In the spring of 1895 the missionaries residing in Nagoya, together with some of the native workers, representing four denominations, resolved to undertake the work of putting one copy of a portion of God's Word into each of the fifty thousand dwellings in this city. Dr. W. N. Whitney, of the Scripture Union, greatly encouraged and substantially aided this work.
A representative working committee was appointed by the contributors to the project, 50,000 copies of the four Gospels, 12,500 of each, were specially ordered and printed for this work, the Bible Societies' agent making a reduction of 50 per cent. of the retail price. Systematic preparations were made to begin the work of distribution. A brief tract, introductory and explanatory, was printed, and a copy of it put into each portion of the Word. This tract singled out and called special attention to important passages. The committee held regular meetings, and the different phases of the work were fully discussed. Some Christian friends came to the meetings of the committee, and made well-meaning but discouraging speeches, declaring the undertaking dangerous, and one Christian pastor predicted bloodshed as a consequence of stirring up Buddhist wrath by attempting a house-to-house visitation and distribution.
It was well known that among these 200,000 people, mostly Buddhists, 2,000 Buddhist temples, and 5,000 priests, there would be some opposition; but the committee did not hesitate. All were eventually surprised at the mildness of the opposition. The work was begun by presenting to the Marquis Tokugawa and the four officials of Chokunin rank, well bound copies of the whole Bible. Next, well-bound copies of the New Testament were presented to fifty-four officials of Sonin rank, and to gendarmes and police inspectors cheaper editions of the New Testament were given, and with each copy of the Bible and New Testament special letters of explanation were presented. With but one or two exceptions, the officials received the committee with great cordiality, and many of them seemed glad to inquire about Christian customs, etc. Portions of the city adjacent to the respective churches were apportioned to their workers, and the work of house-to-house visitation and distribution.
It began. In some instances priests went in advance of the workers and threatened the people if they should take copies of the Word. In other cases the distributors were closely followed, and all the portions left were gathered up for destruction. In some cases doors were barred in the face of the workers. In one section, covering several blocks of the most wealthy people of the city, an agreement was made that no one there would receive these portions of Scripture, and in some instances priests required the people to sign documents to the same effect; but no violence has taken place. From two per cent. to forty per cent. of the offers made were refused, but the average will not exceed four per cent. or five per cent. In many instances people appeared glad to get the Word, and instances of direct good are known to have followed this work. The spirit of inquiry has increased, and some persons thus found are now attending the churches. Some small, isolated portions of the city still remain to be worked, but the main portion has been covered, and the remaining portions of the Scriptures have been divided among the four missions represented—the Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant, and the Church of England.
Some of the workers have met with rich experiences, and in this way alone the work has paid well. The borders of Zion have been enlarged and her bulwarks strengthened perceptibly in this city within the past twelve months, to which good work the distribution of Scripture portions has undoubtedly contributed no mean part. Much prayer has accompanied this work, and while we may never be able to tabulate results, sure it is that He who has made a definite promise as to the fruitfulness of his Word, will see to it that great results follow. Hundreds who would otherwise never have seen the true Word of God, have had at least one chance to read some of its truths, and have had the importance of the subject brought home to them.—Missionary Review.
CHINESE PERSECUTION.
Mr. Goddard reports to the Missionary Herald a recent tour through the Ing-Hok district of Foochow Mission. He speaks as follows concerning the persecution of Christians at Gak-liang:—
“The beginning was back in May, and at one time we thought peace was secured, but later influential men took up the matter against the Christians and formed a compact with all the villages about by distributing cakes; two are given to each family, and over 9,000 were distributed. Whoever accepts them binds himself to the compact. In this case it was an agreement to have no fellowship with the Christians. This meant that the Christian storekeepers could do but little business, scholars would not come to Christian schools, and thieves and vagabonds would be free to molest Christians with impunity, and Christians from the outlying villages, coming to sell produce, would not be able to do so. The enemies, seizing one pretext or another, have led things from bad to worse. The village elders and constables are all against the Christians, and when appeal is made to the magistrate, he sends out runners, who take the word of the elders and constables, and they report: ‘There is no trouble down there,’ or, ‘The distribution of cakes is a village custom, and has no connection with the Christians,’ or, ‘The pastor is a busybody with a hasty tongue, who stirs up strife,’ or, ‘The Christians refuse to pay taxes,’ etc.
“Now if the Christians were always faultless, and would only ‘tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,’ we could get to the bottom of the business; but, alas! they are, first of all, Chinese, and only recently converted from heathenism. They are sorely tempted, like all Chinese, to make out their side as all right, and I am afraid they have presumed on their growing numbers and connection with the ‘foreigners,’ who are supposed to have unlimited wealth and power, to boast and threaten. The Chinese idea is to look out for number one. All altruistic ideas of self-denial for others, or Christian ideas of humility and loving service, are unknown by inheritance. It is news to them that a loving, holy life conquers all things, that there is power in enduring patiently the devices of evil men. So they feel a little aggrieved because the wealth and power of foreign missionaries are not at once put at their disposal when persecution comes. But we are here to teach them that their only help is in Jesus and his teachings, and that with him to help they will conquer all things.
“They do not realize also that it is part of the Lord’s dealings with his children to test them and discipline them for better things. This is a spiritual teaching, and the Chinese are very materialistic. Is it strange that they should be staggered, at first, by actual persecution? If they give way a little, it is not because they are weak or unconverted, but because spiritual things are new to them. When we explain it to them, they use a very expressive word, ‘mó-huák,’ which means, ‘inevitable, we must endure it,’ and forthwith they patiently wait and suffer long. As they are slow to accept Christianity, they are slow to give it up. Of the 143 church-members at Gak-liang, half of whom joined this year, four months of persecution have only turned back six or seven. Praise the Lord!”
“Let me relate two of many instances of their steadfastness. A church-member from a little isolated village way up in the beautiful mountains came down with a back-load of wood to sell and to buy food. No one would buy of or sell to him because he was a Christian, and they took him by the queue and jostled him about. They so threatened and persecuted these Christian storekeepers that they fled the village and hid, but came back when I came to tell their story. That night a constable with twelve men visited the store of one of them, who a few years ago had come from Diong-loh, where he had learned to be a Christian, and asked to see goods, and crowded into his store, and then into his loft, stole his money, and warned him to leave the village. He left that night, not knowing whither to go, and without money, but still a faithful Christian. God bless such and care for them.”
CASTING ALL THY CARE UPON JESUS.
By E. R. Colburn
Hark! I hear the Master calling,
Calling gently, day by day,
“Come unto Me, all ye weary,
Listen now to what I say.
“Bring your sorrows and temptations,
All your doubts and woes you bear,
Lay them all upon My shoulders,
I will all your troubles share.
“I will smooth the path so rugged,
All the rough and thorny way;
I will keep thy feet from slipping,
Watch thee, lest thou go astray.
“You must take My yoke upon you,
And My cross you, too, must bear;
You must own Me for your Saviour,
If you would My glory share.”
Blessed Master, I would listen
To Thy voice so low and sweet;
I would bring Thee every trouble,
Lay it freely at Thy feet.
O Thou kind and loving Saviour,
Full of pity, love and power,
I will cast my care upon Thee,
Trust Thee every day and hour!
E. R. COLBURN.
Ashland, Or.
BRIDGE TEMPLES AND IDOLS IN CHINA.
A MISSIONARY in China writes: “Every bridge here of any size is a temple. It is considered a work of merit to build a bridge. So when someone builds a bridge, hoping thereby to obtain merit, it has a roof of wood, and in the middle a shrine is built, containing idols, nearly always the three precious ones, that is, the Buddhas, and two or three smaller idols or figures, supposed to be attending on the idol. The idols are painted brilliant colors, and have real hair and beards (tho a Chinaman seldom has any beard), and before each is placed a bowl, filled with sand or earth, in which passers-by stick lighted incense sticks. In a day’s walk of 20 miles you would cross over perhaps 3 or 4 such bridges (and innumerable smaller ones), and pass perhaps 30 little wayside houses containing tablets and idols, and perhaps 20 temples of all sizes and degrees of dirt; and every now and again you see some one putting in incense sticks and bowing several times with clasped hands before the idols. The whole land is full of idols. A temple generally contains from 30 to 100 idols; and yet, if you talk to the people about them, a great many will acknowledge that the idols can not possibly help or protect them. The truth is that they are afraid—desperately afraid—of what the idols might be able to do to them. They fear the spirits that they believe live in the idols. The missionaries can tell them better.”—Gospel in All Lands.
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OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
THE Ohio Conference Committee has decided to hold a state meeting April 12–19, an earlier date than usual, in order to lay out the summer’s work as early as possible.
ELDER G. B. STARR, reporting to the Review from Queensland Australia, notes an addition of fifteen to the number who have accepted the doctrines presented to them.
ELDER J. G. WOOD baptized six persons in Cincinnati, the last week in February, using the baptistry of the Disciple Church, which was kindly loaned for the occasion.
AN encouraging report of the progress of the cause in Toledo, Ohio, comes through the Visitor. A special feature of labor is the Christian help work, which brings good results. Such work is specially noted in the judgment. See Matt. 25:31–46.
FOLLOWING is the present organization of the General Conference Association board: President, I. H. Evans; vice-president, J. H. Morrison; secretary, John I. Gibson; treasurer, A. G. Adams. Executive Committee—I. H. Evans, J. H. Morrison, J. I. Gibson, A. G. Adams, W. C. Sisley.
WORD comes to us, through the kindness of the president of the General Conference, that Prof. E. A. Sutherland takes the presidency of Battle Creek College, Prof. G. W. Caviness having resigned. As to how this will affect the Correspondence School of Walla Walla College, we do not know.
A REPORT in the Review from Brother Ellery Robinson, who went to India last autumn, makes an urgent appeal for canvassers to labor in that country. There is a wide field for the bookseller, where thousands are hungering for the pure Gospel, and physically suffering for want of the information contained in our health books.
BROTHER THOMAS WHITTLE, a Bible worker in the mining town of Charters Towers, in the northern part of Queensland, Australia, reports an encouraging interest. Canvassers had previously placed our leading books with a number of the people in that vicinity. There are souls ready to receive the truth in the most isolated parts of the earth where the children of men dwell. But it must be taken to them. They will not hunt for it until they are informed concerning it.
THE Gleaner, our New England Conference paper, says: “The church in Boston had the pleasure of listening to Rev. T. B. Johnson, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lynn, Sabbath, March 13. Brother Johnson preached a most interesting and powerful sermon, showing the drift of the religious forces of the nation away from God, and calling attention to the little flock that would be ready to meet the Lord when he comes. Last Sabbath Rev. B. R. Harris, pastor of the Bunker Hill Baptist Church, Charlestown, preached in Boston. Brother Harris gave a most tender discourse, showing the relation that the family of God ought to sustain to each other, and to all.”
A FEW weeks ago Brother T. Alexander was summoned to appear as a witness in a court in Oklahoma City, O. T., on the Sabbath day. Of course he did not go voluntarily, and an officer was sent to bring him. He took his Bible with him as his defense. Being interrogated as to his reason for holding the court in contempt, he replied that he did not hold the court in contempt, but it was the Sabbath day, and he could not give testimony. Being asked if he would rather suffer the penalty than testify, he replied that he would. “But,” said the judge, “you are already here, and you will not be giving evidence of your own free will, but by force.” Then Brother Alexander answered, “My Bible teaches me that I ought to obey God rather than men.” He would no doubt have been sent to prison for contempt, but the attorneys in the case agreed to have the case postponed to a time when he could conscientiously attend and bear testimony.
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ILLUSTRATED SPRING CATALOG.
By Editor
1897.
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CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
This column of church services, especially in our larger towns and cities, will be printed from time to time as we have room, for the benefit of strangers who may read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or brethren passing through. We have found it necessary to condense in the smallest possible space. The word “Sabbath” always refers to the seventh day of the week. These services consist of Sabbath school, preaching, Bible study, missionary, and prayer meetings. The first Sabbath service is, with but few exceptions, Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of pastor or clerk.
Toledo, O.—11th St. Christian Church, bet. Jefferson and Madison Sts., near center of city. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7 P. M., at Mission parlors, 1211 Collingwood Ave. E. J. Van Horn, Pastor.
Lynn, Mass.—Lee Hall. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 3 P. M., Tuesday and Friday 7:30 P. M. A. B. Jernegan, Elder. A. B. Felton, Clerk, 35 Union St.
Denver, Colo.—Cor. W. 11th Ave. and S. 11th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday and Friday 7:45 P. M. D. H. Soggs, Elder.
Helena, Mont.—307 N. Warren St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7:30 P. M. W. T. Henton, Elder.
New Bedford, Mass.—Church at Willow St., west of Cedar. Public services: Sabbath 10:30 A. M. and 12 M. J. B. Hall, Clerk, Box 72, Acushnet, Mass.
Garden Grove, Cal.—Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 3 P. M. Harriet A. Rainsey, Clerk.
Wilmington, Del.—Red Men’s Hall, 515 Shipley St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 2:30 P. M. Edwin F. Eckel, Clerk.
Bradford, Pa.—Ladies’ Club Room No. 1 Chautauqua Place. Public services: Sabbath 2 P. M. H. T. Morian, Clerk.
Louisville, Ky.—Second S. D. A. Church (white) mission rooms, 2437 W. Broadway. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7:30 P. M. J. W. Collie, Pastor. First S. D. A. Church, Broadway, bet. 8th and 9th Sts. Sabbath school at 9:30, and preaching at 10:30, A. M. J. R. Buster, Pastor.
Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagg Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. A. O. Burrill, Pastor.
Chicago, Ill.—On 46th St. bet. Michigan and Wabash Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A. M. and 12:30 P. M., Sunday 7:15 P. M., Tuesday 7 P. M., and Thursday 7:30 P. M.
St. Paul, Minn.—On Wacouta bet. 8th and 9th. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. H. F. Phelps, Pastor, 1634 Carroll St.
St. Louis, Mo.—2955 Sheridan Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M., Wednesday 7:45 P. M. Mary S. Yener, Clerk.
Kansas City, Mo.—Cor. 12th and Woodland Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Tuesday 7:45 P. M.
St. Joseph, Mo.—Cor. 15th and Locust Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Mrs. Harriet W. Talbert, Clerk.
Omaha, Neb.—Near cor. N. 25th and Indiana Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:30 P. M., Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7:30 P. M. Also at South Omaha Sabbath at 3 P. M. A. J. Howard, Pastor, 941 N. 25th St.
Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th S. St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M., Wednesday and Saturday 7:45 P. M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, 839 E. 9 South Sts., Salt Lake City.
New Orleans, La.—Jefferson Hall, cor. Magazine and Philip Sts. Public services: Every Sabbath at 10 and 11:15 A. M. J. E. Evans, Pastor, 6325 Patton St.
Jersey City, N. J.—Public services: At church, 27 Oak St., Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M.; at hall, 242 Hancock Ave., Sabbath 2:30 and 3:30; Sunday 7:45 P. M. both places. Amos Mitchell, Elder.
Boston, Mass.—604 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor.
Richmond, Va.—Meetings at 501 North 25th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. J. P. Neff, Pastor.
Alameda.—Foresters’ Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. and 2:45 P. M. W. N. Glenn, Elder.
East Portland, Or.—Cor. 11th and East Everett Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. and 7 P. M., Wednesday 7 P. M.
Tacoma, Wash.—Cor. South 16th and K Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:45 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. F. H. Smith, Elder, 1507 South I St.
Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F. and G. Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. V. H. Lucas, Pastor, 209 8th Street, N. E.
Brooklyn, N. Y.—Wurzler’s Hall, 315 Washington St. near city post-office. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M.
Worcester, Mass.—118 Austin St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. F. C. Bee, Clerk, No. 6 Furnace St.
Providence, R. I.—Olney St. Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Wm. H. Warfield, Clerk, 27 Susan St., Providence.
Hartford, Conn.—Room 6, 254 Main St. Sabbath school at 2, and preaching at 3:15 P. M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk.
Philadelphia, Penn.—Public services at 1724 N. 15th St.; Sabbath 10 (Sabbath school 11:15) A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M. E. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1724 N. 15th St.
Baltimore, Md.—Harlem Hall, North Stricker St. Public services: Sabbath 11 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. S. E. de Bruyn, Clerk.
Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. (sun time), Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Willard H. Smith, Pastor.
Oakland.—Cor. 12th and Brush Sts. Public services: Sunday at 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M.
San Francisco.—914 Laguna St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Thursday 7:30 P. M.
Los Angeles.—145 Carr St., bet. Main and Hill Sts. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 P. M.
Sacramento.—G St. bet. 18th and 19th Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M.
Pasadena.—Cor. of Summit Ave. and Mountain St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. O. S. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261.
San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7 P. M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136.
Stockton.—Cor. Miner Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 2:30 P. M. M. C. Israel, Elder.
San Jose, Cal.—Church, San Salvador St., near Delmas Ave. Sabbath school 10, Bible study 11 A. M.; missionary meeting, Sunday 7 P. M.; prayer meeting Wednesday 7 P. M.
Phoenix, Ariz.—Cor. 4th Ave. and Washington St., upstairs. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 10:45 A. M.; Wednesday 7:30 P. M. (Elder, C. D. M. Williams, absent.) Leader, Eugene A. Browne, 306 N. 2d St.
Nashville, Tenn.—Hall 415 Woodland St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7 P. M. Minnie M. Hoyt, Lib., 56 Ramsey St.
Duluth, Minn.—208 E. 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Daniel Nettleton, Pastor.
Portland, Me.—36 Oak St., “Hunt Kindergarten” rooms. Sabbath school 2 P. M., social meeting 3 P. M. W. E. Gerald, General Canvassing Agent.
IMPORTANT TRACTS.
Bible Students' Library No. 75, “Living by Faith,” by Elder E. J. Waggoner, our London editor. The object of this number is to show how the Christian may live and grow up in Christ. It contains precious instruction. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students' Library No. 104, “Justified by Faith,” by Mrs. E. G. White. The means by which the sinner is pardoned and justified is given careful attention throughout. It also takes up the question as to what constitutes the first steps in the work of salvation. A valuable number. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students' Library No. 105, “The Way to Christ,” by the same author as No. 104. The commandments of God are shown to contain the whole duty of man. While man has miserably failed in the performance of this duty, he still has a “way to Christ” provided. How this has been done is one of the questions answered in this tract. It contains 16 pages. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students' Library No. 125, “The Privilege of Prayer,” by the same author as Nos. 104 and 105. It contains precious instruction on this vital subject, which is so closely connected with the Christian life and growth. It should be carefully and prayerfully read by every follower of Christ. Sixteen pages; price, 2 cents.
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THE UNITED STATES IS IN PROPHECY.
We have several large works treating this subject in detail, but not until recently have we had anything sufficiently condensed for general distribution. Elder Uriah Smith, author of “United States in Prophecy,” “Thoughts on Daniel and The Revelation,” “Marvel of Nations,” and senior editor of the Review and Herald, has written a 32-page treatise on the prophecies relating to this country, and has entitled it “America’s Crisis.” That we have reached a crisis, all thinking men believe; but that this crisis and what it means to the world is foretold in Scripture, is not so generally believed.
To read this pamphlet is to become intelligent on this great question, and to awaken an interest for the details of the working out of these prophecies. Order Bible Students’ Library, No. 138. Price, 4 cents. Special price on quantities for distribution.
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17 “Some of his disciples therefore said one to another, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye behold me not; and again a little while, and ye shall see me; and, Because I go to the Father? 18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith. 19 Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me? 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. 23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be fulfilled.”
25 “These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but shall tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came out from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father. 29 His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 30 Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. 31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? 32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
QUESTIONS.
1. What inquiries did the disciples make among themselves?
2. How did they repeat the inquiry? What did they acknowledge?
3. Of what was Jesus aware?
4. What question did he ask them?
5. How did he contrast their experience with that of the world?
6. What change did he say would come in their experience?
7. With what illustration did he enforce the teaching?
8. How did he apply the illustration?
9. What would be true “in that day”? What promise was made?
10. What encouragement was given for making larger requests?
11. How had Christ been speaking unto his disciples? What change would he make in his manner of teaching?
12. How would requests be made? What would be unnecessary? For what reason? Upon what was this reason based?
13. Whence came Christ? To what? What was he soon to do?
14. How did his disciples respond to this statement?
15. Of what were they now convinced? To what conclusion did this lead them?
16. What question did Jesus ask?
17. What prediction did he then make? What would be his comfort in this hour of trial?
18. For what purpose had Christ been instructing his disciples?
19. What experience awaited them? What assurance was given?
NOTES.
1. The experience mentioned in verse 20 evidently refers to the time immediately following Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Compare with verse 22. From that time and onward they were to ask nothing of him, but to ask the Father in his name. See verses 23-26. The reason he states in verse 27, where he says, “For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” In this instruction we see how wisely and effectually Jesus sought to reveal the character of God, and direct the minds of his disciples to his Father as the source of all good, by teaching them to pray to the Father in his name.
2. The world may hate us and harass us and cause us tribulation and sorrow, but in Jesus there are rest and peace. This peace comes from harmony with God, and the assurance that as Christ has overcome the world, its trials, its troubles, its temptations, and all the power of the enemy, so he will give us power to do the same, to overcome as he overcame. Therefore we are to be of good cheer; victory is sure; deliverance will come.
Suggestions for Further Study.
1. What do you think is implied in our Saviour’s statement, “Ye shall see me, because I go to the Father”? Compare John 14:2; Rev. 21:3.
