AN EXCELLENT WOMAN

AN EXCELLENT WOMAN

J. R. Miller

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Proverbs 31:10-31 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

The closing picture in the Book of Proverbs is famous. It is the portrait of the virtuous woman. The old-time portrait is full of most interesting practical things. Age has not dimmed its luster, nor made its teachings pointless. The wisdom of the counsels given, has not become outworn in the advance of the centuries. Girls and young wives of today will find its suggestions as helpful as if they had lived three thousand years ago. There are some things that never grow old-fashioned. Character does not. Motherhood does not. Life itself does not. The same old lessons which were taught by Solomon, may be learned today anew, and they will be found as applicable and pertinent as ever.

"The Virtuous Woman" was the artist's name for his picture. By the word "virtuous" he meant strong, noble, capable. It was his thought that such a woman was rare in those days. We can understand this. Womanhood did not reach its best and noblest-until Christ came.

Any man who has a noble woman for his wife will say Amen to the statement, that the price of such a woman as is painted in this passage is far above rubies. She is better to him than all the rubies in the world would be. He would be a fool if he were to exchange her for them all. The young man who finds such a woman for his wife-may consider himself rich, though having nothing in the world besides. The reference to rubies suggests also some of the qualities which belong to the true character of every worthy woman. A writer says: "There is something in the glow of precious stones that peculiarly fits them to serve for spiritual figures. There is about them a subtle light, a brilliancy that burns without fire, that consumes nothing and requires no supply, that forever shines without oil. A diamond that glows in the sunlight flashes yet more beautifully at night. No mold can get root upon it, no rust can tarnish it, no decay can waste it. The jewels that were buried two thousand years ago if now dug up from the royal and priestly tombs would come forth as fair and fresh as they were when the proud wearer first carried them in his diadem-fit emblems of the beauty and imperishableness of Christian virtue."

It would be easy to show how this applies to a true and Christlike woman. There pours forth from her spirit a gentle emanation of light, like that which a diamond emits. It is the soft radiance of love. It is the peace of God in her heart, shining out. It is the quiet beaming forth of the joy which lives deep in her soul. It needs no oil and no fire, for the candle of love which burns within her own breast, supplies the light.

Like the diamond, also, womanhood of this type shines the most brightly in the darkness. The noble woman is beautiful in the light-in the time of joy, in the brightness of prosperity, in the midst of earthly gladness. She shines then in her home, among her friends, wherever she goes. But it is only in time of trial, that the most precious things in her nature appear. Like those precious stones, too, the rich luster of her life is not dimmed by time and its experiences. Sorrow comes upon her-but it makes her beauty of soul only the more radiant. Care comes to her-toil, burden bearing, responsibility, sometimes poverty, pinching want, loss-but amid it all, she moves victorious, unfretted in spirit, keeping faith, her face shining still with its sacred inner light.

That husband would be a miserable wretch, whose heart did not trust in such a woman. He can trust her in every way. He knows that she is true and faithful to him, for this woman is as far from such flirtations as are often heard of in modern society gossip, as the angels are from sin. He can trust her also with the management of her part of his affairs. She is not extravagant. She is not wasteful. She is not a mere bill of expense. She is not a costly luxury. Her husband need have no anxiety about her end of the finances. John Bright's wife said to him at their marriage, "John, attend to your business and your public affairs, and I will provide for the house and relieve you of all cares at home." He never had occasion to carry any burden of care in his wife's domain. That is the ideal division of burden in the household life.

One day, after long years of wedded life and of work together on the field, Mrs. Moffat said of her husband, to another in his presence, "Robert can never say that I hindered him in his work." He promptly assented, speaking in highest terms of praise of her helpfulness. She had never been a hinderer in the slightest way-but always a sharer of burdens, an aid in counsel, a strong help at every point. She was like the woman of Proverbs-she will do her husband good all the days of her life.

Every woman who consents to become the wife of a godly man, ought to settle it in her mind at the very beginning, before she enters the sacred relation-that she will never make life or work harder for her husband, will never hinder him in his business or in his duties-but will "do him good and not evil all the days of her life." It is said that in these days thousands of thoughtful young men are not marrying, because they cannot afford it. Young women, they say, are not willing to live plainly and humbly for a time while the foundations of future competence or fortune are laid-but expect to begin where their parents have climbed through twenty or thirty years of patient, self-denying toil. This is not the spirit of the woman of the lesson. She is ready to go with her husband into a plain little house and begin by his side to work and save, that together they may rise to greater comfort and larger things.

The old way for a woman to make herself useful and helpful, was to seek flax and wool, to work willingly with her hands. Woman's work in those ancient days was limited to a few very simple industries. The meaning is that she was not willing to be a burden to her husband-but insisted on doing her share in providing. She was thrifty. In these days not many wives spin and weave their husband's garments-but there are other ways in which they can make themselves helpful. The Persian bird Juftak, they tell us, has only one wing. On the wingless side, however, the male bird has a hook and the female a ring. Neither one can fly alone-but they fasten themselves together, by means of this hook and ring, and thus fly. This illustrates the true husband and wife. Either alone is a sort of incomplete being and unable to fly upward, except in a very awkward kind of way; but united they can together rise to noble life and great happiness and blessing.

Another habit of the excellent woman is that "she rises also while it is yet night." Early rising has been highly praised in all ages. Almost every philosopher who has ever lived, has said something in its favor. No doubt it is a good thing if one joins with it "early to bed." Otherwise it is not good. There is no blessing in early rising if one robs one's self of sleep to accomplish it. The good wife must manage ordinarily to get her eight hours sleep before she rises, whatever the time may be. Otherwise she will soon lose both health and beauty, and will grow old long before her time.

Again, "She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy." This is a beautiful trait in her. A woman without a kindly heart and a gentle hand-is not the sort of woman God wants. This model wife does not live only for herself alone, nor does she confine all her thought and care and toil to her own home. She does not neglect her own household in order to do good outside. It has been sometimes hinted of certain women, that they were so busy attending missionary meetings or temperance meetings, or looking after orphans or the poor-that their own husbands and homes and children had but scant attention. Perhaps this is not a just charge. At least it could never be true of such a wife as the one described in this passage. On the other hand, however, there have been women who lived so unselfishly and so exclusively for their own, that they never had any thought or time or help for any human being outside. This is almost as faulty a life as the other. Every woman should seek to make her home a center of light and joy and blessing, not only to all who come within her doors-but to the needy, the sorrowing, the suffering outside. One of the noblest opportunities of usefulness and helpfulness given to anyone in this world, is that which a well-prepared woman finds in her home. She can make it a place of warmth and cheer. She can open her doors to her neighbors and friends with the charm of hospitality. She can let the light shine out through her windows to shed its beams outside. She can send out help from her doors in many ways. Then she can make her home a center of gentle and kindly influences which will roll near and far.

Further, this woman "is not afraid of the snow for her household." She provides well in summer for the exigencies and needs of any possible winter. She does not wait until the cold and the storms come, before thinking of warm winter garments for her household. There are mothers who do this-but this woman has everything ready in advance. There is a good lesson here for everybody. The rule to lay up in summer, for the needs of winter-applies in a thousand ways.

Youth is a summer-time, when in school and home, boys and girls should lay up health and knowledge and wisdom for the days of toil, temptation, care, and duty in the after years. It is well for all to begin life on the principle of laying away in store every year, something of the year's earnings or income. This is the only way ever to accumulate anything, or to have anything to fall back on in the "rainy day" which is sure some time to come to everyone. The young should seek also to make friends in their youth, so that when the stresses of life come and they need sympathy and help, they will not stand alone. In the time when they are sheltered in their homes, young people should gather strength into their life-firm principles, sturdy convictions, habits of doing right and of resisting wrong and sin. Then when they go out into the world, to face life's winter, with its duties, struggles, burdens, temptations, sorrows-they will be ready and will not fail.

"Her husband is known in the gates." A great many public men who have risen to eminence and power, have not hesitated to confess that they owed it all to their wives. An inefficient, indolent, thriftless, gad-about woman-will never help her husband's promotion; on the other hand she will hinder his advancement, will prove a heavy drag, and will probably make his life a failure. It is no secret that there are wives of this kind. More men than we probably think are kept down by their wives.

The practical lessons are important. Girls and young women should train themselves to efficiency, earnestness, thrift, helpfulness, strength of character, so that if they marry they will make such wives as the woman of this lesson. And boys and young men, in forming their ideas of the woman that will make a good wife, must not be so foolishly blind as to overlook what is taught here about the kind of woman whose husband becomes honored among men. They must remember that their own future success as men, will depend very largely upon the kind of wife they choose.

The law of kindness is on the tongue of the excellent woman. She has trained her speech to gentle tones. A woman's voice is a wonderful revealer of her character. Every young girl should train herself to speak softly and kindly. One who has not done this in early life, will not be able suddenly to adopt "the law of kindness" when she sets up her own home. Little girls should begin to speak softly when they are playing, or at school and in their home. Nothing is more beautiful in a woman, than calmness and quietness in manner, showing itself in well-controlled speech. Bad temper is a great blot on a woman. A wife and mother who is always scolding, scolding, scolding-not only mars the beauty of her own life, but hurts the lives and scars and spoils the characters of her children, and makes her home an unhappy place for her household. Wonderful is this law of kindness. In a mother in her home, its influence is heaven-like. Every girl and young woman should take this "law" into her life at once, and train her heart and voice to the sweetest kindness.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Here we find something in the lesson for the children. They ought to bless their mother. Children have a great deal to do with the happiness of their parents. They should not forget to be kind and loving to the mother and father who have done so much for them. There is a word here too for some husbands. They forget to praise their wives. One of the ways to make a home happy is for all its members to train themselves to speak pleasant and encouraging words the one to the other. In some homes scarcely a word of affection is ever spoken. Though they are courteous to strangers, at home the love in their hearts seems to freeze, and only cold, snappy words are ever heard. No one thanks another for any kindness. Favors are received in silence. That is not the way the good wife and mother deserves to be treated. Let the children try this rule-rise up and fill their mother's heart with joy. Let the silent, grumpy husband begin to praise his wife, say pleasant things to her, show her some of his love.

Plenty of children, and husbands, too, pour out blessing and praise when the mother and wife is dead. But that is too late. It does her no good then. One loving word when she is living-is worth more than a thousand words when she is dead. One flower brought home and put into her hand when the thoughtful act will give her cheer-is better than a whole carriage-load of flowers piled upon her coffin.

Every woman wants to be beautiful. The secret of true beauty is stated in this chapter of Proverbs: "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Some women sacrifice everything to win favor, to become popular. This word tells us how worthless, how empty and vain is the world's favor. Nothing is worth striving for in womanhood, but pure, noble, lovely character. That is gotten only by being a Christian, by loving God and doing His will, and staying near Him all the time. Many people's religion, is not just like Jesus Christ's religion. Yet everyone should try to be like Him. If we are, then we shall be beautiful. I have read about a girl, a boarder in a family, whom everybody seemed to be wanting all the time. The children wanted her to help them with their toys and play. The old people wanted her for this, and the young people for that. She had learned the true secret of favor. Can you find it?

A woman like this does not need a monument over her grave after she is gone, for her own works will be the best and noblest memorial she can have. We remember what a memorial Mary's broken alabaster box became to her, and how the fragrance of that beautiful, blessed deed of hers still fills all the world. We must not forget that it was through the breaking of the box, and the pouring out of the ointment, that the memorial was made. If Mary had thought the vase too fine to break and the ointment too precious and costly to pour out we would never have heard of either. Things we keep to ourselves leave no blessing in the world, and write no record for us in heaven. It is only the broken things which do good-the things dear to us that we give up for Christ, which are remembered and become immortal.

The "works" of this good woman in our lesson that praise her in the gates, are not the things she did for herself-to get rich, to win honor. They are her kindness to the poor, the distressed, the troubled, the sorrowing. Not only do such "works" praise us in the gates of earth-but our Lord assures us they will also praise their doers at the final judgment, and in the gates of heaven forever. There ought to be sweet encouragement in this, for every woman who is trying to live a life of loving service for Christ. No one knows what the final outcome will be of the smallest thing done in love, for one of Christ's little ones in the Master's name

The Excellent Woman

THE CHRISTIAN WIFE

THE CHRISTIAN WIFE

by J. R. Miller 

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It is a high honor for a woman to be chosen from among all womankind, to be the wife of a godly and true man. She is lifted up to be a crowned queen. Her husband's manly love laid at her feet, exalts her to the throne of his life. Great power is placed in her hands. Sacred destinies are reposed in her keeping. Will she wear her crown beneficently? Will she fill her realm with beauty and with blessing? Or will she fail in her holy trust? Only her married life can be the answer.

A woman may well pause before she gives her hand in marriage, and inquire whether he is worthy, to whom she is asked to surrender so much; whether he can bring true happiness to her life; whether he can meet the cravings of her nature for love and for companionship; whether he is worthy to be lifted to the highest place in her heart and honored as a husband should be honored. She must ask these questions for her own sake, else the dream may fade with the bridal wreath-and she may learn, when too late, that he for whom she has left all, and to whom she has given all-is not worthy of the sacred trust, and has no power to fill her life with happiness, to awaken her heart's chords, to touch her soul's depths.

But the question should be turned and asked from the other side. Can she be a true wife to him who asks for her hand? Is she worthy of the love that is laid at her feet? Can she be a blessing to the life of him who would lift her to the throne of his heart? Will he find in her all the beauty, all the tender loveliness, all the rich qualities of nature, all the deep sympathy and companionship, all the strengthful, uplifting love, all the sources of joy and help, which he seems now to see in her? Is there any possible future for him, which she could not share? Are there needs in his soul, or hungers, which she cannot answer? Are there chords in his life which her fingers cannot awaken?

Surely it is proper for her to question her own soul for him-while she bids him question his soul for her. A wife has a part in the song of wedded love-if it is to be a harmony. She holds in her hands on her wedding day-precious interests, sacred destinies, and holy responsibilities, which, if disclosed to her sight at once, might well appall the bravest heart. Her opportunity is one which the loftiest angel might covet. Not the happiness only of a manly life-but its whole future of character, of influence, of growth, rests with her.

What is the true ideal of a godly wife? It is not something lifted above the common experiences of life, not an ethereal angel feeding on ambrosia and moving in the realms of imagination. In some European cities they sell to the tourist models of their cathedrals made of alabaster, whiter than snow. But so delicate are these alabaster shrines that they must be kept under glass covers or they will be soiled by the dust; and so frail that they must be sheltered from every crude touch, lest their lovely columns may be shattered. They are very graceful and beautiful-but they serve no lofty purpose. No worshipers can enter their doors. No melody rises to heaven from their aisles. So there are ideals of womanhood which are very lovely, full of graceful charms, pleasing, attractive-but which are too delicate and frail for this wearisome, storm-swept world of ours. Such ideals the poets and the novelists sometimes give us. They appear well to the eye-as they are portrayed for us on the brilliant page. But of what use would they be in the life which the real woman of our day has to live? A breath of earthly air would stain them! One day of actual experience in the hard toils and sore struggles of life would shatter their frail loveliness to fragments! We had better seek for ideals which will not be soiled by a crude touch, nor blown away by a stiff breeze, and which will grow lovelier as they move through life's paths of sacrifice and toil. The true wife needs to be no mere poet's dream, no artist's picture, no ethereal lady too fine for use-but a woman healthful, strong, practical, industrious, with a hand for life's common duties, yet crowned with that beauty which a high and noble purpose gives to a soul.

One of the first essential elements in a wife is faithfulness, in the largest sense. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her. Perfect confidence is the basis of all true affection. A shadow of doubt destroys the peace of married life. A true wife, by her character and by her conduct, proves herself worthy of her husband's trust. He has confidence in her affection; he knows that her heart is unalterably true to him. He has confidence in her management; he confides to her the care of his household. He knows that she is true to all his interests, that she is prudent and wise, not wasteful nor extravagant. It is one of the essential things in a true wife-that her husband shall be able to leave in her hands the management of all domestic affairs, and know that they are safe. Wifely wastefulness and extravagance have destroyed the happiness of many a household, and wrecked many a home. On the other hand, many a man owes his prosperity to his wife's prudence and her wise administration of household affairs.

Every true wife makes her husband's interests her own. While he lives for her, carrying her image in his heart and toiling for her all the days-she thinks only of what will do him good. When burdens press upon him-she tries to lighten them by sympathy, by cheer, by the inspiration of love. She enters with zest and enthusiasm into all his plans. She is never a weight to drag him down; she is strength in his heart to help him ever to do nobler and better things.

All wives are not such blessings to their husbands. Woman is compared sometimes to the vine, while man is the strong oak to which it clings. But there are different kinds of vines. Some vines wreathe a robe of beauty and a crown of glory for the tree, covering it in summer days with green leaves and in the autumn hanging among its branches rich purple clusters of fruit. Other vines twine their arms about it-only to sap its very life and destroy its vigor, until it stands decaying and unsightly, stripped of its splendor, discrowned and fit only for the fire!

A true wife makes a man's life nobler, stronger, grander, by the omnipotence of her love, turning all the forces of manhood upward and heavenward. While she clings to him in holy confidence and loving dependence, she brings out in him whatever is noblest and richest in his being. She inspires him with courage and earnestness. She beautifies his life. She softens whatever is crude and harsh in his habits or his spirit. She clothes him with the gentler graces of refined and cultured manhood. While she yields to him and never disregards his lightest wish, she is really his queen, ruling his whole life and leading him onward and upward in every proper path.

But there are wives also like the vines which cling only to blight. Their dependence is weak, indolent helplessness. They lean-but impart no strength. They cling-but they sap the life. They put forth no hand to help. They loll on sofas or promenade the streets; they dream over sentimental novels; they gossip in drawing rooms. They are utterly useless-and being useless they become burdens even to manliest, tenderest love. Instead of making a man's life stronger, happier, richer-they absorb his strength, impair his usefulness, hinder his success and cause him to be a failure among men. To themselves also the result is wretchedness. Dependence is beautiful when it does not become weakness and inefficiency. The true wife clings and leans-but she also helps and inspires. Her husband feels the mighty inspiration of her love in all his life. Toil is easier, burdens are lighter, battles are less fierce-because of the face that waits in the quiet of the home, because of the heart that beats in loving sympathy whatever the experience, because of the voice that speaks its words of cheer and encouragement when the day's work is done. No wife knows how much she can do to make her husband honored among men, and his life a power and a success, by her loyal faithfulness, by the active inspiration of her own sweet life!

The good wife is a good housekeeper. I know well how unromantic this remark will appear to those whose dreams of married life are woven of the fancies of youthful sentimentality. But these frail dreams of sentimentality will not last long amid the stern realities of life, and then that which will prove one of the rarest elements of happiness and blessing in the household, will be housewifely industry and diligence.

When young people marry they are rarely troubled with many thoughts about the details of housekeeping. Their dreams are high above all such common place issues. The mere mention of such things as cooking, baking, sweeping, dusting, mending, ironing-jars upon the poetic rhythm of the lofty themes of conversation. It never enters the brains of these happy lovers-that it will make every difference in the world in their home life-whether the bread is sweet or sour; whether the oatmeal is well cooked or scorched; whether the meals are punctual or tardy. The mere thought that such common matters could affect the tone of their wedded life, seems a desecration.

It is a pity to dash away such exquisite dreams-but the truth is, they do not long outlast the echo of the wedding peals-or the fragrance of the bridal roses! The newly married are not long within their own doors, before they find that something more than tender sentimentality is needed to make their home-life a success. They come down from the clouds-when the daily routine begins and touch the common soil on which the feet of other mortals walk. Then they find that they are dependent, just like ordinary people, on some quite commonplace duties. One of the very first things they discover is the intimate relation between the kitchen and wedded happiness. That love may fulfill its delightful prophecies and realize its splendid dreams-there must be in the new home, some very practical elements. The palace that is to rise into the air, shooting up its towers, displaying its wonders of architecture, flashing its splendors in the sunshine-to the admiration of the world, must have its foundation in commonplace earth, resting on plain, hard, honest rock. Love may build its palace of noble sentiments and tender affections and sweet romances-rising into the very clouds, and in this splendid home two souls may dwell in the enjoyment of the highest possibilities of wedded life; but this palace, too, must stand on the ground, with unpoetic and unsentimental stones for its foundation. That foundation is good housekeeping. In other words, good breakfasts, dinners and suppers, a well-kept house, order, system, promptness, punctuality, good cheer-far more than any young lovers dream-does happiness in married life depend upon such commonplace things as these!

Love is very patient, very kind, very gentle; and where there is love no doubt the plainest fare is ambrosia; and the plainest surroundings are charming. I know the wise man said: "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a good roast-beef dinner, with hatred!" But herbs as a constant diet will pall on the taste, even if love is ever present to season them. In this day of advanced civilization, it ought to be possible to have both the stalled ox-and love. Husbands are not angels in this mundane state, and not being such they need a substantial basis of good housekeeping, for the realization of their dreams of blissful home-life!

There certainly have been cases in which very tender love has lost its tenderness, and when the cause lay in the disorder and mismanagement of the housewifery. There is no doubt that many a heart-estrangement, begins at the table where meals are slipshod, and food is poorly prepared or served. Bad housekeeping will soon drive the last vestige of romance out of any home! The illusion which love weaves about an idolized bride, will soon vanish if she proves lazy or incompetent in her domestic management. The wife who will keep the charm of early love unbroken through the years, and in whose home the dreams of the wedding day will come true-must be a good housekeeper!

In one of his Epistles Paul gives the counsel that young wives should be "workers at home," signifying that home is the sphere of the wife's duties, and that she is to find her chief work there. There is a glory in all the Christian charities which Christian women, especially in these recent days, are founding and conducting with so much enthusiasm and such marked and abounding success. Woman is endowed with gifts of sympathy, of gentleness, of inspiring strengthfulness, which peculiarly fit her to be Christ's messenger of mercy to human woe and sorrow and pain.

There is the widest opportunity in the most fitting service for every woman whose heart God has touched to be a ministering angel to those who need sympathy or help. There are many who are free to serve in public charities, in caring for the poor, for the sick in hospital wards, for the orphaned and the aged. There are few women who cannot do a little in some one or more of these organizations of Christian beneficence.

But it should be understood, that for every wife the first duty is the making and keeping of her own home! Her first and best work should be done there-and until it is well done-she has no right to go outside to take up other duties. She is to be a "worker at home!" She must look upon her home as the one spot on earth, for which she alone is responsible, and which she must cultivate well for God-even if she never does anything outside. For her the Father's business is not attending benevolent societies, and missionary meetings, and mothers' meetings, and bible conventions, or even teaching a Sunday-school class-until she has made her own home all that her wisest thought and best skill can make it!

There have been wives who in their zeal for Christ's work outside, have neglected Christ's work inside their own doors! They have had eyes and hearts for human need and human sorrow in the broad fields lying far out-but neither eye nor heart for the work of love close about their own feet. The result has been that while they were doing angelic work in the lanes and streets-the angels were mourning over their neglected duties within the hallowed walls of their own homes! While they were winning a place in the hearts of the poor or the sick or the orphan-they were losing their rightful place in the hearts of their own household. Let it be remembered that Christ's work in the home is the first that he gives to every wife, and that no amount of consecrated activities in other spheres, will atone for neglect or failure there.

The good wife is generous and warm-hearted. She does not grow grasping and selfish. In her desire to economize and add to her stores-she does not forget those about her who suffer or are in poverty. While she gives her wisest and most earnest thought and her best and most skillful work to her own home, her heart does not grow cold toward those outside who need sympathy. I cannot conceive of true womanhood ripened into mellow richness, yet lacking the qualities of gentleness and unselfishness. A woman whose heart is not touched by the sight of sorrow, and whose hands do not go out in relief where it is in her power to help-lacks one of the elements which make the glory of womanhood.

This is not the place to speak of woman as a ministering angel. If it were, it would be easy to fill many pages with the bright records of most holy deeds of self-sacrifice. I am speaking now, however, of woman as wife; and only upon so much of this ministry to the suffering-as she may perform in her own home, at her own door and in connection with her housewifely duties-is it fit to linger at this time. But even in this limited sphere, her opportunities are by no means small.

It is in her own home-that this warmth of heart and this openness of hand are first to be shown. It is as wife and mother-that her gentleness performs its most sacred ministry. Her hand wipes away the teardrops when there is sorrow. In sickness she is the tender nurse. She bears upon her own heart every burden that weighs upon her husband. No matter how the world goes with him during the day-when he enters his own door he meets the fragrant atmosphere of love. Other friends may forsake him-but she clings to him with unalterable fidelity. When gloom comes down and adversity falls upon him-her faithful eyes look ever into his like two stars of hope shining in the darkness. When his heart is crushed, beneath her smile it gathers itself again into strength, "like a wind-torn flower in the sunshine." "You cannot imagine," wrote De Tocqueville of his wife, "what she is in great trials. Usually so gentle, she then becomes strong and energetic. She watches me without my knowing it; she softens, calms and strengthens me in difficulties which distract me-but leave her serene." An eloquent tribute-but one which thousands of husbands might give.

Men often do not see the angel in the plain, plodding woman who walks quietly beside them-until the day of trial comes; then in the darkness-the glory shines out. An angel ministered to our Lord when in Gethsemane he wrestled with his great and bitter sorrow. What a benediction to the mighty Sufferer, was in the soft gliding to his side of that gentle presence, in the touch of that soothing, supporting hand laid upon him, in the comfort of that gentle voice thrilling with sympathy as it spoke its strengthening message of love! Was it a mere coincidence that just at that time and in that place, that the radiant messenger came? No, it is always so. Angels choose such occasions to pay their visits to men.

So it is in the dark hours of a man's life, when burdens press, when sorrows weigh like mountains upon his soul, when adversities have left him crushed and broken, or when he is in the midst of fierce struggles which try the strength of every fiber of his manhood-that all the radiance and glory of a true wife's strengthful love shine out before his eyes! Only then does he recognize in her-God's angel of mercy!

In sickness-how thoughtful, how skillful, how gentle a nurse is the true wife! In struggle with temptation or adversity or difficulty-what an inspirer she is! In misfortune or disaster-what lofty heroism does she exhibit and what courage does her bravery kindle in her husband's heart! Instead of being crushed by the unexpected loss, she only then rises to her full grandeur of soul. Instead of weeping, repining and despairing, and thus adding tenfold to the burden of the misfortune-she cheerfully accepts the changed circumstances and becomes a minister of hope and strength. She turns away from luxury and ease-to the plainer home, the simpler life, the humbler surroundings, without a murmur!

It is in such circumstances and experiences, that the heroism of woman's soul is manifested. Many a man is carried victoriously through misfortune and enabled to rise again-because of the strong inspiring sympathy and the self-forgetting help of his wife! And many a man fails in fierce struggle, and rises not again from the defeat of misfortune-because the wife at his side proves unequal to her opportunity.

But a wife's ministry of mercy reaches outside her own doors. Every true home is an influence of blessing in the community where it stands. Its lights shine out. Its songs ring out. Its spirit breathes out. The neighbors know whether it is hospitable or inhospitable, warm or cold, inviting or repelling. Some homes bless no lives outside their own circle; others are perpetually pouring out sweetness and fragrance. The ideal Christian home is a far-reaching blessing. It sets its lamps in the windows, and while they give no less light and cheer to those within, they pour a little beam upon the gloom without, which may brighten some dark path and put a little cheer into the heart of some poor passer-by. Its doors stand ever open with a welcome to everyone who comes seeking shelter from the storm, or sympathy in sorrow, or help in trial. It is a hospice, like those blessed refuges on the Alps, where the weary or the chilled or the fainting are sure always of refreshment, of warmth, of kindly friendship, of gentle ministry of mercy. It is a place where one who is in trouble may always go confident of sympathy and comfort. It is a place where the young people love to go, because they know they are welcome and because they find there inspiration and help.

And this atmosphere of the home, the wife makes; indeed, it is her own spirit filling the house and pouring out like light or like fragrance. A true wife is universally beloved. She is recognized as one of God's angels scattering blessings as far as her hand can reach. Her neighbors are all blessed by her ministrations. When sickness or sorrow touches any other household, some token of sympathy finds its way from her hand into the shadowed home. To the old she is gentle and patient. To the young she is inciting and helpful. To the poor she is God's hand reached out. To the sufferer she brings strength. To the sorrowing she is a consoler. There is trouble nowhere near-but her face appears at the door and her hand brings its blessing!

Some wife, weary already, her hands over-full with the multiplied cares and duties of her household life-may plead that she has no strength to spend in sympathy and help for others. But it is truly wonderful how light these added burdens seem-when they are taken up in love. Always the duties we perform out of love for Christ and his suffering ones-become easy and pleasant as we take them up. Heaven's benediction rests ever on the home of her who lives to do good.

Scarcely a word has been said thus far of a wife's personal relation to her husband and the duties which spring out of that relation. These are manifold, and yet they are so sacred and delicate-that it seems hardly fit to speak or write of them. A few of the more important of these duties belonging to the wife's part may be merely touched upon. A true wife gives her husband her fullest confidence. She hides nothing from him. She gives no pledge of secrecy which will seal her lips in his presence. She listens to no words of admiration from others, which she may not repeat to him. She expresses to him every feeling, every hope, every desire and yearning, every joy or pain.

Then while she utters every confidence in his ear-he is most careful to speak in no other ear any word concerning the sacred inner life of her home. Are there little frictions or grievances in the wedded life? Has her husband faults which annoy her or cause her pain? Does he fail in this duty or that? Do differences arise which threaten the peace of the home? In the feeling of disappointment and pain, smarting under a sense of injury-a wife may be strongly tempted to seek sympathy by telling her trials to some intimate friends. Nothing could be more fatal to her own truest interests, and to the hope of restored happiness and peace in her home. Grievances complained of outside-remain unhealed sores. The wise wife will share her secret of unhappiness with none but her Master, while she strives in every way that patient love can suggest-to remove the causes of discord or trouble.

Love sees much in a wife which other eyes see not. It throws a veil over her blemishes; it transfigures even her plainest features. One of the problems of her wedded life-is to retain this charm for her husband's eyes as long as she lives, to appear lovely to him even when the color has faded from her cheeks and when the music has gone out of her voice. This is no impossibility; it is only what is done in every true home. But it cannot be done by the arts of the dressmaker, the milliner and the hair-dresser, only the arts of love can do it! The wife who would always hold in her husband's heart the place she held on her wedding day-will never cease striving to be lovely. She will be as careful of her words and acts and her whole bearing toward him-as she was before marriage. She will cultivate in her own life whatever is beautiful, whatever is winning, whatever is graceful. She will scrupulously avoid whatever is offensive or unwomanly.

She will look well to her personal appearance; no woman can be careless in her dress, slovenly and untidy-and long keep her place on the throne of her husband's life. She will look well to her inner life. She must have mental attractiveness. She will seek to be clothed in spiritual beauty. Her husband must see in her ever-new loveliness, as the years move on. As the charms of physical beauty may fade in the toils and vicissitudes of life, there must be more and more beauty of soul to shine out to replace the attractions which are lost. It has been said that "the wife should always leave something to be revealed only to her husband, some modest charm, some secret grace, reserved solely for his delight and inspiration, like those flowers which give of their sweetness only to the hand which lovingly gathers them." She should always care more to please him-than any other person in the world. She should prize more highly a compliment from his lips-than from any other human lips. Therefore she should reserve for him the sweetest charms; she should seek to bring ever to him some new surprise of loveliness; she should plan pleasures and delights for him. Instead of not caring how she looks-or whether she is agreeable or not when no one but her husband is present, she should always be at her best for him! Instead of being bright and lovely when there is company, then relapsing into languor and silence when the company is gone-she should seek always to be brightest and loveliest when only he and she sit together in the quiet of the home. Both husband and wife should ever bring their best things to each other!

Again let me say, that no wife can over-estimate the influence she wields over her husband, or the measure in which his character, his career and his very destiny are laid in her hands for shaping. The sway which she holds over him is the sway of love-but it is mighty and resistless. If she retains her power, if she holds her place as queen of his life-she can do with him as she will! Even unconsciously to herself, without any thought of her responsibility, she will exert over him an influence which will go far toward making or marring all his future! If she has no lofty conception of life herself-if she is vain and frivolous-she will only chill his ardor, weaken his resolution and draw him aside from any earnest endeavor. But if she has in her soul noble womanly qualities, if she has true thoughts of life, if she has purpose, strength of character and fidelity to principle-she will be to him an unfailing inspiration toward all that is noble, manly and Christlike! The high conceptions of life in her mind-will elevate his conceptions. Her firm, strong purpose-will put vigor and determination into every resolve and act of his. Her purity of soul-will cleanse and refine his spirit. Her warm interest in all his affairs and her wise counsel at every point-will make him strong for every duty and valiant in every struggle. Her careful domestic management, will become an important element of success in his business life. Her bright, orderly, happy home-making, will be a perpetual source of joy and peace, and an incentive to nobler living. Her unwavering fidelity, her tender affectionateness, her womanly sympathy, her beauty of soul-will make her to him God's angel indeed-sheltering, guarding, keeping, guiding and blessing him! Just in the measure in which she realizes this lofty ideal of wifehood-will she fulfill her mission and reap the rich harvest of her hopes.

Such is the "woman's lot" which falls on every wife. It is solemn enough to make her very thoughtful and very earnest. How can she make sure that her influence over her husband will be for good-that he will be a better man, more successful in his career and more happy, because she is his wife? Not by any mere moral posturing so as to seem to have lofty purpose and wise thoughts of life; not by any weak resolving to help him and be an uplifting inspiration to him; not by perpetual preaching and lecturing on a husband's duties and on manly character! She can do it only by being in the very depths of her soul, in every thought and impulse of her heart, and in every fiber of her nature-a true and noble woman. She will make him not like what she tells him he ought to be-but like what she herself is!

So it all comes back to a question of character. She can be a good wife only by being a good woman. And she can be a good woman in the true sense only by being a Christian woman. Nowhere but in Christ-can she find the wisdom and strength she needs, to meet the solemn responsibilities of wifehood. Only in Christ can she find that rich beauty of soul, that gemming of the character, which shall make her lovely in her husband's sight, when the bloom of youth is gone, when the brilliance has faded out of her eyes, and the roses have fled from her cheeks. Only Christ can teach her how to live so as to be blessed, and be a blessing in her married life!

Nothing in this world is sadder than to compare love's early dreams, what love meant to be, with the too frequent story of the after-life; what came of the dreams, what was the outcome of love's venture. Why so many sad disappointments? Why do so many bridal wreaths fall into dust? Is there no possibility of making these fair dreams come true, of keeping these flowers lovely and fragrant through all the years? Yes-but only in Christ! The young maiden goes smiling and singing to the marriage altar. Does she know that if she has not Christ with her-she is as a lamb going to the sacrifice? Let her tarry at the gateway until she has linked her life to Christ, who is the first and the last. Human love is very precious-but it is not enough to satisfy a heart. There will be trials, there will be perplexities, there will be crosses and disappointments, there will be solicitudes and sorrows. Then none but Christ will be sufficient! Without him, the way will be dreary. But with his benediction and presence-the flowers which droop today will bloom fresh again tomorrow! And the dreams of early love will build themselves up into a palace of peace and joy for the solace, the comfort and shelter of old age!

VITAL GODLINESS

VITAL GODLINESS

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EXPERIMENTAL Godliness: A Treatise on

Experimental and Practical Piety

By William S. Plumer  

PEACE

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." (John 14:27)

Peace is the opposite of war, persecution, temptation, condemnation, alarm, tumult, strife, contention, controversy, quarreling. In the Scriptures, the word peace relates to several different things. By nature we are all enemies to God, and by wicked works we evince and strengthen our aversion to God and holiness. But "being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1. By this peace with God we are freed from condemnation. We are no longer hostile to God, nor he to us. We no more contend with the Almighty, nor he with us. Christ is our Surety, our Sacrifice, our Peace. "Thorns grow everywhere, and from all things below; and from a soul transplanted out of itself-into the root of Jesse, peace grows everywhere too from Him who is called our Peace, and whom we still find the more to be so the more entirely we live in him, being dead to the world and self and all things besides him."

The repose of the soul in its God and Savior is wonderful. "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you; because he trusts in you." Isa. 26:3. This "peace of God passes all understanding." Phil. 4 7. In its basis and in its effects no mortal has adequate conceptions of its richness as a blessing from God. "When he gives quietness, who then can make trouble?" said Job, chapter 34:29. And Jesus Christ himself said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." John 14:27. Nothing can finally destroy this peace. "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." Romans 8:34.

Peace is one of God's richest blessings. It is the sum and beginning of all mercies. It is a pledge that we shall never perish. This covenant of peace is between God and every soul who flees to Jesus. "The chastisement of our peace was upon him." Isa. 53:5. By Him we have access to God. We are entitled to call him our Father and our God. God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. When God thus pardons and accepts us, every creature in the universe, whose friendship can do us permanent good, is made to be on our side. The angels become ministering spirits to aid and befriend us, as God shall commission them. The stars in their courses no longer fight against us. He has even made a covenant for his chosen "with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground." Hos. 2:18. We may therefore speak boldly to all who have made peace with God by Jesus Christ, and say, "All things are yours . . . the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come: all are yours; and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." 1 Cor. 3:21-23.

Paul seven times uses a phrase nowhere else found in Scripture. It is this, "The God of peace." And surely a more striking delineation of the blessed character of God could not be given in so few words, unless we except those words of John, "God is love." Let every man "acquaint himself with God, and be at peace." Job 22:21. So also our Savior is "The Prince of peace." In him we have reconciliation with God and all other good things. He was sent "to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:79. His "kingdom is not food and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." Rom. 14:17. So "to be spiritually-minded is life and peace." Rom. 8:6. And so also no greater blessing could be asked on others than this: "Grace be unto you, and peace, from him who is, and who was, and who is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, and the First-begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth." Rev. 1:4, 5.

From peace with God through Christ, naturally flows peace of conscience. This is a vast treasure. Nothing can compensate the lack of it. Nothing can make us happy without it. In the angels above, peace of conscience is the fruit of innocence. In man it is the purchase of a Savior's blood. We must have our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, else the sting will remain and rankle forever. Heb. 10:22. Yes, we must have our consciences purged from dead works, or we never can acceptably serve the living God. Heb. 9:14. If we are ever to be made perfect as pertaining to the conscience, it cannot be "without blood." Heb. 9:7, 9. The blood of Christ "turns our fears into hopes, and our sorrows into songs; it settles the agitations of our spirits; it silences troubles in us; it is a ground of peace to us. That which has been a sweet savor to pacify God, lacks not a savor to appease our consciences.

The great misery of the wicked is that to them "there is no peace." Isa. 48:22, and 57:21. "The way of peace they know not." Isa. 59:8; Rom. 3:17. Conscience of sin remaining, no man can be otherwise than a poor trembling, self-condemned creature. Nor can he by hardening his heart erect any strong bulwarks against the sudden invasion of extreme terrors. This peace of conscience is often interrupted by our sins and follies. When worldliness takes the place of a tender walk; when biblical principle is impinged on; when practice is made to conform to temptation; when the things of time seems more important than eternity; then we may know that sooner or later there will be an uproar in our consciences. But "great peace have they who love your law." Psalm 119:165. It is in vain for any one to hope for a blessing when he is saying, "I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart." Deut. 29:19.

A third kind of peace is when God disposes our fellow-men to regard us with so much favor as to let us alone, not to tease, torment, persecute, or malke war upon us, but to think, speak and act in a friendly way towards us. This is a great blessing, and when it is made sure to us we ought to give hearty thanks to God for it, for he is its author. "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7. Thus for a long time Solomon "had peace on all sides round about him." 1 Kings 4:24.

It is true that this peace is not, like other other graces-such as faith and love-essential to our piety, or our happiness. Jesus Christ said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matt. 10:34. And the effect of true piety under all dispensations has been to provoke the malice of wicked men, though oftentimes it is restrained by the good providence of God. He turns men's hearts wherever he will.

But the word 'peace' is also applied to our habits, pursuits, and dispositions towards OTHERS. "Follow peace with all men." Each of the other kinds of peace is a rich blessing. This is a weighty duty. On this point the Scriptures are very clear and full. Thus even to Nabal David sent this message: "Peace be both to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be unto all that you have." 1 Sam. 25:6. So Jeremiah sent a letter to all his brethren, captives in Babylon, saying, "Build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; and seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall you have peace." Jer. 29:5, 7. The circumstances of the people to whom this message was sent were such that, if anything in the shape of wrong could have justified revenge, they surely would have been at liberty to seek the ruin of the city that had dealt so proudly and cruelly with them. But God, by the mouth of his prophet, condemns all such proceedings, and requires a line of conduct quite the opposite. The prophet delivers his message in an extreme case, and yet with the utmost clearness and consistency with other parts of God's word.

Paul also says, "Let us follow after the things which make for peace." Rom. 14:19. "God has called us to peace." 1 Cor. 7:15. "The fruit of the Spirit is peace." Gal. 5:22. "Live in peace." 2 Cor. 13:11. "Endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:3. He also commands us to pray for our rulers, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty." 1 Tim. 2:2.

The apostle James also says, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:17, 18.

Our blessed Savior also said to his disciples, "Be at peace one with another." Mark 9:50.

So that there is not left the shadow of a doubt, respecting the binding obligation upon all men to have and to manifest peaceable dispositions at all times. Nor should we ever forget that the duty is enjoined with great frequency and solemnity. We should therefore address ourselves to this with much seriousness and earnestness. Nor are we at liberty to limit our endeavors after peace to friendly relations. We must "follow peace with all men." We are not at liberty to confine our efforts in this behalf to a few, and those of our own circle or party. We must let our endeavors extend to all with whom we have dealings. "If a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not vex him." Lev. 19:33.

What then is enjoined on us in maintaining peace with our fellow-men? The answer is, that first, of all we are bound to entertain peaceable and friendly THOUGHTS respecting all men. In the heart is the seat of every virtue. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." If men be not in their temper and disposition peaceable, it is certain that they do in their hearts violate the whole spirit of the gospel. Nor will it be possible for such to make their outward conduct conform to the scriptural standard. "It is hard to act a part for very long; for where truth is not in the heart, nature will always be endeavoring to return, and will peep out and betray herself one time or other."

Another thing to be done in fulfillment of our duty is, to SPEAK peaceably. The peace of neighborhoods is often destroyed by words. "Grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1. "For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife." Proverbs 26:20, 21. "The words of a talebearer are as wounds." Proverbs 18:8. "Render not railing for railing." 1 Pet. 3:9. Paul warns us against "strifes of words." 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 2:14. Rash words may have as ill an effect-as those which are the fruit of a truly malignant design, in destroying the peace of families and of neighborhoods. "A whisperer separates chief friends," Proverbs 16:28; and "an angry man stirs up strife." Proverbs 29:22.

We cannot therefore be too guarded in our speech. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Proverbs 18:21. And every prudent man will pray, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3.

A godly man has said, Before we allow ourselves to find fault with any person behind his back, we should ask ourselves three questions:

1. Is it true?

2. Is it kind?

3. Is it necessary?

A little heart-searching, even a little reflection before a harsh speech, would effectually prevent much misery. John Newton says, "In mixed conversation, it is a good rule to say nothing, without a just cause-to the disadvantage of others." Again, "I was once in a large company, where very severe things were spoken of Mr. W, when one person seasonably observed-that though the Lord was pleased to effect conversion and edification by a variety of means, he had never known anybody convinced of his sin or his error-by what was said of him behind his back. This was about thirteen years ago, and it has been on my mind a useful hint ever since."

Another matter required of us is, to ACT peaceably. "A man that has friends must show himself friendly." Proverbs 18:24. And here the Scriptures furnish us both with rules and with examples. Take the case of Abram and Lot-the uncle and the nephew. These two great men had each many flocks and herds and tents. "Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together, and there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock Then Abram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives. Isn't the whole land before you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left." (Genesis 13:5-9)

Strife can hardly subsist where such a peaceful disposition is manifested. There is no fuel to keep the fire burning. The wisdom of the course adopted by Abram, was conspicuous in these things:

1. In keeping individual interests from clashing. It is a great trial when godly men are so situated that they cannot avoid collision of interests. Here is an example. Let them follow it.

2. Abram refused to listen to the stories of his servants. They seem to have been men ready for strife. It is hard, but it is wise, to avoid mingling ourselves with the quarrels into which our servants get with others.

3. Abram showed his wisdom by leaving all his personal interests in the hands of God. If we will mind God's glory-he will mind our welfare.

The last generation was adorned by one who, in some respects, and especially in faith and peaceableness, particularly in his latter days, was a spiritual child of Abraham. I refer to the pious Simeon of Cambridge, England, who said, "The longer I live, the more I feel the importance of adhering to the rules which I have laid down for myself in relation to the following subjects:

1. To hear as little as possible, what is to the hurt or defaming of others.

2. To believe nothing of the kind, until I am absolutely forced to it.

3. Never to drink into the evil spirit of one who circulates a bad report.

4. Always to moderate as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed towards others.

5. Always to believe that, if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.

I consider love as wealth; and as I would resist a man who should come to rob my house, so would I a man who would weaken my regard for any human being. I consider too, that people are cast in different molds; and that to ask myself-What would I do in that person's situation?-is not a just mode of judging. I must not expect a man that is naturally cold and reserved to act as one that is naturally warm and affectionate; and I think it a great evil that people do not make more allowances for each other in this particular. I think Christian people are too little attentive to these considerations."

It is hardly possible that a man honestly holding and practicing such views should fail to be esteemed as a godly man; or would fail to enjoy general quietness of life, and the respect of all godly men who know him.

One of the most serious HINDRANCES to the peace of many men and many Christian churches is found in occasional outbursts of bad or angry temper. Some men are constitutionally moody. They are not, and without a miracle they could not be-steadily tranquil and peaceful. Their feelings vary with the wind, with the state of their stomachs, and with other mutable things. Others are of a anxious temperament. Some are naturally easily moved to unreasonable or excessive anger-they are hot-tempered and excitable.

Many from early infancy have had bad precepts and worse examples held up before them. Some are fretted and crossed in childhood and youth, until they are like the whelps of the tiger. All this is to be greatly deplored; for "a wrathful man stirs up strife." Proverbs 15:18. Indeed, the first outbursts of passion are often like coals thrown among shavings. There is no telling what will be the end of the mischief done. It would vastly conduce to peace, if men could be induced to guard against all causes, occasions, and beginnings of discord. "Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before the argument gets out of control." Proverbs 17:14. "Nip the evil in the bud," is one of the best rules.

Nor do we follow peace when we allow ourselves to be made parties to arguments which do not concern us. "Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by the ears." Proverbs 26:17.

One of the greatest disturbers of peace is PRIDE. It is sure to be insolent and arrogant. It struts, and boasts, and brags-and provokes others. "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife." Proverbs 28:25. "Pride only breeds quarrels." Proverbs 13:10. " The proud and arrogant person, named "Mocker," acts with excessive pride." Proverbs 21:24.

Unholy AMBITION also begets many contests. There never was a more unhappy state of feeling in the family of our Savior than when "there was a strife among them which of them would be the greatest." Luke 22:24.

It would greatly conduce to the advancement of peace, if men could be induced to put a just estimate on its value. In the eyes of a wise and good man, peace is always of high value. In Scripture it is mentioned side by side with the most excellent things. God says, "Love the truth and peace." Zech. 8:19. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12:14. So that if truth and holiness are of great price in the eyes of God and godly men, so is peace.

In his old age John Newton wrote, "Peace and holiness are the peculiar characteristics of a disciple of Jesus; they are the richest part of the enjoyments of heaven; and they are more inseparably connected between themselves than some of us are aware of. The longer I live, the more I see of the vanity and sinfulness of our unchristian disputes; they eat up the very vitals of religion."

Our great guaranty against a disturbed, disquieted existence, is to be found in God alone. He is our refuge as well as our strength. Thus says David, "You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the pride of men; you shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues." Psalm 31:20. Nor can we easily overestimate the evils that flow from a state of carnal strife between man and man, or between the sections of a church community. "Where envying and strife is, there is contention and every evil work." Jas. 3:16. "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another." Gal. 5:15.

Yet so inveterate is this spirit-of contention, and so dreadfully does it blind the mind, that it is with great difficulty men of strife can be brought to believe that they are injuring and degrading themselves by all their malice. "Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight." Proverbs 20:3. Such a sentence is either not heeded by them, or it strikes terror into their consciences. Other portions of God's word are no less explicit. Paul puts wrath and strife in a list of vices of the most hateful character. Gal. 5:19-21. James says, "But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, stop boasting and lying against the truth." Jas. 3:14.

Nothing should more arouse us to this duty than the example of our blessed Lord, of whom it was foretold that "he shall not strive nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets." Matt. 12:19. "When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not." We can now see why our blessed Savior spoke as he did concerning those who, with a good will, seek to promote peace around them. "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." And can any imagine a more interesting sight than a church community regulated by such principles as the gospel enjoins on this subject, where would be nothing to hurt or destroy in all God's holy people?

But the question arises, How far are we to bear and forbear; how much must we yield for peace? Is it possible for us to control other people's minds and acts in this matter? And here it is pleasant to be able to say that the Bible prescribes no impossible tasks. Its language is, "If it is possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men." Rom. 12:18. How plain and how safe is this rule. Up to the measure of our ability we must go, but the law extends no further. Nay, the Scriptures tell us of one great and good man whose lament was, "I have lived too long with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I talk about it, they only talk about war." Psalm 120:6, 7. They go further, and tell us of some who "preach Christ even out of envy and strife." Phil. 1:15, 16.

There is no limit to the contentious propensities of some. They introduce virulence even into their most solemn public acts in religion. Some do all this, and yet make 'great professions of love'.

We are not at liberty to forsake God or deny his truth, in order to promote peace. On the contrary, we must obey God rather than man. We must contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. We must never make shipwreck of faith. We must never part with a good conscience. "Buy the truth, and sell it not"-sell it not even for peace. The world asks too dear a price for its smiles or its favor-when it asks us to renounce our beliefs, or purity of mind.

Nor is it necessarily proof of a wrong spirit in us to refuse to surrender our just and legal rights, merely because others choose to attempt to take them from us. Paul exclaimed, "I am a Roman citizen." "I appeal to Caesar." Nor can any sober man deny that his retention of his rights in these cases was every way justifiable. This will suggest our right course respecting lawsuits. We should not engage in these from ambition or a love of contention. We should not be litigious. Oftentimes "a bad settlement is better than a good lawsuit." Those who love to resort to lawsuits seldom thrive. As the wolf spends all his strength in escaping from the dogs and the hunters, although he eats many sheep-so the enormous expenses of the practiced litigant, even when successful, very much exhaust his means, and keep him poor.

Prayer on the Festival of Easter

Prayer on the Festival of Easter

We thank Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, Thou blessed Prince of life, that Thou out of divine love, didst give Thyself into death for us, and didst offer Thyself as a propitiation for our sins unto Thy heavenly Father; whereby Thou didst deliver us from the power of death, of the devil and of everlasting damnation, and in proof whereof Thou, as the Prince of life and as the Conqueror of death, didst lift up Thy head on the third day, didst rise again, and didst bring forth righteousness, innocence and eternal life. We beseech Thee, give us grace, and so operate in us through Thy Holy Spirit, that we may heartily rejoice and find comfort in Thy death and resurrection, and thereby quiet our consciences and overcome all fear of death. 

Do Thou also permit Thy resurrection to be a cause and an incitement to us to do good works and to bring forth fruits of righteousness, so that we, as Thy people, may be willing to worship Thee in the beauty of holiness. Help that we may daily die unto sin, crucify and slay the old Adam with his evil lusts and desires, and, on the other hand, spiritually arise, begin to live in righteousness, to walk in newness of life, to purge out the old leaven, and to become a new unleavened bread. Help also that we may await with comfort and joyful hope the resurrection of our deceased bodies, which shall come forth in virtue of Thy resurrection, on the last day, and that we may enter into Thy presence with body and soul in the kingdom of Thy everlasting heavenly glory and excellence. Amen.