p. 14 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 26. (6/26/1901)

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

LESSON 13.—JUNE 30.—REVIEW.

The lessons of the past quarter have been concerning the ministry of Jesus from His resurrection to the consummation and the full enjoyment of the fruit of His labors in the new earth. The subjects are as follow:—

LESSON I.—The Resurrection of Jesus. Luke 24:1-12. Golden Text: “Now is Christ risen from the dead.” 1 Cor. 15:20. The resurrection of the dead is the hope of the Gospel, and the resurrection of Christ is the assurance of this hope. “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” Verses 16-18. The reader may follow the subject further with profit by studying this whole chapter. See also Rom. 8:11; Phil. 4:7-11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Revelation 20.

LESSON II.—Jesus Appears to Mary. John 20:11-18. Golden Text: “Behold, I am alive forevermore.” Rev. 1:18. There is no obstacle too great for Christ to overcome, no depth too low for Him to reach after willing subjects for His kingdom. Mary, out of whom He had cast seven devils, sat at His feet to learn of Him, and she was honored by Him as the first to whom He appeared after His resurrection, and the first human messenger of the glad tidings that Christ is risen. “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

LESSON III.—The Walk to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35. Golden Text: “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Verse 32. There is no necessity of the true Christian walking thru this world in sadness. Christ is always nearer than we suppose in such cases. He has promised the Comforter to guide us into all truth, which is His own holy Word. Whence did Jesus get the words that so buoyed up the sad-hearted travelers? Let them answer; read again the Golden Text. His words always bring courage to the trusting heart, for “they are Spirit, and they are life.”

LESSON IV.—Jesus Appears to the Apostles. John 20:19-29. Golden Text: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Verse 29. Nothing was farther from the expectation of the apostles than the resurrection of Christ, so “slow of heart” were they to grasp His plain teaching. And at His second advent the masses of professed disciples will be as illy prepared for His sudden appearance as were His disappointed followers then to see Him alive. But those who love His appearing, and believe His Word, will be looking for Him.

LESSON V.—Jesus and Peter. John 21:15-22. Golden Text: “Lovest thou Me?” Verse 17. The proof of love is obedience. Peter was to show his love by feeding the flock. He was to prove his faith by proclaiming the resurrection of Christ, by heralding the Messiahship of the One he had been ashamed to acknowledge. He was yet to prove valiant in presence of those before whom his former cowardice had so dishonored the Master's cause. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” is the word of Christ to all. We can not truly represent Him before the world in any other way.

LESSON VI.—The Great Commission. Matt. 28:16-20. Golden Text: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Verse 20. The commission is to the church, to “teach all nations” the Gospel. Mark says “every creature.” The responsibility rests upon every one in the church to do his part in teaching every creature to “observe all things whatsoever” that Christ has commanded. To “observe” here means not only to see and hear, but to do.

LESSON VII.—Jesus Ascends into Heaven. Luke 24:44-53. Golden Text: “While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” Verse 51. He had humbled Himself even unto the death of the cross, and now He was exalted to a place on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high, and was given a name which is above every name. Phil. 2:5-11. In like manner as His disciples saw Him go up, so He will return. His ascension was visible to mortal eyes, and so will His return be literal and visible. Rev. 1:7.

LESSON VIII.—The Holy Spirit Given. Acts 2:1-11. Golden Text: “When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. The Holy Spirit is the earnest of the Christian's inheritance. It is the portion which he needs for daily sustenance until the time comes for him to enter into the full inheritance. It is the promise of the Father, and is a portion that is essential for strength and encouragement in this world of temptation and sin. But the Father does not force it upon any one; it is to be had for the asking. “Ask, and ye shall receive.” See 2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:13, 14; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 5; Luke 11:9-13.

LESSON IX.—Jesus Our High Priest in Heaven. Heb. 9:11-14, 24-28. Golden Text: “He ever liveth to make intercession.” Heb. 7:25. A careful study of the Aaronic priesthood will give a better idea of the ministry of Christ in heaven than anything else. That priesthood was a type of Christ's priesthood. The basis of it all is mediatorship between God and man, and the offering of His own pure life as a substitute in behalf of those who confess and forsake their sins. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25.

LESSON X.—Jesus Appears to Paul. Acts 22:6-16. Golden Text: “I was obedient unto the heavenly vision.” Acts 26:19. No man would have dreamed that Saul the persecutor, one who “made havoc of the church,” was a “chosen vessel” of the Lord. But “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. Saul was “zealous for God,” but he had not found the Saviour until he was met in his mad career by the “heavenly vision.”

LESSON XI.—Jesus Appears to John. Rev. 1:9-20. Golden Text: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” Heb. 13:8. Prominent in this lesson is the reassurance to the church that she has a living Saviour. There is encouragement in the fact that He was not only raised from the dead, but is “alive forevermore.” He had given this assurance before, but He knew that frail humanity needed reassuring and additional instruction.

LESSON XII.—“A New Heaven and a New Earth.” Rev. 21:1-7, 22-27. Golden Text: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Verse 7. The new heaven and the new earth will be the eternal monument of God's great and final victory thru Christ over all enemies. There will be fulfilled the divine promise, “The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Ps. 72:7; Matt. 5:5.

Farmers’ Names Wanted

Farmers’ Names Wanted: Send us the names and post-office addresses of Eleven Farmers who have land to clear or who have use for a Stump Puller, and we will mail Free to your address a copy of our Stories of the Great Northwest, now going to press. Write plainly, and address the W. Smith Grubber Co., La Crosse, Wis.

Salesmen and Ladies Wanted

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SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Genuine Oxford Bible

The Signs of the Times, a sixteen-page weekly, illustrated, family journal, devoted to the exposition of Scripture, the prophecies especially, and to the promotion of temperance and all true morality.

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A Bible Leads to Conversion

By Mrs. M. A. Greer

ST. LOUIS, MO., May 26, 1901.

T. A. KILGORE—Dear brother: I received the Bible. It is handsome.

Three years ago the SIGNS gave a premium Bible. I sent for one, sending the paper to my brother in the South. He was converted thru reading it. Since he buried his wife, and she bore a testimony seldom heard. She died in hope of the first resurrection. MRS. M. A. GREER.

A. E. HOLST

By A. E. Holst

JAMESTOWN, N. Y., May 26, 1901.

MR. T. A. KILGORE—Dear brother: I think there is no paper like the SIGNS for missionary work. It is beautifully illustrated, attractive in every way, instructive, edifying, and full of valuable reading matter, that ought to suit the taste of all. It has been a great help to me, and it helped a good deal to my conversion. I recommend it to every one, and will do all I can to circulate it.

A. E. HOLST

A Testimony to the Signs

By Mrs. J. R. Cross

SOUTH MILLS, N. C., May 23, 1901.

EDITOR SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Please find enclosed money order for $1.50, for which send me the SIGNS for one year, also New Testament (premium to new subscribers). The SIGNS is the best paper I have ever read. I accepted present truth thru reading it, and wish it Godspeed in the grand work it is accomplishing. MRS. J. R. CROSS.

Discounted Musical Instruments in Ventura

Brother L. I. Sage, who is in the music business at Ventura, California, has agreed to sell pianos, organs, and small instruments on easy payments at one-third discount to all readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Direct all correspondence to L. I. Sage, Ventura, California.

Bibles for Old People

STYLE “A” is bound in leather, has gold edges, and is well printed on good paper. It contains seventeen maps, and is just the Bible needed by old people, those whose eyes are weak, or those who have to read much at night. Price, $1.40; with 20c extra if mailed.

STYLE “B” is the same as A, except that it is bound in black cloth instead of leather, and has red edges instead of gold, and has no maps. Price $1.00; or $1.20 post-paid.

STYLE “C” is a better bound book than the above, and has references, together with nearly three hundred pages of excellent helps, including a concordance. This Bible has overlapping edges, and is silk sewed. Price, $2.10; or $2.35 post-paid.

STYLE “C 1.” This is a new Revised Bible, with references. Instead of being in paragraph form, as have been all Revised Bibles published heretofore, it is divided into verses the same as the regular version. Bound in leather, price $1.40; or $1.60 post-paid.

STYLE “C 2.” Same as C 1, but bound in black cloth. Price, $1.00; or $1.20 post-paid.

STYLE “C 3.” Pica type, India paper, gold edges. The largest type text Bible obtainable. It was published at the time of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, and is known as the Jubilee edition. Price, $4.35; or by mail, $4.60.

The above prices are greatly reduced and will be withdrawn soon.

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The United States Supreme Court Decision.

By Editor

Among the things for which many people in this country have been waiting anxiously for months is the decision or series of decisions of the Supreme Court of this nation defining the relations of Porto Rico and other insular possessions to the Federal Government. Most of those interested are looking upon the matter as a purely political or partisan question, many more, as a commercial question. But the question is broader, deeper, and farther reaching than mere matters of politics or commerce. These decisions are but steps, important steps, of a series in which are involved the existence of a republic, nay, of the nations of the world. Not the least important of these is the prophetic and religious element connected with the question. Knowing the interest of the people upon this, the Signs of the Times has secured four articles, the first appropriately beginning in its issue of July 3, from the pen of one who has given more thought and study to all sides of the question than any other man in the United States. This man is Alonzo T. Jones, editor of the Sentinel of Liberty, author of “Two Republics,” “The Rights of the People,” etc., etc. You will want to read these articles; you will want your neighbors to read them.

A NEEDY FIELD AND GRAND OPPORTUNITY.

By Editor

One of the great needy fields of this country is that south of the Mason and Dixon line. Blighted and checked in her progress and prosperity by a great war, the merits of which are not in these columns, a matter of discussion, the South found herself at its close poverty-stricken, her system of government demoralized, and her children without adequate means of education. In consequence of this, many children of both white and colored have grown up in ignorance. Earnest attempts have been made to meet these needs, but too often they have assumed a semi-political phase prejudicial to many. Religious and industrial education is greatly wanting. It is a needy field which demands and will welcome among its warm-hearted people far greater effort in the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom and putting into practical operation the natural fruits of that Gospel in Christian education, in Christian health lines, in better, broader type of genuine non-political Christianity.

We are glad to record that new effort in this work was undertaken at our last General Conference. A Southern Union Conference has been organized, the headquarters of which is at Nashville, Tenn.

More than this, the “Southern Publishing Association” has been formed, the headquarters of which is 1025 Jefferson Street, Nashville. This association is for the purpose of publishing the Gospel in that field, adapted to that people, by those who are there and know the field, who are one with the people, and who understand and know the needs of the needy ones.

This association will publish a pioneer paper for that field, called the Gospel Herald. It will be wholly religious, and not at all political. While the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has found many friends in the sunny South, it bids Godspeed the new journal, and prays that its mission may be abundantly blessed of God.

A sanitarium will soon be started in Nashville as a radiating light-center for health education.

And near Nashville another industrial school will soon be established.

For all these funds are greatly needed, but especially just now for the publishing work. Here is the great need, dear brethren, sisters, and friends. A great need in God’s cause is to us a grand opportunity. Are there not those who wish to donate to one or all of these enterprises? If so, correspond with the Southern Publishing Association, 1025 Jefferson Street, Nashville, Tenn. Or if you prefer, send funds to this paper, and they will be forwarded to the workers there, and applied to the very enterprise you desire. But as God has blessed you, now is the time to give.

Suicide in Germany

Last year, in Germany, nearly 8,000 persons committed suicide. The proportion of men to women was about three to one. Nearly one-half of these had been addicted to drink.

Living Truth Must Be Shared

Truth is living to us when it comes to us fresh and warm from the Lord, when we receive it (not as the word of man but) as the Word of God, when that Word is permitted, nay, welcomed, to become the controlling power of our lives. That truth will remain in us a constant, living power by using it to bless others. The purest water, if held within a tank or pool, becomes stagnant, defiled, putrid, poisonous. But stagnant water, if permitted to flow over the rapids, rocks, and pebbles, becomes in the flowing pure. To retain God’s life we must use it. To attempt to keep it to ourselves, we shall lose it forever.

True Religion Better Than Scholarship

By Editor

A gentleman occupying a high position in this country said the other day to the young people of San Francisco: “I know of no richer possession than “scholarship, no nobler ambition than to obtain it.” We are sorry that he knows no richer possession. One may exhaust the scholarship of the world, and be lost at last. His life may be an encyclopedia of facts, but he is as dead as a paper book. The poor ignorant native, who never can hope to become a scholar, may know Christ Jesus, and in knowing Him have eternal life, while the world’s greatest scholar may die without hope. In the eternity to come the most ignorant saved one will rival in his scholarship the combined learning of the world’s ages; but to the dead scholar nothing comes. True religion is better than scholarship.

THE “SIGNS” OF JULY 24.

By Editor

What are the two chief characteristics most talked of in the world at the present time?

What has been discussed with increasing and wide-spread interest for the last two years?

What do we find elaborated in almost every newspaper and magazine of the present?

Two words will answer these questions: “War,” “Wealth.”

Preparations for war have been conducted for years on a scale unparalleled in the history of nations; and the end is not yet.

Capitalistic corporations, trusts, monopolies, have compassed vast wealth, heaped up gold, and they now control the life-currents of commerce to an extent that strikes alarm throughout the world.

Mammon and Mars hold universal sway.

“What Do These Things Mean?”

multitudes are asking. What will be their influence upon the world? Are the immediate conditions they forebode likely to be permanent?

They affect this entire world; they affect religion, politics, commerce, industry, and the very existence of man himself; has not God, who gave His Son to die for this world, said naught concerning this in His Word?

The storm-centers of all this agitation are in this hitherto favored land; has God left its people in darkness?

He has not. The light of the “more sure Word of prophecy,” which has foretold every great epoch-making, era-reckoning event or movement, illuminates the paths thru which the nations are now passing; clearly, definitely, and at times in wondrous detail is the story foretold.

It shall be the effort of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES of July 24 to set before its readers, whom we hope for that issue may be multiplied tenfold,

What these things mean in the light of the Word.

Beautifully illustrated, by pictures that speak, and clearly told by pens that are consecrated to truth, will be this issue. It will contain 16 pages with colored cover containing a fine illustrated poem that is itself worth much more than the price of the paper, so inspiringly true it is. Prices as follows: single copies, five cents; 10 copies, 30 cents; 100 copies, $2.00.

Order at once. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Socialism in Great Britain.

A resolution was offered and seconded in the House of Commons not long ago to transform the United Kingdom into a socialistic commonwealth. While Socialism has made little progress in Great Britain, it is believed, according to one authority, “that the type of imperialism developed in Great Britain in recent years has so much militarism in it, involving, it is believed, conscription at an early day, and also brings in its train so heavy an increase in the national tax burdens for a people already severely pressed in the competition for the supremacy in the world’s markets,” will have the effect of developing rapidly the socialistic propaganda. It is pointed out that “Socialism in Germany, France, and Italy, as a formidable parliamentary force, has been developed very largely since those countries began, after 1880, their modern careers in empire-building or colonialism. Another striking fact is that the Socialists are strong anti-militarists and anti-imperialists in all of those European countries.” All these forces are tending to prepare the world for its last great conflict, foretold in prophecy.

Question Corner

1157. Red Dragon; Scarlet-colored Beast.—The dragon of Revelation 12 is red; the beast of Rev. 17 is scarlet-colored. Each has seven heads and ten horns. All the world wonders after each. Rev. 13:4; 17:8. Are they the same?

O. G. C.

The word “red” in Rev. 12:3 comes from the Greek purrhos, from pur, meaning “fire.” The red color of the dragon was therefore firelike, flame-colored, sun-color, evidently relating to the most ancient Babylonian sun-worship, of which the dragon was a symbol. The red is a natural inherent color. “Scarlet,” of Rev. 17:3, 4, and elsewhere in the New Testament, comes from the Greek kokkinos, from kokkos, a kernel of seed. The color comes from the insect used for the scarlet dye, it having the shape of a seed. The scarlet or crimson is an artificial color. The dragon represents Satan, working thru worldly powers represented by the heads. The beast of Rev. 13:1–10 represents these persecuting powers, the visible, governmental agents of Satan. Chapter 18 shows that the special power which Satan uses to influence government is the great apostate church from the beginning. And in chapter 17 both symbols are used, the governmental powers being guided by the harlot Babylon, the spouse and daughter of the king of Babylon, Lucifer, or Satan. Isa. 14:4, 12. Back of all corruption and persecution is Satan, working thru apostasy to corrupt earthly powers, to destroy and persecute to death the children of God.

1158. Cain’s Wife. Gen. 4:15–17.—Who was Cain’s wife? Did Cain go immediately after he killed Abel? What mark did God put upon Cain? Who is Cain’s posterity?

R. W. P.

The Bible does not speak to answer mere curiosity; if it did, it would have multiplied into a thousand volumes. In reply to the above questions: (1) Cain’s wife was Mrs. Cain. Who she was before marriage is another question not asked. (2) He may have gone immediately. Nod simply means wandering, and Cain became a vagabond, a wanderer. The record of years is given in verse 16. (3) We do not know; the Lord has not told us. The Revised Version reads, “The Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.” (4) Cain’s posterity are recorded in Genesis 4. As lineal descendants of Cain they perished at the flood. Cain’s spiritual progeny are numerous. Read 1 John 3:12; Heb. 11:4.