LESS than two miles to the east of Jerusalem, on the Jericho road, lay the little village of Bethany. Even in the days of which I write, it was scarcely more than a suburb of Jerusalem, on the farther slope of the Mount of Olives.
To-day Bethany is but a tiny hamlet, containing perhaps a score of miserable houses.
But it is not about the Bethany of to-day that we are thinking as we tread the familiar streets made sacred by the feet of the Man of Galilee. The home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, is near at hand. Let us enter. The house is considerably more imposing in architecture than those in the vicinity.
The sun has already dropped behind Olivet, and the sighing of the damp evening breeze makes doleful music among the palms.
Our friend Matthias is speaking with Machbor, the ruler, of Jericho. They are standing in the outer court, and are about to enter. We will enter with them.
We are saddened to hear the discordant voice of mourners and the sound of weeping. A beautiful woman, conspicuous for her long and abundant tresses, sits with head bowed in her hands. Another, older than she, with an expression of deepest anxiety upon her broad white brow, is sitting near her, while many friends who have come down from Jerusalem are also in this and adjoining chambers. These have come,—some of them,—that they might mingle their tears of sorrow with those of the afflicted sisters; others ostensibly to weep, but could the real heart of some in that mourning company have been read, instead of sympathetic mourners, they would have been called by their true names—hypocrites and spies.
Jazer, the scribe of the temple, and Jonathan the son of Annas the high priest, have ceased their loud and noisy expressions of sympathy for a moment, that they may listen to the newcomers, and possibly learn the whereabouts of Jesus of Nazareth, the beloved and absent Friend of the afflicted family. In fact, this is their real errand.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, the older sister glanced expectantly toward the outer doorway.
“Behold, my sister, weep not; for here is Matthias, the son of Sylvanus, even he whom we sent to the Master; for of a truth he is a good man, and bringeth good tidings;” and the woman hastened to her sister’s side, and attempted to raise the bowed head.
“Trouble me not, Martha. How can good come to me? Hast thou forgotten that our brother hath lain in the grave for two days? Then why speakest thou of good tidings?”
“What sayest thou, Mary Magdalene!” exclaimed Matthias, stepping to the side of the weeping woman; “what sayest thou? and where is my friend Lazarus whom I left sick unto death, that I might bring hither thy Master and mine?”
Again the head of Mary Magdalene drooped upon her bosom; but Martha replied bitterly:
“Sawest thou indeed the Master, Matthias? Where sawest thou Him?”
“Verily, I saw the Master,” is the astonished reply. “I saw Him in Perea, beyond Jordan.”
“What saidest thou unto Him?”
“Even that which thou didst bid me: ‘Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick.’”
As soon as the conversation turned directly upon the Man of Nazareth, Jonathan son of Annas arose and hurried toward Matthias. Instantly the role of sympathetic mourner was exchanged for that of the shrewd, crafty detective. Still was the priest diplomatic enough carefully to veil his venom under the guise of a quiet exterior and a calm smile, as he asked:
“Sayest thou, Matthias, that thou sawest thy Master, the Nazarene, in Perea beyond Jordan, and didst tell Him of the sickness of our friend Lazarus? Tell us of a truth, what said He, thou son of Sylvanus?”
Matthias gazed keenly at the priest before he replied:
“‘This sickness is not unto death; but that the Son of God might be glorified.’ Even so saith the Nazarene—my Master.”
The expression upon the face of the questioner was one of fiendish triumph, as he repeated sneeringly, “‘Not unto death!’ Indeed, thou son of Sylvanus! when wilt thou learn that this Nazarene is no prophet? for as the Lord liveth, He speaketh falsely!”
“He speaketh falsely indeed!” echoed Jazer, with a fierce scowl, as he shook his grizzly head. “Knowest thou not, O Matthias, that Lazarus is dead, and hath lain in the sepulcher of his fathers now two whole days!”
An expression of intense pain flitted like a shadow over the face of Mary Magdalene at those words, while a look of deep indignation settled upon the troubled countenance of Martha as she replied quickly:
“And yet, Jazer, thou hast seen how our Master hath healed this my sister; and thou knowest that His hand hath restored our neighbor, Simon the leper, so that his flesh is like to the flesh of a little child, and he dwelleth with his wife Prisca, even here in Bethany; and thou knowest of the daughter of Jairus, and young Reuben of Nain,—”
“Why dost thou speak of Simon?” interrupted Jazer sneeringly; “for even this man who thou declarest was healed by the Man, believeth not in Him,—he even doubteth whether He be at all a prophet; for thus said he unto me this day. And why speakest thou of the daughter of the ruler Jairus? Thy Master Himself said plainly, ‘The maid is not dead, but sleepeth!’”
An expression of heavenly peace for the moment glorified Martha’s countenance, “Lazarus is dead,” repeated Martha softly, “but I believe that even now, whatsoever our Master asketh of God, He will give Him!”
(To be continued)
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DOLLAR BIBLE
03008. This is an old favorite with the children. Is 5¾ x 3¾ inches in size, is bound in light leather with overlapping edges. Contains a self-pronouncing Dictionary of Proper Names, Harmony of Gospels, Maps and References. The size of type is Pearl, which is fairly clear for a small Bible. Price, $1.00.
DOLLAR TWENTY BIBLE
03028. A new Bible which is rapidly winning its way into the hearts of the children because of its clear type. Contains references and 12 maps. Bound in leather, with overlapping edges. Price, $1.20.
LITTLE GIRL'S BIBLE
03028x. A dainty little Bible printed on thin India paper; only five eighths of an inch thick. Same type, binding, and contents as 03028. A very pretty book indeed. Price, $1.80.
FACSIMILE FAVORITES
Facsimile Bibles contain just 1000 pages of text, and any particular verse will be found in the same position on the page of all Bibles in this series. Numbers 03464x and 03470x are the standard Facsimile Bibles. They contain Concordance, Subject Index, and Pronouncing Dictionary of Proper Names, and are printed in clear Minion type. We especially recommend 03470x, the binding of which is fully guaranteed perfect by the Oxford Press. The writer of this note has had one of these bindings in continual use for the past seventeen years, and it is still unbroken. Minion type.
MINION
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03464x. Bound in Alaska Seal (the trade name is cowhide), leather lined, overlapping edges, silk sewed, $5.50.
03470x. Levant leather, guaranteed perfect, calf lined, overlapping edges, silk sewed, $7.25.
THIN REFERENCE BIBLES
Numbers 03258x, 03259x, 03256x, 03264x, and 03248x are the lightest and thinnest Reference Bibles yet made—only ⅝ of an inch thick. We especially recommend 03248x, which is the well-known "Sealskin." Our regular order to the factory for this Bible is 100 copies, and we have ordered as high as 250 at a time.
MINION
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THOSE BIBLE READINGS
This contains a series of easy Bible studies on interesting subjects. It might be termed "Social Round Table Talks on Bible Topics," for the studies are represented as being held in a certain home where all the members of the family took part in the questions and answers; and the interest spread so that the neighbors came flocking in. I believe your family will be equally interested, for the writer certainly has a very happy way of presenting Bible themes. Bound in cloth at 75 cents.
NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER
This little book begins with an ornamental alphabet, and by the side of each letter is a verse of Scripture beginning with that letter. Then follow simple nature lessons, based on the trees, plants, animals, birds, insects, etc., of Palestine in the time of Christ, — His birth, childhood days, wonderful miracles, and other incidents of His life and work. Further, we have given some beautiful lessons of trust, drawn from the experiences of His disciples. You will notice that it is illustrated with colored pictures on almost every page, ending with John's view of the New Jerusalem, and the touching scene of a child leading a wolf and a lion as it will be when all things are restored. Bound in attractive red cloth at only 50 cents, or board at 25 cents.
VEGETARIAN COOK BOOK
This book contains about four hundred very carefully prepared recipes of healthful dishes, suitable to every taste and every condition of life. There is also one chapter on the Hygiene of Cooking, explaining the various methods, such as boiling, stewing, baking, braizing, and broiling. The author has embodied in this book the results of scientifically demonstrated experiments and observation in practical vegetarian restaurant cooking. The classification of foods is so arranged, and the work so thoroly indexed, that any recipe may be referred to instantly. 420 pages, 400 recipes. Price, cloth bound, $1.00.
MAKING HOME HAPPY
We all enjoy a home where there is happiness, where all join together to make things pleasant. The writer of this book pictures before us in story form, the actual experiences of a certain family, and how it grew from a home of discord to one of peace. This story helps the children to see the points to be guarded, and the traits to be cultivated to make home life pleasant. The whole family may read the book with pleasure and profit. Bound in attractive cloth at only 50 cents. Published in English only.
UNCLE BEN'S COBBLESTONES
A queer name for a book, you may think, but every page is filled with sound, sensible, and instructive matter for the children. It tells about the origin of common things of every-day use, such as coal, glass, salt, matches, paper, fire, air, and water. More than one hundred subjects are treated, and along with the description runs a happy vein of sunshine and good cheer, for Uncle Ben has a very pleasing way of presenting things. These bright, cheery pictures of real life will greatly delight the children, and impress the good lessons taught. Bound in cloth at only $1.00.
BEST STORIES FROM THE BEST BOOK
It opens with a series of easy nature lessons, adapted to the little folks just learning to read. Following this are short stories based on prominent Bible characters. The book is nicely illustrated, some of the pictures being colored, and will prove very pleasant and helpful to the children, impressing lessons that will never be forgotten. Bound in stiff board with cover design, at 50 cents; presentation edition, cloth back and covers, with art paper sides, 75 cents. Published in English, German, Danish, and Swedish.
STEPS TO CHRIST
This beautiful little book tells how to find the Saviour, and become acquainted with Him. To many the "Father's House" seems a long way off, the road difficult and uncertain. This little treasure-house tells how very near the Saviour is, and so reveals His great love as to remove our doubts and fears. Step by step we are led to that completeness of life and fulness of blessing found only in Christ. It contains fifteen chapters, is newly illustrated, and bound in fine cloth at 60 cents, or an elegant presentation edition with gilt edges at only $1.00. Published in more than twenty languages.
ELO THE EAGLE AND OTHER STORIES
Ten stories about birds and animals,—life histories of the author's boyhood acquaintances among the wildlings. It tells of how he made friends of the naturally timid creatures of the forest and field, coming in close touch with them, studying their habits, and learning many interesting and instructive things, which are now presented in book form. Nearly 200 pages, very finely illustrated throughout, for only $1.00. Published in English only.
HOUSE WE LIVE IN
Here is an instructive book telling about the wonders of our physical house. The subject is presented as a conversation between a mother and her children, questions being freely asked and intelligently answered. Each part of the body is compared to some part of a house. For example, the mouth is compared to the eating-room, the stomach to the kitchen, the eyes to the windows, our nerves to a telephone system, our lungs to the bath room, etc. You can readily see the importance of such a book as this in your family. The numerous pictures well illustrate the thought as expressed. Bound in cloth at $1.00. Published in English only.
OUR PARADISE HOME
There is a great deal of mystery in the minds of many regarding our future home, as to where it is, and what it is, which this book makes clear and plain. It first tells us how we came to be in this world, and then reveals God's plans for the future. It shows the Kingdom of Glory to be a real place, where we shall build houses and live in them, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them, and that we shall also have a glorious mansion in the city, New Jerusalem, where we can go from time to time. It is well illustrated, and bound in neat cloth at 50 cents, or board at 25 cents. Published in English only.
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Prices 10 Per Cent Higher in Canada
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Our Work and Workers
By Editor
SIX have received baptism at New Philadelphia, Ohio.
EIGHT have accepted the truth at Moneta, California.
NINE souls were baptized into the faith at Portland, Oregon.
FOUR others are obeying the truth at Kalamazoo, Michigan.
SEVEN persons have been added to the church at Maryville, Missouri.
FIVE more have united with the West Side church in Indianapolis, Indiana.
SEVEN are awaiting baptism at Singapore, Straits Settlements, of the Malay Peninsula.
THREE have been baptized at McMechen, West Virginia, and others are awaiting baptism.
SIX have responded to the Gospel invitation and the truth of God at Claremore, Oklahoma.15
AT Grand Forks, North Dakota, fifteen have covenanted with the Lord to observe all His commandments.
OVER $4,000 worth of our literature has been delivered by a canvasser, J. W. Davis, in Texas during one week.
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Present Truth Series of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES have been coming in by hundreds daily.
A CHURCH has been organized at Danbury, Texas. Ten have responded to the call of the message in North Fort Worth.
A LITTLE company of four are keeping the commandments at Walthill, Nebraska, and a little Sabbath-school has been organized there.
NINE have united with the Avondale church at Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia. Five have accepted the truth at Coolabunia, Queensland.
TEN young persons have taken their stand for the truth and have been baptized, the result of a revival meeting at Fords Store, Maryland. Six have engaged in the ordinance at Chestertown.
THE annual report of the New South Wales Conference of Australia states that during the year 126 persons have been added to the church and several churches will be organized during the coming year.
THIRTEEN have decided to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus at Rochester, New York. Pastor J. F. Piper writes that he has baptized during the summer and fall thirty-seven persons.
PROF. G. W. RINE writes regarding meetings held in San Francisco, "Seven adult persons expressed their determination to live henceforth for God and His truth, by being buried with our Lord and rising with Him again in baptism."
BROTHER ALLEN writes from Peru, South America, that he baptized fifteen native Indians near Lake Titicaca. Over two hundred Indians witnessed the baptism. Those baptized have all been brought into the truth through the efforts of one of the native Indians.
AS the result of tent meetings held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thirteen persons have united with the church. Pastor Ashton writes concerning the work in Pittsburg: "Seven precious souls were baptized, and fourteen members were added to the church. We praise the Lord for the conversion of souls."
THE Kolo Mission School in South Africa, which a year ago had twenty students in attendance, now numbers forty. An item taken from the South African Missionary, in speaking of an intended journey by Brother J. R. Campbell, says, "He left the [Barotseland Mission] station on foot, intending to walk as far as Livingstone, a little less than two hundred miles, with the expectation of pegging out some more new out-schools for the Barotseland Mission," and adds, "Our loyal African missionaries are always willing to sacrifice their own pleasure in the interests of the Master's work."
For Africa
By W. A. Spicer
By W. A. Spicer
THE light of the advent message is spreading in the Dark Continent. Year by year our stations and out-stations, north, east, south, and west, are increasing. They must surround Africa and pierce it through and through.
Africa lay shrouded in night for long centuries. Its millions sat "in darkness and the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron," without a knowledge of God, without a written language. At last the "time of the end" came; then, lo, suddenly the light broke in. Explorers were stirred up to penetrate the uncharted wilds. Missionaries were impelled to plunge into the darkness of unknown regions beyond. Since 1844, when the hour of God's judgment came and the advent message rose, a distinct providence has hastened the opening.
Over 300 explorers have laid down their lives on African soil. How many missionaries have sacrificed their lives for Africa, can not be told, but seven societies alone have lost nearly 200 workers. To-day all the societies in Africa have 1,000 principal stations and 5,000 out-stations. The translated Scriptures are speaking in 120 of the African languages and dialects.
To a great missionary conference in London there came a message from Africa, flashed thousands of leagues under the sea, bearing only the words, "Africa Waiting." That brief message stirred to action as no multiplied words could have done.
"They are waiting in the wild,
Sick and weary and defiled,
And the Saviour's healing Word
They have never, never heard;
Ever hungry and unfed,
Left without the living Bread—
Waiting! Waiting!"
The same message is signaled to us by God's providences from all Africa to-day. Africa is waiting, but it will cost sacrifice to respond really. Yet think of the bright story of sacrifice in the opening of Africa,—of Livingstone, dying upon his knees at Ilala, praying for the land that he loved; of Hannington, laying down his life at the assassin's feet, in order that the way into Uganda might be opened; of Wilmott Brooke, dying at the gates of Hausaland, the only missionary among thirty millions, and crying out, "The people are too many for me." Think of the martyr native lads of Uganda, burned at the stake for the Word of God, singing amidst smoke and flame as long as tongue could frame the words:
"Daily, daily, sing for Jesus,
Sing my soul His praises due."
And we Seventh-day Adventists think also of our own missionaries who have loved not their lives unto the death in our short campaign for Africa. Our missionary graves help to mark the way of the Cross in more than one province of the interior. As the young people of our first Matabele station see the little cemetery at Solusi, they say, "These white missionaries must have loved the African, for they gave their lives to bring us the light."
We are called upon to give money to finish God's work for Africa as for all the world; but some must give far more precious gifts than gold and silver. When the cable brought word of the death of Elder F. L. Mead, one of our pioneers in Matabeleland, the message was sent to the aged mother that her only son had laid down his life for Africa. By divine grace she was able to return answer from the old New Hampshire home:
Solusi Mission School, Matabeleland
"My heart aches for the dear ones left there, and for the work he loved so much. But 'God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,' and He cheers and comforts me with the precious promises of His Word. I felt it when they went away; but they felt it duty to go, and I would not hold them back. I laid my sacrifice on THE ALTAR OF AFRICA then, and I have never taken it back, and I hope I never shall. 'The Lord liveth; and blessed be my Rock.' I know He can give beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning; for He has done it for me, and He can do it again in His own time and way."
In that spirit the work will soon be done. Talk about giving money for missions! In our mission training schools young Africans, redeemed from heathenism, are praying God to help them "to learn quick," so that they may go out among the tribes and tongues with this message of Christ's soon coming.
The Lord is answering that prayer. The forces are gathering for the work—in Matabeleland, Basutoland, Barotseland, colonial Kaffirland, Nyassaland, Uganda, German East Africa, on the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone, in Algeria, in Egypt, and on the borders of Abyssinia. We must send strong reinforcements of men and means. A young African in one of our schools addresses this appeal in broken English to our churches in more favored lands:
"Did you read your Bibles in Daniel and Revelation? Do you see Jesus coming in these two books? Why not leave your homes and go out telling Jesus is coming soon? O, my people, my people! they shall perish in their sin if you do not leave your home. My heart is sick because I have not seen people going over Africa to tell people Jesus coming soon."
Africa's hundred and eighty millions are waiting for the advent message which John, in vision, saw flying in these last days to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Who will go? Who will give? Who will pray?
RELIGION is a power which takes hold of a man from within. Efforts to correct from the outside are more or less a failure. When such work is done from the inside, it is more or less a success.—W. J. Bryan.
The Death of an Aged Pioneer
By S. B. Whitney
At his home in West Monroe, New York, on the evening of October 11, occurred the death of Elder Frederick Wheeler. He was born at Acton, Massachusetts, March 12, 1811, and therefore lacked only a few hours of being ninety-nine years and seven months old.
He was married to Lydia Proctor, March 25, 1832, at Washington, New Hampshire. To them were born six children, five of whom are still living, three sons and two daughters, George, Theodore, and Mrs. Mary Halliday in New York, Nathan in California, and Mrs. Lucy Spaulding in New Hampshire. In addition to these he had an adopted son, William Henry Anderson, with whom he spent the last years of his life. From these have sprung twenty-five grandchildren, including the son of Brother Anderson, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, and at least four great-great-grandchildren.
The death of his wife occurred March 12, 1886. His religious experience began with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and about 1840 he was ordained as a minister of that denomination. By rather a peculiar providence, in 1842 he became interested in the advent movement under William Miller, and soon began advocating the doctrine of the immediate return of the Lord to this earth. At this time he was residing near Washington, New Hampshire, and was among those who received the light on the Sabbath from the Seventh-day Baptists, and is supposed to have preached the first sermon in favor of the seventh-day Sabbath ever given by an Adventist minister, before the passing of the time in 1844.
In the spring of 1857 he removed to the state of New York, locating first in Brookfield, Madison County; but in the fall of 1861, he went to West Monroe, settling on a farm which has since been his home.
In his earlier Adventist experience he was a man of strong faith, being frequently called to pray for the sick, and experienced some remarkable answers to prayer. He was a charter member of the New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and sustained the relation of minister in the conference until his death. He never occupied a prominent position of responsibility in the denomination; neither did he aspire to such a place, but being of a modest, retiring disposition, preferred to fill some humble place of usefulness.
It was the privilege of the writer at one time to be associated with him in tent labor; and a more agreeable or companionable fellow laborer it would be difficult to find.
After his advanced age prevented him from engaging in active evangelistic labor, he continued to serve his home church with acceptance, his influence and instruction being of great assistance and encouragement.
After his power of locomotion and his eyesight had become greatly impaired, he still retained the use of his mental faculties in a wonderful degree; and in the last decade of his life, some of his exhortations had the force and pungency of his younger days. In his ninety-fifth year he dictated a message to the conference in its annual session, which was as straightforward, clean-cut, and pointed as any he ever gave. His mind remained active and clear to the last. For some years it has been my privilege to visit him frequently, and these visits were always very gratifying, the last one being less than a month before his death. On one of these occasions he expressed himself as being especially grateful for the preservation of his mental powers. As failing eyesight deprived him of the opportunity of reading, these visits seemed to afford much comfort and enjoyment.
Being of a strong constitution, and possessed of great vitality combined with adherence to strict temperance principles and practice, giving him a tenacious hold on life, he literally died of old age, and breathed his last like a child going to sleep.
A large concourse of people attended the funeral services, which were held from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The funeral discourse was founded on Job 5:26.
S. B. Whitney.
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APPROXIMATE CHRONOLOGY, OR THE TIME OF THE CRUCIFIXION
Places in condensed form a few facts, from Scripture, history, and astronomy, that will enable the reader to understand the exact time of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, giving the year, the month, the day of the month, the time of the moon, the day of the week, and the day of the Jewish month. Price 25 cents. Address H. H. Perry, 67 19th St., San Diego, California.
Having read the "Time of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ," we testify that to our minds it contains a clear and interesting statement of the facts in the case, fortified with good evidence for the positions taken.
