1 “Now THERE were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had also John as their attendant. 6 And when they had gone through the whole island unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus; which was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. The same called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the Word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. 9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, fastened his eyes on him, and said, O full of all guile and all villany, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
Golden Text.— “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” Matt. 28:19.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Who are specially mentioned as being in the church at Antioch? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) In what were they engaged at the time referred to in this lesson? What did the Holy Ghost say to them? Verse 2. Note 2. (3) How did the disciples respond to this command? Verse 3. (4) What is again stated as to who sent them? Which way did the missionaries then go? Verse 4. Note 3. (5) What was their first stopping-place on the island? What did they do there? Who accompanied Barnabas and Saul? Verse 5. (6) After passing through the island, to what place did they come? Whom did they meet there? Verse 6. (7) What position did this man occupy? What kind of man was Sergius Paulus? For whom did he call? and for what purpose? Verse 7. (8) What position did Elymas assume? Verse 8. Note 4. (9) How did Paul manifest a special attention to him? Verse 9. (10) What did Paul say to him? Verse 10. Note 5. (11) What affliction did Paul predict should fall upon the sorcerer? What was the immediate effect of his words? Verse 11. (12) What was the effect of the Gospel upon the proconsul, or deputy? Verse 12. Note 6.
Besides the notes, read the article of the same title as the lesson, in the fore part of paper.
NOTES.
1. Herod the tetrarch was Herod Antipas, who had imprisoned and put to death John the Baptist. Matt. 14: 1-12; Luke 3: 1.
2. “The Holy Ghost Said.”—This initial example shows that it is just as essential (where possible) that the missionary to some distant land be especially called of the Spirit, and set apart by prayer and formal dedication, as that the individual should be thus called and formally ordained to the ministry. The one who is thus set apart carries with him a sympathy and interest on the part of his brethren that can hardly attach to the one who simply goes forth on his own motion.
3. “Sent Forth by the Holy Ghost.”—Verse 3 says that “they,” the brethren, “sent them away,” but the Spirit which called them also sent them forth. Armed with the commission of the Holy Spirit, to which is added the benediction of prayer and fasting by consecrated brethren, the missionary may well go in the firm confidence of successful work. Cyprus was the native country of Barnabas, and he would naturally be interested in the work there.
4. Elymas is the Aramaic for magician, or sorcerer. It is not really a proper name.
5. Perversion of Right.—All evil is the perversion of good. Satan’s deceptions consist of imitations of God’s ways. False religion, false worship, false prophecy, false miracles, false Christs, the false sabbath (Sunday), false baptism, etc., are but base imitations of God’s institutions. Paul makes the general charge of all that is bad, but the specification is summed up in the one principle—perverting the right ways of the Lord.
6. The controversy was a battle royal between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of Satan, with the victory on the side of truth. Men may be deceived by the wiles of the enemy, but the Spirit of God never; for “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4: 13.
LESSON 8.—MAY 24.—A TENT OF MEETING AND THE TRUE TEMPLE.
NOTE.—This series of lessons is entitled, “Studies on the Gospel Message.” For introduction and excellent suggestions as to their study, we refer the student to the Lesson Quarterly.
The everlasting covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17: 7-9) was renewed to Isaac (Gen. 26: 1-4) and to Jacob (Gen. 28: 13, 14), with all that was involved in the original promises. And the chief thing in all this was the gift of the Son of God in the flesh as the power of the promise to restore all things. John 8: 56. In the altar which the patriarchs built wherever they settled temporarily (Gen. 13: 4, 18; 26: 25; 33: 20), and the services connected with it; in Abraham’s experience with Melchizedek (Gen. 14: 17-20), and in other instances which need not to be specifically mentioned, the same lesson was being taught which was afterward given in a more detailed form in the tabernacle and its services. The truth thus revealed was the incarnation of the Son of God (John 2: 18-21) and His mediatorship in the flesh (1 Tim. 2: 5). In thus dwelling among them (Ex. 25: 8; 29: 45), and walking in a tabernacle (2 Sam. 7: 6), God was setting forth His plan, through which even fallen humanity could again become the temple of the living God (2 Cor. 6: 16). Thus the tabernacle and its services, afterward embodied in a more permanent form in the temple, constituted a parable (Heb. 9: 8, 9, R. V.), a concrete revelation of the Gospel. This “tent of meeting” (Ex. 29: 42, R. V.), this “tabernacle of witness” (Acts 7: 44), was constantly testifying to God’s purpose that humanity should be His temple, through the gift of His Son in the flesh, who would become “the appointed meeting-place between God and humanity” (John 1: 14, R. V., margin). Thus only could the seed of the woman inflict the mortal wound upon the serpent (Gen. 3: 15) and save humanity (Heb. 2: 14, 15). Thus would the foundation be laid (1 Cor. 3: 11) upon which and in which would be established the true temple (Eph. 2: 19-22), the church (1 Tim. 3: 15), the body (Col. 1: 18) of Him who is the greater and more perfect tabernacle (Heb. 9: 11, 12), who was to build the temple of the Lord by becoming the Branch and growing up (Zech. 6: 12, 13).
QUESTIONS.
To whom were the promises to Abraham first renewed?
To whom were they next made?
Who was the Amen of all these promises?
What was the outward center of patriarchal worship?
In what experience was there a revelation of a priest-king to Abraham?
What great truth was thus being taught?
What ministry was being made known?
What was God’s plan for fallen humanity?
What object-lesson did He give in which this was set forth?
What did the whole worship of ancient Israel thus become?
What names are given in the Scripture to the original sanctuary?
What was the significance of these names?
What Eden promise was thus to be fulfilled?
In doing this, what deliverance would be wrought out for humanity?
What foundation would be laid?
What would be established upon this foundation?
What name is given to this house?
What relation does it sustain to the true temple?
How is this true temple of the Lord built?
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Notes from Our Book Department
Our first order for “Essentials of Our Language” is from Healdsburg College. It calls for 45 copies. A descriptive circular of this book is being printed, which will be sent free to applicants.
A fresh stock of “Walker’s Concordance” has just been received. This book is far ahead of Cruden’s, and yet sells for but $1.25, post-paid.
In a shipment of books just received from New York, a stock of Bibles was included, which will interest our canvassers. The Bibles are self-pronouncing, contain large, clear type, and are illustrated. Retail price is $3.00.
During our business year which closed March 31, 1902, 10,268,304 pages of tracts published in the Bible Students’ and Apples of Gold Libraries have been sold. This averages about 32,000 pages for each working day.
“Christ’s Object Lessons” have been shipped out at the rate of about 4,000 per week for some time. An edition of 30,000 copies has just been put to press.
We are closing out our stock of legal-cap, foolscap, and note papers. Shall be pleased to send samples and make quotations to church schools, and colleges needing quantities of such papers.
We understand that 36 members of the Healdsburg College expect to take up the study of some of our good books, with the expectation of canvassing for them during the summer. S. C. Osborne, our general agent, informs us that 29 students of Walla Walla College have determined to do likewise.
LESSONS BY MAIL ON MEDICAL ELECTRICITY OR HOW TO USE THE BATTERY
By Prof. G. L. Abell
By Prof. G. L. Abell, Member of the Board of Directors of the Electro-Medical Society of San Francisco
Learn how to use the battery and treat yourself. Many diseases are quickly cured by the proper application of electricity. The course embraces the treatment of every organ and part of the body. The lessons are written in plain language and are illustrated. Course, five dollars. Send for circular. Address,
PROF. G. L. ABELL
School of Chemistry and Electro-Therapeutics, 36 Geary St., San Francisco, Cal.
A Large-Type Bible
David prayeth God to hear him.
PSALMS
His complaint in sickness.
2 How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
10 Destroy thou them, O God: let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
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WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED
This tract points the way to that desired end. It is especially helpful at this time, when so many theories are taught. It makes a clear distinction between the true way and the false. A. G. L. No. 17. 50 cents per 100.
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"Angels of God." (Spanish.) A collection of five Bible readings on the following subjects: 1. The Angels of God. 2. Man and His Work. 3. Christ the Resurrection and the Life. 4. The Second Chapter of Daniel. 5. Signs of the Coming of. Two Illustrations; paper; price, 6 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
Choose Ye This Day
Presents in an impressive manner the fact that it is ours to choose whom we will serve, and represents what will be the result of our choice. A. G. L. No. 14. 50 cents per 100.
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The Essentials of Our Language.
SUCH is the title of a volume of 282 pages, by Geo. W. Rine, B.L. Its secondary title is “A Guide to Accuracy in the Use of the English Language.”
The following selection from the author’s preface gives quite a clear idea of its object and scope:—
This book has been written with a special view to the needs of that large number of young and middle-aged persons, who, unable to attend school, are yet desirous of mastering the essentials of good English. It has been planned for the convenience of all, who, in default of schools and teachers, are willing to teach themselves. It is assumed that the learner has a fair knowledge of elementary English grammar. The practical principles of grammar, which need the emphasis of iteration, have been set forth and exemplified under the title, “Slips in Syntax.” The nature and aim of each chapter are stated in the introduction thereto.
The book is likewise adapted to the requirements of such school classes as have finished the study of English grammar, but are not prepared to begin the study of formal rhetoric. I believe this work will serve as a natural transition from the former to the latter of these two branches of English. The chapter entitled “Learning by Doing” was compiled with special reference to the needs of that grade of pupils.
The book, being replete with illustrative matter, will serve as a convenient side help to teachers of grammar and practical rhetoric. It contains much that will prove helpful for purposes of further emphasizing, illustrating, and varying the facts enunciated in the regular text-books.
Following is a list of its chapter headings:—
Accuracy in the Use of Words
Slips in Syntax
Punctuation and Capitals
The Art of Correspondence
The Art of Sentence-Building
Practical Synonyms Discriminated
Learning by Doing
Those who have had the privilege of listening to Professor Rine’s talks on the subjects above referred to, will be glad to get them in this permanent form. Price, 75 cents. Published by the Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
Of the Spirit and of Power
Of the Spirit and of Power.— The apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthian brethren of his preaching among them, said: “And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2:4, 5, R.V. The word “man’s” is not in the Revised Version, but the thought is, as shown by the context.
Persuasive words of man’s wisdom would broadly include all those devices and arts and tricks by which men attempt to attract other men, to hold their attention, and to win them. It can not refer to correct speech, to perfect articulation, to proper emphasis, accent, and gesture. It would not refer to clear, strong, forcible argument, pertinent illustration, and impassioned appeal if these things are used in the Spirit, and all at the very best unworthy of the great theme of the Gospel. For the message of God is worthy of the purest, the clearest, the sweetest, the strongest language that men know. The very aptest words, the clearest construction, the greatest simplicity and dignity of man, are unworthy of the tremendous Word, freighted with eternal import, with which God has entrusted man. And the preacher who studies to improve the matter and manner of the presentation of his theme, feeling that his message demands always better than he can give, is working in the right direction.
But after all this is not to be his great aim. All these must be subservient to the living Spirit in the words; for, says the same apostle, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” The power to win must be the Spirit of God, filling the words of the message, making them winged arrows of love, mighty hammers of love, melting flames of love, mighty healers and builders of love. Let the words come forth from a softened, burdened heart, from a Spirit-filled life.
If men depend upon devices and arts of man’s wisdom, it will lead one class of men to capture their hearers by the art of the finished elocutionist, and men will be attracted to men and not to God. It will lead others, who may in a way despise the affected art of the elocutionist and dramatist, to take an opposite course. They will seek to hold men’s attention by strong, unqualified statements, not alone concerning the truths and doctrines of the Bible, but concerning things known even by their uninstructed hearers to need qualification. The man ignorant of the Gospel may be acquainted with the common thing concerning which the strong unqualified statement is made. He knows that the statement needs discounting, that it ought to be qualified; and he logically concludes that the strong statements concerning Gospel truth unknown to him ought to be discounted also, when perhaps nothing of the kind should be done. The speaker has injured his own influence. The strong statements attract and startle, but do not convict or convert. They have a present effect, but are not of permanent value. Persons invariably remember and talk of the strong startling things instead of the principles.
Lightness and Grotesqueness.— Others attract in giving the Gospel message—sometimes unconsciously—by witty remarks, by grotesque attitudes and gestures. These affect those who hear. The witty remarks raise a laugh. The grotesque gestures and attitudes nervously affect the people. The pathos that follows more easily arouses the sympathetic feelings, and the audience is turned easily from laughter to tears, and tears to laughter. But the memory carried by the persons present is concerning the wit, the humor, the grotesqueness. Not long ago when a mighty man of God arose to speak, one thoughtless girl likened him to a monkey instead of listening to the message of life that he bore. We can not say that the fault was altogether on the part of the girl. The occasion was offered by the man.
Our plea to the minister of God is, Let the manner, the method, the presentation, be such as will commend the message you bear; yet be yourself. That is, take no man for your pattern. Let Jesus Christ rule and reign in heart and life, and let word and action, method and manner, gesture and tone, be only such as becometh the Gospel of Christ. Our plea to the hearer, young or old, is, Listen, that you may hear what God may say. Do not imitate. Do not criticize the speaker. Do not remember the ludicrous. Get at the principle, the power, the life; receive that into the heart and live.
A Denial by Christian Science.
By Editor
Under the quoted heading, “A Dreadful Scourge,” in the Signs of February 19, we published a part of an article by Chancellor J. R. Day, LL.D., of Syracuse University, which appeared in the Christian Advocate of December 26, 1901. It was a statement by Dr. Day in regard to the illness of a teacher of music in the university, to the effect that she went to Boston for Christian Science treatment, returned, and took “absent treatment;” and then under the most earnest solicitation of her friends permitted a physician to visit her. Dr. Day declared in that article that he charged the death of Unni Lund upon Christian Science. He also declared that the Scientists would deny it. The Scientists have denied it in an open letter to Dr. James R. Day by Alfred Farlow. Mr. Farlow denies almost in toto Dr. Day’s allegations, and, after careful investigation, declares that Miss Lund was never a week without medicine during the past few years, except a few days during her first week in Boston during November; that her illness was of seven years’ standing; that she grew worse under physicians’ care; that she took up Christian Science as a last resort, but that, after a few days’ treatment, she was persuaded again to resort to the treatment of material remedies, and was under the care of a physician at the time of her death. And the evidence seems clear that Dr. Day was mistaken. But as to this controversy and its issue, which has no bearing on the origin and nature of Christian Science, we will let Dr. Day and Mr. Farlow settle for themselves, if they can. Having published a part of Dr. Day’s charge, it is but right that we should publish the fact that it is denied, and proof of its statements challenged.
Trouble vs. Tribulation.
The “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time,” of Dan. 12:1, and the “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be,” of Matt. 24:21, are supposed by many to refer to the same thing; but they speak of entirely different matters. If the context is read, it will be seen that the “trouble” of Dan. 12:1 comes upon the wicked, and God’s people are delivered; but in the “great tribulation” of Matt. 24:21, the saints suffer from the persecution of the wicked. It is that period mentioned in Dan. 7:25; Rev. 6:7–11; 12:6, 14; 13:7. If it were not that God interposed, all who were loyal to Him would have been destroyed. Praise God it is past, closing with the Dark Ages, in 1798. In the “time of trouble” which lies before, every one whose name is written in the book of life will be saved out of it.
April Issue of Good Health
By Editor
The April number of “Good Health” seems to us to be a number of unusual interest. Some of the leading articles are “Health Fads,” by the editor; “Curious Customs among the Bengalese” (illustrated); “The Battle Creek Sanitarium and its Work” (illustrated), an article of special interest in view of the late fire; “The Children’s Room” (illustrated). The “Answers to Correspondents” department is worth the price of the journal. It is only $1.00 a year, ten cents a number, and the best health journal in the world. It may be had with the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for $1.75. The two separate are $2.50, and each is worth its own price.
God’s Principles Must Be Rightly Used
God Works—God can work—only in one way, by His own rule of righteousness, His own principles of essential truth. Satan not only perverts these principles, but uses them in a wrong way; and Satan's object has ever been to deceive good men into using these principles in one of these ways. And a good principle used wrongly, or a good principle perverted by evil, invariably works out evil, and all the more so when used by conscientious men. Look you not only that the principles are correct, but that they are rightly used.
Righteousness, Peace, and Assurance
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.”
Annual Meeting of the Institution
At this writing the annual meeting of this institution is in progress, a blessed meeting, and God is leading. All the phases of the publishing work in religious lines are being carefully considered. Report of this meeting will be given next week.
Criticism of Animal Vivisection
“Our Dumb Animals” rightly concludes that when vivisection of animals has been carried on for a thousand years, doctors ought to know about all that is to be known that would benefit humanity. We believe that morbid curiosity and cheap glory lie at the basis of many of these experiments.
Coming Articles
By Editor
Coming Articles.—We begin the publication in our issue of June 4 (note the date) an important series of articles by Mrs. Mary Wood-Allen, M. D., on “The Child” from infancy to adolescence. These articles are of immense importance to mothers and parents, and ought to have a large circulation. Two very important series which will soon begin and continue throughout the year are on the coming of the Lord and the signs of His coming. These are not all. There are many, many other articles on the great practical themes of the Gospel in the great field of prophecy, and on the subjects of health and temperance. We are sure that the last half of 1902 will be the best six months the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has ever known.
