 and form to smile on our pathway. In many homes the children have 
 grown taller and manlier in manhood, and sweeter and fairer and nobler 
 in womanhood. Let God be praised. J. W. Hott. 
 
 364 
 
November 25. 
 
 November 26. 
 Rev. Isaiah Baltzell, 1832 
 
 365 
 
AN APPEAI. FOR CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. 
 
 I am tempted to make one plea for this blessed cause. I plead for a 
 quickened conscience. I plead for an enlarged moral vision. I plead for 
 an increased liberality. I plead for a systematic beneficence. I plead 
 for a personal and property consecration. I plead for a baptism of the 
 Holy Spirit. In the name of the great Commander himself, in the name 
 of our church - fathers who sleep in the dust, in the name of our noble 
 missionaries in those far-off fields, in the name of the perishing millions 
 whose inarticulate cry goes up to heaven, I plead. "Awake, O Zion. " 
 "Arise and shine," until every dark spot of the earth shall be filled with 
 the glory of thy light, and thy brightness shall fill the earth as the waters 
 
 cover the sea. 
 
 G. J/. Jfai/iezc's. 
 
 CERTAINTIES IN REWGION. 
 
 Man is immortal; he shall live in the eternity of God. If we "follow 
 
 that which is good" here, we shall, when we go hence, enter a country 
 
 where the leaves shall not wither and time will be measureless; where 
 
 all shall be absolutely perfedl, and "when that which is perfedl is come, 
 
 then that which is in part shall be done away." Blessed be God, there 
 
 are some things now that we do not ask the question in regard to, "Who 
 
 knows?" We know Christ — know him as our personal and all-sufficient 
 
 Savior and Reedeemer. We will love and serve him. We will clasp 
 
 his dear,' precious hand, and he will lead us and teach us; and when these 
 
 earth - shadows, and hills, and mountains of ignorance sink as we arise, 
 
 and we pass into the everlasting city and are found "without fault before 
 
 the throne of God," then the longing of our immortal nature will be 
 
 .satisfied. And I think the knowledge and grace gained here will fit us 
 
 for greater blessedness there. 
 
 C. T. Steam. 
 
 !66 
 
NOVKMBER 27. 
 
 Rev. J. T. Vardaman, 1815. Rev. Thomas Evans, 1S23. 
 Rev. Jacob L,. Grimm, 1S42. 
 
 November 2S. 
 
 Z^l 
 
WINTER. 
 
 What a fine time is winter to cherish the principle of benevolence in 
 the heart, and to carry out the principle into the workings of pradlical 
 life! "Who can stand before his cold." Ah, what suffering there is, 
 especially in our cities and larger towns, during the winter season! When 
 we sit in our comfortable homes, around our plentiful tables, and muffle 
 ourselves to walk a square, let us think of the many unfortunate ones 
 who shiver with the cold, are pinched with hunger, and would be so 
 thankful for what we could, without suffering, so conveniently spare. 
 Be your own almoner. Don't be ashamed to be seen, basket in hand, 
 pushing your way through "obscure lanes and alleys," hunting up the 
 abodes of affliction and poverty. Take your children with 5'ou on these 
 errands of mercy. It will be the best lesson you can give them in kind- 
 ness to the poor, and they will be made much more thankful for their 
 own comfortable homes and grateful to those who provide for them. 
 
 D. Berger. 
 
 THE TESTIMONY OF IvOVE. 
 
 The testimony of love is upon the loving heart. Back upon it strange- 
 ly pour the blessings it confers upon others. Love does not stand around 
 to be coaxed, or waited upon, or invited. It does not throw open its arms 
 and hands to be filled. It ministers; it drinks others' sorrows; it lifts to 
 its own shoulders the burden of others; it blesses all. Yet in doing this 
 it does not parade its deeds, but hides them in love. It is an angel whose 
 bright form can not be hidden. The flame of its burning lights too 
 brightly a fellow -being's heart to be unnoticed. It tells just what we 
 are; it reveals a great soul. The testimony of love exhibits a splendid 
 characfter. It becomes a habit and a life. The man who is abused loves 
 in return; he is slandered, yet makes allowances, and utters no unkind 
 word in answer; his heart is wounded and bruised, but is not made sour 
 or bitter; he is slighted and set aside, yet his soul is not narrowed; he is 
 passed by unnoticed, and yet goes on with his labor of love. He asks no 
 reward, for he has it in God and in his own heart; he seeks no crown, for 
 he has it. He has heaven in his soul; and, giving it out all the time, it 
 multiplies more and more. /. Jl'. Hoit. 
 
 368 
 
November 29. 
 
 November 30. 
 Bishop Martin Boelim, 1725. Rev. Jonathan T. Hobson, 1850. 
 
 [23] 369 
 
CHRISTMAS. 
 
 O'er far Judea's quiet plain 
 
 The angels sung at early morn, 
 And wondering shepherds heard ■with awe 
 The story of a Savior born. 
 
 Oh, wondrous, wondrous story, 
 Oh, sweet, pathetic story; 
 
 The lyord became a little child, 
 The I,ord, the King of Glory. 
 
 " Glad tidings of great joy we bring, — 
 
 Peace to the earth, good -will to men;" 
 O radiant star of Bethlehem, 
 We bring our offerings again. 
 To-daj', with songs before him, 
 With joyful songs before him, 
 
 The Wonderful, the Prince of Peace, 
 We praise and we adore him. 
 
 "Rejoice, O earth, the Ivord is bom," — 
 
 No sweeter message ever fell 
 From angel lips, — the Lord is born! 
 O Christmas bells, ring out and tell 
 To all the world the story. 
 The old, old, w^ondrous story, 
 
 How Christ was once a little child, — 
 The Christ, the King of Glory 
 
 Maud (Mary A. Share). 
 
 370 
 
A CHRISTMAS GREETING. 
 
 I,et the bells ring out the gladness, 
 I<et the joy -bells banish sadness; 
 
 Ring with music clear, 
 
 Fill the land with cheer, 
 
 With loudest voice, 
 
 Bid men rejoice; 
 For on this happiest, gladdest, brightest mom 
 Our Christ the Sovereig^n Lord and King was boru. 
 
 From the regions of the blest, 
 In effulgent radiance drest, 
 Down the distant star -lit 'way, 
 In multitudinous array. 
 
 The shining throng. 
 
 With joyous song, — 
 
 Their robes of light 
 
 Dispelling night, — 
 On wing ethereal came. 
 With high and glad acclaim. 
 
 The Judean shepherds hear 
 Notes so strangely, sweetly clear, 
 
 Filling all the air. 
 
 Thrilling everywhere. 
 
 The notes proclaim 
 
 The wondrous Name — 
 The sweetest, holiest, highest name in heaven, 
 The sweetest, holiest name to mortals given. 
 
 Such song before on earth 
 Ne'er heralded such birth; 
 For on that sacred morn 
 The holy Child was bom — 
 
 The Mighty King, 
 
 Whom angels sing, 
 
 And men revere 
 
 With lo\ang fear. 
 To him this day our highest songs we raise, 
 To him this day we bring our richest praise. 
 
 Robin Merry {Rev. D. Berger, D.D.) 
 
 371 
 
CASTING AI,Iy CARE ON THE LORD. 
 
 ^^ Casting all your car& upon. Him.^' It requires vastly more than a 
 simple belief in the truth of revealed religion to do this. "All your 
 care.^' All that relates to our temporal and spiritual concerns. All that 
 relates to time and eternity. The language of inspiration is this, "Trust 
 in the l,ord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." That 
 trust by which the soul is able to cast all care upon Jesus will bring it 
 into perfedl harmony with the will of God. But this casting all care upon 
 Jesus can only be done by a full and complete consecration. Gospel faith 
 implies and includes complete consecration. How can a soul cast that 
 upon Jesus which it does not unreservedly consecrate to him? The lan- 
 guage of trust is ' ' all for Jesus, now and evermore. ' ' This is the faith that 
 gives us the vic5lory. No matter how dark the day may be, faith says, and 
 will not take it back, " I have left it all with Jesus." If a man starts on 
 a long journey it will save him a vast amount of trouble and anxiety to 
 have his baggage checked through. Casting all our care upon Jesus is 
 simply having our baggage checked through. Faith carries the check and 
 Jesus takes care of the baggage. J. Weaver. 
 
 AMERICAN SLAVERY— A PROPHECY. 
 
 For the last thirty years this nation, north and south, has, by its legis- 
 lative adlion, been building bulwarks around this institution, extending, 
 strengthening, perpetuating it, thereby fastening the galling chains of .slavery 
 more tightly upon its vi6tims. Now what will the Judge of the earth think 
 of and do with us when he comes to settle for this aifair ? According to 
 the principles of eternal justice, upon which he has a<5ted among the na- 
 tions for more than five thousand years, will he not rise and mightily 
 shake this nation, and in the execution of justice and wrath deliver 
 America over to the tormentors, until she shall have paid or suffered dear- 
 ly for her crimes ? The candid observer can already see in the distance 
 dark clouds .skirting our political horizon, ominous of evil that may end 
 in ruin. What means this Nebraska business, this hankering after Cuba, 
 this encroachment upon Mexico? It seems that our government, smitten 
 with judicial blindness^ Pharaoh - like, is in haste to consummate its own 
 ruin. May we not fear that the elements of discord and fires of destruc- 
 tion are already gathering strength in our midst? Then, as true Ameri- 
 cans, as Christians, we should lay aside old prejudices, and pray and talk 
 and vote in such a way that our government may be purged from sin and 
 the shackles of the last slave knocked off. 
 
 Isaac L. Buchivalier, 18^4. 
 
Decembkr I. 
 
 December 2. 
 
 373 
 
THE SUPREME DOCTRINE. 
 
 One distinAive feature of the Pauline philosophy is its Christian 
 charaAer. It bears in its "body" the marks of the L,ord Jesus. Christ 
 is the pivot-center of the whole system — "all and in all." No matter 
 whether Paul spoke on Mars' Hill to vain philosophers, or to astonished 
 Jews in their synagogues, or to the Greeks in their schools of learning, or 
 pleaded his own case in the royal court, he always erected the cross, around 
 which he had every doctrine to move in beautiful harmony to the tune of 
 
 " AH hail the power of Jesus' name, 
 Let angels prostrate fall. 
 Bring forth the royal diadem, 
 And crown him Lord of all." 
 
 C. I. B. Brane. 
 
 CONSOLATION. 
 
 Religion alone contains true consolation. It is the one balm for the 
 
 sorrow - stricken heart. It is the oil of healing to the bruised spirit. It 
 
 is the one sweet song of music for the ear of the mourner. It is the only 
 
 star of hope for the lonely pilgrim whose comrades lie dead in the dust. 
 
 Other things there may be to which the heart may be directed, but they 
 
 are all but as the noise of dancing to the soft strains of* heavenly music 
 
 falling on hearts of deep anguish. There is something in the very thought 
 
 of the existence of a blessed God to whom we are sweetly reconciled by 
 
 the death of his Son that gives us consolation. If he is God he must be 
 
 our Father, if he is our Father, tender, powerful, and loving, then we have 
 
 strong consolation who have laid hold of the help set before us. We do 
 
 not know, we can not see, we can not at first even feel that it is real, 
 
 then faith takes hold of Father's hand. Our Father knows what is best. 
 
 How full of consolation. 
 
 /. W. Hoti. 
 
 374 
 
December 3. 
 
 December 4. 
 
 375 
 
THE PREvSENT AND THE FUTURE WFE. 
 
 The Christian has two lives, the earthly and the heavenly. He enjoys 
 the one. He anticipates the other. The earthly has just enough of the 
 bitter to increase in him a longing for the heavenly. Here he bears the 
 cross. There he wears the crown. Here he enjoys life because he enjoys 
 God. Here he is contented, though not fully satisfied. He hopes for a 
 changed condition of things. He longs for a better, richer, sweeter life to 
 come; and while he is comforted with the prospedl, he is contented with 
 the richest experiences and joys which are but foretastes of heaven. 
 
 G. M. Mathews. 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 There is no state or condition so enviable in the hour of death as that 
 of the good man, who, in the hour of dissolution, can retire from the cares 
 and turmoil of this life with a calmness and resignation only consequent 
 on a course of virtue and obedience. All other considerations, however 
 pleasing to the present state of existence, can not furnish an equivalent 
 in the hour when nature shall struggle in death, and life hastens to be 
 gone. Look to man in his most enviable condition, as it regards this life, 
 and what do you see? Let the deep silver -mine pour out its richest treas- 
 ures at his feet. Behold the sparkling diamonds shining like stars along 
 his glittering walls. Look around him, and mark the wide landscape 
 attired in the most enchanting scenery on which human gaze ever rested, 
 and covered with flocks and herds. Count his numerous vessels as they 
 sport on the billows of the mighty ocean, and then suppose you see the 
 bony finger of Death pointing to a new- dug grave, to be the residence of 
 the rich man, and ask, are the riches of the life to be compared with the 
 
 riches that come from God ? 
 
 IV. R. Rhinehart. 
 
 376 
 
December 5. 
 
 December 6. 
 
 zn 
 
A HAPPY HOMU. 
 
 People talk, sing, and pray for happy homes. But all this avails nothing 
 
 unless we also work for them. This work must not only be the external 
 
 appliances, but much more must it aim to make every person belonging 
 
 to that home happy, and even every one that comes there. Save your 
 
 kindest words, most enduring patience, and dearest love for those of your 
 
 own home. Rather aim to make happy than to be made so. Home, to be 
 
 a happy one, must be a place of order and system which every person 
 
 there tries to maintain. Many persons can not stay away from their homes, 
 
 and yet when there they are exacting, unhelpful, and disorderly. But if 
 
 you do all you can to make the rest of your household happy, yours is 
 
 pretty sure to be a happy home. 
 
 /. R. Hoffer. 
 
 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 
 
 Uncover the cross, and let the whole race behold the friendship of the 
 I,amb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. Does beholding 
 innocence and purity without spot awaken a desire for virtue? Then let 
 Jesus be presented to the view of the degraded world. See, there in that 
 drunken brawl upon the street is the over-tempted husband of the affec- 
 tionate wife. Her eyes have beheld the scene. Her tearful pleadings fall 
 on his ear, but her voice is powerless to draw him away. Hear her ex- 
 claim, "Bring me our babe; bring me our babe. If he but feel the touch 
 of its soft hands and look upon the innocence of its face he will come." 
 Its little fingers are on his cheeks. Its innocence shines in his sight. 
 His heart is subdued, and he turns from the drunken scene, conquered 
 by the power of innocence. Oh, let the world see Jesus. It will turn 
 from its dark scenes of blood and death and find j^urity and salvation. 
 
 /. W. Hott. 
 
 378 
 
December 7. 
 Rev. Christian Hetirich Gotlieb Fritz, 1S32. 
 
 D?:CEMBER 8. 
 
 Rev. T.indley H. Bufkin, 1842 Rev. Benj. G. Huber, 1846. 
 
 379 
 
FAMII^Y RKIvIGION. 
 
 I have known many parents who could not rest satisfied nor think their 
 work done in their families until they witnessed the conversion of all their 
 
 children. vSome years ago when I was engaged in a revival, Judge C , 
 
 an eminent man of the Presbyterian Church, took a verj' adlive part in the 
 work. His daughter was converted at the meeting, and when I inquired 
 of him as to the spiritual state of his other children, he said at such and 
 such a date this one and the other were converted, and he stated how that 
 time after time he had, at their request, gone to their solitary chambers and 
 labored with them in prayer, ixntil now they were all saved. Of all this 
 there was little said at the time, but he was a faithful and happy parent. 
 I have known many families in which there was family worship, Christian 
 teaching, and godly living, so that the strangers coming into the family as 
 servants were very soon under convidlion of sin, and most invariably con- 
 verted. There are indeed comparatively few who will resist the saving 
 influence of grace, if early and persistently applied in the family. 
 
 Z. A. Colestock. 
 
 TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 Many are the reasons to assure us of the final issue in this contest of 
 the world's religions. Our religion will triumph because of its great truths 
 and promises of good to all mankind. It shall triumph because it suits 
 all conditions of the race. It enters the darkest haunts of vice, and offers 
 a life of happiness and purity by following Christ. It visits the poor and 
 abandoned, offering peace and plenty on earth, and treasure richer than 
 palaces in the life to come. It finds the king on his throne, and offers 
 instead of the crown and anxieties of the jeweled brow, a crown of im- 
 mortality at the right hand of the Father. In our religion, royalty and 
 poverty greet each other, and all mankind may become heirs of an eternal 
 kingdom. Christianity will triumph because it satisfies the desires of the 
 soul as no other religion has ever done. The ancients, prompted by this 
 longing for the unknown, the infinite, gave themselves to the study of 
 various philosophies — consulted oracles, omens, and signs. Some massed 
 their armies and tried to conquer the world. Many to-day try to supply 
 this need of the soul by hoarding wealth, taking "pledges of the poor," 
 and the "sheaf from the hungry." Some seek pleasure, others honor and 
 fame. Yet these satisfy not, and from the soul goes out a cry to which 
 nothing responds save God and his infinite love. • 
 
 Mrs. E. K. DcLong. 
 380 
 
December 9. 
 
 Dkce:\iber 10. 
 President I. 1,. Kepliart, D. D., 1832. 
 
 381 
 
THE GOOD MAN. 
 
 A good man constantly exerts himself to promote the cause and glory 
 of God in the world. It is this zeal which makes a man truly and nobly 
 a(5tive for the benefit of his fellow - creatures. It is this which excites the 
 most ardent endeavors for the advancement of truth in the world. There 
 is liberality in a good man's heart which stimulates him to repeated ex- 
 ertions for the benefit of mankind. Nor will the difficulties in the way 
 deter him. I^abor, ■ fatigue, opposition, and ridicule, misrepresentation, and 
 disappointment will not cause him to recede nor retire from this benevo- 
 lent employment. He will strive to promote order in the family, quietness 
 in the neighborhood, love in the church, and peace in the state. 
 
 J. J. Glossbrenner 
 
 THE CHURCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 
 
 It is not education merely at which the church aims in its expenditure of 
 so much labor and money, but sanAified education. True, for ages schools 
 of learning were planted maintained almost solely by the Christian church. 
 But the favored time has come when education, both common and higher, is 
 being pushed right on by agencies more powerful than the single - handed 
 exertions of the church. Through the combined endeavors of individuals, 
 corporations, church, and state, learning is pursuing its rapid march, and 
 increasing knowledge is clothing its possessors with power. But since it 
 is the duty of the church of Christ to purify every stream of human 
 power, and turn it into the channel of its own efforts, it hence becomes 
 its imperative duty to exercise a molding and controlling influence in the 
 great work of education. That knowledge be valuable, its power must be 
 diretfted toward the overthrow of error and the establishing of truth. Ed- 
 ucation to be a blessing to the world must help to Christianize it. As 
 said Bishop Edwards, "It is not to be sought as an end, but rather as a 
 means to glorify God and bless mankind." To give to the higher educa- 
 tion of the day the stamp of orthodox Christianity is a task devolving 
 
 upon the church of no small moment. 
 
 L. Bookwalter, 1884. 
 
 r.S2 
 
DeCKMBER II. 
 
 December 12. 
 Rev. Joseph Medgsger, 1833. 
 
 3S3 
 
WOMAN'S INFLUENCE. 
 
 Among women who have assisted in maintaining the orthodox faith, or 
 in winning new territory' for Christianity, Flacilla, the wife of Theodosius 
 the Great, and Clotilda, the wife of Clovis, may be mentioned. Another 
 example is found in Theodolinda, the Lombard queen, who, according to 
 the tradition, because of her faithfulness to the truth, was presented with 
 the famous iron crown. We remember, also, the influence of Bertha and 
 other Christian princesses in effeAing the conversion of their royal hus- 
 bands. Christianity has been indebted not a little to such alliances and 
 such fidelit}'. Heathen wives, however, have generally overcome the in- 
 fluence of Christian husbands. Thus women, whose condition has been 
 so immeasurably improved by Christianity, present numberless eminent 
 examples of the ennobling power of the gospel, and of pure and tireless 
 zeal in the furtherance of its mission. 
 
 •A. IV. Drury 
 
 THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 This new commandment is binding, notwithstanding tlie differences of 
 opinions. We will never all think alike while we remain on probation. 
 How it will be with the good beyond the grave as to this is not known; 
 but here we can not all see "eye to eye." It is not going far enough 
 to give to ever}' man the liberty of opinion. He must be loved in his 
 opinion — not for it, but in it. If we are not wise enough to discriminate 
 between a Christian brother and his opinion, then we must forget the 
 opinion and love the brother. There is no alternative from this but the 
 loss of our discipleship. This law holds none the less if a brother be 
 faulty. You are no better, it may be; and being better, your proof and 
 duty is in loving him. Christ loves us in our faults. "While we were yet 
 sinners," tells the precious truth. "As I have loved you," means while 
 thej' are yet faulty. It is evident we must love one another as we are, 
 not as we ought to be. The only fault that can keep us from loving each 
 other is the fault that is in ourself 
 
 C. M. Holt. 
 
 3S4 
 
December 13. 
 Rev. James H. Dickson, 1832. Prof. J. N. Fries, A. M., 1850. 
 
 Decebiber 14. 
 
 [24] 385 
 
OUR BOYS. 
 
 How keep them at home? Not by mere force of authority. If you 
 have no better way this will accomplish something, but it will not reach 
 the desired end. As soon as they are able to break away from home 
 authority they will do so, and plunge into the vices against which you 
 cautioned them most earnestly. Make home attradtive. These boyish 
 natures have cravings of their own, and you must meet them, or the boys 
 will. They need companionship, and you must supply it. Parents should 
 keep their own hearts so thoroughly in sympathy with their children that 
 they can adequately meet this want. A boy should have no more sym- 
 pathetic or appreciative friend than his father. These boj^s also need other 
 companions. Seledl them and invite them to your house. If not fit to 
 come to your home they are not fit associates for your children. 
 
 H. A. Thompson. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN COI.I.EGK. 
 
 While in many schools scarcely any attention is given to the heart- 
 culture of the student, to the formation of perfe<5l characfler, in every truly 
 Christian institution positive influences are continually at work which give 
 to the mind a bent toward morality and piety. The spiritual improvement 
 of the student is' sought as his highest good. And further, only through 
 its own agency can the church have educated talent. In order to com- 
 mand educated men, it must make educated men. No one questions the 
 importance of securing for the church the labor of the most thoroughly 
 developed minds. Certainly if men with "whole armor" are needed in any 
 field of human endeavor, they are demanded in' the world's great moral 
 conflidl. The men and women who in the various departments of Chris- 
 tian work, with hand, or pen, or mouth, are to-day most ably advocating 
 and advancing our holy religion, have been trained in Christian halls of 
 learning. Christian colleges are the citadels of truth. They are centers 
 and sources of religious power. Their worth to the cause of religion is 
 beyond computation. Blot out from the face of the earth every Christian 
 college. Now, Christian, hope, if you can, for the gospel's onward march! 
 
 L. Bookwalter. 
 
 3S6 
 
December 15. 
 Rev. James G. Baldwin, 1824. 
 
 December 16. 
 Rev. Benjamin Ham.p, 1821. 
 
 3S7 
 
TEACHING CHII^DREN TO GIVE. 
 
 Those children that are taught the duty of pa}dng something to the sup- 
 port of the church, that cultivate an acflive interest in its work by con- 
 stantly contributing to its needs, will make better men and women, more 
 earnest workers in the church, and more generous supporters of all church- 
 enterprises by such teaching. Surely the duty of "laying by in store" 
 for the support of the church can not be too clearly taught. Every indi- 
 vidual, in every department, old or young, rich or poor, should learn fully 
 the lesson of the Christian obligation to sustain the church of God. Where 
 can this be better taught outside the home than in the Sunday-school? 
 
 E. L. Shuey. 
 
 THE SUPREME DUTY. 
 
 The best means to accomplish the best end is the climax of human 
 exertion. The environments of the flesh do not bind human destiny. 
 Revelation and consciousness indicate a future existence for man. Reve- 
 lation and reason determine this existence to be joyous or otherwise as 
 the life here has been good or evil. No man can be accountable for being 
 in this world, nor for his moral condition on entering it, but God will hold 
 every one accountable for his condition on leaving it. Man's business 
 here is to prepare to get away from earth in the best possible manner, 
 with the highest possible attainments, having accomplished the most good 
 possible for his fellow -men. All of this requires a life of activity. The 
 pathway from this world to the next is one on which there falls a single 
 light. Here we can not judge the future by the past, only the word of 
 
 God gives knowledge of the way. 
 
 G. P. Holt. 
 
 388 
 
December 17. 
 
 December iS. 
 Rev. D. Wenrich, 1S25. President Simon B. Brvin, A. M., 1843. 
 
 389 
 
A BAD EXAMPLK. 
 
 If a man uses tobacco in any form he is setting a bad example, which 
 will be followed by others, especially the young. They will copy the ways 
 of their seniors. If one be a minister, Sunday-school superintendent, or 
 teacher, or other church -oflScial, his position only increases his power of in- 
 fluence, and intensifies the evil and danger of a bad example. Thus the very 
 ones who are the religious guides and teachers of the young may become 
 ministers of evil by an evil example. Those whom they should, by precept 
 and example, lead to a life of self-denial and purity, they have really, in 
 man}' instances, turned aside to a life of self- indulgence and sensuality. 
 
 WISE COUNSELS TO THE YOUNG. 
 
 l,et not fashion, custom, or another's opinion bribe your conscience. 
 Make everything a matter of conscience — your work, your associations, 
 your studies, and your personal improvement. Enter no place or work 
 where you willhave to leave your conscience at the door. A good con- 
 science is a continual Christmas. The torture of a bad conscience is the 
 hell of a living soul. Have respe(5t for the conscience of others. Impugn 
 no man's motives. Put as honest and consistent an interpretation on them 
 as possible. It is the work of a narrow mind to question continually the 
 motives of others. Obey God at all hazards. Make the very most of your- 
 selves the material on hand will allow. Fill your minds with the best 
 thoughts of living writers in the important branches of knowledge. Make 
 life -long students of yourselves. Do not be unnerved by your mistakes. 
 A good general rallies his forces in the midst of defeat. 
 
 W. M. Beardshear. 
 
 390 
 
December 19. 
 
 December 20. 
 Rev. A. Schwimley, 1842. 
 
 391 
 
DIRECTIONS TO SUNDAY -SCHOOI, TEACHERS. 
 
 You must understand your pupils. This can only be gained by personal 
 contadl with them. Visit them; talk with them and with their parents in 
 their own homes; invite them to visit you; make tea parties for them; 
 cultivate real love for them; speak to them; greet them with a smile wher- 
 ever you meet them. It will cost you nothing, and you will be the richer 
 for it. Show them real sympathy in their troubles, which to them are great. 
 Speak to them personally and freely about their souls' interests, and as you 
 value their souls and your own, let no fit opportunity pass unimproved. 
 Time is short. Your life-work will soon be done. Cut a way straight 
 to Jesus and their hearts. 
 
 R. Cowden. 
 
 FOI.LOWING GOD'S PATTERN. 
 
 In the produdlion of the costly tapestries, on a single square yard of 
 
 which a whole year of skillful labor is expended, the workman does not 
 
 see the face of his work. He sits behind the loom, so to speak, while the 
 
 beautiful design, as it gradually takes form, is on the side opposite from 
 
 him. So much of the best work of our lives must be bestowed while the 
 
 results are hidden from lis. But as the weaver of tapestries follows out 
 
 with the most exadt scrupulousness a pattern or drawing at his side, so 
 
 there is given us a pattern by which to diredt our work. In following it 
 
 out we shall do well if we remember the instrudlion given to Moses, "See 
 
 that thou make all things according to the pattern showed thee in the 
 
 mount." 
 
 D. Berber. 
 
 392 
 
December 21. 
 
 December 22. 
 
 393 
 
THE TRUK ADORNING. 
 
 The salvation of souls is by no means dependent upon robes, reg-alia, 
 or uniforms; or better perhaps to say that salvation requires none of these. 
 Christ wore no regalia, no sacerdotal robes. Though John the Baptist, 
 from his wilderness life or for other reasons, "had his raiment of camel's- 
 hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins," Jesus, the great teacher, ap- 
 pears to have been marked b}' no peculiarity of clothing. No ministerial 
 follower of his, dressed entirely according to his principles, would from 
 his attire be halted at the Girard gates, for, imitating him, they would 
 present no professional garb, none to distinguish them from other gentle- 
 men of cultivated taste; nor of course would they present anything flashy. 
 The meek and quiet spirit, which assuredly ought to adorn every minister 
 of Christ, will never lead its possessor to consort with dandies, or enter 
 
 rivalries with the devotees of fashion. Far from it. 
 
 S. B. Allen. 
 
 PROHIBITION. 
 
 We preached against slavery, we prayed for deliverance from the curse; 
 but not until we voted for it also did we see the beginning of the end — 
 and, thank God, also the end. The gospel teaches temperance. It also 
 teaches, " Thou shalt not steal," " Thou shalt not commit adultery," "Thou 
 shalt not murder," etc. Now, shall we not have a law that says men and 
 women shall and must not steal or commit adultery or murder, or by 
 having such laws in our statute-books do we thereby say that the gospel 
 is not doing effedlive work? The liquor - traffic is doing more harm 
 than all these other crimes put together, and we "modern reformers," so- 
 called, want a law not to regulate this curse, but to prohibit it as we do 
 other crimes. But we are pushing our way. We see glimmering light, 
 and we will not be crowded back, call us what you may. For myself, 
 for the last thirteen years I have voted nothing but prohibition. We are 
 crowding on the way, with God on our side. One of our good bishops 
 once said that "God and one man are a majority all the time." We are 
 getting company. We will preach, pray, and vote for "God, home, and 
 native land." J. R. Hiitchiso7i. 
 
 394 
 
December 23. 
 
 Dkcember 24, 
 
 395 
 
CHRISTMAS. 
 
 Christmas upsets things in the staid home, and puts parents and chil- 
 dren down together for a day. Things must come to rights, and the chil- 
 dren want to bring in the joy. The day— may it bring a jubilee of love 
 in all our homes. In our Christmas- joy let us not forget the glad tidings. 
 The Sun that makes our day is he who was born at Bethlehem on the 
 first Christmas - morning. The Fountain of our joy is he who lay in the 
 lap of the virgin of Nazareth on the first Christmas - morning. The Peace 
 which makes our life to flow in a song is he who was the infant over whom 
 the angels sung on the first Christmas - morning. The Star which guides 
 the weary pilgrimage of our life is that which beamed forth in Bethlehem 
 of Judea on the first Christmas - morning. Then let us above all our 
 thoughts remember Jesus. May he be born anew in all our hearts on this 
 
 joyful morning. 
 
 /. IF. Holt 
 
 CHRISTMAS - DAY MEMORIES. 
 
 How tender and sweet come the remembrances of those Christmas- 
 scenes when the family chain was unbroken, and when the future ap- 
 peared so bright and desirable. All were there. Father, mother, brother, 
 sister, all, all were in the circle. No sadness or bitterness in an}' heart. 
 Smiles wreathed every face, peace reigned supreme — fitting emblems 
 of Him who came to earth to bring "peace." There was a hearty cheer 
 in all that was said and done ; and the Spirit of Him who came to bring 
 ' ' good - will ' ' to men was shown by all. But the scene changes. The 
 circle once so complete is broken. Ivight the fires anew to-day for the 
 memory of the dead. Try to do some good for the sake of the hand that 
 nevermore will be held out to assist the needy. Let the old bitter and 
 sad life sleep in its grave in peace, and seek an acquaintance to - day, and 
 through all days, with the wonderful Son of man. 
 
 T. D. Adams. 
 
 396 
 
December 25. 
 Bishop J. Markwood, 1818. Rev. C. I. B. Brane, li 
 
 December 26. 
 
 397 
 
SSIyF-DEFKNSB AND SUBMISSION. 
 
 ' There have been periods in my life when I thought I ought to say- 
 all I knew, especially when it related to a question or matter of self- 
 defense. But a new leaf, as the saying goes, has been turned over, and 
 within the last few years I have learned that I should also in this be 
 like unto my Master; namely, that I learn to hold my peace also when I 
 am unjustly accused, and live in full assurance that he will vindicate me 
 openly, so that the honor of my deliverance from the hands of my enemies 
 be not unto me but unto him. And I hope it may not be regarded as a 
 piece of fanaticism when I say that God has defended me wonderfully in 
 my quiet submissions. I am also fully aware that in this doctrine of sub- 
 mission one may run into extremes, and hold his peace when he should 
 speak. But now I feel willing to speak or to hold my peace, as the L,ord 
 
 may diredl. 
 
 Jacob Ei'b, 184J. 
 
 THE PRESENCE OF GOD. 
 
 The good man can rejoice in the thought, "Thou God seest me," while 
 he is seeking an entire conformity to the divine will. If he can not under- 
 stand all his errors, he can pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart." 
 He is glad that God is present to search his heart. He would not shun 
 the light, but he would come to the light that his heart and works may be 
 made manifest. He says, if I am in an error, I want to know it and have it 
 corredled. God looks at the heart, and does not regard ones words so much 
 as the state of the heart and will. The good man can rejoice in this, truth 
 when friends suspedl and enemies reproach him. He can put his hand upon 
 his breast, look up and say, "My witness is in heaven." " I^ord, thou 
 knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee," How pleasing to the 
 good man in the time of trouble. He remembers with a glad heart that 
 God sees him, and is with him in all his afflidlions, and knows just how 
 long to continue the trial. He saw Joseph and Jeremiah in the dungeon. 
 He saw Daniel in the lion's den, and the Hebrew children in the fire. 
 Blessed be his holy name, "his ej^es are upon all them that fear him." 
 
 L. Davis, 1854. 
 
December 27. 
 
 December 28. 
 Rev. Samuel Bussard, 1829. 
 
 399 
 
THE LAST WORD.S OF OTTERBEIN. 
 
 Farewell. If any inquire after me, tell them I die in the faith I have 
 preached. •■• "•■• ■•■ * * A:nen, amen: it is finished '••■ * "•■■ L,ord, 
 
 now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word, for 
 mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Jesus, Jesus, — I die but thou livest, 
 and soon I shall live with thee. The confli(5l is over and past. I begin 
 to feel an unspeakable fullness of love and peace divine. I,ay my head 
 upon my pillow and be still. 
 
 "He taught us how to live, and, oh! too high, 
 A price of knowledge taught us how to die." 
 
 THE FIvIGHT OF YEARS. 
 
 The year flies like the arrow in the air. It is a pointed arrow that 
 pierces many a heart. But for all the wounds it stays not, nor turns aside. 
 The year flits over our head like the swift -winged bird. It is a bird of 
 fair plumage; but for all the flowers along the path it ceases not its flight 
 nor slackens yet its speed. The year came as a sweet, fair angel visitor, 
 one whose host it was our joy to be. To us the visit seems but half 
 out, and yet our guest will off on the next train, and all our entreaties that 
 the angel fair longer remain are disregarded. The departure is taken — • 
 taken once for all — forever. None may call back yesterday, or bid the 
 years return. Who that is chastened with the thought of the flying years 
 but longs to make those to come better than the past? Who takes no 
 time to mourn the failures of the by -gone is unworthy the moments 
 which are to come. He who feels the touch and pressure of eternity in 
 the fleeting years must rise and gird upon him the strength of noble man- 
 hood. 
 
 J. W. Holt. 
 
 400 
 
December 29. 
 
 December ^o. 
 
 [25] 401 
 
THE INFI.UENCE OF JESUS. 
 
 Jesus differs from others by the beneficent power of his life over the 
 subsequent history of mankind. On taking on himself humanity, and in 
 sacrificing himself for humanity, he showed the worth of man and thus 
 laid a foundation for human rights. This changed the whole trend of 
 history. At the time of his coming, the personal worth and individuality 
 of man were overlooked. Men fought, in the face of the highest ciziliza- 
 tion known, with the wild beasts in the amphitheater, and the imperial 
 purple waved in approval. To-day if men want to have a ring- fight of 
 two common curs they must slink off in the dead of the night to some 
 place of secret understanding, that they may evade the clutches of the 
 law. Then the weak and imbecile fared largely like the wounded deer 
 of the forest. Now asylums and poor-houses dot the civilize^ world. 
 Then the rights of a slave were not those of a man. Now he is loosed 
 from his shackels, exalted to the liberties of individual citizenship and 
 given the advantages of the most advanced civilization. Woman, through 
 his influence, has broken from the cloister and harem and risen to walk 
 and live as an equal with her brother and husband. From him sprung 
 the completest philanthropy, and the universal brotherhood of man, that 
 Jehovah might "make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, 
 which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God." Sosomenes 
 relates that when the holy family of Joseph and Mary reached the limit 
 of their journey and approached the city of Heliopolis, in their fliight into 
 Egypt, a tree which grew before the gates of the city, and was regarded 
 with great veneration as the seat of a God, bowed- down its branches at 
 the approach of the infant Christ. Likewise it is related that all the 
 idols of the Egyptians fell with their faces to the earth. And travelers 
 who have been in that country speak of piAures representing this scene 
 in which the idols lay broken on every hand. Be these legends as they 
 may, at the approach of Jesus through the centuries every objeA of 
 stifled religious instin(5l and latent moral principle, which was the seat 
 of a god, leaped into new life and veneration, and became the admiration 
 and glory of the advancing civilizations, while upon every side the idols 
 of bigotry, superstition, and ignorance fell into irreparable fragments. 
 
 JV. jW. Beardshear. 
 
 402 
 
HE WORKETH WITH US. 
 
 Though hard be the labor, and bitter the toil, 
 No harvest brings pleasure, unfruitful the soil: 
 Yet labor is sweet, though its only reward 
 The joy of the thought — with us worketh the I<ord. 
 
 He shares all the bitter, he shares all the pain, 
 And sharing transforms them to rapture again; 
 While feeling our weakness, our weariness sore, 
 He grants us the rest that endures evermore. 
 
 He worketh with us? Then no toil can be vain 
 In which he engages, there surely is gain! 
 The harvests most precious do oft ripen late, 
 'Tis his to give increase, 'tis ours still to wait. 
 
 He worketh with us! Oh, companionship sweet! 
 That makes the fierce battle a peaceful retreat; 
 That binds the wild forces of sin that affright; 
 And girds with omnipotence us for the right. 
 
 E. S. Lorenz 
 
 404 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 A B 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 405 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 C D 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 Namk. Page. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 406 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 407 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 _ . . 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 • 
 
 ■ 
 
 y 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " ■. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - - 
 
 
 
 
 408 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 I J 
 
 409 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - - 
 
 
 
 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 ' 
 
 - - - 
 
 
 410 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 ^ N 
 
 Page. Name. 
 
 411 
 
INDKX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 O I" 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 Name. Page. 
 
 
 i 
 ... i 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 j 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 412 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 413 
 

 S 
 
 INDEX OF BIRTHDAYvS. 
 
 T 
 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 P.-VGE. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 414 
 
 1 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 V V 
 
 415 
 

 w 
 
 INDEX OK BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 X 
 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 416 
 
 
 
INDEX OF BIRTHDAYS. 
 
 417 
 
FOR THE MASTER'S SAKE. 
 
 Would you labor for the Master 
 
 Till life's eventide grows dim ? 
 All you do unto his children 
 
 You are doing unto him. 
 From his throne of power, supernal, 
 
 He will loving notice take 
 E'en of the cup of water 
 
 That is given for his sake. 
 
 Some who bear the cross of suffering, 
 
 'Neath its weight are worn and weak, 
 lyonging for the help and comfort 
 
 Of kind words which you can speak. 
 Weary ones are all around you; 
 
 Many hearts with sadness ache; 
 Strive to make their burdens lighter 
 
 For the blessed Master's sake. 
 
 l,ight the last hours of the dying 
 
 With God's words of life and love, 
 Telling of the many mansions 
 
 In the Beulah-land above. 
 Speak of resurrecSlion brightness 
 
 That on death's night soon shall break; 
 Cheer those solemn final moments 
 
 For the risen Savior's sake. 
 
 Many walk in sin's broad highway, 
 
 I,eading on to endless gloom, 
 And their footsteps swiftly hasten 
 
 Downward to eternal doom. 
 Go to them with prayer and weeping 
 
 And salvation's message take; 
 Plead with them to journey heavenward 
 
 For the dear Redeemer's sake. 
 
 When the rich reward is given 
 
 To each tried and faithful one, 
 Sweet will sound the Master's plaudit. 
 
 As he says, " My child, well done;" 
 And the voices of the angels 
 
 Joyful melodies will w^ake 
 At the memory of kindness 
 
 Shown on earth for Jesus' sa 
 
 Jennie Wilson, 
 
 418 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Advice to Young Men lo 
 
 A Temperance Letter 38 
 
 A Royal Road 46 
 
 A Praying Mother 66 
 
 A Christian 112 
 
 An Eternal Weight of Glory 142 
 
 A Plea for Education 194 
 
 Advice to Students 218 
 
 A Library an Index of Characfler 246 
 
 A Happy Experience 262 
 
 A Costly Offering 268 
 
 Alexander Owen 278 
 
 A Cherished Name 280 
 
 An Appeal to Educate 306 
 
 Alexander Owen's Home 328 
 
 A Good Time 340 
 
 About Differences 346 
 
 An Appeal for Missions 366 
 
 American Slavery — A Prophecy 372 
 
 A Happy Home 378 
 
 A Bad Example 390 
 
 Bishop Otterbein 10 
 
 Bricks Without Straw 64 
 
 Benevolence 94 
 
 Broken Resolutions no 
 
 But One Perfecfl House no 
 
 Communion With God 28 
 
 Christian Morality 42 
 
 Corredting Children 54 
 
 Christian Friendship 58 
 
 Cheap Sales 62 
 
 Christian Adti\'itj' 62 
 
 Christian Culture 66 
 
 Charadter and Destiny 70 
 
 Cross and Crown 102 
 
 Christian Love 114 
 
 Conditions of Success 124 
 
 Christian Perfecftion 130 
 
 Consecrated Men 134 
 
 Christian Love 168 
 
 Children's Day 174 
 
 Childhood iSS 
 
 Communion 192 
 
 Charaifler and Usefulness 256 
 
 Children in College 276 
 
 Christian Charity 292 
 
 Consecration 298 
 
 Certainties in Religion 366 
 
 Casting all Care on the Lord 372 
 
 Consolation 374 
 
 Christmas 396 
 
 Christmas-Day Memories 396 
 
 Deciding to Enter College 132 
 
 Decision of Characfter 308 
 
 Death 376 
 
 Dire(ftions to S. S. Teachers 392 
 
 Education 74, 322 
 
 Essential Principles 98 
 
 Enthusiasm 150 
 
 Early Conversions 200 
 
 Eternity 312 
 
 Educated Men 334 
 
 Elements of Success 360 
 
 lixamples of Humility 360 
 
 Family Conversation 20 
 
 Following Christ 22 
 
 Family Reunions 90 
 
 Factors in Christian Missions 120 
 
 False Standards 128 
 
 Fruits of Holiness 136 
 
 Fruit of the Gospel 148 
 
 First Fruits 160 
 
 Friends 224 
 
 Family Religion 246, 380 
 
 Following God's Pattern 392 
 
 God- Chosen Men 24 
 
 Genuine Success 36 
 
 Gradviation - Day 52 
 
 Get an Education 188 
 
 God in Everything 196 
 
 God's Battles 198 
 
 Gettysburg 248 
 
 Giving to Colleges 258 
 
 Gethsemane 258 
 
 Growth of Christianity 276 
 
 Godly Teachers 294 
 
 Going Home 362 
 
 Home-Making 50 
 
 Hungry Minds 78 
 
 Home-Training of Daughters 114 
 
 Humility in the Student 118 
 
 419 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Heart - Keeping .■ 154 
 
 Heavenly Attractions 158 
 
 Holiness i65 
 
 Hope 17S 
 
 How Much to Give 180 
 
 Home Reading 194 
 
 Heaven on Earth 210 
 
 Heaven to the Poor, 214 
 
 How to Provide for the Children 230 
 
 Home Influence of Women 254 
 
 Home Inflvience 260 
 
 Heart -Experience „.. 312 
 
 Home Memories - 350 
 
 How to be Happy 354 
 
 Home a Refuge 358 
 
 Honor and Happiness 362 
 
 Influence of a Holy Life 20 
 
 Influence; 44 
 
 Individvial Responsibility 60 
 
 Influence of the Bible 92 
 
 Illustrious Examples 186 
 
 Importance of Religion 200 
 
 Industrjf and Perseverance 230 
 
 Infants in Heaven 232 
 
 In Christ 260 
 
 Infinite Riches in Christ 264 
 
 Immortality 316 
 
 Inspiration of the Cross 344 
 
 Joy in Getting Home 334 
 
 Knowledge 164 
 
 Key to Otterbein's Charadter 176 
 
 Kindliness of Spirit 252 
 
 Keeping Religion 318 
 
 I,ast Words of Geeting 48 
 
 Labor 150 
 
 Last Words of Edwards 17S 
 
 Love 212 
 
 Love of Freedom 250 
 
 Lasting Impressions 328 
 
 Mother 22 
 
 Mind -Food 50 
 
 Moral Rectitude 56 
 
 Marriage 92 
 
 Ministry of Sorrow 128 
 
 Mission and Motive 130 
 
 Memory's Treasures 156 
 
 Money Value of an Education 180 
 
 Ministerial Support 182 
 
 Ministers and Money Matters 236 
 
 Mysteries of Death 238 
 
 Manliness 264 
 
 Marks of Progress 322 
 
 Much to be Done .. 346 
 
 National Greatness 242 
 
 Nearness to God 316 
 
 Otterbein s 
 
 Otterbein's Humility 82 
 
 On Giving 140 
 
 Our Heritage 216 
 
 Our Boys 386 
 
 Prayer for Colleges 32 
 
 Preaching the Gospel 32 
 
 Pradlical Charitv 84 
 
 Piety " 84 
 
 Polluting the Air 86 
 
 Pradtical Christianity 116 
 
 Polite Children 126 
 
 Providing for the Young 158 
 
 Plain Preaching 168 
 
 Personal Integrity 170 
 
 Pradtical Preaching 176 
 
 Pastoral Visiting 202 
 
 Plan in Diversity , 208 
 
 Preaching to Children 226 
 
 Pracftical Education 234 
 
 Power of the Invisible 240 
 
 Pastor and People 244 
 
 Power of Godliness 250 
 
 Prevailing Prayer 268 
 
 Preparation for Death 302 
 
 Pradtical Holiness 324 
 
 Public Spirit 348 
 
 Parents and the Ministry 364 
 
 Prohibition 394 
 
 Religion at Home 18 
 
 Revivals 68 
 
 Responsibility 100 
 
 Realities of Heaven 100 
 
 Religion Needed 222 
 
 Recognition in Heaven 224 
 
 Rightfulness of Gain 256 
 
 Right to be Happy...*. 330 
 
 Sino^leness of Aim ' 48 
 
 Self- Forgetfulness 80 
 
 Spring 108 
 
 Shun the Eddying Current 124 
 
 Sympathy 134 
 
 Success 144 
 
 Separation from the World 160 
 
 Slander - Proof. 216 
 
 Success in Prayer 266 
 
 Silent Forces 282 
 
 Source of Highest Joy 294 
 
 Success in the Ministry 298 
 
 Save the Drunkard 300 
 
 Shaping Charadter 314 
 
 Smiles 320 
 
 Settled Convidtions 342 
 
 Sympathy With the Sorrow^ing 344 
 
 Saved 352 
 
 School and Home Training 354 
 
 Self- Defense and Submission 398 
 
 The New Year S 
 
 The Wondrous Gift 12 
 
 420 
 
CONTiENTS. 
 
 The Church at Prayer 12 
 
 To Young Christians 14 
 
 The Power of Love 14 
 
 The Highest Calling i6 
 
 The True Manhood 16 
 
 The Brevity of Life iS 
 
 True Education 24 
 
 The Christian Christ-Like 26 
 
 The Christian Religion 28 
 
 The Gospel of Christ 30 
 
 To Parents 30 
 
 To Young Men 34 
 
 The Power of Music... 36 
 
 The Reward 42 
 
 The College a Center of Spiritual 
 
 Power 44 
 
 The Highest Honor .52 
 
 The Christian College 54 164 
 
 The Meek in Heart 56 
 
 The Courage of Faith sS 
 
 To the Afflicted 64 
 
 The Second Coining of Christ 68 
 
 Tendency of a Wrong Faith 74 
 
 The Bible and the Ungodlv 78 
 
 The Gospel and the Heathen 80 
 
 The Christian's Golden Age 82 
 
 The Duty of Total Abstinence 88 
 
 The Sunday -School Teacher 88 
 
 The Life to Come 90 
 
 The Universe Vocal with Praise 96 
 
 The Temple of Character q6 
 
 The Bible ^ 
 
 The Christian Home 102 
 
 The Liquor Traffic .' 104 
 
 The Value of Books 108 
 
 The Influence of One Act 112 
 
 To Theological Students 116 
 
 The Harvest 118 
 
 The Inspiration of the Unseen 120 
 
 The Spring-Time 122 
 
 The Promises 12^ 
 
 The New Birth 132 
 
 The Minister and Education 136 
 
 The Responsibility of Mothers 142 
 
 The Preaching for the Times 144 
 
 The Precious Promises 146 
 
 True Charity 146 
 
 To the Young 14S 
 
 The S. S. Superintendent 152 
 
 The Responsibilitj- of Citizenship is2 
 
 The Palm Tree „ 156 
 
 The Church's Commission 162 
 
 The Ways of the Infinite 162 
 
 The Ministry 166 
 
 Two Characters 182 
 
 The Lot Family 1S4 
 
 The Pastor in the Home 184 
 
 True Religion iqo 
 
 The Cry of the Needy iqo 
 
 The Sabbath 1^ 
 
 The Mother's Devotion 196 
 
 The Best Knowledge 202 
 
 The Tears of Jesus 206 
 
 The Highest Motive 208 
 
 The Thought of God " 212' 
 
 The Bible a Model Book 214' 
 
 The Springs of True Joy 218 
 
 The Worth of Souls 220 
 
 Thank You 220 
 
 The Tobacco Habit '.'..'.." 226 
 
 The Dignity of Man 2^8 
 
 The Masses and Education 232 
 
 The Disregard of Conscience 234 
 
 The Laboring Man 242 
 
 Two Choices ;; 244 
 
 The Liquor Traffic Humbug 248 
 
 Ihe Measure of the Man 252 
 
 The Pulpit and Revivals 2S4 
 
 The Mother's Power 262 
 
 The Minister's Work ." 266 
 
 The Battle and the Vicftory 270 
 
 The Use of Talents 274 
 
 The Power of a Holy Life 274 
 
 To Young Jlinisters 278 
 
 The Promises of God 280 
 
 The Cry of the Heathen 2S2 
 
 The Logic of Events 284 
 
 The Chri.stian Sabbath 286 
 
 The All-Seeing Eye 288 
 
 To Working-Men 288 
 
 The Joy of Unselfish Service 290 
 
 The Happj' Home 202 
 
 The Wife" :;;;::: 2^ 
 
 The Chapel of the Manger 296 
 
 To the Boys 300 
 
 The Sunday -School Teacher ^02 
 
 To Mothers 306 
 
 The Object of Preaching 308 
 
 The Kingdom of God ciio 
 
 The Quiet Life .■.'.■. 310 
 
 To Students of Theology -iia 
 
 True Wisdom .„ 320 
 
 The Truth of the Christian Religion.. 324 
 
 The Baptism of Power 326 
 
 The Tomb of Our Savior 326 
 
 The Government of Children :!:;o 
 
 That Settles All „2 
 
 Tribute to Otterbein 332 
 
 The Blessedness of Giving 336 
 
 The Dignity of the Ministry 340 
 
 The Higher Training -1^2 
 
 The Word of God....„ 348 
 
 The Lord's Prayer 7C2 
 
 The One Way.... „6 
 
 The Children 356 
 
 Thanksgiving- Day 364 
 
 The Testimony of Love 368 
 
 The Supreme Doctrine 374 
 
 The Present and the Future Life 376 
 
 The Cross of Christ jfs 
 
 Triumphs of Christianity 380 
 
 The Good Man 382 
 
 The Church and Higher Education... 382 
 
 The Commandment of Love 384 
 
 Teaching Children to Give 3SS 
 
 The Supreme Duty 388 
 
 421 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 The True Adorning 394 
 
 The Presence of God 398 
 
 The Flight of Years 400 
 
 The Last Words of Otterbein 400 
 
 The Influence of Jesus 402 
 
 Underlying Principles 34 
 
 Use of the Past 76 
 
 Vicftory for the Right 26 
 
 Value of Opinion 140 
 
 Value of College Training 174 
 
 Value of the Classics 222 
 
 Visitors and Church Attendance 286 
 
 Value of Culture 358 
 
 Women Living for Others 44 
 
 Woman's Work for Woman 60 
 
 Willing Service 86 
 
 We Must Educate 94 
 
 Winning Souls 126 
 
 What Rum Does 154 
 
 Women's Ministry iS5 
 
 Woman's Suffrage 19S 
 
 Woman's Desire for Africa 206 
 
 Work for Willing Hands 210 
 
 Warning Against Drunkenness 22S 
 
 Wisdom Against Money 240 
 
 Woman's Sphere 284 
 
 Workers 290 
 
 Work for All 318 
 
 Walking With God 350 
 
 Winter 368 
 
 Woman's Influence 384 
 
 Wise Counsels to the Young 390 
 
 POEMS. 
 
 A New Year Vision 7 
 
 A Memory Pi(5ture 139 
 
 A Temperance Hymn 172 
 
 A Prayer 339 
 
 A Christmas Greeting 371 
 
 Christmas 370 
 
 For the Master's Sake 41S 
 
 Gather the Harvest In 238 
 
 Going Home at Last 238 
 
 He Leadeth Me 72 
 
 He Worketh With Us 398 
 
 Let Me Stay in His Presence 239 
 
 Our Praise 43 
 
 Posthumous Praise 205 
 
 Remember Him Now 107 
 
 Recompense 173 
 
 The Truth of God Prevaileth 41 
 
 Thy Will 138 
 
 The Daj^s that are Yet to Be 278 
 
 Thy Disciple 304 
 
 Vanquished 305 
 
 Winter Solstices 40 
 
 422 
 
^"rV '*t'^\'^ 
 
BX9878.5 .079 
 
 ^heOtterbein birthday book con.. 
 
 1^012 00044 8292