About thirty years ago a young girl in a western city was given charge of a Sunday school class of rough boys, usually known as “river-rats,” who had never been in any school before. When she entered the room, she found them lounging on the desks and benches, wearing their hats, and puffing vile cigars, a defiant leer on every face. They greeted her with a loud laugh, and one of them exclaimed:
“Well, sis, you goin’ to teach us?”
She stood silent until the laugh was over, and then said quietly, “Do I look like a lady?”
An astonished stare was the only reply which they gave.
“Because,” she continued gently, “gentlemen, when a lady enters the room, take off their hats and throw away their cigars.”
The lowest American secretly believes himself to be a gentleman, and in a moment every hat was off, and the lads were ranged in orderly attention.
So remarkable was the success of this girl in managing and influencing men of the roughest sort, that she made it the work of her life. She established clean and respectable boarding-houses for sailors and boatmen, and reading and coffee rooms for laborers, and founded an Order of Honor, the members of which strove to live sober, Christian lives themselves, and to help their fellows to do the same.
Some of the members of her first class were efficient helpers for twenty years in all her work. It was a favorite saying with them, “Once let Miss—— get her hold upon a man, and she never lets him go.”
She never did let go, but followed him to sea, to the most distant parts of the world, or even to prison, with letters and little gifts. With all the tender pity of a mother, she strove, as many a mother does not strive, to bring the wanderer back to the faith and innocence of his childhood.
Thousands of men passed under this single woman’s influence, and learned something of her Master through her wonderful purity and strong faith in him.
Such instances of helpfulness are not rare in this country. With every year the zeal of educated Christian men and women finds new and practical methods of teaching and elevating the more ignorant people.
Singularly, these efforts are more common in cities than in the smaller towns and villages, where everybody knows everybody, and where the gradations of caste are, perhaps, fixed by strong prejudices.
Many a young lad or girl who reads these lines leads an idle life in such a village, indulging, it may be, in occasional vague visions of going to India or Africa to teach the heathen how to be Christians, while the wharves or taverns of their own native villages are filled with heathen for whose souls no man has ever cared.
Let every Christian ask himself as the day closes: “Have I stood idle in the market place? Has not my Master hired me with a great price to do his work?”
Of one thing we may be sure, God does not put our work for to-day on the other side of the globe. It is here, under our eyes and touch. We neglect it at our peril.—Selected.
MISSIONARY NEWS.
“‘The John Williams’ is the name of a new steamer recently completed by the London Missionary Society. She has just sailed for the South Seas, and is to be used for carrying the Gospel to the various islands occupied by the L. M. S. in the South Pacific.”
“At one station of the Baptist mission in Haiti, a church of fifteen members supports three evangelists, three local preachers, and two Bible and tract colporters. The work in Haiti seems to be characterized by a strong missionary spirit on the part of the converts.”
“A very encouraging movement is reported from Jamaica. The Trinidad College has undertaken to send two missionaries to the Hindus of Jamaica, and aims to meet all the calls that come for missionary work in the West India Islands. This institution aims especially to prepare missionaries to labor in the West Indies.”
“The chiefs of Mengo, Africa, are becoming church builders. Each one is building a church and giving a garden for the benefit of the preachers and the uplifting of their people.”
“Venezuela, more than nine times as large as England and Wales, and two and a half times larger than Germany (area 566,059 square miles), with a population of 2,234,385 men and women, has only one missionary.
“Ethiopia is certainly lifting up her hands, not only to God, but in defense against the vices of civilization. A Zulu church recently organized has among its by-laws that ‘no member is permitted to drink the white man’s grog.’ No Christian ought to drink it, by-laws or not.”12
“We find an example of liberal giving among the Christians of Ceylon, which is commendable, and really puts to shame our giving. Four methods of giving are practiced: First, the tithes of their earnings; second, the setting apart by each of a tree, the product of which is for benevolent purposes; third, an offering of labor; fourth, a handful of rice for every day’s meal. Truly they know the blessedness of giving.”
“The China Inland Mission was founded in 1865 by Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, and as to character, is evangelical, interdenominational, and international. Upon its staff are 634 foreign missionaries, including associates, and 366 native helpers. The stations number 112, with 108 out-stations, and are located in 14 provinces. Over 4,500 members are in fellowship, with 134 organized churches.”
“One authority, Dr. R. N. Cust, estimates the languages of Africa at 438, with 153 dialects, making altogether some 600.”
“The people of Dahomey are among the most degraded savages of the world. Visitors to the World’s Fair became familiar with many of their characteristics. Rev. T. J. Marshall, a native minister, is now translating the Bible into their language.”
“A foreign missionary week which had eighteen meetings, addressed by thirteen different missionaries, representing China, India, Ceylon, Morocco, Lovedale, and the Kongo, was held lately at the Wynd church, Glasgow. The closing meeting was a missionary consecration service, at which 31 persons publicly yielded themselves for foreign service. Over 300 others pledged themselves to be helpers to foreign mission work, are formed into a missionary parliament, and are to circulate among themselves a dozen of the leading missionary monthlies.”
“A writer in the Missionary Review says that out of the 3,000,000 converts in all the foreign mission fields, 30,000 have gone as workers into the field, or 1 out of every 100, while Protestant Christendom has sent forth but 1 out of 500. These converts serve as native preachers, teachers, catechists, and lay helpers, and often prove most effective allies to the regular missionary force sent from England and America.”
"FOR ME."
By Mary C. Wilson
BY MARY C. WILSON.
Can it be it was for me,
That I may be free,
All I hear of that sweet story,
How the Saviour left his glory,
Died upon the tree?
Can it be it is for me
All the peace of God?
Yes, he died that he might give it;
I have only to receive it—
Pardon through his blood.
Can it be they are for me
Promises so dear?
Life and joy and every blessing
I shall have in him possessing.
Sin shall disappear.
Can it be all is for me,
All his fullness free?
Not one thing is there I merit,
Yet he sends his Holy Spirit,
Sealing all to me.
Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, Cal.
ANGELS, Their Nature and Ministry.
Revised by the late J. H. Waggoner.
In two parts. Part Two considers some hints on the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan, as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students' Library No. 83. 140 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents.
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y.
THE CHARACTER AND TRIUMPH OF GOD’S REMNANT PEOPLE
“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson XIII.—Sabbath, March 28, 1896.
THE CHARACTER AND TRIUMPH OF GOD’S REMNANT PEOPLE.
Review Questions.— (a) What is the beast, his image, and mark? (b) What is it to receive his mark? (c) Whose character do we thus receive? (d) How many will worship him? (e) How great will be Satan’s deceptions? 2 Thess. 2:8-12.
1. What class of people is developed by God’s great threefold message?
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12.
2. What does God call them? What are they, then, indeed?
3. What have they developed? Ans.—Patience, or patient endurance, showing that they have had tribulation. See Rom. 5:1-5.
4. What proof do they give that they are saints?
“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” 1 John 3:7.
“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12.
5. Could they be said to be keepers of God’s commandments if they were transgressing one?
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10.
6. Where are this people elsewhere brought to view?
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder; and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps; and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts and the elders; and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. 14:1-5. See note.
7. How are they distinguished?
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Rev. 14:1.
8. What is this mark elsewhere called? Ans.—“The seal of the living God.” Rev. 7:2, 3.
9. Where else is this work of sealing brought to view?
“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Sion.” Isa. 8:16-18.
“And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” Eze. 9:4.
10. Who are thus sealed?
“Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Rev. 7:3.
11. Who are the servants of God? Ans.—Those who obey him, or keep his commandments. Rom. 6:16; Rev. 14:12.
12. What is the seal of God’s law?
Ans.—That part of his law which shows his name, authority, and extent of dominion. These three characteristics of a seal are shown in the fourth commandment alone of the ten.
13. Of what is the Sabbath a memorial and sign?
“He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Ps. 111:4.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Ex. 20:8-11.
“Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” Eze. 20:12.13
14. How will the remnant church regard this token of God’s power and love?
“Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; to thy name and to thy memorial is the desire of our soul.” Isa. 26:8, R. V.
15. What is God’s name and its significance?
Ans.—The wonderful name of Jehovah, embracing in its manifold meaning God’s wonderful character of justice, mercy, love, and power, eternally pledged for those who trust him, is an ever-present supply. God is the I AM all things needful for his people. His name in their foreheads, even as his seal, signifies that they are made like him, holy in his holiness.
16. What further proves that this is the significance of the name and seal on their foreheads?
“And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. 14:5.
17. Were they always thus?
“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7:14.
18. What word kept them through the great temptations and delusions?
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Rev. 3:10.
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5.
19. How were they kept from the plagues and judgments which fell upon the wicked?
“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isa. 26:20, 21.
“Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Ps. 91:9, 10.
20. What is said of their song of triumph?
“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” Rev. 14:3.
21. Over what foes do they triumph?
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2.
22. What is their new song there called?
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Verse 3.
23. What do they say in that song?
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” Verses 3, 4.
24. What is represented in the song of Moses?
Ans.—Victory over all earthly foes in a sense not known since God delivered the children of Israel from the power of Pharaoh. See Jer. 16:14, 15. God’s “judgments are made manifest.” Rev. 15:4. God’s mighty, glorious power delivered them. Compare with the similar expressions in Ex. 15:1-18.
25. What is represented in the song of the Lamb?
Ans.—Glorious, eternal, and all-comprehending victory over sin within and without, such as was never before realized by any generation, through the wonderful name or character of God, which Christ possesses, and which he placed upon them. See John 17:6, 11, 26. The two wonderful victories combined were never before known by any company; hence, no others could sing the song, because they have never had the experience.
E. A. SUTHERLAND
By E. A. Sutherland
TO THE LABORERS IN GENERAL CONFERENCE DISTRICT NO. 6.
It is thought best to receive no more students as members of the special course of study conducted by correspondence under the direction of the faculty of the Walla Walla College. It has been gratifying to see the interest that has been manifested in this new plan, considering the short time it has been before our people. We have a large class who began the work March 1. It would be unsatisfactory to both students and instructors to allow individuals to join the class at any time. The work has been arranged in terms of three months each. At the commencement of these terms, opportunity will be granted to join the class. The second term will begin June 1. We should be glad to correspond with any who are interested in our work.
E. A. SUTHERLAND
College Place, Wash.
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.
THE RESTORATION
From Eden to Eden
In the twenty chapters into which this book is divided, the author discusses the unity of the divine plan and the continuity of God's purpose through all the ages, showing that in all dispensations the truths constantly impressed upon the minds of the people have tended to one end,—the elucidation of one central idea,
THE RESTORATION
of the dominion which was lost in Adam.
CHAPTER I is a brief discussion of the Creation of the World; Man's Dominion and How He Lost It; the Origin and Authorship of Sin, with the divine remedy for its consequences.
CHAPTER II treats of the “Promise of God to the Fathers,” with all that it implied in heaven and on earth. In other chapters are discussed such subjects as “The Abrahamic Covenant;” “Righteousness through Faith;” “The Covenant with Israel,” the reasons for it, and the universality of its application; “The Return of the Jews;” “The World's History in a Dream;” “The Setting Up of the Everlasting Kingdom;” “The Hour of Judgment;” “The Fall of Babylon;” “The Seal and the Mark;” “Signs of the Second Coming of Christ,” and the responsibility of man in recognizing them; “The Resurrection of the Dead,” and what the doctrine involves.
THE LAST CHAPTER is a GRAND COMPILATION of the Promises of God in regard to the “Restoration of the First Dominion,” with a vivid portrayal of the earth's appearance and condition when clothed in the garb of Edenic purity and loveliness.
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St. Helena Sanitarium.
(Formerly RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.)
A Health Retreat under regular management, where all natural methods of treatment are used, including pure water, fresh air, beautiful scenery, healthful foods, gymnastics, Swedish movements, electricity in various forms, baths of all kinds, massage, and the rest cure, as may be deemed best suited. Besides, our surgical wards are in the hands of skilled surgeons and trained nurses where the best care can be given.
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Sleeping car reservations and all information at Overland Ticket Office, 2 New Montgomery Street, Palace Hotel corner. C. E. Bray, general agent.
International Sunday School Lesson
Lesson XIII.—Sunday, March 29, 1896.
REVIEW
Golden Text: “Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8.
Lesson 1.—The Forerunner of Christ. Luke 1:5–17. Golden Text: “Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” Luke 1:76. Note the various incidents in connection with the birth of John the Baptist,—the annunciation of the angel and its attendant results; visit of Mary to Elizabeth, etc. Study the whole chapter. The time is about B.C. 5.
Lesson 2.—The Boy Jesus. Luke 2:40–52. Golden Text: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. The study should not be limited to the lesson scripture, but the whole connection from lesson to lesson should be studied, also parallel passages. Give the incidents from the annunciation to Mary to the permanent residence at Nazareth. Note the development of Jesus, his obedience to his parents, and example to children.
Lesson 3.—The Ministry of John the Baptist. Luke 3:15–22. Golden Text: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” John 1:29. The ministry of John began somewhere near the beginning of A.D. 27. The baptism of Jesus occurred in the fall of that year. See Dan. 9:25; 8:14; Ezra 7:11–26. The years began in 457 B.C. (see margin Ezra 7), and therefore fix the date of the appearance of the Messiah. Note the comprehensive summing up of Christ’s work in Luke 3:17. John’s mission was to prepare the way, and by the aid of the Spirit of the Lord to point out the world’s Redeemer. The lesson for us to learn is that we can recognize him only by the same aid. Yet the help always comes to those who need help. Otherwise it would be of no assistance. There is therefore hope for sinners.
Lesson 4.—The Early Ministry of Jesus. Luke 4:14–22. Golden Text: “His word was with power.” Luke 4:32. After his baptism and temptation, Jesus spent several months preaching in Judea. He then returned into Galilee, where occurred the incidents recorded in this lesson. To the people of Nazareth, and also to us, his mission of mercy and love is proclaimed. The power that was in his spoken word then has never left that word all through the centuries. The same message, with the same power, is to us and for us to-day. Read, believe, and appropriate it.
Lesson 5.—The Power of Jesus. Luke 5:17–26. Golden Text: “The Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins.” Luke 5:24. The lesson sets forth the power of Jesus as illustrated by the miracles that he performed. By virtue of the same power he also forgave sins. As proof of his power to forgive sins, he healed the sick and raised the dead. The power was the same in both instances,—creative power. See Col. 1:16, 17; John 1:1–3.
Lesson 6.—The Sermon on the Mount. Luke 6:41–49. Golden Text: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46. The lesson text shows the folly and danger of judging others and finding fault with their actions. It shows that there is only one standard,—Christ. If one is looking to him fully for guidance, there will be no place for the ambitions of the human heart.
Lesson 7.—The Great Helper. Luke 7:2–16. Golden Text: “They glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us.” Luke 7:16. Two notable miracles are described in this lesson, which show in a practical way Christ’s mission to earth. But he did not raise all the dead, nor heal all the sick. There is coming a time when he will accomplish even these things, and that will be final salvation. The mighty works that he did on earth are only earnest of the completer work. In the meantime they help our faith.
Lesson 8.—Faith Encouraged. Luke 8:43–55. Golden Text: “Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Luke 8:48. The special encouragement in this lesson was for Jairus, whose hopes were well-nigh shattered. There are others in deep despondency and sorrow. The Master’s help is at hand. Remember his words to Jairus, “Fear not; believe only.” Note the various parables and miracles of the chapter.
Lesson 9.—Jesus the Messiah. Luke 9:18–27. Golden Text: “This is my beloved Son; hear him.” Luke 9:35. Matthew’s account of the present conversation between Jesus and the disciples adds, after Peter’s answer, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 16:17. Only by the direct enlightenment of the Spirit can any one know the Saviour. See remarks on lesson 3. To the disciples also came the direct voice from the Father. Luke 9:35.
Lesson 10.—True Love to One’s Neighbor. Luke 10:25–37. Golden Text: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. The parable of the man who fell among thieves gives an answer to the question of the lawyer as to who was his neighbor. The lesson shows that whoever is in need is our neighbor, irrespective of rank, office, color, creed, or nationality.
Lesson 11.—Teaching about Prayer. Luke 11:1–13. Golden Text: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. The Lord’s prayer is here given as a sample of prayer, showing that all things concerning our earthly existence are proper subjects for presentation at the throne of grace.
Lesson 12.—Faithful and Unfaithful Servants. Luke 12:37–48. Golden Text: “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5:18. The whole chapter is an admonition to faithful watching against the inroads of sin. This gives a preparation for whatever may come,—death, accident, or the coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Carefulness in this daily training will exclude whatever dulls the perceptions, as wine, liquors, and kindred poisons. See 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
