LESSON 11.—JUNE 14.—DAVID'S RESPONSE TO THE PROMISES.
NOTE.—This series of lessons is entitled, “Studies on the Gospel Message.” For introduction and excellent suggestions as to their study, we refer the student to the Lesson Quarterly.
17 “According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 18 “Then David the king went in, and sat before the Lord. And he said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, 19 that Thou hast brought me thus far? And this was yet a small thing in Thine eyes, O Lord God; but Thou hast spoken also of Thy servant's house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of men, O Lord God! 20 And what can David say more unto Thee? for Thou knowest Thy servant, O Lord God. 21 For Thy word's sake, and according to Thine own heart, hast Thou wrought all this greatness, to make Thy servant know it. 22 Wherefore Thou art great, O Lord God; for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And what one nation in the earth is like Thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem unto Himself for a people, and to make Him a name, and to do great things for you, and terrible things for Thy land, before Thy people, which Thou redeemest to Thee out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 And Thou didst establish to Thyself Thy people Israel to be a people unto Thee forever; and Thou, Lord, becamest their God. 25 And now, O Lord God, the word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant, and concerning his house, confirm Thou it forever, and do as Thou hast spoken. 26 And let Thy name be magnified forever, saying, The Lord of hosts is God over Israel; and the house of Thy servant David shall be established before Thee. 27 For Thou, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, hast revealed to Thy servant, saying, I will build Thee an house: therefore hath Thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto Thee. 28 And now, O Lord God, Thou art God, and Thy words are truth, and Thou hast promised this good thing unto Thy servant. 29 Now therefore let it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue forever before Thee; for Thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with Thy blessing let the house of Thy servant be blessed forever.”
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) After David had heard the vision from Nathan, what did he do? (2) In what questions did he express his unworthiness of the blessings already received from the Lord? (3) How did the continuance of his house up to that time compare with what was promised in the vision? (4) What inquiry did he then make? (5) Why did it seem unnecessary to him to enlarge further upon his personal unworthiness? (6) What was the only foundation for such great promises? (7) In what statement does David exalt the Lord? (8) Is there any other being to whom God can be likened? (9) How was the greatness of God reflected in His people? How was this shown? (10) What had the Lord done for Israel? What had He become to them? (11) In what way did David show his acceptance of the Lord's purpose concerning him and his house? (12) In what statement was the Lord's name to be magnified? What petition did David add? (13) On what ground did he rest this petition? What followed as a consequence of this revelation? (14) How did David express his confidence that what God had said would be performed? (15) For what blessing did he then ask? Why could he expect this? (16) How long did he ask that the blessing might be continued?
NOTES.
NOTE what was uppermost in David's mind as the result of the revelation which the prophet had made to him. By the power of His Word the Lord had united his house with eternity. “David's house” and “forever” would hereafter include the same immeasurable time, as the Lord had spoken them together. When the Lord talked about his house that way, it would surely be so, for in His Word, as the seed, was the thing promised.
DAVID showed the spirit of true humility by acknowledging his own unworthiness, and yet accepting with unquestioning faith the complete fulfilment of all that the Lord had promised, just as Mary did. Luke 1:38. Because God was God, His words would surely come true, and the good thing which He had talked about would become a matter of experience to David. His seed would be “set up.” His house would be “established forever,” his kingdom and his throne would be “established forever.” The eternal, everlasting, endless, continuance of David's house was now assured.
Good Health
Only $1.00 a Year
Subscribe for Good Health now. It is only one dollar a year. The June number will contain the following excellent articles:—
SLEEP PRODUCERS, by J. H. Kellogg, M. D.
THE STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE, by David Paulson, M. D.
THE SCHOOLGIRL'S SUMMER VACATION by Cecily Buscall
SANITATION FOR U. S. TROOPS IN FOREIGN LANDS by an Ex-Soldier
NERVE EXHAUSTION, by W. H. Riley, M. D.
AT COMMENCEMENT TIME, by Mrs. E. E. Kellogg
A COMPOSITE CREATION
RICE AS A FOOD IN INDIA
STRAWBERRIES
BEEFSTEAK GOING HIGHER
Send your subscription at once and secure the June number.
Good Health Publishing Co.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Heralds of His Coming
Is the end near? May we know the time? are important questions deserving of the most serious consideration. These, together with many others bearing on Christ’s second advent, are fully answered in this tract.
A. G. L. No. 51 :: 1½¢ each :: 98¢ per hundred
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
11 W. Twentieth St., New York 18 W. Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.
Wonders OF THE 19TH CENTURY
Is a 32-page tract. Its object is to recount and describe some of the principal inventions of this closing century, and to show their significance.
It contains fifteen illustrations. Is an easy seller. Price, 5c each or $2.00 per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
New York City, Kansas City, Mo.
Take a Tourist Car
—A Santa Fe tourist car—if you would enjoy your trip across the continent. The cars are so comfortable, the route so interesting, the people so pleasant, the excursion manager so accommodating, the porters so obliging, and the meals so good, that you simply can't help being satisfied.
Personally conducted east and west three times a week—Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays—to Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Folder giving full information furnished on request by any Santa Fe Agent.
Eggs for Hatching
By C. H. Tyrrell
From BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS and BLACK LANGSHANS at reasonable prices :: :: ::
Illustrated circular of valuable information free :: :: :: :: ::
C. H. TYRRELL, Sioux Rapids, Iowa
BED BUGS
Insexdie
Kills roaches, ants, moths, bed bugs, fleas, and all insect life. Insects breathe through their bodies, having no lungs, and it does not require a Poison to kill them. It also kills the egg.
BED BUGS
Insexdie also kills insects on birds, chickens, etc., and should be sprinkled on carpets and curtains. A sample sent to any address for 25c post-paid. Put up in large packages at $1.00, $2.00, $3.00, and $5.00.
GINSENG DIST. & CHEMICAL CO. No. 3701 S. Jefferson Ave. St. Louis, Mo.
Patriarchs and Prophets
A grand book for reading and study in connection with the new series of International Sunday-School Lessons
Beginning July 1, these Lessons will be on Old Testament history, considering first the Exodus.
Now is the opportunity to place the best “help” on this subject in the hands of the people.
Agents wanted everywhere to take up the sale of this important book.
For terms, correspond with our agency nearest you as noted in next column.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo. :: OAKLAND, CAL. :: 11 W. 20th St., New York City
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
ALFRED MALLETT,
By Alfred Mallett
THOUSANDS OF LADIES WANTED to try E-Z Washing Tablets. Half the work of washing is the rubbing the clothes on a board. No rubbing if you use E-Z Washing Tablets. Saves time, money and labor. Keeps your hands soft and your clothes white, without injury to either. Discovered by a woman. Worth your while to try them. Samples for 3 washings 10 cents. Agents and General Agents Wanted.
ALFRED MALLETT,
710 EAST 17TH STREET, NEW YORK CITY
PURE FOOD MAKES PURE BLOOD
PURE FOOD MILL
A mill that enables your cook to do the work of three mills on one combination mill, is up-to-date and economical. It grinds grains, makes nut butter, cuts up meats, figs, dates, pulverizes coffee, drugs, salt, etc.
Price $4.00
For circulars, terms, etc., address WILL T. DAWSON, Battle Creek, Mich. 117 Manchester Street
BIBLE ELECTION.
By M. C. Wilcox
By M. C. Wilcox. A brief presentation of God’s plan and purpose concerning man, showing that the doctrine of election, or predestination, according to the Bible, is full of comfort and instruction. It throws new light on old controversies. Bible Students’ Library, No. 67; 24 pp.; price 3 cents. Address Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
How Saved?
Not long ago the SIGNS said: “Mortal man is not saved by keeping the law. He does not buy eternal life by keeping the law. He does not win God’s favor by keeping the law. He is not justified by keeping the law. Every truly instructed Christian knows all this. And it is perfectly obvious why it is so. First of all, the law of God is so great, so full, so high, so deep, so broad, that man can not in the very nature of things see or know its requirements. How, then, can he keep what he knows not? In the second place, he has tried times innumerable to keep in himself his poor ideal of the law, and miserably failed, demonstrating the truth of the word, ‘For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’ Man can hope for nothing in himself over a broken law, and after failure to comprehend its nature and fulness.” A good brother writes us that this must be a mistake; for does not God enjoin upon us the keeping of His commandments, the keeping of His law, and command us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, etc.?—Surely He does. There is no contradiction. It is still true that man is not saved by keeping the law; for “by grace are ye saved through faith.” Man is not justified by keeping the law; for we are “justified freely by His grace,” “justified by faith.” That man must be saved and justified by God’s favor is proof positive that he can not “in himself” (see quotation above) keep the law. Therefore man “can hope for nothing in himself.” But what about God’s requirements? Does God ask of man what man can not do?—He does, in man’s own strength. But in Christ Jesus man can do all things. Faith makes all God’s commandments enabling acts; it makes of every precept a promise of power. Faith receives the Holy Ghost, by which the love of God is shed abroad in the heart, and all the commandments of God become a delight. Jesus truly said, “Without Me ye can do nothing;” and Paul responds, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Unordered Copies of the Signs
By Editor
We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the “Signs” are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
The Up-to-date Book
Brethren in the ministry and fellow-workers for Christ, read, by all means, “The Up-to-date Book,” in our Outlook department.
Fraterville Coal-Mine Explosion
Just as our forms are about to close news comes from Coal Creek, Tenn., that an explosion of gas has probably resulted in the death of from 175 to 225 at the Fraterville coal-mine, near that city. These sad calamities occur so frequently that the general public not immediately concerned pass them by with scarcely a thought.
California Earthquake and Pacific Volcanoes
A slight earthquake was felt in central and northern California between ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon of May, 19. In some places windows were broken and buildings were cracked. It is thought that this may be premonitory of the outbreak of certain volcanoes on the Pacific Coast, ready to burst forth at any time. Some of these volcanoes are located in the vicinity of Mts. Shasta, Baker, Pitt, Diablo, Hood, Fairweather, and St. Elias. These are all said to show signs of internal activity.
A Good Man Has Gone.
William Taylor, the missionary bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is dead. He fell asleep the afternoon of May 18, at Palo Alto, Cal., at the residence of his son, at the advanced age of eighty-one years and sixteen days. He was born in Rockbridge county, Va. His ancestors came from Ireland. When twenty-one he began evangelistic work as a circuit rider. He came to California in 1849. His world-wide work began in 1856. He labored in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australasia, South Africa, Barbadoes, British Guiana, Ceylon, Bombay, Madras, Brazil, Peru, Chile. The work which has made him the best known is the self-supporting work which he did in Central Africa and South America, having at one time in South America alone forty-three missionaries. What is said to be the leading university in Chile was founded by him. He possessed a strong, vigorous constitution, and an excellent knowledge of human nature. He knew how to present Gospel truth simply, clearly, strongly. His presentation of Ps. 19:1-7 was the best we ever heard. But the old warrior is at rest. Would there were many more with the same energy and zeal.
The Sentinel of Christian Liberty
“The Sentinel of Christian Liberty.”—It may be well to remark in the beginning that Christian liberty is the only liberty worthy of the name; it is not only freedom in the man, but it is freedom for the other man, absolutely equal liberty for all. For that the “Sentinel of Christian Liberty” stands. Have you seen it? If you have not, send ten cents for the May number. If you do not wish to invest ten cents, and will ask the publishers, they will send you a sample copy free. The May issue ought to be read by every one. The article, “The Government and the Vatican,” presents startling facts for every true lover of liberty to ponder. “The Dissipation of Self-government in America” is another instructive, telling article. Read the journal, and it will speak much better than we can. It has a purpose, a great moral purpose. Its home is 11 West 20th Street, New York.
OUR “CORONATION” NUMBER.
By Editor
On June 26, 1902, will take place in Britain’s capital one of the greatest coronations that earth has ever known. Mightier than Babylon and Assyria, greater than Medo-Persia and Grecia, mightier and greater than imperial Rome, measured by wealth, power, extent, and people, is the empire of Britannia; and on June 26 the coronation of Edward the Seventh, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Emperor of India, successor of the illustrious Victoria, surrounded by millions of loyal subjects from all parts of the world, will take place, amid such pomp and pageantry as earth has never seen. Surely it is an occasion for thought and reflection; for all this magnificence and glory will pass away. Is this the climax of the hope of the children of earth? It is a good time to compare this earthly glory with the never-fading glories of the kingdom of God; this coronation with that coronation; this earthly rule with that heavenly rule. All this and much more our Coronation number will do.
It will have a beautiful front-page design of what the reign of Christ involved; a full-page combination illustration of King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra, the royal palaces, throne rooms, crown jewels, Westminster Abbey, and Coronation chair; a picture of the late queen, and other beautiful illustrations. The paper will also contain an excellent original song and music, in sentiment in harmony with the paper.
In historical information the paper will be worth its price; in the truth it will teach it will be beyond price. It will be sold at retail for five cents a copy; ten copies 25 cents; twenty-five or more at two cents a copy.
Different Oaths, But—The Marquis de Castellane
Different Oaths, But—The Marquis de Castellane gives the oath of the Spanish king, and his comments, as follows:—
“I swear before God and the Holy Gospel to be the guardian of the constitution and the laws. If I do thus, God will recompense me; if I do otherwise, He will demand an accounting for my conduct.”
This formula leaves the door open to much liberty. It is in happy contrast to the oath King Edward of England will take. The latter takes an oath directly insulting the Catholic subjects, while Alfonso’s oath leaves all on a par.
But if the Marquis de Castellane wished to be absolutely free to profess and practise any religion which his conscience dictated, would he choose Spain or Britain for a residence? The British oath came in, whether wisely or not, to prevent in Great Britain the condition of things which has existed in Spain for centuries, and which has made that country what it is in ignorance, in weakness, in general decadence. Despite any wording of the oath, there is great tolerance in England. And while the simple form of the Spanish oath allows large liberty, it will not be granted, unless there is kindred sentiment able to oppose the hierarchy at its back. It is to be hoped that Alfonso’s rule will indeed leave all on a par.
The Destruction of the Caribs
Among the effects of the volcanic eruptions in the West Indies is the almost utter destruction of the last of that strong aboriginal race, the Caribs. When Las Casas came over in the sixteenth century, they were destroyed by the thousands. He himself tells us “of the killing of 7,000 children in three months, making no account of the dreadful slaughter of adults” (S. F. Examiner). This was done not by the Spain of the Mohammedan regime, but of Roman Catholicism. It was called Christianity, but it was not. Jesus said: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come, that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10, Douay Version. “The Son of Man came not to destroy souls, but to save.” Luke 9:56, Id. We condemn no Catholic for this, nor even the men of that time; but we do say that the religion that fostered that kind of work has been weighed in the balances, and found wanting, and men ought to see it.
Instinct of Animals.—
It has been said that animals have reason where frequently it is only instinct. For instance, we have been frequently told that a carrier pigeon, however he may have been carried from home, even to the distance of 500 miles, when liberated goes straight up into the air, makes a circle, and then goes straight home. This is true, doubtless, in some cases, but not always, by any means. It has been found that when released in cloudy weather, they have been many hours longer in getting home. Frequently they never reach home. Horses and cows often eat poisonous food in the way of herbs, are made ill, and frequently die. Bees, wonderful builders that they are, do their work very mechanically. Yet how often is the instinct of animals truer than man's reason. If man had not sinned, every sense would have been superior to that of the brute creation.
