Earlier text: PLENARY INSPIRATIONGEORGE THE THIRD, king of the Friendly Islands, was brought to Christ through that old apostle to the Friendly and Navigators' Islands, Rev. Peter Turner. When the first chapel was opened, and the king came in and saw the preacher in the pulpit, a man higher up than himself, he was displeased. But instead of making any trouble about it, he had a pulpit built for himself the next week in the opposite end of the chapel, a few inches higher than the minister's pulpit. When the king saw the missionary ascend to his pulpit, he quietly went up and seated himself in his pulpit. After a while the missionary and his leading men united together daily to read God's book of instructions, to see how they were to proceed in their work, and prayed daily for the Holy Ghost to come down and "abide with them," and through their agency do his mighty work of saving the king and his people. After continuing thus to wait "with one accord" for many days, the Holy Ghost came in mighty power. The news ran all over the island that the Holy Ghost had come, and was waiting to lead them to Jesus, and save their souls. The people flocked together from every direction, and while they listened to the words of God from his book, "they were pricked in their hearts," and many cried out in agony of their souls, and were so affected by the awakening power of the Spirit that to the number of from two to three hundred at one time they lay apparently dead for hours, but always came up rejoicing and praising God for his great salvation. The king himself was awakened, and came down from his high pulpit, and sat in the dust. His proud heart yielded to the Spirit's power. Still it did not give way all at once. He told the missionary he wanted to give up his sins, and seek God, but did not want to bow down with his common people, and asked the missionary to allow him to pray behind the altar screen, which was a network of young bamboo rods, and would conceal him from the eyes of his people. Brother Turner said, "Yes, King George, you may kneel down wherever you like, and give your heart to God." The king went behind the screen and fell down on his face and cried to God to have mercy on his poor soul. He is a man six feet four inches high, and rolling in an agony of soul he kicked down the screen and lay full length before his people, and cared for nothing but how he might save his soul. His pride was broken, and he fully felt the burden of his sins, but got no relief till after he went home that night. About midnight he gave his wicked heart to God, and received Jesus, and got all his sins forgiven, and received a new heart. He wrote a letter to Brother Turner that night, telling him that he had found Jesus, and that his soul was happy.—African News. A CURIOUS CUSTOM IN CHILE.
By Selected
In this queer country there is a funny side even to funerals. The other day a sound of music attracted me to the window, and what do you think I saw? A mahogany-hued peon (peasant) carrying on his head and outstretched hands a plank about five feet long and on the plank a dead child. The little corpse was that of a girl, apparently about five years old. It was attired in a short frock of red calico, the legs incased in coarse white hose "a world too wide for the shrunken shank," no shoes, the jet black hair smoothly braided and crowned by a jaunty wreath of paper roses, and the cheeks horribly daubed with vermilion to simulate the hue of health. The plank bearer was closely followed by two women, evidently the mother and grandmother of the deceased, and they walked with an air of conscious importance, as becomes those who have furnished otra angelita ("another little angel," as here a dead child is universally called) to swell the heavenly host. Behind the women marched two men, playing with might and main, one on a fiddle, the other on a guitar, each intent on a tune of his own, regardless of the other's performance; and the rear was brought up by a dozen or more laughing and chattering men, women, and children, most of whom gave indubitable evidence of unwise generosity on somebody's part in the way of chicha, the Chilian low-class intoxicant. They were on the way to the Pantheno, to inter the "little angel," over whom they had been dancing for several days, and which possibly had been loaned once or twice in the meantime to friends who were not so fortunate as to have a corpse in the family. Among the more degraded class of Chilians it is the general custom to make death an excuse for orgies wild and ridiculous, and the body, especially of a child, is kept for festive purposes until it becomes offensive to people passing the house. WORK AMONG THE CHINESE IN AMERICA.
A LIST of the various working institutions for the instruction of the Chinese in the United States and Canada shows a total of 261 schools, 8 institutions and associations, and 7 churches. These schools are scattered among 17 States and provinces and 162 towns. Within a radius of 700 miles from San Francisco Bay there are 69 schools. Within a radius of 700 miles from New York City there are 146 schools. They are distributed by cities as follows: New York, 17; Brooklyn, 12; Boston, 9; Chicago, 8; San Francisco and Oakland, 6 each; Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles, 5 each; St. Louis, Portland, Or., and Montreal, 4 each; Washington, D. C., Kansas City, and Newark, N. J., 3 each. The distribution of schools by States is as follows: California, 53; New York, 44; Massachusetts, 29; New Jersey, 16; Pennsylvania, 15; Illinois, 12; Connecticut, 8; Oregon, 8; Colorado, 7. Denominationally, the schools representing the Baptist Church are 66; the Presbyterian, 47; the Congregational, 48; the Methodist, 40; the Episcopal, 16; Reformed Presbyterian and Christian, 4 each; Lutheran and United Brethren, 2 each; United Presbyterian, 1; and 27 schools are undenominational. The whole number of Chinese in America, young or old, who are known to be reached, either regularly or occasionally, by Christian instruction, is 8,061. Of these, 6,295 are adults who are regular attendants in schools which have been established for more than a year. The hopefully Christian Chinese in America number 2,262. The proportion of Christians in schools known to the association is more than 26 per cent. The census of 1890 gives 71,681 Chinese to California, of whom but 1,720 are under Christian instruction. Of these 725 are counted as Christians.—Gospel in All Lands. Arkansas Tract Society—H. Clay Griffin, Van Buren, Ark.
Atlantic Tract Society—T. A. Kilgore, Sec., 43 Bond St., N. Y.
Australia—Echo Publishing House, North Fitzroy, Victoria. and A. Reekie, 76 Pyrmont Rd., Glebe, Sydney, N. S. W.
California Tract Society—1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal. and G. W. Morse, 20 Melbourne Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Canada—Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 123 St. Georges St., Montreal, Canada.
China and Japan—A. LaRue, International Tract Society Queens Road 219, Hongkong, China.
Colorado Tract Society—Miss Leah Vandermark, Sec., 920 W. Sixth Ave., Denver, Col.
Dakota Tract Society—Mrs. A. H. Robinson, Vilas, S. Dak.
England—Pacific Press Publishing Co., 48 Paternoster Row, and 451 Holloway Road, London.
Illinois Tract Society—28 College Place, Chicago, Ill.
Indiana Tract Society—J. W. Moore, Sec., 175 Central Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
Kansas Tract Society—L. Dyo Chambers, Sec., No. 821 West Fifth St., Topeka, Kan.
Maine Tract Society—B. F. Davis, Hartland, Me.
Maritime Provinces Tract Society—Mrs. I. H. Cowie, Sec., Moncton, N. B.
Iowa Tract Society—C. F. Stevens, Sec., 603 East 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa.
Michigan Tract Society—J. S. Hall, Sec., Review and Herald Office, Battle Creek, Mich.
Minnesota Tract Society—C. N. Woodward, 336 East Lake St., Minneapolis, Minn., P. O. Box 989.
Missouri Tract Society—Vita Morrow, Sec., 2010 East 23d St., Kansas City, Mo.
Montana—Mrs. Emma Emmons, Sec., Livingston, Mont.
Nebraska Tract Society—Mary F. Beatty, Sec., 1505 E St., Lincoln, Neb.
Nevada—Cal. Tract Society, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
New England—N. E. Tract Society, Mrs. E. T. Palmer, Sec., South Lancaster, Mass.
New Jersey, Del., Md., New York City, and Brooklyn, N. Y., and Dist. Col.—T. A. Kilgore, No. 43 Bond St., New York.
New York State—J. V. Willson, Sec., N. Y. Tract Society, 317 West Bloomfield St., Rome, N. Y.
New Zealand Tract Society, M. H. Tuxford, Agent, Banks' Terrace, Wellington, N. Z.
North Pacific—Geo. E. Henton, Sec., 727 East Taylor St., East Portland, Oregon.
Ohio Tract Society—L. T. Dysert, Sec., 74 Kinsman St., Cleveland, O.
Pennsylvania Tract Society—W. M. Lee, Sec., Box 644, Williamsport, Penn.
Scandinavian Tract Society—Akersgaden 74, Christiania, Nor.
South Africa—International Tract Society, Somerset House, Roeland St., Cape Town.
Southern District Tract Society—Mrs. C. E. Giles, Sec., Graysville, Tenn.
Switzerland—Imprimerie Polyglotte, 48 Weiherweg, Basel.
Tennessee—Miss. M. G. Mason, Sec., Nashville, Tenn.
Texas Tract Society—T. T. Stevenson, Sec., Oak Cliff, Dallas Co., Texas.
Upper Columbia—Mrs. M. E. Ford, College Place, Wash.
Utah—J. J. Ireland, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
Vancouver Island—B. Robb, 231 Pandora St., Victoria, B. C.
Vermont—Lizzie A. Stone, lock box 237, Essex Junction, Vt.
Virginia—Amy A. Neff, Box 221 Winchester, Frederick Co., Va.
West Virginia—T. E. Bowen, Newburg, W. Va.
Wisconsin Tract Society—S. D. Hartwell, Sec., 865 Fifth St., Milwaukee, Wis. If you are going East, you will find it to your advantage to correspond with the undersigned and obtain full particulars of the "Weekly Overland Excursions," which leave every Wednesday. Experienced managers in charge, whose duties are to look out for the comfort of the passengers, especially ladies and children traveling without an escort. This is the most popular manner of making an overland trip, and no other line offers advantages equal to the "Great Santa Fe Route," the favorite winter route. It is the only line running Pullman palace and tourist sleeping cars through to Chicago every day on the same train. Baggage checked through to destination. Union depot connections in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago. Steamship tickets sold to and from all European points. For full information address W. A. Bissell, G. P. A., 650 Market Street, Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal., or J. J. Warner, agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal. PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL
By Editor
A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles, and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,
Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is especially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and housekeepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by all. Price, $1.00 per year. Sample copy free. Address, PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL, St. Helena, Cal. THE annual session of the Australian Conference will be held in Melbourne, January 6 to 15. AT Charlotte Center, N. Y., fifteen have recently accepted the faith through the labors of Brethren S. and H. G. Thurston. NINETEEN additions to our ranks are the result of meetings held at Oregon, Arkansas, by Brethren J. A. Sommerville and W. F. Martin. ELDER G. T. WILSON and wife arrived in Auckland, N. Z., on the 5th of November. Their address will be Banks Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand. ELDER J. T. BOETTCHER reports the organization of a church at Hadersleben, in the northern part of Schleswig, Germany, with sixteen members. Seven of these were baptized in the sea; the others were received by letter. BROTHER J. F. BECKNER held meetings with good interest in the Methodist Church at Grant, Cass County, Missouri, until the minister induced the trustees to close the doors against him, and that in the face of a strong petition in favor of continuing the meetings. ELDER H. E. ROBINSON, president of Atlantic Conference, preached in Wilmington, Delaware, December 4. Of the work there he says: "The attendance is increasing, and Brother and Sister Hersum are encouraged by the prospect of many sheaves in the final harvest." THE Echo Publishing Company, Melbourne, announces four new tracts by Mrs. E. G. White, recently issued from the press,—"The Sufferings of Christ," "The Privilege of Prayer," "The Elect of God," and "Benefits of Bible Study." The price is not given, an essential item in a press notice. THE interest awakened among some families in Townsend, Delaware, by a canvasser, calls for further labor and the establishment of regular meetings. The possibilities in the path of the canvassing agent are thus demonstrated, as is also the obligation that his walk shall be worthy of his calling. THE Bath, England, Gazette, of November 23 and 30 gives extended reports of sermons on the Sabbath question by Elders J. J. Washburn and E. J. Waggoner. Without himself expressing any opinion, the reporter gave the speakers credit for intimate acquaintance and close attachment to the Scriptures. PROFESSOR G. W. CAVINESS, principal of South Lancaster (Mass.) Academy, in giving notice to prospective students of the new term to begin January 2, gives this encouraging information regarding the attendance: "We are now so full that it will be necessary to rent another building to accommodate those coming, and we want to know about how many to provide for." THE Bible Echo says: "The Australian Tract Society has undertaken the publication of a little four-page paper, entitled The Messenger. It will be issued twice a month, and will be especially suitable for free distribution in the parks, at the markets, on shipboard, and at the railway stations. It will also be useful for distribution among the employees on the large stations in the interior." SISTER SARAH L. POTTS, who recently called for papers to use in missionary work at Montesano, Wash., reports having made a profitable use of the matter kindly furnished by different persons. Some papers are placed in a distributor at the railroad station, some loaned from house to house, and some given to people who call at her home,—and God's blessing is invoked upon them all. OUR young brethren in America should remember that foreign fields are anxiously looking to them to fill important places in the work. Especially should this be borne in mind by students in our colleges and academies. Ministers, teachers, Bible readers, secretaries, colporters, and intelligent canvassers are in demand all over the great harvest fields, and the demand will increase more and more unto the end. IN the West Virginia Monitor of December 14 Brother Wm. Hutchinson uses this truthful expression with reference to the week of prayer: "During this season of prayer we shall make a display before all heaven to what extent we appreciate the blessings of present truth, and what value we place on human souls." But this is just as true of every other week as it is of the season referred to. The extent of our appreciation of God's blessings, and of our estimate of the value of souls, is always displayed before heaven, for it is manifest in our daily lives. Under date of December 12, Brother S. B. Horton writes to the Union Record from Paterson, N. J., as follows: "Last Sabbath a lady who had been attending our lectures came and requested that we go to see her father, who had been stricken suddenly with a paralytic stroke, and to pray with him. We repaired to his home after the meeting and spent some time in reading God's word, and prayer. Last night he attended our meeting with his daughter. We met him as he came into the hall, and he said, 'I am all right, thank God.' He was raised a Catholic but left the church on account of false doctrines and superstitions." DONE IN FAITH.
By Warner Snoad
Just one good deed! and, though others ne'er know it,
Angels will carry it up to the throne;
At the hereafter, Christ's records will show it.
"Fed thou the hungry? Come hither, mine own." Just one kind word! and, though others ne'er guess it,
Angels will chant it at vespers to-night;
At the hereafter, Christ's promise will bless it.
"Cheered thou the weary? Stand thou on my right." Just one sharp struggle! though no eyes beheld it,
Though to the world we have grievously failed,
At the hereafter, when angels have told it,
Christ's voice will answer, "Thy faith has prevailed."
—Church Union. Useful as Well as Ornamental. Most children like picture books, and most people who have children buy picture books for them. But about holiday time many people buy picture books for other people's children. A nice picture book is a nice present. A good picture book is a good present. An instructive picture book is an instructive present. All these qualifications are included in the BOUND VOLUME of There is no use in buying books that teach children folly and nonsense. They learn too much of that incidentally. They get too much without buying it. Let the money be spent for something useful. Volume II contains over 400 pages, 7x10 inches, and is bound in cloth and also in paper, with a handsome design on first page. Price, in Cloth...................$1 00
Price, in Paper.................... 60
These prices include postage. Address
OUR LITTLE FRIEND,
OAKLAND, CAL. An Eight-page Illustrated Weekly Paper for Children. OUR LITTLE FRIEND is designed to be practically useful. The matter all contains the best moral and religious sentiment. It contains two grades of Sabbath-school lessons on the same subject, one for children nine years old and under, and one for children from nine to fourteen. One copy, one year, postpaid, - - - - 50c.
Five to nine copies to one address, each, - - - - 45c.
Ten copies, and over, each, - - - - 40c.
Sample copies free.
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OUR LITTLE FRIEND,
Box 548, OAKLAND, CAL. Encouragement for Isolated Believers
BRETHREN who reside in isolated places are often discouraged by the circumstances of their lonely situation and lack of "church privileges." The following sentence from "Steps to Christ," page 117, seems to have been inspired for the special benefit of such disciples: "The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul for whom he gave his beloved Son." FAITHFULNESS IN EXAMPLE.
By Ellen G. White
VISITING from house to house forms an important part of the minister's labors. He should aim to converse with all the members of the family, whether they profess the truth or not. It is his duty to ascertain the spiritual condition of all; and he should live so near to God that he can counsel, exhort, and reprove, carefully and in wisdom. He should have the grace of God in his own heart, and the glory of God constantly in view. All lightness and trifling is positively forbidden in the word of God. His conversation should be in heaven, his words seasoned with grace. All flattery should be put away; for it is Satan's work to flatter. Poor, weak, fallen men generally think enough of themselves, and need no help in this direction. Flattering your ministers is out of place. It perverts the mind, and does not lead to meekness and humility; yet men and women love to be praised, and it is too frequently the case that ministers love it. Their vanity is gratified by it; but it has proved a curse to many. Reproof is more to be prized than flattery. Not all who are preaching the truth realize that their testimony and example are deciding the destiny of souls. If they are unfaithful in their mission, and become careless in their work, souls will be lost as the result. If they are self-sacrificing and faithful in the work which the Master has given them to do, they will be instrumental in the salvation of many. Some permit trifles to divert them from the work. Bad roads, rainy weather, or little matters at home are sufficient excuses for them to leave the work of laboring for souls. And frequently this is done at the most important time in the work. When an interest has been raised, and the minds of the people are agitated, the interest is left to die out, because the minister chooses a more pleasant and easy field. Those who pursue this course show plainly that they do not have the burden of the work upon them. They wish to be carried by the people. They are not willing to endure the privations and hardships which are ever the lot of a true shepherd.—Testimony for the Church, No. 17. 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 III.—SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1893.
[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.] - In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying.
- Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
- Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?
- Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts,
- According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you; fear ye not.
- For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
- And I will shake all nations, and the desirable things of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
- The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
- The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.
Golden Text.—"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it." Ps. 127:1.
- Who desired to assist the Jews in the work of building the temple? Note 1.
- What reply was made to them? Ezra 4:3.
- How did the Samaritans revenge themselves? and what was the effect of their work? Note 2.
- Who reproved and encouraged the people of God to proceed?
"Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel prophesied they unto them." Ezra 5:1.- Give the substance of Haggai's first message. Note 3.
- What response did the Jews make to this stirring message?
"Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people did fear before the Lord." Haggai 1:12. See Ezra 4:2.- When did the next message come from the prophet? Verse 1.
- How did he reprove them? Verses 2, 3. Note 4.
- How did he encourage them? Verses 4, 5.
- What terrible and glorious things did he promise? Verses 6, 7. Note 5.
- What assurance did he give that plenty would be furnished for building the house? Verse 8. Note 6.
- What did he promise concerning the latter glory of this temple? Verse 9.
1. UNDESIRABLE ALLIES.—Immediately after the foundation of the temple was laid, which was 535 B. C., the Samaritans, or mixed races of Palestine, came and desired to assist in the building of the temple. Evidently their motive was not good, for they are characterized by Ezra as "adversaries." Ezra 4:1. To this the leaders of the Jews responded that the Samaritans had naught to do with this building. The policy of Zerubbabel and his associates has been considered shortsighted by some worldly-wise men, but it was not a matter of policy with him, but a matter of principle. These people were really adversaries to the work of God, as their subsequent course proved, and God could not have wrought with them. The leaders of God's people did nobly in not compromising. The worship of those who wished to help is described in 2 Kings 17:21. It is safe to heed the instructions of the Lord. See 2 Cor. 6:14-16. 2. Then the people of the land weakened the hands, etc. (Ezra 4:24).—The whole of the above chapter should be carefully read. When the Samaritans could not prevail upon the Jews to compromise, they began their opposition. They hired counselors and wrote to Cambyses, the Ahasueras of Esther, slandering the Jews, who became discouraged, easily it seems, in the work of building. Beginning again, the Samaritans wrote a formal letter to Gomátes, the usurper, the false Smerdis, called, in Ezra, Artaxerxes, who absolutely forbade the prosecution of the work. "Then ceased the work" till the second year of Darius. From the time the foundation was laid till the time of the present lesson was fifteen years. 3. Is it not the time, etc.—The reproof of the prophet shows that the Jews had turned aside from their first love to their own selfish pursuits. They said that it was not time to build, and yet they were living in ceiled houses. But they were not prospered. They sought their own selfish ends, and the Lord left them. They sowed much and reaped little; the heaven was stayed from dew, and the earth from fruit. Why?—Because God's house was left unbuilded. They sought their own glory, and God withheld his blessings, that they might realize for their own best good that he should be first of all. Read Haggai 1:2-11. 4. How do ye see it now?—The time of this prophecy was the last day of the feast of the tabernacles. The prophet draws the contrast between the temple before the captivity and its present half-built, desolate condition. If the former was not worthy of Him whom the heaven of heavens could not contain (1 Kings 8:27), how much less was the present condition of the temple worthy of God! It was in a more wretched condition than the temple just before Israel came to that place in their iniquity that God removed them. This was as nothing. Yet the message of the prophet is most encouraging. The Lord of hosts was with them. The same God that led them out of Egypt would help them build. The reproof of God is always that we may do better. He reproves that we may be corrected. 5. I will shake the heavens, etc.—The shaking of the nations refers probably to the revolutions in the affairs of nations, which would take place, and the shaking of the heavens and earth at the second coming of Christ. See Heb. 12:25, 26; Rev. 16:17, 18; Matt. 24:29, 30. The God who could and would do all things, would help them in the building of the temple. The Desire of all nations.—Jesus Christ, the deliverer, what all nations longed for in some way, whether knowing the true God or not. Christ Jesus, in whom was all fullness, has all that is needed to satisfy every true desire of everyone of every nation. He personally would come to this house. Although it lacked the tables of the law, the ark, the shekinah, it would be blessed by the glorious presence of the Son of God. In this respect its latter glory, realize though they did not, was greater than its former glory. The Revised Version has it "the desirable things of all nations," including the blessings of the gospel. 6. The silver is mine, etc.—What precious assurance the prophet gave to the Jews! All power was God's; all nations were under his control; all the wealth of the world was his; and all would be brought if necessary to complete the work which God had given them to do, if they would trust him. Saith God this altogether for their sakes?—Nay, but for ours also. He is ever the same. All heaven is at the call of him who prosecutes with all the heart the work God has given him. LESSON III.—SABBATH, JANUARY 14, 1893.
By Editor
[For any modification in these lessons, and for the notes, the editor is responsible. For other notes and suggestions the student is referred to the lesson pamphlet, and to the S. S. Worker.] Lesson Scriptures and Suggestive Questions.
I. Ps. 33:6-9: "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap; he layeth up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." - How were the heavens made? Note 1 (a).
- In what two ways is the idea expressed?
- Why is the earth to fear the Lord? Note 1 (b).
- How was his great power manifested?
II. Heb. 11:3: "By faith we understand that the ages have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which do appear." - How were the ages framed? Note 2.
- How do we know this?
- Out of what were the things not made which are now seen?
III. 2 Peter 3:5-7: "For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God; by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished; but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." - How were the heavens and the earth of old? Note 3.
- Is there any need of ignorance concerning this fact?
- How are the present heavens and earth kept in store?
IV. Heb. 1:3: "Who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." - To whom is reference made in this verse? Note 4.
- How is his word designated?
- What is accomplished by this word?
1 (a). By the Word of the Lord.—The Bible does not deal with theories of creation, nor does it speculate as to how the universe was created; it comes to the simple fact at once, and states it without apology. The heavens were made by the word of God, and all the host of them—the sun, moon, and stars, with all the dwellers of the universe—by the breath of his mouth. In other words, God spake them into existence. They once were not; God spake and they were. When he did this he has not definitely told us. "In the beginning" (Gen. 1:1) is indefinite and is not designed to minister to vain curiosity. How many ages ago God's creation began we know not. There were heavenly beings present when the foundation of the earth was laid, and this was before sin entered. Job 38:4-7. What we do know is that the making of the earth as recorded in Genesis 1 took place in six literal days, and was finished on the sixth day, about six thousand years ago. 1 (b). Fear the Lord.—The word translated "fear" does not mean what the word "fear" generally does, namely, a feeling of anxiety at the expectation of trouble, or pain at the prospect of evil. The word here means reverence, and reverence is fear and love united. God's infinite greatness, power, and majesty excite awe and fear. His infinite goodness awakens love. And as God is infinite in all these attributes, he who apprehends them will both fear and love him, or give him reverence. Such godly fear or reverence is the holiest and healthiest of Christian sentiments. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It is the foundation of all genuine Christian experience. A right conception of God's creative power will lead us to stand in awe of him. A proper conception of his great mercy in redeeming men will lead us to love him. Knowing both his power and love, we will reverence him. 2. The ages have been framed.—The word translated "worlds" is literally "ages," and is so rendered by many critics and translators. It means the successive steps in the development of God's great plan, or the various dispensations, or periods, into which the plan of God has been divided, including, perhaps, within itself both creation and redemption.143By the Word of God.—Some have taken "word" here to mean the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ our Lord, and that the text means that he, by the exercise of faith, created the universe. But the faith here mentioned is exercised by the believers. It is the channel through which understanding comes. "Through [in, by] faith we understand." "Word" here does not come from logos, as in John 1:1-3, but from rhēma, meaning, "declaration, saying, command, mandate," etc. Rotherham's emphatic translation (Bagster & Sons) thus translates this passage: "By faith we understand the ages to have been adjusted by declaration of God; to-the-end that, not out of appearances, should that which is seen come into existence." 3. By the Word of God.—The same agency is brought to view here as in John 1:1-3. It was by God's word. "He spake and it was." Notice that "earth" and "world" are not synonymous terms. The same heavens and earth still exist, waiting for their purification by fire; but the world [the kosmos, the arrangement] that then was perished. Willfully Forget.—Common version, "willingly ignorant;" literally, says Vincent, "this escapes them of their own will;" in other words, they will not see. God has revealed it, and science in its ultimate conclusion must come back to the First Great Cause. It is the simplest and highest reason to simply believe the word of God, than to know so much that is not known. Science says that all of the different parts of the earth have been submerged at different times. The word of God says that it was all overflowed at one time. Why not believe God? Science declares that there have been great upheavals in various parts of the earth; the word of God declares that he who made the world unmade it, and the fountains of the great deep were broken up. Gen. 7:11. By the same word the same heavens and earth in their present arrangement exist now, and will until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 4. Who.—The Son, mentioned in verse 2. Being, etc.—The Son was the showing forth of the Father. Jesus said that whoever had seen him had seen the Father. John 14:9. God's glory is his character, and Jesus came to this world to show us what God's character was. 2 Cor. 5:19. The Father's love in him compelled him to die for man; the Father's power in him raised the dead, and stilled the sea. The word in the same blessed Being upholds, bears up the universe. Let this be the prominent thought of this lesson, the power of God's word, God's word in Christ. Before us constantly is the mightiest manifestation of the exercise of its power. Are we afraid to trust it? It is infinite in its greatness; it is infinite in its tender care. It projects suns into space; it clothes the grass and the lilies. FOR THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 26. —Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales declined to contribute to the Salvation Army fund for a Christmas dinner for the poor. —General Booth, of the Salvation Army, is anxious to raise money to plant a colony of London's poor in the Canadian Northwest country. —In Moscow, Russia, the people assembled in the churches on Christmas eve were compelled to remain all night on account of a severe storm. —The Chicago Times correctly remarks that "the Sunday question is more important than may be supposed; the Sunday persecutions in Tennessee would be extended elsewhere if the Sunday law advocates had their way." —The Detroit Presbytery recently deposed Rev. H. P. Wellton, of the Thompson Presbyterian Church, and the church resolved to withdraw from the Presbytery. "Heresy," or some other disorder, seems to be rife in the ranks of the Presbyterian ministry. —A few weeks ago we noted the fact that Rev. J. Herndon Garnett, Baptist, had gone over to the Unitarians. To this we can add that Rev. G. B. Allen, a Congregational minister of this State, has done likewise. Also, that Rev. Theodore Haven, son of Bishop Haven, of the Methodist Church, has gone the same way. The general plea of those who go to the Unitarian fold is that they seek a broader platform, and therefore a wider field. But, logically, it is an evidence of spiritual backsliding when ministers seek a fellowship that is practically without a divine Saviour. —Rev. S. Doi, pastor of the Japanese Methodist Church, of this city, has added eleven young men to his church since the beginning of the Conference year. —The question of repealing the act of Congress closing the World's Fair on Sunday is bringing the subject of the "venerable day of the sun" more prominently before the public this winter than ever before. —A Chicago dispatch says a call has gone forth for a great Catholic Congress in that city during the World's Fair. The subjects to be discussed are,—The social question as outlined by Pope Leo XIII. in his encyclical on the subject, Catholic education, and the independence of the Holy See. —Alexander Russell Webb, who recently resigned the office of United States Consul at Manila to preach Islamism, is said to be in India soliciting contributions to a fund to be spent in sending Islamic missionaries to the United States, and he is reported to be having immense success. By a few days' work in Bombay he secured $5,000, and in Calcutta and Rangoon, $10,000. In Hyderabad the subscriptions of Mohammedans already amount to more than $11,000. He promises much of the money secured in India to establish Islamic newspapers and lecture courses in American cities. He also designs to publish a new translation of the Koran. —Bishop Phillips Brooks declares that the custom of the House of Bishops, of the Episcopal Church, of doing business with closed doors, is "un-American and needs change." Perhaps he is right in advocating open doors, but this idea of setting up Americanism as a standard of right or wrong in religious matters is becoming too much of a fad. Some teachers of Chinese think that they have accomplished a great work for the Lord if they can induce a pupil to put on an American dress and cut off his cue. Such teaching is deceptive. God never commissioned his laborers to preach Americanism. He wants them to preach the gospel, and his word is the standard of right. The worship of American custom is simply idolatry. —The Christian Standard, noting the fact that the archbishop of Montreal forbade all under his authority to read certain liberal journals, under pain of excommunication, adds this comment: "Plainly, neither we nor the Canadians need go to Europe to find despotism of the deepest dye." That is true; nor need we go to the Catholic Church to find it. Only a few weeks ago, in the State of Tennessee, men were worked in the chain-gang for conscience' sake; and in the same State thirteen Christian men are even now under indictment, and awaiting trial. And these are victims of persecution by members of so-called Protestant churches, because they keep the Sabbath day according to the commandment of God, rather than according to the commandment of men.