p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 43. (10/29/1896)

WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth that our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

It matters little where I was born, Or if my parents were rich or poor, Whether they shrank at the cold world's scorn, Or walked in the pride of wealth secure. But whether I live an honest man, And hold my integrity firm in my clutch, I tell you, brother, plain as I am, It matters much!

It matters little how long I stay In a world of sorrow, sin and care; Whether in youth I am called away, Or live till my bones and pate are bare. But whether I do the best I can To soften the weight of adversity's touch On the faded cheek of my fellow man, It matters much!

It matters little where be my grave, Or on the land or on the sea, By purling brook or 'neath stormy wave, It matters little or naught to me. But whether at death God's angel calm Doth mark my brow with his loving touch As one that shall bear the victor's palm, It matters much!

—From the Swedish.

PERSECUTIONS OF CHINESE CHRISTIANS.

By Rev. Dwight Goddard

BY REV. DWIGHT GODDARD, OF FOOCHOW.

I WOULD like to describe the peculiar trials to which Chinese Christians are exposed, so that their brethren in America may have more loving sympathy for them, and may often strengthen them in that most wonderful way which is open to all, namely, by secret prayer.

Some of the Christians in China live near together in the cities and can encourage each other; but most of them are scattered here and there among the myriads of hamlets, on the plains and among the mountains of Sinim. These have to face much opposition, both hidden and open. To understand just what this opposition is, it should be borne in mind that with all her diversities China is homogeneous. The great principles that underlie her life are much the same from Kwang-tung to Kan-suh, and these principles, while seemingly all-controlling, are oftentimes quite adjustable. Arthur Smith characterizes this condition as "flexible inflexibility." Of these laws we need only refer to one which is fundamental and far-reaching in its effects upon the social life of China, namely, the law of the headship of the eldest in descent. Thanks to Confucius and his doctrine of ancestral worship, it would be deemed not only dishonoring one's father and ancestors to act in any way otherwise than they did, but generally the father, or often the grandfather, and even the great-grandfather, has retained authority so long that before it passes to the next in descent, he also has long since passed the age when he wishes or is able to change. So the customs remain unchanged from generation to generation.

This adherence to custom is intensified by another characteristic, and let us not call it laziness, for the Chinese are notably industrious, but a strong disposition to do things in the easiest way for the present emergency. This habit is a result of long and bitter experience, teaching them the futility of excessive effort, either physical or mental. The spirit of enterprise and invention has long since been crushed out of them. If they should plan ahead, or be especially fortunate, they are at once opposed by elder brother or father or relatives, or else the profits are squeezed out of them, if it is a possible thing. That is the reason they are disposed to take things as they come. It would take too much strength and do no good. While traveling recently I put a nice woven cord in my pocket for emergencies. In a short time my cook wanted it to tie up a parcel and used it all, more than he needed. The next hour his load broke down and he patched it up with grass—the first thing at hand, never thinking of the cord. We have occasion very often to say when we observe these silly shifts, "How like a Chinaman!"

By reason of this headship of the eldest in direct descent, everything is tied up in inheritances—lands, goods, and prospects—and this acts as a preventive of all change, demanding as it does concurrent action or at least consent. But this headship also carries with it responsibilities. There are the younger sons and their families to be provided for out of the family estates, who thus form a drag on the main line for generations, and poor relations become the curse of the prosperous, until a man loses all desire to make more than a bare living, for he knows that he will be squeezed until every cash is absorbed.

This is doubly sure to follow if the successful one is a younger son. This kills all individual initiative. If land is to be sold, all relatives must be agreed; if business is to be entered into, consent of relatives must be secured; and if one changes his religion, he is sure to arouse this family opposition. Then when whole villages and even cities are of one surname and descent, the problem is seriously involved. Every little plot of land, or grave, or well, or pond, or open ledge has its group of owners, with varying rights. It is not at all uncommon to find even large tracts of land unused, or practically public domain, because there are so many owners that they can come to no agreement for its sale or use. In Europe and in America, and in fact wherever the Anglo-Saxon is dominant, the individual is the unit, and the proposition that "I have a right to do as I will with my own" is only beginning to be limited.

Laissez faire has been the law of economics, and individualism has run riot. In China it is different. What is one man's concern is every man's. If one shows a disposition to keep something to himself, it is prima facie evidence of his dishonesty. Neighbors and relations have rights, that they are not slow to maintain, to a portion of the wealth of the prosperous. Thus there is a family sentiment that opposes a man in doing individualistic things; this broadens out into a clan sentiment and a village sentiment, that is prolific of evil results in feuds and quarrels. There are also, from the same source, trade and guild sentiments that strongly discourage innovations, often on the most foolish grounds. The family, or village, or guild maintain a temple and idolatrous ceremonies to prevent sickness, frighten away the "bogies," etc., toward the expense of which all the villagers or members are expected to contribute. Estates are given or lapse to the ancestral or village temple, and these are managed in turn by the different branches of the family, who pay all expenses from the revenues, if fortunately there are any, and the balance or deficit is their private gain or loss. When a man dies his property is divided among his relatives in fixed proportions, the family, or clan, or village being the executors. In law the great maxim that has come down from the sages for the guidance of all magistrates is: "Pacify the people."

Now let us note the bearings of these facts upon the case of a man who becomes a Christian, and we shall see at once the main lines of public persecution. In doing so he leaves the path of least resistance, a very un-Chinese thing to do, and he does so in the face of family, clan, and village sentiment. He dishonors his ancestors by implying that their religion was false. He disobeys, unless he himself is the head, his father, or elder brother, or uncle. He resists participation in assessments for idolatrous ceremonies. He does that which the rest of the family or village "know" to be the cause of present sickness or calamity. All this must of necessity arouse the intense antagonism of parents, elder brothers, uncles, family, clan, and village. Now when we remember how religious fanaticism everywhere heightens and embitters quarrels, the opportunity it gives vagabonds for plunder, and neighbors for revenge, we are in a way to understand the general nature of persecutions of Chinese Christians. If in enlightened America a man should be converted to the doctrines of "Christian Anarchy," as held by Tolstoi, and receive to his house foreign Anarchists, the sentiment of his neighbors would be much like that of the Chinese toward converts to Christianity, only in China its mode of expression would be more open and brutal.—Missionary Herald.

THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE.

By Central Christian Advocate

THE army of Cortez took with it to Mexico a rude representation, in the form of a wooden doll about a foot high, of the mother of our Saviour. On a certain night this image, known as the Virgin de los Remedios, suddenly disappeared, but it was afterward "miraculously" discovered in the heart of a large maguey on the top of a mountain. Later a rival Virgin, "Our Lady of Guadalupe," appeared upon the scene. According to the tradition, the Virgin Mary revealed herself not far from the City of Mexico to one Juan Diego, an Indian, and impressed her image upon his blanket.

These two representations of the Virgin, the one the patroness of the Spaniards, and the other the patroness of the Mexicans, have played a conspicuous part in Mexican history. They have occupied costly shrines; they have been loaded down with jewels; they have been worshiped by untold thousands; they have been carried through the streets in triumphal procession; they have been appealed to in

times of public distress; and they have figured on the standards of contending armies.

Since Mexico achieved her independence the influence of the Spanish Virgin has waned, while that of the Virgin of Guadalupe has been in the ascendant. Every year the anniversary of the supposed appearance of the Mexican Virgin is celebrated at the church of Guadalupe, with the rites which are even more of a travesty upon Christianity than is the gross superstition upon which they are founded. In view of all this it is interesting to learn that Eduardo Sanche Camacho, who has had the honesty and courage to express his disbelief in the reality of the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe, has as a consequence been forced to resign the bishopric of Tamaulipas, and that the Catholics of his state are largely sustaining him. An appeal in his behalf has been made to the pope, and unless he is reinstated a serious division in the church may result.—Central Christian Advocate.

ACT TO-DAY.

By Rosa A. Young

BY ROSA A. YOUNG.

In this world's broad field of labor, Where there is so much to do, Ours is not to waste the moments, But to be,—to act,—to do!

O, how oft in idle dreaming Do life's moments slip away! Glorious deeds lie all before us, While we slight the work to-day.

And we miss the golden chances That will never come again; Then we find neglected duty Brings a sense of guilt and pain.

O, the need for earnest action, Ready for the daily strife! At our post let duty find us On the battle-field of life.

It may be the task is humble, Something we would rather shirk; Not our part to leave for others, But to do the present work.

Every duty is ennobling If performed with steady aim, Not alone for our self pleasing, Or to win a glorious name—

But to win his approbation Who our Father is, in heaven, For to him belongs the service Of the talents he has given.

Let us not be idly dreaming And thus waste the hours away, But with mind and purpose steady, Do the duty of to-day.

Pitcairn Island.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

By Editor

ON the 3d inst. a Sabbath school of thirteen members was organized at Ackley, Iowa, by Brother D. P. Gaede.

Two persons were baptized by Elder C. P. Bollman, at the foot of Fifty-eighth Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 10th inst.

ON the 17th inst. six candidates were baptized and united with the church at Burlington, Iowa. Elder John Hoffman officiated.

AT North Creek, N. Y., October 11, five persons were baptized in the Hudson River, by Elder A. E. Place, president of New York Conference.

THE date of Atlantic Conference annual meeting has been postponed till November 10-15. The place of meeting will be Jersey City, N. J.

ELDER W. A. HENNIG reports the baptism of three persons at St. Joseph, Mo. Also the erection of a new house of worship at Hamilton, Mo.

ELDER S. N. HASKELL left Cape Town, South Africa, for Australia, on the 17th of September, expecting to arrive in time for the camp-meeting at Adelaide.

BY the last mailship from Tahiti, Elder Herbert Dexter and wife arrived in San Francisco on the 21st inst. They returned on account of the sickness of Sister Dexter.

ELDER H. K. WILLIS, president of Missouri Conference, notes the recent addition of five to the church in Kansas City. That church is making preparation for active Christian Help work during the winter. Every church should have this important work in mind all the time, but especially as winter approaches.

A ten days' general meeting for the benefit of the German brethren of Missouri is now in session at Senate Grove. It began on the 23d inst., to continue until November 1. Elder Westphal, of Kansas, is laboring at this meeting. He is now engaged in general work among the Germans of General Conference District No. 5.

THE International Religious Liberty Association has been actively at work with the American Sentinel, having sent 10,000 copies of the issue of October 8 to as many prominent people in the southern states. Besides this, over 5,000 copies have been sent into Rutherford County, Tenn., where Brother Philpott was indicted for working on Sunday.

WE learn from the Atlantic Record that Elder George B. Wheeler, of Boston, is about to issue a pamphlet address to Baptist ministers on the subject of religious liberty. The Record adds: "Brother Wheeler was for fifteen years a Baptist clergyman, and became interested in the truths of the third angel's message, and left a good, united congregation to identify himself with a more humble people. Brother Wheeler has done considerable work with Baptist ministers with results so encouraging that it has been decided by the International Religious Liberty Association to address an appeal to the 27,000 Baptist ministers north and south in the United States. As is well known, the Baptist people have been the defenders of religious liberty from the birth of the denomination, and their literature is filled with strong statements in favor of a total separation of church and state. Brother Wheeler saw a movement to unite church and state, and his opposition led him into the light of present truth. He believes there are many other Baptist ministers who, rather than surrender this basic principle of Baptist doctrine, will espouse the cause of present truth."

ON the 10th inst., as a result of the labors in the Lenox Avenue tent, New York City, six persons were baptized. This tent effort has been closed, owing to the lateness of the season and the impaired health of Elder O. O. Farnsworth. On the 11th inst. five were baptized from the Ninety-fourth Street tent, making twenty-seven in all as a result of this effort. There are others who have accepted the truth at both places, who have not yet been baptized, and some who had previously been baptized in other churches. Arrangements are being made for one meeting place for Sabbath-keepers in New York City, to be under the charge of Elder E. E. Franke. His home address is 210 West Eighty-eighth Street.

BY steamer Monowai, which arrived in San Francisco on the 22d inst., from Australia, Elder M. C. Israel, wife, and daughter Jessie, returned to their California home, after an absence of eleven years and a half. They were among the first company of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries to go out to Australia, and have witnessed a great work there and in New Zealand. Sisters E. J. Burnham and Sarah Belden also came from Australia in company with Brother Israel. Sister Burnham has been engaged in the Bible Echo office for a number of years, as assistant editor, proof-reader, etc. Sister Belden's husband was also engaged in the Echo office until his death. From Honolulu Elder E. H. Gates and wife were also passengers on the Monowai, both of whom return to America on account of failing health.

THE BIBLE

By Josephine Pollard

AND ITS STORY

BY JOSEPHINE POLLARD

Author of "The History of the New Testament in Words of One Syllable," "History of the Old Testament," "Battles of America."

This volume has been published to assist parents, guardians and teachers in the religious instruction of those under their charge by enabling them to place in the hands of children a book which would

REVERENTLY TELL THE BIBLICAL STORY

without sectarian bias. The one object that has been kept steadily in view throughout its preparation has been to present a connected narrative of sacred events, consecutively arranged in the order of their occurrence, and describe in such clear and simple language as could be easily understood by youthful readers. It is believed that no more complete and accurate recital of scriptural history has ever before been made for the use of the young.

The book comprises 576 pages. There are 280 illustrations (many of them full-page), of which a complete list is prefixed to the volume. Especial attention is called to the Index, which occupies twenty-two double-columned pages and contains upwards of two thousand analytical references to the text. The great fullness of this Index will of itself render the volume invaluable to all who believe that a familiar knowledge of the incidents of the Bible cannot be acquired at too early an age. Price, postpaid, $1.00.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y.

THE ATTEMPTED ARREST; THE WATER OF LIFE.

Lesson Scripture, John 7: 32-52, R. V.

32 "THE Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him; and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to take him. Jesus therefore said, Yet a little while am I with you, and I go unto him that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me; and where I am, 35 ye can not come. The Jews therefore said among themselves, Whither will this man go that we shall not find him? will he go unto the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach 36 the Greeks? What is this word that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me; and where I am, ye can not come? 37 "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come 38 unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living 39 water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet 40 given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. Some of the 41 multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet. Others said, This is the 42 Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the Scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village 43 where David was? So there arose a division in the 44 multitude because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 "The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said unto them, Why did ye not bring him? 46 The officers answered, Never man so spake. The Pharisees 47 therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray? Hath any 48 of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees? But this 49 multitude which knoweth not the law are accursed. Nico50 demus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being 51 one of them), Doth our law judge a man, except it first 52 hear from himself and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet."

QUESTIONS.

Who learned of the attitude of the people toward Jesus?
To what action did this lead?
What was Jesus saying when the officers arrived?
What evident reference did he make to their errand?
What questions arose among the Jews concerning his departure from them?
What other statement of his was also discussed?
What time of the feast had now arrived? What lesson did Jesus connect with the principal ceremony of the day?
What promise did he make to every believer?
What was the real meaning of this figurative statement? Why was the fulfilment of the promise still future?
What did some of the people declare? What did others say? What objection was raised to this?
What scripture was quoted in the argument?
To what did these discussions lead?
What did some desire to do? Did they make the attempt?
After hearing Christ's teaching, where did the officers go?
What question was asked them?
What reply did they make?
How did the Pharisees express their surprise at the reply?
How did they show their regard for the action of the leaders?
How did they show their contempt for the action of the people?
What former inquirer was present to defend Jesus?
What principle of common justice did he urge?
By what question did they seek to ridicule him?
With what argument did they answer him?

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SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief resumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.

CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the Sanctuary in Heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.

SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the "time of the end," just previous to Christ's second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.

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Suggestions for Further Study.

1. How did it happen that the Pharisees had "officers" of the law at their command? To what extent were they permitted to exercise civil authority? What law did they administer?

2. What daily ceremony of the Feast of Tabernacles would suggest the figure used by Jesus in verses 37 and 38?

3. By what experience is Jesus glorified? How is he glorified by us? 1 Peter 4: 12-14.

4. Upon what foundation does Christ rest the promise made in verse 38?

5. How many among the Jews were supposed to know the law? What was included by them in "the law"?

6. The Pharisees had already judged Jesus without a hearing, but the law requires a hearing before it judges. The Pharisees are justifying both of the charges made against them by Jesus. Verse 19.

7. How is life only in Christ taught in this lesson?

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What houses did Solomon build, and how long was he in building them? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) What occurred when these houses were finished? Verse 2. (3) What did the Lord say he had heard? Verse 3. Note 2. (4) What did the Lord say he had done for the temple? Same verse. Note 3. (5) How did the Lord desire Solomon to walk? Verse 4. (6) If he would walk as God wished him to, what blessings would follow? Verse 5. Note 4. (7) What would a turning from the Lord lead the people to do? Verse 6. (8) What judgments did the Lord say would follow such a course? Verse 7. (9) How would the temple be regarded? What question would be asked? Verse 8. (10) What answer would be given? Verse 9. Note 5.

NOTES.

1. Building.—The houses referred to were the temple,—the “house of the Lord,”—and the king’s own palace,—the “king’s house.” Seven and one-half years were occupied in building the temple, and thirteen years in building his own house, which was erected near the former. 1 Kings 6: 37, 38; 8: 1; 2 Chron. 8: 1. Thus this lesson finds Solomon in the twenty-fifth year of his reign, at the height of his glory.

2. I have heard, etc.—Thirteen years had passed since Solomon made his prayer at the dedication of the temple, but the Lord speaks of it as tho it were recently come before him. This visitation was for a special purpose. Having all the heart desired, there was great danger that Solomon might fall from his integrity and misuse the power entrusted to him as king. So his frame of mind of years before is presented to him again, together with all the Lord had been pleased to do concerning the temple. This illustrates the constant care of the Lord for his children, and that, when needed, admonition, warning, reproof or instruction are faithfully given.

3. Forever.—By the positive promises that he would put his name in the temple forever, and that his heart would be there perpetually, the Lord shows his intention to fulfil his part of the covenant made with Israel. They would remain as long as the temple remained and the people were true to him.

4. There shall not fail thee a man.—The house of David did not fail, but Mary, the mother of Jesus, descended through Nathan, a brother of Solomon. Joseph, his legal father, was a direct descendant of Solomon.

5. Because they forsook the Lord.—Solomon himself went into idolatry, altho he returned to the Lord before his death. The history of subsequent kings and of the nation is well known. They did what the Lord warned them not to do, the temple was destroyed, and captivity followed. Nevertheless, for his name’s sake, the Lord brought them back again, as Solomon had made request in his prayer. But all that had been mentioned concerning the “proverb and a byword among the people” has come upon the Jewish nation. Note that they were told to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord lest they forget him and turn to other gods. Four hundred years after this the Lord through Ezekiel recounted the acts of his chosen people from Egypt on through the centuries, and the particular sin mentioned again and again is that of Sabbath-breaking. Following immediately on this is the utter forgetting of God and relapse into idolatry. The reason for this last result is that the Sabbath was a sign between them and God. Eze. 20: 12, etc. Sabbath desecration is pointed to at the present day as the cause of the lack of spirituality the world over. This is undoubtedly true, for the Lord makes himself known as the Creator of heaven and earth in the Sabbath commandment only,—the fourth precept of his great ten-word constitution. But it must not be forgotten that a full turning to the Lord brings us to the Sabbath he has blessed and made holy,—the seventh day of the week, and not to any day men may choose for themselves. If men were justified in choosing Sunday, for instance, which God has never blessed nor made holy, then they can not be condemned for trampling upon the Sabbath of the Lord. But God means what he says, and all who knowingly disregard his holy law as did Israel will part with his favor as surely as they did. But a special spiritual blessing—a blessing through Christ—is promised to every one who honors his holy day, the day he has appointed. Isa. 58: 13, 14. Reader, are you coming short in this respect in the observance of that law by which all shall be judged? If so, study most carefully the plain instruction of God’s word. Would you desire richer blessings, try God’s way. God is worshiped in spirit and in truth, but note that the spirit and the truth always go together.

NOTES.

1. "THE words of Jesus found a place in many hearts, and, like seed sown in goodly soil, they afterward bore abundant harvests. The spies scattered throughout the throng now report to the chief priests and elders that Jesus is gaining great influence among the people, and that many are already acknowledging their belief in him. The priests therefore secretly lay their plans to arrest Jesus; but they arrange to take him when he is alone; for they dare not risk the effect upon the people of seizing him while in their presence." Jesus understood their purposes, and replied to them in verses 33, 34. "Soon the Saviour of the world will find a refuge from the persecution of his enemies, where their scorn and hate will be powerless to harm him. He will ascend to his Father, to be again the Adored of angels; and thither his murderers can never come." Believers have no difficulty in finding Christ (Matt. 7:7), and they will soon go to meet him (1 Thess. 4:17), but the world sees him no more (John 14:19).

2. "THE condition of the people made this appeal very forcible. They had been engaged in a continued scene of pomp and festivity, their eyes had been dazzled with light and color, and their ears regaled with the richest music; but there had been nothing to meet the wants of the spirit, nothing to satisfy the thirst of the soul for that which perishes not; Jesus invited them to come and drink of the fountain of life, of that which should be in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life. . . . The words of the divine Teacher presented the Gospel in a most impressive figure. . . . Jesus knew the wants of the human soul. . . . Many of those who heard Jesus were mourners over disappointed hopes, some were nourishing a secret grief, some were seeking to satisfy the restless longing of the soul with the things of this world and the praise of men; but when all this was gained, they found that they had toiled to reach only a broken cistern, from which they could not quench their fever thirst. . . . That sudden cry, 'If any man thirst,' startles them from their sorrowful meditation, and as they listen to the words that follow, their minds kindle with a new hope. . . . The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth. It appeals to us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple on that last day of the feast. The weary and exhausted ones are offered the refreshing draught of eternal life. . . . All who come to Christ receive his love in their hearts, which is the water that springs up into everlasting life. Those who receive it impart it in turn to others, in good works, in right examples, in Christian counsel."

3. "THE church has long been content with little of the blessing of God. They have not felt the need of reaching up to the exalted privileges purchased for them at infinite cost. Their spiritual strength has been feeble, their experience is of a dwarfed and crippled character, and they are disqualified for the work the Lord would have them do. They are not able to present the great and glorious truths of God's holy word, that would convict and convert souls through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The power of God awaits their demand and reception."

4. THE people are believing on Jesus as the Christ, the officers are softened by the power of his teaching, and Nicodemus speaks in his behalf before the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees are furious, but their rage is held in check. "They were startled and chagrined that one of their own number had been so impressed by the power of Jesus as to openly defend him in the council." "Note their bitterness towards their servants, who had presumed to think for themselves, towards the multitude, who were cursed, towards Nicodemus." How characteristic it is of opposers of the truth to resort to sarcasm and ridicule when arguments fail! Thus did the Pharisees.

GOD'S BLESSING UPON SOLOMON.

Lesson Scripture, 1 Kings 9:1-9.

1. AND it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me; I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

4. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments;

5. Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel forever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

6. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them;

7. Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people;

8. And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and to this house?

9. And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshiped them, and served them; therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil.

Golden Text: "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Prov. 10:22.

THE CHILDREN'S BOOK.

By Editor

USEFUL as well as ornamental. Volume 6 of Our Little Friend is full of good stories, just such as children like. They can spend many an hour reading, with no danger of their minds being poisoned with such matter as many do read in other books and papers.

The bound volumes of Our Little Friend are just the books to place in the hands of our children. If we get books for our children, let us get good books for them. There are none better than the bound volumes of Our Little Friend, of which volume 6 is the latest. 416 pp., cloth; profusely illustrated.

It will be sent to any address for $1.00 postpaid. Address, Our Little Friend, Box 548, Oakland, Cal.

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