Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: Proverbs

"At last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder. Prov. 23-32." The verses that proceed this one in the Book of Proverbs place this quoted Bible verse in context and make it clear that this colorful Victorian-era card was intended as a temperance message: "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." (Proverbs 23:29-32.) At the same time, the handwritten notation on the back of the card (see below) reveals that it also served as an attendance reward for a student who only missed a few days of instruction during the 1893-1894 school year. Handwritten on the back of this card: Katie Whitmyer, Mar. 22, 1894. School Opened - 120 Days Attended - 115½ Days Missed - 4½ L. S. Sahm, teacher

"Diligence. The hand of the diligent maketh rich. Prov. X. 4." Stamped on the back of the card: "Union S.S., Churchville, Penn'a." Handwritten name on the back: "Kate." Kate evidently received this small Sunday school card as a reward for her attendance (or perhaps for some activity like reciting a Bible verse) at the Union Sunday School in the appropriately named town of Churchville, Pennsylvania.

The Rev. John William Hamilton was founding pastor of the People's Church in Boston, where he served from 1875 to 1884. He was later elected as a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church. This fundraising card provides evidence of the ambitious building program that took place during Hamilton's tenure at the church. According to The Centennial of New England Methodism (Boston, Mass: Crawford Brothers, 1891), ed. George A. Crawford, the construction of the People's Church took about seven years. "The corner-stone of the chapel and parsonage was laid May 27, 1877.... The corner-stone of the church-building itself was not laid until July 3, 1882, and the building was not opened for worship until Sunday, February 10, 1884" (pp. 508-9). The Owner of This Card Has Purchased One Brick in the People's Church Cor. of Columbus Avenue and Berkely St., Boston. The Rev. J. W. Hamilton, pastor. The edifice combines three buildings in one: the church, parsonage, and chapel. The main auditorium will seat 3000 people; the chapel opens into it, greatly increasing its capacity. No expensive tower or costly ornaments, and the church will be free. The Rev. D. W. Couch, financial agent. D. E. Poland, pres. and treas. board of trustees. "The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all." [Proverbs 22:2.]

For a National Temperance Society pledge card that urges abstinence from alcohol and profanity as well as tobacco, see Touch Not, Taste Not, Handle Not . Anti-Cigarette Pledge For the sake of strength and purity, I promise, with the help of God, never to use tobacco in any form, and to help others to abstain from its use. Name: Bessie G. Gilstrap. Date: Apr. 22, 1916. "If sinners entire thee, consent thou not." Prov. 1:10. Missionary Volunteer Pledge Series, No. 8.