p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 2. (1/11/1905)

Earlier text: A FEEDER OF THE GAMBLING HOUSE

LESSON 4.—JANUARY 22.—THE FIRST MIRACLE IN CANA.

Lesson Scripture, John 2:1-11, A. R. V.

(1) “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (2) And Jesus also was bidden, and His disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine. (4) And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (6) Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews’ manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it. (9) And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants that had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse; thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of His signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed on Him.”

Golden Text.—“Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” Verse 5.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What is said to have taken place in Cana? Verse 1. Note 1. Who is specially mentioned as being there? Same verse. (2) Who else were among the guests? Verse 2. Note 2. (3) What is said of the wine supply? Then what did Jesus’ mother say to Him? Verse 3. Note 3. (4) What reply did Jesus make? Verse 4. Note 4. (5) What did His mother then say to the servants? Verse 5. Note 5. (6) What kind of vessels were standing by the house? How much would they contain? Verse 6. (7) What command did Jesus give to the servants? How faithfully did they obey? Verse 7. (8) Then what further command did He give? Verse 8. (9) What did the ruler of the feast first do? Did he know whence it came? Who did know? Whom did the ruler call? Verse 9. (10) What did the ruler say to the bridegroom? Verse 10. Note 6. (11) What was specially manifested in this first of Jesus’ miracles? Who is said to have believed on Him? Verse 11. Note 7.

NOTES.

1. “The third day” from the time that Jesus left the region of the Jordan where John was preaching, to go into Galilee. Cana was some seven or eight miles northeast of Nazareth.

2. At this time Jesus had five, and probably six, disciples—Andrew, Peter, John, Philip, Nathanael, and possibly James. As Nathanael’s home was at Cana (John 21:2), Jesus and the other disciples may have stopped at his house.

3. The failure of the supply of wine would be a most embarrassing thing for the host and members of the family, as would be the failure of any other requisite on such an occasion; and the mother of Jesus, who was evidently a near relative or special friend, felt also their chagrin. The calling of Jesus and his disciples, especially the latter, was no doubt a very late decision, and was not contemplated when the supplies for the feast were provided. This fact would add to the embarrassment of the mother of Jesus. Her remark to him seems to have been in the nature of an appeal for some suggestion in the matter that would relieve the situation.

4. “What have I to do with thee?” The earthly relation of Christ to His mother was ended. He who had been her submissive son was now her divine Lord. Her only hope, in common with the rest of mankind, was to believe Him to be the Redeemer of the world, and yield Him implicit obedience. The fearful delusion of the Roman Church exalts the mother of Christ equal with the Son of the infinite God; but He, the Saviour, places the matter in a vastly different light, and in a pointed manner indicates that the tie of relationship between them in no way raises her to His level or insures her future. Human sympathies must no longer affect the One whose mission is to the world.—Great Controversy, Vol. 2.

5. The mother’s reply indicates that she meekly submitted to His will, and trusted that whatever He would do would be for the best. Indeed, it would seem that this manifestation of faith was instrumental in calling forth the miracle that followed.

6. “This donation of Christ to the marriage supper was a symbol of the means of salvation. The water represented baptism into His death, the wine, the shedding of His blood for the purifying of the sins of the world. The provision made for the wedding guests was ample, and not less abundant is the provision for blotting out the iniquities of men. Jesus had just come from His long fast in the wilderness, where He had suffered in order to break the power of appetite over man, which, among other evils, had led to the free use of intoxicating liquors. Christ did not provide for the wedding guests wine that from fermentation or adulteration was of an intoxicating character, but that which had all the qualities of the pure juice of the grape, clarified and refined. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.”

7. “His disciples believed on Him.” Their former belief was confirmed, and their faith greatly strengthened. This miracle was a revelation of His divine power, of His spiritual nature hidden by the flesh. It was a deed worthy of the expected Messiah. With all His power and holiness, nothing in human affairs was too trivial for His attention. He taught that holy men are not to shun the scenes of social life on account of the temptations they may meet. As Dr. Deems says, “that would be the laziness which refuses the bounty to save the labor of seeking the grace.” Jesus always made the social life minister to the spiritual as a means of uplifting men.

WANTED FOR MISSIONARY WORK.

(Always prepay postage.)

Old or new copies of the SIGNS, Review, Watchman, and health literature. Address, Varvara Dietrichs, 715 Schofield Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

SIGNS (late copies) and our denominational tracts. Address, E. J. Harvey, 14 Pine Street, Santa Cruz, Cal.

OLIVOILINE

Is the Hygienic Cooking Oil of To-day A Pure Vegetable Shortening. No Animal Fat. No Taste and No Chemicals.

Like Olive Oil, and Keeps in Any Climate Price, F. O. B., Cash with order

5 gal. can, $3.50; 10 gal. can (75 lbs.), $6.75. Write for circulars on Bbl. and ½-Bbl. lots.

(Refined Cotton Seed Oil, 10 Gallons, $5.50) Address O. C. GODSMARK

2005 Magazine St. LOUISVILLE, KY

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

The Sabbath-school lessons have been discontinued. The Lesson Quarterly may be obtained, containing three months' lessons and notes, for five cents. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. The Sunday-school lessons will continue.

HOW “OUR LITTLE FRIEND” IS APPRECIATED.

By F. C. Bush

Pineville, Mo., Dec. 23, 1904.

TO THE LITTLE FRIEND:

DEAR FRIEND: You ask, “Do we like the stories of plants, trees, and animals found in our dear Little Friend?” “Like” does not in the least express opinion, but hope the postal order enclosed will faintly.

Trusting this will reach in time so we shall not miss one of your visits, we remain,

Lovingly in the work, F. C. Bush and family.

TOURIST CARS EAST VIA S. P. LINES

By G. T. Forsyth

Personally Conducted Quickest Time Cheapest Rates

Your choice of a dozen routes

Through cars to—


Portland	Los Angeles	Salt Lake City
Omaha	Denver	Kansas City
St. Paul	Minneapolis	Chicago
St. Louis	Louisville	Cincinnati
Memphis	El Paso	San Antonio
Houston	New Orleans	Montgomery
Atlanta	Washington, D. C.

Remember these cars run through to above named cities without a change from Oakland or San Francisco. Our fast limited trains in connection with the above mentioned service.

G. T. FORSYTH Div. Pass. Agent 12 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, Cal. PHONE MAIN 543

THE HOME

“IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE HE SHALL HIDE ME.” (Ps. 27: 5.)

Lay not, my soul, thy grief too much to heart; When God doth empty thee, He doth impart Himself, in place of earthly joys removed, When He thy love and trust in Him hath proved, Lie still, my soul, nor dare to think Him hard, Lest thou, by murmuring, His work retard.

Think'st thou thy God can ever make mistake? Or cause thee needless sorrow to partake? Is this thy Father's love which once did give His Son to die that thou in Him might'st live? In this, and all His dealings of to-day, He only seeks to burn thy dross away.

Return, my soul, “return unto thy rest,” And trust thy God to order what is best; To His kind arms thy welcome is most sure, His heart of love hath solace firm and pure; Therein, e'en now, thy faith can surely read In “paths of righteousness” thy God doth lead.

And when thou knowest as thou here art known, In deep humility thou then shalt own That what in time was grievous unto thee Exceeding gain hath wrought eternally. Then rest thee in thy Father's choice to-day, To guide thy steps in His appointed way.

—Selected.

TRUE HOSPITALITY.

By Mrs. E. M. Patton

BY MRS. E. M. PATTON.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

THIS text is often used as conclusive evidence that among the various duties and privileges of hospitality, one should also feed the tramps that call at our doors. Some feel also that they are not rendering truest Christian service unless such tramps are invited in, and a meal prepared for them as one would wait upon a dear friend. There is a great difference of opinion in regard to this, and with good reason.

Let us study for a few moments the above text, and see if we can determine who are some of the strangers referred to by the scripture, and whether the class we commonly understand as tramps should be included in the list. It is well understood that the text refers to Abraham and his cordial entertainment of the three who he at first supposed were but tired wayfarers. In Romans 12, Paul mentions among other exhortations the virtue of “distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” In 1 Peter 4:9 we are exhorted to use hospitality “one to another without grudging.” Now read 2 Thess. 3:10, 12, where Paul again says: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”

While we are not to count those who will not work as enemies, and are further told to admonish them as brothers, the fact still remains that we are to “note that man, and have no company with him.” This certainly strikes hard at much of the sentimentality existing at the present day over these so-called “poor unfortunates.” They should not be so classed, for the tramp, as such, does not belong among the army of “truly unfortunate.” Instead, Paul calls them disorderly.

I know what it means to feel tenderly toward this class, and think, “What if one of my brothers should be in such a condition somewhere,” with the result that I sometimes had several such callers in a week. Often the request would come for a cup of hot coffee or tea, and as I could not furnish either one, the shirtless fellow would shuffle away, not hungry enough to eat the best I had been able to offer him, without specially cooking a meal.

Some Striking Examples.

At one time in a large city a gang of these idle fellows located themselves on the outskirts, and systematically “worked” the city for several days, before they were discovered and driven out by the police. The members of the gang scattered themselves regularly, changing districts each time they went out, and deliberately begged for food, one for bread, another for potatoes or eggs, while others accepted whatever might be handed out to them. Each brought in his contribution, and it requires little stretch of the imagination to understand that they did not have to go hungry, at least. This is not a fancy sketch. My share of the contribution at this time was given through fear, as the evil-looking fellow coolly looked past me into the room where I was alone with my baby, and asked, “Will ye give me a raw egg, mum?” The pockets of his long, ragged overcoat were already sagging with the weight of what must have been raw eggs, judging by the care with which he went down the back steps and out into the street.

In the country not very long ago, two rough-looking fellows pushed themselves past a young girl who opened the door in response to their knocking, and, seating themselves at a table, demanded something to eat. They evidently supposed that only the women folks were around at that time of day, for, as an older sister, in obedience to a sign from the invalid mother, set upon the table such food as they had, the two began to grumble, and one pushed his plate away from him, declaring with an exclamation that he would not eat such stuff. At that instant the farmer himself appeared in the doorway, when the astonished tramps jumped from the table and fled precipitately.

In the city these callers usually knock at the kitchen door a little after seven in the morning and between one and two in the afternoon, at which time it is generally supposed that in the majority of homes the men folks will have gone away to work. However, this was in my favor, for my husband was usually home at this time. We had a wood pile, and if the tramp was willing to split wood for a reasonable length of time, while I prepared something for him to eat, he was given a generous meal. Strange to say, our house soon became slighted entirely.

These are not isolated cases. Many such might be given. But truly this does not seem necessary in the light of all that is continually published upon this subject by reputable journals and magazines, not for sensational reading, but that the public may be enlightened. I wish it were possible for every one who is perplexed upon this subject to read some of the articles to which I have referred. For example, in the December Everybody’s is an article entitled “Six Weeks in Beggardom—An Attempt to Solve the Question, Shall We Give to Beggars?” A little note by the editor says:

Many respond to the appeal of every beggar, lest some worthy applicant be overlooked. Many respond to no appeal, lest an unworthy custom be encouraged. Some try to discriminate. Some act on impulse. What is the right thing to do?

This article takes up the three classes, those who belong to the great army of “truly unfortunate;” those who are reduced to the lowest depths because of drink; and those who deliberately choose such a life as a profession, and who scorn anything more decent. The author says:

By putting the hints I received to the test, I have found that it is indeed possible for any man to live a long time in the city of New York without work, and without asking aid of a passer-by. I have found that with a floating and permanent population of many thousands of homeless men, women, and children, there is organized provision for the whole number, and to spare. That, on the other hand, the wayside charity of the general public is dispensed in such tremendous volume as not only to hamper the work of the bureaus, but to encourage the pursuit of begging as a deliberate business; that this in its turn has led to the creation of veritable communities of beggars. These have reduced the business of begging to a science. They never trouble the charity bureaus or the churches. They pursue their calling as much for the fascination that invests it, as for the large monetary returns involved. Consequently they are separate and distinct from the large army of unfortunates who, in genuine hard luck, infest the cheap lodging-houses.

To obtain this information I have slept out weary nights in parks; walked the streets with the unfortunates; lodged in back rooms where the idea of cleanliness was a dream of heaven to come; slept the sleep of uneasiness in cheap bunk-houses; stood in the long, shivering line without the city lodging-house, waiting for the bread and coffee, the bath and bed, that may be had for the asking if you do not ask too often; and stayed in missions where life is easy if only you will submit to fumigation, a dip in a tub, and a prescribed quantity of moral precept.

I wish it were possible to quote even more extensively. But it is doubtful if there is a city of any size or any well-organized community that does not make some provision for the truly unfortunate. In our own city the past summer and fall we were so overrun with tramps that while food and lodging for the night was given those who asked, it was decided that it should no longer be given free, but that work should be furnished, and in fact obliged of those who accepted the hospitality of the city. Almost immediately there was a decrease in the application for free lodgings and food, and a great number of the tramps moved onward. A notice was put in all the papers, asking the people not to feed the tramps, but to refer them to the proper authorities, where food and shelter would be given all who wished to work. “Right here,” wrote a prominent editor, “is where so many tender-hearted women frustrate the efforts of the proper authorities to do anything effectual toward stamping out this evil.”

Nice Discrimination Needed.

Where no such provision is made, as might

be the case in the country, it certainly will require a nice discrimination to sift the truly needy from those who are unworthy, unless one always keeps in mind the apostle’s advice, and if work has not been asked for, suggest it. There are always many odd chores about a farm, and if any will not work, neither let him eat.

I would not give the impression that I consider tramps so unworthy that they are beyond Christian help. They are souls for whom Christ died—prodigal sons. But when did the prodigal come to his right mind? Would he have decided to arise and go to his father if the people of that country had supplied him with food and money? When Paul tells us to “note that man, and have no company with him,” it is “that he may be ashamed.” Instead of helping him to come into the possession of a right mind, we are but encouraging him in an idle, profligate life,—the service of him who will inevitably bring him to ruin at last.

And now just a few thoughts more as to who may be the strangers referred to in our text. How many would be as willing to receive into their homes for a meal, or a night, or a month, one of the poor, unfortunate sisters, who because of sin has become a stranger? How many sisters would be as willing, and count it a noble thing, to allow her little ones to crowd around and fondle such an one? Is there any difference in the value of this soul and the other?

I have known those who regularly kept an account of the meals prepared and given to tramps, who would never think of preparing some dainty dish, or even a whole appetizing meal, to be carried to some poor stranger in their vicinity, or even in the church, simply because they were strangers, and it was not known whether they were worthy or not. Job says, “The cause which I knew; not I searched out,” while Paul recommends that we “do good unto all men,” but “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

One time, not many years ago, I crossed from Oakland to San Francisco one Sabbath morning to attend a special meeting. My little boy of three was with me, but I prepared no special lunch to take with us, for I expected to get home in time for our dinner. And, shall I tell it? deep in my heart was the thought that perhaps some sister might invite me home with her for a little rest. The service lasted much longer than usual, and as we were going out I realized that I was very weary, and that the brave little fellow trudging along by my side must also be tired and hungry. I stood at one side of the entrance and eagerly scanned the faces of those who passed. Not a few I knew by sight, and each recognized me with a pleasant little nod, while one shook hands with me. But I received no invitation.

I returned home thoroughly weary, and just a little heartsick, too. While I could lay no possible claim to being an angel, I was sure that I knew how it felt to be a stranger. It was a lesson for me as I realized that this was some of the fruit of my own sowing. I could then recall many times I had seen the same eager, wistful look on the faces of those who were truly strangers in my own home church, brothers and sisters who were only stopping over the Sabbath, and in a hotel, but whom I also had passed by because I was not acquainted with them; or, worse yet, dreaded the possible bother it might mean should I speak to them, and invite them into my home for a few hours.

Again, have you ever visited a large church on communion day, and been entirely ignored in that humble entertainment of feet-washing because you were a stranger? I have, more times than one; and because of such lack of cordiality I suffered much, until I ceased to regard myself as a stranger in my Father’s house, and sought out another who appeared to be as lonely as I had sometimes felt, and waited upon her with the same tenderness that I would manifest toward a dearly-loved friend. Then has God’s peace come into my heart, and into the heart of the sister, and the rich blessing of Him who was once a stranger upon earth has filled us both with rejoicing.

Help the work for the blind by selling

Our New Mottoes.

Eight different designs. New in the United States. E. W. Hampton has sold 4,800 in the vicinity of Lincoln during the summer. It paid him; it will pay you.

These are pictures that speak. We are publishing literature for the blind, and the proceeds from the sale of these mottoes is used for carrying forward this work.

BUY YOUR MOTTOES OF US

Five doz. or more sent flat, express prepaid. Less than five doz. sent by mail, post-paid, rolled. Sample of any 35c motto 15c, post-paid.

WRITE TO-DAY

L. N. Muck, Office of Christian Record, College View, Neb.

THE NORTH-WESTERN LINE RUSSIA-JAPAN ATLAS.

Send ten cents in stamps to R. R. Ritchie, No. 617 Market Street, San Francisco, for Russo-Japanese War Atlas, issued by the Chicago & North-Western Railway, three fine colored maps each 14x20, bound in convenient form for reference. The Eastern Situation shown in detail with tables showing relative military and naval strength and financial resources of Russia and Japan.

BIG MAGIC LANTERN FREE!!

WANTED

By G. F. Rusch

Two good coat-makers and vest-makers. Must be Adventists.

G. F. Rusch 204 Fourth St., Portland, Ore.

AGENTS WANTED

For Wall Mottoes New Imported Styles Finest in the World. YOU CAN EARN $4.00 Per Day Selling These Mottoes.

35c sample and agent's terms for 15cts. Write at once to MRS. O. E. CUMMINGS, Box 114, College View, Nebraska

“LIFE AND HEALTH.”

“LIFE AND HEALTH” is the name given to the Pacific Health Journal when it was transferred, last July, from the Pacific Coast to the Review and Herald, Washington, D. C. In its neat new dress, with its message of the A B C principles of life and health, it is rapidly becoming more popular with the masses, as is demonstrated by the following report of one who is working with it:

“I received the sixty copies of “Life and Health” day before yesterday, and sold them all except two the next day. Could easily have sold many more but I was feeling badly and could not work longer as my health is poor.”

Many others are doing fully as well as the one giving the above report. It might be well for some of our readers to send for sample copies of this excellent health journal and place it in circulation in their community.

STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING.

By William T. Knox; E. A. Chapman

In harmony with the action taken by the stockholders at the last annual meeting, the main office and plant of the Pacific Press Publishing Company have been moved from Oakland to Mountain View, Cal., and the time of the annual meeting changed from the fourth Monday in April to the fourth Monday in January.

In harmony with this action the annual meeting of the Stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company will be held at the new office of the Company at Mountain View, Cal., Monday, January 23, at 10:00 o’clock A. M.

This meeting is called for the purpose of electing a Board of seven Directors and transacting such other business as may properly and legally come before the meeting.

By order of the Directors,

W. T. Knox, President.

E. A. Chapman, Secretary.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.

By William T. Knox; E. A. Chapman

The first annual meeting of the members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association will be held at the office of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, in Mountain View, California, Monday, January 23, 1905, at 11:00 o'clock A. M.

This meeting is called for the purpose of electing a Board of seven Directors and transacting such other business as may properly and legally come before the meeting.

By order of the Directors. W. T. Knox, President. E. A. Chapman, Secretary.

SPECIAL TERMS.

1. One new yearly subscription and one renewal, or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $2.50.

2. Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $3.25.

3. Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $4.00.

Sample copies sent on application.

RELIGIOUS LEGISLATION RIFE

Abounding Iniquity.— With the awful revelations of the last year relative to the corruption and crime in politics, in municipal, state, and national governments, and in high commercial and financial circles, made by Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell, Thomas Lawson, and others, it would seem that the most optimistic would lose faith in the unscriptural theory of a converted world. Jesus said that just previous to His coming, iniquity—lawlessness—would abound, and because of this the love of many would wax cold. Matt. 24:12-14. Behold the fulfilment of His words. The apostle Paul declares: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Tim. 3:1, 5. The reason of this is abounding iniquity, not in the heathen world, but among those who have a form of godliness, but deny its power. He mentions eighteen different classes of sinners, among which are lovers of self, lovers of money, and truce-breakers. And these are specially manifest in the present overwhelming revelations of lawlessness. We are living in the last days. What will be the outcome of Mr. Lawson’s revelations in frenzied finance? This is a question which many are asking. The articles are striking, stirring. They have mightily aroused the great financiers. They will make many investors more careful. They will furnish topics of conversation for those who like such things, and place a large amount of political capital in the hands of Socialists, and kindred spirits. They will probably also foment to some extent class hatred, and that’s about all. “But will they not reform?”—Not at all. There is in them no element of reform. Reform must be based in deep-seated moral conviction. Heart and conscience must be touched. But this is the result of the Spirit of God bringing home to the heart the transgression of God’s law, the heinousness of sin. And then reform will not take place unless the regenerating power of the Gospel is applied to life and character. Mr. Lawson and others may reveal the awful disease; God only can cure.

RELIGIOUS LEGISLATION RIFE.

If any of our readers think that religious legislation is a thing of the past in this country, or that there is no disposition to enforce religious laws, let them read Mr. Bradley’s notes in our Outlook department. Mr. Bradley has for years been studying the question; he is a keen observer, and writes from the view-point of an American citizen. The present article presents only a few of such items. There are many more to follow. Where the thing will end the prophecies of the Revelation clearly tell us, and in the very nature of the case, as attested by past history, catastrophe is sure to follow. The demand for religious legislation always reveals a weakened church, fast losing its hold of the power of God, and the yielding to that demand on the part of the State reveals a weakened government. The end is destruction to both.

CHURCH DOMINION.

“Christ is the head of the church,” and “the church is subject unto Christ.” Eph. 5:23, 24. Not only is Christ the head of the church, as “the body of Christ,” but He is the “head of every man.” 1 Cor. 11:3. It is claimed by the Church of Rome that Peter was the delegated head of the church after the ascension of Christ, and that the pope as successor of Peter is the vicegerent of Christ, and therefore the visible head, having spiritual dominion over the body. Hence, as head of the church, he assumes to be director of the faith. The only man mentioned in the Scriptures as having a general oversight is not Peter, but Paul. In referring to the persecutions and trials through which he had passed, he says, “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” 2 Cor. 11:28. But this “care” is not one of dominion or authority, it is an obligation. “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Rom. 1:14. “For tho I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:16. Altho God had anointed him, yet he says to the church at Corinth, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand.” 2 Cor. 1:24.

At the very time Paul was having this “care of all the churches,” tho disclaiming any dominion over their faith, he gives this record of his manner of labor at Ephesus: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:18-21.

Nor did he claim a very large income for his services, or allowance for the helpers which his great charge necessitated. Altho he was entitled to temporal support from those to whom he ministered in spiritual things, yet he gives this testimony as to his self-denial in respect to his maintenance: “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Verses 33-35.

This is the only true principle upon which any one can have a proper oversight of churches. Jesus said to His disciples: “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:25-28.

A deadly business was recently exposed in the East. It was the manufacture of “life preservers” so constructed that they really endangered the lives of those who should be compelled to use them. The law requires a certain weight of cork to each preserver. A lot of “preservers” were found under weight. The attention of the manufacturers was called to the deficiency, and the “preservers” were “rectified” by putting a piece of iron in each to bring it up to the required weight. The country was shocked at the discovery. Now a similar discovery has been made at Victoria, B. C. The weighted “life preserver” was taken from a local steamer. These incidents show the fearful lack of consideration for life which characterizes this generation when human life is weighed against money. The manufacturers of these dangerous “life preservers” know full well that they are jeopardizing the lives of men and women when they deliberately place sinkers in life buoys; but the few cents they save on each buoy by putting in iron instead of cork looks bigger to them than any consideration for the lives or happiness of others. It is not that they refuse to sacrifice for the good of others; but they refuse to give what they are paid for giving. Heaping together treasure is the divinely-foretold characteristic of the age in which we live; but that condition is being brought about with a heartlessness that is hard for a Christian to understand. The vender of such articles holds the lives and the family ties of individuals in his hands, and coolly barters them for gold. The worship of a golden calf would hardly be indulged in now; but the worship of the gold itself is obscuring every consideration of right or justice in the hearts of multitudes to-day, and the world is rapidly ripening for its harvest.

Theory can save no one. But the acceptance of a theory out of harmony with the truth of God has often erected a barrier in the soul against the very Gospel of God. Thus has many a soul been led blindfolded to its own eternal ruin. “Evolution” is a theory—a theory which is out of harmony with the truths of the Bible, and which, if accepted, is calculated to lead directly away from the Word, away from God, away from salvation through Christ. There is no work which shows the fallacies and inconsistencies of the evolution theory and Darwinism better than the book entitled, “Modern Science and Modern Christianity,” by Geo. E. McCready Price. A study of its contents may help you to save some soul from becoming hopelessly entangled in the snares of that theory. It is a good book to loan to those who have already accepted the theory, and so are already on the borderland of doubt. Price, 75 cents. Order of this office.

An important discovery in the realm of wireless telegraphy has been made by Major George O. Squier of the United States Signal Corps. He has found that every living tree will act as a vertical antenna for both sending and receiving wireless messages; also that the ground surrounding each tree may be used for the receipt of such messages. Living trees and the leaves of trees and plants are found to be very sensitive to electric waves. A living tree may also be used to complete the circuit of an ordinary telephone system.