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fxinihrrn Ckisiiaw TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS PER VOLUME XLI., NO. 32. Forgiveness. BY J. KDMONBTOIV. When on the fragrant sandal tree The woodman’s axe descends, And, she, who bloomed so beauteously, Beneath ihe weapon bends, E’en on the edge that wrought her death, Dying, she breathes her sweetest breath, As if to token in her fall Peace to her foes, and love to all. How hardly man this lesson learns, To smile, and bless the hand that spurns: To see the blow, to feel the pain, And render only love again ! One had it—but he came from heaven ; Reviled, rejected, and betrayed, No curse he breathed, no plaint he made; But when, in death’s dark pang, he sighed, J'rayed for his rrurdorers, and died. (Tontributions. Nacoochee. The first view of this lovely valley hursts upon you as you approach the “ Mountain Home” of Mr. G. VV. Wil liams, of Charleston. This gentleman has demonstrated his love for his an cestral acres, by selecting the most eligible spot in the valley for the sum mer retreat of his family, and sur rounding it with all the comforts and beauties which good taste could sug gest. The grounds are admirably laid out. The green lawn sweeps to wards the house from every stand point, dotted with the rarest and most beautiful native and exotic trees and shrubbery, parterres of flowers, gor geous in hue and redolent of fragrance, fountains of sparkling water playing around you, flocks of sheep and goats, and herds of cattle clipping the green herbage, or quietly resting under the shade of some monarch of the woods, “ tout ensemble ,” give you the beau ideal of a rural home. From this standpoint let us take a view. On the left, in front of you, stands Lasalle’s Mountain ; behind it, looms up old Yonah, grim sentinels of the valley ; sweeping northward and westward, mountain rises upon moun tain—Pelior upon Ossa like—until they culminate in grand old Tray, the highest point ii> this portion of the Apalachian chain. Turning eastward, your eye is next attracted by Chimney Mountain, looming up, then mountain rfter ises and falls iu beau iitnl utfouiJudos, r%,u they —it in the Blue Ridge. In the embrace of this grand amphitheatre is nestled the sweet Vale of Nacoochee, with the beautiful Cbattahooche winding its way through green meadows and fields of waving corn. As you ride up the valley new beauties arc con stantly unmasked, and you arc bewil dered by the transition. As you advance, the valley of the Santee suddenly opens before you, en compassed by mountain spurs, with here and there a white cottage peep ing through the greenwood. All along the valley, on your right, you will have glimpses, through the trees and shrubbery, of houses, which bring to memory these lines, “ I knew by the smoke which so gracefully curled Around the green elms that a cottage was near; And I said, if there’s peace to be found in the world, The heart that was humble might hope for it here.” A large school house, and the Meth odist and Presbyterian Churches, with their spires pointing heavenward, il lustrate the character of the inhabit ants, but when we toll you that the services in either are alternated, and you can’t tell the Methodists from the Presbyterians, in their zeal to do good and elevate, the Christian character, you may have a conception of the harmony which pervades this eommu nity. A tit setting to the picture of this “ Tempo of the South ” will be recog nized in the beautiful villa of Captain Nichols, at the west end. In a little dell, embowered by rare and beautiful trees and shrubbery, with its foun tains playing about you, resplendent with gorgeous flowers' along its ter raced walks, you can appreciate how art can lend its cannie hand to nature in embellishment, and bewilder you with the beauty of the surroundings. In front of the villa, at some distance, stands the only real Indian mound in the valley. It is an oblong, trun cated mound, thrown up with precise regularity, and measuring on the sum mit about 115 by 100 feet, and in height thirty feet, the longest diame ter pointing north and south. Origi nally a parapet extended around the circumference of the summit, upon which it is conjectured the Indians sat when enjoying such games as might be played in the arena, or when seated in council. Some fort}' years ago the French savant, Nicolet, spent several days in exploring this mound, in search of some clue to the history of this lost people, but without much success, finding only some pieces of pottery and other trinkets of little value. The Captain (as everybody calls him in this region) has been more success ful, and has found some very interest ing relics, which have been made the subject of a lecture by a gentleman of antiquarian tastes. The mound is now embellished by parterres of flow ers,and crowned by a tasteful Pagoda, forming a pleasant retreat for the pleasure seeker and a fit spot for mu- PUBLISHED BY WALKER, EVANS & COGSWELL FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH sing on the mystery which hangs abont the remains of these “ Mound Builders,” who have left behind them evidences of a higher civilization than their successors, extending from Cen tral America to the Great Lakes, mute memorials of a forgotten race. One of the most beautiful standpoints for a view of the valley is on the PinsoD Hill, on the south side of the valley. From this point you have the only view of the whole valley, and of the Chattahooche, winding its way through it, and a grand mountain view, also, in the back ground. But after all, it is difficult to say at what standpoint the valley is most beauti ful. It is beautiful in the silvery sheen of the moonlight. It is more beautiful in the morning, when the -cun first tints with his golden ttys the top of Lasalle’s Mountain, i/ext illuming old Yonah’s crown, throwing the deep wcody valleys into the dark est shadow—now sweeping down upon the valley, lighting it up with its glorious effulgence, and driving the fog banks to the mountain heights. It is even more beautiful at noon, when the silvery couds, floating over the sky, reflect in “chiaroscuro,” a thousand images of fancy. But above all, is it most beautiful, when the sun sets behind the western mountains, and lumes with his golden rays the gorgeous kaleidoscopic views of cloudland. How the Alps and the Appeninesloom up before you, mosques and minarets! cloud capped towers and gorgeous palaces! broad oceans and ships at seal Imagination runs riot in such scenes of beauty and grandeur. Talk of Italian sunsets — nothing can surpass a Nacoochee sun set. But we should not attempt to touch with the pencil of an unskillful artist, a scene which Ruskin might hes itate to portray, or which a Claude Lorraine would admire, but not ven ture to put upon his canvas. Rambling Reminiscences. My dear old friend, Dr. Whitefoord Smith, need not apprehend that I shall think he slighted me because he did not chance to mention my name in a late communication to the Advo cate. His reference to me in a more recent paper iff very kind—-just like the man. Yes, those were pleasant years, in deed, which wo spent together in Charleston, notwithstanding tiie yel low fever visit colons to jwhie'.i the Doctor alludes. He and orfr latd’ven erable friend, Dr. Bachman, and my self, had no little experience with that terrible scourge. I took it in Vicksburg, in 1843, and Dr. Marshall and other friends who were with me, thought my’ end was come. They wept and prayed around my bed, and commended my departing soul to God. But he snatch ed me from the jaws of death. When the fever was raging in Charleston, a fast was proclaimed. I preached the fast-day sermon in the Third Presbyterian Church. Before I concluded the service, I was seized, in the pulpit, with what might have been yellow fever if I had been sus ceptible of a second attack. 1 think they called it “ sympathetic fever.” It seemed to be near akin to yellow fe ver. It went hard with me. I was taken from the church to ray bed ; but I cannot detail—imleed, l cannot re member—what I passed through. My son was born just at the close of a yellow fever season (November 10, 1849); be was nearly five years old when the terrible visitation took place in 1854. As 1 believed the fever to be highly infectious, but not con tagious, I kept my children shut up in the house during the prevalence of the epidemic, and they escaped. I moved freely and fearlessly among the subjects of it, as 1 would do to-day. My son never took it, but when it broke out in Memphis he rushed off, against the wishes of his friends, (from Beersheba Springs, where he was Medical Adviser), and remained a month, breathing the very vapors of death. lie dissected a great many subjects, analyzed and noted every thing with the greatest care—spent days and nights with the sick, the dying and the dead—the stench being worse than that of a sepulchre; all his co-laborers fell—many of them died —and yet he was miraculously protected, and has returned to us safe ; I wish I could say sound. But I trust the poison will be worked out of his system. He attributes his escape to the prayers offered incessantly in his behalf. He has studied the subject more thoroughly, perhaps, than ever it was studied before. He thinks he understands its pathology, and the method of treatment which will result in cure. But he is to write a History of the Epidemic in Memphis, and also Pathological Notes—the latter at the instance of the authorities at Wash ington —so I say nothing on these matters in this rambling letter. Nashville is exempt from yellow fever visitations. When a quarantine was spoken of, Drs. Menees, Atchison, Rowling, and others, opposed it; all honor to them for so doing. I op posed it with all ray might, as a lay man. We invite refugees from the stricken regions to come to Nashville. The hygrometric and other conditions forbid the notion that yellow fever can be propagated in Nashville. I have been surprised to find that people have been afraid to send their sous and daughters to school at Nash ville, for fear of the yellow fever! I CHARLESTON, S. C., SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1878. have never known the city more healthful at this season of the year. The literary, theological and legal departments of Vanderbilt Universi ty are in full blast Students are daily coming in. The medical department is just opening; that called my son from Memphis. The faculty of the Medical College is very able, and all the arrangements of the institu tion, hospital, museum, etc., are ex cellent. Thos. O. Summers. How to Succeed. NUMBER VI. Young men desirous of establishing business habits should be prompt, punctual, and accnrate. Nothing be gets confidence in a young man sooner than habits of pui-ctnali*j-, sobriety, and accuracy. No one who is habit ually dilatory and inaccurate will be tolerated in a well regulated counting house. Accuracy is a mark of good training. Let me urge the young to concentrate their efforts, and not frit ter their time by engaging in a vari ety of pursuits, making themselves, as it were, “Jacks at all trades and good at none.” Find out what you are fitted for, and having chosen a busi ness, go to work with a will and de termination to succeed. A despond ing, hesitating character scarcely ever accomplishes much. Some people are always resolving, hut fail to put their resolutions into execution. Punctuality is an important business habit; and a punctual man always regards the time of others. An emi nent lawyer in Charleston, who is a member of important boards, said ho lost so much time by being prompt in various meetings, he found it necessa ry to be prompt only ten minutes after the time fixed for the meetings, and if there was not a business quorum in five minutes thereafter, he would move an adjournment. In this way he is robbed of only five minutes, in stead of fifteen minutes. I have been worried no little, and have lost much valuable time by dilatory directors. Punctuality should be made a point of conscience, as well as duty. Some men have their names asso ciated with various boards, but give very little attention to the trusts as sumed. Diligence is said to be the mother of good luck, and is an impor tant business trait; it is the active employment of mind and body, in useful employment, and often brings .Ut*." - nossessor. km; wje lire, wealth and fame. When a thing is to be done, the dil igent man does not hesitate, but goes to work and accomplishes it. The Spartan youth who told his mother that his sword was too short, was or dered to add a step to it. If we feel that our talents are insufficient, we must add to them by industry and diligence. You should not only be punctual, accurate and industrious, but you must also be prudent. “ A prudent man looketh well to his go ing;” he will not involve himself in debt, until he has carefully considered the means of discharging the same. Business, when conducted on a large scale, demands sound judgment, great energy, and a correct adaptation of means to ends. You must bo master of your business to succeed. Do not be allured from your legitimate work, and engage in business enterprises in which you have had no previous experience. Bet ter let well enough alone. Losses by had debts and shrinkages, in nearly every class of investments, have, lor the past five years, well nigh consumed the profits of many of the best conducted commercial houses. Now that the bankrupt law is to be swept away, perhaps our business men will turn over anew leaf in granting and accepting credits. In the eager desire to sell goods, the credit system has been greatly abused. It is even difficult to carry on business upon credit when the profits are sufficient to stand as a fund to insure collections; but when they are reduced, by sharp competi tion in all pursuits, and when labor yields such meagre returns, there is great necessity for using the strictest economy. Young men should waste neither time nor money. Remember that “ time and tide wait for no man.” Time is y r our estate; an estate, how ever of little value without cultiva tion and improvement. Continuous application and faithful work will ef fect much. It is distressing to see so much time wasted by’ young and old men at country stores, political gath erings, railway stations, and at city and town hotels. Many y’oung men waste valuable time at billiard saloons, and at the gaming table; time that should he devoted to work, or the improvement of their minds. It is as important to learn the lesson of economizing time as it is to save money, for if you lose your money’, you may regain it by industry’, but golden hours lost are gone forever. Thirty minutes to-day 7, an hour to morrow, and two hours next week saved, will enable the studious and industrious y’outh tolay the foundation of a good education. G. W. W. Nacoochee Valley 7 , Ga., Sept. 1878. “Search the Scriptures,” as the miner searches for rich ore, and as the hound for the scented track. Avoid desultory habits of reading, and make a faithful and protracted effort to un derstand and retain what you read. The Church and ILL' Mission. NUMBER II Our selfish and narrew views limit our joys, dimir ish theirintensity, and often destroy them atogether. In deed, selfishness alwa;s defeats its ultimate aim. Intending to benefit self only and by all means, it gets misery instead of benefit. Christian ity is uncompromising in its war against this miserable irnciple, not merely tor the sake of conflict, but be cause of its destructive Influence. As we gather facts by observation and experience, we see how pliianthropic is the religion of Christ. It proscribes only that which is evil ip nature and influence, and prescribes those things which will enhance our joys. It may l>e abundantly proved jF actual ex- L . _rimehYTnat, j torbiddeu in the law of God is actually detri mental to our happiness . Now it may be laid down as a position which needs no proof that God’s aim in all his requirements of us, is our happiness, or, rather, our blessedness. And as iu wisdom as in goodness, that obedience to His requirements will bring that blessedness, while disobedience will naturally produce misery. Il is not material to our argument whether God prescribes a certain character and course of conduct because they tend to our happiness because .he has com manded them. It is sufficient to know —and this we may know positively— that blessedness is founded in the pathway of duty as marked out by God’s word, and in that -cay alone. The only source of, happiness or bliss is in love. A n;an must love whatever gives him happiness. That men find temporary pleasure iu sin is because they love siu. That this pleasure is temporary irises from the nature of sin and from the fact that its deformity is concealed and a de ceptive appearance is presented to the mind. When sin is seen in its real nature, as it will 1> j seen by all, then will it be hated, feud iu the case of the finally lost, no qj.her love will be substituted for it. (This will be the acme of misery, lor the source of all happiness will he destroyed. Love, then, beiug ti£ source of all bliss, and being an active principle, going out to the object -oved, it must find expression for itself. The only* expression lovefindsfo: Itself is giving. God could by giving His onl; ifiet'Cyen Son • and every auaeu inmutr ,/uiir- sirs loiys" has been, and ever will be,in the form ol a gift. Thus human love must give out its expression, and u this outgo of love from the heart theie is an in flow of bliss into it. The bliss expe rienced by a soul is proportioned to the iove felt by that soul; and when the object loved is worthy, the love and the bliss of the heart are con stantly increasing. To love largely then is to be greatly happy by direct consequence. As we enlarge our per sonality’, and increase, as it were, the surface of our sensibilities, we increase the sources and the amount of our bliss. To illustrate : tiie members of a loving family enjoy far more than an isolated man, lor the pleasures of each member are reproduced afresh in every other. Let the family be indefinitely increased and we see how the happiness is multiplied. So when God would have us enlarge our sym pathies, and extend our love to all mankind it is that we may be made the happier thereby. We gather joy from a thousand sources which we would fail to receive, were vve to shut ourselves up in the narrow shell of selfishness. The intensity of the joys thus ex perienced is proportioned to the love felt for others. If that love be feeble the joy is feeble ; if strong, the joy is deep and lull Therefore “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” not so much that thy neighbor may be bene fited as that thou mayest be made happier. When then our hearts, en larged by God’s abounding love, go out to all his people and to all men., and project their sympathies deep into the hearts of all, so unite them to us closely 7 and vitally, we multiply our own joys and greatly increase their intensity. It is easy to see how such loving union of Christian hearts would strengthen the Church, and increase the power of her usefulness. It would give cohesiveness to the Church, and add wonderfully to the attractiveness of religion. The Christian Church would be a family instead of a frater nity 7. O, what bliss would flow abroad in refreshing abundance were tho Church thus united ! O God, unite Thy children to Thee and to one an other iu a strong and abiding love. Crispus. Mr. Editor: 1 wonder if a letter from this far away State of Kentucky would possess any interest for many of your readers. I have the vanity to believe that some, at least, when they read the name at the end of this communication, will be glad to learn that their friend and brother of former years is still living and toiling, both well and happy, in his work. First of all, he desires to congratulate you on the return of the dear old Southern Christian Advocate to her native city. It might have been an occasion of rejoicing similar to that on the re turn of the ark of the Lord to its proper place, after its long sojourn in exile among the Philistines; just at this point, 1 beg to say, the compari- son fails, for your ark has been, not in the hands of enemies during its ab sence from its original abode, but among friends. Still, you all have been weary’ at its long tarrying, and have been pining through these tedi ous y’ears for its restoration to the old home. Well might all South Caro lina Methodism have run out of doors to meet it with outstretched arms, and clapped her hands with exube rant joy’, exclaiming, “ O, it has come! it has come! Welcome—thrice wel come to our hearts and homes once more.” The writer participates in that joy, and sends his greeting (with the renewal of his subscription), from tho beautiful banks of the fair, wan dering Ohio. The Kentucky Conference has just closed its fifty-eighth session, in this town, and I grieve to write that my only fellow-South Caroliuian in this body—Rev. Jas. Wesley Wightman, D. D.—re-transfers to the dear old mother Conference of which we to gether were so long members. Our honored brother, Rev. H. A. C. Walker, who was with us for about four years, returned to her maternal embrace several years ago, and was made wel come to her loving hearts; so also will be this longer abseut, but equally worthy son. How it will delight his many friends there to learn that his son-in-law, Rev. Clarence F. Reid, as esteemed y’oung member of the Kentucky Conference, has just been appointed, by Bishop Pierce, a missionary to China—we having pledged ourselves to send and support him for six years without a dollar ol expense to the parent Board. Ilis devoted wife, Mary, is as admi rably adapted to that work, as any woman I have ever known. They will probably be ready to set out by about Ihe first of January next. God speed them on their way, and give them eminent success in winning many of the benighted Pagans to Christ! Your brother, Charles Taylor. Shelbyville, Ky., Sept. 25, 1878. New England Correspondence. Mr. Editor : In a previous letter we spoke of the popular watering places at the North. There is still another yet to be named, sometimes called the Religious Watering Place. Tho old time camp-meetir.gs of the Methodists, in New England, as generally else where „were under the ban, of ot !><>• dono a8 we || aH tjye outside public ; but still they were a great power in the earlier history 7 of the denomination, in reaching multitudes who would otherwise have remained outside of religious influences. Thous ands upon thousands have been con verted at these annual Methodist gatherings, and proved as stable and useful Christians as the fruits of any other gospel labors. Within twenty years or so, these annual gatherings have divided themselves into two classes ; one, retaining more or less of the old fashioned camp-meeting of our fathers, witli many family cot tages and greatly increased facilities ; tho other, assuming almost city pro portions and elegance, have, little by little, become a species of Religious Watering Places. The best representatives of this latter class are Ocean Grove, in New Jersey, Round Lake, in New York, Vineyard Grove, in Massaehusitts, and Old Orchard Beach, in Maine. At these places the camp-meeting week is still kept up each year, and the usual stand-preaching, tent-meet ings, and other means of grace are gone through with, but with small results spiritually. The trouble is these places have become too popular as summer resorts, and theciowds that flock to such invitii g groves, with no well defined religious object in view, are quite too great to allow of much good being done of a distinct camp-meeting nature. Vineyard Grove, for instance, on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts, has become a Summer City by’ the Sea, with a pop ulation of perhaps twenty thousand people, who resort thither at the be ginning of the hot season and remain until autumn brings its cooling breezes to their city homes. Some times the population at this fashiona ble resort goes up, it is said, as high as forty thousand. Railroad lines and steamers ply daily’ and almost hourly to carry passengers to and from this place of great resort. Streets, ave nues, parks and walks, have been laid out in regular order; and miles upon miles of concrete pavements add to the natural fitness and beauty of the grove. Two large hotels and a thous and or more family’ cottages, .all of them modtds of taste, and many ex travagantly’ elegant, afford shelter to the multitudes of visitors. To feed this collection of people re quires grocers, bakers, butchers and restaurants or eating houses. To meet the religious wants of this Sum mer City are the great Tabernacle, belonging to the Camp-meeting As sociation, two or more church edifices where services are held before the regular camp-meeting week begins. Sunday-schools are established for Sabbath work, common schools on week days for children that would otherwise fall behind their grade at home, and schools of modern languages for adults. The old time camp-meeting odium has ceased to attach itself to this and similar gatherings. Not only the leading clergymen and families of our own church, but those of nearly all the other denominations also spend their summer vacations at such places of religious resort, and some of them have adopted tho regular thing themselves! The Baptists have pur chased a site at the Vineyard, near the Methodist ground, fitted up regu lar camp-meeting appointments, and hold a regular annual gathering there, commanding some of their ablest di vines from both Boston and New York; and even the Unitarians and Universalists have begun to follow suit in other parts of New England. Verily’, all our Methodist usages and methods are in a fair way to be adopt ed by’ other denominations. September, 1878. Tourist. The Salutations of St. Paul. Rom. 1G: 1-16. These salutations are valuable, as affording an index to the apostle’s character. They show the depth of his affection, the earnestness with which he took hold of the individual, separating him in thought from tho rest of mankind, and drawing him tenderly and abidingly’, near his own loving heart. To the unreflecting mind there is something monotonous and wearisome in these frequent salu tations. The eye, perhaps, glances mechanically, and without interest, adown the list. But these salutations are like the smooth, round pebbles which, with ail their sameness, tell us that we are on the margin of some grand lake, heaving in majesty and power. We should think of the great heart of love which gave birth to those similar, but fond addresses. Well would it he for us did we possess tho same deep love. 1 fear that we are lacking in this respect. We do not love one another to that extent and degree which we ought. Instead of tender greetings, loving salutations, we too often give utterance to dispar aging remarks, censorious criticisms. And yet our Master has said; “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” And again, He has said: “By this shall all men know that ye are ray disciples, if ye have love one to another.” O, that tho Church had more of “tho mind which qris in Christ.” It would be “no more a re proach.” Like a garden of spices, it would emit the most grateful odors. Like an oasis in the desert.Jt would attract from afar the feet o the drea ry and heavy laden. Let us “ follow after charity.” It is the crowning excellence of character. Hcr.v St. Paul eulogizes it in his first epjytle to the Corinthians. It is nobler imm elo quence. “Though 1 speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity’, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” It is more to be desired than the deep est insight or tho most majestic power. “ Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove moun tains, and have not charity, I am nothing. ” The greatest sacrifices have no reward without it. “ Though 1 give all my goods to feed the poor, and though 1 give my body to be burned,and have not charity, it profit eth me nothing.” The salutations of St. Paul are val uable, moreover, as reminding us of a means of usefulness. It is the main tenance of a correspondence with those whom we have been the instru ments of benefiting, and who, in the Providence of God, have been sepa rated from us. Too often we betray great folly in permitting the influence we have acquired over such to gradu ally 7 decline, for want of an occasional communication. Let each ask him self, Have i been faithful in this re spect? Perhaps you are a Sunday school teacher. Do you not remem ber that bright-eyed hoy who used to belong to your class ? That boy who seemed to appreciate your labor ? That boy who sent a thrill of hope through y’our heart every Sabbath afternoon? Do you not remember how sad he lopked when ho came to bid you good-by, as be was about to leave with his father for some village or country home? Have you ever written to that boy? ever sent him one salutation, one word of greeting? Perhaps there was a neighbor over whom you once exercised great influ ence. At your solicitation be would read his Bible, attend church, and keep from the-bar-room. He now lives at a distance from you. Do you ever visit him ? Or, if too remote, do you ever send him a line, inquiring after his welfare, and urging him on in the right? O, brethren, imitate the apostle, and endeavor to maintain the influence y’ou have acquired. A sceptre like y’ours is not to be relin quished, without an effort to retain it. An Atlantic, with its t housand leagues, may roll between y’ou and the subjects of your sway; but in God’s Provi dence there are means at your com mand, by which y’ou can perpetuate your influence, perhaps even unto death. R. L. Harder. The United States is the only great nation to-day in the happy condition of exporting much and importing little. All the others are compelled to go outside of their limits for bread and meat, and other necessaries of life. F. M. KENNEDY. I). D Editor. Rev. IS. A. WEBER Associate Editor. WHOLE NUMBER 2112. International Lessons. FOURTH QUARTER LESSON 111 OCT. 20. THE PRODIGAL SON. Luke : H-24. Lesson Notes. —lt Is probable that this parable was spoken in Perea, to which place the Saviour had gone to avoid the hostile Jews. It was only a few days before the crucifixion. Luke only’ mentions the incident. According to the Mosaic law, the younger brother received only one half as much as the oldest. By “husks” is meant tho fruit of the carob tree, common in many places in the East, which is fed to animals, and also used by tho very poor as food. 1. The Prodigal Son. —ln the lesson to-day’ we get a glimpse of the business habits atid character of tlie three per sons mentioned. We see the industri ous, kind-hearted impartial father, tho energetic, active boys, both posses sing remarkable decision of character; theone, genial, social, liberal; the other, selfish, mean, stingy. Ourlesson refers only’ to tho better son, and not to tho worse. It was not wrong for him to ask for his portion ofgoods. Thefather readily y’ielded to his request. It was not wrong for him to leave home and try his fortune amongst strangers in afar country’. 2. Wasted his substance with riotous living. —Here is where the young man made his mistake. The temptations of this new, unrestrained life over came him. Just at this time of year, thousands of young men are leaving their homes for far countries ; some are going to college; others are seek ing employ’ment in commercial cen tres; while many are seeking their fortunes in the far West. Let them not dissipate their money, and mind and character in riotous living. Op portunities are never wanting; tho tempter is always at hand. 3. The Far Country. —When any one is away from God, he is in a far country’. One may go to church every Sunday’, and pay his dues to the treasurer regularly, and yet be living in a far country. It does not take one long to spend all he has in that far country. 4. The Famine. —Riotous living will not long satisfy the immortal soul. Indulgence in the lower appe tites will soon produce a sore famine in tho heart. Give a man all the mo ney he wants, and everything that money will produce, yet, if he is away from God, striving to satisfy his soul with tile things that perish a great famine will soon come on him. 5. Tiif, Feeding of Swine. —More disgraceful and humiliating work couid not be assigned to the Jew. Taught from the very beginning of their national existence than the hog was an unclean animal, it must have been the very lowest depth of degra dation for the Jews to have the care of the swine, which they detested. 6. The Hunger of the Soul.— Though be may have had a great abundance of swine’s food, yet he was not satisfied ; it did not fill him. No man gave unto him ; for it was not in the power of man to furnish him with the bread of life, which alone will sat isfy one in tho day of soul-famine. When one gives way to envy, or hatred, or selfishness, he is living on the food of swine. 7. And when iie came to himself. Sin is a state of madness. You would call one mad, who persistently tries to mutilate his body in some way; or who, by’ abstaining from food, en deavors tostarve himself. So he is mad who runs away’ from his father’s house and devotes his time, money and mind to the gratification of sinful desires. 8. Decision of Character. —This y’oung man was not a weak, wavering sort of fellow. He acted on his hon est convictions. When he wanted bis share of the property he said so, and he got it. He then prepared for his journey, and set out in a few days. He gave himself up to pleasure with all the force of character he possessed. 9. The Father’s Reception. —This illustrates the love our Heavenly Fa ther* has- for his children. Though they may gut far away’ from him. still his eye sees them, and he discerns the very first step that is made back towards him. He runs to meet them, so as to help them on their homeward way. 10. Tiif, Son and the Father. —Tho sinner’s course is portrayed in the son’s life. He did not become sud denly very wicked. From the day that he made up his mind to ask for his portion of goods, to the time that he engaged himself to a citizen of another country to feed swine, there was a gradual growth in sin. When he left home he did not dream that his course was downward. When he was about to starve, he then repented; when he recovered his mind, he im mediately’ turned back towards his lather. Then the father had watched his downward course with lovingoyes. He welcomed the return of his lost boy. Ho went out far from home to meet him, and gave him ihe best robe, inslead of the rags he wore ; he placed a ring on his finger, showing that he was honored as a son, and not re ceived as a servant. lie put shoes on his feet, a thing that did not happen to servants. He killed the fatted calf, intending that his son should no more hunger. Instead of sorrow, and sad ness and wretchedness, in a strange land, there was much rejoicing iu his father’s house.