p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 9. (3/4/1903)

Earlier text: THE STORY OF A LITTLE LIFE

LESSON II.—MARCH 15.—THE RIOT AT EPHESUS.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 19:23-40. A. R. V.

(23) “And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way. (24) For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen; (25) whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth. (26) And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands; (27) and not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be deposed from her magnificence whom all Asia and the world worshipeth. (28) And when they heard this they were filled with wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29) And the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel. (30) And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (31) And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theater. (32) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. (33) And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people. (34) But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (35) And when the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36) Seeing then that these things can not be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. (37) For ye have brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. (38) If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another. (39) But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. (40) For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day’s riot, there being no cause for it; and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.”

NOTE.—Learn by heart verses 29-31, also Matt. 10: 16, 34. The time of this lesson was about A. D. 57, near the close of Paul’s work at Ephesus, also near the close of his third missionary journey.

Golden Text.—“The Lord preserveth the faithful.” Ps. 31: 23.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What stir arose in Ephesus at the time of this lesson? Verse 23. (2) Who is mentioned as instrumental in creating this stir? What was his business? Why was he able to arrest the attention of so many? Verse 24. (3) What did he do with these persons? Of what did he remind them? Verse 25. (4) What matter of common knowledge did he bring to their attention? What did he say Paul had been teaching? Verse 26. (5) What two dangers did he lay before his fellow craftsmen? What do we learn from his speech concerning the worship of Diana? Verse 27. (6) What effect did this have upon the idol-makers? What did they do? Verse 28. (7) What was the result of the action of the silversmiths? To what place did they go? Whom did they seize and carry with them? Verse 29. (8) What did Paul purpose to do? How was this prevented? Verse 30. (9) Who besides the disciples interfered in Paul’s behalf? Verse 31. (10) What characteristic of mob action was seen on this occasion? What was the condition of the assembly? What is said of the majority of those who had come together? Verse 32. (11) Whom did the Jews put forward in the hope of quelling the disturbance? How was he received? Why would they not hearken to him? What cry did they take up? Verses 33, 34. (12) Who did succeed in quieting the people? Of what did he remind the Ephesians? What was their tradition in regard to the origin of this goddess? Verse 35. (13) In view of their belief in these things, what counsel did he give them? Verse 36. (14) What did the town clerk say of the men whom they had dragged to their meeting? Verse 37. (15) What advice did he give Demetrius and his associates? Verses 38, 39. (16) What danger did the town clerk fear for his townspeople? What did he say concerning the reason for such an uproar? Verse 40.

NOTES.

LESSON 12.—MARCH 21.—A SAVIOUR FROM SIN AND DISTRESS.

Lesson Scripture, Psalm 107: 17-32, A. R. V.

(17) “Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted. (18) Their soul abhorreth all manner of food; And they draw near unto the gates of death. (19) Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And He saveth them out of their distresses. (20) He sendeth His word, and healeth them, And delivereth them from their destructions. (21) O that men would praise Jehovah for His loving-kindness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (22) And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with singing. (23) They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters; (24) These see the works of Jehovah, And His wonders in the deep. (25) For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof. (26) They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melteth away because of trouble. (27) They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. (28) Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And He bringeth them out of their distresses. (29) He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still. (30) Then are they glad because they are quiet; So He bringeth them unto their desired haven. (31) O that men would praise Jehovah for His loving-kindness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (32) Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the seat of the elders.”

QUESTIONS.

What brings suffering upon foolish people?
How does this affect their desire for food?
To what extremity are they brought?
Upon whom do they then call?
How does He answer their petitions?
Through what instrumentality does He save them from disease?
To what extent does He save them?
What are men exhorted to do? For what reasons?
What sacrifice are they urged to offer?
How should they make known His deeds?
How is the life of seafaring men described?
What do they have the opportunity to observe?
What is the direct cause of the storm wind?
What effect does the wind have upon the water?
Through what trying experiences do the sailors pass?
What effect do these experiences have upon them?
How does the roughness of the sea affect their gait?
To what extremity of trouble are they reduced?
Upon whom do they then call?
How does He answer their petitions?
What change does He at once bring about?
What state of mind prevails among the sailors because of this?
How does their voyage end?
What are men exhorted to do? For what reasons?
How public should this acknowledgment of God’s goodness be?
Where should praise be offered?

NOTES.

1. WITH verse 19 many illustrations may be drawn from Old and New Testament history, showing God’s speedy deliverance when His people sought Him. Jacob, the children of Israel before the Red Sea, Daniel, the three Hebrews in Babylon, Hezekiah, Peter, Paul, and many other instances, will suggest themselves.

2. THE power of His Word (Ps. 33: 6-9) heals the sick. With verse 30, read Matt. 8: 8; Luke 7: 7; Ps. 103: 2-4; Isa. 53: 4, R. V., margin.

3. The experience recorded in Mark 4: 36-40 is an excellent comment on verses 23-30. He who created the sea can speak peace to its troubled waters. But still more precious is the promise of peace to the troubled soul that calls upon Him. John 14: 27; 16: 33; Rom. 5: 1; Phil. 4: 6, 7. There is power in His Word to perform that which He speaks. “All His biddings are enablings.”

4. THE last verse of the lesson makes clear the obligation to speak God’s praise in the public congregation. Mal. 3: 16-18. This is especially enjoined upon those who see the end approaching. Heb. 10: 25.

A CARD

By Alfred Mallett

Alfred Mallett, Nyack, N. Y.

Dear Friend: I thought I would write and let you know what success I had selling E-Z Washing Tablets last Sunday. I went out from 9 to 11 A. M. and sold $2.25 worth. Those to whom I have sold it before say it is all right, and they want more. Yours truly, Dec. 9, 1902. B. Hineraral, Talent, Oregon.

This testimonial is from a boy. What can be done by one can be done by all.

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do all they claim. That is the reason they sell. Send 2c for prices and sample. Our terms are liberal. Address

ALFRED MALLETT, Nyack, N. Y.

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Two of the Millions.

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Is “Sunday the True Sabbath of God”

A vital question answered by A. T. Jones, and published as Bible Students' Library No. 177. Ready early in March.

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Quotations from The Love of Power AND The Power of Love

Number of the SENTINEL OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY to be published March 12, 1903

“The spirit of self-sacrifice . . . is powerful, for it is the spirit which has produced all things that are good. . . .”

“The sway over others of the spirit of self-sacrifice is the noblest of which the mind can conceive. . . . Its power is a spiritual force; a quickening, invigorating, creative influence that elevates the mind and nourishes and expands the soul. . . .”

“The supreme manifestation of the spirit of self-sacrifice . . . is seen in Him who ‘came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.’ . . .”

“The spirit of self-exaltation craves . . . above all things else . . . that which appears to be power, authority, rule, supremacy for itself over others. . . .”

“The sway over others by the spirit of self-exaltation is the most ignoble . . . of which the mind can conceive. It is . . . the domination of might regardless of right. . . .”

“The supreme manifestation of the spirit of self-exaltation . . . the world has seen in the Papacy, the system which claims to be the representative . . . of Jesus Christ on earth, and which at the same time is the . . . successor of what was the most furious and crushing political despotism that the world has known. . . .”

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A WORD TO PARENTS.

By Editor

CHILDREN delight in the thought of having a paper of their own—one which comes to them each week with their name and address on the wrapper. They eagerly devour its articles, and revel in its illustrations.

The keen eye of the world has discerned this, and turned it to its own profit, and, in many instances, to the detriment of the little folk, by providing a literature that plants in their hearts the seeds of sin which yield, in more mature years, a sorrowful harvest. In the streets and public places of the cities are seen the fruits of neglect in home life, and the reform schools and jails are filled with people whose downward course began when they were entitled to good home influences.

Now, to all parents who see this woeful condition of affairs let us say that “OUR LITTLE FRIEND” has become a household favorite, and may be used as a positive influence for good at the foundation of their social condition. Its aim is to assist in starting the children off right in the journey of life, and we can assure you it is appreciated in many thousands of homes. It visits them fifty-two times each year for only fifty cents. If you, dear reader, have not seen it, ask for a sample copy. Address, OUR LITTLE FRIEND, Oakland, Cal.

No Man Can Be Alone

No man can be alone. If he is truly pious, Jesus dwells in his bosom; if an unconverted character, the devil reigns in his heart.

The Only War

The only war the Christian is called upon to wage is against sin, not to destroy men, but to save men; and the greatest battle-field he has, the hardest battles of the life-long campaign, will be found in his own heart. That is the great fortress to be held for his King. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Walking With God by Faith

The life of the man who walks with God is the best sermon that can be preached to the ungodly. Such a life can be lived only by faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11:6. They who seek righteousness in any other way than by faith, will come short of it. And so it was by faith that Noah obeyed God and condemned the world.

Concerning Sunday Legislation in California

Concerning Sunday Legislation in California, the following notice explains the situation at present:—

DEAR CO-WORKERS: The ministerial committee having this work in charge report that it was the sense of our committee, after quite a full discussion, that it would be hazardous to attempt anything with this Legislature, owing to the shortness of time now at our command. Hence it was voted to appoint a smaller committee, with a view of making a thorough State canvass for the next two years, and getting ready for some broad, general, definite legislation to be ready for presentation to the Legislature two years hence. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union accept these terms, and will work harmoniously for the great end in view. Fraternally, CHRISTINA ARMSTRONG.

The people who know the real meaning of such a campaign have also an opportunity to do some educating on the subjects of true Sabbath-keeping and true temperance, and it is hoped that the time will not be allowed to pass by unimproved. All Sunday legislation is so much aid to the work of setting up the papal image noted in Revelation 13; but there are many honest people who do not yet see what it means. So, in order to expose the error, it will be necessary to earnestly disseminate the truth.

The Spirit’s Conviction of Sin

It is by His Spirit that God strives with men. This striving is not the producing of a vague, uncertain impression, but is a conviction of sin. In this work the Spirit uses a sword, “which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17), a sword which is “quick [living] and powerful,” “piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12. From this we learn that conviction of sin is produced by the Spirit bringing to our remembrance, and keeping before our mind, the truth of God, which condemns our evil course.

Review and Herald Resumes Publication

The “Review and Herald” has resumed. The issue of February 17 was printed on the new machinery which has been purchased since the fire. This issue contains the full quota of twenty-four pages of general, church, and missionary matter. It presents its whilom bright appearance, and it is altogether a cause of joy and thanksgiving that, so soon after the great disaster, our popular church organ has been enabled to resume its mission in full. This issue contains the following item, which is also encouraging: “Another large printing press is being set up in our office this week. We shall now be able to print some much-needed editions of several of our denominational books.”

The Greatest of All

(1 Corinthians 13, American Standard Revised Version)

*If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of Prophecy, And know all Mysteries and all Knowledge, And if I have all Faith, so as to remove Mountains, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my Goods to feed the poor, And if I give my Body to be Burned, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, It profiteth me nothing.*

*LOVE suffereth long, and is kind; LOVE envieth not; LOVE vaunteth not itself, Is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, Seeketh not its own, Is not provoked, Taketh not account of evil: Rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, But rejoiceth with the Truth; Beareth all things, Believeth all things, Hopeth all things, Endureth all things. LOVE NEVER FAILETH:*

*But whether there be Prophecies, they shall be done away; Whether there be Tongues, they shall cease; Whether there be Knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, And we prophesy in part; But when that which is Perfect is come, That which is in Part shall be done away.*

*When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: Now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror darkly; But then face to face: Now I know in part; But then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. But now abideth FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, These three; And the greatest of these is LOVE*

God Honors Those Who Serve Him

“If any man serve Me,” says Christ, “him will My Father honor.” Who is the man that is really the most respected, even by the ungodly? Is it not that man who affords the strongest evidence of the sincerity of his heart and the fidelity of his life as a humble follower of Jesus Christ? Ungodly men may affect to despise him while they are in health, but let them be laid upon a bed of sickness and death, and then they will manifest their appreciation of his character by seeking the benefit of his counsels and his prayers. Whatever men may say, or profess to believe, in the depths of their hearts they revere a truly pious and consistent Christian. The declaration of the wise man is still true, that “the righteous is more excellent than his neighbor.” God will honor them that serve Him in this life, and He will honor them forever in the life that is to come.

The Judgment of the World

By Editor

The Judgment of the World is now on. Probationary time is nearing its close. A fearful doom awaits all who neglect the great salvation that a merciful God has prepared, and is now offering free to all who will accept it. Those who know these things have no more pressing duty than to warn the world of the awful consequences of failing to make peace with God in time of peace. The destiny of the impenitent is an important subject, and one concerning which there is much confusion. This subject is treated briefly, concisely, and comprehensively in a 16-page tract, entitled, “Tormented Forever and Ever,” Bible Students’ Library No. 111, issued from this office. We know of nothing in which the results of probation, the end of the wicked and the reward of the righteous, are so tersely stated in so brief a space. It is a clear-cut commentary on Rev. 14:10, 11 and 20:10. In view of the erroneous views so extensively held, this tract should have a wide circulation just now. Every man’s life is being brought to the final test, and he ought to be informed as to what that test means. This is missionary work in which the poorest and the simplest child of God can engage. The price of this tract is only one cent, and the truth it contains is beyond valuation.

Novel Method of Handling California Lemons.—

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway has devised a plan for handling California lemons in Chicago during the summer season of heavy demand and good prices. Lemons will be shipped during the winter, as they ripen, to the warehouses of cold storage companies in Chicago, and there held until the most advantageous time arrives for selling. The fruit will be picked in different localities and under varying conditions. Experiments will be made to determine what districts and what pickings are the best. Great things are expected of this novel co-operative scheme, whereby the growers, the railway company, and the storage firms will participate equally in profits or losses. In making these shipments the Santa Fe will use its new refrigerator car, which is equipped with the siphon system, whereby all odors given off by the fruit are condensed and promptly removed, pure, dry air being substituted. The refrigeration charge has also been reduced very materially.

Rome at the Capital

Another effort is being made by Rome to make the United States seat of government a central point from which to radiate her dogmas and ecclesiastical influence. An Apostolic Mission House is soon to be erected on the grounds of the Catholic University, the purpose of which will be to give diocesan priests a normal training in the methods of missionary work among non-Catholics. In announcing this proposed enterprise, the Catholic Mirror says:—

“The mission movement has not secured its best results, because it is difficult to take priests, talented tho they be, out from ordinary parochial work, and ask them to give missions, and to expect that they will do this work in the most efficient way. To give a mission is an art, and it requires special training. To answer questions from the question box requires a preparation that one does not ordinarily get, except from a wide reading in polemical theology. The Apostolic Mission House gives this adequate training to a diocesan priest, and sends him back to his diocese to work in the diocesan mission band.”

World Powers Near General War

As the years go by, the great “world powers” come nearer and nearer to a general war. So far, on every approach to the danger line there has been sufficient yielding somewhere to avoid the clash; but each approach and withdrawal seems only to encourage the lust for war and a display of power, and the nations become all the more distrustful and jealous of one another. A few more ships and a little more self-confidence, and diplomacy will be powerless to check the inevitable conflict. It is sure to come. Such enormous war preparations, with ever-increasing national ambition and perplexity, is sure to produce war on a larger scale than the world has ever experienced.

Christian Unity and Blessing

“Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8, 9.”