1 "Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 And it was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judea again. 8 The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. 11 These things spake he; and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 The disciples therefore said unto him, Lord, if he is fallen asleep, he will recover. 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death; but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his fellow disciples, Let us go also, that we may die with him."
QUESTIONS.
Who was sick? Where did he live? How was the town known?
Through what event was the family well-known?
What message was sent to Jesus?
When Jesus learned of the condition of Lazarus, what did he say?
In what way is the affliction of Jesus for the family mentioned?
In what way did he apparently disregard the message which had been sent to him?
How did he respond to it afterwards?
How did his disciples attempt to dissuade him from his purpose?
With what question did Jesus reply to them?
What is true of one who walks in the day? Why?
What is the experience of one who walks in the night? Why?
What statement did Jesus then make concerning the condition of the sick man?
What was the purpose of his going to Judea?
What reply did the disciples make?
What did they understand from his statement?
How did he make his meaning perfectly clear to them?
How did he feel about his absence from the scene?
What was the purpose of all this? What course does Jesus now urge?
How did one of his disciples respond?
NOTES.
1. "THE eleventh is in some respects the great central chapter of this Gospel of life—even as it does indeed happen to be also literally the central chapter." "The ten chapters which precede have served to indicate how Jesus revealed himself to the Jews in every aspect that was likely to win faith, and how each fresh revelation only served to embitter them against him, and harden their unbelief into hopeless hostility."
2. "WHEN Mary and Martha sent to Jesus, their message was—not, Lord, he who loveth thee, but—'Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.' It is not my imperfect love to him which comforts me, but his perfect love to me."
3. "THE Lord loves thee, and yet he tarries with his consolation! Be still, my soul, for thou shalt yet praise him for having refused thee a smaller boon, that he might bestow upon thee a greater." "The persuasion of Christ's love must be graven in our hearts so deeply that no semblance of indifference on his part will ever make the slightest impression upon us. 'This is the victory that overcometh the world.'"
4. "IN the forefront of this marvelous chapter stands the affirmation, 'Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus,' as if to teach us that at the very heart and foundation of all God's dealings with us, however dark and mysterious they may be, we must dare to believe in and assert the infinite, unmerited, and unchanging love of God."
5. "IT agrees beautifully with divine decorum, that Scripture nowhere speaks of any one having died in the presence of the Prince of Life. If we suppose that death could not have assailed Lazarus when Jesus was near, the words of the two sisters gain a much more sublime signification, and the Lord's joy on account of his absence appears in a clearer light."
Suggestions for Further Study.
Note the wonderful power of inspiration for condensed statement. How many facts are mentioned in verse 1?
What sometimes seems to men evidences of God's displeasure or of his neglect may be but the preliminary conditions for a special display of his power and glory. See John 9:3.
What is the teaching of this lesson concerning the condition of man in death?
What hint is given as to the relation between sleep and health?
What is the true relation between faith and miracles?
Jesus spoke of Lazarus as "our friend." Who are the friends of Jesus?
How is life only in Christ taught in this lesson?
LESSON III.—SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1897.
A MULTITUDE CONVERTED.
NOTE.—The section of scripture to be studied should be a review of chapter 1, lesson 2, and a careful study of the intervening scripture, Acts 2:14-31. In this first part of Peter's sermon he sets forth that the disciples could not be full of new wine, but that what was seen was the fulfillment of what God had foretold by his prophet Joel (chap. 2:28-32). He then declares that Jesus of Nazareth was the One foretold by the prophets, that he had power of death, and quotes, in proof of his declarations, Ps. 16:8-10. He then shows that this prophecy could not refer to David personally, because David was dead and buried, and his sepulcher was then with them; that David saw corruption, but that Christ's flesh did not; therefore David spoke of Christ's resurrection. Here our lesson begins.
Lesson Scripture, Acts 2:32-47, R. V.
32 "THIS Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. 33 For David ascended not into the heavens; but he saith himself,
The Lord said unto my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand,
34 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
35 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
36 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them,12Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall
39 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even 40 as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized; and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand 42 souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 "And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and 44 signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed 45 were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, accord- 46 ing as any man had need. And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they did take their food with gladness and 47 singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved."
Golden Text.—"The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off." Acts 2:39.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT.
(1) What two scriptures did Peter quote in proof of the work of God then manifest? See note above. (2) What did he say of Jesus who was slain and buried? Verse 32. (3) Where was this same Jesus now? and what had he done? Verse 33. (4) What does he say of David? Verse 34. Note 1. (5) What did David say? Verses 34, 35. Note 2. (6) What had the Lord done for this Jesus according to David? Verse 36. (7) How did these simple Bible truths affect the people? Verse 37. (8) What reply did Peter make to their question? Verse 38. Note 3. (9) What did he say was the scope of the promise of the Spirit? Verse 39. Note 4. (10) What further did he do? Verse 40. Note 5. (11) What was the result of his preaching? Verse 41. (12) What is said of the future of these converts? Verse 42. Note 6. (13) What was manifest among the people? Verse 43. (14) What is said of the union of believers? Verse 44. (15) How did faith affect them as regards their property? Verse 45. (16) What is said of their lives in general? Verse 46. (17) What was the effect of this unity and simplicity of Christian faith? Verse 47. (18) May not the same thing be seen now? Golden Text.
NOTES.
1. Not ascended into the heavens.—What could be more conclusive evidence that the future life of those who die depends on a resurrection from the dead than Acts 2:25-36? David died and was buried. Because of this the apostle knew that David ascended not into the heavens. He sleeps in Jesus; and he and all who sleep in him will be raised when "this same Jesus" shall come again.
2. The Lord said unto my Lord.—The Father said to the Son. See Ps. 110:1. This is Christ's exaltation to the Father's throne as priest, where he reigns the Lord of grace till his work as priest is over. See Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1.
3. Repent.—Think differently, different from former life, a change of mind which results in regrets for the past, and in change of conduct in present and future. It is not true repentance which does not so result. See 2 Cor. 7:8-11.
4. God designed that his Spirit should be in the church for all time. It was not his wish that the manifestation of his Spirit in its power, and in its gifts, ordinary and extraordinary, should exist till he should come again. God will work now as miraculously as he did then if his people are willing to be worked by the Spirit. Read what the Lord says of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and Eph. 4:8-13.
5. Many other words.—He gave them instruction as to what was involved in accepting Christ, baptism, separation from the world, etc.
6. Steadfastly.—They did not backslide as soon as the excitement was over, they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching. They continued to feed upon the word of God; without this there is no growth. Neglect to feed upon the bread of life is the cause of failure in many young Christians.
Lincoln Fountain Pen
By Editor
Lincoln Fountain Pen. We are constantly receiving words of recommendation for this pen, and we are thoroughly convinced that it is just as represented in every way. We are allowing special prices on orders for a dozen or more at one time.
Our offer to send the pen for only 75 cents to any one subscribing for the Signs of the Times for one year, and paying the regular subscription price of $1.00, still holds good. Both the Signs and the pen for $1.75.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
New York City. Kansas City, Mo.
"Will A Man Rob God?" will appear as No. 145, and all orders we now have for No. 145 will be filled with "Origin, Progress," etc. In ordering these pamphlets mention name as well as number.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
New York. Kansas City.
LITERARY NOTICES.
By Editor
"BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS, A SERIES OF PLATES ILLUSTRATING BIBLICAL VERSIONS AND ANTIQUITIES." Oxford University Press, Henry Froude, 91 and 93 Fifth Avenue, New York.
No book in existence has done so much in changing the face of the earth, and for the betterment of man, society, and nations, as the Bible; and it is safe to say that among the helpers in Bible study no firm has done more or is doing more to assist the earnest student of limited means and leisure, the great middle class, than the publishers of Oxford Bibles and the helps in connection with them. Others have followed along after, but the Oxford University Press has led. Before us lies a new volume, characteristic of the enterprise and thorough work of the company. It is designed as an appendix to the Oxford Bible for Teachers. The present volume is an enlargement over the former series of plates which appeared in some of the later editions of the Oxford Teachers' Bible, containing nearly double the number, with full letter press descriptions.
These illustrations are of three classes: Class I. is composed of 54 illustrations of the Languages, Writings, and Versions of the Old and New Testaments, from the Phoenician and Hebrew alphabets down through the hieroglyphs, Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, etc., to the first Oxford Bible, A.D. 1675. Class II. numbers 59 illustrations of Old Testament History and Religion, including the religion of Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Israel, etc. Class III. is made up of 11 illustrations of New Testament History. The book is of immense value to Bible students. They here have the result of the best and most modern researches of the ripest scholars. Price $1.00.
The same company has issued an entirely new series of Teachers' Bibles, protected by copyright, with new and improved helps, containing the most valuable compilation yet published for preacher, teacher, student, or general reader. Over two million copies of former editions have been sold. For sale by all prominent booksellers. These Bibles and "Bible Illustrations" may also be obtained of the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
"The Structure and Authorship of the New Testament," by I. Panin, Grafton, Mass.
The object of this little work of 70 pages is to show: "(1) That the New Testament contains within itself the infallible means of deciding between rival readings. (2) That the twenty-seven books of the New Testament were written by one mind." Upon this Mr. Panin presents evidence drawn from twelve different sources, and, to the author's mind, demonstrated by mathematical calculations. The Bible student who may not agree with Mr. Panin will find his little brochure interesting and suggestive. To our mind he presents some remarkable facts, and opens a wide field of study.
"The Crowning Sin of the Age; the Perversion of Marriage." By Brevard D. Sinclair. Pamphlet, 94 pp., 1s. 6d., Marshall Brothers, Keswick House, Paternoster Row, London, E. C., H. L. Hastings, Boston, Mass. While there might be a difference of opinion as to what is the "crowning sin of the age" in these days of towering iniquity, when, as in all other days of evil, sins do not range alone, the author, who has held high position as a lawyer, makes out a good case that the Perversion of Marriage is a crowning sin. The book is a strong, brave utterance against an enormous evil.
"The Saints' Rest and Rapture." By Frank H. White. Formerly published in London, by S. W. Partridge & Co. Price, post free, 5 cents. Address the author, Y. M. C. A. Building, San Francisco, Cal. This little brochure is a candid and Christian discussion of our Lord's coming, and it shows conclusively that the "secret rapture," and division of the church into classes, are not based on the Scriptures of truth. It presents the coming of the Lord as a visible, literal, personal coming, longed for by his people.
"The Theater." By Josiah W. Leeds. Pamphlet, 88 pp., bound in heavy red manila, price 15 cents. H. L. Hastings, 47 and 49 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. This little brochure presents in simple yet forcible language the evils of the theater, and the evil influence of its associations. Testimonies of eminent men and women are adduced in proof. Mr. Leeds also shows that church fairs, sociables, etc., are direct feeders of the theater.
SPANISH PUBLICATIONS.
By Editor
DURING the past few months we have sent out larger quantities of publications in the above language than ever before; but when we realize that there are millions of people of this nationality, thousands of whom live in our own state, who are as yet unsupplied with this literature, we are led to believe that this work is still in its infancy. That all may become acquainted with the books, pamphlets and tracts published in this language, we have prepared the following list:—
BOOKS.
Christ Our Saviour.—This book gives in simple language a graphic account of the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. 160 octavo pages, illustrated with original drawings made especially for the book. Printed in clear, large type on heavy paper, and bound as follows:—
Fine English Cloth, embellished aluminum, $0.75
Cloth Back, Board Covers, in colors, - - - - .50
Gospel Primer contains 128 pages of well-written matter, designed to combine the teaching of reading with the study of the truths of the Gospel. Thirty-three full-page illustrations.
Heavy Board, with cover design in colors, - $0.25
English Cloth, embossed cover, lemon edges, - .50
Steps to Christ.—By Mrs. E. G. White. One of the best books for the young convert we have ever read; and it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are farther along in the Christian life. The Spanish edition contains twelve full-page illustrations, and is strongly bound in cloth. Price - - - - $ .60
Patriarchs and Prophets. By Mrs. E. G. White.
Cloth, Marbled edges, - - - - $2.25
Cloth, Gilt edges, - - - - 2.75
Full Morocco, Gilt edges, - - - - 4.50
Pamphlets.
The Captain of Our Salvation.—This pamphlet shows how Christ is the Captain and Guide, the Author and Finisher, of his people's faith.
Price - - - - - - - - - - 15 cents.
The Ministration of Angels is a collection of Bible readings on the following subjects: Angels of God; Satan and His Work; Christ, the Resurrection and the Life; Daniel; Signs of Christ's Advent.
Price - - - - - - - - - - 5 cents.
The Inheritance of the Saints is a collection of Bible readings on the following subjects: Inheritance of the Saints; The Thousand Years' Reign; The End of the Wicked; Immortality through Christ; Importance of the Prophecies; The Christian's Hope; and The Judgment.
Price - - - - - - - - - - 5 cents.
Tracts.
The following 4-page tracts are one-half cent each:—
Coming of the Lord, showing that his coming is near.
God's Gift to Man, presenting the sinner's hope.
Is the End Near? showing the nearness of Christ's coming.
The Agony of Christ in the Garden.
The Great Commandment, Jesus' reply to the lawyer's question, "Which is the greatest commandment of the law?"
The Price of Our Salvation.
"This Rock."—A brief Bible argument showing clearly that Christ, not Peter, is the Rock upon which the true church is founded.
The Temptation treats upon the forty days' temptation of our Lord, and shows the evil of intemperance, and its fruit, immorality.
Price of each of the above is 50 cents per 100.
Living by Faith.—Same as Bible Students' Library, No 75, 16 pages, 2 cents.
The Second Advent, 32 pages, 4 cents.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
New York City. Kansas City, Mo.
CYCLONE WASHER.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Oct. 16, 1896.
MESSRS. COON BROS., Battle Creek, Mich.—Gentlemen: In fourteen hours' work in the city of Battle Creek, selling the Cyclone Washer, I have sold seven. It is the best-selling article that I have ever handled.
Yours truly, H. M. LITTLE.
ASBURY PARK, N. J., Oct. 21, 1896.
MESSRS. COON BROS., Battle Creek, Mich.—Gentlemen: Since writing you before we have had the Cyclone used in our family, and all are delighted. Money is close here as elsewhere, and will be until confidence is restored by the election of McKinley and Hobart. We are talking the machine with confidence, and hope to increase the orders as its use extends.
—On the night of the 18th inst., an armed mob broke into the county jail at Russellville, Ky., and killed three prisoners charged with murder.
—The Los Angeles Rolling Mills, employing 150 hands, have been compelled to close operations. Internal dissensions and exorbitant freight rates are given as leading causes.
—The first general clothing manufactory to be established in the northwest is announced to open in January at Tacoma, Wash. It is to employ 150 hands, and turn out 150 suits per day.
—An El Paso, Texas, despatch says that many Chinese have lately been crossing into Texas and Arizona from Mexico. The county jail at El Paso is said to be full of Chinamen who have been caught violating the exclusion law.
—A newspaper item says that “prominent women of Spokane, Wash., have organized a gold mining corporation, with a capital stock of $2,000,000. In delving into the earth only women are to be employed. The novel experiment will be watched with care.
—Now it is strawboard that is to be cornered. An Indianapolis despatch says that representatives of eight prominent manufactories met in that city on the 17th inst., and took preliminary steps to control the output and prices of strawboard throughout the country.
—The will of the late Mrs. Donahue, of San Francisco, bequeaths $100,000 for building and equipment of a library for the Jesuit College of St. Ignatius, in that city. Another $100,000 goes to Archbishop Riordan, to be distributed among charitable institutions as he may select.
—The New York World of the 17th inst. says that 600 men will be discharged from the Brooklyn Navy Yard within a few days. This is because the next appropriation will not be available until June, 1897, and the recent appropriation of $2,000,000 has dwindled down to $100,000.
—Rev. Dr. Wendte (Unitarian), of this city, subscribes for the Catholic News, of New York, as a donation to the Free Reading Room. This he does because the Library Committee have ruled out the San Francisco Monitor, as they say, “not for its Catholicism, but for its ‘cussedness.’”
—Fire in St. Paul, Minn., on the 19th inst., destroyed property to the extent of over $400,000. On the same day, at Elizabeth, N. J., fire destroyed property valued at $200,000; and at Sheffield, Ashtabula County, Ohio, the house of a Mr. Aelo was burned, consuming also himself, wife, and a grandchild.
—J. J. Thornton, assistant editor of the Ashland, Ala., Advance, was assassinated on the night of the 17th inst. He was shot through the window of his house while playing a mandolin. The deed is supposed to have been committed by a representative of certain “lawless gangs” who have been denounced in the paper.
—The U. S. Senate has passed a resolution recognizing the Cuban Republic, but Secretary of State Olney has given warning that such a resolution will not be signed by the President, and will be worthless without his signature. He claims that such a recognition certainly means war with Spain, and states further that “the power to recognize the so-called republic of Cuba as an independent state rests exclusively with the executive.” But many members of Congress dissent from this opinion of the secretary, and some of them declare that “a cabinet officer uttering such a sentiment should be subjected to the severest censure.”14
—Two brothers named Boydston, of Chicago, claim to have discovered a process of petrifying human bodies. They have two bodies in their possession, one a young woman who died last July, and an old woman aged 66. The bodies retain the same complexion that came with death, and it is claimed the transformation is in every way permanent.
—A New York despatch of the 16th inst. reports that city as the center of a severe snowstorm, accompanied by winds of great velocity. “The storm started in the lower Mississippi Valley, swept toward the Atlantic Coast, over Florida, and up the coast, increasing in severity until it reached its maximum.” Four persons were frozen to death in New York.
—Miss Frances E. Willard, of W. C. T. U. fame, makes a personal appeal in behalf of the National Armenian Relief Committee's fund for assisting the thousands of suffering widows and orphans in that unfortunate country during the vigors of the winter season. The object is no doubt a worthy one. Funds may be sent to Brown Bros. & Co., 59 Wall Street, New York City.
—Rev. C. C. Mc Lean, the Los Angeles Parkhurst, is not doing much credit to the ministerial profession by his visits to the houses of dissolute women in quest of evidence to condemn them. An earnest effort to redeem them would be more in harmony with the example of the Master. In the Police Court, where the clergyman and his confrères were trying to convict several of these women of selling liquors without license, he admitted that he drank enough in each place to know what kind of stuff they sold. It was also elicited that he and his party returned a second time to one specially wicked institution, and that they drank six bottles of beer.
—Tacoma, Wash., has a regiment of 1,200 men organized and ready to go to the relief of the Cuban insurgents as soon as the United States shall have recognized Cuba independent. The prevailing unprecedented floods of western Washington have washed out the biggest and oldest log jam on the Pacific Coast, being the one on North River, which drains the north side of Pacific and the south of Chehalis counties. This jam had been in the river so long that trees several feet in diameter had grown upon it. It defied dynamite, giant powder and other agents of human ingenuity. Government engineers have been working out a channel along one side of it with snagpullers for a long time without apparent success. But the channel weakened its grip, and the high flood and high tide combined, broke it. The great mass of logs and stumps composing the jam have gone out to sea and will render navigation dangerous about Shoalwater Bay. This jam had been growing in the river for years beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
By Editor
THE Gleaner reports successful tent meetings at Adelaide, South Australia. Twelve had accepted the message presented, and the interest continued.
DURING the month of October the sales of our denominational books in Australia amounted to over $3,800. The sales of single copies of the Bible Echo footed up 17,544 during the same month.
AT Stevensville, Mont., Elder C. N. Martin recently baptized three persons in the Bitter Root River. The matter of organizing a church was postponed on account of the severe weather, which prevented many from attending the meetings.
REPORTS of our work in Brazil show that in the state of Parana there are two companies and a school; in Sao Paulo, three companies, and in Santa Catharina, two churches. Three colporteurs are at work among the German population of Rio Grande do Sul.
THE issue of the American Sentinel of date November 26 had reached, at last report, 65,000. This is a good report, yet the successive numbers since that date are fully as important as that one, and it is not expected that future numbers will wane in either interest or value.
A GENERAL meeting held in the village of Sara Sabatista, in the province of Entre Rios, Argentina, in October, was attended by about one hundred and fifty of our people. The church at Crespo numbers 107. Crespo is a colony of German Russians who emigrated to Argentina ten years ago.
ELDER J. R. PALMER reports the organization of a church of fifteen members at Clark's Fork, Mont. He also reports a growing spirit of opposition to the truth in various parts of the state. This, of course, is to be expected everywhere. The adversary is constantly engaged in throwing obstacles in the way of the pure Gospel, and ever finds his readiest mediums among those who profess great Christian zeal.
ELDER D. T. BOURDEAU writes: "I am in a French colony near the southern line of Manitoba, and notwithstanding the fearful blizzards, deep snows, howling wolves, and intense cold on these wild prairies, six entire families have embraced the message. Several Catholic families are studying present truth, and treat us after a godly sort. We are starting a missionary society, and it seems to be an imperative necessity to build a plain meeting house and sheds to shelter man and beast."
A LETTER dated Auckland, N. Z., November 24, states that Elder E. W. Farnsworth and wife and Elder S. N. Haskell had arrived in that city after a pleasant voyage from Sydney, Australia. Good meetings are reported in connection with the New South Wales Conference at Sydney, and steps were taken for the advancement of the cause in that growing field. Elder W. L. H. Baker was elected president of the conference. A general meeting was to be held at Auckland, beginning November 25, and a conference for New Zealand was appointed for the present month, to be held at Napier.
BROTHER F. A. WASHBURN has resigned his position as principal of the High School at Farmer City, Iowa, because he was required by the board of education to attend to extra duties on the Sabbath. The public schools have hitherto been a source of earning a livelihood for many of our people, because they could teach and observe the Sabbath. But the adversary has succeeded in bringing in so many extra requirements calling teachers out on the seventh day, on one pretext or another, that conscientious Sabbath-keepers are well-nigh ruled out, especially in the cities. In the matter of securing employment in the world, the lines are being drawn tighter and tighter on those who will "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." But this should not be a source of discouragement, as "all things work together for good to them that love God." The work of the Lord is still open, and there is room for thousands to engage in selling the literature containing the message that God would have placed in the hands of the people. Those who have faith in the work of God, and are willing to labor in his vineyard, even at this eleventh hour, will find their "bread and water sure." God has said, and his word fails not, that "the laborer is worthy of his hire." Again he says, "Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you." Many, however, will not realize the force of this promise until every other avenue of employment is closed up; and many will not sense it until it is too late and their services will not be wanted. The harvest will be past, the summer ended, and their souls not saved.
FOREIGN.
—The Radical party in Switzerland has been successful in the recent general election. M. de Uscher was elected president, and M. Ruffy vice president.
—An explosion in a match factory at Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, on the 15th inst., resulted in the destruction of the building, the death of fifteen women and girls, and the serious injury of seven others.
—A despatch from Constantinople, dated the 17th inst., says that ninety arrests have been effected there of Turkish notables, including government officials and forty-five Circassian women of the sultan's harem.
—The strike of dock laborers at Hamburg has lingered now for several weeks, and the police have prohibited the strikers from patrolling the port. Those who are now offering to return to work are rejected, the employers having decided not to take any of them back till the strike is ended.
—A London despatch of the 17th inst. says: "An earthquake, the most violent ever experienced in this country, has shaken every shore from Durham to Surrey, and from London to the Welch coast. The quaking was accompanied by loud rushing sounds. Buildings trembled, furniture shifted, doors were thrown open, and people fled from their houses."
—Advices from Rome claim good authority for the statement that the pope will renew negotiations with the United States for the creation of an American Legation to the Vatican. The manner in which this government caters to Roman dignitaries, sending out vessels to greet incoming representatives, etc., is certainly encouragement to the pope to continue his solicitations.
—A decree has been issued by the Venezuelan executive, ordering private citizens owning arms and ammunition to deposit them with the government. It is inferred that there is at least a suspicion of some kind of a popular uprising. It is known that there is objection to the submission of the Guiana boundary question to the United States and Great Britain without Venezuela's having a representative in the arbitration commission.
—United States Consul Bergholt, at Erzeroum, reports that the number of children under twelve years of age made orphans by the Turkish massacres of 1895 is 50,000. The question of what shall be done with these orphans is receiving the attention of the Christian world. The American Board of Commissioners has the question of creating orphanages, clothing factories, and industrial institutions under consideration. German charitable and religious societies are preparing to establish orphan asylums, and the British ambassador at Constantinople has initiated a movement leading toward settling a number of widows and their children from the province of Erzeroum on the island of Cyprus. In Erzeroum there are 180 widows, with 700 children, without means; in Erzingham, 100 widows, with 450 children; and at Beyrout, 1,119 widows, with 500 children.
—Representatives of the Cuban insurgents still claim that the rumored death of General Maceo lacks confirmation. A Havana correspondent says that he offered $250 for a photograph of the body which the Spaniards claimed to be that of the dead general, if it proved to be indeed as claimed, or $100 if it were some one else, but his offers were refused. Up to the 16th inst., the friends of the insurgent cause in Havana had no confirmation of Maceo's death from insurgent sources; and they refuse to accept the general's long silence as positive evidence of his death.
—A New York World correspondent says it is morally certain that 1,200 innocent Cubans were killed by Spanish troops in the province of Pinar del Rio in five months before General Weyler took the field. The previous war in Cuba lasted ten years, and atrocities increased from year to year. This war may last as long. Start with 1,200 murders in a single province in five months, and in ten years the total would be enormous. In a single day one of Weyler's columns set the torch to over five hundred buildings in a forced march through outlying settlements. The day previous, General Melquizo's command destroyed 300 houses, besides raiding an insurgent hospital, putting the feeble inmates to death. The campaign was one of desolation, for the purpose of producing starvation.
PERIODICALS WANTED.
By Editor
PAPERS or any S. D. A. literature is wanted for missionary work this winter, in the city of Boston and vicinity. Please send, postpaid, to R. T. Woodward, 66 Emerald Street, Boston, Mass.
ANY clean denominational papers or magazines (in any language) for use in rack work, sent postpaid, will be gratefully received. Address, Elizabeth W. Harris, 2012 Brightwood Avenue, Washington, D. C. Would be glad to have some copies of the SIGNS from October 8 to November 19.
A CHRISTIAN gentleman, a lawyer by profession, F. L. Boynton, Esq., Kingfisher, O., is placing in the Oklahoma jails Christian reading matter for the exclusive use of prisoners. He writes: "I would be glad to hear from as many of your Christian readers as would be willing to mail or send otherwise one or more Christian books, new or old, for jail libraries, and I will promptly furnish the jail address most needing them. The people of this territory are poor, and the vast majority unchristian, and the work must depend largely on the Christian love of others."
We gladly give this notice; and we hope if our readers have books to spare which would lead souls to Christ and his truth, they will respond. We need scarcely say that all charges on such matter should be fully prepaid.
Typhoid Diagnosis and Patriotic League
—It is now claimed that the germs of typhoid fever can be discovered in the blood in the incipient stage of the disease. Heretofore the difficulty with the disease has been in the fact that for several days the diagnostic symptoms do not appear, and the symptoms that do appear are common to many other diseases. It is claimed that by the recognition of the disease in its earlier stages, the worst results may be averted. The discovery is accredited to Dr. Pfeiffer, of Berlin, first assistant to Dr. Koch, the famous bacteriologist. Experiments of a satisfactory character are being made at Bellevue Hospital, New York.
—The Patriotic League of America has just been organized in New York, and has issued an address, of which the following is an extract: "While the policy of the league will be pacific and conservative, its influence will be exerted to complete the Nicaraguan Canal with American capital and retain it under American control; to extend the boundaries of the Republic to embrace adjacent territory, the Hawaiian Islands and islands proximate to our coast, whenever the people of those countries shall voluntarily seek incorporation with the Union; restore our merchant marine to more than its ancient prestige, and make the flag of the Republic respected in every quarter of the globe."
THE AMERICAN KITCHEN MAGAZINE.
By Editor
"Practical and Educational: the Leading Household Monthly."
Edited by
—MRS. MARY J. LINCOLN and MISS ANNA BARROWS.—
"Just what the progressive woman needs."
—The Free Methodist, Chicago.
"A magazine for every up-to-date home-maker and housekeeper."
—Syracuse (N. Y.) Herald.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY!
This magazine tells how to prepare delicious and wholesome food at a LESS PRICE than is now paid for what is unpalatable and innutritious. "The suggestions contained in a single number are worth more than the price of a year's subscription."
SPECIAL OFFER—THREE MONTHS FREE
All new subscriptions received before January 1, 1897, will begin with October, 1896, and end with December, 1897.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
Price, $1 00 a Year.
Published by
THE HOME SCIENCE PUB. CO.
485 Tremont St., Boston, Mass.
