AT Oraville, Ill., Elder H. W. Decker reports that five adults have taken a decided stand for the truth.
ON the 8th ult. there were three additions to the church at Washington, D. C., making nineteen in the past eight months.
AT Albany, N. Y., Elder A. E. Place recently baptized four persons, having the free use of the Memorial Baptist Church.
ELDER L. D. SANTEE reports a good interest in meetings at Gibson City, Ill., the attendance being 150 each evening, and 500 on Sunday evening.
THREE Bible workers are now laboring in Spokane, Wash., in connection with the tent work. They are: Mrs. E. G. Fulton (formerly of the SIGNS office), Miss M. Bessie De Graw, and Miss Evelyn M. Riley.
ELDER W. D. CURTIS recently began tent meetings at Malta, Ill., and on the third evening the two resident ministers and their congregations, numbering about three hundred, were present to hear for themselves.
AT Tuftsville, Vt., two persons were recently baptized by Elder Wm. Covert. He expects soon to organize the company of Sabbath keepers at that place. He also reports the baptism of four at South Londonderry.
OF the camp meeting at Jamestown, N. Dakota, Elder N. W. Allee reports an encampment of nearly two hundred persons, about one-half of whom were Germans. Services were conducted in the English, German, and Swedish languages, and twenty-three were baptized.
IN connection with the last quarterly meeting in the Scandinavian Church of Brooklyn, N. Y., four persons were baptized, making nine additions for the quarter. One other candidate for baptism was prevented by sickness. Meetings are held at 281 Sackett Street. Sabbath school at 10 A. M., and preaching at 11.
ELDER J. W. COLLIE reports eleven converts in Tampa, Fla., as a result of tent meetings held in that place, with a good interest continuing. The brethren there have purchased a house of worship formerly owned by the Presbyterians. However, the work there is carried forward amid the bitter opposition of the enemy.
THE leaders of a mob who some weeks ago attempted to pull down and burn a Seventh-day Adventist tent at Bushy Creek, S. C., were arrested by the citizens of the place, who had prevented the outrage. About the time the matter was to be heard in court, the men asked pardon and desired to have the charges withdrawn. At the solicitation of our brethren, the case was dismissed, and the accused parties entered into bonds to keep the peace. Elders J. O. Johnson and E. W. Webster have charge of the tent work at Bushy Creek.621
IN a recent report of a tour of several churches in New York, published in the Indicator, Elder S. H. Lane mentions meeting Brother G. D. Ballou, who was visiting friends at Pulaski, and incidentally states that he "gave a stirring and interesting discourse." Brother Ballou has been living for several years at Grant's Pass, Oregon, and was on his way to Gainesville, Ga., designing to settle there.
BROTHER JOHN VUILLEUMIER has been laboring in the interest of the French population in and about Worcester, Mass., for some time, and reports that "a small beginning has been made." In view of the extensive work before us with the French-speaking people of the world, he suggests the importance of a French department in the South Lancaster Academy, to the end that more laborers be fitted for carrying the message to that people. How great the harvest is, and how few the laborers!
AT the recent camp meeting near Walla Walla, Wash., there were thirty-seven Scandinavians, and special services were held for them twice a day, in their own language. Others of their countrymen from the city also attended their meetings. There were also special services in the German language in a separate tent, the audiences numbering from seventy to eighty. The camp comprised in all 147 family tents, besides the tents for special purposes. The meeting is said to have been a very profitable one, and 100 persons were baptized.
THE Baltimore Herald of July 20 publishes a letter from Church Hill, Ind., to Elder John F. Jones, in which it is stated that a midnight mob had endeavored to destroy the new Seventh-day Adventist house of worship at that place. When they had broken a few windows, however, they were frightened away by persons who heard the noise. A tent which was being used by Elder S. B. Horton was also considerably damaged. The mob assembled at a little distance from the tent and indulged in abusive language and threats of violence. Threats have been openly made that the church would be burned and the members tarred.
JUST FOR TO-DAY.
LORD, for to-morrow and its needs
I do not pray;
Keep me, my God, from stain of sin
Just for to-day.
Let me both diligently work
And duly pray;
Let me be kind in word and deed
Just for to-day.
Let me be slow to do my will,
Prompt to obey;
Help me to sacrifice myself
Just for to-day.
Let me no wrong or idle word
Unthinking say;
Set thou a seal upon my lips
Just for to-day.
So for to-morrow and its needs
I do not pray;
But keep me, guide me, hold me, Lord,
Just for to-day.
—Selected.
HOW TO HAVE GOD'S HELP.
"AND when Elisha was come, . . . he went in therefore, and shut the door, . . . and prayed unto the Lord." 2 Kings 4: 32, 33. All life-giving power comes from God, and the prophet knew this. All of his dependence just then was in the Lord God omnipotent. Centuries later Jesus taught his disciples to always shut the door the first thing, when they would talk with God, and he also taught them, by precept and example, that the next thing to do after they had prayed was to do all they could to help answer the prayer they had made, and this was the very thing the prophet did.
One reason why some of us do not have more prayers answered is because we stop praying as soon as we come out of our closets. The right kind of a prayer never stops. We forget that sometimes the most effective praying is done with hands and feet and brain and pocketbook. We say, "Amen," and quit, just when we ought to press on with more earnestness, or we stay on our knees asking for bread when we ought to be out in the field doing something with a hoe. God help us to pray in a way that angels can understand, no matter whether they hear our words or not. "If I had as much wheat in a barn as you've got, papa, I'd answer that prayer myself," said a little boy to the stingy father, who had prayed at the family altar for a man who needed bread. That boy had a true idea of prayer that some old men never get.—Ram's Horn.
Woes of Unsanctified Ministers
By Ellen G. White
If God pronounces a woe upon those who are called to preach the truth and refuse to obey, a heavier woe rests upon those who take upon them this sacred work without clean hands and pure hearts. As there are woes for those who preach the truth while they are unsanctified in heart and life, so there are woes for those who receive and maintain the unsanctified in the position which they cannot fill.—Gospel Workers.
CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1894.
By Editor
DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.
New York, Auburn....................July 26 to Aug. 6
Virginia, Mt. Jackson........................Aug. 7-14
West Virginia, Parkersburg.........Aug. 16-27
Vermont, Morrisville...............Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
New England.......................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10
Maine, Bath........................Sept. 6-17
DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.
Georgia, Gainesville.................Aug. 15-21
Tennessee River, Nashville, Tenn.................................Aug. 31 to Sept. 10
Florida, Seffner.....................Nov. 8-18
Appointments marked by a star will be preceded by a workers' meeting.
GEN. CONF. COM.
CHURCH SERVICES.
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.
Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street, corner of Champlain Avenue. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. every Sabbath. Prayer meeting, Monday evening at 7:30 P.M. The above services are held in the Forestville Congregationalist Church building until our own church will be completed, when proper notice will be given. All are cordially invited.
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 at corner of Eleventh and East Everett Streets. 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.
Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school 9:15 A.M. Sunday, 7:30 P.M., Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome.
H. W. HERRELL, Clerk.
Sacramento.—Church on G Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching service at 11 A.M., Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30. Seats free. All are cordially invited.
Pasadena.—Church at corner of Summit Ave. and Mountain Street. Sabbath services every Sabbath at 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Prayer meeting every Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Tuesday 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8
LESSON VIII.—SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 1894.
THE FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS.
[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.]
AGAIN on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples:
And he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where abidest thou?
He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They came therefore and saw where he abode; and they abode with him that day; it was about the tenth hour.
One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John; thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation Peter).
On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip; and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.
Golden Text: "We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." John 1: 41.
NOTE.—This lesson evidently comes immediately after the temptation of Jesus, on his return from the wilderness. He came back near to where John was baptizing. Just before this incident in the lesson, also, the Jews had sent a deputation to John to ask him who he was; and John had told them that, while he was not the Christ, he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, and he was content to be that voice, the voice of God. So will every true servant of God be content. He had also told them that there was One coming after him whose shoes' latchet he was not worthy to unloose. The next day after this he saw Jesus, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" He declared that Jesus was the One to whom he had borne witness.14
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
What occurred the next day after the incident noticed in the above note? Verse 35.
What testimony did John bear to Jesus as he saw him?
What did these two disciples do after John had spoken?
As Jesus turned and saw them following, what did he say? Verse 38.
What reply did they make?
What did he then say to them? and what did they do?
Who was one of these two disciples? Verse 40.
On finding Jesus, what did Andrew next do? Verse 41. Note 1.
When he had found Simon, what did he do? Verse 42, first clause.
What did Jesus say when he beheld Peter? Same verse.
Whom did Jesus find on the following day as he started into Galilee? Verse 43. Note 2.
What did he say unto him?
Of what city was Philip a native? Verse 44.
Whom did Philip first seek out? and what did he say to him?
What did Nathanael reply? Note 3.
What wise reply did Philip make? Verse 46, last clause.
What did Jesus say when he saw Nathanael coming? Verse 47.
What question did Nathanael ask? Verse 48.
How did Jesus show to Nathanael that he knew him and could read his heart?
What showed that Nathanael himself also believed? Verse 49.
NOTES.
ANDREW did just the same as every true disciple of Christ who finds Christ to the joy of his heart,—began to preach the gospel. When men selfishly find treasures of earth, they wish to keep them to themselves. When men find the treasures of God in the gospel, they wish to share them with others. The first thought of Andrew was for his brother Simon, and he wished that Simon should share in the same blessed knowledge which had come to him, that of knowing the Messiah. The word "Messiah" means "anointed." The Greek form is "Christ." So, in speaking of Jesus as the Christ or the Messiah, it means the anointed of God, the One anointed of God to do just the work which Christ did, as stated in Luke 4: 18 and Acts 10: 38. "Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone." "Cephas" was the Aramaic for "stone," the modernized form of the Hebrew language. As the language would not be familiar, John tells us that by interpretation it is a stone. That in the Greek would be "petros," a piece of rock, detached from the living rock. In other words, "Cephas" is the Aramaic or Syriac for stone, while the Greek word, "petros," or "Peter," means the same thing. This, however, is not to be confounded with the word "Petra," referring to Jesus Christ. Peter was a stone; Jesus was the Rock.
PHILIP the apostle is not to be confounded with Philip the deacon. Of his labors and death nothing is certainly known. Tradition says he preached the gospel in Phrygia and suffered martyrdom. He was of the same town as Andrew and Peter.
Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?—First, Nazareth was a small village of but little account. Second, it was not very far from Cana, which was Nathanael's own village, and much more important than Nazareth. Third, Nazareth is not even mentioned in the Old Testament, nor is there any prophecy concerning it, and it was a proverb that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. Fourth, all Galileans were despised for their want of culture, their rude dialect, etc. Fifth, Nazareth must have been in low repute for morality. Jesus himself was once driven away from it by a mob of its best citizens. These and other things were, doubtless, in Nathanael's mind when he asked the question, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" But we can see the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah, "He was a root out of a dry ground." God made the meanest things to praise him; and yet, after all, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in the city of David.
Now ALL the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him for to hear him.
And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, which need no repentance.
Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?
And when she hath found it, she calleth together her friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I had lost.
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
And he said, A certain man had two sons:
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
And not many days after the younger one gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country: and there he wasted his substance with riotous living.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want.
And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
And he would fain have been filled with the husks that the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him.
But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
I am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants.
And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight; I am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these things might be.
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed thy fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
But he was angry, and would not go in; and his father came out, and entreated him.
But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
But when this thy son came, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killest for him the fatted calf.
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine.
But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
THERE is but one subject treated in this chapter, and that is indicated in the title of the lesson. But it is considered under three heads, namely, "The Lost Sheep," "The Lost Piece of Money," and "The Prodigal Son." These are all familiar stories. See how minutely you can relate them.
Who drew near to Jesus?
In what words did the scribes and Pharisees murmur against him?
What did this call forth from Jesus?
Relate the first parable.
How long does the man in the parable seek the lost sheep?
How does he feel when he finds it?
What does he do when he reaches home?
What lesson did Jesus teach from this?
What was the second parable?
What does the woman do when she has lost the piece of silver?
What when she finds it?
What lesson does Jesus teach from this?
Relate the third parable.
What did the younger of the two sons receive from his father?
What did he do with it?
How reduced were his circumstances?
What took place then?
When he came to himself, what did he say?
What did he do?
What took place when "he was yet a great way off"?
Did his father accept him as a servant?
How did he treat him?
What was the general feeling over the returned son?
How did the elder son feel?
What was the father's reply?
NOTES.
"THIS man receiveth sinners." That which the Pharisees uttered as a reproach against Jesus, is his greatest glory. It is a glory to him, and he glories in it. He is not ashamed to receive sinners. "He is not ashamed to call them brethren." Heb. 2: 11. "Behold what maner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God." He receives us when we offer ourselves to him as servants, and makes us sons. "Henceforth I call you not servants; . . . but I have called you friends." John 15: 15. "Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Gal. 4: 7.
"THERE is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." If you are not very watchful, you will find yourself reading according to the common way, "There is joy among the angels over one sinner that repenteth." This is doubtless true, but it is not what the text says. "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God." This includes the other thought, and adds infinitely more to it. God himself is not ashamed to exhibit in the presence of the angels his great joy over one repentant sinner. What more could be said to encourage poor wanderers? It is not that God will not cast off the repentant one, but that he is overflowing with joy at his return. He cannot and does not attempt to conceal his great joy when even one sinner repents. He watches for him and rushes to meet him when he is yet a long way off.
"For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man's mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind."
3. In studying the parable of the prodigal son, do not lose the preciousness of it by allowing your mind to run off into speculation as to who are indicated by the two sons. Whoever you are, the parable means you. Granted that the hard elder brother represents the position of the Pharisees toward the publicans and Gentiles, we must still remember that the race of the Pharisees is not yet extinct. We are either the prodigal son returning to the Father's house, or else we are the carping elder brother. And the worst of the second case is that we are actually in as hard circumstances as the prodigal, and unconscious of it. See Rev. 3: 17. Let us be content in studying this chapter to feast upon the revelation of the wonderful love of God, that we may be the more closely drawn to him. Let this word concerning Christ be ever in our minds, "This Man receiveth sinners."
HUMBOLDT COUNTY CAMP MEETING.
By Editor
This meeting has been appointed to be held in Eureka, from August 16-26. This time and place seem to suit the brethren of this section of the country as best. As there are but about two weeks until the beginning of the meeting, it will be necessary that orders for tents be sent at once. In ordering your tents, state the size you want, with or without fly and carpet. The price of a 10x12 tent will be $4.00 and 12x16 tents $5.00. Fly and carpet extra. We trust that all our people throughout that section of the State will make special effort to be present. The stirring times in which we are living are evidence that we are fast approaching the end. We will not be able to hold many more camp meetings. Come, brethren, praying that God's Spirit may rest with power upon his people. Send tent orders to N. C. McClure, 1591 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland.
PERIODICALS WANTED.
By Editor
CLEAN copies of the SIGNS, Instructor, and Our Little Friend are very much needed by our workers in Knoxville, Tenn. The demand is an urgent one, for free circulation among the poor. Address, postpaid, Chas. E. Sturdevant, 415 Patterson Street.
SIGNS, Sentinel, and Our Little Friend are wanted for missionary work by Nannie Peterson, Cathay, Mariposa County, Cal.
Cleveland Bicycles,
STODDARD & LEE,
306 McAllister St., San Francisco, Cal.
FACTS FOR THE TIMES.—Containing historical extract, tracts, candid admissions from authors, ancient and modern. A Book for the Times. Revised 1893. A compilation of facts that are astounding, by students of biblical and historical research. 310 pages, wine-colored cloth binding. Price, 75 cts., postpaid. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, California.
ANALYTICAL
CONCORDANCE TO THE BIBLE
BY ROBERT YOUNG, L. L. D.
Contains every word in alphabetical order, arranged under its Hebrew or Greek original, with the literal meaning of each, and its pronunciation. Exhibiting about 31,000 references, marking 30,000 various readings in the New Testament. Designed for the simplest reader of the English Bible.
One large quarto volume. Cloth, $5.00. Black Leather, $6.00.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO. Oakland, Cal.
THE ATONEMENT.
The author, in a book of 368 pages, takes up this great central doctrine of the gospel, and treats it in two parts. Part first,
An Atonement Consistent with Reason.
In this he shows that the doctrine of an atonement through the medium of a voluntary substitute is consistent with reason. Part second,
The Atonement as Revealed in the Bible.
In this is discussed the plan of redemption through Christ, by which every sinner who accepts Christ will be justified; sin will be turned back upon the head of its originator; the earth will be cleansed from the curse; God's righteous government will be restored over the entire universe; and all who will not become loyal subjects of that government will be destroyed.
The book presents a CRITICAL AND EXHAUSTIVE TREATISE on this interesting subject, by a thorough Bible student, and wholly from a Bible standpoint, and cannot fail to be of great value to everyone who reads it.
Third edition, bound in cloth, embossed in black, with gold title on back and front cover.
Price, postpaid, $1.00.
Address, Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 BOND ST., New York City.
TEN LECTURES ON NASAL CATARRH
By John Harvey Kellogg
By J. H. Kellogg, M. D.
Treats of the Nature, Causes, Prevention and Cure; and Diseases of the Throat, Eye and Ear, due to Nasal Catarrh, and gives a
CHAPTER OF CHOICE PRESCRIPTIONS.
The work contains 120 pages and is embellished with a colored frontispiece, and six beautifully-colored plates, besides many illustrative cuts of the throat and nasal cavity.
Prices: Cloth, 75 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,
OAKLAND, CAL.,
OR 43 BOND ST., N. Y.
