A Compendium of Forms, Instructions and Legal Information for Secretaries of Corporations, with Extracts from, and References to, the Judicial Decisions of the Courts of Last Resort of the Various States and of the United States, as to the Rights, Duties and Liabilities of Stockholders, Directors, Officers, Agents, etc.; by Whom and in What Manner Corporate Contracts can be Legally Made and Executed, How Ratification is Effected and Consent of Stockholders Secured. Nature of Liability of Stockholders, etc.
There are many points of law which are neccessary to be known in order to avoid uncertain results, but the Law of private corporations is ordinarily widely diffused through, and only accessible in, expensive law books. To concisely present so much of corporation law as every stockholder, director and officer should be familiar with, has been the aim of the author in issuing the second edition of The Secretary's Manual. Wherever neccessary to amplify or illustrate the text, apt and authoritative quotations have been made from the judicial decisions from the Courts of last resort.
How many persons, for instance, connected with corporations, can define the precise meaning of the term, "Organization," as applied to corporations, know what constitutes the charter of the corporation, are aware under what circumstances a director is entitled to compensation for ordinary services, and whether or not he can vote on the question of giving himself a salary?
There is need for such a book; hundreds of corporations are formed every week in the United States, and a work of this kind is now needed to qualify directors and officers as to their duties, and enable them to discharge such duties with celerity and certainty. The numerous forms given will save the time of the experienced.
The secretary who is desirous of recording the proceedings of the stockholders and board of directors in "good form" will find the purchase of this book an investment which will soon be many times repaid.
THE "MANUAL" IS NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH,
Price, . . . . $1 50
Address PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO.,
OAKLAND, CAL.
Or 43 BOND STREET, NEW YORK.
Steps to Christ.
By Editor
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
We have much pleasure in announcing an important and exceedingly helpful work, under the title of STEPS TO CHRIST, by Mrs. E. G. White. The rare ability of the author in the presentation of Scripture truth has never been used to better advantage than in this little work. STEPS TO CHRIST is not alone suitable as a guide to the inquirer and young convert, but is rich in thought and suggestion for the most mature Christian. Some idea of its scope and practical character may be gathered from the following table of contents.
ADDRESS, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal. OR 43 Bond St., NEW YORK.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I. The Sinner's Need of Christ.
II. Repentance.
III. Confession.
IV. Consecration.
V. Faith and Acceptance.
VI. The Test of Discipleship.
VII. Growing up into Christ.
VIII. The Work and the Life.
IX. Knowledge of God.
X. The Privilege of Prayer.
XI. What to do with Doubt.
XII. Rejoicing in the Lord.
STEPS TO CHRIST is issued in a rich, though neat, cloth binding, gold and ink dies, at 75 cents per copy. Sent by mail, post free, on receipt of price.
FIELD NOTES.
By Editor
ELDER H. J. FARMAN reports three additions to the church at Slocumville, R. I.
ELDER J. W. BAGBY reports to the Reaper the organization of a church of nineteen members at Wallowa, Oregon.
Four persons were baptized in Washington, D. C., November 25. Elder S. J. Hersum reports a good attendance at the meetings.
IN connection with meetings held in Star of the West, Ark., by Elder W. F. Martin, six were baptized and one signed the covenant.
THE latest report from the academy at Graysville, Tenn., is that there are seventy-five students enrolled, with a good prospect of more.
THE Review has information from Albuna, Ontario, that the cases of the brethren under arrest there for laboring on Sunday (mentioned in our last week's issue) were all dismissed.
REMEMBER the special prayer season to be observed by appointment from the 23d to the 31st inst., and expect an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
AT the recent State meeting held at Nevada, Iowa, Brother H. V. Adams was ordained to the gospel ministry. Elder A. T. Jones delivered the charge, and Elder E. G. Olsen offered the prayer.
BROTHER C. A. WATKINS, who has been holding meetings at Dayton, Va., so far secured the interest of the pastor and elder of the Christian denomination that by invitation he occupies their church instead of the public hall which he had been using.
ON the 29th ult. Elder W. G. Kneeland and wife left Battle Creek, Mich., for their new field of labor in British Guiana, South America. Brother Kneeland was ordained to the gospel ministry the day previous, the officiating ministers being Elders J. H. Durland, I. D. Van Horn, and W. W. Prescott.
ELDER R. M. KILGORE, superintendent of General Conference District No. 2 (the Southern States), has been making an extended tour. He speaks encouragingly of the footholds being established in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee, and is especially anxious to secure laborers to work exclusively among the colored people.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, superintendent of General Conference District No. 3, gives good reports of both the Illinois and Indiana State institutes, held in November, the former at Springfield and the latter at Indianapolis. At the latter it was decided that ministers should go out in companies and hold institutes with the churches.
A CARD from Elder W. S. Cruzan states that he was holding meetings in a schoolhouse near Rolyat, Bowie County, Texas, with a good interest. He says many are attending who never attended religious meetings before. He also reports many cases of deep interest. Brother W. W. Storer is engaged in colporter work in connection with the meetings.
ELDER A. J. HAYSMER and wife, who went to Jamaica Island last May, seem to be finding plenty to do, and have been well received at various points, notably by a Wesleyan minister and a Baptist minister. Brother Haysmer says, "We need families from the States to settle in places where there is an interest." He says it is a beautiful country, and those of our brethren who have the ability would be greatly blessed in helping out in this destitute field.
THE South African Conference was held in Cape Town during the last week of October. Elder O. A. Olsen, of the General Conference Committee, was present. Elder A. T. Robinson was reëlected President; Elder E. B. Miller, Vice President; Elder I. J. Hankins, Secretary, and Mrs. N. H. Druillard, Treasurer. Initiatory steps were taken in the matter of establishing a sanitarium, and a committee was appointed to select and secure a site. It was also resolved to encourage and coöperate with efforts of the General Conference to establish a mission in Mashonaland.
SOME of the inconsistencies of Sunday-law persecutions were illustrated in the recent trial of Elder McCutcheon and Professor Keck, at Gainesville, Ga. Their offense was arranging seats in a building to be used for school purposes; the charge was "disorderly conduct." The complaining witness lived half a mile away, and could neither see nor hear the work done, yet on being told that the men were at work, he was greatly "disturbed conscientiously." But when Elder McCutcheon stated in his defense that he kept the fourth commandment as a matter of conscience, he was blandly informed that "conscience is not in it at all."
THERE are now over forty adherents of the Seventh-day Adventist faith in St. Johns, N. B., and the Catholic Mirror articles on "The Christian Sabbath" which have been issued in so many different forms, are stirring up the people. So says Elder F. I. Richardson. Our issue of these articles retains the original title, "The Christian Sabbath," and may be had of the Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.; 43 Bond Street, New York City; or 18 W. Fifth Street, Kansas City, Mo.
A PECULIAR circumstance is related in the Union Record by Elder E. E. Franke, now laboring at Jersey City, N. J. A young Scotchman had a dream, in which he saw a city street and meeting place. Soon afterward he came to America, and to Jersey City, where he incidentally came to our meeting house, and recognized the place which he had seen in his dream. He has accepted the doctrines of our faith, and desires to return to his native land to disseminate the truth there.
JOY IN HEAVEN.
By D. E. W.
BY D. E. W.
["Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth."
Luke 15 : 7.]
JESUS, the Shepherd, his Spirit sends
To seek for the lost and weary one;
From the lurking foe he the weak defends,
And tenderly bears the wand'ner home.
Angels do list for the Shepherd's voice;
'Tis sweeter far than silvery bells:
"I have found my sheep, rejoice, rejoice!
Though long I have sought o'er rocks and dells."
IMPROVING TALENTS.
Two MEN start out to labor in the cause of God. One has had every advantage of education. His mind is cultivated, his powers are developed, and he is prepared to become an efficient worker. But we look in vain to see the good results of all the advantages he has enjoyed. Instead of increasing his usefulness, his education fosters a feeling of power and self-importance; he esteems himself above his less fortunate brethren. He does not continue to store his mind with useful knowledge, to fit himself for greater responsibilities. While he boasts of learning, he does not labor to the utmost of his ability, with an eye single to the glory of God. The other has good natural abilities, but a limited education. He is a constant learner in the school of Christ. The love of Jesus is in his heart, and he walks humbly with God. He is unselfish in thought and purpose, and tries to do all the good he can. As he uses the ability he has, his mind expands. The Psalmist said, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
The educated man may exalt himself over his unlearned brother, but he is like the man in the parable who hid his talent in the earth. He has shunned the trouble and exertion necessary to trade with his intrusted talent, that he may be able to return it with increase, and he will be condemned as a slothful servant, and dismissed from the presence of his Lord. But the one who is faithful in the improvement of his talents will return both principal and interest, and will hear the, "Well done, good and faithful servant." The man who blesses society and makes a success of life is the one, whether educated or uneducated, who uses all his powers in the service of God and his fellow-men.—Gospel Workers.
PERIODICALS WANTED.
PLEASE send, prepaid, copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Good Health, Pacific Health Journal, Youth's Instructor, and Our Little Friend, for missionary work, to Arthur Herr, 45 Forest Avenue, Ann Arbor, Mich.
CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church, No. 507 East Ankeny St. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free.
THE RESTORATION
From Eden to Eden
IN the twenty chapters into which this book is divided, the author discusses the unity of the divine plan and the continuity of God's purpose through all the ages, showing that in all dispensations the truths constantly impressed upon the minds of the people have tended to one end,—the elucidation of one central idea,
THE RESTORATION
of the dominion which was lost in Adam.
CHAPTER I is a brief discussion of the Creation of the World; Man's Dominion and How He Lost It; the Origin and Authorship of Sin, with the divine remedy for its consequences.
CHAPTER II treats of the "Promise of God to the Fathers," with all that it implied in heaven and on earth. In other chapters are discussed such subjects as "The Abrahamic Covenant;" "Righteousness through Faith;" "The Covenant with Israel," the reasons for it, and the universality of its application; "The Return of the Jews;" "The World's History in a Dream;" "The Setting Up of the Everlasting Kingdom;" "The Hour of Judgment;" "The Fall of Babylon;" "The Seal and the Mark;" "Signs of the Second Coming of Christ," and the responsibility of man in recognizing them; "The Resurrection of the Dead," and what the doctrine involves.
THE LAST CHAPTER is a GRAND COMPILATION of the Promises of God in regard to the "Restoration of the First Dominion," with a vivid portrayal of the earth's appearance and condition when clothed in the garb of Edenic purity and loveliness.
THE BOOK is substantially bound, and handsomely embossed with floral designs; gold title on side and back; heavy, cream-tinted, sized and super-calendered paper; size, 5½ in. x 9 in.; price, postpaid, $1.00; gilt edge, with side design embossed in gold, $1.50.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 Bond St., New York.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
A CONTRAST OF
TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
Arkansas Tract Society—H. Clay Griffin, Van Buren, Ark.
Atlantic Tract Society—T. A. Kilgore, Sec., 43 Bond St., N. Y.
Australia—Echo Publishing House, North Fitzroy, Victoria.
and A. Reekie, 2 Cook Street, Glebe Point, Sydney, N. S. W.
California Tract Society—1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
Canada—Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 97 Plymouth Grove, Montreal, Canada, and G. W. Morse, 20 Melbourne Ave., Toronto, Ontario
China and Japan—A. LaRue, International Tract Society
Queens Road 219, Hongkong, China.
Colorado Tract Society—Miss Leah Vandermark, Sec., 1112 S. 11th St., Denver, Colo.
Dakota Tract Society—Mrs. A. H. Robinson, Vilas, S. Dak.
England—International Tract Society, 59 Paternoster Row, and 451 Holloway Road, London.
Florida Tract Society—Alex. Mitchell, Sec., Box 508, Orlando, Florida.
Illinois Tract Society—125 W. Monroe St., Springfield, Ill.
Indiana Tract Society—J. W. Moore, Sec., 175 Central Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
Iowa Tract Society—J. V. Willson Sec., 603 East 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa.
Kansas Tract Society—Lucy M. Olds, Sec., 821 West 5th St., Topeka, Kan.
Maine Tract Society—Miss Eliza Morton, North Deering, Me.
Maritime Provinces Tract Society—Mrs. I. H. Cowie, Sec., Box 85, Moncton, N. B.
Michigan Tract Society—J. S. Hall, Sec., Review and Herald Office, Battle Creek, Mich.
Minnesota Tract Society—L. B. Losey, Sec., 336 East Lake St., Minneapolis, Minn., P. O. Box 989.
Missouri Tract Society.—Vita Morrow, Sec., 2010 East 23d St., Kansas City, Mo.
Montana—Mrs. W. J. Stone, Sec., 737 5th Ave., Helena, Mont.
Nebraska Tract Society—Mary F. Beatty, Sec., 1505 E St., Lincoln, Neb.
Nevada—Cal. Tract Society, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
New England—N. E. Tract Society, Mrs. E. T. Palmer, Sec., South Lancaster, Mass.
New Jersey, Del., Md., New York City, and Brooklyn, N. Y., and Dist. Col.—T. A. Kilgore, No. 43 Bond St., New York.
New York State—E. N. Washbond, Sec., N. Y. Tract Society, 317 West Bloomfield St., Rome, N. Y.
New Zealand Tract Society, M. H. Tuxford, Agent, Banks' Terrace, Wellington, N. Z.
North Pacific—Geo. E. Henton, Sec., 727 East Taylor St., East Portland, Oregon.
Ohio Tract Society—E. A. Merriam, Sec., 249 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, O.
Pennsylvania Tract Society—W. M. Lee, Sec., Box 614, Williamsport, Penn.
Scandinavian Tract Society—Akersgaden 74, Christiania, Nor.
South Africa—International Tract Society, Somerset House, Roeland St., Cape Town.
Southern District Tract Society—L. Dyo Chambers, 23 Early St., Chattanooga, Tenn.
Switzerland—Imprimerie Polyglotte, 48 Weiherweg, Basel.
Tennessee—Miss. M. G. Mason, Sec., 1009 Shelby Ave., Nashville, Tenn.
Texas Tract Society—T. T. Stevenson, Sec., Box 9, Oak Cliff, Dallas Co., Texas.
Upper Columbia—Mrs. M. E. Ford, College Place, Wash.
Utah—J. J. Ireland, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
Vancouver Island—B. Robb, 231 Pandora St., Victoria, B. C.
Vermont—Lizzie A. Stone, 190 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington Vt.
Virginia—Mrs. W. T. Marshall, Winchester, Va.
West Virginia—T. E. Bowen, Newburg, W. Va.
Wisconsin Tract Society—Geo. M. Brown, Sec., 865 Fifth St., Milwaukee, Wis.
Publishers.
By Editor
REMIT by Bank Draft, P. O. Money Order, or Express Order.
If Postal Note or paper money is sent, register the letter.
Drafts should be made payable to the PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING Co., on New York, Chicago, or San Francisco banks. Those written on other banks cost us exchange.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS.—Subscribers desiring the address of their paper changed, will please state in their communication both the old and new address.
POSTAGE STAMPS.—Please do not send postage stamps, as we have more now than we can use, and they often get stuck together in the mails, and are useless when received. Canadian and other foreign moneys cannot be used by us.
RECEIPT.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received promptly, please notify us.
Canvassers, librarians, ministers, etc., can send in their orders through the regular channels of the State Tract Society, and all orders will receive prompt attention.
Sample copies of the SIGNS, circulars, receipt book, etc., sent postpaid to anyone who will solicit subscriptions for the paper. Renewals and new subscriptions all one price. No commissions are given, as it is strictly a missionary enterprise, and the paper is furnished at or below cost.
We will send the SIGNS one year, with a choice of either one of the following books, postpaid, for $2.00:—
"Prophetic Lights," by E. J. Waggoner. Prophecies of the Old and New Testaments, interpreted by the Bible and history. Paper bound, 180 pages, handsomely illustrated.
"Historical Sketches of Foreign Missions" of the Seventh-day Adventists, with maps showing location of churches, etc., 294 pages, paper binding.
EXPIRATION OF SUBSCRIPTION.—All papers are discontinued at the expiration of the time paid for. The date opposite your name on the printed address label shows when the subscription expires. Please forward your money in ample time for renewal if you desire unbroken files, as we cannot always furnish back numbers.
"The Christian Experience and Views of Mrs. Ellen G. White," full morocco binding, price, postpaid, 85 cents.
"Spiritual Gifts," morocco binding, second edition, price, postpaid, 65 cents. Only a few copies of each of the above books left. Order soon, as they are now "out of print." Address Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
BOUND VOLUMES OF "SIGNS."
By Editor
We are now prepared to fill orders for bound volumes of Signs for 1893, Vol. 19.
We will send postpaid to any address at the following prices: Heavy manilla paper covers for $2.75; cloth bound, with leather backs and corners, for $3.50.
We also have a few back volumes which we will send postpaid at the following prices. They are valuable for reference and study.
Volumes 2 to 7 inclusive, bound in leather backs and corners, heavy pasteboard sides, marbled or combed, $3.00.
Volumes 6 to 16 inclusive, in plain manilla paper covers, $2.75 each, and bound half roan—being cloth sides with leather backs and corners—plain or sprinkled edges, price, $3.50 each.
Volume 17, 1891, being forty-two issues of the eight-page paper, manilla paper covers, for $1.50; cloth bound, with leather back and corners, $2.50, postpaid.
Volume 18, 1892, being fifty issues of the sixteen-page paper after it was enlarged, paper covers, for $2.75; cloth bound, with leather back and corners, $3.50, postpaid.
DOES THIS MEAN YOU?
By Editor
We notice on examination of our Signs list that many clubs and single subscriptions expire during the month of December. We feel sure that none want to miss any of the valuable instruction that is being printed from week to week in the Signs. We therefore advise early renewals, thus saving a break in the series of articles.
Please notice the date on your address label of this number, and if your time has about expired, please renew at once. This will save us trouble, as well as yourselves.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAFLETS.
By Editor
An assorted package of a dozen or more leaflets treating upon the following subjects will be sent postpaid for 10 cents: The "Civil Sabbath" or Disguised Religious Legislation, Politics in Religion, The Origin, Nature, and Object of Sunday Laws, Religion in the Public Schools, In the Chain Gang for Conscience' Sake, God in the Constitution, Who Do Men Say That I Am? Religious Liberty in Tennessee, Was Israel a Republic? Religious Legislation, Evangelization by Law, The True Statesman.
Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
"OUR LITTLE FRIEND" BOUND.
By Editor
We have a few bound volumes of Our Little Friend, Vol. 1, black cloth, with gold side title, which we will send to any address postpaid for $1.00.
Volumes 2 and 3, bound in heavy manilla paper, for 75 cents each.
Also volumes 2 and 3 bound in cloth, with attractive design on cover, for $1.00 each, postpaid. Or we will send all three volumes bound in cloth to any one address for $2.75 postpaid.
These are just the books for holiday presents to children.
"RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LIBRARY," NO. 16.
By Editor
THE title of this little 12-page tract is, "Our Answer: Why Do Seventh-day Adventists Suffer Imprisonment Rather Than Keep Sunday?" This question naturally grows out of the recent experiences of our brethren in the States of Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Maryland, and the question is answered in a forcible manner. It should be circulated everywhere. Address any of our State tract societies or publishing houses. Price, 1½ cents.
THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW.—A pamphlet of 190 pages; price, 25 cents. It is the argument of Alonzo T. Jones before the United States Senate Committee on Education and Labor, together with the text of the Blair Sunday Bill introduced in the U. S. Senate. Address orders to your State Tract Society secretary, or to Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PAMPHLETS.—"Religious Intolerance in the Republic," price two cents. "Due Process of Law and the Divine Right of Dissent," price 15 cents. "The Captivity of the Republic," by A. T. Jones, price 15 cents, or the three postpaid for 30 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland Cal.
SACRED CHRONOLOGY
BY S. BLISS.
Being an Analysis of Sacred Chronology, with the Elements of Chronology and the Numbers of the Hebrew Text Vindicated.
REVISED, WITH NOTES.
Together with
The Peopling Earth
OR
Historical Notes on the Tenth Chapter of Genesis.
BY ALONZO T. JONES.
300 Pages. Cloth. Price, $1.00.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
HISTORY
By Theodore H. Hittell
—OF—
CALIFORNIA
BY THEODORE H. HITTELL.
Two octavo volumes of over 800 pages each.
PER VOL.
PER SET.
Cloth, plain edges,
$ 5.00
$10.00
Library Style, marbled edges,
6.00
12.00
Half Morocco, marbled edges,
7.00
14.00
Full Turkey Morocco, gilt edges,
10.00
20.00
This work is the only full, complete, reliable and readable History of California. Commencing with the very first account of the country found in old records, it traces the development, illustrates the progress, and shows, step by step, how this became what it now is, the "Golden State" of the Union. All is related in a plain, steady, direct and fascinating style, and so arranged and fitted together as to form a continuous and harmonious story. There is not a dull page in the book.
The strictest regard for truth is preserved and authorities are cited for every statement, such a number of references are given as to form a good index to California books.
ARRANGE for your trip via the "Santa Fe Route" and you will be assured of a pleasant and comfortable journey.
It is the most popular Overland Route, and cannot be excelled in the way of facilities and service.
It is the only Line running Pullman Palace and Tourist Sleeping cars through to Chicago, every day, without change, on the same train.
Personally conducted Overland Excursions leave every Tuesday, baggage checked through to destination.
Steamship tickets sold to and from all European cities.
For full information in regard to rates, berths, etc., write to or call on the undersigned. J. J. Warner, Agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal., or W. A. Bissell, G. P. A., 650 Market Street, Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal.
16. If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.
17. All unrighteousness is sin; and there is a sin not unto death.
18. We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth him, and the evil one toucheth him not.
19. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.
20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21. My little children, guard yourselves from idols.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
What instruction is given for the benefit of those who sin not unto death?
What is said concerning a sin that is unto death?
How is unrighteousness defined?
Is there a sin not unto death?
Who does not sin?
What is his experience?
What contrast is drawn between believers and the world?
What do we know of the Son of God?
What has he given us?
For what purpose?
In whom are the believers?
Who and what is he?
What closing admonition is given?
NOTES.
1. VERSES 16-18.—It is evident from many scriptures that the prayers of the righteous avail in behalf of the sinner who has not entirely cut himself off from God (Job 42 : 7, 8), and this intercession brings a blessing to him who prays (verse 10). Thus a soul is saved from death. James 5 : 20. Sin ends in death (James 1 : 15) unless repentance has been granted to life (Acts 11 : 18); but "it is the Holy Spirit that draws men to Christ;" and so when this means of grace is refused, there is no way by which the sinner may be reached. "There is a terrible danger—a danger not sufficiently understood—in delaying to yield to the pleading voice of God's Holy Spirit, in choosing to live in sin; for such this delay really is." "Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleadings of God's Holy Spirit." There is a sin which is not pardoned (Matt. 12 : 31, 32) here or hereafter. "What constitutes the sin against the Holy Ghost?—it is willfully attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit. . . . It is through the medium of his Spirit that God works upon the human heart; and when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare it to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them. . . . For a time persons who have committed this sin may appear to be children of God; but when circumstances arise to develop character, and show what manner of spirit they are of, it will be found that they are on the enemy's ground, standing under his black banner." The Lord is righteous (Ps. 119 : 137), and his commandments are righteousness (verse 172). Anything out of harmony with his character, as expressed in his law, is unrighteousness, or sin, but it is by faith that our hearts are purified (Acts 15 : 9) and that we attain to righteousness (Rom. 9 : 30-32); thus it is that whatever is not done through faith in the merit of Christ is sin (Rom. 14 : 23). Christ's petition (John 17 : 15) and the statement of Scripture (2 Thess. 3 : 3) both show that it is God who keeps us from "the evil one" (both texts are so translated in the Revised Version), "but he can do nothing for us without our coöperation." It is so arranged in the plan of salvation that its great object cannot be consummated without human coöperation. "All the power is of God, and all the glory is to redound to God, and yet all the responsibility rests with the human agent." Satan was permitted to tempt Christ (Matt. 4 : 1), but according to the prophecy (Gen. 3 : 15) he did not touch any vital part. So with the Christian. Angels will give strength to us (Heb. 1 : 14), "but the ministry of angels will not insure us against sorrow and trial. Angels ministered to Jesus; but their presence did not make his life one of ease, nor free him from conflict and temptation."
2. VERSES 19-21.—"The whole world lieth in the evil one," says the Revised Version; but Christians have been delivered. Col. 1 : 13.
The Christian experience set forth in this epistle is a very positive one. Fifteen times occurs the statement "we know," or "know we," or "we have known," and by other expressions it is clearly shown that positive knowledge concerning the things of God is the privilege of the Christian. 1 Cor. 2 : 12. One does not need to bow down to a visible image in order to be an idolater. Eph. 5 : 5. "It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God, Satan leads men to conceive of him in a false character. With many, a philosophical idea is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as he is revealed in his word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshiped by but few. Thousands deify nature, while they deny the God of nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world to-day as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The God of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists,—the gods of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions,—is little better than Baal, the sun god of Phoenicia.
