Give three texts showing the workings of Christ’s power.
Divisions of the lesson: (1) Man Is a Higher Order of God’s Creation. (2) Man’s nature by creation. (3) The Life Given to Man.
QUESTIONS.
MAN A HIGHER ORDER OF CREATION.
1. What is said of the creation of man?
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Gen. 1:26.
2. What is the signification of the expression “image of God”? See note 1.
3. What is said of the moral condition of man when he was created?
“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” Eccl. 7:29.
“And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” Gen. 1:31. See note 1.
4. What other terms are used to express the exalted position of man in his creation?
“For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man.” 1 Cor. 11:7. See note 1.
5. What is God’s glory? Ans.—God’s glory is the unfolded fullness of divine power and goodness, and is in harmony with his self-existence. See Ex. 33:18, 19.
6. How did man lose the image and glory of God?
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. See note 2.
7. What must take place before it can be again restored to him?
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” Col. 3:10. See note 2.
MAN’S NATURE BY CREATION.
8. What is said of the creation of man?
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Gen. 2:7.
9. Of what was he formed?
10. After he received breath, what did he become?
Ans.—“A living soul;” the Hebrew version reads, “living being;” Dr. Young, “living creature.” See Revised Version.
11. Why was he called Adam? Ans.—Adam, or Adamah, means earth, or ground.
12. Of what did God tell him he was composed, and to what would he return after his disorganization?
“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Gen. 3:19.
13. What does the apostle Paul say of the first man?
“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” “The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.” 1 Cor. 15:45, 47. See note 3.
THE LIFE GIVEN TO MAN.
14. With what capacity was man created? See note 4.
15. On what condition was an endless life promised him?—Ib.
16. What was the essential thing to eternal life?
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live13by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.
17. Who is the source of that life?
“For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” John 5:26.
18. Who is our righteousness?
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Cor. 1:30.
NOTES.
A LETTER FROM AFRICA.
Miss Lena F. Clark, a graduate of Spelman Seminary, Atlanta, Ga., who recently went to the Kongo Free State, Africa, as a missionary, writes encouragingly to her friends at the seminary. We quote from the Spelman Messenger:—
You will see by this note that I have now reached my destination, tho a long time on the way. I am very glad to be through with my long journey. Just think, I left dear Spelman June 20, and only reached here October 29. The journey from Stanley Pool to Ikoko was very pleasant; the scenery along the river was very fine. I enjoyed sitting on the deck looking at the beautiful river, islands, hills, and forests. One morning we saw an elephant drinking of the water in the river. The captain stopped the steamer and fired at it, but it got away. Another time we saw a young “hippo” in the water. Monkeys were numerous. We reached Irebu on Sunday, October 27.
On Tuesday I left for Ikoko, in a canoe, in charge of Mr. Milne. When we reached the lake, we found a boat waiting us, which Mr. Clark had sent. While the men were rowing, one beat time with a stick and the men sang native melodies. It is the funniest thing in the world why they want that pounding going on all day long. It is enough to give one a headache to last for a day or so (if you are not used to it, of course), but it is so very strange how soon one gets accustomed to it. From Irebu we had a long channel to go through before we reached the lake. It is a beautiful lake when it is calm and you are on it in a small canoe; and it is also very beautiful when the waves are rolling, and the whole lake seems to rise higher and higher, and you are safe on land.
The station is very, very near the water of the lake. I wish you could see our girls swim. They are just like ducks. It is a great punishment to call a girl away from the water. They go into the water to bathe twice a day. There are twenty-four girls at the station; one is to be sent to Mrs. Gordon. Some of them are little girls who have been taken captives in war by the state. The boys and girls work before and after school hours. Some of the older boys are learning to do carpentry work, and some of the other boys do gardening. The girls also use hoes in the garden.
Yesterday Mr. Clark went to the state place and got a girl. The girl is just out of the bush. She had on a little string made of some kind of grass, I think. Her hair was uncombed, and she was as dirty as she could be. Poor child, she looked as if she did not know what was going to happen to her. Mr. Clark handed her to me for my personal girl. I like it very much, because then I can train her myself. But you ought to have seen her two hours after she came. Miss Milne sent a girl with her to the water to bathe her; she had her hair cut, and a dress put on her. The transformation was remarkable.
The people attend the services pretty regularly. Last Sunday there were over fifty women and young girls in the chapel, and a greater number of men. The work is encouraging here. The people were cannibals; but they are now very friendly to the missionaries.
The women paint themselves in red paint which they get from trees; the men also paint, but not as much as the women. If you chance to knock against them, you are sure of having a little share of it. The women smoke long pipes just like men. The Ikoko people grow a great deal of tobacco. They have to do a great amount of fishing, because they are compelled to sell so many rods’ worth to the state camp every week.
The natives are not able to pronounce English names, so, to get out of difficulty, they have given the missionaries native names, for example: Mrs. Clark is Monkasa; Miss Milne, Ncasi; Mr. Clark, Mpbee; Mr. Milne, Yoka; baby, Mpela; mine is Mondoma.
I am very happy in my work: I love it. I have my loving friends to direct me when I don’t know what to do; so that helps to make things easy.
15. And when one of them that sat at meat with Him heard these things, he said unto Him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
16. Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many;
17. And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused.
19. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused.
20. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
21. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
(Memorize verses 21–23.)
Golden Text: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.
NOTE.—The whole chapter should be read, as the various references made to feasts have a bearing upon the lesson text. Note a similar parable in Matt. 22:1–14. The feast was probably given on the evening after the Sabbath.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What did one who sat at meat with Jesus say? Verse 15. Note 1. (2) With what parable did Jesus choose to answer him? Verse 16. (3) At supper time what did the master do? Verse 17. Note 2. (4) What did all who were invited begin to do? Verse 18. (5) What did the first one say? Same verse. (6) What did another say? Verse 19. (7) What excuse did still another make? Verse 20. Note 3. (8) When the master of the house heard these things, what did he command? Verse 21. Note 4. (9) After this was done, what did the servant say? Verse 22. (10) What further command was given? Verse 23. Note 5. (11) What was the verdict upon those who refused the invitation? Verse 24.
NOTES.
1. Heard these things.—Jesus had just given instruction, by means of a parable, to those who were bidden to feasts, concerning their deportment. He also outlined the best course to be pursued by the one who gave the feast, in issuing his invitations. Not his friends, brethren, kinsmen, and rich neighbors were to be chosen, but the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. This, with the reference to the recompense at the resurrection of the just, called forth the remark made by one who sat, or reclined, with him at the table. According to the common belief of the Jews, and their ready understanding of the parable, the remark doubtless had reference to the happy gathering of that nation in the kingdom of the Messiah.
2. Them that were bidden.—In the parable, note that the guests were bidden, or invited, beforehand. “It is still customary in the east, not only to give an invitation some time beforehand, but to send around servants at the proper time to inform the invited guests that all things are ready.”—Kitto. In the figure the great supper is the kingdom of God, and those that are bidden are all who will enter there. The special or local application was to the Jews, for they were the chosen people of God, and Christ was the servant, sent to them at the time appointed. In an extended sense all of Christ’s agencies in the world represent the servant.
3. To make excuse (verse 18).—The Greek word is the equivalent of our “to beg off.” These three excuses are given as samples of the excuses of all. All were willing to come when the invitation was first given, when there was nothing to do. And there was ample time in which to make needful preparations. The real trouble was they did not want to come. Business, property, wealth, home comforts, all stood in the way. Not that these are wrong, for they are not when rightly used. Really, it would be a rare thing for one to refuse to attend a wedding feast. But there are those constantly who refuse the invitation to a place in the kingdom of God. They say, Yes, we will come; but in their hearts they do not mean it. The parable shows by its improbable picture the utter groundlessness of anything that may be put forward as a reason for not accepting such a gracious invitation. This is true because all are given time in which to make preparation. Given this time, it is their privilege and duty to consider the relative advantages of their present surroundings and the things of the kingdom of God. This is shown by verses 28 to 32. The just and reasonable inference is that the heavenly things are beyond comparison greater and more to be desired. Then whatever sacrifice is to be made—and verses 26, 27, and 33 show that everything that stands in the way must be sacrificed—will be through choice, and must consequently be considered a pleasure, for the great gain in the end. See Phil. 3:8; 1 Peter 4:12–14.
4. Being angry.—This was not passion, but righteous indignation that men should slight so noble an offer. Quickly, for the supper was waiting, and there was need of haste. Streets and lanes.—The wider streets, and the narrow passages between buildings. Bring hither the poor, and the maimed. “The picture is one impossible for us to realize in our land. In the east, rich in beggars, opulent in misery, without poorhouses, or hospitals, or other organized means of caring for and lessening misery, and with laws and social organism multiplying it, such a throng as is here described may be often seen in the city streets or squares.”—Abbott. Inasmuch as these belonged to the city, and were within its walls or inclosure, “we must understand these poor and maimed to be the more ignorant and despised of the Jews, those whom the rulers, and Pharisees, and scribes looked down upon as the people, the common herd, who, knowing not the law, were cursed (John 7:49).”—Sadler.
5. Go out into the highways and hedges.—These were the various roads without the city. The parable indicated the turning from the Jews, who rejected the offers of salvation, to the gentiles, the great world at large. As in the parable, so will it be with all who reject the offer of salvation,—none shall taste of the supper. But God’s mercy is extended to all, and both Jew and gentile may secure the gift of eternal life through Christ. None are excluded who will accept the offer. Compel them to come.—This does not mean by force. Persuasion is the means to be used. Their condition here and possible condition hereafter through the love of God are to be so faithfully presented that their own convictions will compel or impel them to action. “For the love of Christ constraineth us,” that is, urges us forward with irresistible force. 2 Cor. 5:14. See also Phil. 3:13, 14. Love can do what physical force can not do.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD
ITS OFFICES AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE END OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA.
By Eld. J. H. Waggener.
THIS is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the Heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord. 144 pp. Price, 15 cents.
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FACTS FOR THE TIMES.
—Containing historical extract, tracts, candid admissions from authors, ancient and modern. A Book for the Times. Revised 1893. A compilation of facts that are astounding, by students of biblical and historical research. 340 pages, wine-colored cloth binding. Price, 75 cts., post paid. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, California. Kansas City, Mo.New York City, N. Y.
NEWS AND NOTES
FOREIGN.
—M. Raggoneau, a French scientist, has discovered a process by which a plant may be made to grow from the seed in thirty minutes as much as it would under ordinary circumstances in as many days. The solution which he uses in the soil is 5,000 parts of water to one of formic acid, so he says. The scientist says this is the secret of the Indian jugglers in their celebrated feat of causing the rapid growth of a plant.
—Cuban affairs remain practically in statu quo, altho the situation is slightly relieved by the news that in the battle of Candelaria, which the Spanish reported as a great victory for themselves, the Spaniards really suffered loss of 423 killed and wounded, besides losing several field guns and ammunition. The government in Madrid has called for 30,000 recruits to stand in readiness for active work, and has ordered 120,000 Mauser rifles from the factory.
—Advices from Nicaragua state that the revolution bids fair to continue several months. It is represented as being more serious than generally reported, and liable to draw in other Central American states. Corinto is reported to be in the hands of the rebels, and regular passenger steamers give the port a wide berth. On March 17 the government forces captured Matapa, the stronghold of the insurgents, after a severe fight, in which it is reported 1,000 men lost their lives.
—The barkentine Tropic Bird brings word from the island of Raiatea that serious trouble is threatened between the natives and the French. The natives are resisting the French protectorate, and have rallied 4,000 strong to resist the rule of the latter. They are partly armed with rifles. Thus far France has not used extreme measures in her advances; but the French authorities, who have present in the vicinity two war ships, are awaiting instructions from the home government as to the next step. France's history in similar situations leaves hardly any doubt as to the move that will be decided upon.
DOMESTIC.
—A powder mill at Rifton, N. Y., blew up on the 18th inst., killing five men. Four men were killed in a similar explosion in the same mill a year and a half ago.
—The Publishers' Weekly gives a total of 5,469 new books and new editions in the United States during 1895. The greatest gain over the output of the previous year was in works of fiction.
—It is announced that Cardinal Satolli will leave this country for Rome in May, probably not to return. The presence here of Archbishop Averardi suggests that functionary as his probable successor.
—Retailers and purchasers of lumber on the Pacific Coast are expecting to pay higher prices for that commodity in the future. This is due to the great combine of lumbermen of the coast, incorporated as the Central Lumber Company, which has already used its power to advance prices.
—An attempted train robbery near Tulare, this state, on the night of March 18, resulted in the killing of the chief bandit, who unexpectedly found officers instead of plunder. Two deputies were wounded in the encounter. Since the attempt, four men have been arrested as accessories.
—On March 10 the United States Treasury at Washington received a bill of exchange from London for $14,650, the same being a “conscience” contribution. It was sent through the vicar of the church of St. Giles, Cripple Gate, London, by some unknown party. This is the largest amount ever received by the treasury from troubled consciences.
—An immense rabbit drive, in which 8,000 people of Fresno County, Cal., were represented, took place in that county on March 21. It is estimated that 25,000 rabbits were destroyed. Farmers of that section are happy, as the rabbits are very destructive to vineyards and grain, it being estimated that three rabbits are equal to one sheep in point of consumption.
—The House of Representatives on March 20 passed a vote of censure on Ambassador Bayard, our representative to England. This action has been under way for some time, in fact, since August, 1895, and is induced by various remarks of Mr. Bayard at public gatherings in England. These remarks are construed as criticizing the independence of the American people, and of the party principle of protection. The English press thus far is inclined to look upon the view the House of Representatives takes of the matter as exaggerated, and suggests that Mr. Bayard will hardly resign at a time so near another presidential campaign, as the election of a new President will quite likely result in a change of foreign ministry. Mr. Bayard has doubtless been free in expressing his opinions, but it requires a very sensitive political nature to see in his conduct a transgression meriting such severe censure. It is beyond question that his diplomacy has succeeded in bringing about the present tranquil condition of Venezuelan affairs between the three countries that have been laboring over the boundary question.
—The New York Observer's Washington correspondent says that the Catholics of that city have bestirred themselves since the adverse treatment of the charity appropriations bill by Congress, and have organized a “Catholic Charity League” for the purpose of raising funds for their charitable work in the district. Money will be solicited also throughout the country, doubtless, to carry forward Catholic work among the Indians.
—The Legislature of Kentucky has been passing through a stormy session, characterized by free fights, attempts by partisans to keep by force members from the floor, and the calling on the state militia by the governor to preserve order in the Senate. It has been a bitter sixty days, and at the end the task of electing a United States senator is not completed, and necessary financial legislation has been neglected. Deliver us from politics.
—The Geographical Society of the Pacific has, at the request of the minister of Sweden and Norway at Washington, sent notice by a whaler to the natives of Northern Alaska, British Columbia, and Siberia of the proposed balloon voyage by Professor Andree, and asking them to be on the lookout when the gentleman lands. Professor Andree is now making preparations in Paris, and expects to start on his trip in search of the North Pole in July. He will leave land at Spitzbergen.
—Representative Boatner, of Louisiana, has been unseated, altho the face returns of his election showed a majority of nearly 10,000 votes over his opponent, who takes his place. Of course frauds in the election are alleged. Mr. Boatner was a member of the House Committee on Pacific Railroads, and the only member who has shown opposition to the funding bill. Whether this has had any influence upon his unseating is not known, tho it is hinted at quite strongly in some quarters.
—A strike involving some fourteen hundred painters is on in San Francisco. The union demands $3.00 a day for eight hours' work. The trouble threatens to involve the Building Trades Union, and if a general strike is ordered, 7,000 men will be out of employment. Threats against non-union men have already resulted in violence offered to one lather, who has died from the injuries received. Seven of his assailants, who were arrested on charge of battery, are now in jail to stand trial for murder. This is the legitimate outcome of the strike principle.
—The trial of Rev. Dr. C. O. Brown, pastor of the First Congregational Church of San Francisco, for various acts of indiscretion leading to his paying money levied by blackmail, has been concluded. The church council by whom he was tried acquits him of the more serious charges, but censures him for discourteous treatment of a member of his church, and, altho there is lack of positive proof that he was guilty of the other charges, yet the council confesses its inability to understand his motive in paying the money. The pastor says this was done to secure evidence against the blackmailers, claims the council has ignored his testimony to that effect, and consequently he refuses to accept its verdict. So far as trials are concerned, they are at an end, but there still exists a strong feeling for and against the pastor, which may yet result in a division of the church. All of which, of course, is deplorable in any professed church of Christ.
—Recently Baron Garofalo, an Italian professor, stated that Italy unfortunately showed a larger murder record than any other civilized country. In 1895 there were 4,000 murders, or 1 about every two hours. The ratio in France is one-tenth that of Italy, and Denmark one-thirty-fifth. He attributes the good showing of Great Britain and the United States to the growth of religious instruction. But evidently the baron is not so familiar with foreign statistics as he might be, for in 1895 there were in this country 10,500 murders, or 1 every 50 minutes. If there are 4,000 murders in Italy, the proportion was about 1 to every 7,500 inhabitants, while in the United States the proportion was about 1 to every 6,600 inhabitants. Unfortunately, the United States takes the lead. The Examiner (San Francisco), which calls attention to the foregoing, adds the information that we have about eighty murders to every legal execution. Without doubt there is a great fault in the court methods to account for a large share of this shameful record. A very recent case is cited where a murderer pleaded guilty, and the plea “was agreed to” by his counsel. At this point a lawyer interfered, objecting on the ground that the prisoner might wish under some possible circumstances that he had plead differently. The objection was sustained, and a plea of “not guilty” entered. Thus a great expense will be incurred by the state or municipality in proving guilty a self-confessed murderer and one who gloried in his crime, with a very plausible chance that the case may be continued for this or that reason until justice at length be defeated. There is something radically wrong somewhere. The prophet Isaiah tells what it is: “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity can not enter.” Isa. 59:14.
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THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD.
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The Testimony of History to the Truth of Scripture.
By Rev. George Rawlinson, M.A., author of “Seven Great Monarchies.” This is a pamphlet of 240 pages, takes up the most recent archaeological discoveries, and shows how thoroughly they agree with the Bible record. “The religion of the Bible, unlike almost all other religions, has its roots in the region of facts,” are his opening words in this valuable work, and the whole book is just as forcible and to the point as this opening sentence. We say again, it is a valuable aid to those who wish to briefly study the subject. Price, paper covers, 35 cents.
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TEACHING TRUTH
By Mary Wood Allen
By Mary Wood Allen, M. D.
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A little brochure brimful of helpful suggestions to parents who wish to teach their children the truth in regard to the mystery of life.
Revised by the late J. H. Waggoner. In two parts. Part Two considers some hints on the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan, as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students’ Library No. 83. 140 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents.
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