p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 46. (11/14/1900)

Earlier text: GOD BLESS OUR INTERRUPTIONS

LESSON VIII.—SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1900

SOBER LIVING.

Lesson Scripture, Titus 2:1-15, R.V.

1 “BUT speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine; 2 that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience; that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed; the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded, in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that can not be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us. Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; 10 not gainsaying, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing 12 salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the 14 blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works. 15 “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”

NOTE.—This is designed as a temperance lesson, and is thrown in among our lessons on the life and work of Christ because Sunday, November 25, has been designated as a “world’s temperance Sunday.” The Christian teacher should impress upon his pupils that temperance is an affair of the heart and life, and not a matter of days. He will teach temperance by both precept and example at all times. It is one of the essential characteristics of Christian character, and not a thing to be put on for stated occasions.

Golden Text: “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:12.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What is Paul’s advice to Titus? V. 1. Note 1. (2) What instruction was Titus to give to the aged men? V. 2. (3) What were the aged women to do? What were they to refrain from doing? In what active work for Christ should they engage? V. 3. (4) What were the older women to teach the younger women? What was the purpose of this good conduct? Vs. 4, 5. (5) What exhortation was to be given to the younger men? V. 6. (6) What was Titus himself to be in their midst? What must be shown in his presentation of the true doctrine? V. 7. (7) What was to be the nature of his speech? What would be the effect of this kind of speech and doctrine upon those who opposed? V. 8. (8) What advice was Titus to give to servants? V. 9. (9) From what were they to abstain? Instead of purloining, what characteristic should they show? In doing this, what would they be doing for the doctrine they professed? V. 10. Note 2. (10) What had God revealed to all to enable them to live above such wicked acts? What does grace bring? V. 11. (11) What work does the grace of God do for us? What does it teach us that we should do? V. 12. Note 3. (12) While laboring for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, for what will the Christian be looking? V. 13. (13) What was the Lord’s purpose in giving Himself for us? What will be the characteristic of that people? V. 14. (14) In what manner is the minister of Christ to speak these things to the people? V. 15.

NOTES.

1. Speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine.—Paul’s advice to Titus in connection with his work among the inhabitants of Crete is recorded because it is fitting advice for every minister of Christ, in all ages. We learn from the first chapter of Titus that the wickedness of the Cretans had become a byword. Falsehood and immorality were among their chief characteristics. In the present condition of the world, when wickedness is multiplying on every hand, the teaching of that which befits sound doctrine is of pre-eminent importance.

2. Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity.—This instruction shows that the habit, on the part of servants, of purloining, embezzling, stealing from their employers, was no uncommon thing. But the servant of Christ must show an uncorruptible fidelity in all things intrusted to him. If such instruction was necessary then, it is certainly necessary now, and very applicable. Accounts of embezzlements, filchings of that which has been intrusted to servants, both public and private, are appearing constantly in the daily press. The servant who would adorn the doctrine he professes will abstain from all such things.

3. Teaching us, to the intent that.—In God’s grace is the revelation of Himself. It is through the grace of God that all the teachings of His Word are recorded for our admonition; and the grace of God itself is a teacher. His long-suffering toward us teaches us that He is not willing any of us should perish; and in order that we may not perish, it points out the by-paths into which we must not go.

LESSON IX.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1900.

THE RICH YOUNG RULER.

Lesson Scripture, Matt. 19:16-26, R.V.

16 “And behold, one came to Him and said, Master, what 17 good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And He said unto him, Why askest thou Me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good; but if thou wouldest enter 18 into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto Him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not 19 steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, 20 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I observed; what lack 21 I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, 22 sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have 23 treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions. 23 “And Jesus said unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through 25 a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And when the disciples heard it, they were aston- 26 ished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

NOTE.—Read Matt. 19:1 to 20:16 and Luke 17:20 to 18:14. The lesson section includes only the lesson scripture as one specimen of Jesus' teaching, among many things taught on His last journey to Jerusalem.

Golden Text: “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:24.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) When Jesus had finished blessing the children brought to Him, who approached Him? What question did he ask of Jesus? V. 16. Note 1. (2) Before answering him, what question did Jesus ask the young ruler? What declaration did Jesus then make in regard to goodness? What did the Saviour tell him he must do if he would have life? V. 17. Note 2. (3) What further question did the young ruler ask? What commands did Jesus enumerate in reply to this question? Vs. 18, 19. (4) What did the ruler say in reference to this? What other question did he ask? V. 20. (5) What did Jesus say he should do if he would be perfect? What would be the final result of this action? What invitation did He give the young man? V. 21. Note 3. (6) How did the Saviour's instruction affect the young ruler? What was the cause of his sorrow? V. 22. (7) Seeing this, what did Jesus say to His disciples? V. 23. Note 4. (8) In what other way did Christ express this thought? V. 24. (9) How did the disciples receive this saying? What question did they ask? V. 25. Note 5. (10) In reply to their questionings, what did Jesus say? V. 26.

NOTES.

1. One came to Him and said.—We learn from Luke 18:18 that the one who came to Jesus on this occasion was a ruler, one holding a high position among the Jews. That the young ruler was zealous to know what he must do is shown from the record in Mark, which says, “There came one running, and kneeled to Him.”

2. Keep the commandments.—Not some of them, not nine of them, but “keep the commandments.” The Jews understood by “the commandments” the law of God as expressed in the great “Ten Words” uttered by the Lord Himself on Sinai. The keeping of the commandments is pre-eminently essential if we would “enter into life.” John says, “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.” 1 John 2:4. He also gives us a test whereby we may know if we love the children of God: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:2, 3. Christ's command to His followers to-day, as to those who would follow Him then, is, “Keep the commandments,” and in no place has He given to man permission to substitute for the essence of one of those “Ten Words” something which that command never enjoined. Those commands stand to-day in their entirety as they stood when Jehovah spoke them from the cloud, and the keeping of them will be a characteristic of those who will be among the redeemed. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14. Of course they can be kept only by faith in Christ, who forgives sin and writes the law upon the heart.

3. Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.—

“Christ's words were verily to the ruler, ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve.’ The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague-spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! . . . Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, tho they appeared severe and exacting. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections. If he had realized the value of the offered gift, quickly would he have enrolled himself as one of Christ's followers. He desired eternal life; but he was not willing to make the sacrifice. . . . His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol.”—Desire of Ages.

4. Hard for a rich man to enter.—In too many cases he has broken the commandments by making an idol of his riches,—an idol whose worship has become so much a part of his very life that it is like self-crucifixion to cast it down. The rich young ruler went away exceeding sorrowful, because in order to follow Christ he must destroy the idol at whose shrine he had worshiped so long. “Christ's dealing with the young man is presented as an object lesson. God has given us the rule of conduct which every one of His servants must follow. It is obedience to His law, not merely a legal obedience, but an obedience which enters into the life, and is exemplified in the character. Only those who will say, Lord, all I have and all I am is Thine, will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God.”—Desire of Ages.

5. Who then can be saved?—“For the great body of people wanted riches, whether they succeeded or not. If the most favored and prominent class could not enter heaven, who could? . . . Wealth was especially necessary for the kingdom, as they had pictured it to their minds.”—Peloubet. But the teaching of Christ was directly opposed to this. Wealth was a non-essential; but real heart-worship and loving obedience to God's requirements were the great essentials.

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Bought With a Price

"Ye are bought with a price," Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 6: 20, and elsewhere. Peter tells us that this price is "the precious blood of Christ." For us Christ gave His life. He "gave Himself a ransom for all." Whether men will believe it or admit it, they belong to Christ. He has purchased them; He has purchased for them eternal life and glorious inheritance. He has done this for every soul, whatever his name, race, or moral condition. But He will not force you to deliver what He has purchased. He will not compel you to accept or receive the mercy, the righteousness, the life, the glory which is yours by virtue of His purchase and gift. This is your part. He has called and elected you; it is for you to make the calling and election sure by yielding implicitly to Him. Then you will know that Jesus Christ "is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe."

WHY?

By Editor

Why should we issue and circulate the World's Outlook Number of the "Signs of the Times"?

"We" is used not as representing the editors, or publishers, but all who love the paper and are interested in it and the truths it publishes. Here are some reasons why it should be circulated:—

1. It is packed full of precious saving truth of God.

2. Not a single soul who can read and who is seeking the way to Christ need be disappointed if he looks to this paper for information. The paper preaches the Gospel.

3. It solemnly warns against the great dangers and perils which menace this generation.

4. It is opportune. As never before, at the close of this important century, at the portals of the new, men, stirred up by the Spirit of God, are inquiring and anxious at the future. Now is the time to answer these inquiries. Next year it may be too late. The Outlook Number gives God's replies to the questions His Spirit is stirring men to ask. Do not put off the time. Recognize this time, "not as fools, but as wise, buying up the opportunity, because the days are evil."

5. It is cheap. Never was more or better truth, apart from the Scriptures, furnished at less expense. The paper, which will cost but four cents a copy in hundred or more lots, contains enough in reading matter and illustration to make a book worth $1.00.

6. Election will soon be out of the way. In the reaction which follows, men will, in the disappointment or disappointing success, long for better things. Give them the opportunity to obtain them.

There is a text which we often give to sinners, but it relates to God's work of ministry. Let it apply now: "BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME."

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

By Editor

OAKLAND, CAL., NOVEMBER 14, 1900.

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.

When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the "Signs" are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry.

Like as a Bird, C. A. SMITH . . . . . 10 Admonition . . . . . 12

General.

Departed Glory . . . . . 1 "Not by Might nor by Power," MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . 2 "Remember the Sabbath," GEO. A. SNYDER . . . . . 2 Religious Liberty, J. C. KASTNER . . . . . 3 He Humbled Himself, T. E. BOWEN . . . . . 3 The Destruction of Jerusalem—Its Meaning To-day, ALONZO T. JONES . . . . . 4 The Example of Christ, G. B. THOMPSON . . . . . 5

Editorial.

Life and Immortality . . . . . 6 The Use of Illustrations . . . . . 6 Is the United States a Subject of Prophecy? . . . . . 7 We Can Not Indorse It . . . . . 7

Outlook.—"Men's Hearts Failing Them"—The Influence of Militarism—The Chinese Question—The Reign of Crime, 8, 9

The Home.—Alcohol; Its History, and Its Effects upon Society, W. H. RILEY, M.D.—"God Bless Our Interruptions" . . . . . 10, 11

Missions.—Alaska Indian Fetes, . . . . . 12, 13

International Sabbath-school and Sunday-school Lessons . . . . . 13-15

Publishers . . . . . 15

The Coming Outlook Number

By Editor

There will be one more issue before the regular date of the great Outlook Number. That is a double number, taking the place of two regular issues.

Extra Sabbath-School and Sunday-School Lessons

By Editor

It will be seen that there are two Sabbath-school and two Sunday-school lessons in this issue. There will also be two in the next. This is done in order to have the special Outlook number free from this special-time matter.

Burden of Militarism

By Editor

In our Outlook department is an article on the "Burden of Militarism." This does not mean the burden of war, but the burden of being prepared for war. And under this tremendous burden nearly all the world stands now. America seems to be the last to put on the gaudy, shining armor, which captivates at first, but soon becomes an intolerable burden. A lesson may be learned from France. This article will, logically, be followed by another, on "Roman Catholicism in France."

The Passing of Two Statesmen

Two noted figures in political life have recently passed away, William L. Wilson, of West Virginia, author of the Wilson tariff law and Postmaster-General under Cleveland's administration, and John Sherman, of Ohio, financier, and who filled at different times two cabinet positions, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of State, the latter in the beginning of the present administration. Men may come and men may go, but politics, like Tennyson's brook, goes on forever, or as long as this world exists. The demise of these men makes room for other aspiring politicians.

The United States Census of 1900

The Census Bureau announces that the total population of the United States for 1900 is 76,295,220, an increase of 21 per cent. over the census of 1890, subject to final revision.

The Kingdom Within

"Thy kingdom come," longing thousands have prayed, and thoughtless thousands have repeated, since Jesus taught the prayer. The prayer which will be answered is the prayer of the heart opened to Christ's rule here. In every soul who will inherit Christ's kingdom, that kingdom begins in this present life. The law of that soul is God's law. The throne of that soul is filled with Christ.

OUR OUTLOOK NUMBER

By Editor

Is ready TO BE CIRCULATED. That is what it was conceived for; that is what it was written for; that is what it was printed for. And we want you, dear reader, to co-operate with us in its circulation.

The Outlook Number meets a demand. We are in the closing year of one of earth's most wonderful centuries. The past fifty years have been marvels in material progress. Satan is deceiving thousands into believing that this material progress is a sign that the old earth will continue in this state forever, and that man has captured and harnessed and now controls all the forces of nature. Man is exalted as a demigod. The decades of the near future are to be fruitful, it is believed, of still greater results.

Others are peering into the humanly-vailed next century and visioning for themselves a world at peace, a strong, dominant church, and converted nations.

The true Outlook is from the watch-tower of God's Word. It is that outlook in various phases that we have endeavored to set forth in the World's Outlook Number. We have done this not to establish any creed, not to build up a denomination, but to faithfulness to the Word of God and the lessons of history, and in a love for souls whom we desire to save.

The truth, God's solemn, saving, joyous truth, is told, at this time, for this year, to meet this God-given opportunity to answer the questions in the minds of millions whom God has stirred to ask: "Where are we?" "Whither are we drifting?" "What next?" "Watchman, what of the night?"

But all that has been written will avail little unless we have the earnest, enthusiastic help of our readers and friends.

And yet we do not wish you to assist us for our sake, but for the Lord's sake.

Let us hear from thousands, and let the result be the circulation of many hundred thousands.

DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND IT.

By Editor

SOME have misunderstood it. We will try to make it so plain that no one can misunderstand who reads this note. The question is that of sending the World's Outlook Number of the SIGNS direct from this office to lists of names that you may send us.

If there are five or more persons to whom you would like to send the World's Outlook SIGNS, you may send us their names and addresses and we will send the paper direct from this office to these names, for five cents each. We furnish the wrappers, do the addressing, and pay the postage all for the five cents a copy. We have no accounts in this matter with individuals, hence the cash should invariably accompany the order. Postage-stamps may be sent for small amounts. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

And That Is Not the Question.

The Pacific Christian, in discussing the church exemption amendment, remarks that "it is not probable that the people in all the other States are greater fools than we are," and continues:—

"But the merits of the question do not depend upon what the people of other States think about it. Nor do the merits of the question depend upon the fact that religious people feel the need of relief from this burden. The question of benefit to all the people is the one general question to be considered most seriously. Would the State be better off without the churches than without the amount of taxes collected on houses of worship?"

But this is not the question. The real question is, Shall the church of Christ ask for State support? Churches in the East find themselves without act of their own in the condition they are. But not so in this State. California started right in this respect,—separation of Church and State; now shall the right be undone? Col. J. L. Lyon, Baptist, of this city, adapting from that grand memorial of a hundred years ago, in which Baptists, Presbyterians, and friends joined, well says in an appeal to California voters:—

"4th. The State has no right or authority to establish or support the Christian religion, to the exclusion of any other religion; if so, it has the right to establish or support any particular sect to the exclusion of all others. But as it has not this right of either establishing or excluding, Chinese joss-houses, Buddhist temples, and every other society which calls itself religious worship, is exempt from taxation."

"5th. The church is, or ought to be, purely a religious institution, voluntarily supported by those who accept its tenets or beliefs, or not at all. The State is, or ought to be, purely a secular institution, existing solely to preserve civil and national rights, liberty, equality, and justice, and extending equal protection to all, but favor to none."

One of the saddest facts of this time is that professed servants of Christ are so blind and ignorant or so regardless of the fundamental principles of Christianity.

The Genuine Sabbath and the Counterfeit

Honest men have kept the Sunday as the Sabbath in the past, we freely believe; but they supposed the error to be truth. Good men have passed counterfeit bills, believing them to be genuine. They would have been as unwilling to part with a fifty-dollar note which they believed to be genuine as they would a genuine note. In that thing honesty is not tested. It is tested when the bill is shown to be counterfeit on good authority. Will not the truly honest heart reject it as false? Men who learn a bill to be counterfeit often lose the amount called for in the bill, but God offers, in the place of the counterfeit sabbath, the genuine Sabbath, with all its blessings. Who would not make such an exchange gladly?