The Missionary Work of Rev. John Hewlett in the Lazar Houses of India.
ONE of the strongest illustrations of the fact that, of all the religions of the world, Christianity alone has encouraged works of philanthropy, and demanded of its disciples that they take care of the outcast and the pariah, is found in the missionary work done among the lepers of India. Benares, the "sacred city" of the Hindus, and the location of famous temples and ghauts, native monasteries, and princely mansions of old Indian families, is also the location of the chief gospel mission station in India. Rev. John Hewlett, M. A., long principal of the London Missionary Society's college at Benares, and recently dead, was the first Christian worker to gain admission to these monasteries, and to come into friendly intellectual contact with the most distinguished professors of the Hindu faith. Much of the late Dr. Hewlett's work was done among the educated class, but a very great deal, and not the least effective part of it, was among the humble population of India, who testified their esteem of his noble character and services by following his remains to their last resting place in vast numbers.
One of the brightest features of Rev. Dr. Hewlett's work was his hearty zeal for the lepers of India. In 1863 he moved to the city of Almora, and, while there, was impressed with the sad spiritual condition of the lepers in the asylum. He visited them, and, with his accustomed earnestness, taught these neglected ones that there was hope—even for them. Several conversions followed, and with what joy did he baptize his converts, and soon after he formed the first leper church in India. After two years' further service at Benares Mrs. Hewlett died, and he returned with his family to England in 1869. In June, 1871, Mr. Hewlett removed to Mirzpur, and in 1881, his health being restored, he was appointed to succeed Rev. M. Sherring in the superintendence of the Central School, Benares. Here he continued the excellent work of Mr. Sherring, until the institution developed into a college.
The chief work of Mr. Hewlett was done at the Benares College, where his lovable disposition, his sympathetic and careful oversight of the students, as well as his willingness and ability to teach them many things beyond the ordinary curriculum, gave him great influence. It was essentially a Christian college. At all times and in everything his enthusiasm and moral earnestness in his efforts12for the good of others were apparent. He was a good vernacular preacher, and Hindus preferred to hear him rather than even their most eloquent native preachers. He was well acquainted with modern theology, but held firmly to evangelical teaching. He rendered valuable assistance in the establishing of the University Allahabad, being the only missionary upon its Senate. He was recently engaged upon a new Hindu version of the New Testament, circumstances having left it principally in his hands. His most earnest wish has been graciously allowed by the Master, that he should die in active service.—Selected.
BOYS, READ THIS.
HE stood before the shop window gazing at the display of fireworks, with bright eyes. He was a little fellow, about seven or eight years old, and below the usual size for his age. After he had stood there long enough to count all the packs of firecrackers and imagine the grand time he could have with even a dozen of these noisy red sticks, he turned away with a tiny, wistful sigh, and walked up to a fruit stand that was close by.
“Gi’me one yer bestest oranges an’ a peach,” he said. The Italian looked at him, first at the dirty little face, then down at the bare feet, blue from the cold pavement and blackened with mud. The little fellow felt the contempt in the look given him, and, drawing himself up with all the dignity worthy of a perfectly dressed gentleman, extended a silver ten-cent piece and said: “I got the money. Come, hurry up, now; my time’s val’able.”
He received the orange and peach, which he tucked into the pockets of his ragged trousers without taking a bite. Just then another small street arab came on the scene.
“What’s yer been gettin’—firecrackers?” he asked in eager tones.
“Naw,” replied the other. “Me little sister’s sick, an’ the dispensary doctor says she ain’t a-goin’ ter see no Fourth, so I thought I’d give ‘er a kinder s’prize pi’nic afore th’ Fourth comes.”
“An’ yer not goin’ ter have no firecrackers?” ejaculated the other boy.
“Course not,” was the reply, and the noble little fellow marched off whistling “Comrades” in a trembling key, which betrayed that the victory over self-indulgence had been a hard-won battle.—Selected.
IN LOVE WITH HIS MOTHER.
Of all the love affairs in the world, none can surpass the true love of a big boy for his mother. It is pure and noble, honorable to the highest degree in both. I do not mean merely a dutiful affection. I mean a love that makes a boy gallant and courteous to his mother, saying to everybody plainly that he is fairly in love with her. Next to the love of a husband, nothing so crowns a woman’s life with honor as this second love, this devotion of a son to her. I never yet knew a boy to turn out hopelessly bad who began by falling in love with his mother. Any man may fall in love with a fresh-faced girl, and the man who is gallant with the girl may cruelly neglect his worn and weary wife, but the boy who is a lover of his mother in her middle age is a true knight, who will love his wife as much in her sear-leaved autumn as he did in the daisied spring-time.—Selected.
THE GREAT CAVE.
THE great cave in the Black Hills region is said to be 52 miles long, and contains nearly one thousand five hundred rooms, some 200 feet high having been opened. There are streams, waterfalls, and 37 lakes, one of which is an acre in extent. The cave is 6,000 feet above sea level and 400 feet below the earth’s surface.—Selected.
THE MARTYR'S HYMN.
By Martin Luther
BY MARTIN LUTHER.
(Translation of J. W. Fox.)
FLUNG to the heedless winds,
Or on the waters cast,
The martyrs' ashes, watched,
Shall gathered be at last;
And from that scattered dust,
Around us and abroad,
Shall spring a plenteous seed
Of witnesses for God.
The Father hath received
Their latest living breath;
And vain is Satan's boast
Of victory in their death;
Still, still, though dead, they speak,
And, trumpet-tongued, proclaim
To many a wakening land
The one availing Name.
A TOUR IN EUROPE.
By George C. Tenney
COLOMBIER is an old village on the banks of Lake Neufchatel, four miles from the city. Here on a low strip of ground near the lake we found the camp of the Central European Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Our traveling company consisted of Elders O. A. Olsen, S. N. Haskell, L. R. Conradi, and the writer. The meeting was under the charge of Elder H. P. Holser, assisted by the laborers of the Conference, and at the time of our arrival, the first service was already over. Sixteen small tents and three large ones comprised the camp, and the register showed that during the meeting there were about 130 persons encamped. Elder Haskell took up a line of Bible instruction, which was followed throughout with very much profit. Elder Olsen spoke from time to time on various topics of a timely and significant nature. These discourses were given in the English language and were translated into Scotch, French, and German. In the evening and upon Sundays sermons were delivered by Elders Ertzenberger, Conradi, Comte, Klein, and Keller, direct in the languages mentioned.
The interest of the meeting increased to its close, and its effect upon the surrounding community was very perceptible. Just across the road was the training ground of a large body of soldiers, and at first they appeared to think our camp was a very lucky thing in their line, for while it was being erected they took possession and posted guards at every tent, demanding a password from the passers-by in real military style. They did this for practice, and without interfering with the work. And after the meeting began, we saw them make a sham attack on us, skulking up behind hedges and making the welkin ring with their firing and shouts of command. But as the meeting proceeded, they seemed to recede further and further, till they were too far away to cause the least disturbance. Many of the soldiers came on the ground, and the attendance of citizens was very good, but from first to last there was not the least semblance of disorder or disrespect. The most courteous conduct was exhibited by everyone. I confess to a happy surprise on this point, after having seen the situation at the beginning. Surely peace gained her victory there. All felt that the meeting had been a very pronounced success. Some steps of importance were taken, especially those looking to the extending of their educational work.
Leaving the camp on Monday morning, August 21, we proceeded to Basel, stopping at the office a few hours, and then traveled north to Mayence and Bingen on the Rhine, where we took a steamboat for the descent of that stream. Opposite the starting place, on the heights of the Niedewald, is the colossal monument of victory erected by Germany to commemorate the outcome of the last war with France.
To describe in detail the scenes of that day would trespass too far upon the forbearance of editor and readers, hence we shall have to dismiss a most interesting day's experience by simply alluding to it. The scenery is very romantic and the romance is increased by very numerous castles in ruins, which look down from the overhanging heights, and still further by legends and historical facts that are connected with many of them.
We passed the cities of Coblenz and Bonn, and at six in the evening went ashore at Cologne. Below this point there is nothing especially attractive to the river. At Cologne we visited the famous cathedral, which, outside of Rome, is the most impressive church structure I have ever seen. Its construction covered more than a thousand years of time and it was only completed in 1880. No description that I could give could impart an idea of the beautiful grandeur of this temple,765either in its exterior or interior aspects. In its Gothic towers and flying buttresses, it approaches the style of the Milan cathedral, but excels it in every respect of outline and detail.
A rapid trip to Hamburg over an uninteresting country closed this tour. Here we were in time to attend and address the first meeting of the institute to be held in that city, August 23 to September 12. A very convenient place in the outskirts of the city had been obtained, which would serve both for church and dwelling. The attendance was larger than was anticipated, and an excellent spirit seemed to prevail, which bespoke a successful meeting. It was with regret that I took my leave of them on the morning of August 24, and went on shipboard for America.
Our vessel is the Augusta Victoria, of the Hamburg packet line, and for second class accommodations it is quite superior to the other transatlantic lines I have become acquainted with. We are now in mid ocean, looking backward with interest and affection toward the work in Europe and the many good people connected with it, and praying that God may greatly bless it and them. The traveler in Europe meets with the ordinary trials of America and with some that he will deem extraordinary. The sea voyage, too, is a matter of questionable comfort, even at its very best. And so it is with life—the good and the evil appear side by side, the desirable and the disagreeable, the encouragement and the obstacle. God hasten the time when the evil shall be eliminated, when there shall be no more sea, but one language, and the people all righteous.
G. C. TENNEY.
Whom God Takes In
By Lowell
For whom the heart of man shuts out,
Sometimes the heart of God takes in,
And fences them all round about
With silence 'mid the world's loud din.
—Lowell.
At Thy Dear Feet
By William Cowper
'Tis joy enough my All in All
At thy dear feet to lie;
Thou wilt not let me lower fall,
And none can higher fly.
—Cowper.
THE SOURCE OF POWER.
THE noblest lesson taught by life,
To every great heroic soul
Who seeks to conquer in the strife,
Is self-control.
Truth grants no scepter to the hand
Where pride and passion hold the sway;
He who with honor would command
Must first obey.
An honest doubt is oft the seed
Of truth, that bright celestial flower,
And weakness, through some noble deed,
Is changed to power.
The brave of heart, the pure in mind,
Will dare to see the truth aright,
While coward souls, perverse and blind,
Will shun the light.
But though unnumbered eyes were closed,
Still would the sun as brightly shine,
And truth, by all the world opposed,
Is still divine.
The servile reverence of the past,
Which marks the worship of to-day,
Before the truth advancing fast,
Must pass away.
And strength of soul and breadth of thought,
And inspiration from above,
Shall be by earnest spirit sought
In truth and love.
A voice, whose word of power sublime
Transcends the might of human law,
Shall in the truth's appointed time
The world o'erawe.
Then "Tyranny, which oft unfurled
Her blood-stained banner to the sky,"
Shall from her throne of power be hurled
And, helpless, die.
The world is sick and sore at heart,
With patient hope deferred too long,
And seeks for one who knows the art,
To make her strong.
The man who dares to think, to live
True to his soul's divinest light,
Will to the world an impulse give
For truth and right.
The cross may meet his noblest deeds,
The fagot blaze at every word;
Yet o'er the angry strife of creeds
He will be heard.
Thus, through the fire and through the flood,
All bruised and scarred and battle worn,
Baptized in sweat and tears and blood,
Great souls are born.
That which is crucified to-day
The distant future shall adore,
And truths which error seeks to slay,
Live evermore.
Great souls e'er set their standard high,
And, toiling on through storm and night,
They wake the nations with their cry,
For "light, more light!"
The world will learn, when wiser grown,
This lesson comes with every hour,
That right is might and truth alone
The source of power.
—Selected.
The Spirit and the Means
By Mankon
It is one of the sophisms of every age to urge the Spirit's efficacy as a plea for the neglect of means. It is folly and presumption to think that because power is with God and from God, efforts should not be in ourselves. —Mankon.
COULD THE CHINESE SUPPORT A CHURCH?
By Isaac T. Headland
BY ISAAC T. HEADLAND.
[Professor in Peking University.]
VERY many people talk as if the Chinese are so poor that they would not be able to support a church even if it were well established here.
Such a supposition is a great mistake. Not to mention the fact that they are supporting four religions—Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Mohammedanism—a glance at any city or village is enough to convince one of the fact that whatever the Chinese wish to do, and undertake to do, they are abundantly able to do.
The country swarms with people—poor people—people who are so very poor that there are thousands who starve every year. It is said that just outside the gate which stands immediately in front of the emperor's palace, there were more than 400 people frozen to death in a single cold night during the past winter.
In front of this gate is a bridge called Beggars' Bridge, where half naked men and boys may be seen at any time (except when the emperor passes), eating food which a respectable American dog would not eat. The first time I passed here and saw it I thought they were pails of swill.
But while this is all true, I doubt if it would be out of the way to say that there are more temples, and more expensive temples, in Peking than there are churches in New York. Many of them are small and only a few are very large and expensive, but in addition to these all the surrounding hills are thick with temples. Many of them, it is true, are in decay, but many are also large and well kept.
There are temples of all sorts and sizes, from the little altar built outside the door of the watchman's house on the top of the wall, and the little temples by the various wells and old trees, to the great Lama temple, which covers many acres of ground and contains several thousand priests.
The same condition of things may be seen in every little village. The people may all live in mud huts, but the small temple is built of good bricks, and forms a striking contrast to the homes of the villagers. The very abundance of the people, and their methods of contribution, each one giving a little, enables them to spend a vast amount of money each year in worship.
But what they spend thus is only a small part of their outlay. They burn immense quantities of incense, and no one is so poor that he cannot afford this and paper money to burn at the graves of his ancestors. The Chinese are well able to support a church if they are willing to do so.—The Independent.
FIELD NOTES.
By Editor
ELDER J. S. HART reports an addition of five to the faith at Bedford, Iowa.
WHOEVER is sending the Signs to G. W. Hall, Whitinsville, Mass., is hereby notified that his address is changed to 291 Pleasant Street, Worcester, Mass.
THE College View (Neb.) Enterprise reports the arrival of Elder J. H. Morrison from the Pacific Coast, who expected to remain there with his family about a month.
ANY of our papers, tracts, or pamphlets will be greatly appreciated, and used for missionary work, if sent postpaid to Miss Annie Knight, Gitano, Jones County, Miss.
THE Pasadena (Cal.) Star of September 18 gives an interesting account of the dedication of the new Seventh-day Adventist Church at that place. The building cost a little over $1,700. The lot was donated.
THE tent in charge of Elder C. A. Washburn and Brethren F. A. Washburn and B. E. Nicola has been removed from Osage, Iowa, to Mitchell. At the former place nine new names were added to the covenant.
BROTHER E. M. MORRISON, at one time connected with our publishing house in this city, but for over two years engaged in foreign fields instructing canvassers, returned here last week, having made the circuit of the world. His labors have been the means of placing many thousands of volumes of precious truth in the hands of the people on every continent.
THE tent recently located at Hedrick, Iowa, was closed on account of the camp meeting at Sigourney. The work was conducted by Elder J. P. Henderson and Brother H. M. J. Richards. They left six new Sabbath keepers at the former place, but the number who fully commit themselves at the time is seldom if ever the full measure of the results of a tent effort in any locality.
R. T. WOODWARD desires copies of the Signs of date August 28, 1893. If anyone has copies of that date to spare, they will be thankfully received if addressed to 66 Emerald Street, Boston, Mass.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMP MEETING.
By M. C. Wilcox
THE camp meeting at Santa Ana opens auspiciously. There are over 100 tents on the ground and in the neighborhood of 350 people. The outside attendance in the evening is good. There are present six ordained ministers: Elders N. C. McClure, J. N. Cook, E. E. Andross, G. K. Owen, F. M. Wilcox, and M. C. Wilcox. Brethren Knox, J. G. Smith, Frank Burg, and Mrs. G. K. Owen are also present. A good response was made on Sabbath to the call for sinners and backsliders, and souls rejoiced as they found the Saviour. The camp is divided into twenty-four districts, and efforts are being made to reach every unconverted soul on the ground.
September 25, 1893. M. C. W.
FROM THE "PITCAIRN."
DR. M. G. KELLOGG writes as follows, under date of August 5:—
We are trying, at this writing, to beat into the harbor of Vavao, against a strong head wind, but may not be able to enter. Vavao is one of the Tonga Islands. We are all well. I wrote you last from Raratonga. We touched at Niue, or Savage Island, as it is sometimes called. It has 4,250 native and eight white inhabitants. The London Missionary Society is working this island. There are eleven villages, with a nice large stone schoolhouse in each and a large stone church in each of nine of the villages. There is a native teacher for each village, and one European missionary and wife are stationed here.
This is the most interesting island we have yet visited. We ought to locate a worker here, but he should have some medical knowledge and experience. I attended fifty-one patients the week we were on the island, and there were at least twenty-five more who needed surgical aid. But these had to be passed by for want of time to give the after care. I will write more fully of our work there hereafter, as I must now close this, as we have to give up entering the harbor. I expect that we will go direct from here to Fiji.
MORE PERSECUTION.
By R. D. Hottel
ELDER R. D. HOTTEL writes as follows to the Union Record, from Ford's Store, Md.:—
Again the hand of persecution is felt at this place. On Monday, September 11, Brethren J. Alex Dodd and Joseph H. Warram were arrested and brought before Justice Kerr for working on the previous day. This makes the second charge and arrest of Brother Dodd. Brother Dodd asked to see the warrant and the justice refused. He then asked that the case be postponed until he could secure counsel. The justice replied that it was no use, that he was present at the other trials of Seventh-day Adventists and knew the verdict, and counsel was useless. The brethren waived an examination and the cases were held under bail for the November court. This makes seven cases that will come up at this time. Surely the time is now when "judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter, . . . and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey." But "our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
HE HATH LONG PATIENCE.
By Jean Ingelow
THOU think'st of Him as one that will not wait. A father, and not wait! He waited long For us, and yet perchance He thinks not long, And will not count the time. There are no dates In His fine leisure. —Jean Ingelow.
APPLES OF GOLD LIBRARY.
By Editor
ENVELOPE SERIES.
Published monthly. Subscription price, 10 cents per year, postpaid.
THIS Library is designed especially for use in daily, personal correspondence. Each number will contain from four to eight pages, of a size convenient to go into a number six envelope without folding. It is printed on thin super-calendered paper, and two or more numbers can be put in with an ordinary letter without increasing the postage.
The leading themes of the gospel will be presented in such a way as to arrest the attention and be helpful to all. These little leaflets should be circulated by the thousands. The first four numbers are now ready, and bear the following titles:—
No. 1.—"Looking unto Jesus."
No. 2.—"The Christian's Privilege."
No. 3.—"The Sure Promises of God."
No. 4.—"How to Get Knowledge."
These will be sent to any address at the rate of 50 cents per hundred, $4.00 per thousand, postpaid. Sample copies free. Address,
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Oakland, Cal.
BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM HEALTH FOODS.
THE unequaled health foods manufactured by the Sanitarium Health Food Company are neither made nor sold by others than their authorized agents. The Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, Cal., is authorized to manufacture our granola and most of our other health foods for the Pacific Coast. The Union College is authorized to manufacture granola in Lincoln, Nebraska, and to supply members of the Seventh-day Adventist Conference living in that State. Our granola and other special health foods are not manufactured by any other parties.
SANITARIUM HEALTH FOOD CO.,
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
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Careful attention is given to the manners and morals of the students, that they may develop those traits of character which distinguish the Christian gentleman and lady.
The discipline of the school is strict, but parental and reasonable.
It will enter upon its 12th year Wednesday, August 16, 1893. Length of session, 38 weeks.
Terms: For board, tuition, room, etc., $142.50 to $161.50.
" tuition only, from $30.00 to $47.50.
For further particulars, or catalogue, address
W. C. Grainger, M.S., President,
Healdsburg, California.
TO THE WORLD'S FAIR.
Weekly Excursions.
ARE you going? If so, it will be to your interest to call on, or write to, the undersigned before arranging for your trip.
The "Santa Fe Route" being the only line under one management from California to Chicago, we can offer you advantages, for a safe and pleasant journey, unsurpassed by other lines.
It is the only line running Pullman Palace and Tourist sleeping cars through to Chicago, every day, without change, on the same train.
Select Overland Excursions leave every Tuesday, with manager in charge through to Boston. Baggage checked to destination. Steamship tickets sold to and from all European points, via all the popular steamship lines. J. J. Warner, Agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal., or W. A. Bissell, G. P. A. 650 Market Street, Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal.
Understanding Christian Baptism
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
BAPTISM: Its Significance, Its Nature, and the Necessity for It. By E. J. Waggoner. Bible Students' Library, No. 79. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 16 pp.; 2 cents.
LESSON IV.—SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1893.
CHRISTIAN LIVING.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not fashioned according to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office;
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
Or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting; he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
Golden Text: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Rom. 12:21.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
To what does the apostle appeal as a reason for consecration to God? Verse 1.
Enumerate some of the daily mercies of which you are the recipient.
How should our bodies be presented to God?
What kind of service is such a sacrifice?
According to what should we not be fashioned? Verse 2.
9. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now.
10. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11. But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.
12. I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
13. I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him which is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.
14. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him which is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one.
15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
Can one be in the light and hate his brother?
What is the condition of him who loves his brother?
What is sufficient proof that a man is in darkness?
In what does such an one walk?
Does he know whither he goes?
Why not?
Why does John write to children?
Why to fathers?
Why to young men?
What is the second reason given for writing to children?
Why to young men?
Upon what are Christians exhorted not to bestow their affection?
Can love of the world and love of God dwell in the same heart?
What are the characteristics of the world?
From what source do these come?
What will happen to the world?
Who will abide forever?
NOTES.
1. VERSES 9-11.—Love for the brethren is an evidence of conversion (1 John 3:14), and no one can be in the light (John 8:12) and not have this love. Christ identifies himself with his followers, and counts every service rendered to them as though done to him. Matt. 25:40. There are only two classes. All are either "in the light" or "in darkness." Love is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), by which it is shed abroad in the heart (Rom. 5:5). When man sinned, "selfishness took the place of love," but "in the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the principle of action." God loved us when we were sinners (Rom. 5:8), and Christians must not limit this love to their brethren (Matt. 5:44-46). "The Spirit of Christ's self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven, and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ's followers will possess, the work that they will do." Christians are to love one another (John 15:12, 17), which is the fulfilling of the law (Rom. 13:10). "We should love and respect one another, notwithstanding the faults and imperfections that we cannot help seeing." "We are to stand under the shadow of the cross of Calvary, humbling our hearts, confessing our sins, and entreating the Lord to pardon our defects of character, and strengthen our love for the brethren." It is dangerous to trifle with light, for light rejected will bring darkness (John 12:35), and this is the greatest darkness of all (Matt. 6:23). When minds are blinded by Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), the people are in the deepest darkness (Isa. 60:2), and do not perceive the snares of the devil.
2. VERSES 15-17.—Our thoughts are to be above (Col. 3:2), where our citizenship is (Phil. 3:20, R. V.), and our love cannot be divided (Matt. 6:24). Enmity between Christians and the world is of long standing (Gen. 3:15), and is really the hope of the race. "It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity against Satan." We may be friends of God (John 15:15), as Abraham was (Isa. 41:8), or friends of the world; but we cannot be both at the same time (James 4:4). "Conformity to the world will never be the means of converting the world to Christ." The world passes away, but character endures. The will of God is his law (Rom. 2:18), which is everlasting righteousness (Ps. 119:172, 144; Isa. 51:6-8).
3. WORD THOUGHTS.—Notice light and love dwell together; hate and darkness.—None occasion of stumbling (v. 10), that is, he not only presents no stumbling block before others, but he finds no occasion for stumbling himself. See Ps. 119:165, margin: "Great peace have they that love thy law; and they shall have no stumbling block."—Lust (v. 16), desire, strong or controlling desire. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
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BOOK 1. The Life and Words of Christ.
The first of a Series of Three Books covering a Three Years' Course of GRADED SCRIPTURAL INSTRUCTION FOR CHILDREN.
52 Lessons—one for each Sabbath in the Year.
30 Original Hymns and Songs, written for the Lessons.
36 Beautiful Full-page Illustrations, with Colored Plate.
52 Original Pen Drawings, showing how to use the Kindergarten Material when Teaching the Lessons.
