“Steps have been taken by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions,” says the Missionary Herald, “toward the building of a new schooner, R. W. Logan, for the benefit of their missionary work at Ruk. The contract for the building of this schooner was let in San Francisco. She will be of about the same size and general build as the former craft, with some improvements suggested by experience. Happily the insurance upon the former schooner ($5,000), which was promptly paid upon the ascertainment of the loss, will nearly or quite cover the entire cost of the new vessel. Captain Isaiah Bray, for many years commander of the Morning Star, has consented to take charge of the schooner when she is ready for the sea, and sail her down to Ruk, and aid in the initiation of her work there. It is expected that a young man of California will go with Captain Bray as mate, and be ready when Captain Bray returns with the Star, to take entire charge of the schooner. Mr. Price and all the missionaries associated with him at Ruk have made repeated calls for the new schooner as indispensable to the proper supervision of the work on those islands.”
Slow Mail Delays Missionary Replies in Turkey
We hear and are wont to say much about the wonderful improvements of our time, especially in the matter of speedy communication. But there are many parts of the world where the ancient slow-coach is in vogue. This is particularly true of the interior of oriental countries. Dr. Tracy, a missionary at Marsovan, Asiatic Turkey, reminds his friends of the situation in the following statement:—
“Many friends lose patience with us missionaries because of our tardy answers to inquiries and requests. Again and again we are asked for letters, information, reports, articles for publication, a certain date being named before which they must be on hand. Very often the date named is already past when the letter reaches us. It seems impossible for friends to remember that it requires at least seven or eight, and, on account of bad connections, quarantines, irregular mails, and what not, much oftener ten or twelve weeks to get an answer to such a letter. Let our friends keep in mind that they must allow a space of three months between the date of their writing and the time when the answer is required. This pertains to stations in the interior of Turkey.”
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
Canvassers have sold in Garrett County, W. Va., this summer over $1,000 worth of books.
Our veteran laborer, Elder Geo. I. Butler, has been holding a series of meetings at Bartow, Fla.
The tent laborers in both the cities of Baltimore and Washington report large and interested audiences.
Two brethren, Albert and Fred Berger, have arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and are engaged in the canvassing work.
Near Passaic Falls, N. J., August 31, three persons were baptized by Elder C. P. Bollman. A church was organized at Paterson on the 14th inst.
Elder A. J. Breed, superintendent of General Conference District No. 6, arrived in Oakland on the 19th inst., from a tour of the North Pacific and Upper Columbia conferences.
Elder J. L. Hansen, who is conducting the work among the Scandinavians in Brooklyn, N. Y., has rented Good Templars' Hall, No. 384 Atlantic Avenue, for Sabbath and Sunday night services.
Reports from the recent camp meeting at Denver, Colo., state that the outside interest was good throughout the meeting, the tent being packed at the evening services. At the request of citizens the evening meetings were continued for a time after the close of the regular camp meeting.
The steamer which sailed from San Francisco for Australian ports on the 19th inst., carried hence Brother W. H. B. Miller, with family, who has been connected with our publishing house in Oakland for the past two years. He will connect with the work in Melbourne, whence he came to this state. Sister Sarah McEnterfer accompanies them to join Mrs. E. G. White, and assist her in her work.
All our brethren who have been serving terms of imprisonment in Rhea County, Tenn., are now at liberty. The extent of preaching caused by their persecution will no doubt be deemed ample remuneration for the inconvenience of their experience. To those who have not been called to testify in bonds for the Master, the word comes with increasing force, “Be ye also ready.” No one knows what a day may bring forth.
There never will be a more favorable time for canvassing for our books and periodicals than now. A laborer in Maryland says, “I am canvassing where I canvassed two years ago, and can say that the field seems much riper than it did then.” But ripened grain, if not gathered in due time, soon begins to fall and decay. Neglect to gather a ripened harvest must result in loss of that which might have been saved. As in the days when the Master himself traveled about “bearing precious seed,” the “laborers are few.” And that, too, when “every mouth should be proclaiming, ‘Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.’”
The Rights of the People
By Alonzo T. Jones
Or Civil Government and Religion
BY ALONZO T. JONES
An Up-to-Date Pamphlet on the Principles of Religious Liberty.
This book can not fail to be of great value to all in the study of the series of S. S. Lessons on Religious Liberty for the last three months of 1895. It was not written to go with these lessons, but it is fortunate and timely that it should be published at this time.
“THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE” contains fifteen chapters, the following being a portion of the chapter headings:— Christianity and the Roman Empire—What Is Due to God and What to Cæsar—The Powers That Be—How the United States Became a Christian Nation—What Is the Nation?—Who Made the Nation?—Religious Right in the United States—Religious Right Invaded—The People’s Right of Appeal—National Precedent on Right of Appeal Sunday-law Movement in the Fourth Century and Its Parallel in the Nineteenth—Will the People Assert and Maintain Their Rights?—Religious Rights in the States.
In the four appendixes to the book are given the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States—The Dred Scott Decision, and the “Christian Nation” Decision.
This is a book of permanent value for reference and study and one that all should possess. It contains 384 pages, with several illustrations, is issued as No. 32 of the Religious Liberty Library, and is bound in paper covers. Price 40 Cents.
A FINER EDITION on laid paper is also ready. It is neatly bound in cloth. Price One Dollar.
A concise study of this important prophetic portion of the Bible. Fully illustrated. Paper covers. 96 pages. Bible Students' Library No. 131. Price, 10 cents.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N.Y.
TEACHERS’ BIBLES
GENUINE OXFORD EDITIONS
From $1.25 to $20.00 in price. Send for price list.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.
Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y.
International Sabbath School Lessons
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”—Neh. 8:8.
Lesson II.—Sabbath, October 12, 1895.
The Slavery of Self
1. What can you say of the desirability of freedom? Note 1.
2. Notwithstanding this general desire for freedom, are men by nature free? Note 2.
3. In what way do men show themselves to be slaves?
(a) By their inability to break off bad habits.
(b) By following foolish and erroneous customs.
(c) By want of courage to think and speak.
(d) By going with the majority when the majority go wrong.
(e) By serving men instead of serving God.
(f) By keeping the commandments of men instead of the commandments of God.
(g) By every sin they commit. Note 3.
4. Why do men naturally do all these wrong things? Ans.—Because of selfishness.
5. What must everyone do in order to become a true follower of Christ?
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.
6. What stood in the way of many of the rulers confessing Christ when he was on earth?
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42, 43.
7. Whom do men love when they love the praise of men? Ans.—Themselves.
8. Can men truly believe on Jesus while seeking such honor?
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” John 5:43, 44.
9. What, then, more than all else, stands in the way of faith in Jesus?
10. To what does this love of self lead? Ans.—It leads men to serve men and to seek their favor, instead of serving God and seeking his favor.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.
15. How free was Paul after his conversion?
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” 1 Cor. 9:19. See note 4.
16. What rule of moral independence has the Lord laid down for all to follow?
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” Ex. 23:2.
Notes
1. Freedom is a condition desirable to all. Everybody likes to be free—free to think, act, and speak, free to go where he wishes, and do what he pleases. It is an inborn principle. God made man free in the beginning, and it is only sin that has brought bondage and slavery of any kind into the world. The words of Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death,” are but an outburst of this natural desire for freedom.
2. No man by nature is truly free. All, in consequence of the fall, are slaves; all are subject to things which bring them into bondage,—slaves of habits, customs, and traditions, slaves of men, slaves of self, slaves of sin.
3. Men show themselves to be slaves in the following ways: (a) They become so addicted to habits which they know are an injury to them, that they can not break them off. They try to do it again and again, but fail. The habit is master, and they are slaves. This lack of power is thus stated by the apostle: “For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Rom. 7:15. “For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Verse 18.
(b) Many do things for no better reason than because others do them, or because their forefathers did them. They are slaves to custom. This is well illustrated by the history of the Samaritans, recorded in 2 Kings 17:40, 41: “Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner. So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children; as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.” This is also most strikingly shown in the matter of Sunday observance. The condition of millions in this respect is correctly represented in the following words of Ex-Governor St. John: “I observe Sunday as God’s holy Sabbath day. I am frank about it. It always pays a man to be frank. Now, why do I observe Sunday?—I observe Sunday because my father and mother observed it, and not because I have gone down deep and searched the Bible for the truth of the matter.”—Speech in Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 8, 1890.
(c) Many have not the courage to think and speak. They are afraid to allow themselves to reason, fearing that the conclusion will condemn them. They let others do their thinking for them. But God wants men to use the mental powers he has given them. He, the Author of our minds, says, “Come now, and let us reason together.” Isa. 1:18. Others, though allowing themselves to think, have not the courage to give expression to their convictions, fearing it might cost them something to do it. This was the trouble with many in Christ’s day: “Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.” John 7:13. See also John 9:22.
(d) To go with the majority or the great men when we think they may be doing wrong. The Lord says: “Thou hast plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies; because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.” Hosea 10:13. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” Ex. 23:2.
(e) Many shun duty for fear of what men may think or say of them or do to them. They serve men instead of God. Against this the Lord has often warned his people: “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” Isa. 8:12, 13. See also Isa. 57:12, 13; Matt. 10:28, 32, 33; Ps. 56:4. The Lord teaches that what we do for or in respect to others we are to do “not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Eph. 6:6, 7.
(f) Whosoever follows the commandments of men instead of the commandments of God, is the servant of men instead of the servant of God. This is vain worship, because it is man worship. See Matt. 15:9; Isa. 29:13; Titus 1:14.
(g) Whoever commits sin is the servant, or slave, of sin, and through sin of the devil, who is the originator and author of sin. John 8:34; Rom. 6:16; 1 John 3:8. All is of self.
4. Though announced in an assumed way, Paul does, nevertheless, here express his freedom. He was “free from all men.” And his perfect freedom is further shown in the expression which follows, “Yet have I made myself servant unto all.” This was voluntary. He made himself servant. Let it be noted, also, that this freedom which Christ gives, though making men free from all men, does not make them unfeeling or ostentatiously independent, but kind-hearted, sympathetic, and willing and ready to do good to all. See Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4.
See opening paragraph in chapter 1 of “The Rights of the People.”
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
“If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God.”—John 7:17.
13. And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
14. And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.
15. And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.
16. And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
17. And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise; and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
18. When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
19. So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch; and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.
20. And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal; and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
21. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
22. And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host; and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath.
23. And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
Golden Text: “Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.” Ps. 27:3.
NOTE.—The present lesson is located 200 years after the death of Joshua. During this time there had been three great relapses into idolatry, followed by oppression by their enemies, aggregating fifty-three years in all. When these bitter experiences led the people to repentance, judges were raised up who delivered them. To the time of Gideon, the judges were Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Barak, with his associate, Deborah. At this time the Midianites oppressed the people seven years. These marauders, the traveling merchants of the deserts, took possession of the choicest portions of Canaan, and at this time were gathered a host of 135,000 strong, in the plain of Jezreel, or Es-dra-e'lon, northeast of Mt. Carmel. A prophet is sent to Israel, who tells them the reason of these afflictions, and an angel appears to Gideon, commanding him to deliver Israel. Evidence is given him (chapter 6) that the Lord is indeed leading, and he proceeds against the invaders with men from Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, besides his own men. On the night of attack, the Lord tells him to descend to the enemy's camp, with his servant (chapter 7, verses 9–12), where he would hear something that would encourage him. Here the lesson text begins. The portion of Scripture included in the account is chapters 6–8.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What did one Midianite relate to his fellow? Verse 13. (2) How was this interpreted? Verse 14. Note . (3) What effect did this conversation have upon Gideon? Verse 15, first part. (4) How did he make use of the assurance he received? Same verse. (5) What move was made as a preparation for the attack? Verse 16. Note . (6) What disposition was made of the small force for the attack? (7) What was then to be done? Verses 17, 18. (8) How was this plan carried out? Verses 19, 20. Note . (9) How did this affect the Midianites? Verse 21. Note . (10) How was the victory gained? Verse 22. (11) Who then assisted in the pursuit? Verse 23.
NOTES.
Bible Sanctification: A Contrast of True and False Theories.
By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address. PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
CHURCH SERVICES.
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study, Sunday at 7:30 P.M. and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street between Michigan and Wabash Avenues. Sabbath school 9:30 A.M.; preaching service 11 A.M. Prayer meeting 8:30 P.M. every Sabbath, also Tuesday evening 7 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday evening 7 P.M. All are cordially invited.
Los Angeles.—Church at 145 Carr Street, between Main and Hill Streets. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45 A.M., and preaching service at 11 A.M. Prayer meeting Tuesday evening. Missionary meeting Thursday evening. All are welcome. 926 Hill Street. BELLE P. BAKER, Clerk.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church at corner of Eleventh and East Everett Streets. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o’clock. All welcome. Seats free.
Kansas City, Mo.—Church on corner of Twelfth and Woodland Ave. Sabbath school at 10 A.M. and preaching service at 11 A.M. Missionary meeting Tuesday, 7:45 P.M. All are cordially invited.
Detroit, Mich.—Church at 424 Trumbull Ave., between Perry and Bagg Streets. Preaching Sabbath 10 A.M. Sabbath school 11:15 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Preaching Sunday 7:30 P.M. H. M. Kenyon, Pastor.
Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbaths. Sabbath school, 9:45 A.M. Sunday, 7:30 P.M., Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome. H. W. HERRELL, Clerk.
Sacramento.—Church on G Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching service at 11 A.M., Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30. Seats free. All are cordially invited.
Pasadena.—Church at corner of Summit Ave. and Mountain Street. Sabbath services every Sabbath at 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Prayer meeting every Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Tuesday 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited. Box 261. O. S. SMYTH, Clerk.
St. Paul, Minn.—Church on Greenbriar Avenue, between Jenks and Clawson Streets. Regular preaching services on Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Tuesday evening at 7:45. All are cordially invited. NETTIE McSTAY, Clerk.
Boston, Mass.—Church worships at United Fellowship Hall, 1371 Washington Street. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching at 11 A.M. All are welcome. George B. Wheeler, pastor. Residence at 45 Waverley Street, Everett, Mass.
Louisville, Kentucky.—Church worships at Shafer’s Hall, Twenty-seventh Street, between Montgomery and High Streets. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 10 A.M. All are welcome. J. W. Collie, pastor. Residence, 613 Twenty-fourth Street.
Cleveland, Ohio.—Church at 249 Cedar Ave., between Sterling and Hayward. Regular services as follows: Sabbath school at 10 A.M. (sun time). Preaching at 11 o’clock, also on Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer meeting at 7:30 Wednesday evening. WILLARD H. SAXBY, Pastor.
St. Joseph, Missouri.—Church on corner Fifteenth and Locust Streets. Sabbath school at 10 A.M. Church services at 11 A.M. Prayer and teachers’ meetings, Wednesday evening, 7:30. All are cordially invited to attend. MRS. HARRIET W. TALBERT, Clerk.
San Diego.—Church corner of Eighteenth and G. Streets. Regular services at 11 A.M., Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting, Sunday, 7 P.M. MARY J. DIMOCK, Clerk. National City, Box 156.
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Your Life Work
Is it of Men or of God? A new tract in the Apples of Gold Library. Order A. G. L. No. 20. Price, 50 cents per 100 or one cent each in small quantities. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; or New York City, N. Y.
TEACHING TRUTH
By Mary Wood Allen
By Mary Wood Allen, M. D., National Lecturer W. C. T. U.
A little brochure brimful of helpful suggestions to parents who wish to teach their children the truth in regard to the mystery of life.
What kind of service God accepts and how we may render it. Order Apples of Gold Library, No. 21. Price 50 cents per hundred or one cent each in small quantities. Address PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; or New York City, N. Y.
