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Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 37.

Editorial
Earlier text: THE STAR OF LIBERTY

HABITS AND BELIEFS OF THE ESKIMOS.

LAMPS, hunting and fishing tackle, and a few cooking utensils form the whole of an Eskimo's possessions; their lamps are mostly shallow earthenware dishes hollowed out on one side, with dried moss for a wick, and fed with oil. The lamp serves the double purpose of lighting and warming, for the Eskimos burn no wood fires, except out-of-doors in summer. Their few pots and pans used formerly to be all earthenware, but nowadays they are supplied with iron and copper vessels by the Europeans. The native weapons and boats admit of no improvement. They are the result of generations of labor, and have attained to absolute perfection. The kayak is a beautiful little canoe, consisting of a framework of wood, covered with hide. It is pointed bow and stern and decked, except for the manhole in the middle. It is very light, and, if well managed, very safe, and capable of going long distances in a heavy sea, with little exertion to the rower. The omiak is a larger boat, also made of hide, calculated to carry a number of persons and a heavy freight. The construction of these boats and of the harpoons, bows, spears, etc., is extremely ingenious.
Several styles of building exist among the Eskimos. The snow huts are merely circular erections, easily built, and containing no interior fittings but a snow bench, covered with hides. Such a hut is easily completed in two or three hours, and one needle covers the cost of erection. The commonest form of Eskimo house, however, is about six feet high and twelve wide; the walls are of large stones and turf, the roof thatched with brushwood, filled in with clods of earth. The length varies from twenty to eighty feet, according to the number of the families that inhabit it. The roof is supported on pillars, which divide the house into compartments. A bed six feet wide and two high runs the whole length of the wall. Hides stretching across it from each pillar mark each family's portion. Here the inhabitants sleep all together by night, and sit by day, the husband on the edge with his legs dangling, and the wife crouching behind. By each pillar is a separate family hearth, built of flat stones over which are hung two lamps, with a wooden dish to catch the dripping oil. One large pot to each hearth suffices for cooking purposes.
In winter time, when all the lamps are alight, and the hut crowded, the heat is almost intolerable, especially as there is no outlet for the vitiated vapor, except the long, low tunnel, which serves as a door. The windows, being covered by fish skins, admit light but no air. Men and women have to strip off their clothes in this atmosphere, and wear only short breeches, the women's being very prettily trimmed with feathers. Europeans are driven out of these huts by the smell of half-tanned leather and half-cooked putrid meat, but Eskimos find it delicious, and object to what we call sweet scents. One old woman being made to smell lavender water sneezed violently, and called it mamatipok (very unpleasant).
The Eskimos have no domestic animals except the dogs that draw their sledges. They are like the Lapland dogs, having sharp noses, thick coats, and bushy tails; like their Samoyede relatives, they cannot bark. One that was brought to Europe while a puppy tried hard to bark like the dogs he associated with, but failed to do more than howl dismally. They are trained exclusively for sledge work. The team consists of six or eight harnessed abreast; the driver uses a short-handled whip with a long lash, which can deal terrible blows when skillfully used. The leading dog keeps the others up to their work, and will punish a lazy one severely. In summer the poor beasts are turned out to shift for themselves, but in winter they are well fed and cared for. When the snow is frozen hard, the Eskimos protect their dogs' feet from the sharp ridges by putting them in little bags.
The Eskimos are a heedless race, and so soon as they have sufficient food and no occasion to hunt, they give themselves up to good cheer and the pleasures of society. They pay each other visits, chatter morning, noon, and night, and arrange balls, carouses, and athletic sports. At these parties they retail the latest scandals and discuss the affairs of the nation, but grotesque dances and songs are the chief diversion. Eskimos have no musical instrument but the drum, or rather tambourine, but they have good voices, and easily pick up European tunes, for which they compose words, usually satires on current events, or improvisations in praise of their own hunting exploits.
If one man has a grudge against another, he composes a song about his injuries, which he performs at one of these festivals. The defendant must then reply in another song, after which the audience pronounce sentence, and the parties are reconciled. An entertainment of this kind lasts all night. As soon as one native has done dancing and singing, another takes the drum and tries to outdo him, and they amuse themselves with such zeal that they often remain eight or ten days without sleep. Though they have little conscience in the matter, the Eskimos generally behave decently at these festivals and in their houses, because, they say, "the missionaries make such a fuss about it."
The Eskimos have no special marriage ceremony, except that the bride must be carried off by craft or pretended violence. The bridegroom either performs this feat himself, or gets a friend to do it for him. The match is usually arranged by the parents beforehand, often while the pair are still children. Etiquette requires the bride to get a few knocks and rents in her garments. She must also appear for some time with disheveled hair, as if mournful and weary of life, and make several attempts to escape.
The Eskimos are buried in their best array. Beside the corpse is laid all the dead person is supposed to need in the next world. A man has his spear, bow, and arrows; a woman, needles and thread, a leather scraper, and a bucket; a child, its toys, and a dog's head to guide it beyond the grave. Some tombs contain torches and models of kayaks. In one I found several rusty nails, probably the dead man's greatest treasures; in another, several pairs of wooden snow spectacles—the deceased had doubtless weak eyes, and was afraid of the dazzling snow fields in the regions of the blest. The grave is usually a simple ditch, surmounted by a cairn of stones.
Several Eskimo customs, their mode of burial especially, indicate a vague conception of a future life. In the next world, they think, the brave hunter will lead a life analogous to that he lived on earth, only he will have less hardships to endure, and will find seals' flesh and other delicacies in abundance.
Though not on the whole a superstitious people, Eskimos are apt to attribute their misfortunes to the "Iliseetsok," as they call witches, and many a poor old crone has suffered in consequence. They have neither temples, shrines, nor idols, but the amulets they began by treating as toys and ornaments would probably have become fetiches, and certain of their usages religious ceremonies, had it not been for the missionaries' intervention. One of their superstitions is that they believe the whale hunter will fail unless he puts on his best clothes, because whales like to be respected and detest the sight of dirty people. An amulet is fixed in the bow of the kayak, and a hare's claw tied to the harpoon. Meanwhile the women at home wash themselves, put out the lamps, and wait in silence.
—Gospel in All Lands.

CIGARETTE SMOKING.

A NINETEEN year old New Jersey boy died not long ago from excessive use of cigarettes. He began to smoke them when eight years of age, and the habit so grew upon him that he could not shake it off. A few weeks ago he became so sick that he had to cease work, and grew weaker every hour. From his former healthy, robust form he dwindled to a skeleton. As he died, he turned to those beside him and said, "Tell the boys that cigarettes killed me; let them profit by my sad experience." A moment later he was dead.
Frankfort, Kentucky, prohibits the entire sale of cigarettes.
Over 400 women became insane last year from smoking cigarettes.
About one-half of the youth in the schools of Massachusetts use tobacco.
In Georgia it is a crime to give or sell cigarettes to a boy or girl not of age.
Over 2,000,000,000 cigarettes were used in the United States in 1888, or 36 for each man, woman, and child.
Two-thirds of the girls working in cigarette factories become sick after working six months, and one in five dies.
Professor Laffin declares that all cigarettes contain nicotine, saltpetre, and opium. This last should startle us. Opium is the giant curse of China, and is a habit more to be dreaded than either liquor or tobacco. It looks as if the old enemy was fixing an opium bait for our boys, in the innocent looking cigarette. Don't use them, boys.—The Magnet.

A BRAVE BOY.

Among many illustrations of this sterling quality of real nobleness is that of the celebrated Adam Clarke, the commentator on the Bible. When a lad he was put to work in a linen factory in Ireland. One day while thus engaged, a piece of cloth was wanted to be sent out, which proved to be short of the quantity required. The master, however, had an idea that it might be made the proper length by stretching. He thereupon unrolled it, and, taking hold of one end himself, he gave Adam the other and said, "Pull, Adam, pull." "I cannot, sir." "Why?" asked the master. "Because it is wrong, sir," was the brave lad's reply.
Hearing this the master declared he would not do for a cloth manufacturer and sent him off home. The result was he became the friend of the Duke of Lupec, and ultimately one of the most learned commentators on the Bible England has ever had.—Selected.

PREVENTION OF INJURY FROM SWALLOWED ARTICLES.

"If a child has swallowed anything that will not digest," said a noted physician, "particularly if it is sharp, let him eat immediately two or three pieces of dry bread. This is very apt to surround the object swallowed with a sort of coating. In addition let the food for several days be more solid than usual, and under no circumstances give purgative medicine. The chances are that the child will feel no trouble from the carelessness."
"This plan was followed successfully the other day," says a correspondent of the Cincinnati Inquirer, "when a little girl swallowed a large-sized carpet tack. Her mother, with great presence of mind, prepared some buckwheat cakes, of which the little girl ate heartily. The buckwheat adhered to the tack and prevented it from cutting as it passed through the intestines. The tack was discharged on the second day, heavily coated with the flour, and the little one has been in no way discommoded or injured by the accident."—Christian Advocate.

The Unpunctual Man Arrives Early

A GENTLEMAN having an appointment with another who was habitually unpunctual, to his great surprise found him waiting. He thus addressed him: "Why, I see you are here first at last. You were always behind before; but I am glad to see you have become early of late."

EVERYDAY WORK.

GREAT deeds are trumpeted, loud bells are rung, And men turn round to see; The high peaks echo to the pæans sung O'er some great victory; And yet great deeds are few—the mightiest men Find opportunities but now and then.
Shall one sit idle through long days of peace, Waiting for walls to scale? Or lay in port until some "Golden Fleece" Lures him to face the gale? There's work enough; why idly then delay? His work counts most who labors every day.
A torrent sweeps adown the mountain brow With foam and flash and roar; Anon its strength is spent, where is it now? Its one short day is o'er. But the clear stream that through the meadow flows All the long summer on its mission goes.
Better the steady flow; the torrent's dash Soon leaves its rent track dry. The light we love is not the lightning flash From out a midnight sky, But the sweet sunshine, whose unfailing ray, From its calm throne of blue, lights every day.
The sweetest lives are those to duty wed, Whose deeds, both great and small, Are close-knit strands of an unbroken thread, When love ennobles all. The world may sound no trumpets, ring no bells; The book of life the shining record tells. —Christian at Work.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

MRS. S. F. CADY, Rocklin, Placer County, Cal., desires back numbers of the SIGNS for distributer work.
ELDER J. W. SCOLES reports the organization of a church of eleven members at Webster, Rome County, Tennessee.
AT the recent camp meeting at Curtis, Nebraska, a score of persons took their stand for Christ, and the church at that place is about to build a house of worship.
COPIES of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, American Sentinel, and Youth's Instructor will be used in missionary work if sent postpaid to Mr. Archie Spence, Maple Valley, Wash.
ELDER S. N. HASKELL reports from Christiania that at the recent Norway Conference there were forty delegates present from ten churches and companies. The Finns and Lapps were also represented at the meeting. The Norway Conference now numbers about 400 members. Greenland and Iceland have also been entered, but reports have not yet been received from those fields. A BROTHER and seven sisters have gone from College Place, Wash., to attend the medical missionary course at Battle Creek, Mich., which began on the 1st inst.
As a result of a short series of meetings six miles from Knox, Ind., a Sabbath school of twenty-eight members was organized, several of them having united with the church at Knox.
ELDER H. A. ST. JOHN reports that since the May camp meeting San Francisco church has received twenty-five additions, sixteen of which were by baptism, the remainder by letter. The church now numbers 195.
FROM the Workers' Bulletin we note the following mention of baptisms in connection with the last quarterly meetings in Iowa churches: At Des Moines, three; at Clarinda, three; at Graettenger, three; at Algona, two.
THE Australasian Bible School at Melbourne was opened for the second year June 6. There were forty-five students present on the opening day, and eleven more came within a few days later. Five of these were from Tasmania.
SISTER NANNIE PETERSON, of Cathay, Mariposa County, Cal., expresses thanks for periodicals that have been sent to her for missionary work, and asks for a continuance of these favors, but does not wish any of date prior to June 1.
MRS. F. H. SMITH, of Tacoma, Wash., writes to express thanks for the hearty response of friends to the call for papers. In doing so she also expresses a hope that the favors will be continued, as our periodicals, in any language in which they are published, can be used to good advantage in ship or distributer work. Address, postpaid, box 1290, Tacoma, Wash.
BROTHER KNUD BRORSEN, our faithful Scandinavian missionary, died at Carlstadt, Sweden, June 28, of hemorrhage of the lungs. He had been many years a missionary, principally in Denmark, where he was a welcome guest in many homes. He had just completed a six months' sojourn at Battle Creek, Michigan, and had returned to Europe with Elder Haskell.
A GENERAL meeting was held in Parramatta, province of New South Wales, in the early part of June. Of ministers there were present Brethren W. C. White, R. Hare, D. Steed, and A. S. Hickox. Brother Hickox had just arrived from California, as also Sister Anna L. Ingels, who has located in Sydney to engage in the tract and missionary work. At this meeting eight persons were baptized.
On the 12th inst. Elder O. A. Olsen, president of the General Conference, left New York for an extended tour to Europe, South Africa, and possibly to Australia. On the same steamer were Brother L. A. Smith and wife, and Brother W. H. Simkin. Brother Smith, who has for several years been assistant editor of the Review and Herald, goes to London to occupy a like position on the Present Truth, and Brother Simkin will also connect with the work in that office. Brother Wm. Lencker, a missionary to India, was also of the company.
ELDER R. S. DONNELL, president of the Upper Columbia Conference, reports to the Reaper that at the recent quarterly meeting six members were added to the church at Milton, Oregon. A Baptist minister there has accepted the Adventist faith. The church there has outgrown its present house of worship, and has decided to build a larger one. He also reports that the church at College Place received five new members at the quarterly meeting. At Swauk Prairie, Wash., Brother Oliver reports that in connection with the quarterly meeting seven were received into the church, five of whom were baptized by Elder S. H. Kime.
A CAMP meeting was held at Cortland, N. Y., June 15-25. The camp comprised about 300 persons. In connection with the meeting was the annual session of the Conference. Officers were elected for the coming year as follows: President, S. H. Lane; Secretary and Treasurer, E. N. Washbond; Executive Committee, S. H. Lane, A. E. Place, D. A. Ball, P. Z. Kinne, and N. S. Washbond. Three new churches were added to the Conference during the year. Both the Conference and tract society are reported out of debt. Books to the amount of $23,000 were sold last year. Two other meetings are to be held at different points in the State later in the season. The Conference has six tents in the field.

TURKISH IGNORANCE.

A STORY comes from Constantinople which illustrates the degree of intelligence as to Christianity which prevails among those who are not commonly regarded as belonging to the ignorant classes. In the Galata district of the city a colporter was found having in his possession a portion of the Scriptures, namely, the Epistle to the Galatians, whereupon the authorities seized the book with the thought that it was a seditious document especially addressed to the denizens of Galata, and they imprisoned the colporter. The matter was explained to the official, who denounced the book as one calculated to make the people dissatisfied with their lot. In order to make sure that it was not a document of incendiary origin, the officer called for the death certificate of St. Paul, the author.—Missionary Herald.

FORWARD, MARCH!

By Emma M. Bangs

FORWARD, march! the cry is ringing O'er the world from land to sea. Gird on your armor, brave hearts bringing, Ready to do work for Me.
Take the helmet of salvation, Word of God so true and free, Sword of the Spirit, preparation Blessed and boundless, offered thee.
Put on the breastplate, conscience clean, Righteousness and truth within, Forward, march! with zeal unceasing, With shield of faith, and love increasing.
Forward, march! Satan advancing Lures thee oft with wiles entrancing. Forward, march! Ne'er heed his frown; God will faithful efforts crown. —Emma M. Bangs.

PREACH CHRIST.

By James Strong

THE world is as hungry as ever—nay, vastly more than ever before—for the true bread of life; it longs for the genuine Gospel, for the simple message of eternal life. These were the staple of His sermons, and to the end of time they will attract and win and save men at large. Preach Christ, live Christ, be Christ, and you cannot fail to induce others to do the same. The New Testament term for preaching is heralding Him, and the Hebrew and Greek words for the Gospel tidings both mean merely the good news of salvation. If you have found this yourselves, it ought to be easy and delightful to tell it to others. The earliest form of preaching, accordingly, was the narration of personal experience, and he who is deeply versed in the "things of God," which only the Bible, the Spirit, and his own richly stored heart can reveal, has but to pour forth the full stream of his convictions and emotions in order to impress his hearers most forcibly and effectually. Learning and culture may powerfully aid in this, but nothing can be a substitute for it. It is the soul of Christian eloquence, the very life of Gospel oratory. A sermon that is not full of Christ is not preaching at all; it may be an elegant essay, an erudite discourse, a masterly oration, but it will never convert a sinner nor edify a saint.—Prof. James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D.

The American Bible Society’s Record

At a recent annual meeting of the American Bible Society at New York, report was made that the society has issued within the year in foreign lands no less than 468,926 Bibles, Testaments, or portions of the Scripture. Aside from this, 88,337 copies issued from the Bible House in New York were sent to foreign lands. The society made for the coming year the generous appropriation of $155,238.32 for foreign work. During the seventy-seven years of the society's existence it has issued nearly 57,000,000 copies of the Scriptures. This certainly is a noble record.

Methodist Missions in Asia

The Methodist Episcopal Church is reported as preaching and teaching the Gospel in India and other parts of Asia in thirteen different languages, and as having 29,000 native pupils in India. It has also established missionary publishing houses, and from its own presses is sending out missionary pamphlets and periodicals in nine different languages.

Doctrine Shown by Life

By Prior

LEARN to explain thy doctrine by thy life.

ADDRESS WANTED.

By H. A. St. John

I WOULD like the post office address of C. R. Robbins, formerly ship missionary in San Francisco, California. H. A ST. JOHN.
914 Laguna St., San Francisco, Cal.

HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

A select boarding school, open to students of both sexes who present testimonials of good moral character. No others need to apply.
Four courses of study: Normal, Biblical, Scientific, and Classical, with a Preparatory course for those who are not qualified to enter upon the regular courses.
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.

Books on Protestant-Catholic Union and Baptism

UNION BETWEEN PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS. Some prominent points showing the prospects of such a confederacy. 8 pp.; $1.00 per hundred. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
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.

THE BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM

By John Harvey Kellogg

Health Foods

To the Public:

This certifies that the Battle Creek Sanitarium Health Foods, manufactured by the Sanitarium under the business name of the Sanitarium Food Co., are made under my direction and supervision, and that Granola and the other special foods manufactured by this company, are not made or sold by any other firm or person except their duly authorized agents. J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.

Granola, = = The Gem of Health Foods.

Our Granola, which has now been manufactured by us for nearly seventeen years, is unquestionably the finest health food ever devised, and is greatly superior to any of the numerous imitations to which its success has given rise. . . . . . . .
For more than sixteen years the Battle Creek Sanitarium has maintained a Health Food Department, at first for the benefit of its patients and patrons, later, and for more than a dozen years, with increased facilities, to supply the general public. Within the last year MORE THAN 150 TONS of the following-named foods have been manufactured and sold:— OATMEAL BISCUIT, RYE WAFERS, MEDIUM OATMEAL CR'KERS, FRUIT CRACKERS, PLAIN OATMEAL CRACKERS, CARBON CRACKERS, No. 1 GRAHAM CRACKERS, WHEAT GRANOLA, No. 2 GRAHAM CRACKERS, AVENOLA, Plain Graham Crackers (Dyspeptic), GRANOLA, WHITE CRACKERS, GLUTEN FOOD, No. 1, WHOLE WHEAT WAFERS, GLUTEN FOOD, No. 2, GLUTEN WAFERS, INFANTS' FOOD.
OUR goods are shipped to every part of the world—to Australia, New Zealand, India, Persia, and other foreign countries, as well as to all parts of the United States; and in every instance they have demonstrated their wonderful keeping properties. The following are a few of the hundreds of testimonials received from persons who have for years made use of our foods:

MICHIGAN.

I have for three years used the "Health Foods" in my family, and can heartily recommend them, both for purity and health-giving properties. C. F. PORTER, D. D. S.

INDIANA.

Your "Health Foods" are the wonder of the nineteenth century. I have used Granola but a short time, but have already experienced relief from indigestion and acid, or flatulent, dyspepsia. I also find the Zwieback nourishing and toothsome. D. M. KAUFFMAN.

NEW YORK.

Your Granola is the best selling invalid food I have ever handled. I have already sold nearly two thousand pounds. A. J. BROUGHTON.

CONNECTICUT.

We have used your "Health Foods" in our family for three years and cannot get along without them. Having been troubled with dyspepsia and chronic inflammation of the stomach, I found that your Granola, Avenola, Wheatena, and Gluten are the only foods that I can eat with safety. WM. M. MERWIN.

INDIANA.

I have personally tested your excellent food known as Granola. It is highly pleasing to the taste, easy of digestion, and the most nutritive cereal production with which I am acquainted. DR. R. W. BULA.

OHIO.

Our baby is a testimonial to Sanitarium food. She is ten months old, weighs twenty-eight pounds, and is as ruddy and healthy a specimen as can be seen. She has actually gained flesh while cutting her last two teeth. Her flesh is firm and sound, and she is very strong. FRED L. ROSEMOND.

MINNESOTA.

We have twins, and the little fellows are thriving nicely. The food agrees with them perfectly, and I have recommended it to many who are bringing up babies "by hand." D. W. MCCOURT.
We are constantly improving our foods, and adding to our list as the result of experimental researches conducted in the Sanitarium Laboratory of Hygiene and our Experimental Kitchen. FOR THE LATEST DESCRIPTIVE CIRCULAR AND PRICE LIST, ADDRESS SANITARIUM HEALTH FOOD COMPANY, BATTLE CREEK, - MICHIGAN.

LESSON VI.—SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1893.

PAUL AT MILETUS.

[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.]

Lesson Scripture, Acts 20: 22-35.

  1. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there;
  2. Save that the Holy Ghost testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
  3. But I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  4. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
  5. Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
  6. For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.
  7. Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in the which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
  8. I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
  9. And from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
  10. Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
  11. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
  12. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
  13. Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
  14. In all things I gave you an example, how that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Golden Text.—"Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God." Heb. 13:7.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

  1. Mention the important events concerning this lesson with our last. Note 1.
  2. For whom did he send when at Miletus? and why? Acts 20:16, 18. Note 2.
  3. Of what did the apostle remind them?
"Serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews: how that I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:19-21.
  1. What did he say of his journey to Jerusalem? Verse 22.
  2. What waited for him at every place? and what witness had he of this? Verse 23.
  3. How did Paul look upon these trials and his life? Verse 24.
  4. What did he say of his meeting again with them? Verse 25.
  5. Of what did he say he was free? and why? Verses 26, 27. Note 3.
  6. What were the elders enjoined to do? Verse 28.
  7. What is the corresponding duty of the church? Golden text.
  8. With what are the elders to feed the flock? Ans.—The word of God. See verse 32, and 1 Peter 2:2.
  9. Of what did the apostle warn them? Verses 29, 30. Note 4.
  10. For how long and in what spirit had he taught them? Verse 31.
  11. To what did he commend them? Verse 32.
  12. How all-sufficient is that word?—Id. See 2 Tim. 3:16.
  13. What had been Paul's manner of life with them? Verses 33, 34.
  14. How did he thus set them an example? Verse 35.
  15. What should we with them always remember?—Id.

NOTES.

1. Our last lesson closed with Paul at Ephesus. Acts 19:12. Verses 13-16 tell of the attempt of wandering Jews to defeat Paul's work, and how God turned their defeat upon themselves. Verses 17-20 record the wondrous effect following the preaching of the gospel, the conversion of the heathen, and the destruction of the books of magic to the amount of 50,000 pieces of silver. He at this time sends Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, while he remains. About this time Demetrius, a silversmith, finding his trade of making shrines of Diana in danger, gathered the trade union of silversmiths and denounced Paul and his religion, saying that Diana herself would be deposed. Great wrath was aroused, the city was filled with confusion, and all rushed to the theater, the most part not knowing why, where the town clerk quieted them, and told the wily Demetrius to appeal in a regular way to the courts. Verses 21-41. From Ephesus Paul passed through Macedonia into Greece, probably visiting the churches at Corinth and in Achaia. Intending to sail to Jerusalem from Cenchrea, he was hindered by a plot of the Jews, so he returned through Macedonia. Some of his companions he sent ahead to Troas, while he went to Philippi, was there joined by Luke, and sailed thence to Troas. Paul stopped awhile at Troas, raised Eutychus from the dead, traveled overland to Assos, called at Mitylene, next at Samos, and then to Miletus, reaching there the fourth day of the week, or Wednesday. Acts 20:1-16.
2. Paul was anxious to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, and therefore did not wish to tarry at Ephesus. But as he wished to help that church, and as God desired that his counsel should be put on record for us, Paul sent for the elders to meet him at Miletus. As the distance was about 45 miles, the meeting was very probably held on the Sabbath.
3. Whole counsel.—It is worthy of note that Paul here declares that he kept back nothing that was profitable (verse 20), and that he had not shrunk from declaring the whole counsel of God (verse 27). Of course this is all summed up in "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (verse 21), repentance having respect to sin, the transgression of God's law, and faith to the remedy for sin, the gospel. Yet, and the fact should be noted, nowhere is it intimated that the apostle taught or observed Sunday as a holy day. Sunday observance is therefore not profitable; it is not a part of the counsel of God.
4. Grievous wolves shall enter.—In these two verses we have foretold the great apostasy. In 2 Thess. 2:7 the apostle said that it already began to work in his day. The "perverse things" would be that which was contrary to the word of God. Through this departure have come all the errors which have divided and disgraced the church of God, prominent among which is the false sabbath.

LESSON VI.—SABBATH, AUGUST 5, 1893.

CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE. 1 PETER 2:17-25.

REVIEW QUESTIONS.—(a) For what great object has God chosen and blessed his people here? (b) What should be their conduct toward those without? and why? (c) What should be their attitude toward civil laws?

I. Various Duties.

Verses 17, 18: "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward."
  1. How should all souls be regarded? and why? Note 1.
  2. How should we regard the children of God?
  3. What should be our attitude toward God?
  4. How should rulers be regarded?
  5. How should servants treat their masters? Note 2.
  6. To what classes should they be faithful?
  7. If they are Christ's, whom are they really serving? See Eph. 6:6-8.

II. Patient Suffering.

Verses 19-25: "For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
  1. What kind of service is pleasing to God?
  2. Is there credit in being patient under reproof which we deserve?
  3. How are the faith and character of Christ in us shown?
  4. Are we to expect such suffering?
  5. Who is an example to us in this respect?
  6. In all his unjust suffering, what character did he manifest?
  7. What did his faith lead him to do?
  8. For what purpose were all these sufferings? Note 3.
  9. What do these do for every sinner who believes?
  10. What is said of the past and present of our lives? Verse 25; Ps. 23:1.

NOTES.

1. THE practical duties enjoined in this lesson are those which are very apt to be overlooked. Honor all men.—"Some are not worthy of honor," says one; neither are we. We are by nature the same as they (Eph. 2:3; Ps. 51:5); all were made originally in the likeness of the same God as much as we (James 3:9); all are bought by the same precious blood of Christ (1 Tim. 2:6); all are therefore for Christ's sake entitled to the same esteem and honor. Love the brotherhood.—A closer, deeper affection than for all men, bound together by the life and presence of Christ (John 17:23). See also 1 John 4:11; 3:16. Fear God.—The fear of the Lord, not cringing or slavish fear, but loving reverence, which is the foundation of wisdom. He who knows God most fears and loves him most. Honor the king.—Under God he is your ruler; honor his office and respect his authority. See verse 15 of the lesson chapter. This injunction applies to all rulers of State, from czar to president.
2. Servants.—We are all servants, servants of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. He was misunderstood, unappreciated, scorned, maligned, crucified; so will we be. Let us do our work faithfully wherever we labor, with all fear of God, not with eye service as men pleasers, but as doing service to God, and not to man. Eph. 6:5-7. A bad servant will many times be patient under a gentle master, but it is only the true and tried and loyal to God who will be patient and true under the froward or cross master. If done for Christ's sake, of Christ will he receive the reward. We are called to thus suffer and deny ourselves. See Matt. 16:24; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12. The word "servants" does not mean "slaves," as in verse 17, but "household servants." They should always treat their masters with proper respect and becoming reverence.
3. That we having died . . . might live.—Christ bare our sins to free us from sin, not to free us or save us in sin. This would be an impossibility, for he who is in sin is a slave of sin. Christ bore our sins in his own body; that is, he died for us. Those who renounce sin and by faith accept of his death for them (for these are the only ones who do renounce sin) are said to have "died unto sin." That is, in Christ they have died; by faith they have died in his death, and by a complete submission of their will to God. This is absolutely necessary in order to the next step—that they "might live unto righteousness." And this also is the only real life there is. Sin tends to death, is death; righteousness tends to life, is life. The two cannot dwell together. Sin must be renounced before righteousness can take its place.
4. WORD THOUGHTS.—Servants (v. 18), "household servants," see margin. The word occurs only in three other places, Luke 16:13; Acts 10:7; Rom. 14:4.—Subjecting, literally, "be subjecting," or "be submitting" yourselves; that is, to do your proper work as they command.—Gentle, from eikos, "reasonable," "not being unduly rigorous." (Vincent.) Considerate.—Froward, literally, "crooked," cross. The English "froward" is literally "from-ward," opposed to "to-ward."—Acceptable (v. 19), literally, "gracious," worthy of thanks.—Conscience toward God, "of God," margin. Not mere conscientiousness, but the constant sense of one's relation to God; "his consciousness of God." (Vincent.) Doing service as to God, suffering with Christ.—What glory (v. 20). What kind of glory, report, praise, or credit is it to suffer when ye deserve it?—Buffeted, to be struck with the fist. See Matt. 26:67.—Patiently, to endure, not once, but continuously.—Called (v. 21), a definite call named for the purpose. Suffering for Christ is a part of our mission.—Example, the Greek word only occurs here in the New Testament, meaning a "copy" to write after or imitate, such as is set by a writing teacher for his pupils.—Follow, literally, "follow upon," close following. (Vincent.)—Found (v. 22), showing that he had been searched for evil.—Committed (v. 23), gave into the hands of God his sufferings, his cause. See margin.—Bare (v. 24), literally, "bare up," that is, he bore our sins up to the cross, to the altar of his sacrifice.—Tree, literally, "wood." The same term is used in Acts 5:30; 10:39.—Stripes, literally, bruise, see margin; used only here in New Testament. The word means a "bloody wale" which arises on the flesh under a blow, such as the entire back of Jesus was seen to be by Peter himself.—Bishop, "overseer," "overlooker;" see margin. Christ watches over us.
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