p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 25. (6/21/1905)

Earlier text: FORETOKENS OF OUR LORD'S RETURN

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

By Editor

THE organization of a church (Scandinavian) of fourteen members at Detroit, Minn., is noted in the Worker by Brother H. Steen.

BROTHER W. C. WALES and wife, recently of Knoxville, Tenn., have gone to the Northwest Territory, Canada, to engage in labor.

THE organization of a church at Spring City, Utah, with eight members, is reported by Brother A. G. Christiansen. He is now laboring in Mount Pleasant, the largest town in San Pete County.

THE June issue of Life and Health, published at Washington, D. C., shows a rising subscription list. The edition for this month numbers 17,500 copies. This patronage is well deserved. Subscription price, only 50 cents a year, monthly. 222 N. Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.

WE learn from the College View (Neb.) Messenger that another of our ministering brethren has fallen at his post. Brother W. B. Hill died of consumption May 4. He was a pioneer minister in Minnesota, and since he was obliged to stop active labor he had published a pamphlet entitled "Bro. Hill's Bible Class," which is meeting a favorable reception.

IN the Minnesota Worker Brother A. Mead reports that at Senjen, May 21, seventeen candidates were baptized, a church of twenty-one members was organized, and others were to be baptized later. A new house of worship is being built, and the cause is prospering by the blessing of God upon the labors recently put forth by Brethren Geo. L. Budd and E. M. Chapman.

IT is encouraging to hear of country Sabbath-schools for the dissemination of the truth. The Sabbath-school is a good medium, especially when conducted by persons of experience. Brother C. M. Clark reports the organization of one such school somewhere in South Dakota, with twenty-three members. If the report in the Worker had given the locality, it would have been more satisfactory, but it is gratifying to hear of such work being done anywhere.

A BOY of twelve years—Arthur J. Pearson, Sebastopol, Cal.—writes that he is trying to be what the Lord would have him to be. In his effort to be such a boy, he very wisely sends 30 cents for tracts—"Is Sunday the Sabbath?" "The Identical Seventh-day," and "It Doesn't Pay." There are many twelve-year-old children who ought to be doing just such work. We have many tracts and some small books, besides papers, that they could work with. Remember that when Jesus was twelve years old, He knew that He must be about His Father's business, and knew how to go about it, too.

THE camp-meeting recently held by our South Dakota brethren at Woonsocket, received the following official welcome by Mayor S. A. Ramsey:

"The freedom of the city is extended to the Seventh-day Adventists during their annual encampment. Their meetings will be held in the city park, where, like the Israelites of old, they will pitch their tents."

"Our placid lake will afford them rest and recreation from their labor. The beautiful lawns, fine shade trees, water in abundance, clean streets, and the attractive surroundings in general will add a charm to these people while they tarry for a few days within the gates of our city."

"On behalf of the citizens of Woonsocket, a cordial welcome is extended to these people, and we will aim to give them every courtesy within our power to make their stay with us one long to be remembered."

"A CHRISTIAN MAN GREATLY PREFERRED."

RECENTLY a graduate of the Anglo-Chinese College at Foochow, China, was invited to go to Ching-siu to teach in a school established by the officials of that place. A clause in the letter of invitation was to the effect that if he could not accept the position they desired him to get them a good teacher—"a Christian man greatly preferred." Another student of the Anglo-Chinese College was invited to teach English in a mandarin's family. This student, who was a grandson of the first ordained Chinese Methodist preacher, agreed to accept on condition that he could teach the mandarin's children Christianity and could follow his own convictions in the matter of Sabbath observance. He was accepted, and finds that the whole family are willing to hear him talk of Christ.—World-wide Missions.

OPEN DOORS IN AFRICA.

THE hearty welcome given to missionaries by the natives of Africa, and their willingness to be taught Gospel truth is well shown in the following communication of Miss Maude Cretors to one of our exchanges:

There is a great need of more Spirit-filled workers in South Africa. My heart has been greatly burdened of late, as I look out over the fields, and see many thousands of souls who know nothing of Jesus. There are a number of missionaries along the coast, but many, I fear, who have not been saved themselves, and as the heathen can not see Jesus in their lives, it makes them harder to reach, than if they had never heard the Gospel.

We enjoy kraal (village) visiting very much. The native huts are built of wattle and daub covered with grass; being round they look much like hay stacks outside. The only opening is a small door about three feet high from the ground. They build a fire inside the hut to do their cooking. The only place open for the smoke to escape is through the door. A few weeks ago three of us with some native helpers went kraal visiting, walking twenty miles from Beulah Mission. We lived among the natives, sleeping on native mats, eating their food. They were very kind to us; quite a number sought the Lord. We could not retire early at night, as they would bring us our supper about nine o'clock, then they would gather inside the hut and watch us eat. Besides a crowd of natives, there were a number of goats and chickens, sometimes a calf, and half-starved cats watching us. We had no table, but a mat on the ground floor, so we had to watch the cats, or they would run over the food. It was wonderful the grace and good appetite that God gave us on this trip. O, how He blessed our souls, as we told them about Jesus. Altho our beds were the ground, yet we never rested sweeter in our lives. Praise God. When we left, quite a number followed us for several miles carrying our bundles for us. O, it is so blessed to pour out our love and lives for these heathen for whom Jesus died. It pays now, and we know it will pay in eternity.

DEVIL-WORSHIP IN CEYLON.

THAT devil-worship prevails to a great extent in Ceylon is shown by a declaration made by Rev. S. R. Wilkins, at the Missionary Council in London:

"It is commonly reported by those who believe in 'The Light of Asia,' that the people of Ceylon are Buddhists. I say they are not. I do not know much of book Buddhism, but I do know a very great deal of the Buddhism of the people as it is practised, and I can say this, that of the so-called Buddhists of Ceylon, ninety per cent. are demon-worshipers. The creed of Buddha says there is no God to worship, therefore the people turn to demons, as they have done in Ceylon. To-day the so-called Buddhists of Ceylon are demon-worshipers, and this is the case, not only with the people, but also with the priests. Two or three months ago I went out distributing tracts, and called at the house of a demon-priest. I asked him, 'What is your religion?' 'Buddhism,' he replied. I said, 'Why, you know it is quite contrary to the creed of Buddha for you to practise these demon ceremonies.' 'Yes,' he said, 'I know it is.' 'What about the Buddhist priests,' I asked, 'do they ever preach against demon-worship?' 'No,' he said, 'they go to them, too, when they are sick.'"—Selected.

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EDUCATION IN THE HOME. No. 6.

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

BY MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.

"WHEN did this third universal kingdom succeed Medo Persia? and what was its name? Grandma, you may answer, if you please."

"The name of the kingdom was Greece, the first king being the reckless Alexander the Great. But I can not remember dates as well as I once could, so I will ask Mattie to give the date of his conquest," said grandma, as she laid her hand lovingly on Mattie's brown curls.

"I think it was in 331 B.C.," replied Mattie quickly.

"What particular characteristic did the fourth kingdom have? Josie, you may answer by reading the fortieth verse of Daniel 2."

"And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise."

"What was the name of this fourth universal kingdom? Will you please tell us, Mr. Jones?"

"If I remember rightly, Rome was the fourth and last universal kingdom."

"You are correct; but what is said about the feet and the toes? Will you please read the 41st and 42d verses of Daniel two, Miss Josie?"

"And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potter's clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly broken."

"Now," said Brother Hartman, "there will happen a very great event in the days of these kings,—the setting up of the eternal kingdom of Christ at His second coming."

"Allow me to ask you what kings are meant by 'these kings?'" said Mr. Jones.

"They must be the kings last mentioned,—those represented by the feet and toes of the image,—or the fragments of the Roman kingdom, which exist to-day. But lest we mistake in any particular these most important events, we are not left with this single line of prophecy. It is as tho the Almighty, knowing the liability of man to put his own interpretation upon the inspired Word, gave us several other complete lines of prophecy, covering the same events. The seventh and eighth chapters of Daniel are but repetitions of what we have already gone over, and serve, by explanations, to make assurance doubly sure. I shall be glad to lend you a book I have, neighbor, entitled, 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,' that I dare say will interest you."

"I thank you, I shall be glad of the book. I have been much interested already, and shall surely continue my studies at home."

"Perhaps now it would be well to take a little brief survey of the points we have considered in these lessons. Our first evening's study proved what, Elsie?"

"That the Bible is the inspired Word of the Almighty, and this from the Book itself."

"What next have we learned, mother?"

"We have found that the signs of the coming Christ are abundant; that evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse; that disobedience to parents forms one sign of the last days;—and that, from a study of only one of the lines of prophecy in the book of Daniel, we find we are living in the time represented by the feet and toes of the image of Nebuchadnezzar. Now, in the days of these kings, what is to happen, John?"

"The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed," quoted the lad.

"God grant that we all be ready for a place in that kingdom," said grandma, earnestly.

"Remember that we have only considered a few of the signs of the coming King. The good old Book is full of them. But perhaps it would be well next Wednesday evening to consider a few of the reasons why we observe the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath."

"Yes," said Sister Hartman; "I am more than anxious that our dear children should be well posted on this most important subject. And we cordially invite our friends again."

"Well, Mrs. Hartman," said Mrs. Jones, "of all the subjects under the sun that I would like to hear considered from a Bible standpoint, this is the one, and so I think you may count on Mr. Jones and myself for your next reading."

"I think my papa and mama would like to come too," said Josie.

"Good; you are all more than welcome. And now, Elsie, will you play the organ while we sing together:

'Are You Ready for the Bridegroom When He Comes, When He Comes?'"

THE DARK HOUR.

"I CAN not stand it any longer, Jane; I'll go out, and perhaps something will turn up for us."

"It's a cold night, Robert."

"Cold! Yes. But it's not much colder out than in. It would have been much better if you had never married me," he said bitterly.

"Don't say that, Robert; I have never regretted my choice."

"Not even when there is not a loaf of bread in the house for you and the children?"

"No, Robert. Don't be discouraged. God has not forsaken us. Perhaps this very evening the tide may turn, and better days dawn upon us to-morrow."

Robert Price shook his head, despondingly. "You are more hopeful than I, Jane. Day after day I have been in search of employment. Have called at fifty places, only to receive the same answer everywhere."

Just then little Jimmy, who had been asleep, awoke.

"Mother," he pleaded, "won't you please give me a piece of bread? I am so hungry."

"There is no bread, Jimmy, darling."

"When will there be some?" asked the child, piteously.

Tears came to the mother's eyes. She knew not what to do.

"Jimmy!" said the father hoarsely, "I'll bring you some bread." He then seized his hat, and started for the door. His wife, alarmed, grasped his arm, for she saw the look in his eyes, and feared the step to which desperation might lead him.

"Remember, Robert," she said, solemnly, "it is hard to suffer want; but there are some things that are far, far worse!"

Without answering, he passed out. Out into the cold streets! There, he felt, would be their next home, for the rent of their cheerless room in a cold lodging-house would be due at the end of the month, and he had nothing to meet it.

Robert Price was a competent and skilful mechanic. He had formerly lived in a country village, where his expenses were moderate, and he found no difficulty in meeting them. But, in an evil hour, he grew tired of his village home, and removed to the city. For a while he met with very good success; but he found the lodging-house, in which he had to live, a poor substitute for the neat cottage which he had occupied in the country. Suddenly there came a time of great depression, and with it a suspension of business enterprise. Work ceased for Robert Price and many others. Had he been in his old home, he could have turned his hand to something else, or could have borrowed from his neighbor till times grew better.

So, day after day, he went out to seek work, only to return disappointed. It was a keen trial to return to the cheerless room, his pale wife and hungry little ones, with no relief to offer them.

As Robert Price walked the streets that evening, he hardly knew how he was going to redeem his promise made to little Jimmy. He was absolutely penniless, and there was nothing that he was likely to find to do that night.

"I will pawn my coat," he said to himself, "for I can not see my wife and children starve."

It was a well-worn overcoat, and that cold night he needed it to keep himself warm.

"Yes," said he, "my coat must go. I know not how I shall get on without it, but I can not see the children starve before my eyes."

He was not an envious man, but when he saw the groups of well-fed citizens, buttoned up to the throat in warm overcoats, moving along the streets, he suffered some bitter thoughts upon the inequality of fortune's gifts to come to his mind. Why should they be so well provided for, while he was so miserable?

There was one man, shorter than himself, warmly clad, who passed him with his hands thrust deep to the pockets of his overcoat. There was a pleasant smile upon his face. He was doubtless thinking of the happy family group awaiting him at home. Robert knew him as a rich cabinet-maker and upholsterer, whose large warehouse he had often passed. Only two days before he had applied to this man for employment, and been refused.

As this tradesman, Mr. Grimes, walked along in front of Robert, he drew his handkerchief from his pocket. As he did so, he did not perceive that his pocketbook came with it, and fell to the pavement.

Robert saw it, and his heart leaped for joy; for a sudden thought entered his mind. Quickly picking up the pocketbook, he raised his eyes to see if he had been observed. He had not. Mr. Grimes went on.

"This will buy bread for my wife and children," thought Robert, and for an instant the vision of comfort which this money should bring to his cheerless home filled his heart with joy, but then—there came another thought, for he was an honest man. The money was not his!

He began to reason: "I can not see my wife and children starve. If it is wrong to keep the money, will not God pardon my offense? He understands my motive."

All this was sophistry, and he knew it. In a moment he was conscious that there were some things worse than starvation.

It was with an effort that he came to this decision, for Jimmy's plea for food was still ringing in his ears, but the next moment he had stepped forward, and placed his hand on the tradesman's shoulder, and extended the hand that held the pocketbook.

"Thank you," said Mr. Grimes, turning around;

"I hadn't perceived my loss. I am much obliged to you."

"You have reason to be," said Robert in a low voice. "I came very near keeping it."

"That would have been dishonest," said Mr. Grimes, his tone altering slightly.

"Yes, it would; but it is hard for a man to be honest when he is penniless, and his wife and children without food."

"Surely, you and your children are not in that condition!" exclaimed the tradesman, earnestly.

"Yes," said Robert, "it is only too true. For two months I have vainly sought for work. I applied to you two days since."

"I remember you now. I thought I had seen you before. You still want work?"

"I should be so grateful for it."

"My foreman left me yesterday. Will you take his place for twenty-five dollars a week?"

"Thankfully, sir; I would work for half that!"

"Then come to-morrow morning. In the meantime take this for your present necessities."

He drew from his pockets some notes, and handed them to Robert.

"Why, you have given me thirty dollars!" said Robert, in amazement.

"I know it. The pocketbook contains five thousand dollars. But for you I should have lost the whole."

"Heaven bless you, sir! Good night."

"Good night."

Jane waited for her husband in the cold and cheerless room, which she felt she might only for a few days longer call her home.

Suddenly she heard a step on the stairs. It certainly could not be her husband's, for this was a cheerful person, coming up two steps at a time. She looked eagerly, as the door opened. There stood Robert, radiant with joy, carrying a large basket full of substantial provisions.

"Father, have you some bread?" asked Jimmy, hopefully.

"Yes, my dear boy, some bread and meat and sugar. Let's have a bright fire, Jane, and a comfortable meal; for, praise God, this shall be a merry evening."

"How did this happen? Tell me, please, Robert."

So Robert related what had transpired during the hour he had been away, and then five happy persons sat down to a meal such as they had not enjoyed for weeks.

The following week they moved to better rooms, and have never since known what it is to want.

Robert, faithful and true, found in Mr. Grimes a lasting friend; and he never ceases to remember, with grateful heart, God's goodness and mercy toward him and his family on that memorable winter's night.

WINGS OF A DOVE.

By Henry Van Dyke

At sunset, when the rosy light was dying, Far down the pathway of the West, I saw a lonely dove in silence flying To be at rest.

Pilgrim of air! I cried, could I but borrow Thy wandering wings, thy freedom blest, I'd fly away from every careful sorrow And find my rest.

But when the dusk a filmy veil was weaving, Back came the dove to seek her nest Deep in the forest where her mate was grieving— There was true rest

Peace, heart of mine! no longer sigh to wander; Lose not thy life in fruitless quest, There are no happy islands over yonder; Come home and rest.

—Henry Van Dyke.

Hezekiah and Sennacherib

LESSON I.—JULY 2.—SENNACHERIB'S INVASION.

Lesson Scripture, 2 Chron. 32: 9-23, A. R. V.

(9) "AFTER this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem (now he was before Lachish, and all his power with him), unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying, (10) Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide the siege in Jerusalem? (11) Doth not Hezekiah persuade you, to give you over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Jehovah our God will deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria? (12) Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and upon it shall ye burn incense? (13) Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand? (14) Who was there among all the gods of those nations which my fathers

utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my hand? (15) Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither believe ye him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers; how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand? (16) "And his servants spake yet more against Jehovah God, and against His servant Hezekiah. (17) He wrote also letters, to rail on Jehovah, the God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver His people out of my hand. (18) And they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city. (19) And they spake of the God of Jerusalem, as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands. (20) "And Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to Heaven. (21) And Jehovah sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth from his own bowels slew him there with the sword. (22) Thus Jehovah saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side. (23) And many brought gifts unto Jehovah to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth." Golden Text.—"With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles." 2 Chron. 32:8. ## SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS. (1) To whom did the king of Assyria send messengers? From what place were these messengers sent? What was Sennacherib doing at Lachish? Verse 9. Note 1. (2) What question was asked of Hezekiah? Verse 10. (3) What appeal was made to the people? Verse 11. (4) What effort was made to discredit the religion of the Jews? Verse 12. Note 2. (5) What boast did Sennacherib send concerning the successes of the Assyrians? Verse 13. (6) What reflection did he cast upon the God of the Jews? Verse 14. Note 3. (7) How did Sennacherib endeavor to discredit Hezekiah before his people? And how did he aim to further belittle the God of the Jews? Verse 15. Note 4. (8) How did Sennacherib's servants emphasize the insults of their master? Verse 16. (9) Then what further effort did Sennacherib make to turn the Jews against Jehovah? Verse 17. Note 5. (10) What extraordinary effort did the Assyrian officers make to influence the people of Jerusalem? Verse 18. Note 6. (11) What further blasphemy was spoken against the God of Jerusalem? Verse 19. (12) Because of this continued blasphemy, what did Hezekiah and Isaiah do? Verse 20. Note 7. (13) What was the result? Verse 21. Note 8. (14) And what blessing came to Hezekiah and his people? Verse 22. (15) What was the effect upon surrounding nations? Verse 23. Note 9. For fuller details of this event read chapters 18 and 19 of 2 Kings and chapters 36 and 37 of Isaiah. ## NOTES. 1. In the reign of Sargon, Assyria had become the greatest power in the world. But his successor, Sennacherib, was soon confronted by a rebellion in the province of Babylon. Hezekiah, king of Judah, and several other tributary kings, thought this an opportune time to withhold their tribute, and declare their independence. But Sennacherib overcame Babylon, and then took his armies westward. Sidon soon surrendered; Syria submitted, and her Egyptian allies were defeated; Ekron was taken, and her chief men impaled on stakes. Then, turning upon Judah, the victorious Assyrians had taken forty-six cities, and were approaching Jerusalem. Becoming much alarmed, Hezekiah sent a large tribute to Sennacherib as he besieged Lachish, which was about thirty-four miles southwest of Jerusalem. But this did not pacify the invaders; they deemed Hezekiah's action a confession of weakness. Then followed the events recorded in this lesson. 2. Hezekiah had broken down the high places throughout the country, which, under his father's wicked reign, had been devoted to idol worship. This reducing the people's worship and the national dependence to "one altar," or to one God, was deemed very foolish by the heathen, who acknowledged, and therefore depended upon, many gods. 3. Sennacherib depended upon the gods of the

Assyrians, under whose supposed help his father had gained such great success. Sennacherib himself had thus far been victorious. 4. So self-confident and presumptuous had Sennacherib become that he became especially blasphemous against the God of Hezekiah. He knew that Judah acknowledged the same God that Israel had professed to serve, and who did not prevent that people from being taken captive by the Assyrians. The withdrawal of His protection from the northern kingdom by Jehovah was construed as weakness by the Assyrians. Hence Sennacherib was emboldened to make the God of Jacob appear even more insignificant than the gods of the other nations that were made tribute to Assyria. "How much less," he says, "shall your God deliver you out of my hand." 5. "Wrote Letters."—When the Assyrian ambassadors failed to induce Hezekiah to surrender, Sennacherib wrote insulting letters emphasizing his contempt for the God of Hezekiah. 6. The appeal direct to the people of Judah instead of the king or his appointed representatives was most discourteous and unusual, either in military or state circles. The purpose was, of course, to frighten and discourage them. But the ruse did not succeed. 7. Hezekiah, because of the blasphemy of the Assyrians against Jehovah, counseled with the prophet Isaiah, and they took the matter before the Lord, that He might vindicate his own name and cause. And the Lord did not fail to do it. 8. The number of the Assyrians slain was 185,000, as stated in 2 Kings 19: 35 and in Isa. 37: 36. 9. Hezekiah humbled himself before the Lord, and sought counsel through the Lord's prophet, whose advice Hezekiah's father Ahaz had ignored. Then the Lord gave relief from the enemies of His people, whose oppression was the result of rejecting the prophet's words; and Hezekiah was highly exalted before all the world. And these things were written for our learning. See Rom. 15: 4; 1 Cor. 10: 11.

Sabbath-School Lesson Quarterly

By Editor

The Sabbath-school lessons have been discontinued. The Lesson Quarterly may be obtained, containing three months' lessons and notes, for five cents. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. The Sunday-school lessons will continue.

THE NORTHWESTERN LINE RUSSIA-JAPAN ATLAS.

Send ten cents in stamps to R. R. Ritchie, No. 617 Market Street, San Francisco, for Russo-Japanese War Atlas, issued by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, three fine colored maps each 14x20, bound in convenient form for reference. The Eastern Situation shown in detail with tables showing relative military and naval strength and financial resources of Russia and Japan.

Christian Union and Union With Christ

Creed consolidation is not Christian union. Church federation is not Christian union. The men who talk loudest about "wiping out denominationalism," etc., usually mean that others should give up their peculiar distinctiveness, and adopt that of the agitators. Councils and discussions about denominational union, or consolidation, generally hinge on what the others must yield in order to harmonize with us. Christian union is individual union with Christ. All who are really united with Christ are already in harmony with each other. Their creed is His Word, not the formula of some human council. Their duty is obedience to His Word, not the domination of their fellows. "Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man." Eccl. 12:13. "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15. "The patience of the saints" is found in them who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12. Individual union with Christ is the point to be sought and to be inculcated; then the Spirit will lead in united effort to promulgate the Gospel.

Religious Teaching in Public Schools

The associate editor of the Arena, in a communication to the Washington Post (April 24) on the matter of religious teaching in the public schools, says, "Of course no one who is at once logical and mentally honest will deny that to teach religion or religious morals in the public schools would be, in effect, not only a union of church and state, and, consequently, a violation of the spirit of our Constitution, but a firm and certain step toward the ultimate subversion of all hope of ideal democracy. No one who is intellectually hospitable will deny that concerning the acceptance or the rejection of religion all should have equal rights; that in the realm of conscience the humblest becomes a king; and that, accordingly, to teach to all at the expense of all anything of a religious nature to which even the smallest minority objects would itself be not only immoral, but unjust and tyrannical. This and a great deal more, in the expression of which verbs would lose vitality and adjectives color, goes without saying."

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry.

No Night There, MRS. SUSAN BIRDSALL ROBERTS . . . . . 8 The Difference . . . . . 12 Wings of a Dove . . . . . 14

Editorial.—God Is Not Limited—Conformed or Transformed—Christianity versus Politics—"Blessed Is He that Watcheth"—"Not of Works"—Notes on the Conference . . . . . 4-6

Question Corner.—Nos. 1680-1682 . . . . .

Outlook.—The Maryland Toleration Act, JOHN D. BRADLEY —Interpreting Public Interest—A Full-Fledged National Reformer—A Strange Decision—The Czar Grants Religious Freedom—Signs of the Times in India . . . . . 6, 7

General.

The Christian Life, MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . 3 Comfort for the Sad, Sick, and Weary, DANIEL NETTLETON . . . . . 8 Which Is the Better? H. A. ST. JOHN . . . . . 8 Greed and Her Progeny of Sin and Crime, GEO. W. RINE . . . . . 9 "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled?" N. P. NEILSEN . . . . . 11 Two Prominent Ordinances (Bible Reading) . . . . . 11

Missions.—From Canton, China—Spread of Western Education in China—Open Doors in Africa—Is Your Faith Known Abroad? . . . . . 12, 13

The Home.—Education in the Home, No. 6, MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE—The Dark Hour . . . . . 14

International Sunday-School Lesson.—Sennacherib's Invasion . . . . . 15

Publishers . . . . . 2

The Root of All Anarchy

Let it be forever remembered that the root of all anarchy is contempt for the law of God.

Contempt for God’s Law

Whether a man be a professed Christian or a ranting infidel, if he treat God's law with contempt, he is an anarchist at heart.

Continue reading: The Witness of a Converted Life