p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 31. (8/1/1900)

LESSON VII.—SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 1900.

By Editor

THE FORGIVING SPIRIT.

Lesson Scripture, Matt. 18:21-35, R.V.

21 "THEN came Peter, and said to Him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would make a reckoning with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him a hundred pence; and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. 29 So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. 30 And he would not; but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. 31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me; 33 shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35 So shall also My heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts."

NOTE.—The student should read and study Matt. 18:15-35 for the fuller lesson. With this compare the parable of the two debtors, Luke 7:35-50. On this point of forgiveness some precious lessons may be drawn from the following texts: Matt. 5:43-46; 6:12, 14, 15; Mark 11:25, 26; Luke 6:35-37; 17:3, 4; 23:34; Acts 7:60; Rom. 12:14-21; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13; 1 Peter 3:9.

Golden Text: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matt. 6:12.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What question did Peter ask Jesus? V. 21. (2) How many times did Jesus say an offender should be forgiven? V. 22. Note 1. (3) To what did Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven? V. 23. (4) How much did a certain servant owe the king? V. 24. Note 2. (5) As the debtor had nothing wherewith to make payment, what was commanded to be done with him? V. 25. Note 3. (6) Upon hearing the command, what did the servant do? What promise did he make, and on what condition? V. 26. Note 4. (7) What effect did the servant's words and attitude have on the king? V. 27. Note 5. (8) Whom did the servant meet as he departed from the king? What did he do and say to his fellow-servant? V. 28. Note 6. (9) What did the fellow-servant do and say? V. 29. (10) What effect did this plea have upon the first servant? V. 30. (11) How did the rest of the servants regard this action? To whom did they report? V. 31. (12) With what words did the lord of the servant address him? V. 32, 33. (13) What did he do with the wicked servant? V. 34. Note 7. (14) What final admonition and warning did the Saviour give? V. 35. Note 8.

NOTES.

1. Seventy times seven.—Jesus had just indicated the mode of procedure to bring reconciliation between brethren. The injured one is to go to the offender, a method contrary to human ideas. Such a course is designed to teach humility, and if the offender is approached in the Christ spirit, his heart may be touched, and thus a victory won by the gentle but all-powerful art of peace and love. But Peter wished to know if there was not a limit to forbearance. The rabbis taught that forgiveness was to be exercised three times. Jesus announces the divine law of forgiveness. The number is not seven times only, nor yet is it limited to seventy times seven,—four hundred and ninety times. The language means unlimited forbearance, just so long as the trespasser comes asking forgiveness. This is the heavenly Father's method with His children. How often we sin! yet forgiveness is limited only when our own hearts become so hardened by sinning that there is really no true desire for reformation. This is the great danger. The Lord wants us to be reconciled, appreciate the great sacrifice made to save us, and stand firm always through His enabling grace.

2. Ten thousand talents.—Nineteen or twenty million dollars, a sum impossible for him to pay. The figure is drawn from Eastern customs of loaning money at usurious rates, and when the interest goes by default, it is compounded with the principal. In a short time the amount of the debt becomes enormous.

3. Commanded him to be sold.—The figure supposes a despotic ruler; the servants, his governors or petty officials. "In Syria now, when the debt grows till it equals in value the entire property of the debtors, the creditor seizes all they possess."—Peloubet.

4. Worshiped him.—Prostrated himself before the king, addressing him in the oriental manner, as lord.

5. Released him, and forgave the debt.—Here is the great lesson. The king, as one having power and authority, represents God. The servants are all to whom God has intrusted blessings great or small, and opportunities, and high trusts. The reckoning is not alone the final judgment, but every time when the Lord brings to man's heart a consciousness of his sin. The great debt of the servant "represents the magnitude of the debt which the sinner owes to God, and the hopelessness of ever paying it." The king was "moved with compassion," and did the only thing there was to do,—he released the man, and forgave the debt. This is divine. This is the force of the "therefore," with which Jesus introduced the parable. This is a characteristic of the kingdom of heaven. And if men now would have the kingdom of heaven within, and would be subjects of that kingdom now and forever, this spirit of forgiveness must be theirs.

6. An hundred pence.—The denarius was of silver, and was worth about a penny. A hundred pence was worth sixteen or seventeen dollars, less than a millionth part of what the first debtor owed his lord.

7. Wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors.—The lord was indignant, justly angry at such conduct. The tormentors were "not simply 'jailers,' but those who [among the ancient Romans] sought by legal tortures to find out whether the debtor had any concealed hoard."—Schaff.

8. So shall also My heavenly Father do.—Not that the exact motives and every individual act of God will be as those of the king in the parable; but as punishment was meted out to the unforgiving servant, so the Lord will mete out punishment to those who forgive not when they themselves hope to be forgiven. That is, God will deal with individuals as they deal with their fellow-men. It is not an arbitrary reward from the Lord, but justice determined by one's own conduct. It is a great truth that the making of one's destiny is in his own hands. He may will the Lord's way, and receive power from above to help him, and the end will be life; he may will contrary to that way, and the end will be death.

Wanted: Lady Agents

Wanted.—Lady agents at once to send for my new catalog of Health Garments. Will give credit to those that can give references. Would like ten agents in California.

W. S. Dann, 1509 Burt Street, Omaha, Neb.

Jesus Christ Our Righteousness

"Jesus Christ Our Righteousness." (Spanish.) A translation of Bible Students' Library No. 71; 8 pp.; price, 1 cent. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING Co., Oakland, Cal.

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World-wide

By Editor

Revival or

Belief in the

Spiritual

Under the above title the Literary Digest quotes the following summing up of comments upon the increased interest now being taken by Christendom in the reception and work of the Holy Spirit:—

"All this certainly goes clearly to show that we are on the eve of a great spiritual discovery. It is in the air. Everybody feels it. Power from on High is within our grasp. How to grasp it, or have it grasp us; how we may grasp and hold Him, rather have Him grasp and hold us, is the question, the greatest and mightiest question the twentieth century has to face."

We have in preparation a volume entitled

Power for

Witnessing

which we believe answers, to the satisfaction of nearly every one, the questions propounded above. It is written by A. F. BALLENGER, a revivalist of experience and power, and is filled with incidents illustrating every phase of the great subject under consideration.

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Legal Rights of Canvassers

By Editor

That canvassers and solicitors have legal rights to canvass without license, and that these rights are recognized by court decisions is not generally known, but it is nevertheless true.

We have just published an eight-page leaflet, containing the text of several such decisions, copies of which will be sent post-paid for five cents each.

Pacific Press Publishing Co. OAKLAND, CAL. 39 Bond St., New York City 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

Need Help?

By Editor

On your Sabbath-School lessons we mean. If so, we recommend you to secure a copy of

The Glad Tidings

It is a verse-by-verse exposition of the entire book of Galatians (which book is to be studied eight months) and is written by the one who prepared the lessons.

The book contains 265 pages.

Prices are as follows:—

PAPER, 25c

CLOTH, 60c

Pacific Press Publishing Co.

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By Editor

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TO CONTRIBUTORS.

By Editor

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.

Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.

How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.

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NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to "explain" a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid," also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

Labor and the

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Such are the opening words of the tract.

It is written by Geo. W. RINE, B. L., and is a forcible presentation of the prophecies pointing to this time and their fulfilment.

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Russia in Asia

By Editor

Russia in Asia.—In our Outlook department will be found an article and a map giving in condensed space the story of Russian advance in Asia. In that connection it will be of interest to read the opinion of Lord Beresford, who has given special study to the Chinese question. A despatch dated London, July 10, says:—

“Rear-Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, speaking at Malta at the Naval and Military Society, on Monday evening, said the trouble in China would be far-reaching and disastrous in its consequences to British trade there. It would be a military, not a maritime war, and the Power that could place on the spot the greatest number of troops would eventually have substantial advantages. The Powers not consenting to the open door, particularly Russia, he declared, would eventually gain supremacy. He said it was a pity that his proposals respecting the reorganization of the Chinese army had not been accepted by the British Government, with a view to the possibility of a general war. Lord Beresford advocated an imperial conference, to which all colonies should be invited, to discuss a scheme of defense.”

SONGS FOR THE "SIGNS."

By Editor

Song is an essential part of true worship. The beautiful songs of Inspiration are found from one end of the Bible to the other. Pre-eminently the songs of Zion are the Psalms. But God has endowed others of His children with the poetic gift and with the gift of singing. And if these gifts are consecrated to Him, why will He not use them?

There are multitudes of songs. Many of them are cheap, light, trashy. Many sing error instead of truth. But those we present to our readers we especially desire should teach the truth. During the remainder of this volume we have the following songs (with music), which will be given monthly to the subscribers of the SIGNS:—

"The Spirit Filled Life," words by Llewellyn A. Morrison, music by S. J. Herrick; "Let in the Sunlight," words by M. C. Wilcox, music by C. A. Smith; "In the Temple," words by T. R. Williamson, music by C. A. Smith; "The Bridegroom Cometh," words and music by H. H. Winslow; "Let Me Rest in the Harvest," words by Hattie C. Kelley, music by S. J. Herrick.

There are still others in preparation. We believe that our readers will appreciate these contributions, given freely to the Lord's work, to cheer and encourage the pilgrims of Zion.

REDEMPTION.

By Editor

THERE is no greater theme. Everything which will throw light upon the great subject, which will light the way to the eternal land, which will set forth the old story in a fresh, new light, ought to be gladly received. Three articles on this great theme have just been received from a long-time Bible student and worker, Mrs. H. Hurd-Haskell. They are as follows:—

Man's Lost Condition and His Only Redeemer; How Much Redemption Includes; Redemption of the Dominion.

It is evident that man is sold into sickness, disease, sin, death. Who can buy him back? The earth is cursed. Who can restore it? These articles will tell you. They will appear in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, beginning with the issue of September 12.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry.

Every-day Work . . . . . 10 The Wind across the Wheat, WM. NEHRING . . . . . 12

General.

"Present Truth" . . . . . 1 God's Promises, MRS. W. P. SCHUSTER . . . . . 2 The Tree by the River, G. E. FIFIELD . . . . . 3 "My Witnesses," No. 3, MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . 4 The Ancient Apostasy, a Type of the Falling Away in the Church, H. C. GILES . . . . . 5

Editorial.

Delightful . . . . . 6 The Future of Our Country . . . . . 6

Question Corner.—Nos. 1067-1071 . . . . . 7

Outlook.—Russian Absorption of Asia—Not a Peaceful Prospect—Partition of China . . . . . 8, 9

The Home.—Demoralization of the Young Man, W. S. SADLER—Things Worth Remembering . . . . . 10, 11

Music.—Reach Down and Help Us . . . . . 11

Missions.—Education for the Colored Race, J. E. WHITE—Prayer That Obtains—Our India Famine Fund . . . . . 12 13

International Sabbath-school and Sunday-school Lessons . . . . . 14

Publishers . . . . . 15

Lying Wonders

By Editor

The article by A. F. Ballenger on "Lying Wonders" is crowded out of this issue. It will be published in our next.

The Ancient Apostasy a Type of the Falling Away in the Church

By Editor

In this issue we conclude the series of articles on the "Origin of Evil and the Change of the Sabbath." The general heading is omitted in order to get room for the article. It will be found on page 5, entitled "The Ancient Apostasy a Type of the Falling Away in the Church." It includes that and much more. This series has given a wonderful amount of Biblical and historical instruction upon the theme of their discourse. May God bless them to the good of souls!

The War Against China

By Editor

No words can describe the awful, heartrending scenes of the opening of the great world war against China. Many have looked upon it as tho the carving up of China by the great Powers were only a day's diversion. So England looked upon the subjugation of South Africa. And now the best-informed men on Chinese matters, tell us that we know nothing about it. For instance, one of the best-informed journalists of the world, Mr. W. T. Stead, publishes in the Examiner-Journal, an article on the subject, from which we take the following excerpts:—

"The gravity of the crisis in China hitherto has never been realized, even faintly, in Europe, otherwise England would have long ago patched up any kind of truce in South Africa, which would have enabled her to have used her army for the defense of the present outposts of Western civilization. Even now, when the massacre of the Legations has sent a thrill through the world, few dream of the immensity and hopelessness of the struggle upon which they are invited to embark with such loud cries of vengeance.

"If the southern and western provinces remain impassive, the situation created by the killing of the Legationees is one which can be grappled with by the international allies; but if, as the news to-day seems to indicate, all China is up in arms, then the West can do nothing except singe the beard and inflict pin-pricks on the hide of the great Chinese dragon.

"One of the ablest ambassadors in London, who has made a life-long study of the Chinese question, expressed himself quite freely on this point. He said:

" 'If China really rises, the whole of Europe, with the addition of Japan and the United States, can do nothing except to put a girdle of iron around the Chinese frontier, and leave the Chinese to stew in their own juice for eighty years.' "

But isolation is what China desires. But, O, the awful cost of it all!

Premium Organ for Sabbath Schools

By Editor

We notice with regret that some of our friends have mistaken, in the organ advertisement on second cover page of the Liberty SIGNS, the number of subscriptions necessary to secure the premium organ. We are sorry the type did not show up better, but the number is only 150. The organ is a good one, and to all Sabbath-schools not now in possession of a good instrument is offered this splendid opportunity to secure one. Write to this office for plans of work, etc. Look out for an advertisement of the organ next week.

Future of Our Country

By Editor

The "Future of Our Country" concludes in this issue. We hope these articles may be read in the light of the Bible, not in the prejudice of politics or so-called patriotism. We are all judgment-bound souls. "Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God." That we may meet Him there justified, it is necessary that we shall meet the events of life in His light and by His strength. Politics or patriotism will not count there. "The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." All who are His will stand with Him. That we may be of His then we must be His now.

Unspeakably Sad.

By Editor

No words can describe the horrors of the fearful massacres in China, especially at Pekin, noted more fully in our news columns; and the most terribly sad thing of all was the seeming necessity of the death of women and children and wounded at the hands of their own friends. Yet fearful as are their deaths, Christians will not seek to avenge them. Not one who gave his life (or her life, for there were noble women among them) for Christ's sake will be forgotten of the Master. His life, his work, his sacrifice, his seed-sowing, will all be remembered. God will reward every soul, and mete out to the wrong-doers according to their deeds. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves; . . . for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." We know that this is not natural; but it is Christian, and Christianity pertains not alone to the life that now is, but that which is to come. The true gain is the long gain; and God is eternal.

League of American Mothers Conference

A Conference of the League of American Mothers will be held in Chicago, August 1, 2, 3, to which all mothers and the thousands of League members all over the country are invited. To the demands of mothers for definite plans of study and work for their children the League of American Mothers has responded by sending out a study course, fully outlined, suitable either for individual reading or for a mothers' club program. For full information concerning the summer conference, entertainment, and railroad rates, send a stamped envelope with inquiry to Mrs. Andrea Hofer Proudfoot, National Organizer of the League of American Mothers, 9333 Prospect Avenue, Chicago.

What Ailed It?

By Editor

In a little State paper, which is always welcome here, we read the following in an appeal to canvassers:—

“I am very sorry that the camp-meeting, the drought, and the smallpox scare so completely paralyzed our canvassing work. But as all these troubles are in the past and nobody hurt much, I hope all our canvassers will brace up, pray for an increase of faith, and go ahead.”

Now we are glad to hear that neither the drought in that State nor the smallpox scare had much effect. But what ailed the camp-meeting? It ought to have had such effect upon all truly Christian booksellers that it not only would not be classed among “troubles,” but would have been a mighty help to every canvasser there. What ailed it? Or, should we ask, What ailed the writer? or, What ailed the canvassers? Anyway a camp-meeting ought never to be classed with “troubles;” it ought to be a blessed helper in meeting them all; a season of spiritual bracing; a time of storing spiritual energy anxious for operation. What was the matter?

Peace, Peace

“Peace, Peace.”—It was but a little while ago that we had a great Peace Conference for the world. Men who did not know hailed it with delight as the precursor of the coming century. But now, within a few short months, all the great Powers of earth are engaged in war—war with a most horrible opening, arousing all the bloodthirstiness of the natural man. “Revenge to-day and mourning to-morrow,” is said to be the cry of all Europe. Truly said the prophet of this time, “When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.”

The Better Land

By Editor

All the countries of the earth from which missionaries and soldiers have gone forth to China, are in mourning; for there is scarcely a church or town in them which does not know some of those who are slain. We sorrow with them. But, dear souls, do not all these fearful calamities which are upon the world make you long for the better land? In that soon-coming kingdom, ushered in by the second coming of Jesus Christ, there will be no famine, no strife, no war. This is but the testing-ground for that, into which every soul may enter, not by strife of arms, but through Jesus Christ.