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Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 16.

God in Nature
Earlier text: SECTARIAN APPROPRIATIONS AGAIN

PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE

“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson V.—Sabbath, May 2, 1896.

PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.

Topics for review:— (a) Name the divisions of the last two lessons. (b) Give a brief review of how the word was made flesh. (c) Show how Christ brought life by coming into the world. (d) In what sense did he abolish death?
Divisions of the lesson: (1) The Death from Which We Are Released. (2) Justification unto Life.

QUESTIONS.

THE DEATH FROM WHICH WE ARE RELEASED.

1. What is the wages of sin?
“For the wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.
2. Who is entitled to these wages?
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Eze. 18:4.
3. How many have sinned?
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.
4. Can this sentence of death have any application to the death we die for Adam’s transgression? See note .
5. What is the promise to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 3:16; 5:24.
6. What is said of those that believe not?
“He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” John 3:18. See note .
7. How is this death distinguished from the death that is common to all?
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8.
8. What class of individuals will escape the second death?
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power.” Rev. 20:6.

JUSTIFICATION UNTO LIFE.

9. What was Christ made for the sinner?
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” 2 Cor. 5:21.
10. By his being made sin, what may the sinner become?
“That we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.
11. What is righteousness?
“All thy commandments are righteousness.” “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Ps. 119:172; 145:17. See note .
12. How does the sinner receive righteousness?
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Rom. 4:5.
13. What is said of the sins of the one that believes?
“Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Verses 7, 8.
14. What is sin, and its results?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14, 15.
15. What is said of the human heart?
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.
16. What proceeds from a carnal heart?
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:21–23.
17. What can be said of the life of a man while in sin? See note .
18. What is imputed to the sinner when he believes?
“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of a man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.” Rom. 4:6. See note .
19. What other language is used to show the effects of imputed righteousness?
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.
20. How does the new birth connect the believer with Christ?
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 1:27; 3:3. See note .
21. What relation does the individual in Christ sustain to the second death?
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

NOTES.

PAPERS WANTED.

MRS. BLANCHE GWYNNE, Marshall, Texas, desires clean, late copies of SIGNS OF THE TIMES and American Sentinel, and also tracts for distributer work. Those sent should be postage or carriage prepaid.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

By N. C. McClure; F. W. Howe

NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Healdsburg College Corporation will be held on Monday, April 20, 1896, at 3 P.M., at the college building in Healdsburg, California, for the purpose of electing seven trustees for the term of one year, or until their successors are elected, for the purpose of amending the by-laws in respect to the date of the annual meeting, and for the transaction of other business that may be necessary.
It is especially desired that stockholders whose present residence is not certainly known to the secretary shall send in their names and addresses at once to the president of the college, in order to receive blanks for proxies. By order of the board of trustees.
N. C. McCLURE, President. F. W. HOWE, Secretary.

NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING.

By Wm. Saunders; E. A. Chapman

THE annual meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Sabbatarian Association, a corporation, organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the state of California, will be held at the office of the company, corner of Twelfth and Castro Streets, in the city of Oakland, county of Alameda, state of California, on Tuesday, the 28th day of April, A.D. 1896, at 9:30 A.M., for the purpose of electing a board of nine directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting. By order of Wm. SAUNDERS,
President of Pacific Sabbatarian Association.
E. A. CHAPMAN,
Secretary of Pacific Sabbatarian Association.

NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING.

By C. H. Jones; E. A. Chapman

THE annual meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, a corporation, organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the state of California, will be held at the office of the company, corner of Twelfth and Castro Streets, in the city of Oakland, county of Alameda, state of California, on Monday, the 27th day of April, A.D. 1896, at 9:30 A.M., for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
By order of C. H. JONES, President of Pacific Press Publishing Company. E. A. CHAPMAN, Secretary of Pacific Press Publishing Company.

Union Pacific “Once-a-Week” Personally Conducted Excursions to the East.

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For tickets and full particulars call on or write to D. W. Hitchcock, general agent, No. 1 Montgomery Street, San Francisco; H. V. Blasdel, 1010 Broadway, Oakland.

CYCLONE WASHER.

WE LIKE IT WELL.

DOUGLAS CENTER, Wis., Jan. 25, 1896. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I have but little faith in the common washing machine, preferring the good old way; but we are converted thoroughly, and have a Cyclone. It has been in use three months, and we like it well. It is a fine machine. Yours truly,
MRS. GEO. LANDGRAFF.
For particulars and circulars address, Coon Bros., 137 South Washington St., Battle Creek, Mich.

ANGELS: THEIR NATURE AND MINISTRY.

Contains also some hints on the origin, history, and destiny of Satan as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students' Library, No. 8. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 140 pp.; 20 cents.

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.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y.

INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
Lesson V.—Sunday, May 3, 1896.

FAITH.

Lesson Scripture, Luke 17:5-19.

5. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
6. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
7. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8. And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9. Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
11. And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off;
13. And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18. There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
(Memorize verses 17–19.)
Golden Text: “Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17:5.
NOTE.—Between verses 10 and 11 chronologically belongs the raising of Lazarus from the dead. That event occurred at Bethany a few months prior to the crucifixion, and after the journey through Perea. Because of this miracle, the Jews sought the life of Jesus with redoubled energy, and to escape them for the time, he went to the north. It was on the return to Jerusalem, passing through Galilee and Samaria, that the incident occurred which is related in verses 11 to 19. Besides reading the whole chapter, note also Matt. 17:20; 21:19-22; Mark 11:20-24; John 14:12.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What did the apostles say to the Lord? Verse 5. Note 1. (2) What was the power of the faith the Lord recommended to them? Verse 6. Note 2. (3) What query did he introduce? Verse 7. (4) What is the more frequent command? Verse 8. (5) What thanks will the servant receive? Verse 9. (6) In what manner did Jesus apply the parable? Verse 10. Note 3. (7) Through what places did Jesus pass on his way to Jerusalem? Verse 11. (8) Who met him in a certain village? Verse 12. Note 4. (9) What did the lepers say? Verse 13. (10) How did Jesus reply? Verse 14. (11) What did one of them do? Verses 15, 16. Note 5. (12) Who was the man? Verse 16. (13) What question did Jesus ask? Verse 17. (14) How did he comment upon the incident? Verse 18. (15) With what words did he address the stranger? Verse 19. Note 6.

NOTES.

1. Increase our faith.—The subject of offenses and instruction concerning forgiving had just been presented by the Lord. Woe unto him who is a stumbling-block in the way of others, or who causes others to err by his course. The instruction condemns likewise everything that tends to hinder development of a right character, and strikes directly at many cherished desires and selfish pleasures. In Matt. 18:21, 22 the number of times that forgiveness shall be granted is placed at seventy times seven. That is, forgive as often as we would be forgiven. It was perhaps the great need of constant power from on high thus so vividly presented to the apostles that led them to make this prayer, “Lord, increase our faith.”
2. If ye had faith.—Mark speaks of a faith capable of removing mountains, and immediately adds, “Therefore, . . . what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Many have speculated as to whether actual mountains and trees could be removed by the prayer of faith, and we have heard of persons praying to this end. Doubtless the prayer of real faith would accomplish this, but it must be remembered that such a prayer contains no selfish motive of whatever nature. And as to need, the Lord knows best what is for our best interests, the interests of all, and the glory of his name. Jesus prayed the prayer of faith that the cup which he was to drink might pass from him, yet to it was added, “Thy will be done.” But there are obstacles which appear as mountains in the way of the Christian, and oft-times he is permitted to encounter them in order to put to a practical use his faith. Perhaps even then the exercise of the minute mustard seed grain of faith will alter his view of the obstacle. But, given a chance to grow, the grain will reveal a wonderful growth.
3. Unprofitable.—The word freely rendered is, having done no more than duty. There is no opportunity for boasting of one’s own deeds in the Lord’s service. This does not make him unjust, nor his service hard. But all that man can do is what the Lord helps him to do. The sum total of service is no more than what he ought to do, for all he has and is belongs to the Lord, who has redeemed him from the bondage of sin. Note the Lord’s words in Luke 12:37, in connection with this parable.
4. Stood afar off.—Altho it is said they met him, yet they stood afar off. They came forth to speak with him, but were compelled by the law concerning lepers, to keep at a distance from others.
5. One of them . . . turned back.—They had faith to start, for they were in the way of custom and the law. See Lev. 13:2. But on the way they were cleansed, and to one only, it seems, came the realization of what had been done for him. The rest passed on to the priests. The one, a Samaritan at that, was moved with love towards his Benefactor, and gave God the glory. It is very often the case that one’s love for the Lord and his service is in proportion to the amount of physical benefit received.
6. Thy faith hath made thee whole.—This man had a different experience than did the others. His faith made him whole in every way, gave him a new heart, changed his course of life. The cleansing power reached deeper than the flesh. It touched his sins and drove them away. This is what the Lord designs his word to do for every soul. He knows best if the disease of body should be stayed, and yet who will limit his willingness in this direction even? But the soul cleansing is complete always if his word is taken with pure faith. The seat of all disease, mental and physical, is sin, and the soul cleansed from this bane has the assurance of complete restoration when all things shall be created anew. See Rev. 20:4, 5.

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NEWS AND NOTES

FOREIGN.

—The black plague has appeared in Yokohama.
—Colonel John A. Cockerill, the well-known journalist, who of late represented the New York Herald in Japan and Korea during the war, and at Cairo, Egypt, has just died suddenly at the latter place.
—The Canadian Government has signified its willingness to assume charge of the Cree Indians. This tribe has for some time taken up its abode in Montana, to the great annoyance of citizens of that state. They will now be moved across the border.
—It is said that Archbishop Langevin, of Manitoba, will shortly visit the pope in order to lay before him the condition of affairs in that province concerning the school question. The matter is not much nearer adjustment than it has been for months, but from the way the provincial officials hold out against restoring separate schools, it looks as though the present order of things will prevail.

DOMESTIC.

—Governor John E. Jones, of Nevada, died in San Francisco, April 10.
—The National League of Musicians is now considering the advisability of joining the American Federation of Labor.
—An explosion of giant powder occurred near Ogden, Utah, on April 8, killing five men and injuring as many more.
—The first cherries of the season from California reached Chicago on April 9, from two to three weeks earlier than usual.
—The House Committee on Appropriations reports an item of $11,384,000 for fortifications, coast defenses, and armament for the coming year. In the eight years ending in 1896 this item has averaged $2,811,128 per annum.
—A man by the name of Brooks, in Houston, Texas, objected to the elopement of his daughter and her lover. He therefore waylaid the couple at the station, shot them both, then procured a box of dynamite, sat upon it, and touched it off.
—A gale on San Francisco Bay April 9 capsized a full-rigged ship, the Baltimore, the vessel being lightly ballasted. The captain and eight sailors were rescued, but six, including the first mate, were caught in the hold, and went down with the ship.
—An explosion of giant powder in the Anaconda mine, at Butte, Mont., on April 11, resulted in the death of six men. Two days before a fire in the Hope mine, near the same place, imprisoned seven men, and it is believed they must have been suffocated, as the escaping gas rendered it impossible to assist them.
—On April 6 the House adopted the Senate resolutions recognizing the Cubans as belligerents, by a vote of 244 to 27. The resolutions being concurrent, have only the effect of showing the feeling of the nation as represented by its lawmakers, unless the President chooses to follow out the action proposed. Just at this stage the press at large is full of hints, and interpretations of the President’s slightest move. That he will do something in view of the vote there is little doubt, but he is carefully guarding the matter.
—On Easter, Dr. Morgan, pastor of the fashionable Church of Heavenly Rest, of Fifth Avenue, New York, preached a most eloquent sermon, one reported in full for the press. The gentleman has been greatly humbled since by the appearance of a public article from a brother minister placing the discourse in question side by side with a sermon already published in a book of sermons. The comparison shows them to be almost identical, in wording and in illustrations. Woe to the minister who copies his sermon—and is found out!
—The New York Bar Association is agitating the idea of a Court of International Arbitration, to consist of eminent jurists of the various nations. To this court, if organized, will fall the task of deciding disputes between nations, such as the Venezuela boundary question, etc. The matter has been quite widely discussed, and religious journals especially take the question up as pointing to the cessation of wars. Advocates of the scheme who value such approval, may further rejoice to know that the pope has given the matter his benediction. The proof that such a court is effective and has the confidence of the nations will be manifested if, after its establishment, the great standing armies are abolished, and a good share of the navies of the world dismantled. It is well not to be too sanguine over this result. Such a court would doubtless accomplish much in the way of settling some disputes, but there is only one event that will adjust them all and do away with strife, and that is the coming of the Judge of all the earth.
—The District of Columbia Appropriation Bill has passed the House of Representatives. As passed finally an amendment prohibits the use of any part of the money for services or expenses or for anything whatever connected with any church or religious organization or institution or society under sectarian or ecclesiastical control. A lump sum of $94,700 will be placed in the hands of the District Commissioners for relief work and charitable and reformatory purposes, to be distributed as they see fit, in harmony with the restrictions noted.
—The bill for a “Greater” New York City has passed the Legislature of New York. It provides for a consolidation of New York, Brooklyn, and Long Island City, but before becoming an act it must be approved by the mayors of those three cities. These gentlemen will give opportunity for public consideration of the scheme, and should any or all refuse to approve the measure, it can only go into effect by again passing the Legislature, and receiving the governor’s signature. The contemplated change would give New York over 3,000,000 inhabitants.
—The Raines’ Bill, which has become a law in New York, is causing much comment. The bill raises the license in New York City to $800 for every place where liquor is sold to be drunk on the premises. It also provides that no saloon shall be established within 200 feet of any dwelling, unless two-thirds of the owners in that distance consent. On Sundays also, besides prohibiting the sale of liquor, it is forbidden to have up any screen or obstruction intercepting a view of the bar from the street. For towns local option is provided, but not for cities beyond the provision named above as to dwellings.

PUBLICATIONS ON THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

MATTHEW 24, OR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. An exposition of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief résumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the Sanctuary in Heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the “time of the end,” just previous to Christ’s second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
Send for complete catalogue with description and price list of other publications on this and kindred topics.
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