pay"It doesn't pay, sir! It doesn't pay!"
"It doesn't pay, sir! It doesn't pay!"
"It doesn't pay, sir! It doesn't pay!"
It is an accursed thing. It degrades the mind, it demoralises the whole moral being, and, if not renounced, means everlasting ruin.
This is no time for smooth words. Gambling is a growing evil in the land. Women and children, as well as men, have become entangled within its meshes, and are being dragged down to perdition. It destroys all that is noble and unselfish in the human heart. It paralyses the will, stultifies the reason, and stifles every holy emotion in the soul. The man who "prepares a table for fortune and fills up mingled wine to destiny," who makes chance his idol and gain his god, will live to curse the day of his birth. Be wise, therefore, O ye sons of men and seek the Lord your God with all your hearts; for "the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it."
Told in Sunshine Room.]
prince
IOnce upon a time there was a country all sweet with the honey-smell of white clover, and all full of music with the song of birds. Rain and wind swept it now and then; but, when they had passed the warm joy of sunshine came again, and the shadows of sailing, snowy clouds drifted purple over the soft green sides of the hills where the young kids played round their quiet mothers, so that all the people who lived in the beautiful country felt its loveliness thrill their hearts.
Once upon a time there was a country all sweet with the honey-smell of white clover, and all full of music with the song of birds. Rain and wind swept it now and then; but, when they had passed the warm joy of sunshine came again, and the shadows of sailing, snowy clouds drifted purple over the soft green sides of the hills where the young kids played round their quiet mothers, so that all the people who lived in the beautiful country felt its loveliness thrill their hearts.
But surrounding the clover-fields and the bright gardens and the sunny meadows was a band of black darkness, and those who had passed into the darkness never came back. Everybody who sang and laughed and loved in the sunshine knew that some day their turn would come to step alone into the strange country of night that girdled the land like an impenetrable curtain; and sometimes one or another would come and look sadly and tearfully on the darkness, and then turn back with bowed head, and try to forget it. And sometimes a sound of low, sad singing would approach it, and men and women, with tears running down their faces, would accompany some dear one, whose time in the bright country was finished, to the edge of the silent darkness and watch him pass away into it, never to return; and though they held out beseeching hands after him, and strained their sight that they might perceive whither he had gone, the darkness never gave up its secret; only continued to lie, hushed and mysterious, round the land where the apple-blossom budded and the young lambs played.
Now the King of the country had seven daughters and an only son. The daughters were very beautiful, but the son was fairer than the day. His hair was as golden as the noontime of the South, and his eyes were blue and laughing as the summer sea, and his mother loved him better than life, from the day when he lay in a little white and silver cradle by her side.
The royal children played together in the gardens and courts of the palace, and sometimes the Queen gathered them about her and told them tales of the fairies and the dewy rings which they danced into greenness on summer nights; or she would tell them of brave kings who had done their duty, and loving queens whose names had been blessed by their subjects. And the children would ask questions about the dark belt that encircled the country, of which they had heard, but which they had never seen. And then the Queen would shake her head and fold her arms tightly about them one by one, but the child that she pressed most closely to her was her only boy.
But one day a great fear fell upon the kingdom, and all the palace was hushed and still. It was told that the little Prince's days were numbered, and that he must soon pass away. And a few hours later twilight fell over the land, and through the twilight came the solemn steps of mourners and the sound of tears. And the lilies bent their white heads, and the roses nestled sadly togetheramong their green leaves as the royal procession swept wailing by through the dusk. And for a few moments a child's voice spoke, and then it ceased as the little Prince went bravely away, alone, into the darkness, and those who had loved him were left behind.
braveryThe little Prince went bravely ... into the darkness.
The little Prince went bravely ... into the darkness.
The little Prince went bravely ... into the darkness.
They returned by-and-by to the palace, and the King took up his royal duties again, and the seven Princesses went back to their lessons and to their play. Sometimes they would talk, with sudden sobs, of their brother, and then they would forget him while tending to their flowers and watching the wild birds on the wing. The King, too, now and then, would rest his face upon his hands, and be very silent for a while. But his kingdom claimed him, and he had not the time always in which to mourn.
Only the Queen never forgot, for the little Prince had been her only son. Night after night she went alone to the edge of the darkness, and tried to pierce it with her longing eyes, and to beat it away with her mother's hands; but it was always motionless and impassable, and seemed to extend into endless night.
But one evening, as she knelt there, quiet for very weariness, there came a sweet smell through the dusk, as if the spices of wild thyme were crushed out by some approaching tread; and the sleeping flowers that had hung heavily under the weight of her falling tears, lifted their faces and unfolded their closed petals, as if they were dreaming of the morning sun. And then, all at once, fragrance and warmth and light were about the Queen; and, looking up, she saw the radiant figure of a wise, quiet man.
His voice spoke to her, and she heard many echoes in it, so that it stirred her memory strangely. It was as if she listened to the notes of a thrush on a dewy morning, or to the south wind among the summer trees by night.
"Why do you mourn here, all alone?" he asked her gently.
Her tones shook as she answered him.
"I am weeping for my only son, who has gone away from me into this darkness by which we stand."
For a moment the wise man was silent; his grave, tender eyes looked down into hers.
"You try to beat the darkness away with your hands," he said by-and-by, "and you feel only that it is like solid rock to your touch. You strain your sight to pierce it, and, as you gaze, you realise its blackness,and it becomes deeper to your eyes. Why, then, do you stay upon its margin?"
"I stay because I hope and pray that, by dwelling near it, I may catch a glimpse of my only son; that I may hear his voice speak to me, or feel for a moment the warm, clinging touch of his little hands. I stay because I crave for a message from him, to tell me that he loves me still."
Then there was pity in the wise man's eyes, and it was the sweet pity of a mother who sees a child cry over a broken toy.
"Your son has many messages far you," he said, "but you cannot find or read them here; and, if you stay, your eyes will soon grow too dim to see, and the darkness will hold itself all about your heart. Turn your face and footsteps back to your people and your king, and seek there a message from your son which shall speak of consolation."
The Queen was silent then, and her feet and hands were still. She looked up at the wise, quiet man, and, as she looked, she saw that his eyes were like those of the child who had passed away, and she caught at the hem of his robe with trembling fingers.
sentence"My sentence is—Forgiveness!"
"My sentence is—Forgiveness!"
"My sentence is—Forgiveness!"
"Who are you?" she cried. "Who areyou, with your wise words, and your eyes like those of my son, who was but a little, little child?"
Then into the face of the man came a wonderful look, so that the Queen, seeing it, bent her head and bowed her forehead upon her hands. And it seemed to her, for a moment, as if strange sweet scents blew to her, and the darkness broke away into long alleys of light and bloom. And then there was a hush, and when she looked up again the wise man was gone.
But she remembered that he had given her the sweetest promise in the world—the promise of a message from her only son; and, believing him, she went away from the belt of darkness, and turned again to the palace, to her children, and to her king.
And as she passed along the road she came across a poor cripple who had fallen and hurt himself by the way. His wounds bled, and he looked up at the Queen with wistful eyes. So she went, herself, to the nearest stream to fetch water for him, and she gave him some to drink, and bound up the poor bruises, and soothed him with gentle words. And as she tended him, she forgot for a moment the darkness into which her son had passed, and only remembered that the land, in spite of its beauty, was full of suffering and tears, and that she had her work to do among her people; and she looked with her shining mother's eyes into the cripple's face, and bade him be comforted.
And then, all at once, a wonderful thing happened. The cripple spoke, in faltering tones, to thank her; and his voice thrilled her, for it was the voice of her little son.
Wondering and grave, the Queen passed on. Some blue butterflies flew by, circling in the still air. As she looked at them her heart was suddenly stirred to reverence and gratitude and joy for the beauty of their silken burnished wings. And as the thrill of tenderness shook her, it seemed, all at once, as if a glow were across her path, and as if, through the glow, she heard the child-laughter of the little Prince who had passed away.
And so it happened, day after day, as the weeks sped by. Whenever the heart of the Queen was stirred to holiness by deeds and thoughts which were true and lovely and pure there came to her all the tender sweetness of memory and of communion, so that she knew that beyond the darkness her little son still sent his thoughts to her in love. But whenever she went to the belt of gloom to weep his voice was silent, and it seemed to her as if he had gone away for ever.
And one day there came a strange beggar to the palace gates, with wild, wicked eyes and hatred of all men in his heart; and he had sworn to injure the King because the King was great and good. He kept his vow, and struck at the kind King as he was passing through the gates. But the Queen saw the raised dagger, and sprang in front of her husband, so that she received the blow herself.
Then the Queen lay in strange silent illness, and the court met to judge the deed. The beggar crouched, terrified and trembling, before them; but, ere sentence could be given, a sweet woman's voice bade those who condemned him to pause, and the judges saw that the Queen had risen from her bed of sickness and stood among them.
"Wait!" she cried, "wait! I, who have borne the pain, must speak the sentence."
She paused, and, crossing to the beggar, laid her hand upon his head.
"My sentence is—Forgiveness!"
Her voice rang out like a sweet silver trumpet in the court-room, and everybody was very still. Then, all at once, the beggar burst into tears.
But nobody else spoke or moved. Only the tears of the beggar flowed down until they made a tiny crystal pool, and the Queen, who bent over him, saw into the pool as into a mirror.
And she beheld the margin of the country and the deep black fog which lay beyond; and as she looked, the fog broke away into long gleaming alleys of flowers with shining mists above them, as if of a rising sun, and, among the bloom, the face of the little Prince smiled fully upon her once again.
Then, all at once, she heard the voice of the wise, quiet man, and she perceived that he stood again by her side.
"What does it all mean?" she asked him breathlessly; "what does it all mean?"
The beggar, whose face was pressed to the hem of her robe; the court, who still remained hushed and motionless; and the King, whose eyes reverenced her, all waited for the wise man's reply. It came to them softly, like the murmur of pine needles in a south wind.
"There can be no Death where there is Love."
rollOur Roll of Heroic DeedsWe record this month a signal act of heroism which took place a few years ago in a coal-pit near Dalkeith. The mine was suddenly flooded, a vast volume of water rushed through the workings, and it was only after some hours of dangerous and most difficult work that the imprisoned miners were rescued. It was then discovered that Walker, a boy of twelve, had been left behind, and immediately James Nolans volunteered to save him. Nolans had to be forcibly pushed through the rushing torrent by some of his comrades; then he had to grope about under the water to find a rail which he used for the purpose of guidance, and, after narrowly escaping death from drowning, he eventually discovered the terrified lad. Even then it was doubtful whether they would escape alive; but after a plucky dash through the water, and by the help of some old ladders hastily fastened together, they managed to regain their comrades, who never expected to see them again.
Our Roll of Heroic DeedsWe record this month a signal act of heroism which took place a few years ago in a coal-pit near Dalkeith. The mine was suddenly flooded, a vast volume of water rushed through the workings, and it was only after some hours of dangerous and most difficult work that the imprisoned miners were rescued. It was then discovered that Walker, a boy of twelve, had been left behind, and immediately James Nolans volunteered to save him. Nolans had to be forcibly pushed through the rushing torrent by some of his comrades; then he had to grope about under the water to find a rail which he used for the purpose of guidance, and, after narrowly escaping death from drowning, he eventually discovered the terrified lad. Even then it was doubtful whether they would escape alive; but after a plucky dash through the water, and by the help of some old ladders hastily fastened together, they managed to regain their comrades, who never expected to see them again.
Our Roll of Heroic Deeds
We record this month a signal act of heroism which took place a few years ago in a coal-pit near Dalkeith. The mine was suddenly flooded, a vast volume of water rushed through the workings, and it was only after some hours of dangerous and most difficult work that the imprisoned miners were rescued. It was then discovered that Walker, a boy of twelve, had been left behind, and immediately James Nolans volunteered to save him. Nolans had to be forcibly pushed through the rushing torrent by some of his comrades; then he had to grope about under the water to find a rail which he used for the purpose of guidance, and, after narrowly escaping death from drowning, he eventually discovered the terrified lad. Even then it was doubtful whether they would escape alive; but after a plucky dash through the water, and by the help of some old ladders hastily fastened together, they managed to regain their comrades, who never expected to see them again.
song
Words byWilliam Hurn, 1813.Music byH. Walford Davies, Mus.D.(Organist of the Temple Church.)
With majesty.
1. Rise, gracious God, and shineIn all Thy saving might!And prosper each design,To spread Thy glorious light:Let healing streams of mercy flow,That all the earth Thy truth may know.Amen.2. O bring the nations near,That they may sing Thy praise;Let all the people hearAnd learn Thy gracious ways:Reign, mighty God, assert Thy cause,And govern by Thy righteous laws.3. Put forth Thy glorious power;The nations then will see!And earth present her storeIn converts born to Thee.God, our own God, His Church will bless,And earth will teem with fruitfulness.N.B.—The last verse should be sungffin unison.
1. Rise, gracious God, and shineIn all Thy saving might!And prosper each design,To spread Thy glorious light:Let healing streams of mercy flow,That all the earth Thy truth may know.Amen.
2. O bring the nations near,That they may sing Thy praise;Let all the people hearAnd learn Thy gracious ways:Reign, mighty God, assert Thy cause,And govern by Thy righteous laws.
3. Put forth Thy glorious power;The nations then will see!And earth present her storeIn converts born to Thee.God, our own God, His Church will bless,And earth will teem with fruitfulness.
N.B.—The last verse should be sungffin unison.
The present year has brought into operation a new Act of Parliament dealing with the habitual drunkard. The unfortunate men and women of the type of the notorious Jane Cakebread have been the despair of stipendiary magistrates for years past. At the time of writing the working of the new Act has not settled into shape, so it is all too early to forecast its probable results. Meanwhile we tender our congratulations to Dr. Norman Kerr, F.L.S., for it is to this humane and philanthropic physician we are indebted for anything like an intelligent treatment of the confirmed dipsomaniac. Dr. Kerr was born at Glasgow in 1834, and graduated at Glasgow University in 1861. While yet a student he took a keen interest in temperance and established a society for his fellow-students. From that time to the present, his active services to the reform have been steadily maintained. He takes a prominent part in the work of the Church of England Temperance Society, the United Kingdom Alliance, and the National Temperance League. It is, however, as an authority on dipsomania that he is best known. He is the founder and President of the Society for the Study and Cure of Inebriety, and it was at his instigation that a highly successful Colonial and International Congress on Inebriety was held in Westminster Town Hall in July, 1887. Dr. Kerr has written largely on the subject, and his learned work on "Inebriety: Its Etiology, Pathology, Treatment, and Jurisprudence," speedily passed into several editions. He is almost as well known in the United States as at home. The gist of Dr. Norman Kerr's views may be best indicated by the opening sentence of the volume referred to. He writes:—
"Nodiseaseis more common than inebriety, and yet none is so seldom recognised. Nodiseaseis more widespread. In the whole circle of even an extensive acquaintance it may happen that no member has been known to have suffered from any of the leading diseases which prevail in our islands, that no one has been laid low by phthisis or cancer. But there are very few families in the United Kingdom which have not had at least one relative who has been subject to inebriety."
Kerr(Photo: William Whiteley, Bayswater, W.)DR. NORMAN KERR.
(Photo: William Whiteley, Bayswater, W.)DR. NORMAN KERR.
(Photo: William Whiteley, Bayswater, W.)
DR. NORMAN KERR.
The latest new effort to popularise temperance amongst women is a scheme prepared by the Durham and Northumberland County Union of the British Women's Temperance Association. It takes the form of a summer school to be opened at Barnard Castle, where ladies may study temperance in its scientific aspects, and receive various aids as to the methods of imparting this knowledge. The forenoons will be given to lectures, the afternoons to recreation, excursions, etc. Full particulars may be obtained from Mrs. Richardson, The Gables, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
This is an age of specialists, and Mr. John Abbey is certainly the specialist of the temperance propaganda in relation to agriculture. The son of a yeoman, he very early turned his attention to the importance of "soberising" our harvest fields. By his writings, his speeches, and the invention of teetotal drinks called Stokos, Hopkos, and Cokos, he has gradually produced a wonderful change in agricultural circles. It is Mr. Abbey's habit to go the round of the agricultural shows in their season, where he pitcheshis tent, in which he dispenses his drinks, distributes his literature, and discusses "the why and because" of his movement with all and sundry. From the many letters received by him, we are permitted to quote one from a correspondent who farms seven hundred acres:—
"I am glad to tell you that we have done harvest without a drop of beer being given to the men, and they appear to like Stokos better this year than ever. They usually had eight gallons or more a day, and worked well with it, and throughout the excessive heat we had not a man ill. Years ago the men would get beer into the field, and there was a great deal of drunkenness among them, but now I am thankful to say that Stokos has, by virtue of its excellent qualities, practicallydriven the beer out of the field, and work goes on delightfully."
Abbey(Photo: A. E. Coe, Norwich)MR. JOHN ABBEY.
(Photo: A. E. Coe, Norwich)MR. JOHN ABBEY.
(Photo: A. E. Coe, Norwich)
MR. JOHN ABBEY.
It may be mentioned that this agricultural work is only a detail of Mr. Abbey's life, for he is the Organising Secretary of the Church of England Temperance Society for Norwich Diocese, having previously held a similar appointment far many years in Oxford Diocese.
tentMR. ABBEY'S TENT AT THE NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SHOW.(Distributing Temperance Drinks.)
MR. ABBEY'S TENT AT THE NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SHOW.(Distributing Temperance Drinks.)
MR. ABBEY'S TENT AT THE NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
(Distributing Temperance Drinks.)
On April 13th a concert will be given at Stafford House, under the patronage of H.R.H. the Duchess of York, in aid of the Church of England Temperance Society Juvenile Union. On April 19th the annual meeting of the Guild of Hope will be held at Grosvenor House, the Duke of Westminster in the chair. On May 1st the annual meeting of the National Temperance League will be held in Exeter Hall, the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding. In July there will be two fêtes at the Crystal Palace—one on the 5th by the National Temperance Choral Society, and the other on the 29th, under the direction of the Church of England Temperance Society.
During the past decade the Church of England Temperance Society has developeda wonderful leaning towards practical effort. Its Police Court Mission has been of incalculable service, and has received the hearty recognition of such able magistrates as the late Mr. Montagu Williams, Sir John Bridge, Mr. A. de Rutzen, and others. The Police Court Missionaries have for some time been gravely concerned as to what to do with young boys brought up for their first offences. Last June the Church of England Temperance Society established a Boys' Shelter Home at Gunnersbury. To this institution boys are now remitted instead of to prison. Here they have a chance of learning some useful industry, situations are found for them, and they are thus given a new start in life. The Bishop of London opened the Home, which is managed under the direction of a small sub-committee of the London Diocesan Church of England Temperance Society.
shelterTHE BOYS' SHELTER HOME.(Established by the Church of England Temperance Society for first offenders.)
THE BOYS' SHELTER HOME.(Established by the Church of England Temperance Society for first offenders.)
THE BOYS' SHELTER HOME.
(Established by the Church of England Temperance Society for first offenders.)
Sawyer(Photo: Debenham and Gould, Bournemouth.)MR. ROBERT SAWYER.
(Photo: Debenham and Gould, Bournemouth.)MR. ROBERT SAWYER.
(Photo: Debenham and Gould, Bournemouth.)
MR. ROBERT SAWYER.
One of the most interesting, and certainly one of the most useful, temperance organisations, specially catering for a distinct class of workers, is the United Kingdom Railway Temperance Union. It commenced in a very humble way in 1882, and in a sense owes its origin to Mr. S. Cutler, an earnest man employed by the Metropolitan Railway Company, who approached the Church of England Temperance Society to see if something could be done to bring together the different railway men who were in sympathy with temperance work. As the result of a conference, the Union was started, and it has remained in connection with the Church of England Temperance Society ever since. To-day it has branches on nearly every line of railway in the United Kingdom; and every grade of the service, from the influential director down to the humble bookstall lad, is represented in the membership. The railway men were fortunate in securing the interest of Mr. Robert Sawyer, Recorder of Maidenhead, at the commencement of their operations, for besides contributing very largely from his purse, Mr. Sawyer, as President of the Union, practically devotes his life to the interests of railway men. He is literally "in journeyings oft," and has a most able lieutenant in Mr. A. C. Thompson, the first and only Secretary of the Union. The railway men run a little temperance journal of their own, appropriately entitledOn the Line. One has only to glance through its attractive pages to see that the Union is very much alive. For those who are employed on railways temperance is certainly an excellent thing, and there can be no doubt also that the safety of the travelling public is helped not a little by the hard work of Mr. Sawyer and his cheery comrades.
lessons
INTERNATIONAL SERIES
With Illustrative Anecdotes and References.
To read—St. John x. 1-16.Golden Text—Ver. 11.
ILast lesson showed Christ as source oflight—giving sight to the eyes and heart of blind man; to-day's shows Him as "Love," the Good Shepherd, giving His life for His sheep.
Last lesson showed Christ as source oflight—giving sight to the eyes and heart of blind man; to-day's shows Him as "Love," the Good Shepherd, giving His life for His sheep.
I.Christ the Door of the Fold(1-10).Connectionwith healing of blind man.
Pharisees were bad shepherds—he found the true.
They drove him away—Christ the Good Shepherd took him into His fold.
Explanationof the different parts of the parable.
The sheepfold—Christ's Church on earth (ver. 16).
The door—Christ Himself, the only way to God.
The sheep—the people of Christ (Ps. c. 2).
The shepherds—God's ministers, feeding and leading the flock (1 Pet. v. 2) in the right way.
The porter—God's Spirit opening hearts to Christ.
Illustration: Christ is as a Good Shepherd. How?
He comes to the sheep in the fold. He calls by name, and goes before to lead them. They recognise voice, trust Him, and follow.
Contrastbetween Christ and the Pharisees. They are robbers (St. Matt. xxiii. 14, etc.), blind guides, hypocrites, leading men to ruin. Now thirsting to kill Him. Christ is the way of salvation. Thieftakeslife; shepherdsprotectlife. Hegiveslife, here and hereafter.
Application.Whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.
II.Christ the Good Shepherd(11-16).His name.
Good,i.e.beautiful, noble, loving. He isperfectin contrast with imperfect ministers;trueas opposed to false;goodas giving His life. Mere hirelings desert the flock in danger.
His work.Knows each intimately—cares for wants. Dies that they may be saved. Seeks wanderers. Folds all safely in fold at last.
Lessons.The privileges of Christ's flock.
1.Safetyin the fold of His Church.
2.Succourin time of want and danger.
3.Sympathy.They know Him, and He knows them.
It is said that the ancient city of Troy had but one way of entrance. In whatever direction the traveller went, he would find no way into the city but the one which was legally appointed, and the only one which was used by those who went in and out. There is only one right way to the favour of God, to the family of God, to the presence of God in prayer, and, finally, to the City of God in eternity, and that one way is Christ. "I am the way," He declares, "and no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
Golden Text—St. John x. 27.
Christ's divine nature been seen in twelve lessons with the results ensuing therefrom.
I.True Light(i. 1-14). Showing Father's eternal glory, power, wisdom. Dwelling as man among men to lighten their souls.
II.First Disciples(i. 29-42). Divinity testified by God's voice at His baptism. Faith shown by new disciples who saw Lamb of God.
III.First Miracle(ii. 1-11). Divinity shown by almighty power and glory in sympathy.
IV.First Convert(iii. 1-17). Christ as Teacher unfolds divine mysteries. He knows for He has seen. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, believes.
V.First Samaritan(iv. 5-26). Divinity shown by omniscience. Gives water of life. Samaritan woman and others believe.
VI.First Child(iv. 46-54). Christ gives fresh life to sick child. Nobleman believes.
VII.Christ's Authority(v. 17-29). Shares Father's counsels. Appointed Judge. All men honour Him.
VIII.Multitude Fed(vi. 1-14). He Who made world, supplies His people's wants. As God, He multiplies food; as Man, cares for and sympathises.
IX.Feast of Tabernacles(vii. 14, 28-39). Christ as God, gives life, also refreshment (like water) to soul by Holy Ghost. Thus, Three Persons in Godhead share work of man's salvation.
X.Freeing from Sin(viii. 13, 31-36). Divine power alone can free from bondage of sin and Satan. This Christ gives. Many believed on Him.
XI.Healing Blind(ix. 1-11). Christ's divine light opens eyes and heart. Blind man saved.
XII.Good Shepherd. Christ, Himself God, the way to God. Gives life by laying down His life. One fold, one flock, one Shepherd.
Lessons. 1. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
2. No man cometh to the Father but by Me.
3. Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief.
Christ, Lord of All.During the last moments of a godly woman, speech had left her; but she managed to articulate the word "Bring." Her friends, in ignorance of her meaning, offered her food, but she shook her head, and againrepeated the word "Bring." Thinking she desired to see some absent friends, they brought them to her; but again she shook her head; and then, by a great effort, she succeeded in completing the sentence—"Bring forth the royal diadem,And crown Him Lord of all"—and then passed away to be with Jesus.
During the last moments of a godly woman, speech had left her; but she managed to articulate the word "Bring." Her friends, in ignorance of her meaning, offered her food, but she shook her head, and againrepeated the word "Bring." Thinking she desired to see some absent friends, they brought them to her; but again she shook her head; and then, by a great effort, she succeeded in completing the sentence—
"Bring forth the royal diadem,And crown Him Lord of all"—
and then passed away to be with Jesus.
To read—St. John xi. 32-45.Golden Text—Ver. 25.
Gospel began with miracle at joyful family gathering. To-day's lesson tells of sad gathering of family and friends at a funeral. He would again show divine power.
I.Death Triumphant(32-37).Scene of sorrowat Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem. Little family, Lazarus and two sisters. Had received Christ before (St. Luke x. 38). Now the breadwinner has been taken ill and dies. Sickness, death, bereavement, all causes of sorrow and sadness. Had sent for Christ, but He had delayed to come (ver. 6). At last He arrives, but body had been buried. Martha meets Him first (ver. 21), then Mary. Both utter same reproach—had He been in time, their brother need not have died. Their faith weak. Thought of Him as Good Physician—did not fully realise His almighty power. How did this affect Christ? He was troubled, He sighed, He wept. His best friends not yet learned Who He was and what His power. To them sorrow, suffering, death, seemed to have triumphed. Was it so?
II.Death Vanquished(38-44).Scene of joy.A Conqueror of death is there. See actions of the different people.Christcommands removal of stone.Martharemonstrates—the body begun to corrupt—four days dead (no coffin, only wrapped in linen). Showed unbelief, after Christ's words (ver. 23).Marywatches in silence, trusting in Christ to do right.Jews, expectant, roll away the stone as bidden. Then Christ speaks; thanks God for hearing His prayer; cries aloud to Lazarus. The dead man comes forth, is released from grave-clothes, and restored to his home. Death is swallowed up in victory.
Result.Many of the Jews believed. God's glory is manifested.
Lessons.1.Christ a loving Friend.Can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
2.Christ a living Saviour.Taught Martha, comforted Mary, restored Lazarus. Gives eternal life.
Faithful unto DeathIn the excavations made at the buried city of Pompeii, the remains of a Roman soldier were found at one of the gates. Embedded in the once molten lava which swept down upon the doomed city was found the skeleton of the soldier whose post of duty was at the gate, still grasping a sword in its bony fingers. When the panic came upon the city, and those who could made good their escape, he had remained faithful to his sense of duty, and with resolute courage faced a fearful death. The Christian soldier can face death with equal courage, for he has obtained victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ his Lord.
In the excavations made at the buried city of Pompeii, the remains of a Roman soldier were found at one of the gates. Embedded in the once molten lava which swept down upon the doomed city was found the skeleton of the soldier whose post of duty was at the gate, still grasping a sword in its bony fingers. When the panic came upon the city, and those who could made good their escape, he had remained faithful to his sense of duty, and with resolute courage faced a fearful death. The Christian soldier can face death with equal courage, for he has obtained victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ his Lord.
To read—St. John xii. 1-11.Golden Text—St. Mark xiv. 8.
Christ again at Bethany, preparing for His sufferings and death. Chief priests and Pharisees took counsel to kill Him (xi. 53). His friends gather in numbers to give Him a public welcome.
I.Christ's Friends(1-3, 7-9).The feast.Took place at Bethany, at house of Simon, once a leper. The family of Bethany all present—showed their regard for Christ in different ways.Lazarus, honoured guest, at the table with Him.Marthagiving of her skill in house-keeping (St. Luke x. 38).Marygiving a costly present.
The anointing.Mary comes behind Christ—having fetched an alabaster box full of precious ointment—breaks the box, pours it on His head (St. Mark xiv. 3) and His feet (ver. 3), wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with sweet smell. Why did she do this?It was an act of love.Christ had done much for them—stayed with them, above all restored their brother to life. Another reason: Christ had lately spoken of His death as soon coming. This thought quickened her love to intensity. She must give it outward expression. She had kept it for His burial (ver. 7), but gives it now.It was an act of self-denial.Did not stay to count the cost, to think how little she need give. Gave the best gift she had. Would keep back nothing from Him.The act was approved and accepted.She did what she could.
Lessons.1. Christ's death draws men's hearts (xii. 32). Therefore send the Gospel to all.
2. True love delights in self-denial. Deny self, take up cross and follow Christ.
3. Offerings accepted by God. Alms as well as prayers come before Him (Acts x. 4).
II.Christ's Enemies(4-6, 10, 11).Judasgrudges the gift—calls it waste—professes zeal for the poor. What was his real motive? Covetousness. Had been made treasurer of monies given to and spent by Christ and apostles. Hoped to get something out of it for himself. Was it waste? Gifts given to Christ cannot be wasted. Others will take note and copy. This loving gift has led multitudes to do what they can. Missionaries to give up lives for Christ, many to give money, work, service, etc. Even cup of water only given for His sake rewarded.
Chief priests.Consult out of envy to kill Lazarus. His rising led many to believe in Christ. Their power became less.
Lesson.Take heed, and beware of covetousness.
Which are we: friends or foes of Christ?
Give the Best you have to God.It matters not how poor the offering, if given in the right spirit. A legend tells how once a little boy in church had no money to place among the offerings. So he gave a rosy apple, the only gift he had it in his power to offer. Presently, when the alms were removed, there was found among them an apple of gold. The simplest gift is in the sight of God as pure gold.
It matters not how poor the offering, if given in the right spirit. A legend tells how once a little boy in church had no money to place among the offerings. So he gave a rosy apple, the only gift he had it in his power to offer. Presently, when the alms were removed, there was found among them an apple of gold. The simplest gift is in the sight of God as pure gold.
arrowsSHORT ARROWSNotes of Christian Life & Work
SHORT ARROWSNotes of Christian Life & Work
SHORT ARROWS
Notes of Christian Life & Work
In accordance with the announcement in our December number, we left it entirely to our readers to select the newQuiverwaifs. All the votes have now been received, and arranged, with the result that Rose Heelis heads the list of the candidates for Miss Sharman's Orphan Home, whilst John Harrison is the successful candidate for Dr. Barnardo's Home.
waifJOHN HARRISON.(The new Quiver Waif at Dr. Barnardo's Home.)
JOHN HARRISON.(The new Quiver Waif at Dr. Barnardo's Home.)
JOHN HARRISON.
(The new Quiver Waif at Dr. Barnardo's Home.)
Our readers will doubtless be interested in the portrait of each to be found on this page, but it is unnecessary to repeat the particulars concerning these little ones which were given at the time we invited the votes. The support of the new waifs will involve a total annual expenditure of £31 (£15 for Rose Heelis and £16 for John Harrison), and for this amount we are relying upon the generosity of our readers. Contributions to the special Waifs' Fund will be gladly received, and duly acknowledged month by month in our pages. Such contributions should be addressed to the Editor ofThe Quiver, La Belle Sauvage, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. A list of the donations to the fund during the month of January will be found on page 480.
A peculiar feature connected with the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Boston is that each officer, at the end of his term of command, which lasts a year, returns to the ranks as a private; thus there are something like a score of gentlemen who have had full control of the regiment, and who are now once more content to obey. Here is a lesson for those who serve in the Church Militant. We cannot all be colonels and generals—there must be a few private soldiers!—and it is certain that he who cannot obey is not fit to command. Much energy and temper is wasted by those who fight against sin and sorrow through unwillingness to take what is called a subordinate position. Surely this is to forget the Saviour's words—"If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
girl waifROSE HEELIS.(The new Quiver Waif at Miss Sharman's Home.)
ROSE HEELIS.(The new Quiver Waif at Miss Sharman's Home.)
ROSE HEELIS.
(The new Quiver Waif at Miss Sharman's Home.)
Sixteen years ago, the first restaurant for women in the City of London was started at 16, Jewin Street. The "Welcome" was opened in a five-storeyed house in the very midst of factories. It is now the centre of help of every kind for a class brought before the public in Sir Walter Besant's "Children of Gibeon." Hundreds of women frequent this place to refresh their jaded and chilledbodies with soup and bread at three halfpence or excellent meat-puddings at twopence. In cases of distress and starvation free dinner tickets are granted. Who can tell how many women this aid has saved from crime when hunger has driven them to the verge of stealing? The work of the "Welcome" is not limited to care for the bodies of City toilers. Three rooms are used for dinner and tea, three others for evening classes of various kinds. From six to half-past nine clubs, musical drill, sewing and improvement classes, services of song, missionary or Gospel temperance meetings, attract an attendance averaging from 270 to 300. The largest number come on Thursday evening, which is devoted to Bible classes. To many whose days are spent in hot workrooms the shady gardens lent on Saturdays by kind friends are like a new world. One girl asked if she could see the strawberry trees; another, why the bunches of grapes were tied to the top of glass-houses. The revelation of a new world outside their own limited sphere helps to raise the ambition to live a new and higher life.
welcome(Photo: Cassell and Co., Ltd.)IN THE "WELCOME" CLUB AT MIDDAY.
(Photo: Cassell and Co., Ltd.)IN THE "WELCOME" CLUB AT MIDDAY.
(Photo: Cassell and Co., Ltd.)
IN THE "WELCOME" CLUB AT MIDDAY.
Many regiments in the British army are called after and said to be owned by this or that prince or princess. There is "The Princess of Wales's Own," "Princess Charlotte's Own," and so on. One regiment, however, rejoices in the nickname of "Nobody's Own," because it is not named after anybody. It is a grand thing to think that no Christian can be called "Nobody's Own," for we are all called after Christ and owned by our Father in heaven.
Elsewhere in this number will be found an illustrated article on "Childish Memories of Lewis Carroll," and we venture to think that readers of those reminiscences will require no pressing to turn to the biography of this universally favourite author, just published by Mr. Fisher Unwin under the title "The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll." Mr. S. D. Collingwood, who is responsible for the work, frankly admits that it is impossible to give a really adequate presentation of the extraordinarily complex character of his late uncle. He has, however, produced a most able and interesting sketch, which includes many characteristic letters, and is profusely illustrated. Quite a different life-story is also before us in the form of the Rev. George Adam Smith's biography of his friend, the late Professor Henry Drummond (Hodder and Stoughton). No one could lay down this book without feeling that Drummond was in every sense a great man—with a great intellect, a great heart, and a constant, burning desire to be about his Father's business. It is true that he made mistakes, that he put forth certain theories not generally acceptable, and which he himself modified in later years, but throughout his life his honesty of purpose was unquestionable. His influence andpower as a preacher and teacher were remarkable, and many of those whom he reached through his addresses and books will feel indebted to Dr. Smith for this critical and comprehensive story of his life.—From Messrs. Smith, Elder and Company comes a new story from our own contributor, Katharine Tynan, entitled "The Dear Irish Girl," of which we need say no more than that it is the love story of a most winning Irish lassie, written in the bright, entertaining style so well-known to our readers.—"Helps to Godly Living" (Elliot Stock) is the happy title of an excellent little work which consists of helpful and comforting extracts from the writings and addresses of the present Archbishop of Canterbury, selected and arranged by the Rev. J. H. Burn, B.D.—A pathetic interest attaches to the two dainty volumes of poems by the late Dr. J. R. Macduff, entitled "Matin and Vesper Bells" (Cassell), in that the author did not live to see their completion. Many of the poems have been already published independently in various forms, but we believe that this collected edition of Dr. Macduff's tender and inspiring verse will be heartily welcomed.—We have also to acknowledge the receipt of a tastefully produced volume entitled "The More Excellent Way" (Henry Frowde), in which the Hon. Mrs. Lyttelton Gell has carefully arranged the choicest extracts from the works of ancient and modern authors on "The Life of Love"; a collection of addresses on the Beatitudes by the Rev. J. R. Miller, D.D., entitled "The Master's Blesseds" (Hodder and Stoughton); an interesting and instructive work on medical missionary work amongst the blind in India, entitled "They Shall See His Face" (Bocardo Press, Oxford); "Aids to Belief" (Elliot Stock), a series of studies on the divine origin of Christianity by the Rev. W. H. Langthorne; and a volume of sermons by the late Charles H. Spurgeon, which have been published by Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster under the title "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit."