p. 573 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 36. (7/16/1894)

FROM BAHAMA ISLANDS.

BROTHER C. H. RICHARDS, who, with his wife, is canvassing in the Bahama Islands, reports to the Foreign Mission office the following interesting experience:—

On arriving at Harbor Island we were received very cordially, and pleasant intercourse followed. We generally visit the sick first on arriving at a new place, give them tracts, and talk to them concerning their eternal welfare. Sometimes we treat them with water the best we know, and they have remarked that God sent us to comfort them in distress. It seems to have a lasting influence upon them. They have called me doctor, and minister, and all sorts of titles.

Well, in this place they had heard that I could talk fluently on the Bible, and nothing would do but I had to occupy the time on Sunday. I tried to get out of it, feeling timid, but no, they would never listen to it. So, forced into it, I made the attempt to give them a formal talk, or sort of Bible reading, on the "Home of the Saved." It seemed as if their eyes would stick out of their heads as they sat with open mouths, drinking down everything that was given. After services they inquired if the book I was selling taught such beautiful things. I answered, "Yes," and quite a number were sold on the strength of that formal talk. But nothing would do but what I had to speak to them again; so I took up the "Second Coming of Christ;" and how glad they were to hear that!

On leaving there they gave us several things, such as pineapples, oranges, lemons, bananas, cocoanuts, etc. I felt so sorry to go. We sold there forty "Bible Readings." Oh, what a chance to work! I never saw anything like it in all my life. Truly the harvest is ripe, and the laborers are few.

You may think I was getting out of my sphere in holding services, but I could not help it. They forced me into it, and I did the best I could, and the Lord was especially near to me.

There is a shoemaker here that has virtually accepted the truth, and is teaching it to everybody. He is very earnest in the work. When we talked about tobacco, he threw his pipe out into the street. The same man opposed us a good deal in the beginning. He attempted to burn his books several times, but did not. You would be interested to hear him state how the devil tempted him to do this, and how the Lord was striving with him to read the books. He also went around and advised others to burn their books. So now he is going over the same ground telling them to read the books; it is life to their souls.

International S. S. 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 V.—SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1894.

THE YOUTH OF JESUS.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson: it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Luke 2: 40-52.

AND the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem;
And his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance;
And when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be in my Father's house?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them; and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Golden Text: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2: 52.

NOTE.—This lesson closes the lessons on the childhood and youth of Jesus, which is covered by the second and third chapters of Matthew. The briefest hints of his youth are found in Matt. 2: 23 and Mark 6: 3. He seems to have learned the carpenter's trade, and is called in Mark 6: 3 "the carpenter," well known evidently to the little circle of acquaintances which surrounded him in Nazareth. The places mentioned in this lesson are Jerusalem and Nazareth. The age of Jesus was between twelve and thirteen years. John, the forerunner of Jesus, was six months older, and was living in the solitudes of the wilderness, where he remained until thirty years old. Jesus spent his youth in the town. The rulers were Augustus Caesar, emperor of Rome (near the close of his reign), and Coponius, governor of Judea, which, on the death of Herod, had become a Roman province. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was ruler of Galilee and Perea.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

What is said of the childhood of Jesus? Verse 40. See note 1.
Where did his parents go every year? Verse 41. See note 2.
At what time did Jesus go with them to the Passover? Verse 42. See note 3.
When the parents returned at the end of seven days, what did Jesus do? Verse 43.
What knowledge had his father and mother of this? Verse 44.
How long did they proceed before they missed him? Verse 44. See note 4.
After how long, and where, did they find him? Verses 45, 46. See note 5.
How were they regarding Jesus? Verse 47.
What did his parents say when they found him? Verse 48.
What reply did he make? Verse 49. See note 6.
Did they understand the full import of this saying? Verse 50.
What is said of his future life at Nazareth? Verse 51. See note 7.
How did his mother regard this saying?
What is said of his progress? Memory verse.

NOTES.

1. And the child grew.—In physical development he was doubtless the same as other boys in

his own country. While he was the divine Son of God, he was also completely human. He grew in knowledge and wisdom as he grew in stature and strength. He had the same temptations, difficulties, and trials, the same battles to fight against selfishness. He met, as we have to meet, all the various vices of humanity, and can therefore sympathize with all classes and ages. "Waxed strong" means that he grew in every respect. He was filled with wisdom, and he grew strong by being filled, and the strength which he had was due to the "grace of God" which "was upon him." His surroundings were something as follows: (1) The natural scenery of the village in which he lived; it was rocky and mountainous, but filled with beauty. Like the other boys of his age, he learned to work as well as play. (2) The government was that of Rome, and its yoke was irksome and galling. Taxes were heavy, and in the continual presence of the Roman soldiers, laws, and money, the Jews were ever reminded of their subjection,—they who themselves should have been free and the rulers of the world. When Jesus was ten years old, the insurrection in Galilee occurred, which is spoken of in Acts 5: 37. Jesus must have heard and felt this. (3) He lived in a time when the hopes of the people were great for a Redeemer soon to come, and all the conversation which he heard must have been of a temporal reign. All the outward teachings must naturally have been to fix this in his mind, and make the temptations of Satan all the greater. (4) He was brought up in the schools of that age, and very much was thought then of schools. Some of the popular sayings at that time were as follows: "The world is saved by the breath of the schoolchildren." "Even for the rebuilding of the temple, the schools must not be interrupted." Children were taught not only to read and write, but to memorize the Scriptures and the countless precepts of the rabbis. The language spoken was the Aramaic. He was doubtless taught Bible Hebrew. (5) But the best of all was being taught of God, and the influence of a godly mother.

2. It was the rule for every Hebrew male to attend three feasts each year,—the Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Many times women also went. The Passover commemorated the preservation of the Jews in Egypt, when the destroying angel slew the firstborn of that country. It was called the Passover because the angel passed over the houses of the Hebrews. At these gatherings there were many times great religious revivals. They helped to unite the people, and added to their progress by comparison of notes and a larger acquaintance.

3. At the age of twelve years the Jewish child became what was called "a son of the law." He was at that time considered as having arrived at the age of responsibility, when he was bound to keep the law and customs of the older ones.

4. THERE are two things shown by the conduct of Joseph and Mary. First, they seemed to have perfect confidence in their boy, and felt that he did not need looking after; but, secondly, there was great negligence on their part. God had committed to them a great trust, and they showed their lack of appreciation of that trust in losing sight of the child so long. They should have learned that, as Satan tried to destroy him when so young, he would be just as anxious to do it at this time. The first day's journey is only about ten or twelve miles. They traveled back that distance, looking for him on the way, thinking that perhaps he might have been left. Farrar tells us that in the annual pilgrimage of the Jews to bathe in the fords of the Jordan, children are frequently left behind. What his parents lost in one day, it took them three days to gain. This is often paralleled in our own spiritual life. By some act of carelessness on our part we lose in one moment God's blessing, which takes many anxious hours of prayer and faithful seeking to again obtain.

5. Found him in the temple.—Not in the temple proper, but in one of the porches or chambers belonging to the temple,—a chamber set apart as a kind of free school, where the famous doctors of the law sat and taught.

6. How is it that ye sought me?—These are the first recorded words of Jesus. There is in them a mild reproof to his mother for her lack of care. If she had watched over the precious trust which God had given her, she would not then have been seeking him; and there is also another thought: "Why did you go about seeking me? Where else would I have been found, when I have reached the age of responsibility, but in my Father's house, or about my Father's business?"

7. LUTHER has a little note upon this which is worthy of reproduction: "He was subject to his parents. Whatever mother or father wanted done in the house, fetching water, drink, bread, meat, looking after the house, and other things of that sort, whatever he was bidden, that did the dear little Jesus, like any other child. . . . If he did what his parents bade him, though they were but common and small things, what fine children would we be if we followed his example!" In fact, in these commonplace duties lies the whole secret of faithful life.

CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1894.

By General Conference Committee

DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.

New York..........................................July 26 to Aug. 6 Virginia..................................................Aug. 7-14 West Virginia.........................................Aug. 16-27 Vermont, Morrisville.............................Aug. 23 to Sept. 3 New England.......................................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10 Maine, Bath............................................Sept. 6-17

DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.

Tennessee River, Bowling Green..................................................Aug. 27 to Sept. 7 Florida, Seffner........................................Nov. 8-18

DISTRICT NUMBER THREE.

Ohio, Newark........................................Aug. 10-20 *Indiana, Indianapolis................................Aug. 7-13 Michigan (northern) Frankfort................Aug. 20-27 *Illinois...................................................Aug. 22-28 Michigan (State) Lansing.......................Sept. 19 to Oct. 1

DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR.

Nebraska, Lincoln (Peck's Grove) Aug. 21-28

DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE.

Texas, Cleburne......................................Aug. 9-20 Arkansas, Fayetteville..............................Aug. 16-27 Oklahoma T'y,........................................Aug. 23 to Sept. 3 Colorado, Denver....................................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10 Kansas, Emporia.......................................Sept. 6-17 Missouri, Warrensburg (Pertle Springs) Sept. 19 to Oct. 1

Appointments marked by a star will be preceded by a workers' meeting.

THE ATONEMENT. Part I, "An Atonement Consistent with Reason." Part II, "An Atonement as Revealed in the Bible." Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. Cloth, $1.00.

HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE BOOKS AND TRACTS.—Assorted Package No. 2; price, 40 cents. Fifteen subjects treated; over 100 pages. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

CHURCH SERVICES.

By Editor

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.

Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street, corner of Champlain Avenue. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. every Sabbath. Prayer meeting, Monday evening at 7:30 P.M. The above services are held in the Forestville Congregationalist Church building until our own church will be completed, when proper notice will be given. All are cordially invited.

Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study, Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 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.

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.

Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome.

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.

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: 5 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.

PERIODICALS WANTED.

By M. F. Brown

THANKING the kind brethren and sisters for papers sent in the past for our distributors, I now ask them to please forward more. Send Sentinels, SIGNS, or any of our periodicals, clean copies, not torn, nor dated farther back than '93, and not too great a number at a time. M. F. BROWN.

Glenburn, Cal.

"APPLES OF GOLD LIBRARY."

By Editor

This is the title of a little monthly publication recently started by the Pacific Press, and is designed especially for use in personal correspondence. It is printed on thin paper, and one or two numbers can be put in a No. 6 envelope, with an ordinary letter, without increasing the postage.

The following numbers have already been issued: No. 1. Looking unto Jesus. " 2. The Christian's Privilege. " 3. The Sure Promises of God. " 4. How to Get Knowledge. " 5. The Church and the World. (Poetry.) " 6. The Elect of God. " 7. How Esther Read Her Bible. " 8. The Thief on the Cross. " 9. The Eleventh Hour. " 10. Benefits of Bible Study. " 11. Righteousness: Where Is It to be Found? " 12. Power of Forgiveness. " 13. Responsibility of Parents.

Five copies for one year, postpaid, 50 cents; or 12 copies for $1.00. Single subscriptions are not desirable, for two reasons: (1) The numbers being so small they are liable to be lost in the mails. (2) If they are used in correspondence, as recommended, more than one copy would be necessary.

Single or assorted numbers of the Library will be mailed in quantities at the following rates: 50 cents per hundred; or $4.00 per thousand copies. Always order by the NUMBER.

Address, # PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., New York City; Kansas City, Mo.; Oakland, Cal.

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Sunday Laws Compendium

SUNDAY LAWS OF THE STATES AND TERRITORIES.

A comprehensive collection of laws and decisions regarding Sunday observance, especially useful as a compendium of information. Paper cover 25 cents. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

LESSON IV.—SABBATH, JULY 28, 1894.

LOOSING FROM BONDAGE.

Lesson Scripture, Luke 13: 6-30.

6. AND he spake this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.

7. And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?

8. And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it;

9. And if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.

10. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day.

11. And behold, a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no-wise lift herself up.

12. And when Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13. And he laid his hands upon her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14. And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, answered and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work; in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the day of the Sabbath.

15. But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16. And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, these eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the Sabbath?

17. And as he said these things all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

18. He said therefore, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I liken it?

19. It is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree; and the birds of the heaven lodged in the branches thereof.

20. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

21. It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.

22. And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem.

23. And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that be saved?

24. And he said unto them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door; for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are.

26. Then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

27. And he shall say, I tell you I know not whence ye are; depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.

28. There shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without.

29. And they shall come from the east and west, and from the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30. And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

This lesson may be subdivided as follows: The parable of the barren fig tree; healing the deformed woman; illustrations of the kingdom of heaven, and exhortations concerning it.

Relate the parable of the barren fig tree.
What lesson does it teach?
Who was present on one occasion as Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues?
What day was it?
How long had the woman been afflicted?
When Jesus saw her, what did he say and do?
What was the immediate result?
How did the ruler of the synagogue feel over the matter?
What did he say to the woman?
How did Jesus reprove him?
What illustration did he use?
Who did he say had bound the woman?
Consequently, whose power was he breaking on the Sabbath day?
How did these words affect the enemies of Jesus?
What effect did the miracle and words of Jesus have on the people?
To what two things did Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven?
What exhortation did he give?
What did he say would be the case with many?
What will many say and do when it is too late?
Who will be seen in the kingdom of God?
What change in position will take place with many?

NOTES.

1. We may learn from the parable of the barren fig tree that those who bear no fruit will be cut off. Compare John 15: 1-6. But we may also learn the long-suffering of Christ, and be encouraged. We well know that one who had taken great pains with a tree, cultivating and dressing it carefully, without seeing any fruit, would not cut it down the fourth year if it bore but a little fruit. "Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit." "He which began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1: 6.

2. Jesus said, "It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." Matt. 12: 12. To break the power of Satan is always a good thing, and work most appropriate for the Sabbath day. See Luke 4: 18 for a statement of the special work of Christ. We must not fail to note the ease with which Christ breaks the bonds of Satan. His power is no less now than it was then; and he is present with us no less really than he was then. And the Sabbath day is most appropriate for such deliverances, for it was given for the express purpose of teaching us God's power to save. See Eze. 20: 12; Ps. 92: 1-4.

3. Notice that Jesus did not give a direct answer to the question of curiosity, "Are there few that be saved?" He told us, indeed, that the multitude will go the broad way, but we are not therefore to boast, as though we were better than they. We are not to indulge in speculations as to who will or will not be saved. When one said to Jesus, "Are there few that be saved?" he replied, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate," as much as to say, "Look out for yourself, and don't speculate about somebody else." When Peter was curious as to what was to become of John, Jesus said to him, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." John 21: 21, 22.

4. "STRIVE to enter in." People misuse this text in two directions. Some say, "I have striven with all the power I had, and it is of no use, because I failed every time; I might as well give up; I am too weak to do anything." Others will think that it means that the power is in themselves, and that they are required to do it all. They have made failures, but they attribute them to the fact that they did not strive hard enough. Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." John 15: 5. This shows that there is no power in man. All power in heaven and earth belongs to Christ. Matt. 28: 18. It is his Spirit that supplies the power with which we are to strive. See Eph. 3: 16; Col. 1: 11-13; Zech. 4: 6. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil. 2: 12, 13. The apostle Paul said, "I labor, striving according to His working, that worketh in me mightily." Col. 1: 29. Remember that, although Jacob wrestled all night, he gained no victory until his strength was gone and he had to throw himself upon the Lord for support.

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